A Duke of Her Own (5 page)

Not by the English lords, not by the American heiresses. And she desperately wanted to be needed.

“I
see Hawk has made his diabolically clever move,” Falconridge said laconically.

“Appears so,” Alex replied.

“Who would have thought to do a bit of flirting with the chaperone in order to get into her good graces and thus receive an introduction to the lady in whom one truly has an interest?”

Alex had been surprised that Louisa had accepted Hawk’s invitation to dance. But then what choice did she have? She was not in a position to snub a duke publicly. Alex wasn’t certain what irritated him more. The fact that Hawk had danced with his sister or the fact that he was now dancing with the lovely Jenny Rose. Dear God, but her name suited her, for she was a blossom among thorns.

Clever phrasing, that. Shall have to remember it,
he thought.
Might come in useful.

“She’s your sister. She should at least give you an introduction,” Falconridge murmured.

“She’s a bit cross with me at the moment. I suspect she shan’t give me the time of day should I bother to ask.”

“Why ever would she be cross with you?”

“Because I took exception to her opinion of us as unsuitable.”

“We are unsuitable.”

Alex slid his gaze over to Falconridge. Was this the same man who had stormed out of his home, because of his sister’s unflattering opinion of him? “You were quite vocal about your objections regarding her opinion.”

“I was vocal about my refusal to prove myself worthy.”

“Because you don’t think you are?”

“Let it go.”

“Surely, you jest. So, we have a bit of fun—”

“It’s more than that, Ravensley. I have skeletons in the closet that I’d not wish to inflict on any woman.”

“Yet you must wed.”

Falconridge sighed. “Yet, I must wed, and these heiresses suit me well. They are pragmatic. They do not want love or emotions. They want a title. I want their money. Perhaps a good romp in bed from time to time when it suits. But nothing that arouses any sort of sentiment.”

“Then I should warn you that Louisa was kind
enough to reveal that Kate Rose is in want of love; Jenny, passion.”

“Then I suppose it is Jenny I should focus on. Passion I can deliver. Love I cannot.”

“I daresay I shall be content to have either. All I care about is the weight of the coin purse.”

“A rather cold sentiment.”

“An honest one.”

“A sad one…that this is what our lives have boiled down to. Money. It is the root of all discontent.”

“Thought it was the root of all evil.”

“That as well.” Falconridge sighed. “I suppose ‘tis time I took a step toward that unattractive part of my life and begin purposely to court a woman with the intention of marriage. Hopefully, Hawk improved your sister’s disposition so she’ll be willing to give us an introduction.” He took a step forward, glanced back. “Coming?”

It irked him to rely on another man to forge the path for an introduction, but then Alex supposed it was no different than asking his sister for the favor. “Do I really have a choice?”

Did any of them?

“I cannot believe you told Hawkhurst that Jenny sought passion.”

Louisa had reluctantly made introductions when Falconridge and her brother had approached while she’d been speaking with Kate. Immediately Falconridge had invited Kate to dance, leaving
Louisa free to pull her brother behind a nearby potted frond and give him a good piece of her mind.

“I didn’t realize it was a secret,” Alex said.

“Not a secret, perhaps, but a confidence. What else have you told him?”

“Nothing of any importance.”

She shook her head. Obviously her brother had no idea what was important and what wasn’t.

“Do you think Jenny will take a fancy to him?” Alex asked.

“I don’t know. She seems to enjoy everyone’s company. She is the more easily pleased of the two.”

“Upon closer observations, she is also the more attractive. Will you introduce me when she returns?”

“Alex—”

“Louisa, I’m not nearly as bad as you believe. I assure you others are far worse.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Lord Ainsley, I suppose.”

“Ainsley? Good God, no, the man is a saint.”

“I thought as much,” she said smugly.

“Would you want to be married to a saint?”

“Better than being married to the devil.”

“That might be worth arguing, but I’m weary of being in disaccord with you.” Her brother leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest. “Tell me something else about the sisters.”

“Alex—”

“Please, I beg of you, give me a leg up. Something. Anything. Just a hint.”

He sounded so incredibly pitiful, so desperate. And he was her brother. If Hawkhurst, Falconridge, and Alex were going to fixate on the sisters, Alex was the lesser of three evils. “Kate prefers the waltz. Jenny has no preference.”

He seemed relieved that she had shared the smallest bit of information. “Why weren’t their dance cards filled?”

“How do you know Jenny’s wasn’t?”

“Hawk is now dancing with her, and I know you didn’t scribble his name on her card.”

“Jenny likes spontaneity, and so she leaves every other dance empty so that she has a surprise partner on occasion.”

“Spontaneity. I relish that in a woman. Speaks of an adventuresome spirit, don’t you think?”

Yes, Jenny was spontaneous, fun-loving. Always laughing and smiling. No cares in the world, apparently. Louisa couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps it was more than the lack of a dowry that had resulted in her having no marriage proposals.

“Am I too predictable?” she heard herself ask aloud before she’d even realized she’d formed the question.

“Hardly. Who could have predicted you’d set yourself up to serve as a chaperone?”

She rolled her eyes. “Before that. Do you think gentlemen found me boring?”

He shook his head. “No. I believe it is as you surmised. Many of us need a way to rebuild the family coffers. It has put our own ladies at a decided disadvantage. Primogeniture assures we have few wealthy heiresses of our own. We will be in a bit of a pickle if these Americans are no longer enamored by rank. I don’t know why you find fault with us going after their money while they are after our titles.”

“In truth, the whole arrangement saddens me. Like Kate, I believe love should have a say in the entire affair.”

“Speaking of Kate, you didn’t explain why her dance card isn’t full.”

Her brother seemed determine to learn all he could. “She says she tires easily.” Louisa shrugged. “In truth, I think she simply says no to men who don’t strike her fancy right off.”

“She’s fortunate that she can be choosy.”

“Indeed she is.”

The orchestra stopped playing, and Alex shoved himself away from the wall. “Now, dear sister, please, I beg of you, put me at an advantage where these two young ladies are concerned.”

“I thought the evening went remarkably well,” Jenny said, her voice a wistful sigh.

Sitting in the carriage, across from Jenny and Kate, Louisa could understand perfectly well the reason Jenny felt as she did. The young lady had danced every single dance, while Kate had danced nearly every dance. Louisa had noticed a decided
difference between the young ladies: Jenny welcomed the gentlemen’s attentions while Kate merely tolerated them. Those attitudes each carried its own burden when it came to striving to find an appropriate husband for each lady. One who liked all men; one who liked none. How was Louisa to narrow the choices down?

“I thought your brother looked rather like an angel,” Jenny said.

Louisa hoped the darkness of the interior of the carriage hid her open mouth and widened eyes. “Alex? An angel?” She laughed lightly. “Hardly.”

“Is he a bit wicked then?”

“He has his moments, I’m certain. We don’t discuss particulars.”

“I thought Hawkhurst looked like the very devil,” Kate said.

“But he dances well,” Jenny said. “I rather enjoyed having his attention.”

Louisa was aware of her hands gripping her fingers. She told herself it was because she didn’t want the young lady to finish her Season betrothed to a rogue. It was that concern and not any sort of disappointment because the lady would remove Hawk from the marriage market. She didn’t want to acknowledge she had enjoyed his attentions as well, even if their conversation had been inappropriate. Inappropriate, yet interesting. She couldn’t envision him ever discussing a topic as mundane as the weather. He would seek to shock, and in the shocking he would excite.

She’d halfway hoped he might ask her for another dance, but, of course, she’d served her purpose, provided him with the introduction he desired. Then he had cast her aside. Conquer and move on seemed to be his preferred style when it came to ladies.

“I noticed you dancing with him, Lady Louisa,” Jenny said. “What is your opinion of him?”

“I thought he danced rather nicely,” she said.

Jenny laughed, a lyrical sound that Louisa assumed any gentleman would find attractive.

“Come now. I wasn’t referring to his dancing, but rather him as a man. Or more importantly, as a husband. He is a duke, after all. That would please my mother immensely.”

“And we do want to please Mother, don’t we?” Kate asked sullenly.

“I want to please myself,” Jenny said. “If I please Mother as well, so much the better. Now, Lady Louisa, tell me what you know of the duke.”

What did she know of the duke?

“His family is quite well placed. His father died when Hawkhurst was very young. Twelve as I recall someone mentioning.”

“How did his father die?”

“I’m not quite sure. Disease, I believe.” A disease one did not speak of, based on whisperings she’d heard.

“How dreadful,” Jenny said. “To have such an immense burden placed on young shoulders. I daresay they are broad enough to carry any burden now, though. I thought him a fine physical specimen.”

“Capable of providing passion?” Kate asked.

“Quite,” Jenny replied. “What of you, dear sister? Did you discover anyone who could provide you with love?”

“Not at tonight’s ball.”

Louisa thought that an odd comment. “Have you met someone previously?”

Kate sighed. “Tell me true, Lady Louisa. Do you think any gentleman looks at us and sees anything beyond our father’s wealth?”

Louisa could see the silhouettes of the two girls shifting as the dim light from the streetlamps weaved in and out of the carriage while it traversed along the London streets. Did she dare lie? Men looked at her and saw no money. They looked at these ladies and saw an abundance of wealth. Was either situation any more desirable?

“Money may be what first catches their attention, but it is your beauty and character that will hold them captive.”

Kate released a bitter laugh. “You don’t understand. There are times when I wish we lived in poverty. How will I ever know for certain it is I a man loves and not the money that accompanies me to the altar?”

“Which is the reason that I seek passion rather than love,” Jenny said. “It matters not why he marries me. It matters only that he can deliver what I need.”

“I need love,” Kate said solemnly.

Louisa didn’t know what possessed her to lean across the space separating her from the two la
dies and wrap one of her hands around each of theirs. “I swear to you that I shall do all in my power to ensure the man you marry will want you more than he wants the money.”

“Pray tell, how do you think you’ll accomplish that?” Jenny asked.

Louisa leaned back. “I shall seek to acquaint you with men who are not desperate.”

“Is your brother desperate?” Jenny asked.

“Very.”

“And Hawkhurst?”

“Yes.”

“And Falconridge?” Kate asked.

“I’m afraid so.”

“I saw the three of them congregating from time to time. Are they friends?” Jenny asked.

“Yes, indeed. They have been friends for a good many years.”

“Then you must know them quite well. I’m surprised they do not come highly recommended by you.”

Louisa felt her stomach tighten. “Quite honestly, several years separate us, and they have hardly ever given me the time of day.”

“You can’t imagine how horrible it is not to be wanted for yourself,” Kate said, turning the subject back to the ladies rather than the gentlemen.

“We are not that different. I’m poor”—how Louisa despised admitting that aloud—“and yet, I have no gentleman caller. I have wished for a bit of money so that I would garner someone’s attention.”

“Wouldn’t it be fun to trade places?” Jenny asked. “Even if for only one evening. For you to live in our world, and for us to have a glimpse into yours.”

“I suspect we’d each find life not to our liking,” Louisa said.

“Perhaps. But surely, gentlemen danced with you at balls past.”

“Of course, but they never wanted more than a dance.”

“Not even Hawkhurst?” Jenny asked.

Louisa felt her brow wrinkle. “Quite honestly, we’d never danced before.”

“Truly? The way he looked at you…” Her voice trailed off.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, he just seemed…fascinated.”

“Fascinated in learning about you.”

“Perhaps,” Jenny murmured, with no conviction in her voice. She gazed out the window, as though no longer interested in discussing what Louisa knew of the duke.

Which was just as well. Louisa did not want to get into his rather unfortunate habits, which could very well result in his dying as his father had—of a disease that no one spoke of. She tried to recall what she knew of Hawkhurst’s mother and could remember very little about the woman. She was a bit of a recluse, no doubt living in shame because she had only managed to provide one heir—no spare—to the dukedom.

He could still smell her perfume. A faint fragrance that reminded him of lilies at dawn. One of his mother’s favorite flowers.

He could still feel her within his arms. Slender. Delicate. Her head barely even with his shoulder.

He could still see the way she looked at him. As though he were capable only of misdeeds, not to be trusted. And certainly not to be recommended to her charges.