Page 9 of The Duke’s Ultimatum (Unrelenting Lords #1)

CHAPTER 9

“ E leanor?” Charlotte’s voice carried in from the hallway.

“In here, Mama!” Eleanor put down her brush and gave herself one last glance in the mirror before turning to the doorway.

“His Grace would like to see you.”

Eleanor schooled her face. She managed to avoid the Duke over the past few days. Partly out of embarrassment but mostly because she learned she couldn’t trust her instincts around him. He brought out the worst in her, not only her temperament but something else. Something more feminine and primal. Feelings that scared her and therefore needed to be locked away before they got her in trouble.

“I wonder what he wants?” Eleanor frowned at her mother. She really didn’t want to speak to Graynor.

Charlotte shrugged. “He didn’t say, but please, whatever you do, please mind your manners. Remember, His Grace is here to help us. He didn’t come all this way to purposefully make your life miserable, so stop making his miserable.”

Eleanor grimaced at her mother’s comment. “I don’t intentionally try to make him miserable.”

Charlotte gave Eleanor a pointed look. “No? Is it just your way around men, then? Is that why you are not married and part of the reason why we are in our current predicament?”

Eleanor’s grimace morphed into a scowl. “Where is he?”

“In his study. Hurry along. The carriage will be here shortly.”

Eleanor brushed past her mother and made her way down to the Duke’s study.

After a light rap on the door, she pushed it open. She stopped herself from fully opening the door and walking in. What was it about this man that had her shirking her upbringing? She took a deep breath to settle her thoughts and waited for him to welcome her in.

“Come in,” his voice rang out, sending a thrill of electricity through her. She closed her eyes for a moment, took another deep cleansing breath, and opened the door.

The Duke stood at a mirror, fixing his cravat.

“I hate these bloody things. I always feel like they’re choking me. What’s the point of them?”

Eleanor stood silent for a moment. Her initial reaction would be to have something witty and petty to say about men’s fashions versus women’s fashions, but she thought better of it.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace. I don’t know the answer to that. My mother said, you would like to see me.”

With one more scowl in the mirror, the Duke turned towards her.

“Ah, yes. Are you all ready to go to Lady Merrington’s?”

Eleanor splayed out her hands and turned in a circle. “I’m dressed, aren’t I?”

She cringed. So much for not being petty.

Graynor narrowed his eyes, but she noticed a small quiver in his lips. He was trying not to smile. Eleanor relaxed her shoulders; she was doing herself no favors by being haughty with the man.

“I implore you to keep that quick wit to just us. I don’t want you scaring any potential suitors away today.”

Eleanor quirked her head. “I’m sorry?”

Graynor began to button his coat, Eleanor’s eyes tracked how his muscles bunched and stretched under the fabric. She blinked a few times to refocus her attention on his face.

“Today.” Graynor looked directly at Eleanor. “I have it on good authority that there will be plenty of potential matches at Lady Merrington’s garden party.”

“Good authority? What, do you have a spy?” Eleanor snorted.

“I do,” Graynor deadpanned.

Eleanor stood straight. “What? That’s ridiculous. What does that even mean? Have you hired a man to seek out all the invitations and scope out the pool of eligible men?”

Graynor considered it for a moment. “Yes.”

He began walking to the door, completely oblivious to Eleanor’s shock.

“I expect you to be on your best behavior. This is an ample time to see your prospects and possibly pick someone.”

Eleanor turned to follow him out into the hallway. “After one garden party, you expect me to pick a husband?”

Graynor kept walking, not bothering to turn back to talk to her. She had to quicken her steps to keep up with him. “Not necessarily, but I do expect you to have a narrowed down list of men you’re interested in.”

“Your Grace,” she huffed as she struggled to keep up with his long strides, “you’re acting as if this some…”

“Business dealing?” he finished for her.

She turned her head sharply in his direction.

“Feel free to judge me all you want, Eleanor, but this is a business dealing. I’m sorry if that offends your precious sensibilities, but that’s the way it is. The time for romance is over; now it’s time to find a suitable match, so we can move on to our next conquest.”

Eleanor stopped walking. “Conquest?” She was outraged at how he viewed her sisters and herself.

This time, Graynor did stop walking and turned back to her before he walked out the door. “I told you, Eleanor, I am a businessman, a successful one at that. Since you have refused suitors in the past, it is now time for someone to aid in your marriage contract.” Graynor raised his hand to stop the words that were about to come flying out of her mouth. “And it is a contract. So therefore, I will look at it as a businessman because it is the only way I know how. But you shouldn’t fear because I am damn good at my job. And if I say we’ll have you engaged by the end of this season, then you’ll be engaged by the end of the season. Now gather your sisters. You have a big afternoon ahead of you.”

He turned on his heel and disappeared into the sunlight coming through the front door.

Eleanor stood there, her chest heaving from the verbal attack she had just received.

“My goodness, that man is scary when he wants to be.” Sarah came up and stood next to Eleanor, who was still staring at the open door.

“How much of that did you hear?” Eleanor’s voice sounded small and far away in her own head.

“From about the time he told you to have a list of men you’re interested in by the end of the party,” Sarah offered.

Eleanor sighed. “So, all of it.”

Sarah cringed. “Sorry. If it’s any consolation, no one else heard it, not even the one maid that has gotten good at hiding from Mama and therefore hears everything. That one’s in the kitchen.”

Eleanor rolled her eyes and bumped her shoulder into Sarah’s. “That one’s name is Mary, and no, that doesn’t help. I’m sure Mama would be grateful to hear that, but it doesn’t help me.”

Sarah wrapped her arm around her sister’s waist.

“I say don’t worry about it. It’s not like the men around here are untoward trolls. Your standards were just a bit too high. Mayhap, all he’s saying, in his own way, is that you need to lower them.”

The two girls made their way down the rest of the hallway and stepped into the sun. Two carriages were waiting to take them to Lady Merrington’s.

“I honestly don’t think my standards were that high, Sarah. Unless you think finding someone who sees you as you and not a status of nobility or a pretty thing on their arm is a high bar to reach. I didn’t realize I was asking for the world.”

Sarah let out a noncommittal sound. “You never know, Eleanor, maybe they are like that, but you just haven’t given them the chance. Perhaps you are doing what you are accusing them of doing.”

Eleanor raised her eyebrow in doubt.

“Don’t give me that look, dear sister. You don’t know what is going on inside of any man’s head?—”

“Who would want to?” Eleanor interjected.

Sarah laughed. “That notwithstanding. Why don’t you approach this party with the intention of giving the men a chance.”

Eleanor took the hand of the footman waiting to help her into the carriage. She looked down at Sarah. “When did you become so wise? You’re only seventeen.”

Sarah smiled. “I’ve learned from the best,” she said, giving her big sister a wink.

Thankfully the ride over to Lady Merrington’s was short, so Eleanor didn’t have enough time to stew over her conversation with the Duke.

“Come, girls, we must say hello to Lady Merrington.” Charlotte herded her three daughters out of their carriage and towards the back garden. “Your Grace, will you be joining us?”

Graynor stepped out of his carriage and dusted off his jacket. “Please go on; I’ll be right in.”

Eleanor threw a questioning look in his direction but shrugged it off. It was none of her business when he joined the party or if at all.

The girls followed their mother around the back of the house and into a sprawling garden that took up several acres. Lady Merrington’s estate was located just outside of London and allowed for spacious and well-cultivated gardens. Eleanor always loved coming here, even if it meant putting on her “society” hat and playing the perfect daughter.

“Ah, Charlotte, I am so glad you and your daughters have made it.” Lady Merrington was a stout sixty-something woman who was well known throughout society for her acute awareness of everyone’s comings and goings.

Lady Merrington’s face fell when she looked over Charlotte’s shoulder. “Is His Grace with you?”

Charlotte waved her off. “Oh, of course. He’s just seeing to the carriages. I’m sure he’ll be here any minute.”

That seemed to appease Lady Merrington. “Oh good. I had a pickle of a time getting him to agree to come here today. I wanted just a little soiree with a few couples and friends, but His Grace insisted I up the invitation list to include more people.”

Charlotte tilted her head. “How odd.”

Lady Merrington nodded her head in agreement. “Indeed. But the more the merrier, I say.”

A funny feeling settled over Eleanor. “Lady Merrington, forgive me for asking, but may I ask how many more couples did you invite?”

“That’s the thing! He wanted me to invite more men. I had to scurry to find women to come as well.” She dipped her voice so only the women could hear her. “I couldn’t have a party and have an unequal number of men and women. Think of the scandal that would cause,” Lady Merrington whispered, horrified.

Eleanor’s heart dropped to her stomach. He was literally parading her around men like a pig at a meat market. Sarah nudged Eleanor’s arm and gave her a supportive look.

Charlotte patted Lady Merrington’s shoulder. “Well, everything looks lovely, and I think you have outdone yourself even with adding invitees at the last minute. I would have no idea if I didn’t know.”

Lady Merrington smiled at Charlotte’s compliment.

“Lady Eleanor, I hear this year will be your lucky year, and you are determined to find your match.”

Eleanor acknowledged the comment while trying to figure out the most proper way to respond to her without speaking ill of her benefactor.

“Yes, Lady Merrington. I hope that I shall find someone compatible soon.”

Lady Merrington let out a girlish squeal, something Eleanor found ill-fitting for such a matronly woman.

“I’m so glad to hear that. I’ve invited some very capable, and I think suitable, gentlemen that may interest you.”

Sarah grabbed Eleanor’s hand. “But first, may we get something to drink? It’s starting to get warm, and I fear I may faint if I don’t have something to drink.”

Eleanor squeezed Sarah’s hand in gratitude.

“Mother, Lady Merrington, would you please excuse us? I’ll take Sarah to get something to drink, and then we will properly make our rounds.”

“Of course, my child, go on right ahead. And if you need anything, just let my man Kellan know, and he will be able to assist you.” With a small nod and a smile, the girls left the two women and Beatrice chatting.

When the girls were far enough away, Sarah leaned into Eleanor. “Do you think they bought it?”

“Lady Merrington, yes. Mama? Absolutely not. Did you see her face? She knows your shenanigans all too well.”

Sarah laughed. “My shenanigans? I did it for you. You should have seen your face when you realized the Duke arranged for almost every eligible bachelor within a ten-mile radius to be in attendance this afternoon.”

Eleanor noticed how some men turned and smiled when the sisters walked by. She politely tilted her head in acknowledgement and smiled back.

“I feel like a prize pig being led to slaughter.”

Sarah caught the eye of a particularly attractive young man. “Oh, and what a slaughter it will be.”

Eleanor laughed and gently pushed her sister. “Sarah! Do not let Mama hear you speak like that. Or a man for that matter. Remember what Mama says?—”

“Yes, I know. Save some mystery for the wedding night,” Sarah mockingly answered.

The girls walked in silence for moment.

“There are a lot of men here, though,” Sarah whispered conspiratorially.

Eleanor’s eyes shifted to those around her. “Maybe Lady Merrington opened up the radius to twenty miles.”

The girls giggled as they reached the refreshment table.

“Ah, Lady Eleanor, is that you?”

Eleanor looked up from her cup of punch.

On the other side of the table stood Simon Hawkins, the Viscount of Hountshire. The man whom she met at the ball they held for the Duke.

“Ah. Lord Hountshire, how lovely it is to see you.”

He raised one eyebrow in jest. “Is it? Last time we spoke for just a moment then you made up an excuse to run to your mother instead of dancing with me.”

A joking smile played along his lips causing a smile to form on Eleanor’s.

“I assure you, Lord Hountshire, it was not some elaborate rouse to leave you wanting.”

Hountshire leaned across the table. “I was hoping you would come find me after you finished your task for your mother.”

Eleanor brought her hand up in mock horror. “Oh, a lady must never go looking for trouble, Lord Hountshire.”

Hountshire and Eleanor shared a laugh. “Tell me, Lord Hountshire, are you enjoying yourself today?”

A warm smile spread across his face. “I am now, Lady Eleanor.”

Just then a cough came from Eleanor’s side. “Oh, Lord Hountshire, may I introduce you to my sister, Sarah. Sarah, this is Simon Hawkins, the Viscount of Hountshire.”

Sarah dipped her head. “Nice to meet you Lord Hountshire.”

“And you as well, Lady Sarah.”

Simon put down the plate he was holding and walked around the table. “Would you like to walk with me, Lady Eleanor?”

With a quick glance at Sarah, who nodded in approval, Eleanor slipped her hand through his offered arm.

Derek puckered his lips at the sweet punch. Good God, what do they put in this drivel?

“As I was saying, Your Grace, I think if you and I work together, we could see quite a handsome return on investment.”

Derek’s eyes were watching a certain young lady be escorted by Hountshire. He should be glad, thrilled even, but there was something bothering him about their interaction.

“Your Grace?”

Derek’s thoughts were interrupted by a cough from William.

“What? Oh. Glouster. Yes. What were you saying?”

Duke Glouster eyed William who was standing next to Derek.

“I was saying, I think if we pool our resources together, we could have a business venture on our hands that will reward both of us greatly.” The portly, red-faced duke had a gleam in his eyes that churned Derek’s stomach.

“You mean it would greatly benefit you. And let’s call a spade a spade, Glouster. You bring nothing to the table but your mouth, and even that is stuffed most of the time.” Derek dropped his eyes to the man’s protruding stomach.

The man’s face blustered red with shock.

“Your current holdings are laughable, your business sense is lacking, and you just want to attach your name to my carriage, and I’m not having it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have other business to attend to.”

Derek left the disgraced duke standing there with his mouth agape as he walked up a path that led him to the top of the property. Lady Merrington’s property was on a small slope, so from this vantage point, he would be able to keep an eye on Eleanor.

“Well, you left quite an impression with Glouster,” William stated from behind him.

“Who?”

“Duke Glouster,” William jutted a finger over his shoulder. “The man you were just speaking to. Have you forgotten so quickly? Are you well?”

Derek scowled. “I’m fine. It’s these bloody events; I hate coming to them.”

“So why are you here?”

“Lady Merrington begged me to attend, all but threw herself down in front of me. She needed clout, and apparently, I’m one to bring in the bodies.”

William chuckled. “That sounds pleasant and not at all like you.”

Derek turned to stare down at William, who had taken a rest on a nearby bench. “They all come when I do so they can stand and gawk at the lower-class man who is now a duke.”

“Oh, come now, Glouster seemed genuinely interested in you as a man.”

Derek guffawed. “Unlikely. Like I told him, he just wants to ride my coattails, and I will not allow him the pleasure.”

William shrugged. “It’s not the first time someone has spoken to you with ulterior motives. However, I must inquire when will the first time be when you react appropriately?”

“You do understand that the only reason why I’m allowing you to sit there without a bloody nose is because you’re my oldest friend. But know, that will only take you so far.”

William stretched his legs out in front of him and smiled. “Don’t placate me with kind words. You know the reason why you’re not beating me to a bloody pulp for insulting you is because I’ve seen too many of your business dealings, and I know where the bodies are hidden.”

A corner of Derek’s mouth quirked up. “True.”

He sat down next to William, his eyes once again finding the promenading couple. How is she able to talk to so many different people and seem genuinely interested in all of them? Making small talk was the only thing he truly hated about the business world.

“See something that interests you?” William followed his line of sight.

“I’m just making sure another one of my investments is doing well.”

William snickered. “Is that what you think of them? Just another business venture?”

Derek considered his friend’s words and lifted a shoulder. “There are very few things in life that aren’t business, marriage,” he nodded in Eleanor’s direction, “being one of the oldest business dealings there is.”

“I thought I was the droll one in our friendship,” William noted.

“I’m sorry, old sport. Seems you are rubbing off on me. Tell me, what do you know of the man she’s walking with?”

William squinted down the hill. “Ah. Simon Hawkins, Viscount of Hountshire. His father did well when he was alive—made some poor choices along the way but nothing too scandalous. His mother died when he was young. He had decent tutors until he left for Eton. From what I hear, he had a particular reputation for fun and revelry while he was there. He came back shortly after his father died to claim his title. The change seemed to have calmed him down.”

Derek sat, listening to the lad’s history. The one thing he always appreciated about William was if he needed information on someone, William would get it. Their only agreement was no questions about how the information was retained. Which was fine with Derek as long as William was right, and he always was.

“He has a few business dealings around town but nothing too taxing. More like hobbies than a career. He leaves that to his accountant and solicitor. Most of the time he can be found at the gentlemen’s club.”

Derek sniffed. “Which one does he go to?”

“Why? Thinking of checking in on the fellow?”

Derek bristled. “No. I just want to make sure if this goes anywhere,” he nodded towards the couple laughing with another couple, “that all of his dealings are above board. If he frequents a place like White’s or Brook’s, then that’s one thing, but if he goes to the lesser-known ones on the other side of town, well… then we’ll need to set our girl’s sights on someone else.”

William gave Derek a knowing look. “Our girl?”

Derek stood up. “Don’t read anything into it, William. She’s my ward in a sense and a good match for her means a good match for the family. Business. That’s all this is.”

Derek started strolling down the path towards couples milling around the pond.

“Where are you going?”

“To check on my investment.”