The Duke’s Darling Debutante by Maggie Dallen

11

The morning sun shone brightly on Hyde Park. Another perfect spring day. Luke sneered up at the clear blue sky, sure the weather was mocking him.

It had been a full day since Tabetha had openly and vehemently rejected him and yet the memory of the dismissal event still sat heavy in his chest.

He’d spent the better part of the night trying to determine the cause. Had she not enjoyed his kiss?

Perhaps she was still angry about Crest’s request. Luke hadn’t really finished explaining.

The horse he’d walked out to the park whinnied next to him. Automatically, he gave the animal’s neck a pat.

Some small part of him wondered if he simply wasn’t enough for her.

He’d like to argue that he was a duke—of course he was enough. But Tabetha didn’t care about titles or society. She lived with her heart and her heart lived for riding.

Not that she ever said the fact he didn’t ride was an issue.

She hadn’t. Not even a hint. Then again, she was unfailingly kind.

But he had to wonder.

If she wanted to marry Clarence Claremont, a man who cared more about fashion than most women, there could be only one way in which Clarence was manlier than himself. The man could still ride a horse. In fact, if Luke understood correctly, the man was an excellent rider. Exceptional.

He sighed as he stared about the quiet section of the park. The very one he’d brought Tabetha to. This was likely a bad plan. For many reasons, not the least of which being that if he fell, this part of the park was so deserted, it could be some time before he was found. Then again, he’d be spared the embarrassment of making a complete fool of himself.

Although, he’d suffered a rather large indignity the day before when she’d so publicly rejected his suit. Normally, that would have been the worst part, but this time around, he found his pride smarted far less than his heart.

Did he really think that being able to ride would make her see that they belonged together?

He grimaced. This plan reeked of desperation, but it was all he could think to do. Sitting around and waiting for her to announce her engagement to Clarence Claremont was certainly not an option. No, it would be best if he kept himself occupied, and what better way than to get back on the horse. Literally.

With that in mind, he put one foot in the stirrup. Sure, he’d picked Tabetha up the other day, a light little lift, but she was small, hardly weighing anything. Could he lift his entire weight into the saddle? And once there, would his body move with the necessary grace required to ride along without bumping up and down like a fool?

Drawing a deep breath, he tightened his hold on the reins.

“Your Grace,” a female voice called from far off.

He turned to see Lady Clarissa waving from her mount, her groom behind her.

He likely should have brought a groom but...he hadn’t wanted anyone to witness his possible humiliation. “Lady Clarissa?”

She kicked up her horse, trotting toward him with a wide smile. “I’d hoped to find you here.”

That surprised him and he dropped his foot again. “You came looking for me?”

“Yes,” she replied, nodding as the groom helped her from her mount. “I wished to speak with you...privately.” She gave the groom a meaningful stare.

The man cleared his throat and without a word, began crossing the grassy area to rest in the shade of a tree. He could still see them, of course, but they had some measure of privacy. “How can I help you?” he asked as he looked down at her, searching her face for clues.

She gave him an angelic smile. “Oh no. I’ve come to help you. I hope.”

He sucked in his breath. Of course. The entire family likely wanted Tabetha to accept his suit. Which did him little good. That was not the same as Tabetha wishing to marry him. “Most kind but not necessary. If Tabetha wished…” But he tapered off as Clarissa held up her hand.

“That’s the confusing part,” Clarissa twisted her hands together. “I’m almost certain that she does wish. Very much.”

He shook his head, looking at his horse, rather than Clarissa. “I’m not sure she does. If she did want to marry me, why would she have so vehemently stated she’d prefer to marry Mr. Claremont.”

Clarissa shifted. “I was hoping you could tell me.”

He stroked a hand down the horse’s neck. “Riding is very important to her. I hurt my back a few years ago, perhaps—”

“Hogwash,” Clarissa answered and then stopped. “Apologies, Your Grace.” And she dipped into a curtsy. “Tabetha would never be so callous. If anything, she’d only want to help you get back in the saddle.”

Luke sighed with relief. That did make sense. Tabetha was unfailingly kind. “Perhaps it was the way we met.”

Clarissa nodded. “Perhaps. She said she mistook your kindness. Mistook it for what?”

His brow furrowed. Mistook his kindness? “I don’t…” He trailed off with a frustrated shake of his head.

Clarissa tapped her chin. “I told her that I saw the two of you together and that it looked to me like the two of you were in—” She cut herself off abruptly, clamping her lips shut tight. After a moment, she finished. “But she doesn’t believe me.”

He blinked, his hand tensing on the reins. He felt like the answer was dancing just out of grasp. “So you told her that you thought I bore an affection for her, but she thinks it’s just kindness.”

Clarissa nodded. “Perhaps if you told her that you did care...?” She stopped with a frown. “Do you care? I thought maybe you did, but if I am wrong…”

A hint of a smile played at his lips. Because in that moment, Clarissa sounded like Tabetha. “I do. Deeply. But if she doesn’t return my affection, I would prefer that fact remain between us.”

Clarissa nodded. “You have my word.” Then Clarissa stepped closer. “But she does return your affection. I’m sure of it. In fact, I think she is holding back because…” And then Clarissa’s hands covered her mouth. “Of course. Why didn’t I think of it before?”

His brows went up. “I’d very much like it if you enlightened me.”

Clarissa gave a quick nod. “What do we know about Tabetha? Yes, she can be rash, like denying a duke’s suit, but she always has a heartfelt reason.”

His jaw went slack as Clarissa’s words hit home, knocking the wind from his chest. “I told her the night we kissed that I liked her.” But he’d never told her that he loved her. Or that he wished to court her or that she made his heart beat wildly in his chest. “Stupid fool.”

Clarissa pressed her lips together. “If she thinks you don’t return her affection, she might be trying to save you from a loveless marriage.”

He shook his head. “But if that’s true then she’d be choosing a loveless marriage with Claremont.”

“That’s Tabby,” Clarissa smiled. “She’d give you her dinner and go hungry if she loves you.”

His hand smacked to his forehead. He’d already known that. Why hadn’t he put it all together? Why hadn’t he seen that she’d been trying to protect him?

Because he’d been too worried about his own insecurities. He’d been too focused on his own injured pride. He looked to Clarissa. “I need to tell her how I feel.”

“I agree,” Clarissa nodded, holding up a single finger. “But I’d recommend not allowing her to interrupt with kissing.”

That made him grin. If he had his way, there’d be a fair bit of both.

“The question is, how and where do I get her to listen?”

“Calling hours?” Clarissa asked.

Luke’s jaw clenched. “I’m not sure that’s wise. The last time was a bit of a disaster.”

Clarissa nodded. “We’re attending the Wilkinson’s ball tonight.”

The ball?

He cocked his head to the side. He did owe her one more dance. What better time to express his affection than on the dance floor where their relationship had begun? “Tonight?”

“Tonight,” Clarissa confirmed.

A smile spread across his face. He’d tell her everything that was in his heart.

“Now,” Clarissa pointed at his mount. “If you’re intent upon riding, why don’t we go together. My groom can help you.”

He looked over at Lady Clarissa. Tabetha wasn’t the only Rutland sister who was unfailingly kind. “I should like that very much. And while we ride, would you tell me more about Tabetha? The more I know, the better prepared I shall be to sweep her off her feet tonight.”

Clarissa sighed. “Oh, that does sound wonderful. I shall be most happy to help.”

Luke’s smile slipped. He hoped he and Clarissa were correct and that Tabetha did hold an affection for him. Because if she didn’t, he was in for another blow to his pride...and his heart. Not that she wasn’t worth it. She most certainly was.