Page 37 of The Duke’s Indecent Scandal (Indecent Dukes #1)

Chapter Thirty-Six

G regory

Watching Sebastian come up short as he stormed into Gregory’s study, only to realize Gregory was not alone, was almost comical. The storm cloud on his brow did not abate, though.

“Sebastian,” he said mildly, watching his friend warily. They had known each other for a long time, and though they rarely argued, much less fought, Gregory knew when Sebastian was angry. Right now, he was irate. “Did you come to help with Nathanial’s accounts?”

Sebastian scowled at him, giving Nathanial and Christian curt nods of greeting. As Gregory had expected, the witnesses tempered some of Sebastian’s demeanor. He was certainly calmer after seeing them than he had been when he’d come barreling through the door.

“No, I had no idea Nathanial was here,” he said in a clipped tone. “I came to see why my mother was thrown out of her daughter’s house.”

“Is that how she’s describing it?” Gregory asked, raising his eyebrow. Somehow, that did not surprise him. He was beginning to realize how manipulative the duchess was. She seemed to be deliberately destructive, too, rather than misguided or unintentional in her actions. Though he’d wanted to ascribe ignorance to her rather than malice, it was becoming more difficult to do.

“Are you saying you did not?” Sebastian asked the question stiffly, and Gregory paused before responding. He could tell Sebastian was now uncertain of his tack. Seeing Christian and Nathanial here had thrown him off guard.

“I certainly did not throw her out.” Gregory shrugged. “I did make it clear that coming into my house and insulting my wife was unwelcome.”

As expected, Sebastian goggled at him. Like Gregory himself, Sebastian had likely never looked too closely at his mother’s behavior. And, as Tiffany had told him, the duchess was not as free with her viperish tongue when there were others about. Another sign that her intentions were malicious.

“Insulting Tiffany? How?” Sebastian was still stiffly demanding, immediately defensive, but not entirely disbelieving.

Gregory made short work of rehashing what he’d overheard between the two ladies in the drawing room, as well as the revelations that he’d felt he could share with Christian and Nathanial. Without their presence, he might have shared more, but upon further reflection, he was glad that they stymied his tongue. It was up to Tiffany whether she wanted to share with her brother what she’d shared with him.

As he spoke, Sebastian sat down, then slumped, one hand on his forehead, rubbing it as though he was getting a headache.

“I cannot believe she would so mispresent…” Sebastian started to say, then trailed off. He shook his head. “But then I cannot believe that you would fabricate…”

“When Gregory returned from speaking with your mother, he told us exactly what he just told you. I have also noted that your mother is not always… supportive of Tiffany,” Nathanial said a bit hesitantly. No one liked to speak ill of their friend’s mother, especially to their friend’s face. Gregory was losing his hesitation over it, though. “She can be quite cutting, though she does it in such a way that she says it as a jest or in a manner than could be taken more than one way.”

Sebastian scrubbed his hand over his face, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. He did not respond.

Huffing, Christian groaned.

“I did not want to have to tell either of you this, but it now seems it is necessary.” That confession meant all eyes immediately went to him, Sebastian lifting his head with an unhappy look on his face. Christian avoided looking at him, focusing on Gregory instead. “During your wedding brunch, I happened to be speaking with Lady Monmouth when you and Tiffany departed so precipitously. She commented that the Duchess of Bolton must be wrong, and you truly were a love match after all.”

Both Sebastian and Gregory stiffened. Tiffany’s mother had told Lady Monmouth that they were not? If she had told Lady Monmouth, had she told others? How much damage had she been trying to do to her daughter's reputation and standing by using the truth as gossip?

Coming from her, it was far more likely to be believed.

“We are a love match,” Gregory said immediately. It was the only defense he had against the truth about the original arrangement. Sebastian had been opening his mouth, but he snapped it shut, looking at Gregory in shock. Gregory looked back at him with all the sincerity he could, silently sending him a message, and Sebastian slowly nodded. The look in his eyes changed from surprise to gratified relief.

“Of course, you are. Even a blind man could see that,” Nathanial reassured him, to his surprise. “What would she get out of saying differently?”

That was the question. They all turned to Sebastian for the answer, but he shook his head helplessly.

“I do not know. I will have to talk to her. I do not know what she is thinking. She’s been having a hard time this Season; constant megrims, she’s been more out of sorts than usual. Perhaps Lady Monmouth misheard something she said or… I do not know.”

It was the kind of excuses Gregory had made in his head for the duchess in the past, but no more. Still, he could hardly demand that Sebastian turn on his own mother. But he would not countenance her upsetting Tiffany in the future, either.

Christian reached over, patting Sebastian on the shoulder.

“Perhaps she did mishear. It will work itself out, old chap, do not worry.” Not particularly encouraging coming from Christian, who rarely worried about anything, but it was well meant.

Obviously not eager to return home to his mother, Sebastian offered his services to look at Nathanial’s accounts. Unfortunately, he was not able to find any more advice to give than Gregory and Christian already had. Nathanial was as stuck as they feared.

“You should let me give you a loan,” Christian insisted, but Nathanial shook his head, his stubborn pride showing through.

“I can fix this on my own.”

“By getting married.”

Nathanial raised a sardonic eyebrow. “Is that not the usual way for our set?”

“Yes, but you should have a choice in who you marry,” Christian argued stubbornly.

Gregory and Sebastian watched silently. He was not sure why Sebastian was silent, but he knew that for himself, he could see both of their points. Nathanial was all stubborn pride, wanting to be seen as equal to his peers, wanting to solve the problem on his own. Christian was the type to put practicality above pride… but he also had never been in Nathanial’s position before. He might feel differently if pride was all that he had left to him.

Gregory had never been in Nathanial’s position before, either, but he was far more empathetic than Christian. Hell, a worm was probably more empathetic than Christian, when it came down to it. He was a good man, but understanding perspectives other than his own had never been his strong suit.

“I have a choice. I can choose whether to let my friends fund my life or I can marry. I choose to marry.” Nathanial’s eyes blazed, his grim tone reflected in the set of his jaw. “And I will choose my bride. After that, many more choices will open up to me. You should stop worrying about who I am going to marry and start worrying about choosing your own wife.”

Waving an indolent hand, Christian made a face. “There is time enough for that yet.”

As they’d rather exhausted the topic, Gregory suggested that they move their gathering to Tattersalls. Some of his anger at his mother-in-law was still simmering and admiring the recent arrivals of horseflesh sounded just the thing. It would also give them all something else to focus on and Sebastian a reason to avoid returning home for a while. Unsurprisingly, the others immediately agreed, with varying amounts of relief.

Making their way to the front of the house, Gregory heard the sound of feminine laughter echoing up the stairs. When they reached the landing, it was clear that it was time for Tiffany’s tea to start—the foyer was full of ladies in varying hues. Seeing his wife’s happy expression, he felt his own heart lighten a bit.

Of course, Lady Astrid and Baroness Ashfield were known to all of them. They had not spent as much time with Lady Astrid because Drake did not spend much time with her, but they had all been introduced. The baroness they were all on far more friendly terms, which made this meeting rather fraught since Zachary had ended their relationship.

All the gentlemen were relieved when she greeted them without a hint of censure. Whatever her current feelings about Zachary, she was not painting them with the same brush.

Which left Miss Little. Sebastian had been introduced to her last night and greeted her with the same friendly smile that he had both Lady Astrid and the baroness.

“Hereford, Montagu, this is Miss Kalina Little. Miss Little, these are my friends, the Dukes of Hereford and Montagu.” His mother would certainly approve of him introducing the young woman to more dukes.

Dark eyes wide, Miss Little sank into a deep curtsy, bowing her head as she did so. To Gregory’s bemusement, Nathanial was the one who stepped forward, beating Christian to take her hand. It was odd not because Christian was overly eager when introduced to a lady but because Nathanial had the tendency to hang back, observing before acting. That he moved quickly to be the first to make his bow was not exactly in character for him.

“Miss Little. A pleasure to meet your acquaintance.” Nathanial bowed over her hand, smiling. She smiled back at him, a small smile, but there was something between them. It reminded Gregory of the little sizzle of attraction he’d felt when he’d first seen Tiffany in the library.

Gregory could not help but wonder if Nathanial knew the gossip around her family.

As far as the size of her dowry, she would be a good match for him. Gregory had learned that her father had a stake in a rose diamond mine, one of the rarest diamonds. The pink jewels she currently wore were a stunning example of her wealth and were perfectly set off against the cream and mauve gown she wore, both of which made the most of her dark skin, hair, and eyes.

Unfortunately, her current standing with the ton and the Stilton’s lack of welcome to her family were a mark against them. Nathanial had three sisters who would need guidance through Society as they made their come-outs over the next few years. Someone like Christian, with no younger sister, or Sebastian, whose only sister was now married, would be far more suitable on that front.

But from the way Nathanial was looking at her as Christian took his turn bowing over her hand… well, Gregory would have to have a word with him to be sure he knew the current imbroglio around her family.

He would need to keep one eye on that situation and another on Tiffany and Sebastian. Tiffany knew her brother had not been expected this morning, and she was currently frowning at him in consternation, and Sebastian was studiously avoiding her gaze. Probably because he still did not know how to handle this morning’s revelations.

Right now was not the time to have the siblings finally talk about their mother, though.

“We are off to Tattersall’s.” He took Tiffany’s hand and squeezed her fingers. “Enjoy your tea, ladies.”

“We intend to,” Lady Astrid said, causing the baroness to laugh. Tiffany lifted her free hand to cover her giggle while Miss Little blinked in surprise. Gregory led the gentlemen out, noting Nathanial’s last glance at the dark beauty he’d just met.

Yes, he was definitely going to need to have a word with the other man.

Tiffany

It became quickly apparent to Tiffany that she much preferred a small social gathering with a select group of friends over the nerve-wracking crush of the balls or the socially significant at-homes and larger teas. It was not difficult to relax with these three ladies, their social mores falling one by one as they chatted. Baroness Ashfield was now Delilah, Lady Astrid had already told Tiffany to call her Astrid but now it felt easier to, and Miss Little was Kalina.

Tiffany, as a reining duchess, was the highest ranking among them, but she did not want to be treated as such, and the others followed her lead.

Although the most exciting moment from last night was centered around the rescue of the monkey Sinclair, they barely touched on that topic out of deference to Delilah’s feelings. Kalina was the only one who was confused when they did not discuss it further. Tiffany would have to inform her of Delilah’s prior relationship with the Duke of Grafton and why dwelling on anything involving him was unwelcome.

It did not hurt that, of course, they all wanted to know all about Kalina and her family’s decision to relocate to England—a less-than-triumphant return for her father. Despite Kalina’s inherent shyness, as they questioned her about her home and how she grew up, comparing it to their own upbringing, she became more verbose. Like Tiffany, she seemed far more comfortable in this setting than in larger social situations—likely because no one here was pretending she and her family did not exist.

Tiffany was happy to hear her speak more, and not just because she wanted to get to know her better. Kalina’s English was flawless, but her accent was unlike anyone else in the ton , and she found it beautiful to listen to. Far more melodic than even the usual tonnish way of speaking. She wondered if Kalina sang.

“Papa missed England,” she explained when they reached this Season on the timeline of their lives. “He wanted us to see it, and he hoped if we appeared in person, his family would not be able to ignore us anymore. Especially because… well…” Her fingers lifted to the stunning rose diamond necklace she was wearing.

It was smaller, less showy, than the one she’d worn the night before, delicate rather than grand. That she had two such pieces was an indication of the wealth her father had amassed while away from his family. For some families, that would be enough. Unfortunately, the Stilton family had their own deep pockets and were far too priggish to be swayed by their youngest son’s financial success.

Lady Astrid snorted indelicately.

“Never underestimate the English’s penchant for snobbery,” she said. “Even if they needed your father’s wealth, they would take it while looking down their noses at him and your family the entire time.”

“Sadly accurate,” Delilah murmured, lifting her teacup to take a sip. Despite the lightness of her tone, there was bitterness laced through it. “Everything must be done a certain way, to certain social strictures, or else the sky would fall down.” The last part of her statement was heavy with sarcastic mockery.

It was the closest she’d come to referring to her own relationship with Zachary, and Tiffany’s heart hurt for the woman. She had clearly loved him, only to be given a dismissal when it was time for him to marry, and all because gentlemen were supposed to marry virgins rather than their lovers. No matter their feelings.

“Have we crossed the line on any?” Kalina asked, appearing worried that something in Delilah’s statement referred to her.

“No, dear, I was talking about my own situation.” Delilah sighed and frowned. “I am not sure how much I can tell you without offending your sensibilities or, at the very least, saying something I should not in front of young, unmarried ladies. Astrid does not count, of course. She already knows far more than she should.”

“About what married ladies and mistresses do?” Kalina asked. Everyone looked at her. With her dark complexion it was impossible to tell if she was blushing or not, but Tiffany felt that she was. “My mother has explained, in detail, what passes between a man and a woman and that it is not always necessary to be married for, ah, intimacies.”

“Really?” Tiffany could not help but ask, mentally comparing such a statement to her own experience with her mother. “My mother would have rather died than talk about such things.” Well, at least until she had to talk about Tiffany’s wedding night. And then her description had been both terrifying and erroneous. Tiffany was glad her mother had not spoken about it to her before.

“English snobbery,” Astrid said darkly. “It is so important to keep us young virgins in the dark so we do not know our fates because, with knowledge, we might actually find a way to control some of our own lives.” Quite a statement from someone who had been betrothed since nearly birth.

“My mother did not want me caught unawares and to be very careful of any gentlemen with nefarious intentions. She wanted me to know what they might try to do.” Kalina frowned, brushing imaginary crumbs off her pink and cream skirt.

“Your mother is very wise,” Delilah told her. “There are far too many so-called gentlemen in our set who are happy to take advantage of a young woman’s naivete. Especially one who is new to Society and without the support of her family.”

They all knew that Delilah meant the broader family of the Earl of Stilton, not Kalina’s immediate family.

“Well, you have our support now, and that is no small thing,” Tiffany said, rather delighted as she realized the truth of her words. As a duchess, there was a good deal she could do to advance Kalina’s interests. The same for Astrid, as a future duchess. Delilah might not have their rank, but she did have more connections due to her status as a widow and being a bit older than the rest of them. She’d had more time to make those connections.

“Not small at all,” Astrid agreed, a little glint in her eye, exchanging a look with Delilah. “In fact, we know a matchmaker of exceptional skill. That is if you truly want a husband.”

“I do,” Kalina said immediately, nodding earnestly. “One that will make Papa happy.”

“But what do you want?” Delilah asked gently. “Other than your father’s happiness? Do you even want to marry an Englishman?”

Kalina paused. Her mouth opened. Closed. Tiffany could not help but wonder if she’d ever considered the question before.

“I do not mind marrying an Englishman. I find your country very different from my own, very exotic. The tea is… perhaps not as strong as I enjoy, and the food not as spiced as I prefer, but I do like it here. Or I think I would if Papa were happier.” She smiled. “This is very nice, being here today.”

That made Tiffany’s heart warm. Kalina wanted friends as much as she did. She was amused to hear Britain described as exotic especially with the mania for items from India, which the British thought of as exotic, but she supposed that was the point. “Exotic” was whatever one was not used to.

“What kind of Englishman would you like to marry?”

“Ah… someone kind. Who will not be upset if Papa’s family never comes around to our presence here.” She paused again. They waited. But it appeared that was it. Astrid and Delilah exchanged another glance. Tiffany would have felt a bit left out, but Kalina met her gaze at the same time, and she realized that the two of them were closer in temperament.

She understood Kalina’s impulse to do what was best for her family, putting her own considerations to the side. Not even bothering to have considerations. In that, she and Kalina were very much alike.

Astrid cleared her throat.

“Well, we can certainly introduce you to some gentlemen who will fulfill that description. We also know a very talented matchmaker, another friend of ours, if none of the gentlemen we introduce you to suit.” Astrid nodded her head, as if she’d made a decision, the gleam in her eye very much like the one she’d had when she’d taken over Tiffany’s dress fitting at Madame Allard’s.

Which had worked out very well for Tiffany in the end. She could only hope fate would step in and do the same for Kalina. Though, if fate did not, she felt sure that Lady Astrid would.