Page 10 of The Duke’s Reluctant Muse (The Untamed Nobles #3)
One week later
“‘I have found the company of your sister to be a great boon,’” Elizabeth read aloud, as her brother grinned at her. “‘I have only had to be her chaperone on two occasions this last week as you know, but on almost every occasion, I have been in her company and found it to be just as you said. I confess that I find it difficult to trust without hesitation but I can assure you that it is more present with Miss Jeffries than with any other young lady! And whether it is just my imagination, I cannot say, but I feel as though there have been fewer glances and whispered words these last few days also.’”
“Would you say so?”
Elizabeth glanced up at her brother as he watched her with careful eyes. “I cannot say, Dennington.”
“No?”
She shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “I have noticed a few more, I suppose, but those looks have been sent toward me rather than to the Duke.”
“Because you have been beside him.”
“And because he is my chaperone.”
Her brother frowned. “Does that trouble you?”
Instantly, Elizabeth smiled. “No, not in the least.” Seeing her brother’s eyebrows lift, Elizabeth shrugged. “The Duke of Nottingham is not as dark a character as I considered the evening of the soiree. The way he apologised, the way he sought to make amends and improve himself only to me has been significant. His conversation has been a little stilted at times but it is improving.”
At this, Lord Dennington smiled warmly. “He has been out of practice for some time, remember.”
“I do remember,” Elizabeth reassured him. “As I have said, it has been a little stilted but it is getting much better. He even smiles on occasion!”
This made Lord Dennington chuckle, as Elizabeth grinned.
“Continue with the letter, if you would.”
With a nod, Elizabeth turned her gaze back to the few remaining lines. “‘However, I must now turn my attention to seeking out a prospective young lady to court,’” she continued, wondering why her stomach dropped so low at these words. “‘I will continue on with my duties as your sister’s chaperone when required, of course, but I must also think on the sole purpose of my return to society: namely, to find a bride. The trouble is, I have very little certainty as to what to do when I spy a young lady that I am drawn to! I have tried three times previously, as you know, but from the beginning, it seems as though these young ladies were not at all interested in furthering a connection with me. I feel foolish not to have seen it from the beginning and wonder if there is any guidance that you might wish to give me on how I should even approach such a lady.’”
Finishing the letter, she set it down on the seat beside her and lifted one eyebrow enquiringly toward her brother.
Lord Dennington’s eyes rounded and he spread out his hands. “I have not pursued a young lady before so I am entirely uncertain as to what to do!”
Elizabeth laughed, shaking her head at her brother. “Ah, but you have Lady Annette hanging upon your every word whenever she encounters you, so it is not as though you have any need to ponder such a matter, is it?”
This made her brother flush and Elizabeth laughed again, seeing her brother look away and mutter something, though she could not make out what it was. Lady Annette had, this last sennight, been often in his company and Elizabeth had taken note of it. Her brother himself did not appear to be in the least bit displeased by the lady’s attentions but had seemed to be delighted with it. Elizabeth had wondered if there was some sort of interest between them but had kept such thoughts to herself, thinking that her brother would speak to her of it if he so desired.
“Are you going to write to him again?”
Making to nod, Elizabeth hesitated. These last few days, she had found herself enjoying the Duke’s company and now found herself a little concerned that he would think less of her – a good deal less – if he ever discovered that she was the one who had been writing to him.
“No?”
“I shall, of course.” Elizabeth took in a breath and smiled, setting her shoulders as she did so. “I am just thinking of what I am to say first. The truth is, I have no experience in such things and yet I am meant to be offering advice!”
“But you are a young lady and thus, you will be well aware of what other young ladies might seek when it comes to a gentleman beginning to show an interest in them.”
Elizabeth nodded slowly, thinking quickly. “That is something, I suppose.” She smiled to herself, recalling the Duke’s previous letters. “And he was a little too eager with the other three ladies, from what I remember him saying.”
Her brother winced. “Yes, much too hasty.”
“Then I shall begin with that,” Elizabeth replied, rising to her feet and walking across the room to the writing table. “And thereafter, add one or two other suggestions by which to guide him. I am sure that, very soon, he will find himself a good deal more contented.”
As she sat to write, a slight niggle in Elizabeth’s heart gave her pause. Why was she pausing when it came to the Duke’s desire to find himself a match? That was precisely what she knew he wanted and what she had thought to aid him with! There was nothing else to think on but to do as the Duke asked and offer him the very best advice she could think of.
***
“Your Grace, good afternoon.”
“Good afternoon.” The Duke of Nottingham bowed low, smiling as he raised his head. “And to you also, Lady Annette.”
“Good afternoon.” Lady Annette’s smile was a little hesitant but it arrived nonetheless, just as the Duke’s attention was caught by Elizabeth’s brother coming to join them.
“Ah, good afternoon, Dennington. I am glad to see you out this afternoon, I am sure the sunshine and fine company here at Hyde Park will do you very well.”
“I am sure it shall.” Lord Dennington took in a long breath, smiling as he let it out. “Goodness, it is already crowded!”
Elizabeth nodded, her eyes roving over the crowd of gentlemen and ladies that seemed to fill the park. Carriages proceeded at a languorous pace, yet gentlemen and ladies ambled with a briskness that surpassed their progress. It was only her second time at the fashionable hour, though her first attendance the previous week had been marred by heavy rain.
“You need not look so overwhelmed.” Lady Annette touched Elizabeth’s arm, making her flush with the embarrassment of her astonishment being noticed. “Once you are amongst the crowd, all will be forgotten. You will find one or two acquaintances to speak to and, thereafter, move to another one or two – and then the time shall come for us all to return home for this evening’s entertainment!”
Still feeling a little overwhelmed, Elizabeth tried to smile and nod but struggled to do either. There were so many people present, so many faces that the thought of pushing herself into the crowd was a heavy weight upon her mind.
“Shall we all walk together?” her brother asked, coming to stand beside her. “Come, Elizabeth.” Smiling at her, he took her hand and set it on his arm, leaving the Duke and Lady Annette to walk beside each of them.
“I have thought about your advice,” she heard the Duke say quietly to her brother, though Lady Annette instantly began to chatter away beside Elizabeth, making it difficult for her to hear clearly. “But I struggle to know how I am to show a small interest in a lady when most of them seem to think that I am ill-tempered and poor in spirit!”
Lord Dennington cleared his throat gently, shooting a glance to Elizabeth that she tried to ignore for fear that her brother would make it obvious to the Duke that she knew everything that was being said.
“I suppose that you must do your best to ignore what they might think of you and instead, prove that you are not so.”
“And how do I go about that?”
Elizabeth smiled half to herself and half at her brother, though Lady Annette continued to speak, clearly entirely unaware that Elizabeth listened with only half an ear. Her brother seemed to be at something of a loss for he said nothing and lifted his shoulders, no sound advice coming from him.
“Lady Annette,” she said suddenly, interrupting her friend’s long speech which, again, Lady Annette did not seem to mind given the broad smile on her face. “Might I suggest that you walk alongside the Duke for a time? I have something I wish to say to Dennington that is of a somewhat private nature. I am sure that your brother will not mind...”
“No, I should say not!” Lady Annette interjected, though she frowned at Elizabeth as she spoke. “He knows I am here but did not send anyone with me as chaperone.”
“Then I am sure, Your Grace, that you would not mind if Lady Annette walked with you for a few moments? It will only be for a minute or two.”
The Duke’s eyebrows lifted, surprise sparking there. “I – I suppose… no, there is no reason why I should not. Yes, Lady Annette, if you might wish to walk with me so that Miss Jeffries and Lord Dennington can speak privately, then that would be more than acceptable.”
Elizabeth put an encouraging smile on her face as Lady Annette, after a moment’s hesitation, made her way towards the Duke, taking his proffered arm and, thereafter, continuing on their walk towards the gathered crowd. Elizabeth held her steps back for a moment or two before following, seeing her brother looking at her, a heavy frown on his face.
“What is it?”
She glanced up at him. “What do you mean?”
“I mean what it is that you wish to speak to me about in private? What could have possibly come into your mind with such urgency that you had to pull me away from my conversation with the Duke?”
With a small snort, Elizabeth rolled her eyes as her brother’s frown grew heavier. “Dennington, can you not see what I have done?” With her free hand, she gestured to Lady Annette who was now speaking animatedly to the Duke. “The Duke questioned how he was to make a good impression upon the ton if they all think him to be ill tempered and the like, but now, as we approach the beau monde, they will see him arm in arm with Lady Annettee.”
Understanding cleared the frown from Lord Dennington’s face. “And Lady Annette finds it very easy indeed to converse with anyone.”
“Precisely.” Elizabeth chuckled softly. “Thus, anyone who sees them will see a gentleman arm in arm with a young lady who is animated in her conversation with him and thus, the impression they have of the Duke might begin to change.”
Her brother shook his head, reaching across himself to pat her hand. “My dear sister, you are quite remarkable, I must say.”
Elizabeth smiled back at him. “You are very kind to say so, Dennington.” She lifted one shoulder, watching her brother carefully. “Who knows? It may be that the Duke finds himself quite intrigued by Lady Annette and his pursuit will be brought to a swift but contented close.”
This made Lord Dennington’s brows fall heavily over his eyes, shadows jumping into them almost immediately and Elizabeth could not contain her laughter. Hearing it, her brother scowled, narrowing his eyes at her though Elizabeth only smiled back at him, her answer having already been received through his reaction to her words.
“Then might I suggest, brother, that you yourself show an interest in the lady before she is snatched up by the attentions of another?” Elbowing him lightly, she began to walk a little more quickly now so as to catch up with her friend. “If you truly find her amiable and beautiful, then why do you not call to take tea?”
“Because I am still recovering,” came the brusque reply. “I am an unwell fellow and cannot possibly offer myself as a suitable gentleman when I have not fully recovered.”
“That is nonsense.” Elizabeth paused and turned to face her brother, her gaze sharp. “Lady Annette will not think any less of you for that. Besides which, do you think that regret will make you any better?” When he did not answer, Elizabeth laughed softly and, put one hand to his cheek. “Be wise in this, Dennington. Do not let the moment pass you by, else you may find that it is much too late.”
With a begrudging nod, her brother continued to walk, though a small smile played about his lips thereafter. Elizabeth walked with him in silence, her own thoughts lingering on the connection between Lady Annette and her brother. Might it be that they could find true happiness?
And if they did, then what would happen to her?
Or might it be that I too will find a suitable match this Season? she thought to herself, her gaze lingering on the Duke and Lady Annette as they walked together. Might it be that I too will marry?
Her heart leapt at the thought but Elizabeth did not allow it to linger, pulling her gaze away from the Duke and letting it go across the crowd once more. Somewhere, mayhap, there was a gentleman that might make her very happy indeed. All she had to do was find him.