Page 8 of Seven Days with her Duke (Hearts of Whitmores #3)

CHAPTER 8

“ D on’t be ridiculous,” Eleanor told her driver. “I’m sure it’s just a mistake.”

It wasn’t as though the man could possibly be entertaining a single lady, a known courtesan and opera singer. Not in the middle of the day. There wasn’t much about Dominic she knew, but Eleanor felt confident about that.

All the same, she climbed out of her carriage––she’d only brought the covered one since her landau had a bent wheel and she didn’t want the rattling of a hack––to go up the steps of the Elkins town house.

She didn’t even have to knock as the door swung open. Looking up, she prepared to smile at whomever opened the door.

Before her stood one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen. Tall and blonde, she was everything that Eleanor wasn’t. Confidence and opulence radiated off the woman who could be none other than the very Dinah Rose her driver was worried about her running into.

“It’s an improper matter, you being here today,” he had fretted a moment ago. “Being here alongside an opera singer such as Dinah Rose, well, it wouldn’t do, my lady.”

It would seem I couldn’t be more wrong.

Every breath whooshed right out and left her feeling like a fish out of water. She could only stare as the woman fixed her cloak and gazed down at Eleanor with a knowing smirk. The opera singer raised a single eyebrow, surely mocking her, before striding down and away.

Of course Henry was right. He’s always right. About the weather and carriages and now mistresses. I should have known. What was I thinking, expecting something better from Dominic? The duke is nothing more than a cad. Everyone thinks he is so charming and handsome. Did I really think for a minute something had changed?

“Miss? My lady?”

A strange pang settled heavy in her chest. Sucking in a deep breath, Eleanor rubbed her temple. She liked music and books, where she could manage her emotions and surprises. When it came to people… It was as though she was always being knocked off her feet.

“My lady?”

“Yes, my apologies.” She muttered the words sheepishly, making her way inside. It was as though her body was taking charge while she sorted through the discomfort in her chest.

It isn’t as though I care for a notorious rake. Focus, Eleanor. You’re late for a horse race and it’s all because of him. Once again, he is ruining everything. That is what you can manage now.

“Is the duke at home?” Eleanor managed to ask, feeling the need to stutter tickling her tongue. She bit the tip just as footsteps started down the hall.

“Lady Eleanor.” Dominic appeared. Seeing his gaze dart from her toward the door and back again, realizing that she’d seen Dinah Rose, left Eleanor queasy. “I didn’t…”

For once, she didn’t wish to speak of certain matters. “Good day, Your Grace. I see you appear to be hale and healthy. What a relief that is.”

“Indeed. Yes, I mean, I am.” Tension radiated off his very being as he grew nearer. Pausing before her, he inhaled deeply like he was bracing himself. “About––”

She forced a smile. “It hardly matters, Your Grace. I only came to see if you still wished to accompany me today. I like to arrive early, you see. To visit the horses.”

Blinking slowly, he frowned. “The horses?”

“Yes, the horse race. Last night Lord Reginald extended an invitation to today’s race. He had extra seats in his box,” she reminded him. Talking almost helped her ignore the fact that he’d forgotten about their plans. It stung more than she expected. “Perhaps I misunderstood. I can always…”

Perhaps he didn’t wish to go. This was one event she would adore and now maybe she couldn’t.

“No. No, that is fine. I fear my mind has been elsewhere.” He paused awkwardly and cleared his throat. Dominic stared at her for a minute, clearly thinking. “Please take a seat. I should only be a moment.”

The awkwardness between them grew even with his leave.

Eleanor stared at her hands in the carriage, fearing it would have indeed been better for her to simply stay at home. Social events were painful enough. For public horse races only allowed so many of the ton to attend, so there wouldn’t be so many people.

There would be so many strangers. She had never been to a horse race without Roger. What if she couldn’t visit the animals before the race? Her brothers had always been there for her to rely on, whereas now she only had Dominic.

And he had made it clear he was not her brother.

I don’t know what he is. But he isn’t family. He’s not even a friend. We argue more than anything. Or he’s mocking me. How can I trust him to protect me, let alone keep me company during the race?

Eleanor opened her mouth to request they turned back home. Her lips parted with a small sound that caught his attention.

Straightening on his bench, Dominic blinked those eyes that reminded her of a very attentive wolf. His expression was clear and open.

Her heart stuttered. Feeling a flush creep up her cheek, Eleanor felt her tongue growing clumsy before she even said a word. She cleared her throat, and looked out the window.

Soon, they had arrived.

Up ahead were the tracks, surrounded by greenery between the brown and white painted lanes. Colorful tents were set up off to one side of the stables. Vendors sold nuts and sweets and ribbons and more. She thought she could smell cinnamon and cloves between the scent of hay and manure.

“A colorful scent,” Dominic mused when they climbed out of their carriage. He gave directions to their driver, handing the man a few coins, before taking Eleanor’s arm. “My favorite part, wouldn’t you agree?”

Eleanor’s lips pressed tightly together. She offered a short nod, not interested in his teasing. Already she was too busy looking for a way to go see the horses.

She thought Dominic made another jest she paid little mind to, until he stopped them in their tracks. When he gave his arm a shake, she finally looked up at him.

“Are you hungry?”

“I suppose. But…”

Following her gaze, he nodded at the stables. They would surely fit a hundred horses or more. Herbal pouches that freshened the space and calmed the creatures were often lined between each stall. They all had signs for their names, personalized and colorful. There would always be a few stableboys and riders who would greet them and let them say hello to the horses.

Dominic sighed, his breath ruffling the hair on top of her head. “You wish to see the horses. I knew that.”

“You wouldn’t have.”

“Of course I would.” He led her toward them. “You said as much. Besides, that was how we first met. You caught my runaway horse all by yourself. Seven years of age and braver than anyone I knew.”

A faint memory came to mind. “That’s right. He was a roan, wasn’t he? You called him Red. You were a horrible master.”

“I was six-and-ten; I was horrible in every way. Thank heavens for brave young girls.”

Eleanor smiled faintly as he sent her a wink. Feeling her heart soften, she tried to think of something to say. If Dominic could be kind, then so could she.

But he hardly gave her a chance as he brought her to the where it didn’t take more than a minute for them to be granted entry.

Dominic remained quiet but supportive, inviting Eleanor to enjoy herself in talking to the horses and admiring their strength and form. When the stablemaster aimed to converse with him, the duke redirected the conversation back to Eleanor.

By the time they left the stables, she found herself feeling out of sorts with Dominic. The encounter at his house was upsetting, but it was difficult to be put out when he was being kind.

“Why don’t you find us a few treats?” Dominic dropped his hand away to bring out a few coins. “I see Lord Reginald and will greet him for us, so he’ll be quieter in the box.”

Nodding voicelessly, Eleanor accepted the coins and made her way over the vendors.

It was all very crowded and noisy. A trumpet sounded, alerting everyone that the race would begin in just fifteen minutes. She would need to find them something to eat quickly and then find her way to the box.

Not that she knew where the box was. Her stomach clenched as she paused to look around. What was she supposed to fetch Dominic? She wasn’t certain if she was to use the coin just for him and she would use hers for herself. It didn’t seem right, since he was being forced here to escort her.

One doubt after another rolled through her mind as she grudgingly joined a queue without knowing what to expect.

Even when the displays of pastries and macaroons became visible, Eleanor felt her anxiety remain. Every step closer had her wondering what Dominic would prefer most. Something sweet like lavender? Or sharp like citrus?

“Next, please.”

Eleanor hesitated, her mind still undecided.

“Speak up, my lady.” The sardonic tone of Lady Lisabeth tugged Eleanor from her thoughts. She raised her thin eyebrow just as Eleanor reached the front table. “A lady knows when to be quiet, but one would think she also knows when to open her mouth.”

“My lady?” the vendor asked her, pulling her attention. The new voice made her jump. She thought she heard more snicking and turned to the line with heat creeping up her neck. “My lady, what can we prepare for you?”

Clenching the coins in her hands, Eleanor took a step back.

“Go on, my lady,” Lady Lisabeth invited.

“Never mind,” she started. Unable to meet anyone’s gaze, she dropped her head and turned about to go. Only she couldn’t. Familiar boots stood in her way.

They were attached to the rest of Dominic who reached down, gently scooping the coins from her hand. “What’s this?”

“I changed my mind,” she whispered. The tent was too hot for her.

“Nonsense, Lady Eleanor. I wouldn’t be a proper escort without spoiling you silly. What a delightful assortment we have here. We’ll take the lavender, vanilla, and lemon macaroons, along with your lemonade.”

The vendor paused. “How… how many?”

“Oh, you misunderstood.” Dominic chuckled in good humor before waving about and pulling out more coins from his waist coat. “I’ll take a collection of the macaroons for my box along with two glasses and a jar of the lemonade. But I’ll be buying the rest of them. No, I know, Lady Lisabeth, how cruel I must be. Still, I cannot resist. The good stablemaster has a sweet tooth and I must do what I can to pray my horse will win the race, eh?”

Blustering sounded from the line as everyone was put out. He was claiming the most popular flavors. Only two macaroons would be left behind alongside some lukewarm rose tea. Eleanor hunched her shoulders, hearing the disgruntlement.

Except it hardly bothered Dominic as he sorted out his order, ensured the macaroons and lemonade were delivered appropriately, and requested a delivery to their box. Only then did he scoop up her arm to deposit it on his, tugging them away from the tent and vendors over to the box.

She could hardly speak to Lord Reginald before they took their seats. Dominic positioned her in the corner so no one else would be close enough to speak with her.

Blasted man. How can I stay mad at him when he keeps doing kind things? This isn’t right. Dominic isn’t that sort of gentleman. He’s leaving me all confused and the day is too hot.

Eleanor slowly caught her breath. When his knee brushed gently against hers, she jumped and looked up to see his considering look. “We can leave, if you like.”

The macaroons and lemonade had been delivered. Her eyes fell on them, and he nudged the neat little package closer. “No, thank you. I’m not hungry anymore. You didn’t… You didn’t have to do that.”

“Do what?” Dominic asked innocently.

“They weren’t really being that rude. Everyone knows… Lady Lisabeth, she’s bitter because my father never considered…” Eleanor struggled to pull her words together while looking at him. Those yellow eyes glimmered with more emotion than she thought possible. It unnerved her. It made her heart thump as loud as hoof beats racing through the hills.

Dominic nudged the lemonade glass closer to her. “Drink what you can and we’ll take the rest of the macaroons home with us if you like. I promise I’ll hold onto them for you.”

His hand brushed against hers as he moved away, giving her another reason to catch her breath. Eleanor blinked several times but saw no lingering mark on her hand. It burned and tickled. But she could see no signs of it.

“Eleanor?” Inhaling, she forced herself to look at him again. Dominic pursed his lips. “Do you wish to leave?”

“No.” The words surprised both of them. Eleanor pulled back, wondering what this was supposed to mean. It was difficult enough understanding Dominic but now she hardly understood herself. But still she reassured him, trying not to think of her hand, “I want to stay.”