The Scandal of Lady Eleanor (17 page)

Ella laughed lightly. “Did you hear our near battle over the advantages of railways over the canal system two evenings ago?”

“I doubt if Worthing could find someone at White's to give him such a setdown.”

“Am I too fiery in my opinions, Bran? Should I try to soften my approach?”

The duke leaned forward as if to share a secret. “Do you wish to attract Worthing? If he made a declaration, would you accept?”

Ella licked her suddenly dry lips.
Should she admit the depth of her interest in James Kerrington?
“I value Lord Worthing's opinion more than I should on such short acquaintance. I fear I prefer his company to that of all others, and as far as a declaration, I would seriously entertain such avowals.”

“Then let us give Worthing some hope,” Fowler declared. “He expressed an interest in making his overtures at the Season's end. If I interpret what you say correctly, it would be acceptable to you if he did so before that time?”

Ella swallowed hard, understanding what her brother asked of
her. “I would not wish to wait to come to an understanding with Lord Worthing, but neither would I wish to force him into acting before he is ready.”

“I have observed how the man looks at you, Ella. I doubt Kerrington would think himself forced into an offer of marriage, but I will assure him he may speak earlier if he wishes.” Bran reasoned, “As your official Come Out ball is less than a fortnight away, we should not upset Aunt Agatha by announcing a betrothal before then. I intend to suggest Worthing wait at least a fortnight following your ball before securing your hand as his own. That gives you a month, Ella, to change your mind if you so wish.”

“And if I change my mind, would I disappoint you, Bran? His Lordship is a dear friend, after all.”

Her brother took her hand and brought it to rest over his heart. “I would only be disappointed, Eleanor, if you chose someone who could not make you happy. I would agree to a cottager or a vicar or an earl, as long as you could find comfort and joy in your life by sharing it with him.You are what is important to me, not Society.”

Immediately, she was in his arms, her fake veneer—the one she showed the world, of the reserved duke's daughter—slipping. “I love you, Eleanor,” he whispered close to her ear. “No one will ever replace you in my life. I would move mountains for you; I promise to never fail you again.”

 

When Kerrington called to take Ella driving, the duke motioned him into his study as Mr. Horace sent a maid to find Eleanor. “Have a seat, Worthing.” Fowler gestured to the chair before his desk. “I thought I might bring you up to snuff on the Baloch emerald. Lexford reports someone broke into one of his smaller properties and ransacked the rooms, leaving things in disarray. It could be vandals in the neighborhood, but it might have something to do with the emerald. Maybe not surprisingly, John thwarted a similar incident at a manor house on his Yorkshire property. There are some parallels in the manner in which the culprits entered the dwellings. Shepherd
sent out warnings to the others. I told him I would speak to you and Crowden.”

“I need to contact Mr. MacKelroy, my father's steward—have him check the outlying holdings.” He motioned to the foolscap lying on the desk, and Bran nodded his agreement. James took up the pen. “Have there been other attacks?”

“None of which Shepherd is aware.”

James finished his short directive to his estate's steward before looking up at Fowler. “Any leads on the coach or the shooter in the park?”

“Shepherd believes he has a lead on the coach.” Fowler handed over the hot wax after James wrote the directions on the outside. “Other witnesses saw a coach. It bore a crest, but the street hawker who first took note of it could not identify it. The coach nearly ran him down in its flight to escape you. With what you shared, I suspect the coach the hawker observed belonged to the fake Frenchie, rather than the Baloch.” James used his signet ring to seal the missive. Fowler rang for a footman to send the message on its way. “I had another reason to speak to you,Worthing.”

Leaning back into the chair, James eyed Fowler suspiciously. “I am all ears,Your Grace.”

“I spoke to my sister after her morning callers departed.”

James shifted uncomfortably. “Were there many?”

“It was a packed house between those who wished to see Eleanor, those to see Velvet, and those who would take either. It made me wish to clean my gun before them,” he mused. Fowler swirled the brandy he sipped. “I find I drink more often than I once did. It dulls my response to my cousin's presence. Tell me, Worthing, how do I let her go if Velvet chooses another?”

“I assume that is a rhetorical question, and you seek no response from me.”

Fowler handed the footman the letter before returning to their conversation. “I noticed you not among Eleanor's admirers,” he half mocked.

“As you must subjugate your desire to make Miss Aldridge your own, I find I am not so magnanimous regarding those who would place a claim on your sister. I am not of the persuasion to share Lady Eleanor's attentions with a room full of would-be lovers.” James sighed deeply, accepting his fate.

“You will be happy to know, Worthing, that my sister prefers you to all the others.”

James sat forward, hands on the edge of the desk. This mad obsession with Ella consumed him. “Do not tease me, Fowler; I am not a schoolgirl seeking news of my latest infatuation. If you wish to speak to me of Lady Eleanor, then do so directly and truthfully.”

“I have told Ella,” Fowler smiled, the corners of his mouth turned up mockingly, “I would entertain a petition for her hand before the Season's end if she found someone to her liking. I suggested some time—perhaps a fortnight, shall we say—after her official Come Out ball. It would be unseemly to do so before that event. Aunt Agatha would be most livid.”

“Do you speak the truth, Fowler?”

“Make her happy, Kerrington.Teach Ella to love. I wish never to see her begging for my father's attentions again. My sister received ill treatment of the worst form, and I cannot bear to think she might spend the rest of her days without knowing love.” Fowler leveled a stare on Kerrington. “Tell me you really love Eleanor, and I will fight the heavens and the earth to bring you together.”

James did not flinch. “I love Lady Eleanor with every inch of my heart.You will not believe this, but when I am with Ella, I do not think of Elizabeth—never has that happened.”

“Then you have a month to convince Ella to be your wife.After that, any exclusivity I have allowed you as my friend will no longer exist,” Fowler warned.

“I understand,Your Grace.” James stood to make his leave.

Fowler gestured to stay him. “One thing more, Worthing; get rid of Mary. If Eleanor finds you have a mistress, it will kill her. I will not see her hurt ever again. If you choose to make Ella your
wife, you must do so with the understanding you find pleasure only in her arms. If I hear of your doing something contrary to that, you and I will meet on a dueling field, and I would dislike losing you as a brother.”

“I have seen Mary but once since the day your sister stumbled into my arms at Thorn Hall, and even then I left to spend my evening alone. I think of no one but Eleanor. I give you my word on it. If Eleanor is mine, I will release Mary to another protector.” James finished his speech and strode from the room. Although he knew he could not keep Mary if he engaged Lady Eleanor, he certainly did not relish the idea of his friend issuing such orders.

From behind him, Eleanor's voice stopped him flat. “My Lord,” she began. Without thinking, she touched his shoulder lightly. “James.” Her hand caressed his arm. “May I help?”

CHAPTER 6

WHEN HE LEFT THE ROOM, James nearly went straight to his curricle and freedom, but then her voice came to rescue the depths of his soul. Her hand stroked the line along his shoulder and down his arm, and James's anger dissipated instantly.
May I help?
she said.
Did she not realize that she just did?

“I am well, Lady Eleanor.” He turned to give her the perfect smile. “I was simply anxious to find you; I had finished my business with your brother.Would you be ready for our outing?”

“I would, my Lord.”

“Then let us be about it.” He took Ella on his arm and led her to his vehicle. “I have waited for this moment all day, Lady Eleanor—the moment when you returned to my side.”

 

For the next week, their lives became the Season's routine. Each evening comprised a number of invitations, and they chose among the ones the Duchess deemed most worthy: dinners, soirees, musicales, balls, and the theatre. For the ladies, the days filled with entertaining callers, shopping, and attending at-homes. The men attended to Parliamentary duties, fencing or boxing, and afternoons at White's.

James arranged an outing with Ella every day. Recognizing Eleanor's need for intellectual activities, they spent a great deal of time at lectures and museums. He combed the papers daily for entertainment he thought she might enjoy.

Much to Ella's chagrin, Sir Louis became a regular among her callers, often bullying others into withdrawing or monopolizing her attentions with his constant references to her father and to his parents. He made no pretense of also desiring Velvet; the baronet spent his time in the Briar House drawing room and then withdrew to his personal business interests. Every time he called, Ella died a new death. Only James Kerrington gave her any hope for the future.

 

On one particular afternoon, James and Eleanor enjoyed exploring the antiquities at the Historical Society—relics from ancient civilizations—gold and silver and gems glistening in the lights. “Can you imagine of what their lives must have consisted?” They dwelt over a display of artifacts from Egypt.

“Your brother and I spent nearly a year in Persia. The civilizations are similar.” James stood as close to her as possible, where he might enjoy the heat of Ella's body along his.

Ella leaned over the glass case for a better look at a golden torque. “I would love to travel and see the world some day.”

“Let me take you, Ella. Let me show you the world,” he murmured close to her ear.

She turned her face to him. The pure intensity of her gaze mesmerized him—in it he saw the hurt and the loneliness he recognized from his own soul, but James also saw the passion and the zest for life resting under the surface. He had served with her brother in what one could only call the most harrowing situations, and he had survived. He had survived for this moment with Ella. He and Eleanor both needed saving. They would fill the gaping holes in each other's souls. “Can we have this, James? Can there be happiness out there? I am afraid—afraid to hope such a connection can exist—afraid if it does, someone will snatch it away.”

He laced their fingers as they rested them on the glass, unable to do more in such a public setting. “I have told you, Ella, I want to see you in my house, by my side, and in my bed. I want to be the one who gives you comfort—who brings you joy, but it will
never be perfect, Eleanor. Outside forces will interfere always. We can only find that peace we both seek in each other.” He brought the back of her hand to his lips. “I will protect you with my body and with my title.”

Something in his tone induced her feminine embarrassment. “I am sure that if you knew everything about me, you would not think so highly of me.” Eleanor turned her head, purposely refusing to look at him. All of her self-doubts rushed to the forefront. Her countenance said, “I am undeserving of anyone's devotion.”

James draped her hand over his arm and walked slowly to the next display. He needed a moment to consider what he should say. Eleanor held no idea of his suspicions about her life.
Should he tell her?
“Eleanor,” he began cautiously, “I will tell you what I know about you.You possess a quick wit and a strong intelligence, a delightful sense of humor, a loving heart, and a compassionate personality. You would make an excellent mistress for my estate; I have seen how you run a household. I have also observed your interactions with Sonali, and although I do not expect you to love Daniel as your own, I cannot imagine your ever being purposely cruel to Elizabeth's child. My son could learn much from you about empathy, respect, and responsibility.”

James paused to maneuver her to a nearby bench. Eleanor continued her pretended examination of the display, and he knew he was on a precipice with their relationship. What he said in the next few minutes would make pathways or close recently opened doors. He distractedly ran his fingers through his hair. “Ella, I want to tell you about my first night at Thorn Hall, where I came across a scantily clad beautiful wood sprite on the main staircase.” Her head snapped around to look at him, pure horror implanted upon her face. She started to speak, but James silenced her with a touch of his finger to her mouth. “Let me finish, please.” He saw her swallow her dread, and he prayed he was correct in his evaluation of her.