What a Devilish Duke Desires (8 page)

Of course, she wished to see Harry dancing in the competition, but Mrs. Norcliffe had no illusions where her son was concerned. She would likely have to trick him into dancing—that is, if he didn’t take refuge in the gaming rooms before she could present Miss Hortense Osterham to him.

When the clock chimed the half hour, Lady Blenborough frowned. “Where is Mr. Buckley? It is not like him to be so tardy.”

“Do you suppose something has happened to him?” Lady Greystoke said.

“I’ve no idea,” Lady Blenborough said. “Unfortunately, I must beg your leave, Mrs. Norcliffe. I have an appointment with the modiste.”

“I understand,” Mrs. Norcliffe said, and continued circulating among her guests. She was growing increasingly vexed at the delay. If the dance master did not arrive soon, her guests would leave in droves. Dear heaven, she prided herself on having the most illustrious drawing room in London. Now because of a tardy dance master she stood to lose face among the other patronesses.
Quelle horreur
!

At long last, Gibson returned to the drawing room to report Mr. Buckley had arrived.

“Please show him up,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.

“Yes, madame.” Gibson hesitated. “Madame, you might wish to keep the guests at some distance from Mr. Buckley.”

Mrs. Norcliffe frowned. “Why ever for?”

“To be honest, madame, there is a strong odor about his person.”

Mrs. Norcliffe released an exasperated sigh. Now she had a dilemma. Either she lied and said the dance master failed to show or she took a chance that Mr. Buckley would remain at a sufficient distance. Since her guests had waited for some time, Mrs. Norcliffe decided to allow Mr. Buckley to teach. “Gibson, do instruct Mr. Buckley to keep his distance from the dancers.”

“Yes, madame.”

When Gibson returned, he said, “Madame, Mr. Buckley.”

Buckley bowed. “Madame, I am at your service.”

Mrs. Norcliffe was aghast. Dear Lord, the dance master was dressed in a slovenly manner, his eyes were bloodshot, and he was limping. “Sir, you are very late,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.

Mr. Buckley bowed again and mopped his forehead with a dingy handkerchief. “My apologies, madame. I took a wrong turn,” he said, licking his lips.

“Sir, it appears you are injured,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. “How can you dance?”

“Do not concern yourself, madame. It is only the rheumatism. I have a tonic for it.”

Mrs. Norcliffe was horrorstruck at his appearance, and he smelled strongly of perspiration. Since others were watching, she thought it best to proceed. “I wish for you to instruct the quadrille,” she said to Mr. Buckley.

“Yes, madame, I will gladly instruct the dancers.”

“Very well,” she said. The man’s pasty complexion, greasy hair, and copious sweating did not bode well at all.

“If the gentlemen will lead in the ladies, we will start,” Buckley said, mopping his forehead again. “Everyone bow to your partners.”

“Mr. Buckley, you must give them time to select partners,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.

“Yes, of course, how remiss of me. I was just overly eager.”

While Mina urged her sisters and the few gentlemen present to participate, Mrs. Norcliffe watched Buckley with narrowed eyes.

Mina joined Mrs. Norcliffe. “He drank from an apothecary bottle.”

“He said it was a tonic for his rheumatism,” Mrs. Norcliffe said, “but I cannot fathom how he can instruct dance when he is limping.”

“Perhaps he will demonstrate the steps slowly,” Mina said.

Mrs. Norcliffe scoffed. “Perhaps he will grow wings on his feet, too. Go join the dancers, Mina.”

Castelle, Everleigh, and Justin Davenport agreed to partner with Mina, Helena, and Amelia.

“Now,” Mr. Buckley said. “Please bow to your partners. We will dance the quadrille.”

The dancers took their places and watched him with puzzlement as he wiped his forehead again.

“The first couple should proceed up the middle,” Buckley said.

Mina frowned. “I beg your pardon, Mr. Buckley. Did you mean down the middle?”

“Oh yes, of course,” he said, licking his lips.

Mina and Everleigh led down the middle and turned forward.

“The first couple will cast off on the sidelines,” Buckley said.

Everleigh frowned. “Mr. Buckley, my partner and I have already done so.”

“Oh, how remiss of me. I meant second place. Now the opposite couple will lead up the middle and cast off.”

Mrs. Norcliffe covered her mouth in horror. The dancers were instructing the dance master. Now she was suspicious that Lady Blenborough had purposely recommended this buffoon to embarrass her. They were old rivals from years ago during their debuts. Mrs. Norcliffe ought to have known better than to trust Lady Blenborough.

“Next, the gentlemen clasp hands,” Mr. Buckley said, “while the ladies dance on the outer circle.”

Mrs. Norcliffe was astounded. “Sir, I believe the ladies dance in the inner circle. Perhaps you might demonstrate the steps first.”

“Oh yes, just a moment,” he said, stumbling sideways. “Forgive me. I just need my tonic—for the rheumatism.”

By now everyone was whispering. Clearly, the dance master was incompetent. “Mr. Buckley,” Mrs. Norcliffe said, “you are sweating profusely even though you have not exerted yourself. Are you ill, sir?”

“Not at all, madame.”

“Everyone, please take your ease,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. “I will return directly. Mr. Buckley, please come with me.”

When she led him out of the drawing room, she shut the door, only to find Buckley lurching sideways. Mrs. Norcliffe caught his arm to keep him from falling. The smell of strong spirits assaulted her. “Sir, you are foxed,” she said in shocked tones. No wonder he’d made an ass out of himself.

“Oh no, it is only the tonic for my rheumatism,” Mr. Buckley said.

“You will leave immediately, sir.”

“What about my wages?” he said in a belligerent tone.

Mrs. Norcliffe did not like his disrespectful tone or the ugly expression on his face. “Sir, if you wish to be paid, you must be competent, and you are not. You arrived late and you were unable to instruct in a professional manner. You will receive no compensation because you did nothing to earn it,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. “Now, please leave.”

Fortunately, Gibson noticed something was awry and summoned two burly footmen to evict Mr. Buckley. The horrid man started protesting. “I have been robbed. I demand wages for my work,” he squawked.

Mrs. Norcliffe’s nostrils flared. “Sir, you will cease shouting immediately.”

“I have been swindled,” he yelled. “Let me go, you cretins!”

Meanwhile, several maids, the housekeeper, and the cook were watching the spectacle unfold. Gibson had to remind the servants to return to their duties.

The footmen managed to drag Buckley out of the great hall. Mrs. Norcliffe winced as Buckley’s shouts echoed from the foyer. No doubt the guests in the drawing room heard every word as the footmen threw him out of the house. What a catastrophe.

Mina exited the drawing room. “Aunt, I heard shouting. Is he gone?”

“Yes. I cannot believe Lady Blenborough recommended him. I smelled spirits on his breath. This is a disaster,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.

After all of the guests departed, Gibson approached Mrs. Norcliffe. “Madame, I regret to report that a silver candle snuffer is missing from the foyer table. “I’m very sorry, my lady. Evidently Mr. Buckley stole it when I went to the drawing room to report his arrival.”

“Thank you, Gibson. We are well rid of Mr. Buckley,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.

Sunday afternoon

L
ucy was glad the sun was shining as she led her grandmother outside. It was a rather long walk from her lodgings, but once they reached Regents Street, she stopped. “Now we wait here,” she said.

Grandmama frowned as the clatter of hooves approached. “For what?”

“I’m hailing a hackney.”

Her grandmother gasped. “But it will cost a fortune.”

“I saved enough coin for our outing.” She’d not spent any of the money that Mr. Wilson had given her, because she’d wanted to use it for a special occasion. She really didn’t think Sir Galahad would show today, but she knew the outing would please Grandmama.

When the hackney slowed, Lucy inquired about the fare and helped her grandmother inside. After it rolled away, Grandmama murmured, “This is too extravagant. And I hear shouts and voices everywhere.”

“Even on Sunday London is always teeming with people, horses, and carriages,” Lucy said. “Ah, there’s the park now.”

Lucy paid the driver and led her grandmother along the grassy path. “There is a pool of water farther down the path,” she said.

Grandmama lifted her face. “I’m glad you insisted. The breeze is invigorating.”

“There’s a stone bench,” Lucy said. “Let us sit there.”

“When your young man arrives, you must not coddle me. I’m quite content to sit and enjoy the sun,” Grandmama said.

“I’m glad we came,” Lucy said. Only a few people were walking about. Notably, Sir Galahad was not among them. She ought to be glad, but for some reason she felt a little disappointed, which was ridiculous.

The sun speared through the branches of an oak tree. Birds chirped in the nearby trees. “Starlings,” Grandmama said with a smile.

“How can you tell?”

“Their calls are distinctive, almost like a whistle. I’ve always loved springtime.”

“Tell me more about my grandfather,” Lucy said.

“I told you the story about the chickens recently,” Grandmama said.

“Yes, but I wish to hear the story about the country assembly.”

“Very well. Your grandfather was a handsome young man and quite debonair. I thought him rather conceited when I first saw him at an assembly. He asked me to dance, and that first night, he told me that he meant to marry me. He was entirely too sure of himself, so I told him that he was the last man on earth I would wed. From that moment on, he was determined to win me over, but I was not about to capitulate so easily. One night after I’d danced with two other gentlemen, I saw your grandfather watching me. He did not dance with any other ladies. Instead he paced back and forth. When the assembly ended, he watched me with the most miserable expression.

“The next afternoon, he called and said he could not live without me. He got down on his knee and begged me to put him out of his misery. Well, I was always practical like you, and I told him I wasn’t going to shoot him.”

Lucy laughed.

“At first he was startled, and then he guffawed. We had many happy years together, and I always managed to make him laugh.”

“You were happy,” Lucy said.

“We had our share of disagreements, but they never lasted long. We were very much in love.” Grandmama found her hand and squeezed it. “You will find love, Lucy.”

She couldn’t even let herself think about love and marriage. Her focus was far more practical. She wanted security, a safe place to live, and a nest egg to see her through difficult times. Today, however, was for her grandmother, and Lucy meant to see that she enjoyed the afternoon.

Lucy vowed to bring her grandmother to the park more often. Now that she had two steady jobs, she should be able to save enough coin to return again soon. “Sunday is my favorite day, because I get to spend it with you,” she said.

“I confess I am enjoying the warm sun,” Grandmama said. “I can smell the scent of grass. Describe the park to me.”

“It’s appropriately named,” Lucy said. “The grass is very green. Red squirrels are scampering up the oak and beech trees, but the park isn’t overly crowded today.” She shaded her eyes above the brim of her bonnet. “There is a young couple walking.”

Grandmama turned her face up. “I do love spring. It reminds me of when your grandfather and I used to hold your hands and walk along the grounds. I can still see you in my mind with your red braids. In the autumn, you liked to dive into the piles of leaves.”

Lucy sighed. “I remember.” Those were happier times before her mother’s health declined.

“Thank you for bringing me,” Grandmama said. “I’m enjoying the outing very much.”

“I hope next time, you will meet my friends.”
If Madame Delanger will allow them a day off.

A man’s shout startled Lucy. She turned to see Sir Galahad, reining in Bandit with the leash. “He has a puppy, Grandmama.”

“Oh, I hear barking.”

When Sir Galahad neared, Lucy gave him a warning look, for her grandmother’s affliction must be obvious to him.

He seemed unruffled. “Bandit, your manners are atrocious. Shake hands with the lady.”

Lucy held out her hand, and Bandit put his paw in it. “Oh, how clever he is.”

“What sort of dog is he?” Grandmama asked.

“A collie. He’s only a puppy, but I’m attempting to train him.” He paused and bowed. “I do beg your pardon,” he said, his eyes dancing with merriment. “Will you introduce me to your grandmother?”

Lucy rose and helped her grandmother. “Sir, may I introduce my grandmother, Mrs. Longmore?”

He doffed his hat and swept a dark lock off his forehead. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. Granfield at your service.” When he straightened his tall frame and replaced his hat, he grinned at Lucy, as if they were sharing a secret joke.

“Sir, it is a pleasure to meet you,” Grandmama said. “I understand you met my granddaughter at the park recently.”

“Indeed I did meet her here, all thanks to my puppy Bandit. I hope you will excuse him, I’m trying to train him with mixed results.”

“Certainly, we will make allowances for young Bandit, will we not, Lucy?”

Her face heated. Now he knew her Christian name. “Of course, Grandmama.”

“Bandit may need lessons in manners, but you are certainly courteous and gentlemanly,” Grandmama said.

“Thank you, Mrs. Longmore.” He winked at Lucy. “May I say your granddaughter is exceptionally pretty?”

“Of course you may,” Mrs. Longmore said.

Lucy’s face grew warm.

“I told her when we first met,” he said, “but we engaged in a debate about intimidation.”

Lucy gave him a speaking look. “He jests, Grandmama.”

Naturally his shoulders shook with laughter.

“Well, that’s a rather odd topic,” Grandmama said, frowning.

When Lucy shot him another warning look, the rogue winked at her. “I think it was a draw. What say you, Miss Longmore?”

“I say I won.”

Mrs. Longmore smiled. “That sounds promising—for Lucy.”

He met Lucy’s gaze. “There is something I must tell you after we take a turn in the park,” he whispered; then, in a normal tone of voice, he said, “Now, have you and your grandmother been to the queen’s basin?”

“No, we have not,” Lucy said.

“Mrs. Longmore, may I be permitted to escort you and your granddaughter?” he asked.

“I’m sure Lucy would be delighted,” Grandmama said. “I will wait here so I won’t be in the way.”

“Please take my arm, Mrs. Longmore,” he said. “Bandit and I would be delighted to escort both of you.”

“You are very gentlemanly, sir,” Grandmama said.

“My mother will be glad to hear it.”

Lucy drew in her breath. If he had only focused on her, she could have resisted him, but his consideration for her grandmother won her over completely. She’d judged him to be little more than a flirt when they’d met at the park, but now she saw a very different side of him. He was everything a gentleman ought to be.

“I’m glad for the company and the fair weather,” he said, slowing his steps to match Grandmama’s slower pace. Then he stole a heated look at Lucy. He was mischievous and a charmer, but Lucy could not deny he was amiable and chivalrous, too. He likely had his faults, but he’d impressed her today.

Bandit kept straining on the leash. “He thinks he can escape,” Mr. Granfield said.

“Puppies have a great deal of energy,” Grandmama said.

“Bandit plays hard and then flops over to sleep immediately. Last night I made the mistake of letting him lie at the foot of the bed. He woke me this morning by licking my cheek. I’m afraid my yelp frightened him. It took a while to calm him.”

Lucy smiled at him. “How did you calm him?”

“I held the little fellow and then petted him. Bandit likes to sit near my desk and chew his bone.”

Bandit barked.

“He heard his name,” Lucy said. “He’s very smart.”

“What are you trying to tell us, Bandit?” Mr. Granfield said. He gazed at Lucy. “Bandit is probably hoping to find a pretty lady dog in the park—that or a red squirrel to chase.”

Lucy laughed. “Which does he prefer?”

“Both if he can manage it,” he said.

“You are very amusing, sir,” Grandmama said.

“Ah, we’re nearing the water,” he said.

“I hear it,” Grandmama said with wonder in her voice.

Lucy swore she would bring her grandmother again as soon as possible.

“Do you know the history of the Queen’s Walk?” he asked her grandmother.

“No,” Grandmama said.

“It is an interesting one. Charles the Second wanted to walk all the way from Hyde Park to St. James without leaving his royal property. He commissioned a brick wall to be built around the area and called it upper St. James Park. He also built an ice house, and his illustrious guests were served cold drinks.”

“Oh, how lavish,” Grandmama said. “What do you suppose they drank?”

“I’ve no idea,” he said. “Perhaps lemonade.”

Lucy glanced at him sideways. “Or something stronger,” she said.

“Perhaps he served champagne. Have you ever drunk champagne, Miss Longmore?”

“No, I have not,” she said. When her mother still lived, they would drink homemade elderberry wine at Christmas dinner.

“Ah, here we are,” he said. “Now, your granddaughter has no doubt observed there are no flowers.”

Lucy looked around. “Oh my goodness. I didn’t notice.” Probably because he’d managed to charm her, but today she didn’t mind. He’d been amiable and considerate of her grandmother. She could find no fault with him today. In truth, she felt ebullient and lighthearted in his presence.

“No flowers at all?” Grandmama said.

“That’s correct,” he said. When he winked at Lucy, she blushed again.

“According to legend,” he said, “Charles’s queen learned that he had picked flowers for another lady. The queen must have been livid, because she ordered all the flowers removed, and no flowers have been planted since then.”

“I approve of the queen’s decision,” Grandmama said with a sniff.

He laughed. “I can’t be one hundred percent certain the story is true, but I’ve never seen flowers here.”

“What about the basin?” Grandmama said. “Is there a story about it?”

“Yes, there is,” he said. “In the previous century, Queen Caroline had the reservoir built to provide water to St. James’s Palace.”

“A very practical decision,” Grandmama said. “It was truly gallant of you to take us on this tour.”

“I enjoyed your company,” he said, smiling at Lucy as Bandit sniffed the grass.

“Thank you,” Lucy said. Whatever doubts she’d held about him had vanished today.

He was witty, attentive, and his manners were pleasing. She’d misjudged him the first time they had met. Now she secretly hoped that something might blossom between them. Could it be possible that he might be the one? Oh, she knew it was entirely too early to even think of a future with him, but she hoped very much that he would wish to see her again.

“Mrs. Longmore, will you allow me to escort you and your granddaughter in my carriage?”

“That’s very kind of you, thank you,” Grandmama said.

“Excellent. Miss Longmore, I take it you have no objection?”

She could not object when her grandmother had accepted. “No, of course not.” But she was uneasy.

He looked at Lucy. “What is the address?”

She lifted her chin. “Soho, south of Tottenham Road.”

His expression froze for the briefest moment. Then, just as quickly, he recovered.

Clearly he knew their lodgings were not far from the notorious Seven Dials, an impoverished and dangerous area near Covent Gardens. “Actually, we will take a hackney, as our lodgings are out of your way.”

“A gentleman always honors his promise,” he said, “and it is no trouble.”

Yes, but you undoubtedly regret your hasty invitation to such a rough locale.

After he helped them up the carriage steps, he picked up his dog. “Miss Longmore, would you mind watching Bandit for me?”

“Not at all,” she said, setting the puppy on her lap.

“Where did he go?” Grandmama said.

“I imagine he went to give his driver directions.” He’d been so kind today, but when she’d given him her address, she’d seen the momentary look of shock on his face. Gentleman that he was he’d tried to hide it.

“I like him very much,” Grandmama said. “He is a charmer like your late grandfather.”

“We know very little about him. Why would he persist in making our acquaintance when we could never be part of his social set?”

“Mr. Granfield is likely part of the landed gentry. So he is not so elevated to prevent an acquaintance…or perhaps more,” Grandmama said with a smile.

“He is wealthy,” Lucy said.

“Why in heaven’s name would you complain?” Grandmama said. “You ought to snap him up before someone else does.”

“Grandmama!” she said, shocked.

Her grandmother laughed. “I was teasing. In all seriousness, you should judge him by his character, not by his wealth or lack thereof.”

“No one is without faults,” Lucy said.

“I wonder why you are so determined to dislike him,” Grandmama said.

“I don’t dislike him—quite the opposite. It’s just that our circumstances are miles apart.”

“Why not give him a chance?” Grandmama said. “I truly believe he cares for you. Why else would he spend the entire afternoon with us?”