Chapter 4

 

 

The guests arrived throughout the next day. His mother was there to greet everyone and to order the servants around like a drill sergeant. Miles kept to his study. It would be soon enough that he met the women, and for now, he was content with his solitude.

 

At his mother's bequest, he was summoned to the patio to meet the invited families. Begrudgingly, he walked outside to see several groups, mostly women, congregating on the patio. Putting on his best indifferent face, Miles went to the his mother's side.

 

“Oh, here you are, Sutherland. Allow me to introduce you to some of our guests.”

 

Miles barely listened as his mother rattled off names of different families, unmarried girls with little sense and no personality. It reminded him of the house party where he met Bethany. She stood out because she didn't giggle and carry on like a child just out short skirts.

 

He smiled when appropriate, bowed as necessary, but didn't engage. Miles wasn't interested in what these mothers had to say about their “beautiful, talented, angelic” daughters. Truth was, they were all equally qualified to be his wife, without any common sense among them. What he saw, when he looked at their faces, was what his mother had been all those years ago. A bright faced, fresh young girl, matched to man to raise her standards, but without any hope of love or affection. His father had a mistress before he married and had maintained one until his last breath. His mother's only job was to produce an heir and when that was done, Miles was sure his father never visited his mother's bed again.

 

What a bleak existence, he thought as he watched the girls parade around and bat their eyelashes. Something stabbed at his heart. Was it sympathy? For his mother? No, never. The woman had made her life what it was and he wouldn't make excuses for her. She'd had to play by the rules, and now she expected her son to follow those same rules, even knowing how miserable they had made her.

 

After what Miles felt was an appropriate enough amount of time, he excused himself under the guise of having estate work to do. Striding off into the garden, his long legs carried him toward a wooded area not far from his house. There were plenty of woods near his estate. As a child, Miles would pretend to be a highwayman, laying in wait for a victim to approach. The victim was often a nursemaid, sent to make sure he didn't get in too much trouble.

 

As he wandered the grove, his mind turned to Bethany. What was she doing? How was she doing? Was she happy? As much as the whole affair pained him, he wanted her to be alright. While lost in thought, Miles never saw the young woman on the ground until he tripped over her skirts, falling flat on his face.

 

“Sir, are you alright?”

 

Miles looked up into the bluest eyes he'd ever seen. They were the color of summer skies, bright and intelligent. They were attached to a pretty face, full lips and a pert nose. Allowing the young woman to lift his head and place it on her lap, he watched as she examined his head for injury.

 

“Please say something. Did you knock yourself senseless?” Her voice was like a choir of angels. Soft, but commanding. Lyrical. Somewhat fascinated by the sound, it took him a moment to understand what she had asked him.

 

“No, miss. I am not senseless. And if I were, it certainly would not have been my doing.”

 

The young lady blinked in confusion. Then responded, “Surely you don't think it was my fault you fell. I have been sitting here for some time without incident until you appeared.” Miles had to admit that her indignation was turning him on.

 

Lifting himself into a sitting position, he openly stared at his guest. Although kneeling, he could tell that she was tall for a girl. Her figure was flattering with large breasts and curvy hips. If she looked this good sitting down, Miles had no doubt that she would be stunning standing up.

 

Miles got himself to his feet, then offered a hand to the young woman. She accepted, standing as well. He'd been right about her figure. She was tall and statuesque, with abundant curves in her breasts and hips. The young woman held herself regally, with her chin slightly raised in a haughty fashion.

 

“I am Sutherland. And you are...?” he asked, leaving the question trailing.

 

The haughty look was replaced by surprise. Miles would have even called it shock, if she hadn't recovered so quickly. Swallowing, she answered, “My name is Miss Tibbets. I am the companion of Lady Elinore.”

 

Miles thought back to all the annoying, young ladies he'd just met. Lady Elinore was the worst of the bunch. She was beautiful, of course, but her personality most matched his mother. Elinore had the feel of someone who wouldn't think twice about besmirching anyone's reputation, just for the sport of it.

 

Not able to hide his cringe, Miss Tibbets immediately commented, “I see you have had the pleasure.”

 

Miles lifted an eyebrow. He had to admire her sass. Apparently, she had no love of her position as companion to a spoiled brat. “Indeed. I met both her and her mother. Are you related, or did they hire you from an agency?”

 

Natalie Tibbets was no fool. She recognized the question for all its impertinence. She would never consider giving this man any ammunition to use against her at a later date. His reputation was well known and she would not be on a long list of his conquests.

 

Without answering his question, she nodded and began to walk off. “I must return at once. Elinore will be looking for me.” Without a backwards glance, Natalie walked toward the house, knowing that her cousin would want to give her all the details of her first meeting with the duke. As she broke through the trees, she felt his presence very close behind hers.

 

“Miss Tibbets, please allow me to escort you.” His gentleman act was not fooling her. Although she had about as much chance of making a match for herself as a nun in the convent, that didn't mean she would willingly give her body to the first good-looking rake she met. Even though Natalie had to admit that he was the best looking rake she'd ever met.

 

She stopped abruptly, causing Miles to walk past her and have to turn around. Miles felt a sense of delight upon seeing the righteous indignation on her face. It certainly didn't diminish from her beauty.

 

“Surely you would allow me to offer you my arm.” Watching the play of emotions on her face, Miles simply smiled in return.

 

“That won't be necessary. I thank you for your offer, but must refuse. It would be unseemly for the two of us to be in each other's presence.” Natalie was trying to school her voice into something unemotional, but it came out like a plea.

 

Narrowing his eyes, he asked, “Unseemly? Am I not an appropriate escort for a young lady staying on my estate?”

 

Feeling her face flush, looking anywhere but his beautiful, blue eyes, Natalie was without words. There was a part of her who would like to parade in front of her aunt and cousin on the arm of this season's most eligible bachelor. After all, he was rich, powerful and gorgeous. He could have any woman he wanted and her cousin was desperate to make him want her. But to give into him would make her life a living hell.

 

Deciding to play on his sympathy, she begged, “Please. If I'm seen with you, Elinore will be most unkind to me. Not to mention her mother. I am simply a companion. I am supposed to blend into the woodwork and never insinuate myself where I do not belong.” Meeting his eyes after giving her speech, she saw something she didn't expect to see:  compassion.

 

“I would never want to make your life more difficult, Miss Tibbets. I shall take the long way back to the house.” Miles saw her relief, but wouldn't let her go so easily.

 

“However, I should very much like to get to know you better. Perhaps, we could meet here again tomorrow?” he asked, anticipating her answer.

 

“No! Of course not.” Natalie couldn't believe her ears. She was both appalled and excited. Why would he want to meet her again? She was plain, dowdy and certainly held nothing to her fair cousin.

 

Before he could respond, she walked away, this time not feeling him following her. As much as she knew she shouldn't feel regret, she definitely did.