Duke of Honor, page 10
“My little bluestocking has proven her worth as a duchess many times over,” commented Weston. “Elise is smarter than I am and keeps me on my toes as far as estate business is concerned. And our servants and tenants adore her.”
“Sam comes up with many creative solutions when I am struggling regarding estate matters,” admitted George. “My tenants love her almost as much as I do.” He chuckled. “Sometimes, I believe she should be the duke since she has a more level head than I do and makes better decisions. I bow to her judgment more often than not.”
George studied Sebastian, who grew uncomfortable under his friend’s scrutiny. “If Lady Hadley has managed your father’s affairs for as long as she has and done such an excellent job, she would be an ideal duchess.” He paused, looking over at the women who were cackling like hens. “You would be a fool, Sebastian, if you passed over her in favor of another.”
He didn’t reply, feeling as if his friends’ loyalty had shifted from him to Lady Hadley, a woman they merely knew by reputation.
“If you aren’t interested in her, she will certainly be spoken for before the house party ends,” predicted Jon, breaking the uncomfortable silence. “That is, if she is interested in marriage.”
“She is,” Sebastian confirmed. “She shared with me that she is ready to leave Hardwell Hall and start a new chapter in her life.”
At that moment, he heard Elizabeth say, “To new chapters!”
Turning, he saw all the ladies with raised teacups, smiles on their faces as they toasted one another. Lady Hadley looked as if she were among friends she’d had for life, her face flushed, a wide smile on those tempting lips.
He tamped down the urge to march over and yank her to her feet and kiss her in front of the entire gathering.
Jon leaned over. “Are you certain you have no interest in her, Sebastian?” he pressed.
“None whatsoever,” he lied smoothly.
Chapter Ten
Sebastian was considering slamming his fist into Lord Dean’s pretty little nose. Or soundly thrashing Lord Banfield. Perhaps challenging Lord Stanhope to a duel. And he hadn’t ruled out murdering Lord Hayward.
The house party’s other guests had arrived yesterday and Arabella had scheduled activities for the afternoon and last night. Today would also see a full slate of things to participate in. Sebastian had kept his distance from Lady Hadley but his eyes were never off her for long. She had proven to be popular with both the men and women in attendance.
Thus, his reasons for contemplating vile deeds against the four gentlemen who had paid her the most attention.
He watched now as Lord Hayward, a rakehell if he ever saw one, demonstrated how Lady Hadley should knock her lawn croquet ball to achieve the most success. If he touched her, Sebastian would beat him to a pulp.
“Do you agree, Your Grace?”
He turned his attention back to his companions, three of the loveliest ladies at the house party and all friends of Elizabeth’s. Lady Callamina was blond, petite, and very shy. Lady Veronica had dark hair and a curvy figure and was a terrible flirt. Lady Pamela had dark brown hair and a boyish frame and seemed a bit mischievous.
“I would rather hear your opinion, Lady Veronica,” he said smoothly.
As she spoke, he glanced back at Lord Hayward, who winced as his pupil’s ball went astray.
“That’s not quite right, my lady,” the earl told Hadley.
Sebastian rose. “If you will excuse me. Hayward seems to be mucking things up.”
He sauntered to where the earl stood. “I think you have done all you can, my lord. Let me see if I can help instruct Lady Hadley in the fine art of croquet.”
Glaring at the man, Hayward finally received Sebastian’s message. “Of course, Your Grace,” he said. “I will leave it to you.”
“It is not Lord Hayward’s fault. I just don’t seem to understand how to strike the ball in order to make it go in the direction I choose.” Lady Hadley sighed. “I have never played games before. I was hoping I would be better at them.”
She worried her bottom lip, causing a sear of flames to lick him.
“You were excellent at lawn tennis yesterday. And you and Lord Dean won at charades last night.”
She smiled. “That is because Lord Dean is very clever. I merely attached myself to him and that is why I met with success.”
“You are being modest,” he chided. “You are every bit as smart as the viscount.” He cleared his throat. “On to improving your croquet game.”
“I suppose any improvement will be welcomed,” she said, a teasing light in her eyes. “At this point, no one will want to partner with me. I appreciate you taking the time to work with me, Your Grace.”
“You should call me Sebastian,” he told her.
She frowned, an adorable crease in her brow causing his heart to sing. “That would not be appropriate, Your Grace.”
“Not in front of everyone. Just when we are alone,” he suggested.
Color rose on her cheeks. “I don’t see when that would ever happen. It is not advisable for a young lady to be alone in a gentleman’s company.”
“The rules of Polite Society aren’t enforced quite as strictly as house parties,” he assured her.
“I would rather not,” she said dismissively.
Ignoring her remarks, he addressed the game. “The first thing you should always do is stalk your ball. That means walking the line to where you wish to place your shot. Even if it is a short distance. You want to see if there are any impediments along the route.”
She slowly nodded. “I see. That makes sense. Lord Hayward never mentioned I should do that.”
He was certain Hayward had been too busy peering down the front of Lady Hadley’s gown, which revealed the hint of creamy breasts.
“Hayward is an idiot.”
“I beg your pardon? I have found the earl to be quite amiable.”
Ignoring her defense of the man, Sebastian continued. “Next, you will return to where you will make your shot and grip your mallet firmly, keeping your hands steady. Move to your ball and make sure your toe is level with the handle of your mallet where you plan to strike.”
She said, “Let me try.”
Her face serious, she walked along the path her ball would travel and returned. Gripping her mallet, she stepped to the ball. Sebastian moved directly behind her, his arms coming around her, his body pressed against hers. The scent of vanilla wafted from her, teasing him.
“Your hands are not close enough,” he said, adjusting her grip.
He sensed the hitch in her breath as he continued to lean against her, his hands over hers, their bare skin touching.
“It’s good to always take a few practice swings to calm yourself.”
He guided her back a few steps and then helped her swing the mallet.
“Before, you were raising your mallet too high as it came back. Have it go no further than this.”
He demonstrated again and then let her power the swing, his hands still resting along hers. Neither wore gloves, due to the informality of the house party and the heat of the summer sun. Her skin was as soft as silk and he longed to skim his fingers up her arms.
“Keep your shoulders still. Concentrate on the exact place you wish to hit your ball.”
“I am looking at it,” she said, her voice small and low.
“Good. Now, we’ll swing the mallet back slowly. The further you wish the ball to go, the longer your backswing.”
“Oh. I didn’t know that.”
He brought her arms back, his upper arm lightly brushing against her full, round breast. “Keep looking at the point of impact. Guide your mallet, pulling it forward. Keep your wrists firm. Not locked. A bit of flexibility helps. Then follow through directly along the line of your aim.”
Sebastian guided her through several practice swings and then moved her closer to the ball. He fought the urge to brush his lips along her neck. He knew he should step away soon before he became too aroused but he was thoroughly enjoying the feel of her in his arms and the heady scent of vanilla swimming about him.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“Yes.” The word came out as a whisper.
“We’ll do this together.”
He helped her strike the ball, using just the right amount of pressure. It ran along the lawn and came to a halt.
“I did it!” she exclaimed. “Oh, that made so much sense.”
Reluctantly, he released her. “It could be beginner’s luck. Try again.”
This time, he stepped away from her as she walked through all of the steps he had taught her. Her second ball stayed true to the course.
“You should not want for a partner now, Lady Hadley.”
Her radiant smile threatened to tear through the walls he had built around himself.
“Thank you, Sebastian,” she said softly.
Hearing his name on those kissable lips caused desire to flicker within him.
“You are welcome, Hadley,” he replied.
Suddenly, Lord Hayward appeared. “It seems our hostess is ready for match play to begin. Would you do me the honor of partnering with me, Lady Hadley?”
Her eyes flicked to Sebastian and he nodded.
“Yes, my lord. I would be happy to be your partner.” She smiled sweetly at Sebastian. “And thank you, Your Grace, for explaining the process of how to strike the ball. Any future success I have will be attributed to your tutoring skills.”
He went and stood to the side with Andrew, who held Robby in his arms. The baby gurgled happily as Andrew looked on with pride.
“You enjoy being a father,” he said.
“More than anything in the world.” Then his friend grinned. “Well, almost anything. Being with Phoebe is my favorite thing in the world but holding my son is a very close second.”
They chatted idly about various men they had known in the war and matters regarding their estates as play went on. Sebastian saw Hadley had taken to the game with ease after his brief lesson with her. He could still smell the faint scent of vanilla that seemed to linger on him and idly wondered what it would be like to have her in his bed, only wearing the sweet scent and nothing else.
“She would make for a wonderful duchess,” Andrew commented.
“Who? I have met several eligible women here.”
Andrew frowned. “You are deliberately being obtuse, Sebastian. It’s not like you to pretend. You know I refer to Lady Hadley.”
“She is lovely,” he agreed. “A little obstinate, however. I think I need a more malleable woman to become my duchess.”
Andrew shook his head, his face stern. “I never took you for a fool, Sebastian.” He strode off, returning his son to Phoebe’s arms and then going inside the house.
Sebastian watched as Hadley and Hayward won the round. Arabella joined him.
“Lady Hadley is quite remarkable.”
He said nothing, feeling it safer.
She slipped her arm through his. “I have always been an observer, Sebastian. I spent many hours in the company of my father’s students. I can tell you are interested in her.”
“She is interesting,” he admitted. “But so are many other guests you have invited. I have enjoyed spending time with Lady Pamela and Lady Veronica, for instance.”
“They are nice young ladies but they don’t have Lady Hadley’s intelligence or unusual beauty. And you don’t watch them a tenth of the time that you spend gazing upon Lady Hadley.”
He looked down at her. “You are like a dog with a bone, did you know that, Arabella? Just because you have found love with Jon doesn’t mean I will be able to do the same,” he said, his temper rising.
“I never supposed love would come my way, Sebastian,” she said softly. “I almost refused it when it came along. Please. Open your heart to the possibility of it.”
She leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “You are as a brother to my husband. I would see you as happy as Jon is.”
With that, she slipped away. Sebastian found he had tired of being around others and decided to retreat to the library. He would bury himself in a good book and enjoy a bit of solitude.
Most of all, he would do his damnedest not to think about Hadley Hampton.
*
Hadley handed her mallet to a footman and then thanked Lord Hayward for being her partner.
“The pleasure was all mine, my lady.”
He captured her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it as he gazed provocatively at her. She pulled it away.
“I think I will go and join my friends,” she told him and made her way to where Phoebe sat with Robby in her lap, talking with Samantha and Elise. As Hadley arrived, Arabella joined the group and also took a seat.
“Ah, fresh off your victory,” Elise said as Hadley sat.
“I had an excellent instructor,” she said and then looked at Robby longingly.
“Would you like to hold him?” Phoebe asked.
Hadley nodded. “Very much so.”
Her new friend handed the baby over and she cradled him in her arms. A strong yearning filled her suddenly, crashing into her like a tidal wave. She had always delivered babies on the estate and then left them with their mothers, never giving them a second thought. In this moment, she realized that she was meant to be a mother. Robby cooed and then shrieked loudly, startling her.
“He does that,” Phoebe said. “I think he enjoys testing out his lungs now that he has discovered them.”
She glanced at the women seated there, knowing she had already made good friends. They had quickly bonded and all four duchesses had begged her to address them by their Christian names when they were together. Hadley was amazed at how quickly she felt comfortable with the four women, and Elizabeth, too. She had longed for friends for so many years and now seemingly had an abundance of them.
Robby yawned and then closed his eyes. Hadley bent and brushed her lips to his head.
“Shall I have his nanny retrieve him?” Phoebe asked.
“Let me hold him a bit longer,” she begged, not quite ready to give up the warm, sweet bundle.
“George and I cannot wait for our child to arrive,” Samantha declared.
“How are you feeling?” Elise asked.
“Very well after an initial bout of nausea,” Samantha revealed. “I have much more energy recently. I know that will fade as I grow larger, however.”
“But it is worth it,” Elise said, her eyes following her daughter as Claire chased after a butterfly. Her hand went to her belly. “I am with child again.”
Everyone sat up, eager expressions on their faces.
“I haven’t told Weston yet. I wanted to wait until I was sure. I am now and so I will tell him tonight. The baby should come next March.”
“My brother is already so happy being a father to Claire,” Samantha said. “He will be over the moon with this news.”
“I may also be with child,” Arabella said quietly, gaining everyone’s attention. “My breasts have been tender. My courses were to come this week and they haven’t. I will give it another week to be sure and then I will tell Jon once all our guests have left.”
“Jon will make for an excellent father,” Phoebe declared. “He has constantly wanted to hold Robby and play with him. Not many men do so.”
“You look like a mother yourself, Hadley,” Arabella commented. “Have any of my guests caught your attention?”
She started and the baby frowned, protesting with a wail. His nurse came running over and Phoebe asked her to set Robby down for a nap. Nothing was said until the nurse left. Hadley sensed her cheeks burning as four pairs of eyes focused on her.
“I am getting to know a few eligible gentlemen,” she began.
“Lord Dean?” asked Phoebe. “So blond and lean. He’s quite shy, though very smart. And you did win at charades with him last night.”
“What about Lord Banfield?” asked Elise. “The earl is very nice-looking with his curly brown hair and sturdy frame. He seems a reliable sort and has paid you special attention, I believe.”
“I saw you enjoying yourself with Lord Stanhope earlier this afternoon,” Samantha said helpfully. “He seems to laugh at everything and is quite amusing.”
“They are all very nice,” she said primly. “I also spent time talking with Lord Hayward while we were partners but I know he is not for me. He is a terrible flirt. I think he was looking down my gown the entire time we played lawn croquet.”
“I think Elizabeth might be interested in Hayward,” Samantha said. “She is certainly strong enough to tame the earl’s wayward ways. And as they say, a reformed rake makes the best of husbands.” She grinned. “I know so for a fact.”
“You haven’t mentioned the obvious choice,” Arabella stated. All eyes turned to her. “I think a match with Sebastian would be ideal.”
Hadley’s face flamed at the suggestion. “No, that wouldn’t be a good idea at all,” she protested quickly.
“Why not?” her hostess demanded. “Sebastian is a patriot. A war hero who gave all for his country.”
“That’s the problem,” she said quietly. “I think he gave so much that he has nothing left to give anyone else.”
“He’s barely been home,” Phoebe pointed out. “I know from Andrew that there is a period of adjustment from busy life on the front lines to a more sedate life in the country.” She took Hadley’s hand. “I think Sebastian is a fine man from what I have seen and what Andrew has shared with me. You should give him a chance. If that is what you want. Your heart will tell you.”
Tears sprang to her eyes and Hadley blinked them back. “My mind tells me it is foolish to wish for a match with him—but my heart calls out for him,” she admitted.
“Have you kissed him?” Elise asked.
“Oh, yes, you must kiss him,” Samantha encouraged. “It is the best way to decide if you are meant for one another.”
Her gaze dropped to her lap. “I have never kissed anyone. I have no idea how to go about doing so.”
Phoebe squeezed her hand. “It’s rather simple, Hadley. Just touch your lips to his and let nature follow its own course.”
She lifted her head. “But where? How?”
