For the Heart of a Roguish Duke by Harriet Caves

Chapter Five

Scarlet continued with her morning walk around the Manor, checking that everything was all right. Alexander avoided her at every opportunity, and only conversed with her when and if necessary. It was usually curt and to the point.

She didn’t have anything to say to him unless the topic was about the servants or a matter of the Manor. Sometimes, Scarlet felt like she shouldn’t be there at all in Alexander’s presence. Of course, she wanted to scream at him to stop being so childish, but she had no right to say that to him.

The sooner I find a suitor who wants to marry me, the sooner I will be away from him. He needn’t worry about me, and neither would I be a burden for him.

Scarlet decided to carry on as normal, for it did not fare her well to dwell on the Duke and his guardedness. And as far as she was aware, the servants needed her. She could not let them down.

It was imperative since there was no Lady of the Manor to direct the servants and organize things with the housekeeper and butler. The late Duke had given that responsibility to her after his wife passed away as he was too busy with his Dukedom.

Mrs. Williams, the housekeeper, was directing some maids when Scarlet entered the room. “Miss Snow, how can I help?” asked Mrs. Williams.

“There is a strangeness in this Manor, do you feel it, Mrs. Williams? I feel like I am lost here, with nowhere to go,” Scarlet stated sadly. “I feel I have no direction.” She didn’t mention the strangeness between her and Alexander.

“I feel the same, Miss Snow. And so does Mr. Dalton. With the Duke and Duchess gone, the Manor feels like a big empty space. Of course, we have the young Duke now, but he is hardly here. Cook is up in arms now that there is one less person to make dinner for.”

Mrs. Williams and Mr. Dalton, the butler, had been part of this household for as long as Scarlet could remember. They never tired of their work, and were always obliging to the demands of Alexander, and her requests when they were children. But Alexander did not stay in this Manor much even then. He was sent to a boarding school early in his youth in the north of England.

Alexander came home every six months, much to the delight of his mother. Scarlet had not seen him and his father together, she had begun to remember these events. When Alexander was five-and-ten, her ladyship caught a cold, which developed into an unknown disease, and she died within two days.

“She will still have me and the new Duke to cook for when he does stay,” said Scarlet sympathetically, as she came back to the present.

“Yes, yes, I suppose that is right. I forget that His Grace will be staying with us, although perhaps not as frequently as his father did. I do hope he marries soon and produces many children. I would like to see this Manor full of squealing little cherubs one day. Wouldn’t that be something, Miss Snow?”

“Indeed, it would, and one day you will have a new Lady of the Manor too. This Manor will once again be a haven,” smiled Scarlet.

“Well, in that case, I wish the new Lady to be like you and Her Grace, Lord rest her soul. I shudder to think of anyone with a temper and a grim view of life in this Manor.”

Scarlet agreed with her wholeheartedly. “We all hope so.”

“Miss Snow, I wanted to ask you something,” Mrs. Williams said after a moment’s pause. “I do hope it wouldn’t be a lot of trouble.”

“What is it? Nothing can be much trouble from you, Mrs. Williams.”

“That is kind of you to say. But you see, I would like to ask leave for a few days to visit my daughter. She lives in Wales. She has just had a baby and I would like to see my granddaughter very much. It is quiet at the moment in the Manor, would you terribly mind?”

“Mrs. Williams, I could not deny you such happiness. Of course, you must go. I will handle things here for you while you are away, and I have Mr. Dalton. We both will manage on your behalf.”

“Thank you, you are very generous. I shall write to my daughter right away and give her some good news at last.”

As Mrs. Williams went about her work again, an overwhelming wave of sadness crept into Scarlet’s heart. She looked around her and found the good times she had here begin to fade into dullness. She needed a new life. A family of her own.

* * *

Alexander galloped on his horse through the fields. He wanted to stop his demons from entering his mind. He wanted to forget that both of his parents were dead now, and he was all alone. And he wanted to forget about Scarlet.

She is so fine and beautiful. I long for her to be mine, but I dare not as she is my Ward. Father would not approve certainly. But why should I care for that? And can I forgive her for being a favorite of Father’s?

Most of all, he detested that he was forced into Guardianship. He found it quite difficult to accept it, and he wanted no ownership of a woman who he liked very much. She is to marry elsewhere, and that is all. If his mother were alive now, she would understand him and she would not force him into such a position.

It was searing hot now, and the sun was relentless on his back. Alexander was sweating and he was quite thirsty now. He slowed his horse to a trot, finally stopping in the shade under a large tree. A stream ran not far from him.

He took his horse by the reins to the stream where she could drink to her heart’s desire. For himself, he took out a metal flask from his pocket to drink some ale. He felt a little better, but it was too hot to travel again, and he opted to rest under the tree.

The sky was a clear blue without a cloud to be seen. There was only hot air. Alexander’s eyes soon began to feel heavy—

“Really Alexander, I don’t understand why this is so hard for you. Mathematics is not difficult, you just have to comprehend it. You do frustrate me, Boy!” Alexander’s father shouted at the two-and-ten-year-old boy.

“Please leave him be, Dear. He is young, he will learn in time,” his mother said soothingly.

“I want an heir who will look after this Dukedom when the time comes. I cannot see Bentley go into ruins, My Love. It is essential our son learns this now rather than later. He is a disappointment!” The Duke took a deep breath. “I shall send him to school far from here. There, he will learn the importance of the role of a Duke that he shall be.”

Scarlet Snow stood in the corner, her eyes on Alexander. She was seven and she looked frightened. “Miss Smith, please take Scarlet away. I don’t want her to be here,” Alexander’s mother told Scarlet’s governess.

“Come along, Scarlet. We shall learn some words,” said the governess leading Scarlet away.

Scarlet looked back and smiled at Alexander, but he didn’t return it.

“I hope you are listening, Boy,” the Duke continued.

“I am, Father. I will be happy to go away if that is what you want,” he said.

The dream turned back to a time when he came back to the Manor before his five-and-tenth birthday, when he saw Scarlet after so many years. The horse neighed and nudged him with his nose, waking Alexander up. For a moment he was confused as he remembered those memories that had appeared in his dream. The sun had disappeared behind some foreboding clouds. The blue sky was replaced with a palette of gray.

It’s time to go home.

Alexander jumped on his horse and made his way back to Bentley Manor, his mind on Scarlet.

* * *

Alexander gave the reins of his horse to the stable boy and walked into the Manor and then to the drawing room. It was awfully quiet, which made him feel quite anxious. He was used to having people around him and he was never alone at the boarding school or the University.

But then, Bentley had never been his home. It was St. Marks Boarding School that had been his home, and then the University campus. This Manor was an extravagant building with no soul.

“The Earl of Danvers,” the butler announced as Alexander was pouring himself a glass of port.

“My condolences, Alexander,” Horace entered.

“Thank you for coming, My Dear Friend. What will you have? I was just pouring myself some port.”

“I will have the same then.”

Alexander was pleased to see his friend again. It had been a very long time. Horace sat down on one settee with Alexander taking the other.

“I heard about the Will and your duty to the Ward,” Horace remarked.

“Word certainly spreads across the ton quickly,” Alexander crossed his legs, and leaned back into his seat with the glass held tight in his hand. “As you know, my father and I didn’t really get along. He was her Guardian and now he has passed the damned responsibility to me.”

“How old is this Ward?”

“She is nine-and-ten.”

“Is she very beautiful?”

“She is, yes. She is also the woman I met in the library,” Alexander said. His face showed no emotion.

Horace laughed. “Then I don’t see how it can be difficult. You found your mystery woman. Now you two can court and perhaps marry. I wouldn’t go with the latter though. I believe marriage is a waste of one’s life and fortune.”

“If only I could afford not to marry,” Alexander drank some port. “Father’s Will is quite damning. Not only must I marry by the end of the Season, I must also find Miss Snow a suitor. She must marry well, or there will be consequences to my inheritance.”

“Oh, my, so it is not all good that you are a Duke now, and wealthier than you ever have been,” Horace said sympathetically.

“You are not far from the truth, Horace. I would rather be carefree and aloof than be burdened by this Dukedom.”

“I wouldn’t, I would love to have all that at my disposal. You should count yourself lucky.”

“Perhaps I will have to.”

Scarlet walked into the drawing room. She stopped when she saw Alexander and Horace. They stood up and Scarlet gave a small curtsy. “I apologize, Your Grace, I didn’t know you had company. I shall leave at once.”

Alexander felt his stomach somersault and his groin stir. She was dressed in an off-white lace dress and was quite the vision. Under the hat, her eyes pierced his heart. “It’s all right, Miss Snow,” he said, although his mouth had dried. “Let me introduce you to my good friend, Horace Thomkins, Earl of Danvers.”

“It is nice to make your acquaintance,” said Scarlet.

“My pleasure,” said Horace. His gaze lingered on her a little longer than necessary.

Scarlet looked uncomfortable and Alexander hated that he cared. He cleared his throat. “Horace, let me take you around the Estate. I don’t believe you have had the pleasure of witnessing it after the restoration,” he said. He wanted to take him away from Scarlet.

“Oh, yes, of course,” said Horace quickly. “Do you mean to go now?”

“Now would be better for me,” Alexander said, smiling.

“I shall attend to some work,” Scarlet said, and curtsied. “Farewell, then.”

“She is a fine lady,” Horace commented when Scarlet left.

“What do you mean by that? I suggest you leave her be, she is not for you, Horace,” Alexander said, feeling a little irate at seeing his friend interested in Scarlet.

“Why would I leave her be? I think it would be beneficial to get to know her as an acquaintance at first. Alexander, are you beginning to care for the Ward?”

“No, I do not care for her. And neither should you,” Alexander snapped unintentionally. “I do apologize, I don’t blame you. The Ward is the one who vexes me, but I do not why exactly. Come now, let’s have some entertainment.”

Alexander was perhaps angry at himself for becoming jealous. Why should he feel such an emotion? If Horace was to be interested in courting Scarlet, why should he mind at all?

* * *

An invitation for a carriage ride and then a promenade was extended to Scarlet one fine morning. It was from Daisy. She apologized for her behavior at the ball and wanted to make amends. But Scarlet was uncertain, and she was still hurting from her insults. She cast the letter down, and then picked it up again.

Why shouldn’t I go? If not only to leave this overbearingly silent and foreboding Manor.

With the Duke shut in his study when he was not required for breakfast, dinner, or to socialize, there was no other movement from him. He was still avoiding Scarlet and continued to refrain from talking to her. Now, with only Daisy as Scarlet’s ‘friend’, she thought she must go and socialize for her own sanity. Scarlet wrote back to accept.

So, the day came, and Daisy arrived in her carriage. She was dressed in a stunning pale-peach dress, with a matching bonnet and gloves. With her was her mother, Lady Spencer. Scarlet was glad for she liked her very much. “My Dear Child,” Lady Spencer said. “It is always a delight to see you.”

“My Lady,” Scarlet curtsied. “I hope I find you well.”

“Very well indeed,” Lady Spencer beamed.

“I apologize for Mama, she insisted on coming today. Mama, I told you a maid would have been perfectly fine as a chaperon,” Daisy grumbled.

Scarlet thought Daisy was quite childish but decided to keep her thoughts to herself. “I needed the fresh air, Darling. We don’t spend as much time together as we used to, which I miss. Now, let’s not become engrossed in our family issues. I am certain Miss Snow would much prefer to leave promptly for our lovely day.”

Scarlet was more than happy to do so. As they all sat in their seats in the carriage, Scarlet felt a little better. She could breathe freely. She wouldn’t hear the echoes of her former Guardian, and neither was she drowned in the silence of Bentley Manor.

The gallop of hooves and rolling of carriage wheels against gravel and stone was welcome. Perhaps she should leave the Manor more often, perhaps even for a holiday. She wouldn’t know where to go though. Would the Duke be happy if she was to go?

The question is, would I want him to be happy?

“You are awfully quiet,” observed Daisy. “May I ask what you are thinking about?”

“Oh, it’s nothing really. I was just thinking,” Scarlet replied.

“And I would like to know what it is you were thinking,” Daisy did not give up.

“All right, but can I trust you to not speak of this to anyone, Daisy? Lady Spencer, can I have your word too?”

“What can it be to keep it a secret?” Daisy raised an eyebrow.

“We both shall keep it between us, please do say what you have to say without fear,” Lady Spencer said.

“Since the death of my Guardian, I feel uneasy in the Manor. I miss him ever so much. He was like a father to me.” Scarlet was speaking directly to Lady Spencer and ignoring Daisy. “He treated me like his own, he sent me to finishing school and he gave me real responsibilities.”

Tears began to slide down Scarlet’s eyes. “I apologize, I do not want to burden you with this. Please, let us discuss something happier.”

“It’s quite all right, My Dear. I can understand your woes and it is perfectly all right to feel the way you feel. You can tell me anything and I won’t mind,” said Lady Spencer.

“And I will help too,” said Daisy, who seemed didn’t want to be left out.

“That is so lovely of the both of you, I cannot be grateful enough,” Scarlet managed a smile.

“And you would want a holiday, I expect?” asked Lady Spencer.

“How did you know? I didn’t mention it,” Scarlet gasped.

“Oh, My Dear. I am old enough to know these things, and at trying times like this, one needs a holiday!” Lady Spencer laughed generously. “I happen to own a lovely little cottage by the sea. If you would be interested, you only have to let me know, Dear.”

“Mama, isn’t that the cottage that used to be owned by Cousin Louisa?” Daisy asked.

“The very one, My Child.”

“Mama, Elizabeth, Father and I used to go there quite often. We had so much fun with Cousin Louisa. She is not married, but that does not bother her. She has moved to America now, so the cottage is vacant.”

“How lovely. I will inform the Duke, and will certainly let you know,” said Scarlet. And she meant it. This would a good time to get away.

The carriage began to slow now as they turned into the park. The sun had finally come out as it was quite dull before, making the park inviting. The driver drove them around the whole park, and then the women descended for a promenade. Other such ladies of the ton, young families and couples promenaded alongside them. Some waved a greeting, and some stopped briefly to talk.

“Dear Lady Spencer, Lady Daisy, and Miss Swan, is it?” said a tight-lipped woman whose character boasted arrogance. “How nice it is to see you in public so soon after your benefactor’s demise.”

Of course, this was directed at Scarlet. “There is no reason to not to come out again, Lady Tuft. Why should a person mourn for a year, if they have no one to console them in the Manor?” she said.

“Quite right, it can be dull to be sleeping all day with nothing to do,” Lady Tuft smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. There was an awkward silence between the ladies. “Well, it is lovely to see you again. Come along, Jennifer,” she shouted at her daughter.

“That was highly rude of her,” exclaimed Lady Spencer.

“She was just expressing her opinion, Mama,” Daisy was laughing. “Did you see how irate she became so rapidly, her poor daughter’s face was a picture indeed!”

“That may be so, but one should not mock another, even when they are not here. As for her, she should have not spoken to Miss Snow like that,” Lady Spencer frowned.

Scarlet smiled her gratitude at Lady Spencer while Daisy just scowled. “Very well, Mother. Let us promenade in some quiet now,” said Daisy. “Let us go to the lake.”

As they proceeded to the lake, Scarlet felt someone looking at her. She turned her head and looked behind, only to see Alexander.

“Your Grace,” she exclaimed and curtsied. “I was not aware you had planned an afternoon here.”

“It was not planned, Miss Snow. It was a spontaneous decision that my friend, Horace made. You two have had the pleasure of meeting each other already if you recall.”

Daisy and her mother turned around and curtsied also. “Oh, Your Grace, how lovely to meet like this,” Lady Spencer exclaimed. “I am pleased.” She looked toward Horace. “I don’t believe we have made an acquaintance.”

“How do you do, Viscountess,” Horace bowed his head. He introduced himself formally.

“Do you not go to social events, Lord Thomkins? I do wonder why you are absent,” Lady Spencer interrogated the man. “But never mind, I hope to see you at every event from now. Do you have a Lady already?”

Scarlet let out a small laugh and Alexander looked at her. He gave her a small smile but soon realizing, he became unemotional again. Scarlet looked away, quite annoyed.

“It seems like you are getting a telling off from my mother, Lord Thomkins,” Daisy said aloud. “I would listen to her if I were you. She won’t rest unless she has the ton do as she wants.

“Oh, do stop teasing the man, Daisy. And I am not like that at all,” said Lady Spencer. “Your Grace, what activities do you enjoy? I have heard you are one to tour often. When you are here in England, do you enjoy tennis and bowling?”

“I have many pastimes I enjoy, My Lady,” Alexander responded. “I would say tennis is one of them.”

“Well, it certainly is refreshing to hear such good conversation from a member of the ton other than gossip,” Horace winked.

Lady Spencer blushed. “You are charming, My Lord.” Scarlet felt Alexander’s stare. She wished he would stop doing that.

Why can’t I stand the man and at the same time, like him too? Why does he make me feel both special and unworthy?

“We must carry on with our promenade,” Scarlet said to Alexander and Horace and curtsied. “Do excuse us.”

“Certainly, Miss Snow,” Alexander said. “We won’t take up more of your time.” Alexander gave the women a curt nod as they curtsied, as did Horace.

“Why didn’t you ask them to join us?” asked Daisy. “Wouldn’t that have been a good invitation?”

“No, I believe it wouldn’t,” said Scarlet. She knew she was still hurting by the Duke’s harsh words about her Guardian, his father. “I would rather not think about it.

“Perhaps we should go home,” Lady Spencer said generously. “I feel a little fatigued after our excitement.”

“I would rather stay,” Daisy said. “If only for a little longer. What do you say, Scarlet?”

“All right then,” Scarlet agreed.

“Mama, is that all right with you?”

“Yes, My Dear, but only for a little while.”

And so the ladies promenaded on. Scarlet pretended to be interested in the conversation between mother and daughter, but in actual fact she was too preoccupied with thoughts of the Duke.