Chapter 5
CHAPTER 5
“ G ood morning, Milady.” Jane’s voice was irritably chirpy as she drew the curtains in Maddie’s bedroom. “It is time to rise and shine!”
Maddie lifted her head from the pillow, scowling. She had a slight headache as if she was coming down with a fever. She toyed with the idea of just telling her mother she was sick and staying abed for the entire day while she wrestled with how to deal with this impossible situation.
But she knew it would never work. Her mother ran the household as if she were a general in Napolean’s army. Maddie knew she would have to be suffering from the pox, or some equally hideous and potentially fatal illness, before her mama would let her idle a day away in bed.
“What time is it, Jane?” Maddie mumbled, groaning.
“Just past eight,” Jane replied, walking to the wardrobe. “Which gown would you like to wear today, Milady?”
Maddie collapsed back onto the pillow. She couldn’t even begin to think about such things as gowns and the like. Her whole world was threatening to collapse around her. And all because of a certain diabolically handsome gentleman who seemed determined to toy with her.
“I do not care,” she groaned, shielding her face with a hand to block out the light streaming in from the windows. “I give you carte blanche to choose at your discretion, Jane.”
“Very well then, Milady.” Jane rustled through the wardrobe and then emerged with a pea-green morning gown with delicate embroidery on the bodice. “This color looks lovely on you, so it does!”
“If you say so.” Maddie sighed, struggling to rise. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, squinting. “I cannot even think.”
Her mind was working furiously as Jane briskly dressed her, pulling and turning her around as if she were dressing a doll, trying to arrive at a solution to her problem. But Maddie just couldn’t seem to work out anything.
She tried to forcibly retrieve the list the night before, but that didn’t work. She could try rummaging around Selina’s house, to steal it back, but what were the chances the Duke of Everly would leave it anywhere obvious? He probably had a secret compartment in that desk where he had hidden it. She knew her father secured some valuables in that way, to protect them from theft.
As Jane brushed her hair, securing it into a chignon at the nape of her neck, Maddie stared at herself in the mirror of her dressing table, still pondering the problem. A pale, pinched face gazed back at her, tight with worry. It was impossible. It truly seemed as if she might have to agree to his shocking terms, in order to get the list back safely.
The maid had just finished clasping a necklace around her neck when the door opened. It was Augusta, dressed in a plain navy blue gown that might have suited a nun.
Maddie’s sister didn’t believe in ostentatious dressing, saying it weakened women, playing into society’s expectations that women could only be pretty and frivolous.
“You may leave us, Jane,” Maddie said, trying to smile at her lady’s maid.
Jane bobbed a curtsey, before withdrawing from the room, closing the door firmly behind her.
Maddie rose, gazing at her sister. Augusta was still so lovely, despite the fact that she was getting closer to thirty rather than twenty. And despite her admiration for her sister’s courage to express her unconventional views, Maddie sometimes wondered if Augusta was lonely, beneath it all.
It took a lot of pluck to be so blatantly anti-matrimony in their position. Even though Maddie knew the reasons why Augusta held so firmly onto her convictions, was part of it just bravado? Underneath it all, did Augusta secretly crave a loving husband and family, while simultaneously pushing the idea of it away?
She studied her sister’s familiar face carefully. Augusta always wore a slightly closed expression now, as if she were constantly on the defensive. Maddie hoped they were as close as they had been before, but there were certain things she just couldn’t talk about with Augusta anymore—like the past. That was off-limits.
“You certainly riled Mama last evening.” Maddie shook her head ruefully. “You know she will make good on her threat now, do you not?”
Augusta looked mutinous. “She will try. But that does not mean she will succeed, Sister.” Her face darkened further. “I will simply run away again if she tries to force me into matrimony, you know that.”
Maddie gaped at her. “And do what? Exist in penury as a governess in someone else’s home? Try to make your living as a seamstress with your basic talent for embroidery?” She shook her head again. “You would do far better to simply pick your own husband, Augusta. Choose your own life.”
Augusta’s shoulders slumped as if all the fight had abruptly left her. “I cannot choose a man. I will not.” She looked so weary and sad that Maddie’s heart lurched. “It is impossible, and you know why. But I suppose you are right—if Mama forces me, I shall have no choice but to capitulate. I am woefully under-skilled to earn my own living, as all ladies are. They raise us to exist within gilded cages. I am doomed.”
“It might not be so bad,” Maddie assured in a soft voice, reaching out to touch her sister’s arm reassuringly. She hated seeing Augusta upset. “It could be a good marriage. It is possible.”
Augusta shook her head vigorously. “No. If Mama makes me, then I will be forced to do it, but I will not willingly walk into the institution of marriage of my own volition, Maddie.”
Maddie sighed. Her sister’s views were implacable, and she wasn’t going to waste her time trying to change them. She didn’t have the emotional strength this morning. Her head was still spinning violently with her own predicament.
“Why did you rush off last evening?” Augusta asked suddenly in a curious voice. “What book did you need so urgently?”
Maddie bit her lip. She wanted to confide fully in her sister, quite desperately. But something stopped her.
Even though Augusta held progressive views about the rights of women, Maddie still wasn’t at all sure how her sister would judge her for making such a provocative list, nor for being so foolish as to lose it.
She chose to ignore the questions entirely. Instead, she sighed. “Augusta… what would you do if someone asked you to do something, so they could do something for you in return?”
Augusta raised her eyebrows. “Such as?”
“It does not matter what it is,” Maddie said, feeling her cheeks turn pink. “I just would like to know whether you think it would be a fair exchange.”
Augusta sighed. “Well, without knowing the particulars of the matter, it is hard to say.” She frowned slightly. “The common wisdom is one good turn deserves another, is it not?”
Maddie’s cheeks were flaming now. She wasn’t at all sure whether the Duke of Everly’s proposition could be classified as such. It felt more like she was making a bargain with the devil himself.
But, on the other hand, there was truth to what Augusta said. And the sad fact of the matter was that she didn’t really have a choice, anyway. Not if she wanted to get that damned list back!
He is probably bluffing . He may demand the kiss, but in all likelihood, he will give it back to me, once that is done.
Her face burnt deeper as she recalled all of the items on the list—and having to capitulate to him to tick them off. Hound’s teeth, what had possessed her to write such scandalous things? What had she been thinking?
“Maddie, what is this about?” Augusta pressed, watching her carefully. “You look flustered. It has something to do with why you rushed off last evening, isn’t it? Are you and Selina having a tiff?”
“Oh, no,” Maddie replied quickly. “All is well, I do assure you! I am just speculating!” She paused. “We should go down to break our fast before Mama sets the cavalry upon us.”
Augusta hesitated, then nodded. Maddie let out a silent sigh of relief. Her sister was going to drop the subject and not press her any further.
As they headed downstairs together to the dining room, Maddie formulated a plan, of sorts. He had given her a day to mull over his terms, but if she managed to avoid him, then perhaps his zeal might cool. He might start to feel sorry for her and let her off the hook entirely.
Her heart tightened. He was a self-confessed rake, but he couldn’t be that much of a rake… could he?
Daniel stared at himself in the full-length mirror as his valet adjusted his jacket. His mind was far away, still dreaming about Lady Madeline Cole and the most unexpected chain of events that had transpired in the study last evening.
He had retreated there after the evening meal to escape his mother, who had been staring at him frostily for the entire duration of it. Selina had tried her best to bridge the gap, chattering away like a starling, but it hadn’t worked. The atmosphere had been so arctic that it was a wonder that icicles hadn’t formed.
It might have helped if Christopher had been there, but unfortunately, he had a previous engagement. And so, Daniel had made a hasty escape, before the Dowager Duchess could start on him again with her infernal plan to marry him off as soon as possible. He had needed a glass of brandy badly. Or two. And while he was decompressing, he just couldn’t resist reading that scandalous list again and conjuring in his mind the dark-haired beauty who had so shockingly written it.
And then, as if by divine providence, the dark-haired beauty herself had walked into the room… and he had quickly formulated his plan. Tit for tat.
Lust thickened his blood again. He was itching to see her and start executing the deal. But he had given her one day to think about his terms, so he must restrain himself. And distract himself. He grinned ruefully. It was going to be a very long day, indeed.
“All done, Your Grace,” his valet said, stepping back.
Daniel headed down to the dining room for breakfast. His mother and sister were already seated. The Dowager Duchess was spreading a thin layer of marmalade on toast. She raised her eyebrows as he took his seat at the head of the table.
“Good morning,” he said in a falsely cheery tone. “I do hope you both slept well.”
“Tolerably well.” Selina smiled widely. “Although I never sleep that well in London. I much prefer my chambers at Stansgate. It is so very peaceful there!”
Daniel smiled at his sister.
Stansgate was their ancestral home, in Kent, just outside of London. They would all be making the journey there very soon—the first time he would see it since his return from the Continent. His mother had plans for a grand house party and a ball, to celebrate his return. After all, the return of the prodigal son demands it.
“I do hope you have not made plans for today, Daniel,” the Dowager Duchess announced, taking a bite of her toast. “For I must insist that you accompany me on a house call.”
Daniel suppressed his irritation with difficulty. His mother had commandeered many of his days in such a way since his return, reintroducing him to the beau monde. He had already spent more tedious mornings and afternoons sipping tea in drawing rooms with vapid people than he would have liked.
He opened his mouth to refuse her, then shut it again quickly. He wanted to keep the peace as much as possible, and it would pacify her. Besides, he didn’t have any particular plans for the day, and it might distract him from thinking about Maddie.
“Of course, Mother,” he replied, forcing a smile, as he took two eggs from the silver dish the footman offered him, placing them on his plate. “Where are we going?”
But the Dowager Duchess shook her head, with a tight smile. “You shall see.” She turned to her daughter. “Selina, you will accompany us as well. I will ask for the carriage to be ready by ten, and I want you both at the front door by then, please.”
Daniel and Selina gazed at each other. Selina shook her head slightly. It appeared that his younger sister had no more idea of where they were going than he did.
“It is all settled, then,” the Dowager Duchess uttered in a firm voice, standing up, and throwing her napkin on the table. “Do not be late.” She sailed out of the room, as imperious as a queen.
Daniel picked up his cup, sipping his tea thoughtfully. He was bursting with curiosity about Maddie, and he was alone with his sister. Now was the time to find out everything that he could about his sister’s best friend. Selina might reveal something that he could use to his advantage.
“Does your friend call on you often in the evening?” he asked, trying to keep his voice casual. “She seemed so surprised not to find you in the study last night.”
Selina shook her head. “No, that was unusual. But Maddie does know my habits—she knows that I sometimes retreat to the study after dinner. I have told her often enough.” She frowned slightly. “She seemed upset or flustered, and yet she refused to say why she had even come. What did you say to her, Daniel?”
“Why, hardly anything at all,” Daniel responded, a red flush creeping up his neck. “We barely had time to exchange two words before you came bursting through the door.”
Selina raised her eyebrows. “I do hope you did not flirt with her in any way. She is my dearest friend in the world, Brother, and I do not want you breaking her heart, along with every other lady’s heart in London.”
Daniel coughed into his hand. “You exaggerate, Sister! I am not such a rake as that.”
He glanced down at his plate. He didn’t want his sister to see that he was lying through his teeth.
Selina laughed shortly. “You have reformed? Why, then, do you refuse to contemplate marriage still, when you know how important it is to Mama?”
Daniel’s heart twisted. “You know why, Selina. You know what happened with our parents’ marriage. I simply refuse to be put in that position.” His gaze softened. “It is because I do not wish to break any lady’s heart by swearing eternal fidelity that I know it is impossible.”
There was silence. Selina looked sad and wistful. “But… I am sure that our parents loved each other once upon a time. At least, that is what Mama claims.”
Daniel gave a bark of laughter. “Perhaps. But love and desire fade over time.” He hesitated. “Do you know all the details of what happened with our father?”
Selina looked pained. “Yes,” she whispered. “How could I not? It was the biggest scandal in London. You all tried to keep it from me, but people do talk. It was not hard to find out that my father died from apoplexy while in his mistress’s bed.”
Daniel’s heart flipped over in his chest. Somehow, hearing it stated so calmly and bluntly by his younger sister was shocking. He had imagined that he was immune to it, after all this time, but it seemed that he was mistaken.
It all came back to him in a rush. The shock of hearing that his father was dead, and in such a sordid way. The terrible pain on his mother’s face when she heard the repugnant details of how her husband had died. Trying desperately to keep those details contained so that the ton wouldn’t be aware of how the former Duke of Everly had passed and prevent a scandal.
It had all been in vain. Word had gotten out, as it always did. They had tried to lie low at Stansgate, waiting for the furor to pass. But it hadn’t. In desperation, his mother had arranged to send him abroad, on his Grand Tour.
She had only been trying to protect him. His cousin had gallantly stepped in to assist with the day-to-day running of the duchy in his absence… and it had been easy to leave it all behind when he was so far away. There were even times when he was abroad that he had managed to forget about it entirely.
“I am sorry you know all the details, Sister,” he said haltingly. “But I suppose it was inevitable, as you say.” He hesitated. “Mama delayed your debut, as well, did she not?”
Selina nodded, biting her lip. “For two years. I only came out last year.” She studied his face carefully. “No one really remembers anymore, Daniel. At least, it does not affect me. If anything, I have too many invitations to Society events. You do not need to be afraid of it any longer. You are the Duke of Everly, and you can take your position without fear of censure, Brother.”
Daniel’s face twisted. “I suppose I should be pleased,” he said in a slightly acidic tone. “For everyone knows it is a fate worse than death to be shunned by the beau monde.”
“You are not him, Brother,” Selina insisted in a wavering voice. “You would never do such a thing to your wife! I believe in you, Daniel. Please, do not let it affect your life forever.”
“Ah, but who knows?” Daniel tried not to let bitterness overwhelm him. “I am my father’s son, Selina. I inherited his taste for the fairer sex. I do not deny it. However, I refuse to marry and break a lady’s heart in such a way. I will never forget how Mother looked when she found out. It was like her heart had been ripped from her chest entirely. I simply will not take the chance… no matter how strongly she pressures me.”
Selina looked sad but didn’t contradict him. His chest tightened. He didn’t know how the topic had turned so dark. He had just wanted to find out all he could about Lady Madeline Cole, and he was still none the wiser. But a somber mood seemed to have overtaken both of them.
“I should go and get ready,” Selina said in a small voice, dabbing her mouth with her napkin. “I shall see you in a little while, Brother.” She left the room.
Daniel pushed his plate aside. He had lost his appetite.
He knew that Selina meant well. But it was impossible. He would never marry and risk that he would someday become his father. And his mother, as well as everyone else, would just jolly well have to live with the consequences.
Resolutely, he turned his mind back to Maddie and the delicious deal he was trying to broker with her. He would try his hardest not to break her heart, for his sweet sister’s sake. But he simply couldn’t stop pursuing her.
Lady Madeline Cole was the most successful distraction from all of it, and he couldn’t give her up now, even if he wanted to.
After breakfast, Maddie sat in the parlor, trying to focus on her embroidery, while Augusta read her book of Byron’s poetry. The day stretched ahead in the dullest of ways.
Maddie sighed heavily, dropping her embroidery patch. It was no use—she simply couldn’t get the devilish Duke of Everly out of her mind.
The way he gazed at me, with such burning eyes. The way he kissed my hand. The way he calmly stated the terms of his indecent proposition, as if he were brokering a deal to play croquet.
She shuddered with delicious delight at the mere thought of him, despite her fear. Something was happening inside her body, just the same as when he had touched her and looked at her the previous evening. A glowing warmth was spreading through her limbs.
She felt flushed and aroused and entirely not herself at all…
Her mother marched into the parlor. “Quickly, girls, we have visitors,” she announced in a slightly breathless voice. “I want you both in the drawing room. Right now!”