A Most Improper Duchess by Alanna Lucas

Chapter Two

Silence enveloped the gently swaying carriage, allowing Niall to reflect on the past days. Why he had ever agreed to watch over the Grace sisters was beyond him. He did his best to hide his feelings for Alexandra, but every so often, she did something that stirred his desire anew, and his resolve was tested again.

When he was a young lad, the prospect of marrying a friend of the family had not seemed so daunting—at the tender age of ten, he hadn’t fully understood what it even meant to be promised to Lady Nerissa. But that had shifted as he aged.

After Father passed, he’d approached his mother on a couple of occasions in an attempt to avoid marrying Lady Nerissa, but his pleas had fallen on deaf ears. Mother had even enlisted the aid of his older sisters to talk some sense into him. It had never been a pleasant conversation, and it was one he did not want repeated . . . again. So he’d stamped down his emotions and committed to doing his duty. He’d studied hard, made improvements to their estates, ensured his three siblings received an education suitable for sisters of a duke, taken care of family matters, and . . . withered inside. If it hadn’t been for his interest in books on architecture, landscape design, and Greek mythology, he would have gone mad.

By the time he’d entered his early twenties, a fair young lady was catching his attention as well. She had such joie de vivre, even in the face of uncertainty and tragedy.

He still remembered with precise clarity the day his feelings for Alexandra shifted into something more than just friendship. After enduring yet another lecture from his mother, he’d embarked on a long walk. Why he’d ventured toward Charis Hall he could not remember, but when he’d reached the maze and heard soft crying, his heart had ached. And when he’d found Alexandra, arms wrapped around herself, trying to find solace, his heart had nearly broken. Without thought for propriety, he went to her and held her.

She’d confided her fears over her mother’s declining health, and they’d talked for hours, each sharing their fears and innermost thoughts. Something had shifted on that distant day—at least for him—but he knew he could never act on what he felt.

His mother had made certain of that.

For as long as he could remember, she had constantly reminded him of his promised nuptials, not to mention what was expected of him as a duke. As if he could ever forget the latter. The duties of the dukedom, thrust upon him at an early age, had consumed him. He’d spent so much time doing service for others that now, at seven and twenty, he felt as if life was passing him by.

“You’re awfully quiet,” his mother stated matter-of-factly. Niall met her gaze, the harshness in her eyes telling him she wasn’t pleased. A moment later, she unleashed her fury. “I hope you are not considering abandoning your responsibilities while in Town and—”

“Mother,” he broke across what was sure to be a well-rehearsed and familiar tirade. “I have never abandoned anything. Stop comparing me to Father. I know my duties and I am prepared to see them through. This is the last time I will have this conversation with you.” He hadn’t meant to sound quite so firm, but the constant nagging was wearing on him. He was nothing like his sire. His mama made certain that any resemblance was swiftly eradicated. And besides, he’d hardly known the man who had died when Niall was twelve.

His statement seemed to appease her for now. She simply offered a half-smile, then turned her attention to the passing countryside. If not for the issue with his horse’s shoe, he would be riding alongside the conveyance, rather than being cooped up with his mother and youngest sister, who, despite having slumbered all night, was currently sound asleep and thankfully had not witnessed the disagreement.

Silence, blissful silence, once again filled the carriage, allowing him to escape into his own musings. He had been designing a renovation and refacing of his home near Doncaster. He’d created dozens of sketches but had yet to finalize the design, and then there was the surrounding landscape to be tackled. He was equally enthusiastic about creating a complimentary outlook. He’d always enjoyed spending time in the country and hoped his future bride would share his passion as well.

The hours passed, and before long, they were creeping their way through London at a slow pace. It seemed as if every family from the ton had chosen that day to return from the country. It was going to be a tiring Season indeed.

*

After an exhaustingjourney, the Grace sisters finally entered London, and their party parted ways with Niall’s as they neared their aunt’s home. Before long, their carriage came to a gentle halt, and Alexandra could hear dear Great-aunt Imogene’s exuberant voice. By the time the steps had been prepared and the sisters handed down, Aunt Imogene was at their sides patting their cheeks and squeezing their hands.

“I thought you would never arrive.” She grabbed Theodora’s hand, then motioned for Alexandra and Evelina to follow. “Your rooms have been readied. We are to have dinner at home tonight. Tomorrow, we are to go to Lady Tassell’s musicale. It will not be a grand affair, but it will be an excellent event to start the Season on the right foot. Her daughters are quite accomplished and I’m certain you will find the entertainment most pleasing. Lord Redford and Mr. Hewlett are to be in attendance. They are both considered extremely eligible and I’m sure they will be most sought after this Season. Oh, I almost forgot Mr. Fuller. He is a great lover of music as well.”

Alexandra wondered when their aunt would take a breath. Even after they entered the house, she continued to prattle on and on about the Season, which of its events were the most sought after, the girls’ competition, and which gentlemen should be avoided. Only once they reached their rooms did she pause.

“Take your time getting settled. I will see you downstairs in about an hour and we can get all caught up.” And with that, Aunt Imogene took her leave.

Alexandra wanted to state that taking one’s time usually meant a more relaxed pace and not having such precise arrangements to follow, but she was keen to spend time with her aunt, too.

“I didn’t think she would ever stop talking,” Theodora giggled. “For a woman of two and seventy, she certainly is spry. How are we ever to keep up with her?”

“I’m sure she’s just excited to have us finally in residence,” Alexandra smiled. Mother had once told her that Aunt Imogene wanted children but not a husband. And since one could not respectably have the first without the latter, Aunt Imogene had married. But it wasn’t a love match, and when her husband of only six months had died after taking a nasty fall from his horse, she’d declared that she did not care for the union and would not remarry. She’d held fast to that declaration and decided instead to dote on her nieces and nephews, and then great-nieces and -nephew, for the rest of her life.

“Aunt Imogene so loves having people around her. I’ve always wondered what she disliked about having a husband,” Theodora said. Their youngest sister had always expressed her desire to marry and have a family. They all had.

“I truly don’t know.” Alexandra inwardly sighed. None of them were prepared for this new adventure of husband hunting. And worse, she herself did not want to hunt; she wanted to fall head over heels in love.

“Father was a husband, and Mother never complained,” Theodora reasoned. “And I cannot recall hearing Grandmama state any aversion to marriage or a husband, either.” She paused for a long moment, then questioned, “Do you think Aunt Imogene’s husband was an unkind man?”

The girls were not entirely sheltered from the ways of the world and had heard stories from one of the local country girls, who’d once told them that her father ruled the house with a heavy hand.

“It is something we should not ask. If Aunt Imogene wants us to know, she will discuss it in her own time,” Evelina stated with practicality. Although she was creative and curious, she was in possession of the most common sense.

“I suppose you are correct.” Worry lines creased Theodora’s forehead, but before Alexandra could ask what was troubling her youngest sister, she blurted out her woes. “How are we to know the true nature of men?”

Silence enveloped them, each lost in the question posed. It was a troubling one at that. Their knowledge of the opposite sex was limited.

You know Niall.

True, but he is a friend, nothing more.

“I suppose all we can do is observe them at social gatherings, pay heed to any gossip, and rely on instinct,” Evelina offered. “As long as we stick together, all will be well. And once one of us makes a match, she can enlighten the rest.”

Alexandra certainly hoped so.

*

Alexandra and hersisters had been in Town for four days and had already attended two dinner parties, a musicale, and endured a shopping expedition and countless visits to numerous friends of their great-aunt’s acquaintance. But tonight marked their first ball. They were all equally excited. Oh, for certain, they’d attended country dances and dinner parties, but this was their first ball in London.

After being announced, Alexandra and her two sisters walked into the opulent ballroom behind Aunt Imogene. Candlelight danced across the vast walls as dozens of couples meticulously performed the quadrille. There was an air of eagerness that wafted through the room. It appeared that everyone wanted to impress this evening, to begin the Season in a positive way.

Opening her fan with a flick of her wrist, Aunt Imogene leaned in and uttered, “There’s Lord Redford. Oh, and there’s Lord Kirkwood. It would appear that some of the most eligible gentlemen are present this evening.” She then tsked a couple of times and added, “And several who are quite ineligible.”

On the surface, the gentlemen present appeared the same. What made one man eligible and another not? Were wealth and title factors or something else altogether? Alexandra suspected Society’s standards when it came to a good match was vastly different from her own—or that of her sisters. And, what of the gossip? It would seem that the tiniest hint of scandal, whether true or not, could harm one’s reputation. How would they discover their answers?

Too lost in thought, she hadn’t noticed a rather tall gentleman approach their trio. Aunt Imogene whispered from behind her fan, “That is Lord Dougherty. He is a rake and—Oh, Lord Dougherty, how pleasant to see you this evening. I trust your mother is feeling better.” Their aunt’s vibrant voice rose above the chatter in the ballroom.

“Much better, Lady Middleton, thank you. I believe the doctor was overly concerned. She is presently in Bath.” Lord Dougherty eyed the sisters with interest, his roving gaze quite unsettling. Alexandra definitely put him in the ineligible category.

“Allow me to introduce my nieces.” Aunt Imogene pointed her fan as she said their names. “Miss Grace, Miss Evelina, and Miss Theodora.”

He performed an elegant bow, one that Alexandra suspected he’d practiced at length in front of a looking glass. “Now that we have been properly introduced. Miss Evelina, would you do me the honor of accepting the next dance.”

If Evelina objected to Lord Dougherty’s request—as Alexandra suspected she did—she did not let on. They had been well-trained for this Season. Her sister pasted on a pleasant smile and accepted his hand.

Once out of earshot, Aunt Imogene informed the remaining two sisters of Lord Dougherty’s circumstances. “He is a known rake, which isn’t necessarily bad if the rake in question can be reformed. However, that is not his only known vice. He is a compulsive gambler and is rumored to be in a considerable amount of debt.”

“So, he is a fortune hunter?” Alexandra questioned as she watched Evelina dance with the rake. His movements were elegant and practiced. She could see how a young lady could fall victim to his charms, although perhaps one should not judge solely based on outward appearances. Just then, a pleasant laugh from a neighboring group of ladies caught her attention. She turned and noticed a beautiful young lady—though her dress was unfashionable and her countenance shy and unsure—standing with an older woman who seemed just as awkward. “Do you know who the lady in cream is, Aunt Imogene?” she whispered.

Her aunt followed Alexandra’s gaze. “That is Miss Samuels. Her family has no funds for entertainments such as these, and so her aunt is aiding this Season. It is such a shame, too.” Aunt Imogene tsked again several times. “She is such an agreeable young lady and has such a beautiful singing voice. She is fortunate her aunt is in a position to support her.”

As if sensing the conversation was about them, the older woman and Miss Samuels moved toward them.

Aunt Imogene greeted her friend with much enthusiasm. “Mrs. Samuels, such a pleasure to see you this evening. It’s been too long since our last meeting.”

“Indeed, it has. I have been much consumed with preparing my niece for the Season.” Mrs. Samuels waved a hand and with a warm, caring smile said, “Oh, I almost forgot my manners. Allow me to introduce Miss Samuels.”

After brief acknowledgments, the girls moved to one side, allowing their aunts to discuss the latest on dits. Although Aunt Imogene had professed numerous times that she did not care for gossip, she’d also informed the sisters that it was vital to know what went on within the ton. Alexandra supposed that included on dits.

“I understand you enjoy singing?” Theodora, the most musically inclined of the three sisters, asked.

“Yes,” Miss Samuels answered shyly. “I also enjoy playing the pianoforte and the harp as well. My aunt has a beautiful pianoforte at her house, and it has been such a pleasure, spending hours practicing.” As she continued to talk about singing and music her countenance brightened, and her passion shone through.

“Do you practice every day?”

“Oh yes. And when I am not practicing, I’m thinking about music. It’s as if music is part of my soul.” She let out a giggle. “That must sound rather silly.”

“On the contrary, I feel the same,” Theodora offered. “You must join us tomorrow at our salon. It is very informal, and we discuss all sorts of topics, including music.”

“I would be most honored,” Miss Samuels said as her head dipped slightly in that shy way.

“Oh, there is Naomi,” Theodora started. “I must introduce you to her. She is not musically inclined but has an excellent ear. I think you’ll find her most agreeable. And she’s with Miss Ashton, who you must meet as well.” She turned to Alexandra. “You don’t mind?”

“Not at all.” As Theodora led Miss Samuels away, Alexandra suspected that the two girls were at the start of a true friendship—at least she hoped so.

A moment later, her aunt said, “Oh, and there is Lady Lamden. You’ll be fine on your own for a few moments, won’t you?” Aunt Imogene didn’t wait for an answer before scurrying off with Mrs. Samuels toward their friend. And with that, Alexandra was left alone to take in everything swirling about her.

It was not as if she was entirely unpracticed in the ways of the ton. During the early years of their mother’s illness, they had ventured to Bath so that she could take the waters. But after that, as Mother’s health had declined, they’d kept mostly to the country, enjoying local balls and assemblies. However, those events paled in comparison to the grandeur of tonight’s entertainment. But even after being in Town less than a week, Alexandra had determined that she most definitely preferred the country.

She was scanning the ballroom, watching all the couples perform their rituals for securing a dance partner by attracting attention, or in some cases, trying to avoid it, when from across the room, she spied Niall. Her heart gave a little lurch. Even from this distance, she could sense he was uncomfortable, unsettled even, and in need of a friend.

For reasons she could not explain, she felt a strong desire to go to him, to ease his troubles. Perhaps it was because he’d always been there for her.

*

One would thinkthat after spending several Seasons in London, Niall would be more comfortable at large events. But here he was, more uncomfortable than ever, and trying to disappear into the column beside him.

Worse still, his sister not only seemed to attract attention, but to relish it. He was certain there would be a swarm of eligible and not-so-suitable gentlemen knocking on their door in morning. She was currently dancing with Mr. Rodney, a known gambler in need of a wealthy wife. He inwardly shook his head. This was going to be a long Season.

“I see your sister has been cornered by Mr. Rodney. He is not very agreeable,” Alexandra said as she edged up to him.

His pulse instantly reacted to the nearness of her. Don’t think about what can never be. He took in a deep breath to steady his breathing, and focused on his current woes. “I would concur, but Naomi is determined to dance with every gentleman at least once this Season.” He let out a long sigh. He wanted Naomi to find a love match, unlike his other sisters, who’d both settled for titles and wealth. They were just like his mother in that regard, and he was most certain they were just as miserable. Someone in his family should marry for love and not duty. Since he knew it would not be him, he was determined to aid his youngest sister in that quest.

“And I see you are determined to become a column at these events,” she offered. “Or perhaps a wallflower?”

“Definitely not a wallflower.” But he could live with being called a column. “What style of column?” he retorted, bantering playfully.

“Let me think.” She tapped her finger against her creamy cheek then a moment later said, “Doric.”

Her response took him aback. “Why Doric?”

“Formal, neat and tidy.”

“So, I’m dull,” he said. He didn’t want to be seen as dull or a wallflower, especially not in Alexandra’s eyes. Although he was promised to another, he was still a man and preferred not to be seen in such ill light.

“No. Classically understated.”

“Classically understated?” He thought for a moment. That was better than being called dull. “I’m satisfied.”

“I’m glad.” She flashed one of her beautiful smiles that always made his heart flutter. “Now that that’s settled, will you do me the honor of the next dance, Your Grace?”

“It is quite scandalous and most improper of you to ask,” he began as he leaned in and whispered, “Alex.” Whenever Alexandra was near, he was more relaxed, more confident.

He offered his arm and led her to the floor. It felt natural to be next to her, as if they were meant to be side by side.

Across the room, he spied the woman he was promised to, speaking with Miss Raine. A pang of guilt struck his heart. Lady Nerissa.

He had nothing against the debutante, but she was not his choice of bride, and he did not believe he was her first choice of husband. Their parents had concocted the plan years ago. Thankfully, only their mutual families knew of the arrangement—and Alexandra of course. There was very little he kept from her.

Only your feelings for her.

He had to.

As Lady Nerissa’s eighteenth birthday had neared, she’d begged her parents for a Season, and thankfully, they’d acquiesced. He would honor the promise because that was who he was, but if Lady Nerissa fell in love and somehow convinced her parents—not to mention his mother—to annul the promise, then he would gladly call it off. And if not . . . he would simply enjoy these moments with Alexandra.

“It would seem you asked me for a waltz,” he whispered as they took their places.

Since the Prince Regent included the waltz at a ball last year, Niall had only waltzed on one other occasion but not with anyone he cared about. He’d never noticed how intimate the dance was before now. As they moved through the elegant turns, he could feel her chest rise and fall, her sweet breath tickling his senses.

He wondered if she’d ever felt more for him than just friendship?

Why would the beautiful and accomplished, amusing and vibrant Alexandra be interested in a man who enjoyed the country, reading by the fire, and studying architecture? Perhaps . . .

He shook that thought away. There was no perhaps, he had to keep reminding himself. His sole purpose in coming to Town, other than the usual obligations of a duke, was to chaperone his sister, not torture himself over impossibilities. Too many others were in complete control of his fate.

All too soon the dance ended and he was returning Alexandra to her sisters. “Thank you for the dance—”

“There you are,” his mother’s firm tone rippled down his spine. “It is time to leave. Naomi has made quite the spectacle by dancing with Mr. Norley.” His sister’s cheeks flamed with embarrassment at their mother’s words. Now was not the time or place to question what had occurred. It was best he removed Mother before she made a spectacle.

He said his farewells and then joined his mother and Naomi as they promptly and efficiently departed the ballroom.

Once clear of prying ears, he asked his mother, “And what is wrong with Mr. Norley?”

She did not answer, keeping her gaze straight ahead and focused on the exit. The tension and silence continued to rise as they waited for their carriage. Only once ensconced in the ducal conveyance and on their way did she unleash her fury.

“I will tell you exactly what is wrong with Mr. Norley.” She took in a deep breath then aired her grievance. “He has no title. Your sister is the daughter of a duke. He is the second son of baron. Of a baron!”

Naomi made the mistake of speaking. “But he has property and—”

“He has a small house near Plymouth, if we are to believe that.” The duchess’s words dripped with disgust. She then turned her anger on Niall. “If you cannot act in the best interests of the family, then I will—”

“What, Mother? What will you do?” He challenged her. “It was one dance. Leave Naomi be.” He gathered his words and put her in her place. “All I do is what is best for this family. Have I not lived up to the ducal title? Have I not come to chaperone my sister despite my dislike of London? Am I not promised to Lady Nerissa? Have I not—”

“I suppose you have acted in an acceptable manner.” That was the closest Mother had ever come to a compliment. “And I suppose I can let this evening’s indiscretions slide, but Naomi has to promise that she will be more discerning in her choice of dance partners.”

Even though the carriage was dark, he could sense that his sister was about to argue, so he quickly interjected. “Naomi will take more care. She and I will discuss it later.”

He had no intention of restricting his sister. She would just have to be cleverer in her designs.

By the time they reached their home, both mother and daughter were still fuming but, thankfully, silent.

“I am retiring,” was all the duchess said as she walked past them and up the stairs. Niall knew that she expected him to reprimand Naomi, despite the late hour.

The moment he guided his sister to his study and closed the door, the tension that had been gnawing at both of them eased. The room was warm and comfortable, his sanctuary. He moved to the side table and poured a glass of brandy.

“You’re not going to make me abide by her demands, are you?”

“No. I want you to be happy.” He took a sip of the amber liquid, instantly feeling it burn his throat. “But you do have to be more cautious, or neither of us will survive the Season with Mother. I suggest that events where she is in attendance, you are more discerning about your choice of dance partner.”

“But she’s always—”

“I will see that Mother stays home on a few occasions.” He knew it wouldn’t be too difficult. He just had to accept invitations to gatherings hosted by ladies of—in the dowager duchess’s estimation—lesser standing. She wouldn’t be pleased, but that should give his sister the opportunity to enjoy at least a couple of events before their mother caught on to their plan.

Naomi sat down, slipped off her shoes then tucked her feet under her dress. “Do you truly want to marry Lady Nerissa? I mean, she’s pleasant, but . . .”

“But what?” He never discussed anything of own personal desires. Had he somehow revealed his feelings for Alexandra?

“You don’t seem to suit each other. There, I said it,” she finished with a huff.

Niall sat down on the sofa beside her. “No, we don’t. Our mothers believe otherwise, though.”

“Surely there is something you can do to get out of it. You sacrifice so much for this family, yet you deserve to be happy, too.”

If only it were that simple. He was a man of honor. He was expected to do what was best for the dukedom and marry a woman of exceptional lineage, have children—male children—grow the estates, and maintain the legacy that generations of Blackburns had before him. But it was nice that his sibling recognized his efforts.

“Let’s focus on your prospects.” He truly did not want to dwell on his life.

Naomi shook her head, then offered a sympathetic smile. “You always put everyone before yourself.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I am most grateful that you’re my brother.”