What a Devilish Duke Desires (23 page)

When they entered the garden, Lucy saw numerous rosebushes of all colors, including pink, white, and red.

Lucy gently touched the soft petal of one red rose.

“That particular variety is called the velvet rose,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.

“The fragrance is pleasing.”

“Do you aim to please, Miss Longmore?”

Lucy’s heart hammered as she sought an answer, but of course, she chose the safe response. “I hope to please when I teach dance.”

An ironic smile played on Mrs. Norcliffe’s lips. “A careful answer.”

“I’m a careful person.”
Liar. If you were careful, you would never have struck up an acquaintance with her son or kissed him.

Mrs. Norcliffe broke off a stemmed rose. “Since you like scents, I believe you will find this one most unusual.”

Lucy brought the rose to her face. “It smells of cinnamon,” she said in wonder.

“You will not be surprised that it is called the early cinnamon.”

“I imagine you spend many hours in your garden.”

“Not as many as I would prefer. When the season is in full swing, it is quite hectic.” She walked along the bushes and halted once more. “This one is known as the virgin rose.”

Lucy’s face grew warm, and of course she felt foolish.

Mrs. Norcliffe looked amused. “It is so named because there are no thorns.”

“How convenient,” Lucy said. That was quite possibly the most inane comment she’d ever made.

Thus far, Mrs. Norcliffe had been agreeable, but Lucy knew that something was in the wind. Clearly Mrs. Norcliffe had a reason for spiriting her away from the other guests. Most likely she’d done so because she didn’t want anyone else, perhaps her son, to hear her words.

Mrs. Norcliffe led her to a wooden bench. “You will likely find my question intrusive, but may I ask how a dance instructor affords a gown from a premier modiste on Bond Street?”

Lucy suspected Mrs. Norcliffe thought her son had purchased the gown. “At one time, I worked at Madame Delanger’s shop. This was an abandoned gown that her assistants made over for me.”

Mrs. Norcliffe’s brows lifted. “How generous of your former employer.”

Lucy smiled a little. “I believe she hoped others would inquire about her shop.”

“A shrewd tactic and a boon for you as well.” She paused and added, “Your pearls look well with your gown.”

Clearly his mother wanted to know how she’d afforded them. “They belonged to my late mother.” Obviously she would not reveal that Harry had redeemed them from the pawnbroker.

“Since you worked for Madame Delanger, I assume you are talented with a needle,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.

Like all girls, she’d learned to stitch, mend, and embroider. “I have an average proficiency with needlework, but dancing is my passion.”

“Perhaps pretty gowns are as well.”

She might as well be honest; after all, she was fooling no one, least of all Mrs. Norcliffe. “I’ve never owned such a fine gown, nor do I expect to do so again.”

“It suits you very well,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.

“I doubt I shall have another occasion to wear it.”

“Are you pessimistic by nature?” Mrs. Norcliffe asked.

“I’m practical.” If she found herself short of money, and it had happened more than once, she would likely have to sell the gown. But she could not let thoughts of what might happen distract her.

“Miss Longmore, your manners are refined. Your father must have been a gentleman.”

“He owned no property.” Of course, she didn’t speak of her father’s horrid drinking.

“Your mother must have influenced you, then. What of her family?” Mrs. Norcliffe said.

She had no intention of mentioning the Earl of Wargrove. “My mother was estranged from her family before I was born.”

“Estranged?” Mrs. Norcliffe said.

“My mother eloped,” she said.

“Oh dear,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. “Too many girls think it romantic, until they discover they’ve no dowry. Well, your lack of family is unfortunate,” she said. “Nevertheless, you are to be commended for looking after your grandmother. Now, I wish you to give dance instructions on Tuesday morning in my drawing room. May I count on you?”

Lucy’s heart leaped. “I welcome the opportunity.”

“I’m determined to see Mina and Everleigh win the dancing competition if at all possible. I have it on the best of authority that Mr. Fitzhugh and Miss Fothergill have been practicing daily. The lady in question is delightful, but Fitzhugh is a known libertine. I am appalled that Lord and Lady Tatten-Brown would allow their daughter near the man.”

Lucy remained silent, though she was somewhat amused by Mrs. Norcliffe’s opinions. “Are there any particular dances you have in mind?”

“Indeed,” she said. “The Allemande will be among the first of the dances. I assume you are familiar with it.”

“Yes, I know it well.”

“You appear to be a clever girl.” Mrs. Norcliffe toyed with the virgin rose. “As you may have guessed, I brought you to the garden so that we may speak privately.”

Even though she’d known this moment was coming, Lucy’s heart drummed.

“You are on friendly terms with my son.”

Her mouth went dry. “We have not been acquainted long.”

“I see. There is a young lady whom I intended for my son. I believe you remember Miss Hortense Osterham.”

Lucy struggled to keep her expression neutral, but the news pummeled her. “Yes, of course.”

Mrs. Norcliffe watched her closely. “Unfortunately, my hopes in that direction have not borne fruit. I was naturally disappointed. Miss Osterham’s breeding and accomplishments are excellent. My son, however, has ideas of his own.”

Lucy felt as if she’d dodged trampling hooves and her heart was still beating too fast. She should not have let down her guard in front of his wily mother.

Mrs. Norcliffe watched her with a hard smile. “My son is considered London’s most eligible bachelor. I have every expectation that he will marry well—perhaps before the end of the season.”

Lucy didn’t want to think about the season ending, though it would come whether she was ready or not, but she didn’t want to ruin the day with worries about tomorrow or the end of the season. A year from now, she wanted to remember this as a happy day she’d spent with him.

However, Mrs. Norcliffe clearly meant to make sure that Lucy wouldn’t stand in the way of her plans for Harry and meant to warn her off. But why? There was no way Mrs. Norcliffe could know there had been anything romantic between her and Harry, but she did not need proof. Harry’s mother could ruin her easily with a few words if she chose. Lucy’s stomach clenched at the thought. She must be on her guard at all times around Mrs. Norcliffe—especially today.

The swish of skirts diverted Mrs. Norcliffe. Lucy concentrated on regaining her composure. Her heart felt as if it were in her throat, but she mustn’t let Mrs. Norcliffe intimidate her. She would not give her the satisfaction.

“Aunt, there you are,” Mina said. “I thought you might have given Miss Longmore a tour of the rose garden.”

Lucy wondered if Mina had come to the garden in order to intervene. While she would never know for certain, Lucy had learned to trust her instincts, and it seemed probable.

“I had better return to the other guests,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. “Miss Longmore, I will speak to you after the dance lesson on Tuesday.”

Lucy rose and curtsied.

Mina took her arm. “Do come along with me. I’ve only spent a few moments with you. I suppose my aunt asked you to instruct us in our practice session on Tuesday.”

“Yes, she did.” Ruthlessly, she shoved her concerns aside. There was no point in worrying over what might happen. She’d been invited to instruct the dancing in Mrs. Norcliffe’s drawing room next Tuesday, and that at least appeared to be a positive sign. Given her previous experiences, she knew better than to depend upon it.

“I hope my aunt was not too inquisitive,” Mina said. “She prides herself on knowing everything about everyone.”

Lucy hardly knew how to respond to Mina’s statement. She let silence be her answer.

Mina glanced at her. “Oh dear, I hope Aunt did not pry.”

“I answered to her satisfaction…and mine.”

Mina smiled. “I rather thought you would be up to her challenge. Most people are not. “Oh, look. Harry, Everleigh, Charles Osgood, and Lord Chesfield are standing just outside the tent,” Mina said. “Let us join them.”

The wind blew their skirts as they crossed the lawn. When they reached the gentlemen, Harry smiled. “I wondered where Mina had taken you. Off to see the rose garden, I suspect.”

“Your mother showed it to me. It’s beautiful,” Lucy said.

“We were planning to walk to the bridge to see the goldfish,” Harry said.

Mina waved for her sisters to join them. Then she introduced Miss Hortense Osterham to Mr. Osgood.

Mr. Osgood’s eyes lit up. “Miss Osterham, may I escort you to see the goldfish?”

“Yes, I would be delighted,” Hortense said. She set her hand on his arm.

“May I escort you, Miss Longmore?” Harry asked.

“Yes, of course,” she said, taking his arm.

Harry led the way across the lawn. They all crowded on the small wooden bridge and watched the goldfish wiggling their tails. Harry glanced at Hortense and joined her on the other side of the bridge. “I fear I may have inadvertently caused you vexation the last time we met.”

She winced. “I beg your pardon, Your Grace. You have been a perfect gentleman. Our mothers, however, have been…determined.”

“Yes, they undoubtedly have the best of intentions, but it can sometimes prove awkward,” he said.

“I’m glad we have an…understanding,” Hortense said.

“Indeed, Miss Osterham. I understand completely.”

Harry joined Lucy shortly afterward.

“I expected the fish to be gold,” Lucy said, “but some are orange.”

Harry stepped beside Lucy. “My mother is proud of her pond.”

“What do they eat?” Miss Osterham asked.

“Roast beef,” Mr. Osgood said, making Miss Osterham blush and everyone else laugh.

“Feel free to wander the grounds as you wish,” Harry said. “There is shade beneath the tents and benches beneath some of the trees.”

Everleigh rubbed his hands together. “Granfield, I daresay our ladies will agree to accompany us.”

Mina shook her head. “We will not live in your pockets. You will appreciate us all the more when we make you wait.”

Everleigh fisted his hand on his hip. “What say you, Granfield? Have we just been given the boot?”

Harry winked at Lucy. “I think they wish to play hard to get. Have no fear, we will catch them.”

“Lucy, I wish to introduce you to some ladies who are interested in your dance instruction,” Mina said. “In particular, you must meet Lady Ravenshire. She’s quite droll. You will like her and Lady Bellingham very much.”

One hour later

Harry sat lounging in a chair under the tent with his friends. They were drinking lemonade since his mother refused to serve spirits.

“A year ago, we would have wandered far from the tent to smoke Bell’s cheroots,” Harry said, crossing his booted feet. “Do you have any, Bell?”

Bellingham let out a disgusted sigh. “No. Laura said they make me stink.”

Harry sighed. “My dog stinks. Barlow refused to wash him.”

Colin’s shoulders shook with laughter. “Who the devil is Barlow?”

“My manservant. I suppose I’ll have to bathe him.”

Bellingham arched his brows. “Your manservant?”

Harry nearly spewed lemonade. An elderly lady passing by regarded him with a comical look of horror and hurried off.

“Oh Lord,” Colin said, wiping tears of hilarity from his face.

Everleigh frowned. “I say, Ravenshire, are you weeping?”

That comment set off raucous laughter.

Bellingham stood. “The ladies are approaching, gentlemen. Pretend you’re civilized.”

Of course they guffawed.

Angeline shook her head. “Dare I ask what the four of you find so hilarious?”

Colin tugged on her wrist. “Wife, I doubt you would find it amusing.”

“Oh, I find you endlessly amusing, husband.”

He winked. “Be sweet to me, and I’ll let you tear down the walls again.”

“Ha-ha.”

Lucy took a chair next to Lady Bellingham. Harry was glad she looked at ease.

“Miss Longmore, are you new to London?” Lady Ravenshire asked.

“Relatively new,” Lucy said.

Harry noticed Lucy was adept at answering questions without giving away much information. He found it rather curious and wondered if she did it purposely to keep her life private.

“I found the city bewildering when I first came to London,” Lady Bellingham said. “I’d lived a quiet and sheltered country existence.”

“I enjoy the shopping,” Lady Ravenshire said. “I have my eye on a new carpet.”

“Oh Lord,” Colin said. “First the carpet and next it will be paint. Wife, I beg you to stop making over our homes. You may decorate our friends’ houses. They will likely turn you out when you knock out a wall or make them dig for buried treasure in the attic.”

Everyone laughed.

Colin frowned. “Angeline, you look a bit weary. Let me take you home to rest.”

“I am a little tired,” she said, placing her hand on her rounded stomach.

Lady Bellingham walked up behind her husband and kissed his cheek.

“Checking for the stench of cheroots, my dear?” Bellingham said.

“Who, me?”

“I do miss them, you know.”

“But you would miss me more,” Lady Bellingham said.

“You drive a hard bargain, wife.”

Her eyes lit up. “I know how to get my way.”

“Everleigh and Harry should take notes,” Bellingham said.

“Hah,” Lady Bellingham said. “You would be far better off if you took instruction from your friends’ wives.”

“But I want them to suffer, my love,” Bellingham said.

Harry rolled his eyes. “Everleigh, you see before you two men who are completely smitten and domesticated. We, on the other hand, are free as birds to do whatever we wish.”

“I smell a wager,” Bellingham said. “Do look for it in the betting book at White’s on Monday.”

Harry shrugged. “If you’re willing to part with your purse, I’m more than willing to relieve you of it.”