Almost A Duke, Almost My Love (Regency Romance) Read online

  “There you are,” said a masculine voice from behind. “I have searched the palace for you, and there you are hiding in plain sight.”

  “Alexander, not now.” Rachel was slightly annoyed.

  “But you look as though you could use cheering up.”

  “I am perfectly cheerful.”

  “If that is your idea of a cheerful face, I would hate to see morose. It must involve wailing like a banshee while thrashing around on the floor.”

  “I do no such thing! And if you keep this up, you will see a vexed face very shortly.”

  “Come and dance with me instead,” said Alexander. “It will be far more fun than being vexed.”

  “I have just had a dance.”

  “Not with me. I insist.”

  “Oh, all right. Just this once.”

  “Then just this once, it is. I shall have to be content for the rest of my life with this one, lonely dance.” There was a mischievous nature to him. “We need to make it memorable though. Otherwise, it will not be worth the effort.”

  “And how do you propose we make it better than any other dance?”

  “Halfway through, I will stop dancing and serenade you as loudly as I can in an operatic voice.”

  “One cannot just sing an aria. You have never practiced it a day.”

  “That is all the fun. It will be a good song by a bad singer, and filled with references to the glum lady in a stunning, green dress.”

  Her eyes got wide. “Do not dare do that!”

  “You had better dance well then. Put your heart into it, and I can promise we will find the cheer you lost. But not a shred more. It is too early for excessive happiness. Just enough, will have to do.”

  Rachel allowed herself to be escorted back to the line of dancers. If there was gossip, and she felt sure there would be, at least the gossipers could not say she was left in the ballroom all alone. She was grateful to Alexander for that. Besides, he was a rather handsome devil in his own way. She was loath to admit it, but that was the truth. Alexander was tall, with broad shoulders, platinum blond hair, and blue eyes. He moved confidently as though he spent most of his days being outdoors and active. The man was quite good looking, she thought, but he was still Alexander, Cordelia’s cousin.

  “You should be smiling by now,” he said as they danced.

  “What is it with your family and the smiling?”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “Never mind.”

  “Well, you should smile. You are, by far, the most handsome woman at the ball. Dare I say it, you are the belle of the ball tonight, my dear Rachel.”

  “How you tease. There are many ladies who are present that are far more beautiful than I.”

  “I doubt that. How many of those supposedly beautiful ladies were called into a personal audience with Prince George, himself?”

  “I assure you, sir, it was nothing.”

  “That is not what I heard.” He gave her a wink and that devilish smile.

  “Alexander! What have you heard? You must tell me this instant.”

  “I might be persuaded to tell you, but only if you promise to be nice for the remainder of the ball.”

  “I am being nice. I am dancing with you, am I not?”

  “Not willingly. And dancing under protest makes me feel ill used.”

  “Please, you must tell me,” she said. “If a rumor gets started about me that is bad, it could ruin my reputation, and I may never be married.”

  “I would not care if you were cursed with the worst reputation the ton can bestow. I would still marry you.”

  “Will you be serious?”

  He dropped the jovial expression from his face and made his body stiff. “Yes, talk of marriage is very serious business. It must be undertaken with the utmost propriety. No time for humor as we will both be dying of boredom rather soon.”

  “I do not know why you like to tease me about things you know are important.”

  “Because you laugh when I do.”

  “I laugh under protest.”

  “Both laughing and dancing under protest, my lady? Just think of all the fun we might have if you would only stop protesting.”

  The dance was coming to an end. Alexander escorted her from the line of dancers.

  “We should indulge in a little punch,” he said. “It would brighten your mood.”

  “Perhaps if it had enough spirits in it, the punch would also loosen your tongue, and you would tell me whether my reputation has been forever sullied.”

  “And who said it was to begin with?”

  “You are impossible.”

  Alexander smiled as they walked into the great hall. Rachel sat on a settee and waited for him to return with some punch. After so much dancing, she was parched. She thought about him while she waited. They had met last year at Cordelia’s home. Since then, he had been an ever present fixture at nearly every function. He was very handsome and incredibly clever, but he was also arrogant and regrettably, the second son of a Duke. Rachel was the first daughter of a marquess, and it would be impossible for any match between the two to ever happen.

  Alexander soon returned with punch and two slices of cake. Rachel closed her eyes to savor that initial bite.

  “Exceptional cake?” he said.

  “Have you ever been so hungry that you feel as if you could devour an entire banquet if given the chance, but you do not realize you are hungry at all until you have that first bite?”

  “All the time. If you wish it, I could go back over, toss the entire cake onto a tray, and haul it over here for you.”

  She laughed. “You’re a beast. But you brought the refreshments over quickly. I will be sure to put in a good word for you.”

  “A good word for me? Whatever are you saying?”

  “Now that I am a member of the prince’s inner circle, I am quite sure he will value a reference from me. Especially about the hiring of a superior footman or butler.”

  “Oh, how very good of you, my lady. I would also make an exceptional stable boy or valet. And here I thought you needed cheering up. If I should see you in despair in the future, I am afraid that I will have to leave you to wallow in your misery.” And with that, he took a big bite of cake. Alexander grinned. “Thunder and turf, this is good cake!”

  Chapter 3

  The next morning, Rachel came downstairs to have breakfast. She poured a cup of tea and sat at the table with her father. She was exhausted from the night before, and so disappointed about how things turned out. There were many eligible gentlemen at the ball at Carlton House, and yet she ended up with Alexander for most of the evening. She did not even want to think about the Count of Esterhaz. Rachel felt as though she had been humiliated in full view of the entire beau monde. She was so depressed that she even considered spending the rest of the season locked inside her room in Mayfair. Hiding from the world seemed like great fun.

  “Whatever is the matter?” said her mother.

  “I am just a little tired.”

  “Well, drink your tea. That always helps.”

  She sipped her tea as the marchioness passed through, going to enjoy breakfast in her room. Rachel was glad of it. She could not bear the scrutiny that would surely be forthcoming if the woman had sat down with her. In her mother’s opinion, Rachel should have been married her first season out. Anything less was a failure.

  She sighed as she sat at the table, feeling rather sorry for herself. A footman entered the room to announce the arrival of a guest, Lord Alexander Bartley of Canton. Rachel rolled her eyes with the thought that locking herself in her room may have been the most sensible idea she’s had as of late.

  The marquess got up to greet him. “How good it is to see you so early today.”

  “And you as well, Lord Rothward. A fine day it is. Would you not agree, Lady Rachel?”

  “Yes, I suppose so.”

  The marquess shook his head. “I do hope you have come to cheer my daughter up, Lord Alexander. She is in a stat
e this morning. Will you have some tea and a bite of breakfast?”

  “Thank you, sir, but I have already eaten. I regret that I have not come on her behalf. Although it is rather obvious that, much like the vampire, her disposition only gets worse with daybreak.”

  Rachel narrowed her eyes at him. “Really? I am a vampire now?”

  “I would rather be a vampire than a butler.”

  “I gave you two options for your job prospects, butler or footman.”

  Alexander laughed. “That makes it a lot better, I am sure.”

  “Personally, I think you should combine my suggestion and yours. Strive to be a vampire butler. You would be in charge of the wine cellar, which makes for a wonderful crypt.”

  “That sounds like absolute torture. Surrounded by wine I cannot drink.”

  Rachel was smiling by then.

  “It seems as though you two have your own language sometimes,” said the marquess.

  Alexander cleared his throat. “I have come on urgent business from the Home Office.”

  “I see. We shall go at once to my study then.”

  The men hurried off, leaving Rachel by herself at the table. In solitude, the events of the ball played again in her mind, even overpowering idle talk of vampires. She decided that if she was to lock herself in her room, then she might as well eat before retiring from society.

  ***

  After breakfast, Rachel returned to her room, feeling quite dejected. Even though she had an entire day of wallowing in self pity planned out, only a few moments were afforded her. There was a knock at the door. Her mother’s maid had been sent with a message that her presence was requested. Rachel could barely drag herself up again. She was too tired for the interrogation that was soon to follow.

  Rachel walked into her mother’s room and sat down on the closest chair to the door. From that location, it would be easy to escape if she had to. The marchioness dismissed her maid. Now there is no way out, thought Rachel. She was doomed. Talks became more serious when the maid was sent away.

  “What happened last night?” said her mother.

  “Many things happened. There was dancing. There was cake. I believe the event was the pinnacle of my entire life of ball attendance. Did you try the cake? It was amazing.”

  “Now is not the time for humor.”

  “I am quite serious. The cake was exceptional.”

  The marchioness took on a stern tone. “I am not amused. Neither by this, nor by your choices at the ball. One moment, I hear that the prince himself invited you to join him for an audience, then you dance with a handsome and wealthy young count. The very next moment, much to my dismay, you spend the rest of the evening with Alexander. Alexander! Only a second son. You are quite aware that he possesses no property and that the title of Duke of Canton will go to his older brother. Are you not aware of this?”

  “Yes mother, I am quite aware.”

  “Really, I am not convinced that you are. You could have salvaged last night by dancing with an eligible bachelor. There were plenty in attendance. What were you thinking, spending so much of your valuable time with him?”

  “I do not know.” Rachel realized that her mother was right. She could have excused herself from his company, but she chose not to do so. In truth, she had no idea why she spent the remainder of the night with Alexander. It shocked her that she did

  “Rachel! I am talking to you. What is your answer?”

  She had not been paying attention to whatever it was her mother had been saying. She was too busy, lost in her own head, with thoughts about Alexander, of all people.

  “I apologize, mother. I am rather tired from the ball last night. Please, can you repeat your question?”

  The marchioness looked annoyed. “Yes, very well. Do you intend to be engaged before the end of the season or would you like to be a spinster?”

  “Of course I would prefer to be engaged.“

  “Good. Then I expect you to not waste any more time with Alexander and find some suitable young man instead. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to get dressed. I have a busy schedule today.”

  Rachel was dismissed and returned to her room. How different that conversation would have been if only Alexander stood to inherit his father’s estate. It should make no difference, she thought, whether he was born the first or second son of a duke. He was still a member of the nobility. But that didn’t matter one bit to her mother.

  ***

  After pouting in her room for the rest of the morning, Rachel ventured out to see Cordelia. Her friend was always sympathetic, and would undoubtedly tell her the truth of any gossip that may be going around. She hoped that there would be no other callers at Cordelia’s, as she was in no mood to socialize.

  Rachel found that she was in luck when she ventured next door. Most of the fashionable and wealthy members of society had been at the ball the night before, and few ladies had the energy for making social calls the next day. Rachel breathed a sigh of relief since normally the Fitzroy family was quite popular. Cordelia welcomed her and immediately ordered tea.

  “What an evening that was! I am so glad you have come,” said Cordelia as the ladies made themselves comfortable in the drawing room.

  “Yes, it was certainly a memorable event.”

  “Just memorable? Not exciting or delightful?”

  Rachel looked at the floor and shook her head. “I feel so humiliated. Alexander was supposed to tell me what the gossip was, but he never would. How can I ever show my face in society again? I fear I may die an old maid. I have already been scolded by my mother and have a good mind to just pack my trunks and return home to the country.”

  “However did you arrive at such an extraordinary conclusion?”

  “I am sure that everyone at the ball witnessed Lord Esterhaz reject me after the first dance. I am so mortified.”

  “He rejected you? That was not the impression I received from the events of last night. No one spoke of any such rejection.”

  “Were people speaking about me?”

  “Yes, of course they were. You were invited to socialize with the prince regent, and then you danced with a handsome foreign gentleman, and after that you danced with Alexander. You are aware that you danced with the two most attractive men in attendance? People were speaking of little else. And I expect that many ladies will follow your fashion example by wearing green as well.”

  “Are you quite serious?” said Rachel. “I thought everyone would be in agreement with my mother that last night had been a failure.”

  “On the contrary, my dearest friend. Far from it. You were the center of attention, and you did not even know. I believe that many of the finer gentlemen there noticed you.”

  “Cordelia, you are a true friend. I feel so much the better now. I may even decide to stay in London.”

  “I should think so. There is no point in running off now.”

  “How was your evening? I saw you dancing with an older gentleman.”

  “The gentleman you are referring to is the Earl of Latham. He is older, but his personality is quiet and gentle. A pleasant fellow, really. I did not cause the envy you managed to, but I would say the night went well for me.”

  The ladies enjoyed tea, and indulged in their habit of discussing men, marriages and fashion. Rachel’s worries were, for the moment, put to rest, and she spent what was left of the afternoon at Cordelia’s. She found the atmosphere much more soothing than her own home at present.

  Chapter 4

  It was late in the day when Rachel reluctantly went back home. Her mother was quite vexed with her, and she knew her life would be uncomfortable until something changed that. She considered asking Cordelia if she could be a guest at the Fitzroy’s for a fortnight or even until the end of the season, but chose to be brave and return home instead. As she arrived at her front door, she steeled herself for a fresh interrogation, taking a deep breath, and hesitating with her hand on the knob.

  Rachel pushed the door, and it swung o
pen. She nearly fainted from shock at the sight that awaited her inside. There were flowers in the foyer. A great many flowers. It looked like someone had plucked an entire hillside and sent it to her. They were everywhere! She was not sure she had ever seen so many bouquets in one place before. They were so abundant that they spilled out of the foyer and into the hall. The footman greeted her with a simple statement.

  “Good afternoon, my lady. These came for you.”

  “Which ones?”

  “Well… All of them, ma’am.”

  Rachel’s face lit up. “Every one of them? That’s unbelievable.” She rushed to the nearest bouquets and searched for a card. There was nothing to be found. She looked through all the bouquets for a note, a card or anything to tell her who they were from, but discovered no clues. It was most perplexing.

  “My darling daughter, I am so glad you are home,” said her mother as she rushed in from the drawing room. The marchioness was beaming. It seemed to be a total transformation.

  “Mother, are you well?” Rachel was shocked by the sudden change in attitude.

  “Quite well! Come with me. Lady Pinnstock and the Duchess of Fenwick are here. I am sure you wouldn’t mind greeting them.”

  “Yes, of course. But what about the flowers?”

  “Are they not lovely? We will discuss them later though. Now come along and try to be pleasant.”

  Rachel followed her mother into the other room. She felt somewhat uncomfortable as though she had been the subject of conversation before arriving home. The women smiled and congratulated her on last night’s events. She grinned and made small talk, as proper ladies were supposed to, no matter what else was on their minds. Like the multitude of flowers out in the hall, and who had sent them. It was a mystery. And all she could think about for the entire time.

  At long last, the ladies left, and it was just Rachel and her mother. The wait had been excruciating. Maybe now she could get answers. Someone must know who sent such a lovely token of affection and why.

  “Mother, about the flowers?”

  “You must have made quite an impression at the ball.”

  “Yes, but on whom? There seem to be no cards or notes. I have no way of knowing who sent them.”