Chapter Twelve
A riadne awoke, surprised she had finally fallen asleep last night. Already, excitement filled her, knowing she would be seeing Lord Aldridge today.
No, Julian.
She had been thrilled when he asked her to call him by his Christian name. She doubted there would be many times they would be in a situation similar to last evening, but she already felt a bond of intimacy forming between them.
He had caught on quickly to whist, but that had not surprised her. Despite his saying he had had the barest of education, she found him to be intelligent. She wanted good things for him. He had lived in poverty for most of his life, only coming into his title by accident. She wondered if his father would have sought out his son if Julian had not found those letters from the Marquess of Aldridge after his mother’s death. Something told her Aldridge never would have done so.
That meant she never would have met Julian.
She rang for Tally and dressed for the day, a spring in her step as she made her way down to the breakfast room, and she found her father at the table, something she never saw. Glancing to Val, he merely shrugged.
“Good morning, Papa. Val.”
A footman seated her, and another poured her tea. She placed cream and sugar into it, stirring well. Her father continued to read his newspaper while Val and she talked during their meal. Neither of them brought up the dance lesson which would occur this afternoon. It wasn’t as if she hid anything from her parents. She simply did not think Papa would be interested.
Surprisingly, he set aside his newspaper and directed his attention to her. “What do you think of Lord Aldridge, Ariadne?”
She didn’t know if this was some kind of test, but she answered as honestly as she could without giving away her growing interest in the marquess.
“I find his lordship to be a gentleman, Papa. I know Val has become friends with Lord Aldridge, and I am glad he is enjoying time with our new neighbor.”
“He will need a marchioness,” Papa commented.
“Yes, Papa. He will,” she replied, wondering where this conversation was leading.
“The old Aldridge never had any luck with wives. Each time he wed, his bride was younger than the previous one. He never could get a child off any of them. I cannot know if it was their fault—or his.” Papa paused. “Or if that kind of thing runs in a family.”
“I doubt it does, Papa,” Val said, entering the conversation. “There have been numerous Marquesses of Aldridge over the years. They cannot all have had barren wives, or the title would have died out and been returned to the crown. As far as the current Lord Aldridge goes, Con and I like him a great deal.”
Her father’s attention swung to his son, and the duke nodded thoughtfully. “You will know more about the eligible bachelors this Season than your mother or I ever could. I am leaving things up to you, Claibourne, to make certain your sister marries well.”
“Rest assured, Papa, that Con and I both have Ariadne’s best interests at heart. Why, we have already discussed a few of the gentlemen we wish to introduce her to when the Season begins.”
Val paused a moment before adding, “So far, the Marquess of Aldridge is at the top of our list. I have been impressed with his integrity and intelligence. Con and I even went and visited his country estate in Surrey.”
“You did?” Her father’s eyebrows arched in interest. “Tell me about it.”
Her brother spouted numerous details regarding Aldridge Manor. The amount of farmland and number of tenants it held. The crops grown and what the yield had been the past several years. He spoke of the livestock and mill.
All the while, her father listened carefully, finally saying, “That is a good deal of information to possess, Claibourne. I am grateful you have taken such an interest in Aldridge.”
Ariadne couldn’t help herself. “Are you saying that you would approve a match between myself and the marquess, Papa?”
“It is much too early for that, Ariadne,” her father said dismissively. “Your brother will recommend a suitable husband, and I will have the final approval. I expect you to be wed—or at least betrothed—by Season’s end.”
She knew her mother would favor a smart wedding held at St. George’s, and Ariadne wanted to be heard now before Mama could influence Papa regarding the ceremony.
“I would like to be betrothed, Papa, but I would prefer not to wed in town. I know a great many couples speak their vows at St. George’s, but I have always thought marriage to be a solemn, intimate occasion. I would prefer my marriage to take place in Kent, at the Willowshire church near Millbrooke.”
Before Papa could respond, her brother came to her rescue. “That is a splendid idea, Ariadne. So many wish for an invitation to the wedding of a duke’s daughter. If you hold the ceremony near Papa’s ducal country seat, it could become the most exclusive invitation following the Season. Papa and Mama could choose only the cream of Polite Society to attend your vows.”
She mouthed thank you to him, and he beamed at her. Glancing to her father, she saw him nod.
“I agree wholeheartedly,” he said. “Only a handful of my closest friends should witness the marriage of my daughter and her betrothed. It will be as you wish, Ariadne. We will make certain your betrothed understands the family’s wishes regarding where the ceremony is to be held.”
And Mama , she thought silently, thrilled that the large obstacle had been so easily removed before it even surfaced.
Her father rose. “My sister tells me Lord Marley is in town. I am going to meet him at White’s now.”
The duke left the breakfast room, and she said to Val, “Thank you so much. I did not want Mama to plan for a wedding which involved hundreds in attendance. You speaking up approvingly swayed Papa. You know once he gets something in his mind, he is determined to have his way. Now, no matter what Mama says, I will have the luxury of marrying at home.”
“It seems he thinks Lord Aldridge might be a worthy candidate for your hand. What do you think, Sis?”
“Just as I said to Papa, I like Lord Aldridge quite a bit, but I am looking forward to the Season and meeting many others. If Lord Aldridge is interested in courting me, however, I would be open to his suit once the social whirl begins.”
“Despite what Papa just said, it is not for me to tell you whom to wed. I want it to be your choice, though I am happy to share my opinions with you regarding your suitors. I will say that Aldridge has a good heart. He is a good man. I hope you will give him your full consideration.”
Ariadne planned to do that very thing.
“I need to speak to your valet.”
“Whatever do you want with Fisham?” Val asked.
“He still has his fiddle, doesn’t he?”
Understanding lit her brother’s eyes. “You wish for him to play for us this afternoon during the lesson.”
“Exactly.”
Val looked to Grigsby. “Would you have Fisham join us in the ballroom now? And have him bring his instrument.”
The siblings went to the ballroom, drawing back several of the curtains. By the time they had done so, Fisham joined them.
“I brought my violin, my lord,” the valet said, looking rather confused. “Do you wish me to play for you?”
“I do,” Ariadne said. “I am going to be giving a dance lesson to our neighbor this afternoon, Fisham. I would like you to play for us while I do so. I know I can count the beat, but once Lord Aldridge gets the steps down, it would be more pleasurable to see the marquess dance to music.”
“I am more than happy to accommodate you, my lady,” the servant replied.
“Then come to the ballroom at one o’clock promptly,” she said. “You may leave your violin here until then.”
Next, Ariadne went to her bedchamber and rang for Tally. When the maid arrived, she said, “I have need of you this afternoon. As a dancer.”
Her maid’s eyes lit with interest. “And where might I be dancing, my lady?”
“I am going to help teach Lord Aldridge how to dance. Fisham has agreed to play for us. I need another woman to participate.”
“You know I love to dance, my lady. I am happy to join you and his lordship.”
That afternoon, she went to the ballroom a few minutes before one o’clock, finding both servants already present. They opened more of the curtains, and minutes later, Val and Con appeared with Julian in tow. She would have to remember to call the marquess by his title since servants were present.
“Thank you for coming, Lord Aldridge,” she said formally.
“Thank you for agreeing to this lesson, my lady.”
“I was going to have Val or Con play the part of another lady, but I have convinced my maid Tally to assist us today.”
Con immediately said, “That means you only need Val and not me. I am off then.”
Ariadne had a good idea that her cousin was going to see a woman and gave him a knowing smile.
“You should not look at me that way, Cousin,” Con said, laughing as he exited.
She turned her attention now to Julian. “The most important thing is to feel the rhythm of the music, my lord. Just about every country dance occurs in a four-count. One, two, three, four. One, two, three four.” Looking to Fisham, she said, “Play something.”
The valet took up his bow and began playing. Ariadne waited a moment and then started counting aloud, nodding for Julian to participate, as well.
“Good, my lord. It seems you can identify the beat. Many people have no rhythm. I am happy to learn that is not the case with you.”
She motioned for them to go to the center of the room. The only person who remained farther away was Fisham, who seated himself in a chair.
For the next quarter-hour, Ariadne went over the steps of a popular country dance that she knew would be played at upcoming balls. She had all of them do the four-count aloud as they moved through the steps. Julian caught on quickly to the pattern.
“You have an excellent memory, my lord,” she praised.
“Memorizing has always come naturally to me,” he shared.
“Then it is time we tried our steps set to music.” She looked at Fisham, telling him what to play, at about three-quarters the usual tempo.
“Aye, my lady,” the valet replied.
They went through an entire dance, with Julian faltering only once. Even Tally praised the marquess, telling him he caught on more quickly than anyone she had ever seen dance.
“This time, play the same tune, but at its usual tempo,” Ariadne instructed.
For the next couple of hours, they danced to Fisham’s music, only stopping and moving to a new dance when Julian had down the steps for that particular dance. Ariadne was able to teach him several different country dances, and she knew he would be a popular dancer at balls come the Season.
“Dancing has worked up a thirst,” Val proclaimed. “It is close to teatime. I am heading to the drawing room.”
“And I have a gown to hem for you, my lady,” Tally said.
Fisham stood. “Do you still need me, my lady?”
“No. Your contribution made a huge difference, Fisham,” she said.
“Thank you all for participating this afternoon,” Julian told everyone. “It made things make sense to me, having others participating in the dance and showing me where to go.”
He turned to Ariadne. “I do think I’m a bit confused about a few steps, my lady. Might we go over them once more before you go to take tea?”
“Certainly, my lord.”
As Val left, she called, “His lordship and I will be in the drawing room in a few minutes.”
Her brother waved a hand in response as he exited with Tally and Fisham.
“I do not know which steps you are having problems with, Julian. I think you have danced beautifully this afternoon.”
He stepped toward her, and Ariadne sensed an electricity in the air. Her heart began beating rapidly as she gazed up at him.
“You saved me a great deal of embarrassment,” he said, his voice low and husky, sending a tingle dancing along her spine. “I cannot imagine what I was thinking, ready to turn up at a ball without having danced a step in my life.”
Swallowing, she said, “You are more than prepared now, Julian. With more practice, you will be an accomplished dancer and in demand.”
Suddenly, his hands rested on her shoulders, and she could feel the heat from his fingers through the material of her gown.
“You have taken care of me in several ways, Ariadne. I only wish there were something I could do for you.”
Kiss me . . .
His eyes widened slightly, and she realized she’d voiced her thought aloud. Before she could scramble away, his head bent, and he lowered his lips to hers.