Page 11 of The Duke’s Ultimatum (Unrelenting Lords #1)

CHAPTER 11

E leanor poured tea into her cup while her mother and Sarah prattled on about the newest scandal concerning a young debutante and a rakish lord who apparently ran off to Gretna Green.

Beatrice was busy reading a book that lay in her lap out of her mother’s line of sight. Eleanor could only shake her head. The Duke had more on his plate than he bargained for with this family.

“And that’s when her father came in and tackled the man to the ground!” Sarah’s voice squealed, catching Eleanor’s attention.

“I would be horrified if any one of you girls did that.” Charlotte feigned shock. For as much as her mother worried about family gossip getting out, Eleanor wouldn’t put it past her mother to spread the news herself.

“That would require there be men worthy enough to run away with, Mother.” Eleanor’s voice was devoid of any emotion. After the past few days, she was tired of only talking about marriage and suitors. Her eyes fell on Beatrice. Maybe her sister was onto something, always escaping into books.

“I’m sure there are plenty of worthy men out there if you were to be open to the prospect.”

Charlotte choked on her tea as the Duke walked into the Breakfast room. “Your Grace! I did not realize you would be joining us for breakfast. I would have waited if I had known.

Graynor sat down at the other end of the table, opposite of Charlotte. “No need to apologize. I found I had some unexpected free time this morning, so I decided it would be a nice change to spend breakfast with you lovely ladies.”

Charlotte and Sarah both blushed under his compliment while Beatrice barely acknowledged his presence, her eyes still focused on the book in her lap.

Eleanor nodded with a kind smile. Perhaps her conversation with him yesterday had some positive effect on the Duke, and he was willing to play the game. Sitting with them and getting to know them would be an excellent start.

“I’m glad you could join us, Your Grace.” Eleanor truly meant the words. After their talk yesterday, she had made herself a promise to let bygones be bygones and try to work with the Duke to find herself a match. She was leaning towards Simon Hawkins, the Viscount of Hountshire, and she needed the Duke to be on her side to get this done.

Graynor eyed her curiously and tilted his head in acknowledgment.

“Tell me, Your Grace, did you enjoy the party yesterday?” Charlotte inquired as she speared a piece of fruit with her fork.

“I did, Charlotte; it was very illuminating.”

“Then why did we have to leave so suddenly? Ow!” Sarah reached down to rub the shin her mother just kicked.

“What? One minute, I was talking to Byron Wilkins, and the next, I was being summoned to the carriages as if the house was on fire. It was quite rude.”

Charlotte’s high-pitched laugh drowned out Sarah’s snip. “Oh Sarah, it was nothing like that. I’m sure there was a perfectly good reason why we had to leave so quickly, and it is not our place to question His Grace.” Charlotte smiled sweetly at the Duke while Sarah scowled, continuing to rub her affected leg.

“I do apologize for the abruptness of our departure. There was a pressing matter I needed to attend to.”

“I still don’t know why we all had to leave,” Sarah muttered under her breath to which Charlotte gave her a pointed look.

Eleanor bit her tongue. They all had to leave because the Duke dragged her out of there, and it would have looked suspicious if only the two of them left abruptly. Of course, she couldn’t supply that answer without further questions from her sister and mother, so she decided to let the Duke be on the receiving end of one of her sister’s pouts. There were worst penances he could receive for his actions.

“I will send word to the boy’s family with my apologies, and we’ll arrange to have them over. I hear his father works in some trade I’m interested in.”

Sarah clapped her hands together. “You will?”

“Your Grace, that is too kind!” Charlotte exclaimed.

Even Beatrice looked up from her words.

“You are familiar with Lord Dunshire?” Eleanor inquired.

“I make it a habit to know everyone in my circle, Eleanor.” Graynor looked at Eleanor, a slight challenge in his eyes.

Eleanor sensed a change in the Duke’s demeanor. Something was off. Instead of questioning him, she focused on the fruit on her plate. She could feel the Duke’s eyes still on her. When she raised her eyes, she found her suspicions to be true. Dark blue eyes were staring directly at her.

“Is there something amiss, Your Grace?” Dread pooled in her stomach. What could have possibly changed in the past several seconds? He came into the room jovial and compliant, yet with one question, he acted as if she had greatly offended him.

“There is something I’m hoping to rectify, Eleanor, and I think you’re the only one to help me. That is, if you’re up to the challenge.”

Tension and unease filled the room. Charlotte, Sarah, and even Beatrice’s eyes settled on Eleanor. She felt very uncomfortable being the center of their curiosity.

Eleanor tried to shrug off the tension. “Whatever it is, I’m sure it would be my pleasure to help,” she said, fighting the nerves that danced in her stomach.

The Duke took a moment to collect himself. After pushing out a deep breath, the Duke balled his hands into fists on the table before relaxing them. Whatever the Duke was about to say, it was causing him great stress.

Worried, Eleanor sat straighter and looked to her family for support. Each woman stared blankly back at her; they were just as curious, and alarmed, as she was.

“I was hoping, if you were agreeable, if you would help me acclimate to High Society and become more amenable to my peers.”

Eleanor was surprised the Duke didn’t break his jaw with how hard he was clenching his teeth when he spoke.

She could feel the collective sigh of relief from her sisters and mother. Solace flooded her, along with amusement. She knew it would be rude to be smug at the Duke’s admission that he needed her help, but she couldn’t help but let a satisfied smile warm her lips.

“It would be my honor, Your Grace. May I ask why the sudden change of heart?”

Graynor narrowed his eyes in her direction. She knew she was pushing her luck, but the feeling of superiority was too good to let pass.

“It has come to my attention that I may come off as somewhat of an arrogant arse to my peers, and if I am to unload, er, I mean, see you three with respectable prospects, then I need to fit into polite society.”

Her sisters giggled at his language.

Eleanor raised an eyebrow at the Duke’s choice of words while her mother chided her sisters. “I think we need to start with your language. It is highly inappropriate to speak so lowly in mixed company, Your Grace,” Eleanor sniffed.

Graynor rolled his lips and sighed through his nose. He looked at Charlotte and her two younger daughters. “My apologies, ladies. It seems I have a lot to learn about etiquette amongst High Society. Hopefully with Eleanor’s help, I will be more helpful in our pursuit to see you both with adequate husbands.”

Charlotte beamed. “Oh, Your Grace. Just you being here is already so helpful, but you couldn’t have picked a better tutor. Our Eleanor is the epitome of social grace and will be a great asset to your endeavor.”

Eleanor smiled. It seemed all her years of learning to be amiable and pleasant would be used for more than finding a husband.

Graynor looked back at Eleanor, his fingers were rapping on the table. “Is that a yes, Eleanor?”

She looked at his tapping fingers and tilted her head towards them. The Duke, confused, look down at his hands then back up to her. Realizing her intention, he stopped the movement.

A corner of her lips quirked. “It will be my honor, Your Grace.”

Graynor’s shoulders released. “Perfect. When shall we get started.” He picked up his tea and made a slurping sound as he drank.

Four sets of horrified eyes looked on as he continued to drink.

Eleanor dabbed her mouth with her napkin before settling it back on her lap. “I feel we should start as soon as possible, Your Grace.”

Graynor put down his cup and looked around the table. “I see. Well, if that is the case, I need to send some correspondence, so if you would, please meet me in my study after you finish.”

He pushed away from the table and stood. “Please excuse me, I’ll see to that now.”

As soon as the door swung closed behind him, the table erupted in girlish giggles.

“Are you sure you’re up to the task, Eleanor?” Sarah mused.

Charlotte swatted at her daughter. “Sarah, mind your manners. It must’ve taken great strength for the Duke to ask for help. We must not make light of his situation.”

Eleanor nodded in agreement. “Mama’s right, Sarah. This is a completely different world than where he came from. We must be kind and patient as he acclimates himself.

“Does that mean you’ll be nicer to him?” Beatrice looked up from her book.

Eleanor swallowed. Her youngest sister might not seem like she was paying attention, but she was more astute than anyone gave her credit for.

Eleanor nodded in concession. “I will not lie and say I have been the warmest to the Duke, but yes, I have decided I was not being fair to His Grace and his circumstances. I feel that with my help, we’ll all be able to get what we want.”

“Marriage?” Sarah questioned with a look of doubt.

Eleanor nodded. “Yes. He’s right. It is time I pick a husband. And I think I have.”

Charlotte sat up in her chair with her palms settled on the table. “Do not toy with me, daughter. My heart simply cannot take it. Are you serious?”

Eleanor rolled her eyes at her mother’s dramatics. “Yes, Mama. I think Viscount Hountshire will make a fine husband.”

“Oh, I saw you two have a rather lengthy promenade around the garden yesterday,” Sarah chimed in.

“We did. Unfortunately, I do not think His Grace is too fond of my choice.”

Charlotte pouted. “I wonder why? Maybe he needs a chance to get to know him.”

Beatrice took a bit of her bread. “I don’t know, Mama. Didn’t you hear him?” She swallowed as she cleared her throat. “I make it a habit to know everyone in my circle,” she said while imitating the Duke’s low voice.

Charlotte bristled. “Beatrice, it is not favorable to mimic His Grace. And don’t talk with food in your mouth. It is no wonder he did not ask you for your help.”

Beatrice shrugged and returned her focus to her book.

Eleanor watched the exchange, amazed that her mother still hadn’t realized that Beatrice was reading at the table.

“Beatrice has a point, Mama; I’m sure the Duke is aware of the Viscount’s character,” Sarah added.

Eleanor glanced at the door the Duke just vacated. Sarah was right. He might not know how to act in society, but he definitely did his research on the people involved in society. So, why didn’t he like the Viscount?

She scrunched her face, and she brushed away the thought. “It’s of no consequence for this particular discussion, Sarah. Whatever his thoughts are of the Viscount, they can be addressed later. The more amicable he is to his peers, the more doors will open for you and Beatrice. And I don’t want you two to go through the stress I’m dealing with now. If we can find you two husbands that you have an interest in, and it’s done in a timely manner, then His Grace will have little say in the matter. That is my goal with me helping him.”

Charlotte sighed, placing a hand over her heart. “This is the most settled I’ve felt since your father passed. I truly think we will all come out on the other side better.”

Eleanor chuckled. “I’m not so sure about that, Mama, but I will certainly do my part to help.”

Eleanor once again dabbed her mouth with her napkin and pushed away from the table. With one last look around the table she made her way towards the door. “Well, I guess it’s time I begin. Wish me luck!”

She felt she was going to need all the luck she could get.