Page 30 of A Duke’s Second Chance (Regency Hearts Entwined)

“He’s here, isn’t he?” were the first words out of Eleanor’s mouth when Ashley ran into the room excitedly.

Her lady’s maid nodded. “Yes, my lady. He arrived moments ago and is with your brother in his study.”

Eleanor’s heart fluttered. She put a hand over it and tapped it. “My heart feels like it wants to jump out of my chest, do a little dance, and run back in again to hide until it’s certain of the outcome.”

Grant promised he would listen to reason and give Nathaniel a chance to prove himself, but Aunt Helen’s words had dampened her excitement and hope. She refused to believe Eleanor could be happy with him because she saw no other opinion but her own. Eleanor couldn’t recall her being this difficult while growing up. Fortunately, her aunt left the house for the day soon after their conversation and wasn’t there to interfere with the interaction between the two men.

“Do you think I should change again?” she asked. “I’m not sure about this dress.”

The pale yellow complemented her complexion, but she wanted to look radiant. Her first dress was white but seemed too plain; the second was pale green, but she couldn’t decide on the jewelry to wear, and now she wore yellow to make her appear more sunny. Perhaps she should have chosen something that would make her appear alluring yet innocent.

“You look beautiful in yellow, my lady,” said Ashley. “However, you would stand out in the new light blue dress with the silver embroidery along the bust, sleeves, and hemline. We can add a touch of diamonds set in silver—not too much, or it would overpower your day attire. Just enough to make you sparkle.”

Eleanor liked that idea. “What about my hair?” she asked, touching it.

“This may seem unusual, but why not leave it loose?” Ashley suggested. “You have such lovely hair, but one rarely sees it. We can use a silver comb to hold back one side of your hair so it doesn’t completely cover your face.”

Nathaniel had never seen her with loose hair before. Eleanor was rather proud of her thick locks and wondered if he would also see it as her crowning glory.

“We should quickly change my attire and hair so I can go outside,” she said. “I will torture myself, knowing they’re only several doors away. I might even eavesdrop on the situation, which I do not want. Julia would certainly disapprove.”

Eleanor wished her best friend was with her, but she had to leave London for a little while to visit an aunt. She would likely be disappointed to have missed such an important moment in Eleanor’s life, but there were many others to come. After all, they would always be in each other’s lives, especially with Grant’s intention to marry her.

“Let me get you that dress,” Ashley said, rushing to the armoire and pulling it out. “Let’s get you ready for His Grace.”

Eleanor stood in place while her lady’s maid pulled the dress off, rearranged her underthings, and put on the blue one. She had yet to wear the dress, so when she turned to the mirror and had her first look, she realized it was almost indecently low in the front.

“Absolutely not,” she cried, aghast that the seamstress had perhaps taken her measurements wrong.

She then recalled that it was one of the dresses her aunt had insisted upon, which explained the low bodice.

“What is it, my lady?” said Ashley.

Eleanor turned to her. “You didn’t tell me I looked like a wench using my assets to lure men into a gambling hall. Is there not a chemisette I can wear? White should work well.”

“I do not think it is terrible, my lady,” said Ashley. “However, your comfort must come first. Just a moment.”

She rummaged in a chest of drawers and pulled out one of the newer chemisettes. Tiny silver flowers littered the soft material but were not easily seen unless one was looking for them. It was the sort of embellishment that worked well under light, be it sunlight or candlelight.

Ashley quickly tucked the chemisette into the dress until it looked like one piece of clothing, not something added as an afterthought. Eleanor immediately felt more at ease and continued with her hair and accessories. She was pleased with the effect but was worried it would appear she had tried too hard. She was tempted to return to the yellow dress but quickly decided against it. Ashley put in much effort to achieve this look, and it suited her well, so it would have to do.

“Do you think they’re still talking?” Eleanor asked.

“I can look if you’d like me to,” said Ashley. “However, I imagine they would call you once they were done.”

“You’re correct,” Eleanor replied. “We should go outside before the urge to eavesdrop overcomes me. I’m too curious for my own good, just like my mother.”

As she grew older, she found she was more like her mother. It was just unfortunate that she didn’t inherit her mother’s beauty.

“What shall I bring with us?” Ashley asked. “You have not eaten all your fruit yet. Shall I make you a little picnic? Just a little cheese and cold meat to complement the fruit.”

“No, that isn’t necessary,” she said. “I would like some plain soda water to cleanse my palate of all the sweetness. Oh, and a sprig of parsley. I should freshen my breath.”

“A lemon-flavored sweet would work just as well and taste better,” said Ashley.

“No more sweet foods,” Eleanor protested. “I should probably eat more vegetables to balance the fruit and pastries. I am not getting any younger and will not be able to sustain my eating habits. I should also walk more. Did any of the books say anything about exercise and beauty?”

“I have only managed a few pages, my lady, but I’ll inform you of anything I find worthy of sharing,” her lady’s maid replied. “Shall I bring your parasol along?”

Eleanor shook her head. “There’s no need. I’m going to sit under that tree with the moss seat. It’s a shady area, so the sun will not burn my skin.”

She grew sad for a moment as she thought about how strict her aunt was about sitting away from the sun. Aunt Helen showed concern in every area of Eleanor’s life, from her physical well-being to her social life. It was sad that matters had deteriorated to the point that they had to separate. Eleanor could never have foreseen this. She had so many thoughts about everything that had happened that it seemed a good idea to write them down. However, she didn’t want to journal her thoughts; she wanted something more meaningful.

“Please gather my writing materials,” she said. “I think I might do a little writing and reading while I wait for the men to conclude their conversation. I feel a tad inspired today.”

“I have not read your writing in some time, my lady,” said Ashley. She gathered Eleanor’s writing materials and neatly placed them in a sizable box. “I look forward to reading what you write. Have you decided what book you wish to read?”

“I considered continuing with Gulliver’s Travels, but I think I’d like to write about Madame Leprince de Beaumont’s version of La Belle et La Bête,” said Eleanor. “It’s worth a review for its unconventional portrayal of a female character. I do not know why I didn’t think of it before.”

She could dedicate it to her mother. Nathaniel would readily read it and give his honest opinion. It occurred then that she would have a lifetime of sharing thoughts and views with a man who appreciated her mind. Eleanor had grown to despair of ever finding someone to love her as she was, but now she had everything she could ever want. It was such a sudden turn of events.

“I have everything, including the book,” Ashley announced moments later.

Eleanor nodded, and they left the room, but she paused when they were within a few feet of her brother’s study. Nathaniel was in there discussing her future. She could only hope that all was going well. Grant would be fair, so it was up to Nathaniel to prove himself.

“My lady,” Ashley said.

Eleanor sighed. “Yes, I know. I shouldn’t dally or I’ll be tempted to eavesdrop.”

She stared longingly at the door before releasing another sigh and taking the stairs. She opted for one of the servants’ entrances that would take her straight to the path she wanted. Right at the end of the garden was a cluster of trees, with a large one near the perimeter that had a space around its roots big enough to comfortably fit a person. Eleanor loved sitting there on summer days with a book in one hand and something sweet in the other.

“This tree holds many memories,” she remarked when they arrived at the spot. “You can place the box here.”

She pointed at an area with a slight dip. Once she removed the writing materials from the box, it would be at the perfect height to turn over and use for support. Ashley quickly placed it and stepped back.

“I shall get your soda water and return soon,” she said.

“Please bring a bowl of berries as well,” said Eleanor. “I might grow peckish after all. Not the gooseberries—they’re a tad too tart for my liking. Just the strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries will do. Oh, and blueberries, but not too many of those. They sometimes have an odd texture. I hate it when they’re too soft. They should pop in your mouth when you bite into them.”

“I do not have a problem with textures, my lady,” Ashley pointed out. “Only you are sensitive to such things.”

“I suppose so,” Eleanor agreed. “Would you add a few sprigs of mint to my water? And a bit of ice to keep it cool.”

Ashley smiled. “I know everything you need, my lady. Trust me.”

Eleanor laughed. “Very well.”

Ashley ran off while Eleanor prepared her space and opened the book to the first page. Her mind briefly strayed to Nathaniel and her brother, but the interesting topic she selected soon consumed her mind and kept her occupied. La Belle et La Bête was undoubtedly romantic, but it had so many other lessons to be learned. Her mother had often said that all faerie tales carried a moral that people should know, which was why she stressed reading them from a young age. Before Eleanor knew it, she had filled several pages with thoughts about the heroine and her role within her family, society, and the Beast’s home. Nathaniel would appreciate the literary critique and perhaps give his own opinion as a man.

Eleanor briefly pondered what she would have done if she was the heroine. “I might have been too outspoken,” she murmured.

“I do not doubt it.”

Eleanor yelped and tilted her head back, ready to snap at the person who needlessly frightened her. However, her gaze quickly softened as she encountered the deep blue stare of the man she loved. She hadn’t even heard him approach!

“When did you come out here?” she asked.

Nathaniel crouched beside her and closed her book. “A minute or two ago. I wanted to stare at you for a moment, but I realized perhaps it might seem strange to simply stand and look at you. La Belle and La Bête,” he said, looking at the book. “I cannot recall seeing such a colorful cover on other copies. Did you do this yourself?”

“My mother and I did this when I was a little girl,” she said. “So, you have read this faerie tale before?”

“Once or twice. I prefer this version over the other.”

She smiled. “So do I.”

Nathaniel straightened and held out his hands. “Stand with me, or I’ll grow stiff staring down at you. Unfortunately, you’ll have to accept my age in this aspect.”

Eleanor laughed and took his hands, letting him pull her up. “I can live with that,” she said. “Although you’re so strong and fit that I doubt your age is a problem.”

“Perhaps.” He inspected her fingers. “Ink smudges and rosy cheeks—you have never looked more beautiful.”

Eleanor laughed. “Why do I feel you will always say that I never looked more beautiful, no matter the occasion?”

“Because I mean it every time I say it,” he replied. “You keep showing me ways to appreciate your beauty, so I cannot help but state what I see. Can I look forward to more days like these?”

“What kind of day would this be?” she asked.

“One where I watch my wife at work doing something she enjoys,” he explained.

Eleanor’s heart somersaulted. “Your wife?”

Nathaniel nodded. “Of course. How else can I observe you daily without any obstacles? No one would have the right to say a word. I’ll be able to stare at you and be thankful that you’re my wife.”

He spoke confidently as though the matter was already settled. The conversation must have gone well, but he had yet to mention it. Perhaps he was stalling a little to leave her in suspense. Eleanor could withstand another moment or two, but no more than that. She needed to know precisely what was said.

“Well, if you have time, you can sit with me, and we can discuss what I have written so far,” she said. “I have mainly written about the heroine, but I’ll soon move on to her siblings.”

Nathaniel chuckled lightly. “There is nothing I would like more than to read what you have written, but I would like to discuss something else right now. I believe it takes precedence over everything else.”

Eleanor almost smiled. “Oh? What would that be?”

“I have a feeling you know what I am talking about,” Nathaniel laughingly chided.

She narrowed her eyes and tapped her cheek with a finger. “Hmm... Do I?”

“Why don’t I just show you what we both know will happen?” he suggested before he pulled out a pretty ring. “I know it’s not common to present a ring during a proposal, but I rather like knowing that you’ll walk around with evidence of my intentions on your finger.”

Eleanor gasped. She didn’t expect him to go to the trouble of proposing to her. She imagined they would go through a courtship period and eventually agree they were ready to get married and announce an engagement in church for the banns to be read. She didn’t imagine Nathaniel would be the romantic sort to propose this way. He had even chosen a ring that looked like something out of a faerie tale, with its many colorful stones and vines circling the silver band. It was likely a family heirloom.

“Are we not going to court first?” she asked, although she didn’t mind skipping that part and going straight into an engagement.

“We can court while we organize our wedding,” he replied. “I do not wish to waste any more time. Unless you prefer a courtship? You’re worth the wait.”

Eleanor quickly shook her head. “No, that’s not necessary. I was just a little surprised. Has my brother really given his blessing? He doesn’t require a waiting period?”

“Fortunately, no,” Nathaniel replied. “Your brother was warm and friendly and willingly listened to everything I had to say. I couldn’t have asked for a better conversation.” He shifted. “As I mentioned before, you have to take into account that my limbs and bones are not what they used to be at your age. Do you mind if I propose and stand up? I’m afraid I’ll grow stiff.”

Eleanor chuckled. “Yes, of course, old man.”

Nathaniel’s jaw dropped before he, too, laughed. “I suppose I deserve that for using my age as an excuse to hurry things along.” He shifted again and took her hand, staring meaningfully into her eyes. “Eleanor Balfour, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? I promise to be the husband you need and care for you like the precious woman you are to me.”

Eleanor’s eyes misted over as she smiled and nodded. “Of course, I’ll marry you. Nothing will make me happier.”

Excited chatter burst into the air and startled them as Nathaniel slid the ring onto her finger. They looked around and found several servants watching them. Further on, her brother was observing them from the window of the parlor.

“I didn’t realize we had an audience,” Nathaniel remarked as he drew her to his side.

“Neither did I,” said Eleanor. “I imagine this is a big moment as they have never seen me take a liking to any man.”

“Then I must be special indeed,” Nathaniel replied. “I suppose kissing you is out of the question.”

Eleanor’s eyes widened. “You wish to kiss me again? On the cheek?”

“I was thinking of somewhere else this time,” he said, raising his eyebrows slightly.

“Do you mean...”

She couldn’t finish her sentence. A blush stole over her face at the thought of such an intimate gesture.

“Or we can wait until you’re more comfortable,” he said.

Eleanor had not experienced challenges just to balk at the thought of something natural between two people who loved each other. She stepped closer to him and put her hands on his arms.

“We will be married soon,” she said shyly. “A kiss to seal our engagement sounds lovely to me. You’ll just have to teach me. I suppose I can be grateful for the difference in age between us in this aspect. Your experience should make up for my inexperience.”

“Do you know how adorable you are right now?” Nathaniel asked. “My heart is bursting with love for you.”

Eleanor shrieked when he suddenly pulled her into his arms and twirled her around with a shout of laughter, making her giggle. Finally, he set her down and cupped her face.

“I love you, Eleanor,” he said.

She covered his hands with her. “I love you, too, Nathaniel.”

He smiled and lowered his face until their lips met in a tender kiss. At that moment, Eleanor didn’t care that others were watching them. All that mattered then was being in Nathaniel’s arms and knowing she finally had her happily ever after.

Tears of happiness poured down her face as she held on to him. Nathaniel eventually pulled away and rested his brow on hers as he wiped away her tears with his thumb.

“Now, I’d like to see your writing,” he said.

Eleanor laughed and boldly pecked him on the lips. “We have a lifetime to do that. For now, we’ll just enjoy this moment.”

She had waited for it long enough.