Destiny with a Duke, page 15
“Wynter needed to rest tonight,” Miles said.
“I hope she is not ill,” he said, concerned.
“No, she is in good health,” Emery said. “But she will bear a second child sometime around Christmas. She will have to watch herself and make certain she does not extend herself too much.”
Finch should have been elated to hear that a new child would be born to a Terror. Instead, it was as if someone gripped his heart and squeezed incredibly hard. He knew why.
Because he wished it was Victoria who was with child. His child.
“You don’t seem happy about the news,” Miles said. “I thought Uncle Finch would enjoy having a new little one to tote around.”
“I am very happy for Wynter and Donovan. They are wonderful parents to Sam. And Sam will be an excellent big brother.”
“Then is it something else?” Miles asked.
Finch decided he would start by telling his friends what he had in mind. “I plan to tell Lady Pemberton that I think it best if I no longer call upon her. I have told you that I am not ready to wed. I feel the weight of the world upon my shoulders. I had no idea of the monstrous amount of responsibilities a duke has.”
“Is that so?” Emery asked, her gaze boring into him as if she could see all the way to Finch’s soul—and knew that he lied.
He had never been anything but honest with the Terrors. True, he had not told them everything about his past but he had never overtly lied about anything.
Until now.
“If Lady Pemberton is upset, it is good that you will be there to comfort her, Emery,” he continued.
She gave him a haughty look, seeming every inch the duchess she was. “I have no plans of cleaning up the mess you have made.”
“Beg pardon?”
“You heard what I said, Finch, and we have heard what you said. And I don’t believe a word of it.”
He kept silent, knowing if he spoke he would only dig himself deeper into the hole he now stood in. He glanced to Miles, who frowned and shook his head slightly.
It seemed the battle lines were being drawn—and that Miles and Emery were on Victoria’s side. It should have surprised him but it didn’t. He couldn’t ask for blind loyalty, especially with the secrets he kept.
“I will find another way home this evening,” he told the pair as the carriage stopped. “I only hope I have not permanently damaged my friendship with the two of you.”
The door opened, preventing any kind of reply. He allowed Miles to exit first and help Emery down before he joined them on the pavement.
Emery gave him a hard look. “You will always have our friendship, Finch. I will withhold my sympathy, however, until you are honest with us. That is what friends need and expect—honesty.”
Miles shrugged helplessly and then offered his wife his arm. Finch followed them inside. The receiving line was small, due to the limited number of guests invited. They greeted Viscount and Viscountess Bagwell and were told to go to the ballroom, where chairs had been placed in rows in various groupings. The moment they entered, he spotted Viscount Minshew and headed his way. The former army major stood alone, looking a bit lost.
Minshew smiled as Finch approached. “Sommersby, so good to see you.”
The two men shook hands and the viscount added, “I feel hopeless at these events. I know no one and when I am introduced, I promptly forget the names I heard only moments ago.”
“I am much in the same boat, my lord,” Finch assured him. “The only difference is that I have a few school chums I already knew, along with their wives. As for the rest of the ton, I could name only a handful to you.”
“What I need is a wife,” Minshew confided. “With my brother’s two girls to care for, I need a woman’s touch in my household. I have spent the past twenty years in the army. I know nothing about females, much less how to raise my nieces.” The viscount glanced around. “Most of the eligible women are half my age. When I try to engage them in conversation, they either giggle or stare at the floor. I am an old bachelor, Sommersby. I need a more mature wife.”
“There are a few women that are older,” he ventured.
“I have seen you with one. Lady Pemberton,” the viscount said. “Now, she is a beauty. She has a confident air about her. I hear she is a widow.”
“She is,” Finch said, his chest tightening.
“Are you sweet on her?” Minshew asked. “I have seen you together a few times and wondered if you were wooing her.”
“I am not,” he said firmly, a part of him dying inside.
The viscount’s eyes lit with interest. “Truly? Then perhaps you would afford me an introduction to the lady. I would be most interested in making her acquaintance. I know I met her in my receiving line the other night but it would mean a great deal if you would help me further an acquaintance with her.” Minshew glanced about the room. “There she is.”
Finch turned and saw Victoria, dressed in a vibrant shade of red. It should have clashed with her hair and yet it only set it off. She looked stunning.
With great reluctance, he said, “I could do so now before the musicale begins.”
“Please,” Minshew said eagerly.
The two men approached Victoria, who had just finished speaking with two women. She turned and Finch felt his pulse quicken as their gazes met and held.
“Good evening, Lady Pemberton,” he said formally. “Do you recall Lord Minshew?”
She looked to his companion. “Of course,” she said pleasantly. “Good evening, my lord. It is good to see you tonight.”
The viscount took her hand and pressed a kiss to it, enraging Finch. He kept his face blank, hiding the emotions that stirred within him.
“I am most delighted to see you again, Lady Pemberton.”
“Lord Minshew recently returned from war,” Finch told her.
“How interesting,” she said, smiling at the viscount.
“I inherited a title—and two nieces,” Minshew confided. “An old bachelor like me.”
“I recall you mentioning them. And I don’t think you appear old at all, my lord. There is much to be said for a man who is mature. Perhaps we could sit together during tonight’s performance and become better acquainted.” she suggested.
“That would be an excellent idea, my lady.” Minshew turned to Finch. “You must join us, Your Grace.”
It was the last thing he wanted to do but Finch did not want to leave Victoria alone with this man. Already, others were taking their seats.
“I would be happy to do so, my lord,” he said graciously, keeping a firm hand on his temper so that it didn’t flare.
“Shall we sit over here, Lady Pemberton?” Minshew asked.
The three took their seats. Finch found himself on the end of the row. Though Victoria sat to his right, she conversed solely with the viscount until the seats around them were filled.
Viscount Bagwell thanked his guests for coming and introduced the evening’s entertainment. The crowd seemed awed by the soprano who appeared, a large woman who had a remarkable voice.
He only listened with half an ear. What he was aware of was Victoria’s shoulder brushing slightly against his. The scent of her perfume wafting toward him. Her even breathing. Her hands neatly folded in her lap. Finch could not have told you anything about the performance. He only knew sitting beside Victoria was maddening.
The song ended and enthusiastic applause filled the ballroom. The soprano nodded and smiled and then left the room. Viscount Bagwell announced there would be a short intermission of half an hour and that light refreshments would be offered in the adjoining room.
“Would you care to have anything to eat or drink, Lady Pemberton?” Lord Minshew asked.
“I am not hungry, my lord, but I would care for some punch,” she replied. “Perhaps His Grace would keep me company while you fetch some for us.”
“I would be happy to do so,” Finch said, knowing it would be the perfect opportunity to speak to her privately.
Minshew stood. “I will return soon,” he promised.
The moment he was out of earshot, Victoria turned to Finch, anger sparking in her eyes.
“How dare you send me those paintings!” she hissed.
Chapter Sixteen
Victoria gripped her hands tightly in her lap, knowing she needed to speak quickly before Lord Minshew returned. She saw the shocked look on Finch’s face, caused by her outburst.
“Do you realize if it became common knowledge that you had sent such an expensive gift to me that I would be ruined?”
Confusion caused his brow to crease. “I do not understand, Victoria. I merely wanted you to have the gift you wished for your aunt and uncle to receive. I know how you favor Findlay’s work and thought it appropriate to also send you one of his pieces for your own pleasure.”
Her eyes narrowed. “It was incredibly inappropriate to do so, Finch. Ladies do not receive gifts from gentlemen. Whether it is a fan, a shawl, a horse, or a painting—it is simply not the done thing. I sent them back to Mr. Haggersby’s gallery. You can claim them there. I couldn’t return them to you directly, else the servants would talk. Servants know everything that occurs in a household. Their gossip spreads far and wide until much of it reaches the ears of Polite Society. I could be ruined for you even attempting to gift me with something so valuable.”
He appeared contrite, his expression now pained. “I did not know, Victoria. Please, forgive me.”
“I will, but you must never speak of this again. You must never do anything of the kind again.” She hesitated and then got to the heart of the matter. “I seek a husband, Finch. I cannot afford another scandal. Already, my husband’s death has been fodder for the gossips and because of that, few men will approach me, much less wish to offer for me. I want children while I can still have them. That is very important to me, Finch.”
She drew in a deep breath and slowly blew it out. “I need to know where we stand. You blow hot and cold around me. Are you interested in courting me? If you are, I ask that you declare your intentions to me now. If you are not willing to woo me, then I must ask you to step aside so that others might have a chance. As a duke, men are cowed merely by your title, let alone your wealth and good looks. If you continue to insist upon being near me, dancing with me, escorting me on errands, then no others will dare to come around.
“So, what will it be, Finch?”
Victoria gazed into the deep blue eyes she had come to love. She had not acknowledged her feelings to herself until this moment—but she did love this man. It was utter foolishness on her part but he had crept into her heart and claimed it as his own. Yet he had made no declaration to her. Spoken no words of commitment, let alone love. She needed to know now so that they could proceed.
“I have come to appreciate your intelligence and beauty, Victoria,” he said softly, his sensual lips calling out for her to touch them. “I am afraid that I do not see myself wedding you—or anyone else—this Season. Or any Season.”
Her throat tightened. “I see.” She gripped her hands, willing herself not to shed a single tear in public. “Very well then. I would ask that you not call upon me in the future. Do not claim any dances. I suppose we will run into each other at events and I promise to always greet you politely. If I see you at any of our mutual friends’ homes, I will be courteous. But this will be the last time we are alone, Your Grace. The last time we will ever have a conversation that isn’t about the weather or some other inane subject. Is that understood?”
His gaze held hers for the longest time. She thought she saw regret flicker in his eyes before a curtain descended and steely resolve seemed to fill him.
“I do understand, Lady Pemberton. May I say that it has been a pleasure knowing you? I wish you good fortune and hope you find the husband you long for and that he is a decent, good man who will know what a jewel you truly are.”
Victoria blinked rapidly, trying to keep the tears from falling.
“I bid you a good night. And a good life,” he said softly. Rising, he gave her a wistful smile.
And left.
She watched him walk away from her—and out of her life.
Inside, she crumbled. She had truly thought they had something special, despite his inconsistent behavior and lack of commitment. The odd thing was she didn’t think she had fooled herself. There had been something between them. Something intangible that she didn’t have the experience to identify.
What she did know was that Finch carried some burden deep within himself, one he hadn’t shared with her and she doubted he had confided in his friends. A hurt so buried that it wrapped around his soul, coloring every experience and relationship. She didn’t think it involved his mother, else he wouldn’t have made the effort to make peace with her. Possibly, it involved his brother or grandfather. With both of those men dead, the issue might never be resolved.
It couldn’t be her concern anymore. Finch had effectively freed her. Although she supposed she would love him forever, she must look to her future. It would be one without Finch but it still could be a good one. She must find a man she could respect, a good man who could look past her faults and the gossip that surrounded her. One who wouldn’t touch her heart, much less break it.
Viscount Minshew approached, two glasses of punch in his hands. It could very well be this gentleman. She resolved to be openminded and give every gentleman she spoke to the opportunity to get to know her, warts and all.
“Here you are, my lady,” Lord Minshew said, handing her the cup. “The line was quite long, which explains my absence. Where is His Grace?”
“He had to leave,” she said, emptiness spreading within her. She took a sip of the punch. “Oh, this is quite refreshing. Thank you for bringing it to me, my lord.”
“I was happy to do so,” he said, giving her a tentative smile. “After spending so many years on a battlefield, the simple act of sipping punch with a beautiful lady is very rewarding.”
“Tell me more about your nieces,” she encouraged.
Her companion did so, admitting how woefully unprepared he was for becoming not only a titled gentleman but an instant guardian and father figure for the girls.
“It would be challenging for anyone,” Victoria assured him. “I would love to meet them sometime.”
“You would?” He smiled broadly. “Why, that would be splendid. Perhaps the four of us could take a drive in the park. The girls enjoy going there and walking along the Serpentine. Exercise is good and I have encouraged them and their governess to do so.”
“Perhaps we could walk with them. Would tomorrow be convenient?” she boldly asked.
“I would like that very much, Lady Pemberton.”
They made plans for him to call for her at two o’clock. No gentleman had asked to call on her tomorrow and she didn’t want to spend an entire afternoon sitting around doing nothing. They would drive to Hyde Park and then take the girls for a walk. Lord Minshew even mentioned bringing a kite.
“Even though they seem too old for it, they have begged me to buy them one,” he shared. “We could try and fly it tomorrow if the wind is in our favor.”
“I look forward to meeting your nieces.” Victoria glanced around. “I see the guest artist making her way back to her makeshift stage. She’s been quite good.”
He grew sheepish. “I never cared much for music but I have enjoyed hearing her sing.”
“You sound like my uncle, Lord Weldon. He is not fond of music but my aunt is. I will introduce you to them at evening’s end.”
The soprano took the stage again and sang for another hour.
Victoria never heard a note.
*
Victoria changed into a carriage dress of mint green for her outing with Viscount Minshew and his two nieces. He had sent a note to her this morning, telling her he would also bring their governess, so that she did not need to bother with a chaperone. She thought it very thoughtful of him. He had closed the note by thanking her for agreeing to the outing. She hoped it would be enjoyable.
She had stayed in bed until almost eleven this morning and breakfasted in her room, not wishing to be in the company of others. While she adored her aunt and uncle, she needed time to herself to reflect upon what had occurred with Finch last night. Though she had thought about him for hours, she had reached no conclusions. Whatever secrets he held would remain with him. She would have to learn to live without him in her life.
As for her love for Finch, she hoped it was a temporary thing. That once she fully realized he had moved on, the ephemeral feelings would evaporate. After all, she had not known him for very long. Surely, if she became more involved in her own life—meeting others, going places, keeping busy—things would change. Victoria determined that love had nothing to do with marriage anyway, at least the kind of marriage she now sought. She wanted a man she could admire, one who was kindhearted and good.
Lord Minshew was certainly a possibility.
She had taken him to meet Aunt Hermione and Uncle Herman after the concert ended last night. The viscount and her uncle had hit it off and even made plans to meet at their club soon. Even Aunt Hermione had nice things to say about Lord Minshew on their carriage ride home.
Victoria looked into the mirror, liking what she saw. The gown’s soft color was flattering and complemented her hair. As she seated herself at her dressing table, Betsy secured a loose curl with a pin.
“There you go, my lady. All set for your outing with the viscount.”
Betsy had asked about what came in the crates and Victoria had told the maid about selecting two paintings and then changing her mind. The servant seemed taken aback by the news since Victoria was always so easygoing but she had refrained from bringing up the topic again. She supposed the two pieces had been returned to Mr. Haggersby’s gallery earlier today as she had requested. She did not bring it up with any servant, however, not wanting to place any special emphasis on her actions and draw more attention to the incident.
Going to the drawing room, she found both her aunt and uncle present. Her uncle complimented her choice of gown and then mentioned again how delighted he was that she was going for an outing with Lord Minshew and his nieces.
