Page 2 of A Simple Scandal (Millionaires of Mayfair #3)

One

N ine years later

London

If Dane Ardeerton, the Fifth Duke of Pelham, faced the misery of seeking a wife, he would ensure that Lady Grace Webster would be miserable alongside him. Choosing a suitable woman to marry was the definition of tedious. While it should be one of the most joyous times of his life, it had turned into drudgery.

The coach turned down a thoroughfare that Dane recognized as the edge of Mayfair.

“Flowers for sale!”

The call of a young girl caught his attention. Quickly, he knocked on the carriage's roof, signaling the coachman to stop.

“Whoa,” William Fergus, his coachman, shouted as he pulled the coach and four to a stop. “What can I do for you, Your Grace.”

Dane leaned out the window. “I’d like to buy a bouquet.” He pointed toward the flower girl.

By then, John, his footman dressed in the customary gray and gold livery of the Duke of Pelham, opened the carriage door and leaned in. “Allow me to get the flowers for you, Your Grace.” A pensive smile tugged at his mouth. “We’re entering a part of town that caters to merchants and several unsavory pubs that draw the riffraff.”

“Then I shall be right at home.” Dane stepped out of the carriage. “It’ll feel like I’m at the Jolly Rooster.”

As soon as he walked toward the flower girl, her eyes grew to the size of dinner plates.

“That a righ’ fancy coach. You a nob?” Her grin revealed that she’d lost her front two teeth.

“No. I’m a duke.” He gave her his most charming smile. “What is the prettiest and biggest bouquet you have?”

She excitedly bounced on her toes as she pulled out a slightly wilted bouquet of roses. “Me mum and me picked these this mornin. Are these for your trouble and strife?” She stared straight at him as if she conversed with a duke every day.

“Trouble and strife?” He lifted a single eyebrow.

She frowned as she nodded. “Trouble and strife. Means your missus.”

For a moment, he didn’t know what to say. “I don’t have a wife. The flowers are for a special lady.” He didn’t add that he meant special in that the woman who would receive the bouquet was the bane of his existence. But he knew how to calculate odds, and with Grace, it never hurt to have a bit of goodwill insurance. He pulled a guinea from his waistcoat pocket and gave it to the girl.

“ Lud ,” the girl exclaimed as she examined the coin. “I’ve never ‘eld one of these before.” She scowled slightly. “I don’t ‘ave any coins to make change.”

“There’s no need.” He took the flowers from her. “Perhaps you can buy your mother dinner this evening.”

“I will, Duke.” She grinned at him again. “I’m at this corner every day. In case you need more flowers.”

“Then I undoubtedly shall see you again.” Dane nodded and returned to the carriage. He planned to see the flower girl regularly and was determined to visit Grace daily if only to aggravate her. It wasn’t revenge for her jilting him or anything so plebian—more like she needed to prioritize him.

John opened the door, and Dane vaulted into the carriage. Within seconds, the carriage lurched forward, heading to Grace’s home. He admired the vivid ruby hue of the roses, which reminded him of Grace’s cheeks the last time he had kissed her. It had been over nine years ago, but he could still recall the taste of her lips. He could easily envision her cheeks flaming that same color when he presented her with the bouquet. The only question was whether the cause would be joy or unbridled fury when he offered her such a gift.

He straightened as he glanced out the window. A slight smile tugged at his lips. It didn’t matter to him what caused that color as long as the Governess’s cheeks reddened.

It was one of the most beautiful sights he’d ever seen.

Dane had given Lady Grace Webster the moniker Governess when she’d first helped her friend, Lady Annabelle Ernst, land a husband after being on the marriage market for five long years. The poor girl had the confidence of a slug and couldn’t carry a conversation past hello. But Grace had come to Annabelle’s rescue like a governess with her awkward charges and had practically turned Annabelle into an overnight sensation along with herself. Desperate men and women of the ton approached her, seeking assistance. If Grace could help Lady Annabelle find a spouse, then the rest were confident that Grace could work her magic for them.

She’d been one of his closest friends when they were growing up. Her London family home had been directly across the square from his father’s ducal mansion, Ardeerton House. In addition, her father owned a summer estate next to the ducal seat. The old duke had never cared for Grace’s father, the Earl of Webster-Harnly. They’d been bitter rivals during the sessions of Parliament. Thankfully, their sires’ dislike of one another didn’t affect their friendship when they were younger.

When they turned into adults, that was another story.

He rubbed his forehead. It was best not to rehash their past. He needed to look toward his future. That’s why he was on his way to call on Grace and retain her services. Today, he’d watched his youngest sister marry his best friend. Since his oldest sister had married his other best friend several months ago, Dane had found himself walking around Ardeerton House completely rudderless. He’d never felt so lost and lonely in his life.

Of course, he could always do the pretty and attend societal events, but his stomach roiled at the whole notion of flirting, not to mention courting and sweet-talking young ladies. He did not care for insipid females or ones who molded themselves into someone they thought he’d desire. He preferred real women who had the intelligence, self-assurance, and drive to make something of themselves. His sisters were of that ilk, along with his female employees at the Jolly Rooster, his private gambling hell and coaching inn located next to the duchy’s seat in Amesbury.

As a duke, he was well aware of his responsibilities to his title. Since he was newly in his third decade, the time had come for him to choose a bride and secure an heir and a spare. He would be delighted if a daughter or two were in his brood. He loved all women, and growing up with his two opinionated and independent sisters had been a joy. They’d given him purpose, happiness, and a sense of family.

He exhaled as he watched the buildings fly by. Recently, he had thought that he and Grace were getting along wonderfully, especially since Grace had helped his sisters navigate society during their introductions. Grace made sure they wouldn’t fall victim to the gossipmongers who thrived on stirring up trouble, whether it was true or not. When his youngest sister married Hugh Calthorpe, the Marquess of Ravenscroft, earlier that day, Grace was eager to distance herself from his company.

As the carriage came to a slow halt, Dane peered out the window. A modest townhouse stood nestled between several others, the surrounding homes having seen better days. Their windows were grimy, and the shutters framing them hung askew. It reminded him of all the disheveled patrons at the Jolly Rooster, who couldn’t sit straight in their chairs after indulging in too much whisky.

However, the charming house in the center was clearly Grace’s home. Everything looked prim and proper. The brass doorknocker shone as though it had just been polished. Everything was in its rightful place.

Proper was a perfect word to describe Grace. She was a prim and proper lady unless she felt her trust had been misplaced.

Then, she turned into a Scottish wildcat who refused to be tamed.

He should know. He had firsthand experience with that wildcat.

Grace’s heart lurched in its beat as she gazed at the beautiful ivory brocade dress her friend Lady Pippa Ravenscroft had made for her. It had been a birthday present, and it was one of Grace’s most prized possessions.

Not to mention that it was one of her most valuable possessions. The gown was a masterpiece with ornate silver buttons, matching trim, and gauze netting so fine you could see through it. To make the dress even more beautiful, it was adorned with tiny, perfectly matched pearl beads that possessed a luster that glowed from within.

Grace rested her head in her hands as she turned to stare out the window at the small garden in the back of her humble home. Though she usually loved to sit at her miniature Louis XV desk as she worked, today was the exception. Before her, the household account book laid open, once again telling a story she had grown quite weary of reading.

She didn’t have enough money to pay her bills this month. The butcher and coalman had already sent two overdue invoices. It was only a matter of time before her rent would come due.

She’d always prided herself on her quick ability to make hard decisions and never second-guess herself. However, the decision to sell the dress hurt. She’d only been able to wear the lovely gown once to Pippa’s wedding that had occurred earlier in the day at the Duke of Pelham’s London home, Ardeerton House. Lady Pippa Ardeerton and the Marquess of Ravenscroft’s wedding ceremony had been beautiful, and Grace had felt like a queen in the gown. Alas, she had hoped to wear it at least three more times before she’d have to sell it.

Even if she wasn’t running out of gowns to sell, her situation was dire. She stared at the parchment in front of her. If she didn’t find a solution quickly, she would be forced to write her brother-in-law and ask if he could loan her some money to tide her over. No doubt he’d make an appearance and start lecturing her about her spendthrift ways. She clenched her fist so tightly that she could feel her nails digging into her palm. She would do anything to avoid that fate. The man thrived on pointing out how she had failed in every aspect of her life.

“My lady?” Her only servant, Theodore Tinniswood, peeked his head around the corner. “I’m about to head to the market.” He pointed to the dress across the sofa. “Is that the garment you’d like for me to take?”

Grace hesitated for a moment. This would impact her livelihood. How could she navigate society as an accepted ton member if she didn’t appear the part?

Everyone called her Governess for her ability to lead her clients out of scandal while keeping them from the jaws of society’s machinations. She taught them manners and deportment and quizzed them on titles and precedence. If it was essential to the ton , she taught it to her charges. She also helped them find their perfect matches in the dizzying world of the marriage mart. However, her current list of clients had dwindled. It seemed that no one was in a rush to marry this year, and there weren’t many ton members embroiled in a scandal or misbehaving. Not an ideal situation when one was trying to save money to buy a home. It was a disaster if you were trying to pay your monthly bills.

“How much money do you think you can sell it for?” She gazed at the account books. If heaven had any mercy for women like her who lived independently, then the gown should fetch a pretty penny. Every inch of her skin crawled as she waited for her elderly servant to answer.

“I can’t rightly say, my lady.” Theodore, who preferred to be called Theo, scratched his nearly bald head as he examined the dress. “It’s a beautiful gown, but Lady Eskridge had her lady’s maid bring ten ballgowns to the market last week. Mrs. Martin still had them for sale at her stall yesterday.”

Grace nodded once. She would not cower when forced to make hard decisions. “Would you fetch my blue velvet heels and take those as well? Only sell the dress and shoes together if you can get three pounds or more.”

Theo smiled slightly.

Grace hated that smile as she knew what would come next.

“I have a little money saved for a rainy day, my lady. You are more than welcome to borrow it.”

She shook her head. Though she was desperate, she had never accepted Theo’s offer. She might not have riches, but she still had her pride.

“I would never take any of your savings.” She forced herself to hold her servant’s sympathetic gaze. “It means the world to me that you’re so generous.”

“Of course, ma’am. The offer is always open.” Reverently, he picked up the dress. “I’ll take good care of this for you.”

“Thank you, Theo.”

“Are you accepting callers?”

Grace nodded. Both she and her loyal servant knew she couldn’t afford not to. Her father had ensured that Theo had a pension for all his years as the family’s butler, and thank goodness for Grace, her servant had told her he would never consider retirement as long as Grace needed him.

Heaven knew she needed him. She’d been left almost penniless after her father’s passing. Her third cousin had inherited her father’s title and never showed interest in her well-being. Undoubtedly, the new Earl of Webster-Harnly had thought that Grace’s sister and brother-by-marriage would provide for her.

How wrong he would be.

After Theo left the room, Grace pulled a piece of parchment from her desk and dipped her quill into the inkwell. She would take matters into her own hands and contact her former clients, who had daughters and sons on the marriage mart. It wouldn’t hurt to drop a brief letter stating she just happened to have found an opening in her schedule if they needed her assistance. If business wasn’t seeking her, she’d pursue her own opportunities.

“Ma’am,” Theo drawled as he entered the room. He stood straight as an arrow with his nose tilted slightly toward the ceiling in his most regal English butler pose.

She bit her lip to keep from laughing at his charming antics when they had visitors. She blinked slowly and then said a silent prayer. Please let it be a client who needed her services.

“The Duke of Pelham is here.” Theo straightened his waistcoat, winked, and stepped away from the door.

When Dane Ardeerton, the Duke of Pelham, swept through her doorway, she sat still though her heart galloped like a favored racehorse at the Royal Ascot. What the devil was he doing there? He’d asked her to spend time with him after his sister married earlier today, and she’d answered him with a polite but firm no. Were all dukes immune to the words not interested , or was this particular one unable to take a hint?

Knowing him, he probably just chose to ignore it.

Slowly, she stood. There was no nod, smile, or “ What a pleasure, Your Grace ” greeting for the man who stood before her.

“That will be all,” she said to Theo.

“A moment, if you please,” Pelham addressed her butler, who immediately stopped. “How long has it been since we’ve seen each other, Mr. Tinniswood? At least nine years, by my recollection. I hope your family is well?”

Theo broke out into a wide grin. “Oh, Your Grace, I can’t believe you remembered my name.”

Pelham tilted his head with a slight smile. “How could I forget the man who rescued me from Princess?”

She promised herself not to be charmed by the duke’s antics. Yet, she failed not to smile at the memories. As a child, she had a pug dog named Princess, who always bit Dane whenever she saw him. It wasn’t because Princess hated him. On the contrary, Princess adored him because he was the only one who would lie on the floor and engage in endless horseplay until they were both exhausted.

Dane always had allowed Princess to win.

Though she was loathed to admit it, it was somewhat of an endearing trait.

Her servant chuckled. “My family is excellent, sir. Thank you for asking.” He turned to Grace with a wide smile. “Shall I bring a tea tray, ma’am?”

“Thank you, but not for me,” Pelham answered before Grace could speak.

Grace smoothed her hands down her skirt to keep from fisting them. She would not dwell on the fact that Pelham had answered for her in her own household. She had more important problems at the moment.

“Very well. Ma’am, I’m off to the market.” Theo took his leave.

When they were alone, Dane’s gaze swept across the room. An immediate heat marched up her cheeks. No doubt, he saw the shabbiness of her furnishings, including the threadbare carpets and misshapen pillows. At least everything was clean, neat, and in its proper place.

This was ridiculous. He was simply a man, and she would not doubt herself.

“These are for you.” He smiled as he extended a slightly wilted bouquet. “They look slightly ragged, but I couldn’t resist the flower girl.”

The Duke of Pelham would certainly be kind to a little girl hoping to make a few coins selling flowers. She inhaled, and the scent of roses greeted her like a long-lost friend. “Thank you. They’re my favorite.”

“I remember.” As he said the words, he didn’t look at her. Instead, he glanced around the room again before his brilliant blue gaze met hers.

“Would you care to sit?” she motioned toward the matching sofas that framed the hearth. Since it was warm, a fireplace screen shaped like a floral fan concealed the grill. It was feminine and pleasing to the eye. Perhaps she’d focus on that instead of the handsome, irascible duke.

He waited for her to sit on a sofa, then claimed a seat opposite and stared at her as she stared at him, neither saying a word.

For the love of heaven, he was as handsome as ever. Perhaps even more so. Tall with broad shoulders that only emphasized his height, Dane made Adonis look like a mere mortal. He was the most beautiful man she'd ever seen, with hair that appeared to have been spun from gold and sunshine. His keen eyes were clear blue, reminding her of the Mediterranean Sea. His bespoke morning coat and matching breeches fit him perfectly. She could stare at him all day and never tire of the sight.

It was as true today as it was when she was a foolish girl who believed she’d found the love of her life. Even after all those years, she couldn’t look away if she wanted. The familiar magic still sparked between them and had her leaning in his direction as she waited with bated breath for him to speak. Every part of her practically hummed in anticipation of why he was there.

Which begged the question, would her body ever learn to ignore him?

The obvious answer of no reverberated through her. For heaven’s sake, he was the Duke of Pelham, the most captivating, charming, and infuriating man she had ever met.

“I’m lonely, Grace.”

His soft words enveloped her and, for a moment, stole her voice. How could someone so influential and well-regarded in society be lonely? Everyone begged for him to attend their events, and he refused. He preferred spending time at the Jolly Rooster, his coaching inn and gambling hell, the place where everything had unraveled for them all those years past.

She fought the urge to comfort him and put distance between them by leaning as far away as possible. Yet, the forlorn look he wore tugged at her heartstrings.

She was well-acquainted with loneliness. Though she had many friends and acquaintances, no one except Theo waited for her to arrive home. He didn’t count since she paid him to stay with her.

Or at least she did when she had the funds.

“I can certainly understand,” she murmured. “Ardeerton House must feel empty. Since both of your sisters have married and are starting new lives with their husbands.”

“Then you understand why I’m here.” A rare, awkward, half-hearted grin pulled at his full lips. “It’s time for me to marry.”

Grace froze as she grappled with what he was saying. “Surely, you are not asking me.” A wayward frog singing for its mate sounded more harmonious than she did. She cleared her throat before she continued, “Are you?”

“I’ll wait for you to close your mouth before I answer,” Dane drawled, then threw back his head and laughed as if she’d said something hysterical. After the last chuckles faded, he took out a handkerchief and wiped his eyes. “For a moment, I thought you’d been struck by lightning. I’ve never seen you speechless. But to answer your question, no, darling, I’m not asking you to marry me. You only get one bite of the apple with me.”

What a pompous arse. “Well, darling , one bite is all I need, particularly when the apple is rotten to the core,” she snapped.

He laughed again, and she felt ridiculously pleased with herself for a moment.

“Dear, dear Grace, some things never change. I always enjoy your spirit when you forget to be prim and proper. You remind me of pepper. A perfect amount of spice makes a dish extraordinary. Too much?” His good humor turned into a wide grin. “You get burned.”

“You remind me of garlic. Too much, and no one can stand your company.” Though he smiled, his eyes grew distant. Immediately, she regretted the insult. It was cruel what she’d said. Over the years, she had developed a nasty habit of becoming a shrew with a sharp tongue. “Please forgive me.”

Pelham arched one ducal eyebrow. “There’s nothing to forgive. Such repartee is another language we uniquely share to express our deepest feelings for one another.”

She lowered her voice. “I’m certain you’re not here to spar with me verbally.”

“No,” he replied tersely, then momentarily turned away as if he couldn’t bear to look at her. He released a labored breath and directed his royal blue gaze back to her. “I’ll come straight to the point. I’m here because I want to hire you. Schedule a few events and select several suitable women for me to meet. Notify my secretary of my request and send him the details.” He stood up to leave.

She stood as well. “Dane, wait.”

He stopped immediately and stared at her, his gaze penetrating. It was almost as if he could see inside of her and had a front-row view of her unease. “ Dane? ”

“I meant Pelham.” The confounded man could always put her on the defensive. She clasped her hands, needing to address their awkwardness or at least her awkwardness. “What about…our past?”

He grimaced slightly. “Consider it erased unless you’ve changed your mind.” A faint glimmer shone in his eyes.

For a moment, she thought it might be a desire to change their pasts and futures. Then she recognized it for what it was. Simply a silly musing best left unexplored.

There had been many a day when she’d dreamt about her life if she had married him. But that was water under the bridge.

She offered a tender smile as a peace offering. “It’s best we go on with our lives.”

He dipped his chin in agreement. “Very well. I want you to attend the events and introduce me to the women you think would make a suitable duchess. Also, send me an invoice for your services. I’ll inform my secretary to pay it immediately.”

Then, the dastardly man winked at her before strolling out of her home as if he owned the entire street.

The galling, not to mention vexing, thing was that he probably did own it .