Beguiling the Duke, page 16
Now Yates turned gray. “But, Your Grace, I’ve been a loyal retainer for decades.”
“Your loyalty was entirely to my father, as you just demonstrated. I’ve no need for someone like you in my employ. Furthermore, I can’t in good conscience recommend you given what you’ve done. You’re lucky I don’t seek Mr. Sneed to take you into custody.”
“How am I to go on?” Yates whined.
“I’m sure I don’t know. Perhaps Lord Gillingham can help you. I suggest you pack your things and seek him out before he leaves Marrywell. I’d also recommend you don’t drug him.”
Yates’s lips flapped for a moment before he turned and scurried into his bedchamber, slamming the door with a loud thud.
“That was brilliant. Did he actually drug you?” Holden asked, incredulous.
“After the picnic, I returned here and had tea. I collapsed into bed shortly thereafter, and I would have sworn I’d taken laudanum. Apparently, I did. I should have realized it then.” Law was supremely annoyed with himself for not seeing the valet for the threat that he was.
“And he purposely turned your face red? Was that to keep you from escorting Miss Campion to the festival?”
“It seems so.” Law wondered if he ought to have the man arrested after all. He was a menace.
Holden gave him a firm nod. “I never liked him. No one in the stables does. Most of the London household can’t stand him either. And probably half the folks at Hedgeley.” He referred to Law’s ducal estate.
“I didn’t realize that. How are you all so good at hiding your opinions?”
Holden shrugged. “That’s just what we do, especially, and I beg your pardon, with an employer like your father.”
“Well, I should like to know about disruptive retainers. I hope Yates wasn’t too terrible.” Given what he’d done with the forgery, Law wondered what other dastardly deeds he’d done.
“Just aggressively annoying,” Holden said.
“He is that.” Law exhaled. “I suppose this means I’ll need to pack my own things. I’d expected that, of course. I’ll do that while you are at the festival tonight. Then we can leave in the morning.”
“So soon?”
Dammit. Law should have thought of how that would affect Holden and his courtship of the maid. “I realize that doesn’t give you much time, however, I can’t stay here at Fieldstone. After you drive me back to London, you can take some time away and return, if that’s acceptable.”
“That’s most generous, but why are you leaving? What about Miss Campion?”
Before Law could respond, Mavis appeared at the top of the stairs. She came toward them, her brow pleating. “Why are you standing in the corridor?” Her gaze settled on Holden, and she smiled. “You tied your neckcloth.”
“His Grace did, actually.”
Mavis shifted her attention to Law. “That was very kind of you, Your Grace.” She gave him a sad, sympathetic look. “I’m sorry about what happened today.”
“No sorrier than I am.”
“I hope I’m not speaking out of turn, but I think you should know that Sadie told me about your proposal. She was so happy this morning, happier than I’ve ever seen her. I can’t believe she’s changed her mind.”
Holden’s eyes rounded. “Wait, you were betrothed, and now she’s throwing you over?”
“She’s making a better choice for herself. She doesn’t wish to complicate her life by becoming a duchess. I can’t say that I blame her.”
“I can’t either,” Mavis said with a slight frown. “I do think she’ll end up regretting it, though.”
She did? And wouldn’t she know? Mavis had been working at Fieldstone for many years, if Law remembered correctly from one of his many conversations with Sadie.
“Does she love him?” Holden asked Mavis.
Mavis nodded. “I’m sure she does.”
Holden looked to Law. “And you love her?”
“More than anything.”
“Then why aren’t you fighting for her?” Holden asked, his brows pitched into a deep V.
“Because she was very clear in her rejection. I must respect her wishes.”
Holden waved his hand. “Bah, not if she’s upset and likely to regret her decision. I wouldn’t give up so easily.”
It was difficult not to feel a surge of hope. Perhaps he had surrendered too quickly. He did love her, and she’d said just last night that she loved him. Surely, she wouldn’t have changed her mind. Except she had—about marrying him.
He thought of all the times his father had forced him to do things again and again until he overcame his fear or mastered the skill. Perhaps that was what he needed to do here.
Of course it was. The realization made Law smile. If his father had known all that would have prepared him for this—to marry a woman of whom he would not approve—he might never have demanded so much.
Law would try to persuade Sadie to overcome her anxiety about being his duchess. He just had to show her that hiding at Fieldstone would not make her as happy as them being together, conquering their fears and sharing their responsibilities—and their love.
Law looked from Holden to Mavis. “How can I prove to her that we belong together?”
Mavis smiled. “What does Sadie want most of all?”
There was no need to even think of the answer. It just tumbled from Law’s mouth. “A home. Family. And not in London as a duchess,” he added drily. Suddenly, he knew what he had to do. The solution was obvious. But would she agree with him?
“I need to go to the festival,” he said, anxious to be on his way immediately.
“We were going to walk since I don’t know how to drive and Holden can’t,” Mavis said. “But I believe the gig is here. Can you hitch it up?”
“I could put my own team on my own coach if I had to, but the gig is easier if you think we can all squeeze in there together.”
“Mavis can sit on my lap,” Holden said with a grin.
She swatted his arm. “Rogue! I have made you no promises.”
“His Grace has said he’ll find a place for you, if you would consent to be my wife.”
Lovely pink roses bloomed in Mavis’s cheeks. “Sadie was going to bring me as her lady’s maid. I confess I was ecstatic when she told me, then devastated when she changed her mind.”
Law gave the maid a level stare. “With luck, I’m going to persuade her to be my duchess, and then she will most definitely need a lady’s maid. All will work out as it should.”
He prayed that would be true.
After promenading with Stackhouse, Sadie returned to her father and brothers for a short while. Then Mr. Atkins had come to ask for another promenade, and they’d made a circuit of the main area around the dais. Both gentlemen were kind, in possession of precisely the kind of home she would like to call her own and would make fine husbands. Neither of them, however, were Law.
Atkins delivered her back to her father and took his leave with a bow. “Remember to save me that dance later,” he said with a smile.
“Is that boy old enough to marry?” her father asked when Atkins was out of earshot.
“He just looks young,” Sadie replied. “He’s actually two years older than I am.”
Her father narrowed one eye at her. “Does he wish to court you?” He’d asked her the same thing after she’d promenaded with Stackhouse.
“He said he looks forward to spending time with me. He asked me to dance later and suggested we walk through the labyrinth.”
“Harrumph.” Her father appeared disgruntled. “Nothing good ever happens in the labyrinth.”
Sadie stared at him. “You’ve never once said that. What would you say if I was going there with the duke?” She had gone there with him, and it had been everything good. And wonderful. And absolutely incomparable.
“I would lead you there myself,” her father said without a hint of irony.
Sadie rolled her eyes.
“What was wrong with him?” her father asked. “The duke, I mean.”
“Nothing was wrong with him.” On the contrary, he made her feel desirable and important. He’d called her the best person he knew. How could she not find him wonderful in return?
Then why aren’t you marrying him?
Again, she wondered if she was making a mistake and if her father’s counsel was worth her attention. Thankfully, it was nearly time to go onto the dais with the other maidens fair.
Glancing toward the short stairs that led up to the dais, she saw Law walking with the mayor. Law looked so handsome in his evening wear with his crisp black coat and his snowy white cravat. Sadie tilted her head to the side. That was not his typical knot. His blond hair ruffled slightly in the breeze, and she recalled the silken feel of it between her fingers. She remembered all of him pressed against her, and a rush of heat suffused her.
He and Armstrong ascended onto the dais together. What was going on?
Armstrong strode toward the front where he typically spoke while Law hung slightly back, his gaze moving over the crowd.
“Good evening, Marrywellers and guests!” Armstrong said loudly enough to carry over the wide lawn. “I’m joined here on the dais by our esteemed guest, His Grace, the Duke of Lawford. I’m delighted to announce that the duke is so smitten with our charming village that he plans to stay indefinitely!”
Sadie gasped, and she realized it was just one of hundreds of the same sound. A low buzz carried as people responded to one another regarding this news.
“Well, that’s bloody unexpected,” Adam said.
Yes, it was. Sadie didn’t think she could breathe.
“His Grace will be seeking to purchase an appropriate property nearby, one that will provide additional lodging for guests during the festival, which means an expansion of our attendance!”
That would bring additional funds to their town, which relied on the festival. Why was he doing this?
“The duke would like to say a few words.” Armstrong gestured for Law to join him at the front of the dais.
Law moved forward, and in that instant, his eyes locked with Sadie’s. “I have absolutely fallen in love with Marrywell,” he said. Sadie’s heart flipped, and now she absolutely could not breathe. He looked past her and scanned the large gathering, but she kept her gaze fixed on him. “I look forward to calling this beautiful place my home. One of them anyway. While I do have duties that require me to be in London during the Season, I’ll be here as much as I can, especially during the festival.” He looked directly at her again, and it seemed as though he was speaking to her and her alone.
“Listen to that,” Sadie’s father said softly. “He’s fallen in love with our town.”
Sadie glanced over at him to see he was looking at her instead of the dais. He arched a brow and wore a decidedly smug expression.
She swung her gaze back to the dais. Law was going to make Marrywell his home? Well, one of his homes. Why would he do that after she rejected him?
Because he’s not giving up.
She’d told him she didn’t want to be a duchess, that she preferred her simple life. He would do everything he could—within the bounds of his own duty—to give her exactly that. At least, she thought that was what he was saying.
Law smiled at her from the dais, and her heart lodged in her throat. She loved him so much. Her father was right. Sometimes it was best to listen to one’s heart.
Armstrong announced that it was time for the queen, king, and maidens fair to join him on the dais. Sadie made her way to the stairs, her legs feeling slightly wobbly. At least, she was breathing again.
She climbed onto the dais, following behind the other maidens who filed past the mayor. When she reached him, Sadie paused. “Could you have the duke ask me his question again?” she whispered.
Armstrong’s brow creased in confusion.
“Just ask him if he will,” Sadie said, clenching her hands into fists and releasing them as a heady anticipation fluttered through her.
Turning, Armstrong went back to Law. “Miss Campion would like to know if you’d ask her your question again.”
Law’s gaze met hers. He arched a brow, and she saw the question in his expression.
She nodded, a slight smile curving her lips.
“I would be delighted,” Law said softly. He sank to one knee and more loudly asked, “Miss Campion, would you do me the honor of becoming my duchess?”
“I will.” A grin overtook her, and she began to shake with emotion.
The gardens erupted with applause and cheers. Sadie felt wetness on her cheeks, but it wasn’t raining, of course.
Law came forward and took her in his arms. He kissed her forehead and caressed her cheek. “I’m so glad you said yes.”
“How could I say no to that proposal?” She shook her head and wiped the back of her gloved hand over her cheeks. “It wasn’t just the proposal. I had already started to regret changing my mind. Did you mean what you said about living here?”
“Of course I did. I can’t keep you from being a duchess, but I can give you the home, the place, and anything else your heart desires.”
“What my heart desires most is you,” she said, touching his face. “I really don’t need a fourth house here in Marrywell. Just promise we’ll visit Fieldstone often and try to always attend the Matchmaking Festival.”
“We can discuss the fourth house—I am entirely smitten with your town. I promise we’ll come back to your home as much as you want, and there is no way I’m missing a festival. I want to kiss you, but I’m afraid that would be too much of a spectacle.” He gave her a wicked smile. “But I promise to do that and much more later when we are alone. If you’ll allow it.”
She gave him a saucy look. “You know me well enough by now to expect that I’ll demand it.”
He laughed, then kissed her temple. “And yours are the only demands I care about.”
“Huzzah!” Armstrong shouted. “What a start to night six! We have our first betrothal, and what a spectacular one it is. Let us congratulate His Grace, the Duke of Lawford, and our very own Miss Sadie Campion!”
There were more cheers, and Sadie felt as if she might burst from happiness. She looked out over the sea of faces and was overcome with joy. “This exceeds anything I imagined.” She looked at Law. “You’ve made dreams I didn’t even know I had come true.”
“Then you’d best dream up some more so I can bring those to reality too.”
“Let us commence the dancing,” Armstrong announced. “Led by our newly betrothed couple!”
Sadie took Law’s arm, and they left the dais. Her entire family was waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
“That was the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen,” Annabelle said, wiping her nose with a handkerchief.
Law moved to Sadie’s father. “I should have asked your permission first. I hope you can forgive me.”
“You’re marrying my daughter!” Sadie’s father sniffed. “Are you really going to live here in Marrywell? Or were you just trying to convince Sadie to wed you?”
“Yes, Sadie and I will spend as much time here as we can.”
“We’ll discuss it,” Sadie said. “I realize that if I can manage four brothers and my father and a bustling household, I can likely handle being a duchess. How difficult can London Society be?”
“That is quite a change of attitude,” Law whispered near her ear. “I believe you can do anything you set your mind to. And I’ll make sure all of London knows what a wonderful, capable, astonishingly clever woman you are.”
She looked up at him. “I was afraid, and I don’t want to be. I don’t think I can be with you at my side.” Grinning, she tugged him toward the dance floor. “Come, we need to dance.”
“You’re welcome at Fieldstone any time!” her father called after them.
The mayor announced a waltz in celebration of Sadie and Law’s betrothal. Law took her into his arms as the music started. They were alone for now, but the other members of the court would join them shortly.
“You really aren’t afraid anymore?” Law asked.
“I know there will be challenges, but I am up to them. There is just one thing, however. Will Lady Frederica be all right? I’m quite upset thinking she may be ruined.”
Law gave her a reassuring squeeze as they moved with the music. “She should be fine. There may be some gossip, but it won’t be as dire as Gillingham made it sound. If he waits until next Season to launch her, I predict she’ll be quite successful.”
“Would it help if I paid her special attention? Perhaps we could make her a special guest at a ball or something.” Sadie gave him a lopsided smile. “Honestly, I’ve no idea how any of that works.”
“You shall sort it out, and you can set a new style for doing things.” He looked at her intently. “I believe very strongly that you will be the most successful duchess London has ever seen.”
Sadie felt as though she were glowing with love. “Your faith in me is all I really need. I should have realized that sooner. I’m so sorry I rejected you.”
“You’ve no need to apologize. I fully understand why you changed your mind. What happened at the pudding competition was truly awful. I am pleased to report that Yates is no longer in my employ. Can you believe he turned my face red on purpose, and he put laudanum in my tea—all to keep me from attending the festival with you?”
She gaped at him. “The blackguard!”
“Quite. I shall need to hire a new valet. But you already have a lady’s maid—Mavis will be thrilled that you’ve changed your mind, as she and Holden would like to be married.”
“Truly?” Sadie didn’t think she could get even happier, but she did.
“Truly.” He guided her expertly as the others joined them in the dance. “I’m just glad I was able to keep my promise to you.”
Sadie laughed softly. “That I’d be betrothed by the end of the festival?”
He nodded. “And I’ve a day to spare.”
“I claim it as mine,” Sadie said, looking up at him with seductive intent.
