Chapter Five
J ulian paced in his study, awaiting four o’clock, full of nervous energy. He had been delighted Lord Claibourne had invited him to tea, but now that reality approached, he wasn’t sure of himself at all. He had never been in the presence of a duke and duchess. This would be his first exposure to one of the handful of couples who held those lofty titles.
He plopped into a chair, telling himself he was as good as any duke, but failed to convince himself. The fact was, he was a laboring man and had the calluses to prove it. Yes, his mother had insisted upon him getting a bit of education, so he was able to read and write. It had come in handy when he had taken over Aldridge Manor and talked with his steward regarding the estate records. At least knowing how to read and write and do maths, he could not be cheated.
But entering Polite Society and being around distinguished, titled, well-educated gentlemen caused him to be wary. His gut—which he had always trusted—told him Lord Claibourne was a rare man. His openness and generosity to Julian would not likely be the case with others he met. Hopefully, Claibourne’s parents wouldn’t press Julian overmuch about his background.
He did look forward to seeing Lady Ariadne again. She intrigued him, from her copper-colored hair to her frankness of speech. He also believed she was unlike many of the ton beauties. He hoped she would form a second, better impression of him this afternoon.
A knock sounded at the door, and he called out, “Come.”
Grigsby entered. “You wished to be made aware of the time, my lord. It is five minutes until four o’clock.”
“Yes. Thank you,” he said, rising and collecting the walking cane and hat his butler offered.
As he went out his townhouse’s front door and moved along the pavement, he hoped he wasn’t making some error by not having his carriage deliver him the short distance. It seemed a waste to have the team saddled when he could walk to his destination in under two minutes.
Julian knocked at the door, which was immediately answered by the butler.
“Good afternoon, Lord Aldridge. Their Graces are expecting you. Might I take your hat and cane?”
He handed them over, and the butler passed them along to a footman.
“If you would follow me, my lord,” the butler said, moving toward the staircase.
Trying not to look around but doing so all the same, he took in the furniture and paintings, all of which seemed even more luxurious than the ones in his townhouse. Naturally, a duke would have the best of everything.
“One moment, my lord,” the butler said, holding a hand out slightly, stopping Julian’s forward progress before opening the door to the drawing room and stepping inside. He realized the servant would announce him and thought how much he had to learn. Then he began to panic, thinking he had no idea how to greet a duke and duchess, but it was too late.
“Lord Aldridge, Your Graces,” the servant’s voice rang out.
Thankful the servant had kept him from barreling into the room, he thought to act—and react—in a calm fashion to prevent a future mistake such as this. He would try and take his cues from Lord Claibourne.
Crossing the enormous drawing room, he saw its four occupants rise as one to greet him. The older couple had to be Their Graces. He kept his eyes on them, knowing in the pecking order, they would always come first.
Lord Claibourne stepped in to make the introductions. “Mama, Papa, this is our new neighbor, Lord Aldridge. My lord, my parents, the Duke and Duchess of Millbrooke.”
Lady Ariadne had stepped slightly behind her father, out of the line of vision of her parents’ eyes. She made a bowing motion, and he quickly imitated her.
After he did so, the duke offered his hand, so Julian took it, shaking it firmly. “Ah, good to meet you, Aldridge. I knew the previous marquess. This is my wife.”
Not knowing if he should shake the duchess’ hand when she offered it, he again glanced slightly to Lady Ariadne. She lifted her hand to her mouth and kissed it, cluing him in on what to do next.
Taking the duchess’ hand, he raised it to his lips. “A pleasure to meet you, Your Grace.”
Lord Claibourne held out a hand, indicating his sister, who had quietly slid back into place beside her father. “And this is my younger sister, the eldest of my three sisters. Lady Ariadne Worthington. Lord Aldridge, Sis.”
She held up her hand to him, mischief dancing in her eyes. “My lord,” she said, her voice low.
Once more, he took the hand, bringing it to his lips. Where he had bent over the hand of the mother, barely making contact with her knuckles, this time he pressed his lips to the fingers of the daughter. Instantly, he felt a jolt rush through him at the contact, the same as before when he had taken her hand yesterday.
“Lady Ariadne,” he said, their gazes meeting.
She tugged slightly, and he realized he still held her hand. Releasing it, he said, “It is a pleasure to meet you all. Lord Claibourne was kind enough to extend an invitation to me to take tea with you this afternoon after we met at White’s. I am delighted to become acquainted with my neighbors in town.”
Julian was selecting his words carefully, especially after Claibourne’s suggestion regarding word choice. Usually, he would have said it was nice to meet you. Instead, he mustered the most formal attitude, posture, and language he possessed.
“Do have a seat, my lord,” the duchess said, indicating a settee.
Lady Ariadne settled herself onto it, and he took his place beside her. Immediately, he caught the faint scent of vanilla, causing his skin to tingle.
The butler appeared again, supervising two maids who rolled in a teacart. The duchess filled a teacup, asking, “How do you take your tea, my lord?”
“Two sugars, Your Grace. And a bit of cream.”
He kept to himself that he’d always drunk his coffee black and his tea plain until he came into his title. He and his mother hadn’t been able to afford such luxuries as sugar. Now that he could, Julian had found he had a bit of a sweet tooth.
She added those to his cup and passed the saucer to him. He sat motionless, watching her provide tea to everyone else. When Claibourne took a sip, Julian figured it was fine for him to do so, as well.
“Shall I fix a plate for you, Lord Aldridge?” Lady Ariadne asked. “Our cook is quite talented.”
He looked at her, seeing she nodded imperceptibly at him. “Yes, my lady. I would appreciate you doing so.”
He watched her choose a couple of sandwiches, a teacake, and a scone. All looked mouthwatering. She passed the plate to him, and he thanked her, knowing if he would have chosen, his plate would have been much fuller. He would need to practice restraint in everything he did and said.
The talk seemed boring to him after that. The duke and duchess dominated it, saying much but not really saying anything at all. He suspected this was a preview of what future conversations with his peers would be like. Their Graces mentioned the weather. The flowers which would bloom come spring. Social affairs which would be held. He recognized none of the names they dropped and figured he wasn’t supposed to contribute to this conversation. It was as if he were a child and should not speak unless spoken to. Right now, they spoke at him.
Fortunately, Claibourne spoke up when his parents seemed to wind down. They picked up their previous conversation, discussing Julian’s estate and those of the duke’s. It was refreshing to be able to contribute something.
Then he realized Lady Ariadne had been totally left out and turned to her, asking, “Do you enjoy the country or city, my lady?”
She gave him a warm smile. “I have truly only known the country, Lord Aldridge, having only been to town one other time, many years ago.”
He frowned. “You stayed at home during the Season?”
“Why, yes. I was not old enough to attend and be presented. Where else would I be?”
Julian bit his tongue, but what he wanted to say was she should have been with her parents. How cruel they were to leave her and her siblings behind each year while they came to London and cavorted for months on end.
“I am hoping to get to know more of town, however,” she continued. “I enjoy walking, and London does have an abundance of parks.”
“Oh, you will ride through Hyde Park with your suitors, Ariadne,” the duchess insisted. “Five o’clock is the fashionable hour when gentlemen drive through with the lady whom they are interested in.”
“While I do like to ride in an open vehicle, Mama, I will also want to walk some. I want to get to know the city. See some of the museums and bookshops. I also might want to volunteer some of my time.”
“Doing what?” the duke growled, biting into a sandwich.
He saw determination cross her face. “I have witnessed many of the poor in the streets, Papa. I would like to do something to help tend to their needs, much as we do our tenants at Millvale.”
“That is totally unacceptable, Ariadne,” her father said, his tone voicing his disapproval.
“You will not have time for charitable doings,” the duchess added. “Why, the Season will take up all your time. You will barely have a moment to write a letter to your sisters, much less traipse about the meaner parts of town.”
“But I—”
“Enough!” the duke boomed. “Listen to your mother, child.”
“I am not a child, Papa,” she said stubbornly, earning Julian’s respect. He doubted the duke ever had anyone talk back to him, much less his eldest daughter.
“You are a child because I say you are,” His Grace said dismissively. “As you are under my roof and my responsibility, I will tell you now that there will be no going to questionable areas of town. No giving away coin to the poor. You are here to find a husband, Ariadne. When you do, you may tend to his tenants.”
Julian saw the fire spark in her eyes and admired her spirit. He also respected that she did not continue to push her father, especially in front of company.
“Yes, Papa,” she said, though he heard the edge to her voice.
“You know, you might wish to look at our conservatory, Aldridge,” Claibourne said, out of the blue. “You mentioned wanting to make a few improvements to your own. Ariadne, would you take Lord Aldridge to our conservatory and show him about?”
He had never spoken of a conservatory to the marquess, but he saw the man was trying to give his sister a place to go and cool off.
Rising, Lady Ariadne said, “I would be happy to show it to you, my lord.”
He sprang to his feet. “That would be delightful.”
And he meant it.
“If you will excuse us, Mama, Papa,” Lady Ariadne said.
The duchess waved a hand vaguely. The duke sat looking disgruntled, reaching for another sweet. As they left the room, he heard Claibourne speaking, smoothing things over.
In the corridor, Lady Ariadne said, “Are you truly interested in our conservatory? You do realize Val was trying to separate me from our parents so that my temper might cool.”
“I would be happy to see it, my lady.”
She sighed. “All right.”
They went downstairs again. He walked beside her, not trying to engage her in conversation. When they arrived, she entered and he followed, immediately feeling the warm, moist air.
Leading him about, she showed him various plants and flowers, speaking knowledgeably of them.
“Do you have any questions?” she asked when they finished their tour.
“None. But if I do, I will know whom to ask in the future.”
She blushed. “I am not an expert. Val just sent us here to keep me from causing a scene in front of a guest.”
“Your brother is perceptive.”
“I am not a child,” she reiterated. “If I am old enough to wed, I am old enough to express my opinions. My father simply does not believe women should hold any. As a duke, he is never challenged.”
“I gathered as much.” He cleared his throat. “I am glad we are alone, however, because I wish to apologize to you, my lady.”
She frowned. “Whatever for?”
“My rudeness in the park yesterday. I fear I made a terrible impression upon you. I was out of sorts. The park has come to be a place I can get away from everyone and simply be.”
“I understand that.” She grinned. “I have been known to be disagreeable myself on occasion.”
“I also want to express my gratitude for today when I first arrived.”
She looked blankly at him, and then nodded. “Oh, you mean the introductions.”
“I had no idea how to greet your parents. They are the first people from Polite Society I have met, besides you and your brother. You saved me from a great embarrassment.”
“I was happy to come to your aid,” she replied. “Might I ask where you lived and what you did before you came into your title? Most well-bred people would never ask you this, but I must admit I am curious.”
Julian hesitated a moment. “Would you promise this goes no further than between the two of us?”
“If you think I would share a confidence with my parents, I would never do such a thing.” She hesitated. “But keeping something from Val does not sit right with me, my lord.”
He considered her words and made a decision, one with his gut which he hoped he would not regret. “I promise I will speak to him about my background. I sense your brother is not a typical member of the ton and that he will judge me for who I am, and not where I came from or the title I now hold.”
Lady Ariadne nodded in agreement. “Val is the most fair-minded person I know. All right, my lord, I will keep what is said between us. Only if you tell Val, as well.”
“I have lived in London all my life,” he told her. “I shared a room with my mother, who passed away last summer. I have a bit of education, but I have spent my life—until now—at hard labor, earning my living.”
Raising his hands, palms facing up, Julian showed her his calluses. She took one of his hands in hers, holding it steady, as the fingertips of her other hand danced lightly across those calluses.
It made his head spin.
Dropping his hand, she said, “There is no shame in having worked for a living, but I believe you should keep this to yourself, my lord. Those you will meet during the Season will not be openminded.” She paused. “Might I ask how you even became a marquess?”
“I never knew who my father was,” he told her. “My mother never mentioned him, and I knew well enough to leave it alone. I did know she was the daughter of a skilled tailor who made clothing for gentlemen of the ton . When she found herself... with child, her family turned her out.”
Lady Ariadne gasped. “How cruel!”
“It is not unusual to do so. She raised me alone. We had very little. Barely enough food to eat, and we lacked many things you would take for granted. When she died, I found a few letters to her.” He paused. “Letters from my father.”
Immediately, her eyes lit up. “ He was Lord Aldridge.”
This woman was perceptive.
“Yes,” Julian confided. “Though he wasn’t the marquess when they knew one another. To make a long story short, he wed her. Gave her a small sum, and then left on what he wrote of as his Grand Tour.”
“Ah, those used to be popular,” she said. “Before the war with Bonaparte began. Young men would go, often with their tutors, and see the Continent for a few years.”
“Yes, that is what his letter revealed. He knew his parents would never accept her, so he left London for the Continent and cut her from his life.”
“So, you never saw him. Never heard from him.”
“I have no evidence of any contact between them after his departure. I would have been born several months later. Mother was a seamstress, having learned from her own father. I started working when I was young. Cleaning chimneys. Selling newspapers. When I grew into my full height and size, I found work in the warehouses and on the London docks.”
“No wonder you are so muscular,” she said, her cheeks slowly reddening as she realized what she had said.
Though he was secretly pleased at her compliment, Julian politely ignored it. “He married her, you know. I found their marriage certificate, along with the letters. Proof of the marriage was found in the parish registry. I had the help of a solicitor I worked for and—”
“I thought you did physical labor.”
“I did. I also took on a night job as a clerk to a solicitor. He was ready to offer me regular employment when I shared with him what I had found. Needless to say, the old marquess was on his deathbed by the time we confronted him. He admitted everything, with his solicitor and butler as witnesses, and claimed me as his heir.
“And here I am.”
“That is fascinating,” she said. “No wonder everything seems so strange to you.”
“It has taken all these months, since last summer, for me to get used to owning a large estate and having servants wait upon me. Coming to London, however, has truly been strange.”
“Why do you want to partake in the Season?” she asked, clearly curious.
“For the same reason as you, my lady. I wish to find a wife. The man who sired me had three of them, all of them barren. I do not take any of my responsibilities lightly. I know I must provide an heir, so I will do so as soon as possible.”
“Will you tell your wife all this, my lord?”
“I don’t know,” he said honestly. “If I do, I doubt any lady in Polite Society would have me. I especially can’t tell her parents.”
“But you told me,” she said softly. She reached and took his hand, squeezing it. “Thank you for sharing your story with me, my lord. Thank you for trusting me.”
Lady Ariadne released it, and Julian felt bereft.
“I will never tell a soul,” she promised him. “You can count on my discretion. And do not underestimate yourself. You are a very handsome man. You speak and carry yourself well. You hold a lofty title, and I assume you have a decent amount of wealth. You will have no trouble finding a bride on the Marriage Mart.”
Julian looked at the young woman before him. She had poise. Charm. Spirit. And she was quite beautiful, especially with her copper hair.
He wasn’t ready to speak openly to her yet, but he had already made up his mind.
Lady Ariadne was the one for him. No other would do as his marchioness.