Duke of Honor, page 9
They didn’t speak for several minutes and then she asked, “Might you tell me something about the guests coming to Blackstone Manor? Part of my belly’s grumblings could be blamed upon where I sat earlier but I will admit that I am very nervous to meet so many new people. Mama said twenty to thirty people attend house parties.”
He studied her a moment. “Is that how you know about them? From your mother?”
“Yes.” Hadley smiled. “Mama loved a house party. She told me about all of the activities and how fun they were to participate in. I have never attended any type of social event at all and while I am looking forward to it, my nerves are getting the better of me. I do know there will be things such as picnics and riding. Possibly rowing if there is a nearby lake. Lawn games during the day and parlor games in the evening.”
“Yes, all of that and much more.” He paused and then said, “I can tell you a bit about my friends that will be there. First, are the Eton Three—the Dukes of Windham, Colebourne, and Treadwell. They met at school when they were boys and were a tight circle of three, generously opening their ranks to Blackmore and me when we all arrived at Cambridge.
“Windham served in the Peninsular Wars with me.”
“A duke went to war?” she asked, astonished by that bit of information. “I thought it quite unusual that you, as a marquess, joined the military.”
Sebastian smiled and Hadley warmed at the first genuine smile from him. It made him even more handsome than usual.
“Windham wasn’t a duke when we graduated. He was a second son destined for the army. Circumstances saw his father and his elder brother pass. That’s when he returned to England and assumed the title. He wed a widow who had lost her husband and child in a carriage accident. The duchess recently gave birth to their first child, a son they named Robby. My understanding is the baby will accompany them to Blackstone Manor.”
He raked a hand through his thick waves of dark blond hair. “Colebourne and Treadwell grew up on neighboring estates. Both men had broken betrothals and ran wild through society for a good number of years until they each wed within the last year. Colebourne married Treadwell’s sister, a widow.” He paused. “I had always thought they would be a good match. They weren’t childhood sweethearts but I don’t think I imagined the spark between them. I suppose it is a good thing they discovered it after all these years.”
“What of Treadwell and his bride?” Hadley asked.
“He found his duchess when her carriage broke down in front of his country estate in Devon. She, too, is a widow and has a young girl. Treadwell seems as much in love with little Claire as he is with her mother.”
“So, they are a love match? That is rare.”
He shrugged. “Not as rare as I had thought. All four of my friends seemed to have found love while I was abroad.”
His words surprised her. Her mother had prepared Hadley, telling her that people of their class did not wed for love. Her parents’ marriage was the perfect example of that. She had wanted more and dreamed of love with Sebastian as she had come to know him through his letters over the years. After meeting him and seeing how war had hardened him, though, she knew it would take a miracle to tear down the walls he had built around himself.
Especially his heart.
“And what of our hosts?” she asked.
“Blackmore and I were closest when at university, being the two outsiders of the five of us. Don’t misunderstand me. All four of my friends are loyal to a fault and good men but I seemed to always spend more time with him. Blackmore was very carefree. Everything came to him with ease. He only wed a few months ago. He wrote that his duchess is the daughter of a former Oxford don who became an earl. I had the privilege of meeting his duchess on my way to London. She is quite remarkable.”
“I so look forward to meeting all of them. And the others who are invited. I would like . . . I would like to find a friend among them,” she said quietly. “I have never had one before.”
“Not a one?” he asked, his surprise obvious.
“No. Mama and I never left our country estate. The only two children of my class and similar age were two boys who were brothers. They refused to have anything to do with me simply because I was a girl. Then I came to your father and we did not socialize at all. Besides His Grace and my horse, Hestia, I have never truly had a friend.”
Sebastian leaned over and took one of her hands in his. A delicious warmth spread through her at the contact.
“I hope you make several friends at this house party, Lady Hadley.” He gently squeezed her fingers and then released her hand, sitting back and contemplating her. “Lady Elizabeth is close to your age.”
“Who is she?”
“She is Blackmore’s sister and has been out for two Seasons. I believe she is the reason the house party is being given in the first place.”
“Oh, so she is a wallflower who has yet to find a husband?”
He laughed, a deep, rich laugh, which made her wish he did so more often. “Elizabeth is no wallflower. She is very strong-willed and I am sure most gentlemen don’t want to take on such a handful. She was an interesting child. A true tomboy though she has grown into a beautiful woman.”
Hadley heard the admiration in his voice for this woman and the little hope she had for them ever being together died. It was obvious Sebastian was interested in his friend’s sister. After all, he had known her before he went to war. She was the daughter of one duke and the sister to another. From his words, Lady Elizabeth seemed spirited. The very kind of woman who should become a duchess.
“You will like Lady Elizabeth. She—and her sister-in-law—are very excited to meet you. They have heard of how easily you have handled all of the heavy responsibilities placed upon you.”
“That won’t be any longer, Your Grace. When we return home, I will go over my reports with you.”
“Reports?”
“Yes. I prepared detailed ones for each of your estates and will let you read over them so I may answer any questions you might have. After that, I will be on my way. Who knows? I may find a husband at Blackstone.”
“What?” he barked.
Hadley shrugged. “Mama told me house parties were often where those of the ton found their mates. I know I am a burden to you, Your Grace. As long as I am around, some of your people will inevitably turn to me. Even if their loyalties should lie with you. The sooner I am gone, the more quickly you will settle into your role as Duke of Hardwick. I won’t pay any attention to a gentlemen Lady Elizabeth might be interested in but if I find a man whom I believe would suit me, it would be best for all of us if I accept his offer and start a new life away from Hardwell Hall.”
Chapter Nine
Lady Hadley’s words troubled him even though he had hoped she would find a match at the house party. True, he wanted her gone. She made an excellent point regarding his servants and tenants. They had looked to her for so long that they might feel disloyal to her by turning to him. A case in point was why she caused them to be late in leaving for Blackstone Manor. Sebastian knew there was more to her story regarding females and problems but he hadn’t wanted to press her. All he had wanted to do was look at her—and gobble her up.
The confident woman who wore her tight buckskin breeches and jaunty hats had morphed into even more of a beauty when tamed and placed into the proper attire. The gown she wore made her appear as a springtime flower and he longed to nibble the long column of her exposed throat. The swell of her rounded breasts had him salivating. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Not a conventional beauty but one all of her own making.
And he didn’t want any other man to touch her, much less possess her.
Sebastian couldn’t stop her from meeting the gentlemen attending Jon’s house party. What he could do is let those men know he was interested in her. As a duke, they would back away and allow him the freedom to pursue her.
Is that what he wanted?
He hadn’t thought so. She knew too much of his past for him to be truly comfortable. At least he had never put words on paper regarding that dark time. That was for him and him alone. No one would ever learn of what had been done to him behind enemy lines.
No, he should look for another woman that interested him. One who knew little to nothing about him. One who would be sweet and pliant and undemanding. Lady Hadley was none of those things. Yet his every thought continued to be about her. He wanted to kiss her. Taste her. Possess her. It had been difficult to keep his touch gentle as he held her while she had been sick and shaking. If Thomas and the footman hadn’t been there, Sebastian would have been more than tempted to lower his head to hers and kiss the life out of her.
He firmed his resolve, knowing she wasn’t the woman he should commit to. He would see if some more suitable candidate for his duchess would be in attendance at the house party. If so, he would court her and convince her to wed quickly, allowing him to avoid the Marriage Mart next Season. If no other woman caught his eye, he would bide his time until a more pliable candidate could be considered. Anyone other than the very tempting Lady Hadley Hampton.
The carriage began to slow and he glanced out the window. “We are almost there,” he announced.
He watched as Lady Hadley turned to look out the window. She had a beautiful profile, with a straight nose and full, rosy lips. She leaned forward and sunlight caught the hair not hidden under her bonnet. It was as if it caught fire. She was fire to his ice. Sebastian knew in that moment that he would have to kiss her at least once. Perhaps if he did so, he could get these deepening urges out of his system and pursue a more appropriate candidate for his wife.
“Oh, it’s very nice. Almost as nice as Hardwell Hall,” she noted, pride evident in her voice.
He thought so, too. He had forgotten how grand his childhood home was until he had arrived there after so long an absence. Despite not wanting to be a duke, he certainly didn’t mind residing in such a magnificent residence.
As the carriage halted, he told her, “That is the Duke and Duchess of Blackmore coming to greet us. Windham and his wife are behind them.”
The door opened and the footman placed the stairs before her. Before she could move, Sebastian had already left the carriage and held a hand out to her. She took it and he seemed to draw strength and comfort from her small hand in his. She looked at him, perplexed, as he guided her down the steps.
Turning, he smiled widely, his body relaxing at the sight of his friends. “Greetings!” he called. “May I introduce Lady Hadley Hampton to you all?”
Jon and Arabella immediately moved toward her as Sebastian captured Andrew in a bear hug.
“It’s been a few years, old friend,” he said.
“It has, Sebastian. You look as if you came out unscathed.”
For a moment, his heart seemed to stop and then he gave Andrew a ready smile. Glancing to the woman nearby, he said, “I assume this is the Duchess of Windham?” He took her hand and kissed it as he bowed. “I am truly delighted to meet you, Your Grace. But where is your son?”
She laughed, her azure eyes drawing him in. “Robby is napping at the moment. He is four and a half months old and besides smiling, he has discovered his voice. You should have heard his squeals during the carriage ride from Windowmere to Blackstone Manor. In fact, I am certain you did.”
Sebastian liked her very much, as he had liked Arabella upon meeting her. Andrew and Jon had done well for themselves.
“Lady Hadley, I am so pleased to meet you,” Andrew said. “Jon and Arabella have been telling us of how you have run Hardwick’s estates for a good number of years. My Phoebe has decided I should bear our next child while she sees to managing Windowmere.”
Everyone laughed heartily and Lady Hadley spoke to both the Windhams before Arabella encouraged everyone to come inside.
“Elizabeth is in the drawing room. Both the Colebournes and Treadwells arrived not a quarter-hour ago. We are all to rendezvous in the drawing room for tea,” Arabella said. She slipped her arm through Lady Hadley’s. “I hope you like lemon cake, my lady. Our cook’s is light and moist.”
They made their way inside and up the stairs to the drawing room, finding Elizabeth supervising where the several teacarts should stand. Immediately, she rushed over.
“Oh, you must be Lady Hadley. I am Lady Elizabeth Sutton and so very glad to meet you.”
“Sebastian’s here?” a voice roared.
He turned and saw Weston hurrying toward him. They greeted one another and then George was there.
“You are a sight for sore eyes,” George proclaimed. “I never thought that blasted war would end. How are you, Sebastian?”
“As good as can be expected,” he replied. “I arrived home and then quickly set out for London in order to meet with the family solicitors.”
“At least you had time to get to a tailor,” Weston said. “I am sure after wearing a uniform for years it feels wonderful to be dressed in civilian clothes.”
“Yes, it does. I stopped in Weymouth first and then had additional clothes made up in London. I never want to be seen in red again,” he joked.
Hearing voices, he turned and saw two women entering the drawing room. There was no mistaking Samantha, with her raven hair and aquamarine eyes mirroring those of Weston, her brother. Samantha had been a very young woman the last time he had seen her. Now, her beauty had matured and she glowed, in part because she was with child.
“Sebastian!” she cried, flinging her arms about him. “You seem even taller and broader than before.”
“I would have known you anywhere, Your Grace.”
“Oh, please, I am Samantha to you. Surely, that hasn’t changed.”
George came and slipped his arm about his wife’s waist. “You can see I am the happiest of men, Sebastian. I have the best wife in the world and cannot wait for our child to be born this coming December.”
Weston snorted as he led his new wife to Sebastian. She had rich brown hair and the most arresting violet eyes. “Meet Elise, my duchess and my world.”
“I feel I already know you, Your Grace. Weston has spoken of you often and very fondly.” Her eyes glimmered with mischief. “Perhaps we can talk later and you can tell me about some of your escapades at Cambridge. He has been reluctant to divulge any of them.”
He chuckled. “I can—but all of us would be guilty as charged. What one of us did, the other four followed with gusto.” He paused. “Have you met Lady Hadley?”
Sebastian didn’t want her to be left out. He knew from her earlier words that she had never been in large or small social groups. He was at an advantage because he knew or had been introduced to almost everyone here. She, on the other hand, would most likely be overwhelmed meeting so many people at once.
He motioned them over and introduced the newcomers to her. He couldn’t help but observe how gracious her greetings were and that she moved with a natural grace. A deep longing rose within him, which he quickly tamped down.
“Do you have feelings for her?” Jon asked quietly.
“No,” he denied. “I merely feel responsible for her. Hardwick isolated her for many years. She has yet to be out in society. This must be overwhelming to her.”
Jon snorted. “She seems quite in her element to me.”
Sebastian looked and saw Lady Hadley speaking with several of the women with ease.
“Perhaps I shouldn’t have worried. She seems to be holding her own.”
“Shall we all sit for tea?” Arabella asked.
They seated themselves and the men and women naturally broke into two groups. He enjoyed catching up with his friends and hearing in detail about how they had all come to meet their spouses. Each man seemed besotted with his wife, causing a pang of jealousy to rise within him.
“When do your other guests arrive?” he asked.
“Not until tomorrow,” Jon said. “We wanted our small group to come together first and celebrate having you back in our fold before the others descended upon us.”
“Do you think Elizabeth will find a mate?” he asked.
Jon grew thoughtful. “It’s possible. Several eligible gentlemen will be in attendance, as will be young ladies of marriageable age.”
“Are you looking for a duchess?” Andrew asked.
Sebastian chose his words carefully. “I am aware now that I have returned to England that I have many responsibilities as a duke. One is getting an heir. I would like to wed quickly and quietly. If a woman attending this house party strikes my fancy, I am not opposed to a wedding sooner rather than later.”
George glanced to the ladies and back. “Have you considered Lady Hadley? She has an unusual beauty and, from all reports, is highly intelligent. I know you, Sebastian. You will need a woman to challenge you.”
“Lady Hadley certainly would do so,” he agreed, “but I prefer a more docile, quiet wife. Lady Hadley seems to have strong opinions about everything.”
“What is wrong with that?” Weston asked. “She has had to do a man’s job for years. Your job. You couldn’t choose a more eligible woman. She is intimately familiar with Hardwell Hall and your entire estate and properties.”
“Too familiar,” he said succinctly, hoping to move the conversation in another direction.
Unfortunately, his friends wanted to remain fixed on the topic of Lady Hadley.
“I, for one, think that Lady Hadley’s familiarity with both the estate and your tenants would be beneficial,” Andrew pointed out. “Let me tell you, becoming an instant duke with no training and no idea of what the title involved was hard on us all. Fortunately, Phoebe had run a household before we wed and was able to manage it and the servants with ease. What I didn’t expect was how clever she would be with dispensing advice regarding the estate.”
“Arabella may not have run an estate or a household but she is good with people and put my tenants at ease with her candor and charm,” Jon said. “From what I know, Lady Hadley has the trust and ear of your people. That would go far, Sebastian, in helping you adjust to your new role in civilian life.”
