For the Heart of a Roguish Duke by Harriet Caves

Chapter Eleven

Scarlet waited in anticipation for Ingrid to arrive. It was their shopping day for the dresses and accessories she was to buy for the Season. “Mrs. Hargreave,” the butler announced.

“Oh, good. You are ready,” said Ingrid. “I must say I am looking forward to today. It will be a lovely experience for the both of us.”

“I am certain it will be,” said Scarlet.

They got into the carriage amiably. It had begun to snow lightly, it seemed quite magical. Scarlet glanced at Mrs. Hargreave who was occupied with what was happening outside. Scarlet liked her, she was kind and seemed to really care for all the things she did.

Such as now. She had agreed to come and help her with the Season.

“I am grateful for you to accompany me, Mrs. Hargreave,” she said as the carriage turned into a narrow lane. On either side were trees and nothing else to see.

“It’s no bother, Dear, it has been a while since I have been shopping in Town. I feel today will be refreshing. Besides, it was my nephew who asked for my assistance. I’m afraid it is because he is a man, and he doesn’t have much of an idea of what to look for,” Ingrid smiled. “Now, do tell me, what do you know about balls?”

“I don’t know a lot. I have been to a ball twice since I left finishing school.” Scarlet remembered Daisy’s ball and the humiliation she encountered. She had not forgiven Daisy for it.

And that was the night she met Alexander without knowing who he was, and the way he spoke to her and kissed her. Scarlet’s face felt hot in embarrassment. What would he have thought of her?

“So, I gather you have not had much experience in going to balls. It is a pity. A pretty woman such as yourself would snatch up a suitor in no time, take heed of my wise, old words,” Ingrid chuckled.

“You must see a ball as a place where everyone gathers, rather like a farmer’s market,” Ingrid said.

“A farmer’s market?” Scarlet laughed.

“Yes, for example, a farmer brings his cattle and pigs to market. Other farmers come and gauge the product before they buy.”

“So, I am the cattle, and the men are the farmers? It doesn’t sound like a nice example,” said Scarlet.

“It doesn’t, does it? I am not good with my explanations, I’m afraid. But then the farmer could be you, and the men could be a product you may look into for a good suitor. It works both ways,” Ingrid concluded happily.

“Oh, I almost forgot, beware of the mothers with their daughters there. They will be the first ones to push in to get a Duke or an Earl for one of their daughters. It is fortunate you have me,” said Ingrid.

The carriage rolled to a stop on the very busy street. Scarlet had not been in this part of London before, they were on Bond Street, a place where every woman and man went for their fashion needs.

Scarlet had not seen this many carriages in her lifetime even though she had lived near London all her life. The Old Duke did not allow her to venture out much as she grew from a child to the beginning of her youthful years. He was very protective of her. The Duke and the Duchess would take her to the country or the seaside mainly.

The driver opened the door for them. Scarlet disembarked after Mrs. Hargreave. As she did, the sharp air took her by surprise. She was certain it wasn’t this cold before they left. She looked up at the sky. It was all white. A few small snowflakes dropped on her face.

She laughed. And then it began to snow properly. The ground was wet from the previous night, so the snow wasn’t sticking. But she enjoyed it nevertheless.

“Let us go into Esmerelda’s before we freeze into numbness,” said Ingrid shivering.

“Who is Esmerelda?”

“Only the best – and most expensive – modiste on this road. It will be busy in there, but we should be all right. We are good acquaintances. It is good to know people, My Dear. They will treat us right,” Ingrid said with an affirmative nod.

The shop was indeed very busy as Ingrid said. There was hardly any room to move. “Good afternoon, Esmerelda,” said Ingrid.

“Oh, I apologize!” a woman said as she bumped into her.

“No bother,” Ingrid dismissed her. She turned back to the modiste.

“It is lovely to see you again, Mrs. Hargreave. What can I do for you today?” Esmerelda said.

“I have come with Miss Snow, we will be needing many dresses for this Season. They must be unique, mind you, for she will be looking for a suitor.” Ingrid whispered the latter close to Esmerelda’s ear so no one could hear.

“How wonderful!” Esmerelda exclaimed. Her smile was quite indulgent and her happy aura contagious. Scarlet liked her immediately. “I am glad you came early to me, Miss Snow. I sometimes get requests for dresses by the aristocrats five days before the first ball. I have to tell them I do not have a magic wand. I cannot make dresses that quick!”

As she laughed heartily, so did Scarlet. Ingrid gave a wide smile. “Shall we get on then?” she said. “We have a big day today and we must not delay.”

“Of course not. I do forget myself sometimes and I do tend to talk a lot. So, now, let’s have a good look at you, Miss Snow.” The modiste turned Scarlet around, and then walked around her. “Yes, you have a wonderful figure, and the size is just right for my designs. Come into the back, My Dear, and I will measure you up.”

Esmerelda took Scarlet into the privacy of the back. She measured her arms, legs, waist, chest, neck, and her wrists.

“Do you have any ideas what you would like to wear, Miss Snow?” asked Esmerelda. “Have you seen any designs you may like?”

“I haven’t. I’m afraid I am a novice, and I must admit I don’t know anything about fashion for balls. I only just get by when I go with my friend to shop for clothes,” said Scarlet. “I believe I still have a lot to learn.”

“And you shall, My Dear, Mrs. Hargreave is a wonderful mentor. We have known each other for many years. I know what she likes and what she doesn’t. We have traveled to France many times together, it is why she knows about the fashions. Now, let’s go back outside or we will have Mrs. Hargreave coming back here to scold me for taking too long and talking too much again.” There was a twinkle in Esmerelda’s eyes.

“Ah, at long last, I was wondering what happened to you two back there,” said Mrs. Hargreave. Esmerelda and Scarlet shared a private smile. “Shall we look at the patterns and fabrics?”

The women poured over the book of French fashion. Scarlet marveled at the different styles and colors. She was surprised she had not observed fashions and what ladies wore at parties and balls before. She looked down at her own dress and felt quite inadequate.

“We have a range of feathers, ostrich is what they like. The fabrics silks and cotton. I believe we should choose heavy silk for the first ball, embellished with lots of lace and intricate embroidery. We will have your dresses off the shoulder and cut low to show off your beauty and figure,” said Esmerelda.

She went over more fashions for at least ten balls. “Oh, I do worry about the expense,” Scarlet said. “I won’t be able to afford it.”

“Don’t you worry about that. I have spoken to my nephew, and he has agreed on a good budget,” Mrs. Hargreave took Scarlet to the side as Esmerelda spoke to another customer. “Esmerelda is expensive, but she is not greedy.” They went back to Esmerelda.

“I have the measurements and the fashions in my workbook for you, Miss Snow. I will send word the day I will be coming to the Manor when the dresses are made for the fittings,” Esmerelda said in a delighted tone.

“Wonderful,” said Ingrid.

“I am grateful for everything,” Scarlet said to Esmerelda.

Ingrid and Scarlet exited the shop. It had been quite warm inside. When the cold hit Scarlet’s face, she didn’t mind at all. The street was now dusted lightly in white snowflakes.

The next shops they visited were the hosiery, gloves, and hat shops. They selected some fans and handkerchiefs too. Scarlet was quite exhausted by the time they were finished.

As they came out of the last shop, they were greeted by Alexander and his friend, Horace. “Well met,” said Ingrid. “I was not expecting to see you here today.”

“We have come to shop too, Mrs. Hargreave,” Horace said with a big smile. “Why else would we be on Bond Street?”

“Lord Thomkins and I had some business to attend to in the area,” said Alexander. He gazed at Scarlet’s cold-pinched face. Scarlet looked away, feeling quite bashful. Her heart began to pound in her chest.

“Don’t forget we also are shopping for your tails and jackets, Your Grace,” said Horace.

“I am certain the ladies do not need to know everything,” Alexander said hastily. “Are you having a good day, Miss Snow?”

“Absolutely, Your Grace,” said Scarlet. “I don’t know what I would have done without Mrs. Hargreave. She has been most valuable.”

“Oh, you do flatter an old lady, Miss Snow,” Ingrid laughed.

“I am glad,” said Alexander. “Well, we must get on now.” Alexander tipped his hat and Scarlet gave a small curtsy.

As Ingrid and Scarlet got into the carriage to go back to the Manor, Scarlet’s attention was now directed at Alexander. He looked quite dashing in his coat and hat. His gaze on her was quite attractive. She realized she was beginning to have feelings for him she not had before.

* * *

Scarlet and Daisy promenaded in the park. It was a nice day despite it being cold. The fresh air was what Scarlet needed, even though Daisy did not agree.

“Why couldn’t we stay at home and enjoy the warmth of the fireplace?” Daisy complained.

“I remember it was your idea to come out today, Daisy,” said Scarlet, smirking. “Besides, a little fresh air will not hurt anyone.”

“Well, we are here now. Let’s make it short, shall we? I have decided I would rather be inside now.”

“All right,” said Scarlet.

They were not alone in the park. Scarlet passed quite a few ladies and gentlemen wearing thick coats and shawls. She greeted them with a nod as she passed them.

“Miss Snow is looking well,” she heard a lady comment as they passed one another.

“Was that Lady Daisy Spencer with her? She looked rather cross and very cold,” her companion said.

Scarlet couldn’t help but laugh. This made Daisy more disgruntled. “You must see it is quite comical,” said Scarlet.

“Not at all,” said Daisy. “Can we go back to the Manor now? I can’t feel my toes or my face.”

“All right, I admit defeat today,” Scarlet was in high spirits despite the cold or Daisy’s complaints.

They got back into the carriage and headed for home. Once they were back in the warmth of the drawing room, Scarlet asked for tea and cake for both of them.

Daisy didn’t speak until she was warm again and had something to eat. “I hear you went with Mrs. Hargreave to shop for dresses,” said Daisy.

“I did indeed. We had a lovely and most productive day,” Scarlet sipped her sweet tea.

“I do wish you would have invited me,” Daisy pouted. “I am able to give advice on fashions.”

“That may be so, but it was His Grace’s decision to invite his aunt to mentor and advise me,” said Scarlet.

“Tell me about the Duke,” Daisy turned toward the fire. “We have only met a couple of times. I do rather like him.”

“You do? I didn’t think he would have been your type. I find him quite different to other men,” Scarlet stated. “He is not quite forthcoming.”

“I do remember him being quite reserved when he came to my ball, and much distracted. I believe that is what fascinates me about him. Can you arrange for us to meet?”

Scarlet was not happy with this. She wasn’t certain why, was she perhaps jealous that her friend liked the man that she secretly did?

“Well certainly, I will speak to the Duke,” Scarlet smiled without heart.

Daisy was satisfied and began to talk about the Season’s balls, while Scarlet mused over Daisy’s desire to speak to Alexander. She did not like it at all.

* * *

Alexander found Scarlet at the stables one morning before breakfast when he decided he wanted to ride a horse. “Miss Snow,” he greeted her.

“Your Grace,” Scarlet was combing a black steed’s mane. “I am surprised to find you here.”

“And why is that?” he asked.

“You don’t seem like a person who rides a horse,” Scarlet said, smiling a little.

“That is interesting,” he came closer to Scarlet, taking her hand in his. She gasped, but she didn’t take her hand away. “I wouldn’t have thought you were a horse-liking person either.

Their eyes met and they both broke into laughter.

“I am not familiar with these horses, I’m afraid. Perhaps you could give me a lesson on learning their names?” Alexander asked.

“Of course, Your Grace. Let’s begin with this one. He is a favorite of mine, I call him Murphy. He has been with us for a year. He was actually a horse who belonged to a farmer not far from here. The original owner died. When your father went riding one day, he saw Murphy and fell in love with him.

“He spoke to the new owner who was trying to sell him. I believe Murphy was destined to be with us then,” Scarlet concluded. She clasped her hand in his, and took him to all the other horses, pointing each individual one

Scarlet then pointed out all the other horses and their names. “Your Grace, do you have a horse?” she asked.

“I used to have a horse, but it became unwell, and died. I have not bought a horse since.”

“I believe this horse will like you,” she said as she stopped at a white mare. “Her name is Eve.”

Alexander was impressed indeed. Miss Snow seemed to know the horses individually. Without thinking, he pulled her closer to him and gazed into her eyes. Scarlet lowered hers but didn’t seem to want to leave.

“I would like to go horse riding,” he said in a low, husky voice. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I am quite idle at the moment. We still have an hour before breakfast. Would you like to ride with me on the moors? I believe Murphy needs some exercise. And I will take Eve.”

“That would be lovely, Your Grace.”

Alexander released her and called the stable boy to have the horses ready. As they set out, it began to snow lightly. They rode silently for a while, and then Alexander spoke.

“I was delighted to meet you on Bond Street,” he said. “And I was glad my aunt is a great mentor.”

“Yes, it was a good experience,” Scarlet said. Her nose was red as well as her cheeks.

Alexander saw she was not new to riding, her posture was prim and proper, and she held herself close to the horse.

“Good boy, Murphy,” she said, as he trotted around the scattered logs on the moors. “You are very clever.”

“You seem so at ease with these beasts, and they seem to like you too,” Alexander observed as he trotted beside her.

“I do adore the horses, I have from an early age. Your father had a horse trainer come and train me. If I remember correctly, he trained us both for a while as children before you went away.”

Alexander did remember that. He didn’t want to leave, but his father was a strict man, and he preferred a son who was disciplined and trained fit to be in the army. It pained him every time he remembered the love of his father he never had.

“Will you tell me how my father treated you? Was it with love and affection?” he asked Scarlet.

“Yes, it was,” she said. Scarlet seemed afraid to say anymore.

“Is that not how your father was with you?” she asked. Her tone was caring and kind. “He was a good man, I can assure you.”

“We didn’t have an amiable relationship,” Alexander’s tone betrayed resentment and regret. “He didn’t love me. I only came back from school to be with Mother, not for Father. When Mother died, my journeys back from school and then University became less and less.”

“I regret asking you, Your Grace,” said Scarlet. She was sad. “I can see how much pain it caused you.”

“Please do not fret about it,” said Alexander. “My father is not here now.” Alexander didn’t want to talk about his father with Scarlet. She shouldn’t know about his pain. She should remember his father as she had known him.

He hadn’t noticed Scarlet staring at him the whole time until he looked up. They had stopped. Alexander smiled at his companion. The unspoken words between them spoke of sadness, despair, and many more emotions that Alexander had felt about his father.

Scarlet looked up and seemed to enjoy the light snow. He followed her. The tiny flakes settled on his face. He now understood the words freedom, light, and angels.

“Your Grace, perhaps you should forget about your past with your father. It is then that you will move forward, and be happy again,” Scarlet said wisely.

If I could do that… I would, Miss Snow. But I will try for you.

“Your Grace, I shall race you!” Scarlet challenged him. “Will you join?”

Alexander observed dark clouds forming. A severe wind blew its way in. “I believe it is not safe, Miss Snow,” Alexander raised his voice to be heard above the wind.

“Go, Murphy!” Scarlet shouted. She galloped forward, going too fast. A blizzard came in just then, harsh, and wild. Alexander couldn’t see in front of him. He became alarmed.

“Come on, Girl!” he shouted. The horse shot forward, galloping through the density of snowflakes.

“Miss Snow!” he called. “Miss Snow!” Then he heard a faint scream. It sounded to be far away. Alexander, now in a panic, urged his horse to run faster. The horse galloped faster, and then suddenly reared, nearly throwing Alexander off.

“Whoa!” Alexander shouted. He pulled on the reins to calm her down. He wondered what spooked her. Getting down from his horse, he walked through the built-up snow.

“Miss Snow!” Scarlet lay on the cold ground, spread eagled. Her eyes were closed. The blizzard was a little calmer. He would be able to take her back.

I must get her home. She will catch her death.

Alexander took off his jacket but found it was soaked through.

I must give her my body heat.

Alexander picked her up and took her to his horse. He put her over and climbed on. Carefully, he took Scarlet into his arms, so she was leaning face front on his chest. Once she was as secure as she could be, he pulled the reins of his horse.

“Come on, Murphy!” he called to her horse. The horse came over and Alexander managed to hold onto the reins. With it still snowing, Alexander went back to the Manor at a steady pace.