Duke of a Gilded Age (45 page)

Wesley stared into his glass as he recalled all the conversations he’d ever had with Cavendish about his past. The pieces of his puzzle slid into place and his murky history finally became clear.

“Cavendish has taken great pains to hide his identity for some reason,” Wesley said. “I trust you’ll keep his confidence.”

“You’ve my word as a gentleman.” Mr. Ley signaled the waiter for another round of drinks.

“Where’s Miss Christianson now?” Wesley asked. “I’d like to meet her.”

“You already did, lad, on the way in.”

On the cab ride back to his Belgrave Square townhouse, Wesley was pensive. From the moment he saw Lord James Overton’s photograph, Wesley had debated with himself on how to approach Cavendish. His instincts had always told him there was more to the valet than he was willing to disclose, but the reality was much larger than Wesley had imagined. Part of him wanted to ignore the information altogether, so as not to pry into the man’s affairs.
And yet, can I pretend as if nothing has happened?
Outside of an overwhelming urge to help Cavendish in some way, Wesley was consumed with the need to know
why
. What would cause a man to abandon his title, fortune, and identity in favor of a life of servitude?

Cavendish had not yet returned from his afternoon off when Wesley reached his house. After he deposited the newly acquired engagement ring in his bedchamber, Wesley went down to the drawing room for a stiff drink. Just after five o’clock, Cavendish appeared. His cheeks were flushed from his recent walk, and his eyes were brightened by the exercise.

“Millicent said you wished to see me, sir?”

“Yes, come in and have a drink, Cavendish.”

The man chuckled. “Although I appreciate your regard for me, it wouldn’t be appropriate for a duke to drink with his valet.”

“Have it your way, then. In that case, I’ll have a drink with Lord James Overton.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Belle at the Ball

C
AVENDISH’S
S
MILE
F
ADED
. “I’m sorry, sir, I don’t know who you mean.”

Wesley waved off his attempt to dissemble. “It’s no good, Cavendish. I saw your photograph at the Explorer’s Club.”

Several long seconds passed.

“You’ll have my resignation in the morning,” Cavendish said finally.

He turned to leave, but Wesley bounded from his chair and caught the man by the sleeve. “I don’t
want
your resignation, I want the truth.”

Cavendish freed himself from Wesley’s grasp. “I don’t appreciate your
snooping
into my business, as you Americans say.”

“I didn’t snoop! As a matter of fact, Mr. Ley is a member of the Explorer’s Club, and he figured out who you were first.”

“Nevertheless, if my service has been satisfactory, that’s all you should have been concerned about.”

“I can’t force your confidence, but after what we’ve been through together, I just want to understand.”

Cavendish held Wesley’s gaze a few moments before nodding. “I suppose I owe you that.”

He closed the drawing room doors, went to pour himself a brandy, and then turned to face Wesley.

“When I was a few years older than you are now, I was cocky, arrogant, and convinced of my own superiority. My best friend Archie and I were a team, out to conquer the world. We were also the terror of London debutantes…until the season that Miss Esmé Christianson came out into society. Archie and I both fell madly in love with her, and were rivals for her affection for a short while. To his credit, when she chose me, he was gracious about it. We largely went on as before until I got it into my head she harbored a secret admiration for him. Archie was a strapping, good-looking fellow, and I envied him. It was unfair and unjustified, but I blew up at them both. Archie went off and got himself killed in Africa, and I held myself accountable.”

“How could it have been your fault?” Wesley asked, bewildered. “He was murdered by a poacher.”

“I should’ve been there for him! He was always there to watch my back, and because of my jealousy I let him go off on his own. It was then that I realized my money, the barony, and my position in society meant nothing. I pensioned off my long-suffering valet, Cavendish, gave my title and estate to my younger brother, and went off to seek redemption. My life as a valet was a chance to be useful, teach myself humility, and perhaps improve my character a little.”

“The man I see before me bears no resemblance to what he may have been thirty years ago. Isn’t it time to resume your former life?”

“Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t know how to begin. Besides which, I’m quite contented with the way things are. There’s a great deal of satisfaction to be had in serving others, and I do it well.”

“What of Miss Christianson?”

“I’m past my prime and would hold no attraction for her whatsoever. At any rate, she’s most certainly spoken for.”

Wesley shook his head. “She’s unmarried and very handsome. I met her today.”

A shadow passed over Cavendish’s face. “Esmé was the most dazzling woman I’d ever beheld. I was never quite sure what she saw in me.”

“She’s still dazzling, Cavendish.”

“Be that as it may.”

“I can’t predict whether you could successfully rekindle your romance, but I’ve noticed women flock to you.” Wesley grinned. “You’ll never know unless you try.”

“Stop it, lad!”

His heated reply took Wesley aback.

“Don’t you realize how many nights I’ve lain awake, torturing myself with what could have been?” Cavendish exclaimed. “I’m not worthy of her and I never will be! Please, let’s not discuss it further.”

“You’re wrong, Cavendish, but you’ll hear no more about her from me.”

Cavendish put down his brandy snifter. “Do I still have a position as your valet?”

“Only until you can train your replacement.”

He averted his eyes. “I understand.”

“You must have a loftier position and a raise if you wish to continue working for me. How does Master Tutor sound?”

“It sounds very well…but why not simply discharge me? You’ve every reason.”

“We’re family, Cavendish. As far as I’m concerned, you may work for me as long as you desire. By the way, what should I call you now that I know who you are?”

“You may call me James, if you like.”

“And I would prefer if you called me Wesley.”

“As you wish. It’s time for you to dress for dinner, Wesley.”

“I’ll be along directly.”

James bowed and left the room. Wesley frowned at the emerald green absinthe cocktail in his hand before draining his glass.
James has more than paid the price for any slights he may have inflicted thirty years ago. I won’t rest until he takes his life back completely—even if I risk losing his friendship.

Caisteal Park had been buzzing with activity for days. The Van Eycks and Egermanns arrived the afternoon of the ball, and after they’d had tea, everyone went to their rooms to dress for the party. Louise and Stephen stayed behind for a few minutes to speak with Wesley.

“Promise you’ll give us a more extensive tour of the place tomorrow?” Louise begged. “It’s so terribly splendid.”

“We’re going to be here a whole week, Louise,” Stephen said. “Perhaps Wesley can spread out the tour over several days to prolong our excitement as long as possible.”

Wesley gave Stephen a reproving glance. “It
will
take several days to see the entire estate, and it’s worth it.”

Stephen clapped his friend on the shoulder. “Undoubtedly. What I’ve seen so far has been superlative, and I’m extremely jealous.”

“And I’m extremely anxious to see Annabelle,” Louise said. “I can’t wait to show her my new ball gown.”

“After all that’s happened, you’re most concerned with a dress?” Stephen asked.

“Not
most
concerned, no.” Louise giggled. “But I do want her to see it, nonetheless.”

Wesley escorted his friends to their rooms and continued on to his own. Since he had been unable to hire another valet on such short notice, James had continued with his duties. He’d laid out Wesley’s formal attire for the evening, with a black tailcoat and matching trousers, a white waistcoat, white dress shirt, and a white bow tie. Wesley bathed and donned his evening clothes, but as the time drew near for him to go down to the ballroom, he was beset by nerves. While James expertly tied his bow tie, Wesley took a deep breath to calm his jitters.

“Worried about the ball?” James asked.

“No, I’m sure it will go off without a hitch. My mother has done a marvelous job coordinating everything, and I’ve never seen her in finer form.”

“Then what is it?”

Wesley’s gaze slid to the sparkling engagement ring resting on the dresser. “I’ve never asked anyone to marry me before.”

“Stiff upper lip and so forth,” James said. “You’ll do fine, lad.” He used a clothing brush to brush Wesley’s shoulders.

“It’s going to be fun, introducing you as Lord Overton tonight.”

“Your friends only know me as Cavendish.”

“My friends don’t
really
know you at all, do they? Tonight will be your coming out party, and the ladies are counting on you as a dance partner.”

“Speaking of which, I must go dress.” James paused before he left. “You know, I’m rather looking forward to being myself for the evening.”

“It doesn’t have to be just for the evening. You’re a legitimate baron, and you can take your barony back.”

He chuckled. “I’ve already written a letter to my younger brother, informing him of my decision. He’ll be extremely put out when he reads it.”

“Lord Henry Overton blackened your name quite fiercely when Mr. Oakhurst contacted him for a reference. I take it you two don’t get along?”

“Henry has always viewed me as the sole obstacle to his happiness. If I compensate him handsomely for his loss, however, that might waken his brotherly affection.”

“I don’t understand. Didn’t you already give him the entire estate?”

“Only a small fraction, actually. He owns our father’s house, and I arranged for him to have a reasonable sum, paid annually.”

Wesley gave him a look of astonishment. “Are you telling me you’re wealthy?”

“I was distraught thirty years ago, Wesley, not out of my mind. I’ve got enough money for twenty lifetimes.”

“Why you sly boots! You could’ve paid your own way across the Atlantic, couldn’t you?”

“I believe I mentioned in our interview that I was exceedingly economical.” He gave Wesley a wink. “I’ll see you at the ball.”