Page 14 of Seven Days with her Duke (Hearts of Whitmores #3)

CHAPTER 14

I t was going to go well, this house party. It had to.

Dominic reminded himself of his resolve as he escorted Eleanor into the country house of his good old friend, Quirmore, who greeted them with a slight smile and annoyance in his gaze.

“Welcome,” he said politely all the same while standing at the side of an older lady dressed in a thick-feathered turban. “We are thrilled to have your company. Your Grace, you know my mother. Mother dearest, this is Lady Eleanor Whitmore, daughter to the late duke and current Duke of Ely. Lady Eleanor, this is my mother, the Countess of Merlington, Lady Jane Quirmore.”

The neatest curtsy was produced with only a slight nervous shake. Eleanor straightened up, a false but still pretty smile pasted on her lips. “It is a pleasure,” she said very carefully. “Thank you for the honor and invitation.”

“We are very glad to have you here, my dear young lady,” the countess beamed as she took Eleanor’s hands. Dominic was forced to let go, opening his mouth only to stop when the older woman sent him a look. “I do remember you, Your Grace. You and your games. I trust you have outgrown them?”

Eleanor sent him a curious look while Quirmore coughed politely into a fist, glancing away.

As for Dominic, he attempted to look his most innocent. Because one of the poor victims of many a late-night adventure was indeed the countess. She preferred town and in desiring to keep her eldest son close, didn’t permit him to take his own rooms in London. Dominic couldn’t recall the count of times he’d wound up there with Nicholas and Quirmore late at night having drunk too much to do anything else.

And then every morning, the countess would be there, huffing but polite as ever.

“My dear lady,” Dominic said smoothly to lay on as much charm as he might muster for her, “You may reassure yourself I am ever on my best behavior in your presence, as well as any other such young lady. Why, I even pledge my troth––”

Eleanor made a quiet choking sound while the countess waved a hand away. “Your pretty words mean nothing now. But I shall keep my eye on you young man, and will hold you to a higher standard. For you, my lady, I shall take you to your rooms myself. I believe there is much better company you might be introduced to during our house party. What a delightful ribbon you wear in your bonnet. You must tell me the exact shade…”

And away the ladies went, leaving Dominic almost floundering. Almost.

When he looked over at his friend, forgetting his mother’s stern ways, Quirmore only shrugged. “You wanted this. Do not forget that.”

He is unfortunately correct. Why did I insist on this again? But alas, here we are and here we remain for the next three days. Afterward, I will nearly be completed with my time with Eleanor and I can turn to… other activities.

What they would include, these activities, Dominic didn’t know. He hadn’t thought that far ahead. Probably his estates. His secretary had some paperwork for him to sign. To sort through. Most of it was something of a blur. Besides, paperwork was hardly entertaining when he had Eleanor at hand.

“Everything shall work out as it must,” Dominic decreed. “Now, a drink, if you please?”

Chuckling, his friend nodded and waved him down another hall. Though part of Dominic knew he wouldn’t see Eleanor at this angle, he couldn’t help but glance back once with his curiosity growing over how she would fare on her own. Wonderfully, of course, but would she know that? Accept it?

The two gentlemen enjoyed a drink on the veranda before Dominic went to his bedchamber to refresh himself further from their drive. Quirmore had more guests to see to, reassuring him everyone would be gathering together for an early supper that evening.

“There are plenty of gentlemen here,” Dominic murmured to Eleanor when they greeted each other in the parlor before the dining room doors opened. “It is a perfect opportunity for you to consider your choice of eligible bachelors.”

She looked uneasy. “I’m not confident that I care for any of them.”

“You don’t have to care, per se, simply… be interested.”

That somehow garnered another frown from her. “Interest is not a strong enough foundation for a marriage, Your Grace. I would wish for something that my brother has. A union that matters, that favors both parties,” she explained when his brow furrowed. “I should wish to love.”

Well, that’s unfortunate. What sort of place does love belong these days?

The bell rang in the meantime as the countess announced their order for walking into supper. “Did your brother love his wife when they were wed?”

“I suppose not. But…”

“Then do not put so much weight on the matter. Simply take an opportunity to speak with and admire the gentlemen here, darling,” he murmured just before Quirmore came to bow before them. His friend never had good timing. “What do you want?”

The man smirked. “I want Lady Eleanor here. It would appear we have been assigned mates for supper. My lady?”

Dominic opened his mouth to protest before pulling himself back. He led the countess into supper, and attempted to enjoy the meal.

Except he couldn’t. Across the table sat Eleanor with Quirmore. Seated neatly between two eligible bachelors, she spent more time blushing than talking.

Dominic huffed, pursing his lips. What was his friend doing, leaning so close to her? This wasn’t right. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat while trying to think of some way to get out of this situation. Had he known the man would attempt to flirt with Eleanor, Dominic would have never let this happen in the first place.

Eventually supper ended and the men joined the women in the parlor. Darting across the room, Dominic took the only available seat beside Eleanor who had tucked herself neatly into a corner.

He hastened to her side. “Quirmore isn’t for you.”

Her eyes widened. “I beg your pardon?”

“He isn’t for you,” he repeated.

“I’m not for him either,” she said with a shake of her head. She spoke low and sweet. “Don’t be ridiculous. What sort of machinations are in your head?”

As he opened his mouth to answer her, Dominic realized he might not very well have a proper reply. His brow furrowed. He didn’t particularly know why he was attempting to warn her away from his friend. Besides the fact that Quirmore wasn’t right for Eleanor, what other reason did he have to speak to her thus?

But it isn’t as though Quirmore has any reason to speak with her, particularly to flirt so shamelessly. He should be embarrassed. Eleanor deserves better. Aren’t I here to protect her? Perhaps I should protect her to the point we lock her in a tower where no one undeserving can get to her.

“Duke!” Eleanor hissed.

He jerked to attention, glancing around the energetic room. Someone was playing the piano and several couples were gathering to dance. Beside him, Eleanor was fidgeting and kicking him in the calf.

“What is it?” he asked, shifting away to safety.

Eyes darting about, she said quietly, “I want to go.”

Already he was rising to his feet before he thought about it. “Go? But there is dancing. We’ve practiced, haven’t we?”

She swallowed audibly. “I would rather not.”

“I’ll let you excuse yourself afterward, but I insist on one dance,” he insisted, wanting to remind her how she could be brave. Then he offered his most charming smile. “Come, darling. You can trust me on this. We couldn’t very well let you go so soon. But one dance in my arms and then you’re free.”

After scrunching up her nose, Eleanor conceded.

A moment later, they were skipping down the line and when they doubled back at the other end, he had just a moment to hold her hand. The touch was warm even through their gloves. He realized he missed holding her properly.

Or, rather, improperly.

Around they went. She stepped forward as he mirrored her, the two of them grinning at each other. Of course they did. Eleanor couldn’t stay mad at him, not really. And he couldn’t help but smile whenever he was around her.

It wasn’t the waltz he had hoped for, but Dominic kept his word all the same when the dance ended. He made his excuses for himself and Eleanor before escorting her out of the room.

“Thank you,” Eleanor whispered once it was just him and her in the hall. “It’s been a long day and I… I appreciate you.”

What a strange notion. Most of the time, people were annoyed or amused. Now, she was grateful. Warmth settled in his heart that seemed to make it expand then contract; it ached a little as he didn’t know what to do with himself.

“Dominic?”

Forcing a grin, he tried to think of something to say. Something clever and witty that would make her laugh or even get annoyed so she would flash those pretty eyes at him. “You’re an odd duck, Eleanor.”

Those lips of hers, pretty and shapely, thinned until they disappeared. It wasn’t the right thing to say at all. Her eyes didn’t even flash and it didn’t warrant a smile. His heart dropped to his stomach. Of course he had done it wrong. Everything always went wrong eventually.

But then she sighed, turning away. “I suppose you cannot be generous all of the time. Very well. This is where we part ways.” He opened his mouth to protest, except she was shaking her head. “You’ve done enough, Dominic. I’m tired and I’m not going to argue with you now. Good night.”

Suddenly out of sorts, Dominic didn’t know what to do. He stood there empty-handed while he watched Eleanor take her leave. It was hard to appreciate the sway of her body in the shadowy mood he found himself in. His body fidgeted and itched but he didn’t move. He had to watch her make her way to her rooms. Just to keep her safe. No one else could hurt her.

Eleanor reached her door and paused, a hand resting on it as she glanced back toward him. There was a connection between them. He could feel it. A tether. It was warm and strange and soft.

When she nodded, he couldn’t breathe. He was almost relieved when she slipped inside.

And then he wanted to follow. Dominic gave his head a shake. Talking himself out of strange thoughts, he rubbed his chest and retired in his own rooms for the evening.

Dominic spent most of the night convincing himself he was merely restless after having stayed out of London society for so long. By morning, he believed every lie.

This lie carried him through a tedious breakfast with the gentlemen––all the ladies, including Eleanor, took trays in their bedchambers––as well as through a ride and up until everyone in the house party gathered outside in the early afternoon for boat rides in the lake.

Blasted house party. How could I have ever been convinced this was worth our time? I’m muddling everything and now so is the countess. Rowboats? A lake? I’d rather be force-fed mush and watery beer for a month straight.

“What a jolly idea,” Quirmore announced once they were all gathered as footmen brought around the small rowboats. “I haven’t enjoyed something like this since I was a lad. Ah, to be young again.”

“You’re one to be talking,” teased one of the other gentlemen.

Eleanor was nearby, studying the group thoughtfully before she caught his gaze. Raising his eyebrow, Dominic tried to read her expression. Was she as calm as she acted or was she anxious? The day was still young.

“Come now,” said the countess while ushering everyone close. “We must pair off accordingly.” At once she began motioning the party about. Though her son looked faintly alarmed, as did several other guests, no one thought to disagree with her.

Realizing he might lose her, Dominic started after Eleanor only to watch the countess lead her away from him.

Quirmore’s hesitation vanished when she wound up at his side. His grin was nothing short of predatory. “Well, well, well. Lady Eleanor. What a delight to see you once again.”

“Hello,” she managed before dropping her gaze and falling quiet.

As Dominic grumbled and started over to them, his friend––if he could call him that––was eyeing the young woman with great fascination.

“Worry not, my lady. We shall be quite safe today. The lake is not that deep, really, and I’m a most proficient rower. This will be quite the opportunity, I say, for you to admire my strength. Why, you’ll be able to sit there and look as lovely as Ophelia.”

“But Ophelia drowned,” Eleanor whispered just as Dominic reached her. Being on the water made him ill, but he couldn’t be without her.

“Which is why I shall row our boat. Quirmore, your mother is calling for you,” he added with no attempt to hide his irritation.

Quirmore nodded slowly, his eyes wandering between Dominic and Eleanor. “Very well. I suppose some people still need to be managed, eh?” And off he went with a whistle and more pride than he deserved.

“Dominic?”

If I’m going to survive this afternoon’s activity, I suppose I am going to have to keep breathing. The question of my sanity, however, is something of a concern. This house party is a complete disaster.

He pinched his nose, trying to think. “Quiet please.”

And she was. Eleanor said nothing at all while she was helped into a row boat, they were given a gentle push, and soon he was leading them about the large pond. Others soon joined them. People laughed and lightly splashed one another, enjoying such a quaint outing on such a beautiful sunny day.

Letting out a loud breath, Dominic mustered a smile. He didn’t have time to be out of sorts. He just had to keep them afloat right now. So he tried to fake good cheer. “Brilliant day, isn’t it?”

“You’re embarrassing,” Eleanor finally spoke, throwing him a look.

“I beg your pardon?”

“You heard me. It’s one thing to embarrass yourself, Your Grace, but you’re embarrassing me as well. Why couldn’t you simply be polite? I thought you were friends with Quirmore,” she added.

A scowl graced his lips. “No one is friends with that scoundrel.”

Eleanor rolled her eyes, showing a glimpse of the fire he knew resided deep inside. Now that they were amongst so many other people, she kept it on a tight leash. It made him miss her. “You’re friends, both of you. I don’t know why you’re lying. Besides, he’s the only gentleman talking to me here and you said I should be meeting them.”

“Yes, the gentlemen,” he ground out his teeth. Heaving the paddles about, he realized he was bringing them too close to a shallow spot covered in moss. “That is precisely why we are here.”

Straightening her spine, probably over the tone of his voice which he could not help, Eleanor pursed her lips tightly together. “Then why is it you haven’t let me talk to anyone else?”

He awkwardly spun the boat around. “I have!”

“You’re being rude to people you call friends and you don’t let me talk to anyone. I’m in your boat,” she reminded him in exasperation. Her voice was raising, too. If anyone else came closer, they would surely hear her.

And him. Annoyance washed through him. “So?”

“So I should be with Quirmore.”

“No, you shouldn’t!”

Throwing her hands up in the air, she asked with exasperation, “And whyever not? He wouldn’t be getting us trapped in the weeds.”

Irritation flooded him. “I know what I’m doing.”

“No, you don’t. You don’t like being in the water, Dominic. Just give me the paddles and I’ll take us to shore.” She reached for them as he froze.

Horses, he could ride all day. Ships were torture. It all stemmed from a boating accident he’d had as a lad with his brother and Nicholas. A simple excursion nearly had him drowning. It had taken him weeks to recover though he’d never swum again. Eleanor had remembered this all along.

“No.” He tightened his grip when she yanked on one. It had her crouched up and the rowboat swaying. “Darling, sit down.”

“Stop calling me that,” she huffed. “And give me the paddles. You’re being irritable and I won’t have it. I’m going to take us back to shore where you’ll stop being foolish.”

Unable to help himself, he said, “Do you really think I’ll stop?”

Her determination was getting to the better of both of them. He spread his legs out to try and balance the rocking of the boat. Was it getting worse or was it just his head? “No, but it’s worth a try, and I don’t like how pale you are. Now give them to me.”

“It’s unseemly for a lady to row. Sit down, Eleanor, or––”

The consequence rose up to meet them before he had a chance to say anything more. Their world tilted and tipped. His heart near stopped. He could blame it on the lake or the rocking of the boat or even Eleanor; his hand reached for her and suddenly she was off her feet and so was he.

He had just enough time to shout before the lake rose up to greet him, pulling him into a tight, chilled embrace.

Having gone in head first, Dominic floundered to put himself to rights and find where the air was. A hand grasped as his shirt and he followed, taking the hand and the arm.

“Stand up,” Eleanor choked out.

“What? I can’t––” His feet found the ground. Surprise froze him for a heartbeat when he found the water level nearly to his chin. But before he could let the relief flood through him, his body reacting before his thoughts, he was reaching for Eleanorwho was not quite that tall. “Blast it, Eleanor, hold on.”

She coughed on water and wrapped her arms around his neck as he tugged her close. A thick shiver ran through her. Seeing her soaking wet with wide, fearful eyes, Dominic felt hideously cruel.

“Ho!” Quirmore came about in haste, bring about his boat and the lady with him. “Good lord! Lady Eleanor, are you well?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted. Another wet cough escaped her.

Never had he seen her look so miserable. He swore under his breath again. Just as he heard his friend offering to tow them back, Dominic shook his head. “No. We’ll climb out here and walk.”

“Walk?” The lady in the boat stared at them blankly like she’d never heard of such a thing.

Though Eleanor protested, Dominic didn’t give her a chance to stand as he carried her out of the water to the house. Guilt threatened to take a turn drowning him. It was a heavy, laborious walk, but he made it. This was his penance, or at least the start of it.

“Dominic,” Eleanor whispered when they reached the house.

“Don’t.”

I can’t take it. If she forgives me, I cannot accept a word. I don’t deserve it.

Already there were servants racing about at the sight of them, gathering linens and preparing themselves for two drenched bodies. He pursed his lips. What the devil had he been thinking? They could have died. It didn’t take much for a person to drown. He should have been more careful with her.

Though Eleanor studied him with a serious expression, her hair plastered about her brow and cheeks and chin, she said nothing. She had to be furious. He clung to that as he reluctantly allowed them to be separated.

While he scoured his body clean of pond scum, he couldn’t free himself of the scolding inside his head for the risks he had taken. What had he been thinking? He should have been more careful.

He finished bathing when the water was tepid. Changing into fresh clothes, he removed himself from the room to pace about Eleanor’s door.

They needed to talk, he resolved. And he needed the change to apologize. Though he didn’t deserve it, he would have to say something to her.

A creak sounded as she opened the door. “I can hear you pacing,” she whispered.

Stopping in his tracks, Dominic remained still while he studied her. Though Eleanor was only partially through the door, he could see most of her. Damp curls rounded against her cheeks. Her face was clean; it looked so soft and warm his hands itched to stroke it. She wore that yellow dress that he recognized since she looked so fetching in that shade. But beyond that he noticed the tightness of her lips and the bleakness in her gaze.

“Eleanor. Darling, I must apologize.” He moved closer to stand in front of her. “I never meant to harm you. Please understand that. Whatever got a hold of me, I won’t let happen again.”

“Perhaps and perhaps not.” She glanced away with a weary sigh before turning back to him. “Dominic…”

Reluctance hovered on her tongue. He could practically taste it. So he nodded, ready to do whatever she asked. If she wanted him to flagellate himself, then he would do it. “Anything. Anything you want, Eleanor.”

To his shame, the request was terribly simple. “I want to go home.”

His breath caught. There was still one more day to the house party. And this day wasn’t even over. There was still so much to enjoy here, activities she should be enjoying––instead of being with him.

“Eleanor…” He swallowed the urge to tell her this was all meant to be for her. “Are you certain?”

“Yes, Dominic.”

Breathing out slowly, Dominic nodded. What had he expected? Eleanor had yet to enjoy herself here as far as he could tell. And she had been right; he was doing nothing to help her. Their boating accident was proof of the matter.

“Very well. I’ll let our hostess know. Once you’re packed, we can be on our way,” he murmured with resignation.

What a mess I have made of things. We’ll return at once and put this miserable experience beyond us. If I can. How I will ever make it up to Eleanor, I hardly know.