Page 5 of A Simple Scandal (Millionaires of Mayfair #3)

Four

D ane replaced his quill in its stand and rose from his desk when he heard Grace’s mellifluous voice carrying through the air. She’d sent word to his secretary, Adam Howard, that she would call that afternoon. Their visit must have been short since she’d only been there for a quarter of an hour.

Thank heavens Adam met with her first. Hopefully, Grace would be a bit more receptive to Dane. Adam had a way of quietly charming most people. When Dane had hired him, he was an overworked and underpaid clerk at one of the many solicitors serving the duchy. The solicitor never truly recognized Adam’s worth, but Dane did. So, he snatched Adam from the bowels of the law practice and presented him an offer of employment.

Adam accepted on the spot and moved into Ardeerton House. He had saved enough money to buy a small home just a few streets away from Dane’s London home. When he told Dane he was leaving, he shared that he was about to ask the love of his life to marry him and sought his advice.

Dane had wanted to say whatever you do, don’t have any ladies sitting on your lap in a gambling hell where your soon-to-be father-in-law could see you . But Adam didn’t need that kind of advice. Instead, Dane suggested that marriages should be based upon mutual respect with a keen sense of understanding. A heaping dose of patience should also be added to the mix.

What a farce that he was giving marital advice.

“Mr. Howard, please accompany me. It would behoove you to hear what I have to say to the duke.”

Dane chuckled at Grace’s directness. He knew it well as he’d heard it over a thousand times before. She used it when she wanted to admonish you but didn’t want you to understand the rebuke until she was out of sight.

When the knock sounded on the door, Dane bit his lip to keep from smiling. Otherwise, the woman might believe he was pleased to see her.

It was a secret he intended to keep all to himself.

“Pardon me, sir. Lady Grace is seeking a moment of your time.” His secretary stopped and furrowed his brow.

When Grace came forward, her back was turned to Adam. He caught Dane’s attention and mouthed, “She’s not very happy.”

Dane barely nodded in acknowledgment of his secretary’s warning. When it came to the Governess , to be forewarned was forearmed.

“My lady, what an unexpected pleasure.” In three strides, he was by her side. “Let us sit at the table overlooking the courtyard. It’s one of my favorite views and the flowers this time of year will take your breath away.” He held out his arm for Grace to take and shot a look at his secretary. “Adam, will you ask Cook to prepare a tea tray? See if there are any cream cakes. They’re Lady Grace’s favorites.”

“Yes, sir.” Adam nodded solemnly, then turned as if the hounds of hell were nipping at his heels.

“I’m not here for flowers or tea cakes,” she grumbled.

“You may not be, but if cream cakes were served, they would put a smile on your face.” As he pulled out the chair for her like any gentleman would, her familiar fragrance of roses greeted him. As she sat down, he closed his eyes and deeply inhaled. The scent reminded him of how long they’d been friends before he realized he wanted to marry her. She hadn’t changed in all in the years they had been apart. She was still the most attractive woman he had ever met. It wasn’t just her silken hair or her expressive brown eyes that glimmered like topaz. Nor was it the fact that she was tall and voluptuous that swayed his feelings.

Her features were like a bow on a pretty package. It caught your attention, but it was the treasure inside that counted. Her intelligence, quick wit, and effervescent humor always had kept him enthralled. It always had and still did.

“Have there been any juicy scandals to keep you busy?” His smile widened gleefully, and he probably looked like a child in front of a candy shop. “I know you love gossip.”

“Why did you do that?” Grace ignored him as she huffed slightly, then blew a piece of her dark blonde hair out of her eyes.

“Do what? Ask about gossip? It’s not one of my favorite subjects, but you like it. I’m just trying to be a good host.”

“No. No. No.” Grace locked her gaze with his. “You should have kept Mr. Howard here.”

“Did you think I need a chaperone?” He winked. Instead of sitting across from her, he took the chair beside her.

“Chaperon,” she huffed with a grin. “Both of us are too…”

“Do not say old,” he reprimanded with a chuckle.

She dipped her head to hide her laugh, but he could still see it. He wanted to crow like a rooster. It was a rare sight, and he missed it. There was nothing like one of Grace’s authentic smiles directed his way. That was especially true if it came from the heart.

“How about if I say we do as we please?” She tugged off her gloves.

“That’s definitely true,” he murmured.

“Now to the matters at hand. We must speak about retaining my services to assist you in finding a suitable duchess.”

He kept his face frozen with a slight smile. He’d spoken with Adam earlier and given him several alternative arguments for dissuading Grace from withdrawing her services as his match-making Governess . That had to have been why she was out of sorts.

“I told your secretary that it would be more efficient if he could handle your social schedule. I’m not certain it’s a good idea to have me involved”—she waved her hand between them—“with whatever it is you plan to do this social Season. You and I will only argue. That won’t do either of us any good.” She sighed painfully. “You don’t need me.”

“Grace, I thought we’d settled this.” He leaned forward and took one of her hands in both of his. Gently, he rubbed a thumb over her soft skin. “The reason I need you is simple. You know all my faults.” He lowered his voice. “Or at least, you think you know my faults.”

She narrowed her eyes. “See? This is what I mean.”

“You know all, Grace,” he teased. But when her face resembled a marble statue, he schooled his features. “Seriously, you know everyone’s strengths and weaknesses.” He locked his gaze with hers, then lowered his voice. “We’ve known each other for years. Hence, you certainly know me well enough to know mine.”

Thankfully, the stubborn set of her jaw softened. In its place was an openness that made him almost believe they were the same two people who’d practically grown up with one another and had been each other’s confidant.

“Perhaps.” She huffed another breath of air.

“Spend time with me. Help me.” He was practically pleading, and he didn’t care. After Trafford and Ravenscroft had left, he’d contemplated his future. He wanted what they had. He wanted what he had shared in the past with Grace. He wanted a best friend, a partner, and a lover who would always stand by his side. In return, he would stand by hers.

She searched his face briefly, then offered him a tender smile. “I was going to storm in here and tell you in no uncertain terms that I wouldn’t help you. Once again, you completely disarmed me.” She pursed her lips.

“Darling, don’t think of it as disarming but enchanting you.” He squeezed her hand.

“I know about the dress and the shoes. Is the one thousand pounds from you as well?”

He didn’t move a muscle in his face.

Her good humor quickly melted. “You dastardly man,” she seethed quietly. “You had my dress and shoes delivered to my home after I had Theo take them to the market.”

She pulled her hand from his, and immediately, he sensed the loss of heat—the loss of her. He wanted to reach across the distance and take her hand again, proclaiming it was his.

“I stopped by E. Cavensham Commerce on my way here. I told them to return the money to its rightful owner. If it was you, as I suspect, let me clarify one thing. My financial situation is not something I will share with you. Please do not interfere again.” She turned her head and stared out the window.

“I see someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”

She shot a scowl his way.

“I can only surmise you didn’t care for Pippa’s creation.”

Her gaze flew to his. “No. It was the most beautiful dress I ever…” She turned away.

“Grace,” he coaxed softly. “Look at me.”

The woman possessed the tenacity of a donkey when riled. By her stillness, he knew she wasn’t having any part of him.

“People will think I’m your mistress.” She lifted her chin an inch.

“Grace, no.” He shook his head vehemently. “They won’t. How would they ever discover such?”

Her cheeks turned the color of ripe autumn apples. “You don’t give money to a woman without people thinking she’s your paramour.”

“Perhaps I wanted to give money to a friend. Call it a loan even,” he murmured.

She fisted her hand on the table. “I don’t need a loan. Just today, the Earl of Marbury secured my services for his ward.” She swallowed, and instantly, his focus turned to her long, elegant neck. “You can’t interfere in my life, Dane.”

He gently clasped her chin and urged her to turn his way. What he saw nearly brought him to his knees. Her beautiful brown eyes glistened with unshed tears. “You have my sincerest apology.”

She closed her eyes, but one solitary tear slid down her cheek in defiance of her efforts to keep them at bay.

“Pippa thought you adored that dress. I did the same.” As he gently wiped away the tear, another fell on her opposite cheek. He wiped that one away as well. It didn’t make any difference to him if they didn’t move from his study for the next week. As long as she was upset, he would stay with her.

Comfort her.

“She gave it to me for my birthday,” she confessed, then blew out a breath. “I should thank you for giving it back to me.”

“Why did you sell it?” He lowered his hand but leaned near her until only two inches separated them.

“I needed the funds.” She sniffed but didn’t turn away from him. “There were bills to pay.” She laughed, but the sound held little humor. “I’ll receive the funds from Lord Marbury next week. I can repay you then.”

“Repay me?” His voice turned incredulous. “You know how I hate to see you cry. If you stop, that’s more than enough payment.” He arched a brow. “A fair exchange, in my humble opinion.”

“Dane, don’t. You’re the one who caused them in the first place with your kindness,” she warned with a real laugh. “It’s just like the one thousand pounds. I have to repay you. Otherwise, people will think I’m your kept woman.”

If those same people only knew the truth. He couldn’t keep her even if their wrists were tied together. She’d find a way to break free.

“Nonsense. As I said before, how would they ever find out?” He forced himself to remain calm. “They never would. Why are you living in that townhouse? I understand why you wouldn’t want to live with your sister or her husband. I’ve met them before,” he drawled.

When she laughed, one side of his lips tugged upward.

“You should be living closer to me in this part of Mayfair. What happened to your inheritance? Couldn’t your sister’s husband give you part of that? I assume he’s in charge of your dowry and inheritance.”

She shook her head as if exasperated. “Let me be blunt, Your Grace. It’s none of your business .”

“You are angry.” He lifted his hands in surrender. “Let me make amends. Come to dinner tonight. Honor, Trafford, Pippa, and Ravenscroft will be here.” He lowered his head until their eyes met. “Please? For me? I don’t want to be the odd man out again.” He took her hand once again, then leaned back in his chair. “Those four are always mooning at each other. Seeing my sisters in such a state over their husbands is unsettling. Besides, it’s infuriating.” He sniffed slightly as if offended. “I’m the duke here. They should pay attention to me.”

“What makes you think I’ll listen to you.”

“Oh, you won’t. You never have, but at least I can pretend you’ll hang on my every word. Especially when you scowl at me.” He winked, and she shook her head at his antics.

“I don’t know if that is a good idea, especially since we will work together.”

Excellent. He wanted to smile in satisfaction at her answer. Grace would not fire him as a client.

At least, not yet.

She bit her lower lip.

He practically groaned at the sight. Her lips were the color of ripe strawberries, his favorite fruit. The irresistible urge to kiss her right there roared through him. He closed his eyes. He could not and would not fall under her spell again. If she walked away again, he didn’t think he could survive it a second time. He barely survived the first time.

“It’s a simple dinner invitation.” Why was he trying to convince her?

Because he wanted her company. No one could infuriate him one minute and then charm him the next as she did. He was never bored or lonely when Grace was nearby.

“It sounds lovely. I would like to see your sisters. I miss them terribly.”

Do you miss me? He tightened his jaw, so he didn’t speak the words aloud. “It’s settled then. You’ll dine here tonight.”

“Your power of persuasion never worked with me.” She stood from her seat. “However, I would like to see your sisters. To answer your earlier question, no scandals are erupting in London this week. I predict that the next time London is up in arms over something, it will be a scandal you create.” She bent her head and stared at the carpet. Grace cleared her throat gently, then lifted her gaze to his. Before he could say a word, she continued, “Forgive me. That wasn’t fair. I misspoke.” She peeked at him and then grinned. “I meant to say that scandal is your constant companion whether you’re in town or not.”

He rolled his eyes.

“I see you haven’t lost any of your renowned charm,” she countered.

“I learned it from you,” he retorted.

Trading insults meant that things were finally back on an even keel.

“There you are,” the former Lady Honoria Ardeerton, now the Countess of Trafford, exclaimed as she took Grace’s hands in hers and kissed her on the cheek. “When Pelham told me you were coming to dinner, Marcus and I were overjoyed.”

With genuine joy, Grace hugged her friend in return. It didn’t escape her notice that Honor’s grin was a tad brighter than usual. Grace had seen that smile dozens of times when Honor participated in the Season with her soon-to-be husband, Marcus Kirkland, the Earl of Trafford. Her friend wore it when she didn’t want people to know what was truly on her mind.

Lord Trafford wrapped his arm around his wife’s waist and tugged her close to his side. “It’s lovely to see you, Grace. I can never thank you enough for everything you did for me and Honoria. I wouldn’t have convinced this wonderful woman to marry me otherwise.”

“Stop,” Honor cooed as she playfully batted at her husband’s chest. “You’re going to make me blush.”

He kissed the crown of his wife’s head and whispered, “It’s true.”

Forgetting that Grace or any other family members were in the room, Honoria lifted her gaze to his as they stared into each other’s eyes. Their love for one another kept them locked in a cocoon of their own making.

Grace’s heart clanged like a rusty church bell, going through the motions. The effort wasn’t pretty. The truth was that while she was happy for Honoria and Trafford, it would be na?ve to think these feelings of jubilation would last forever.

What was the matter with her tonight? Honoria was one of her true friends, and she deserved this happiness with Marcus. The same held true for him. Neither had experienced ideal childhoods, but they’d found each other as adults and were a family, one devoted and cherished by the other. They were utterly in love and deserved the happiness they now shared.

“Grace, it’s our good fortune that you’ve joined us.” The former Lady Pippa Ardeerton, now the Marchioness of Ravenscroft, beamed her way. “Besides seeing you tonight, I look forward to tomorrow. Your new protégé, Lady Athena Wescott, sent a note stating that you both will stop by the shop and pick out a few dresses.”

She shook her head, coming out of the daze. Quickly, she leaned in and kissed Pippa on the cheek. “I forgot about that, but yes, we’ll be there. Her guardian will join us.”

Honoria and Trafford shifted slightly so Lord Ravenscroft could join them. He slid next to his wife and wrapped his arm around her.

“Who’s that?” Lord Ravenscroft asked.

“Lady Athena Wescott and her guardian, the Earl of Marbury.” Grace clasped her hands demurely in front of her. “They’re clients of mine. Lady Athena has newly arrived in town for the Season. Lord Marbury is anxious for her introduction into society.”

“How could he be her guardian?” Ravenscroft asked innocently as his eyes flashed with amusement. “He’s a pup.”

“Lady Athena lost her parents recently,” Trafford said. “Honoria and I invited her to stay with us. Lord Marbury insisted she stay with him. He thought it inappropriate for her to be associated with our charity since she would be introduced into society.”

Honoria and Trafford had started a charity for orphans of peers who had no one to look after them except for the court-appointed guardians and conservators. Trafford had lost his parents at an early age and had been a terror when he was younger. He attributed it to not having anyone who cared enough for him to teach him how a man behaves. That was the case until he met Pelham and Ravenscroft. They’d taken him under their wings at university and had saved him from a life of debauchery, gambling, and drinking.

Ravenscroft shot a side-eyed glance to Trafford. “Now, why would a young lord want the responsibility of a ward who will be introduced to society?”

“Perhaps his sense of honor dictates it,” Pippa offered.

“Yet, why would he insist she stay under his roof? I would think the gossips would swarm at such news with stingers ready to wound.” Ravenscroft’s face softened as he looked at his wife and winked. “Unless he’s hoping to find his own lovely wife this Season.”

Pippa returned his gaze. Her face practically glowed with happiness.

Grace forced herself to take a deep breath. If anyone in the world deserved happiness, it was the Ardeerton sisters. She was happy and proud that her efforts had helped them find their happiness. That had to be the reason for the dull beat in her chest.

It certainly wasn’t envy. The Ardeerton sisters’ happiness didn’t mean Grace wouldn’t find the same. She just didn’t believe that it was her path in life.

The last to join their group was Pelham. His elegance seemed to float around him. He looked like a prince who had decided to grace everyone with his presence. His fitted blue silk evening coat, gold and blue brocade waistcoat, and blue silk breeches accented his blond hair and deep blue eyes. Her breath caught at the sight, and every hair on her arms stood at attention because he was near. If angels looked at him, they’d sigh in pleasure. His hair was slightly mussed as if his halo had fallen to the side and caused his silken blond locks to go awry.

When he came near, she stepped back to create a space for him. Pelham surprised her. Instead of stepping away from her, he moved closer.

Which was tortuous as she could smell his fragrance. Pine, leather, and sandalwood combined into a scent that was uniquely his. Whenever she inhaled, her traitorous body throbbed in recognition. His scent was like an aphrodisiac. It tied you up in knots, and you never wanted to escape.

Perhaps she was falling ill. There was no other reasonable explanation for her thoughts. She shouldn’t be attracted to Dane, especially not after the insults they’d heaved at one another when she’d visited earlier.

That wasn’t accurate. She was the one who had hurled them. He’d been on his best behavior.

“Your Grace, dinner is served,” one of the gray and gold liveried footmen announced.

“Thank you, John,” Pelham called out, then held his arm for her. “My lady, if you’d allow me to escort you into the formal dining room, it would be an honor.”

Grace nodded politely and took his arm. Just as they were about to head to the formal dining room, she caught Trafford and Ravenscroft smirking at one another. At the same time, Honoria and Pippa, in unison, uttered a small sigh as they offered an affectionate smile.

“It feels as if everything is right in the universe, doesn’t it?” Pippa winked at Honoria. “You’re with Trafford. I’m with Ravenscroft.”

Honoria's enthusiastic nod would likely destroy her simple chignon. “And our darling brother is with?—”

“Sorry to interrupt such overly sentimental rubbish, but I’m hungry.” Pelham pulled Grace his way, then lowered his voice. “Don’t mind my sisters. Since they found their true loves, they can become a bit overbearing. They want everyone to be as happy as they are with their husbands.” He patted Grace’s arm. “Seriously, this is all I ever wanted for them. Thank you for all your help.”

“I thought you believed that money equaled happiness.” She glanced up with a teasing smile.

He chuckled slightly, then lowered his voice. “I’m surprised at you, Grace. You know me better than that. I’m a true romantic when it comes to matters of the heart. Love is the only true path to finding everlasting happiness.”

She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from informing him how ridiculous he sounded. Soft laughter rose behind them as Pelham’s sisters cooed sweet nothings to their husbands. It had to be intimate since she couldn’t hear a single word. “Some might say that material possessions are the key to one’s happiness. They’re certainly tangible.”

“Since when have you become such a doubting Thomas about romance? Too many unsuccessful matches for the Governess?” Pelham teased.

By then, they all entered the small formal dining room. The table was dressed in a white tablecloth, and the family silver glittered in welcome. The place settings consisted of fine china with the crest of the Duke of Pelham in the middle. At least, that was one positive thing about Dane. He took his time with his family seriously and always insisted his sisters partake weekly in an evening meal with him.

She wasn’t being fair. He had many good traits. Protective, dedicated, and driven. He also possessed masculine beauty, charm, and money. He was the catch of the Season. A duke was a rare creature, and one as rich and handsome as Dane was even rarer.

“Grace, when you and Lady Athena visit tomorrow, I have several dresses pulled aside for you. Most will only take minor alterations.”

She shook her head. “There must be some mistake. I’m accompanying Lady Athena to your shop. I’m not purchasing any gowns.”

“But there’s a red satin that will simply be stunning on you,” Pippa offered.

“Is it the one you showed me the last time I was in the shop?” Honor played with her cod in mornay sauce. “Grace, you’ll be the talk of the ton .”

Pippa nodded. “Dane insisted that you have several new gowns for the upcoming events you are attending with him.”

As Honoria and Pippa continued discussing dresses, Grace’s temper began to bubble like a potion in a cauldron, and when mixed with embarrassment, the result was explosive. She let her gaze drift in Dane’s direction. That familiar pang of skating on financial ice thudded in her chest. She overlooked the fine china, the stemware, and the compotes that adorned the magnificent table. She could only focus on the arrogant duke seated across from her. The blasted man wasn’t even looking at her. But he must have sensed the anger in her stare. His eyes rose to meet hers, and he wore a half smile. The smile vanished as he realized the unbridled fury she displayed on her face. How dare he arrange for new dresses? She might not have a vast wardrobe like she once did, but she still had enough dresses to accompany him to the various events she and his secretary had agreed upon. If he didn’t consider her dresses suitable or fashionable enough for him, he could find his own wife.

She was not a charity case. One side of her mouth lifted in a slight sneer. By God, she was an independent woman.

Slowly, his infuriating half-smile reappeared, mocking her, along with a tic in his jaw.

In response, she stared at him with a countenance that could have been mistaken for marble. She dotted her serviette to her mouth with as much poise as she could muster. “If you’ll excuse me?”

Honoria and Pippa nodded, and the gentlemen, including Pelham, rose from the chairs in a show of respect and manners.

Without saying another word, she left the dining room and proceeded down the passageway, gaining speed with each step. She would not stay another moment under his roof. Yes, her circumstances had fallen. But she had more pride than to accept handouts. She was almost to the entry, determined to leave before a large, warm hand clasped one of her elbows.

“Grace.” Pelham’s deep voice vibrated against her.

She stopped but refused to look at him.

“Where are you going?” His words were a caress against her skin. He stood so close that the warmth of his body enveloped hers.

“Home.” Grace wanted to stomp her foot in frustration. Instead, she forced herself to turn around and face him. If there was a heaven, then her displeasure would be apparent even to a duke who thought himself the reason the earth rotated on its axis. “You cannot manipulate and force your will on me.”

“I wasn’t. I promise,” he soothed.

“Then I can only think it was to humiliate me by reminding me that I can’t purchase new gowns,” she hissed softly so no one could overhear.

“Is that what you think?” He narrowed his eyes, then huffed a breath. He opened a door directly across them without tearing his gaze from hers and dragged her through the doorway into the music room.

She’d always wanted such a room where she could spend an afternoon just playing and singing to her heart’s content. Why did she even allow herself such thoughts? Envy led to heartbreak. Why couldn’t she accept her circumstances without complaint?

Because she had a right to be disappointed, this had not been the future she thought she’d have. She imagined having a loving husband, her own home, and a joyful life just like her parents.

As a child, she always looked forward to the Sunday meal. Her parents were always in high spirits whenever the vicar and his wife were their guests. Her mother had a way of steering the conversation toward something pleasant, especially when the vicar and his wife argued. Grace’s father always winked at her mother when she started a new topic.

That was the thing about her father and mother. They were the most loving and nurturing people, particularly with friends and family. That could explain why there was no money when both of her parents died. They probably gave it to the vicarage to help those less fortunate than their family. Once privately, she’d asked Hope if she had ever wondered if there was another reason there was no family fortune. She dismissed Grace’s questions, arguing that their father was a known gambler. Hope then praised her husband as the savior of the family.

The back of Grace’s throat burned as she fought the tears that threatened. Savior of the family, indeed. Stewart Arnold had never seen to Grace’s welfare without expecting her to grovel in gratitude.

Now, Dane thought to help her. Would he want her undying gratitude as well? She would not permit that to happen.

He was a walking scandal.

Or at least, he used to be.