Will they, or won’t they?
Gentle readers, the church bells have been noticeably quiet.
Isn’t that our answer?
Respectfully submitted,
The Midnight Cryer
Thea stood in between the Duke and Duchess of Langham. They were the only ones greeting the dignitaries and other members of the ton who strolled through the receiving line. As the duke introduced her to each guest, her chest and stomach tightened in preparation for a cut direct. Perhaps she should have shared at least one sip of sherry with Stella and Lady Edith.
The duchess leaned her way and discreetly whispered, “We’re almost through here, then you should find Will and have him fetch you a glass of punch. It’ll help, trust me.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she said.
Somehow, Will had quietly sidled up in between the duke and her. He leaned forward, and his cheek lightly brushed against hers as he bent close to her ear. There was a hint of roughness in his cleanly shaven skin. She took a deep breath as her heartbeat kicked into a jig at his presence.
“No whisky, though,” he whispered. He drew back, then winked. “We’ll save that for later.”
If she hadn’t been staring at his face, she’d have missed the wink.
He turned his attention to the next guest, and she took in the sight before her. He was so resplendent in his evening coat and breeches that her breath caught in her throat.
Will turned and smiled. She cleared her throat and pretended not to be affected by his presence. “Lady Eanruig, may I introduce you to Lord Howton?”
The man in charge of the committee was surprisingly young, no more than mid-thirties. He took Thea’s hand and bowed over it. “Lady Eanruig, the pleasure is mine.”
Though he said the correct words, his reserve was apparent. “The Duke of Langham has told me much about you.” He smiled and moved a step closer. “However, I look forward to learning more in the days to come. Congratulations on your betrothal to Lord William. Perhaps we’ll have a chance to talk privately this evening.”
“Thank you, my lord.” She studied his eyes intently and smiled in return. The man and the influence he wielded in his committee held great power over her future. But she would not shrink into a wallflower before him. That was not her destiny. If she believed Stella and Edith, tonight she could prepare the groundwork necessary for having the committee look favorably on her claims to her title. “I look forward to our conversations.”
“I’ll tell you exactly what happens in our committee. When you appear, you’ll know what to expect.” He bowed over her hand.
“Howton,” a stern voice called behind her.
He released her hand, then turned in the direction of Stella, who stood next to the duchess.
“Madam, it’s always a delight to see you in London.” The smile that tugged Lord Howton’s lips indicated that he and Stella were well-acquainted with one another.
“I’ll see you at the whist table later, young man. Last time I was in town, I promised to let you have an opportunity to win back the hundred pounds I won.”
“Howton, you know Aunt Stella’s reputation,” Will added. He leaned slightly closer to Thea, and instinctively, she moved toward him.
“In other words”—Howton smiled affectionately in Aunt Stella’s direction—“I’m doomed.”
“Luck favors the bold.” Stella lifted an eyebrow and smiled.
The expression reminded Thea of Lord Fluff at his most haughty feline self.
With a brief bow, Howton left with Aunt Stella holding his arm. Whatever she was imparting to him had captured his interest as he’d bent his head close to hers.
“What was that all about?” Thea asked the duchess.
“I have no idea, dear.” The duchess sighed. “But whatever Aunt Stella is up to, we should allow her to let it play out.”
“I agree,” Will said. The blinding smile he gave Thea would have stopped traffic on the busiest London street. “I’ve learned long ago not to doubt what she’s capable of achieving.” Will’s hand caressed the small of Thea’s back. The touch was so unobtrusive that no one had seen him do it, yet she felt the tenderness in it.
The duke laughed at Will’s response, then turned to greet the last guest in line. After welcoming the late straggler, the duke and duchess entered the ballroom where the laughs and conversations slowly quieted as they waited for the duke and duchess to start the festivities. The regal couple took the center of the room, and the orchestra struck up a waltz. The joy on the duke’s face matched the duchess’s. A part of Thea, that speck of optimism that life could be grand, perked to attention. There was only one way to describe them—a couple still in love with one another after all their years together.
Will stood close enough that his evening coat brushed up against her dress. He grew nearer and bent his head to hers. “What’s the sigh for?”
She waved her hand at his parents. “Look at them. Their love for one another is apparent to all. They’re simply beautiful.”
His body stiffened, and his earlier amusement faded from his face. “They’ve always been in love.” He stole a glance around the room.
She tried to find a cause for his sudden shift in mood. “Are you all right?”
“Perfect in every way,” he answered. Finally, a wry smile tugged at his lips. “Would you care to dance?”
“I’d be honored,” she answered. “But…”
“What?” His blue eyes blazed.
“Do you see any women around the ballroom you might be interested in dancing with except me?” He’d been such a dear friend to her, she wanted to help him—even if it would hurt her to see him hold another woman in his arms. She held her breath in preparation for his answer.
“No. There is no one,” he enunciated clearly. Without touching her, he leaned closer and the warmth from his body wrapped her in comfort. Those sapphire eyes of his locked with hers. “I only want to dance with my fiancée.”
She exhaled gently, and the anxiety of waiting for his answer evaporated. “I don’t know if I can dance in public,” she said softly. “What if I trip?”
“Do you trust me? I promise I’ll take great care of you and not let you stumble.” He delivered a smile worthy of a rogue, and she’d have followed him to the moon and back if he continued to look at her that way.
With an innate grace, Will escorted her to stand next to his parents. Several others joined them on the dance floor for which Thea was grateful. If she stumbled, hopefully everyone would be so busy watching their own feet, they’d forget to look at hers.
She tilted her head back and regarded Will. With his height, he seemed to be a mile away from her.
As he twirled her with an ease that had to be inborn, she missed a step. With his strong arms around her waist, her slight trip remained hidden from the other dancers. “Remember to think of me as your horse.”
“Are you going to take me for a ride?”
He bent his head closer to hers. “The things you say astound me.”
“You’re the one who wanted me to ride you,” she answered innocently.
“I may have to follow you around all night long so you don’t say anything inappropriate.” He laughed.
“Or get one of your family members to play chaperone,” she said. “Speaking of family, do you know what else I’ve noticed about yours?”
“What’s that?” The music slowed, signaling the last bars of the waltz. He gently brought them to a stop.
As Will led her off the dance floor, she leaned close so their conversation stayed private. “Everyone in your family is in love with their spouse, just like your parents. Even Stella was deeply in love with Lord Payne when he was alive. It’s an amazing sight.”
Before he could comment, Claire stood before them.
“Thea, I’d like to introduce you to a friend of Alex and mine, Mr. Marcus Leighton.” The marchioness turned to a handsome gentleman with dark blond hair and shimmering brown eyes. “Marcus, this is Thea, Lady Eanruig, a dear friend of mine.”
As Thea greeted Mr. Leighton, Will stiffened and glared at his cousin.
Claire simply smiled in return. “Marcus owns several businesses in the city and is a large contributor to my charities. I thought you both would enjoy meeting each other.”
Will lifted a brow in Claire’s direction.
“It’s a pleasure, Mr. Leighton,” Thea said.
He bowed elegantly before her. “Lady Pembrooke convinced me to come tonight just to meet you. It’s my good luck I took her advice.” His voice rang with a deep resonance, and the smile on his face enhanced his attractiveness. “Might I request a dance for later?”
“I can’t promise,” she answered politely. “I’ve saved them all for Lord William.”
Claire’s green eyes widened.
A sudden sadness dulled Will’s brilliant blue eyes, then disappeared quicker than lightning in the sky. But Thea had seen it. Before she could inquire what had upset him, the duke and duchess were by their sides to whisk her away to chat with Lord Howton.
Before Will could explain to Claire his engagement to Thea, Will’s parents had interrupted them to escort Claire and Thea to Aunt Stella, who still held Lord Howton entranced in whatever she was discussing.
Thea had her head bent close to Claire’s as they left his side. Will would need to inform his cousin on his own that he and Thea were engaged. He’d not divulge that it was an engagement of convenience. If Thea wanted to share that with Claire, then it was her prerogative—not his.
He quickly made his way to the side of the room and hoped to hide there until it was safe to retire for the evening. But that was like wishing for snow in July—not probable. He’d stay here as long as necessary to get his thoughts in order. He leaned against a floor-to-ceiling window and closed his eyes. His unease was more than Claire’s introduction of Leighton as a possible suitor for Thea.
What ate a hole through him was Thea’s comments about his parents’ marriage. Ever since he’d been a little boy, he’d adored his parents and their relationship. Even when they handed out some appropriate punishment for one of his misdeeds, normally involving his sister, Emma, his parents were fair and loving in their discipline.
He’d been blessed to have such a devoted couple as his parents. More than fortunate, really. He thought he’d recognize love once he found the right person.
He’d witnessed Claire finding happiness with Alex. His brother, McCalpin, had fallen head over heels in love with his March, then married her. Even his sister, Emma, who had abhorred the idea of marriage, had found true love with Somerton.
He was truly happy for his family and their marriages. They deserved nothing less. From these blissful unions, he had nieces and nephews whom he adored. His family was multiplying and creating future generations. But lately, it’d been painful to see his siblings and his cousin with their spouses. Their deep affection and love for one another was something he’d always wanted.
He couldn’t deny the truth. What he felt for Thea was changing—growing into something more than friendship. But was it love? He exhaled, hoping it would clear the confusion that seemed to constantly whirl inside his head whenever he thought of her.
Through the music and the din of conversation, he heard a laugh that pulled him from his musings. He closed his eyes to concentrate on the resonance, so clear and honeyed. It caused his gut to tighten. He knew who it was before even looking. He drew a deep breath and opened his eyes. Immediately, his gaze found Thea. She was the one making that joyful sound. His father bent low to her ear and whispered something. It caused another laugh, this one sweeter and deeper. It reached inside his chest, straight to his jaded heart, and twisted until he wanted to curse at the pain.
He pushed away from the window to find a drink.
“William, we need to talk.” Grayson stood beside him with his somber face. “About Lady Eanruig.”
He grunted in answer.
Of all the people he didn’t want to talk to, it was Grayson. All Will could think about was how perfect Thea had felt in his arms as she found her pleasure. He’d never had a woman be so bold in what she wanted from him.
When she’d seduced him with a lick of his lips, he wanted to take her then and there.
He shook his head, trying to tame his tangled thoughts. What kind of a friend was he to Grayson? The man had asked Thea to marry him.
Which begged the question, what kind of friend was he to Thea? He’d done things to her that only a husband had a right to do. Thank heavens, no one at the soirée had mentioned The Midnight Cryer and today’s lead article. It gave him time to think of the proper course of action. But all afternoon, his thoughts veered to Thea and their interlude.
“I thought you were going to stop by tomorrow.”
Grayson was known for his iron will. Even if the world was collapsing around him, his face never showed it. But the slight narrowing of his eyes and the subtle tic below his right eye betrayed that his extraordinary self-control hung by a thread.
“I arrived before you joined the receiving line, then milled around the ballroom waiting for Lady Eanruig to finish greeting the guests. I found myself just outside the doors. When I saw the two of you dancing together, I, well”—he ran a hand down his face as if wiping away his discomfort—“I wanted to give you the opportunity to say something.”
Will didn’t want to say anything. He wanted to scream to the entire ballroom that Thea was his, but miraculously, he kept his composure—barely. Personally, he thought he might have lost his mind in the tasting room this afternoon. That would explain his incredible behavior and thoughts.
“What would you like me to say?” To his own ears, his voice sounded hollow.
“Don’t be dense. It doesn’t become you.” Grayson clenched his teeth together so hard that a muscle in his jaw tightened. “I saw how you two looked at one another.”
A wad of cotton seemed to have sprouted in Will’s mouth. He cleared his throat twice before he could answer. “We’re engaged.”
“Really?” Grayson’s comment was more of a challenge than a question.
“Yes, really,” Will growled. “Come to Langham Hall tomorrow, and you can speak with her.”
“Oh, you’re giving me permission. I’m grateful,” Grayson answered sarcastically. “Now it makes sense your reaction when your cousin introduced Leighton to Lady Eanruig.”
“What do you want from me?” The annoyance in Will’s voice echoed through the room. In response, several elderly matrons looked their way.
Grayson leaned closer. “I want you to look deep inside that warped heart of yours. Though I’d never want to jeopardize our friendship, I don’t know if I’ll step aside gracefully.”
A footman strolled by with a tray holding sparkling glasses of champagne. Grayson grabbed two and handed one to Will.
“If you don’t want her, I do,” Grayson continued, completely ignoring Will’s declaration. “I promise you I’ll give her a happy life. She’ll want for nothing.”
“Did you not hear me correctly? I’m engaged to Thea. Besides, you don’t have anything to give her. She’s the one with all the money,” he seethed. Immediately, he wanted to recall the words.
Grayson’s right eyebrow shot upward. “Is that really what you think I care about? The marriage settlements?”
Will winced at his own behavior. Grayson was one of his dearest friends, and he’d just insulted him. He had little doubt now—he’d lost his mind tonight. Probably, it was still on the dance floor or in the whisky room. “I apologize. I don’t know what’s come over me.”
“I didn’t think I needed to say this, but perhaps I do for your sake.” Grayson’s tone had mellowed. He took a sip from his glass. “Thea is bright, beautiful, witty, amusing, and extremely intelligent. I could see myself easily giving my heart to her.”
“You?” Will asked incredulously.
“Yes, me,” Grayson said. “I could fall in love with her. I’m confident of it.”
He swallowed again. The cotton in his mouth had returned and had grown double in size. He downed his glass, hoping it would relieve his discomfort.
Grayson smiled ruefully. The sight of his lips moving upward for any reason was a rarity. If this was any other circumstance, Will would have teased his friend unmercifully. But not tonight. Not when they were discussing Thea.
Grayson stared with an intensity so great that Will believed his friend could see straight through him. Or at least could see the struggle between Will’s illogical heart and his logical mind.
“I know you well, my friend. Don’t underestimate me on love. I’d say”—Grayson’s gaze grew sharper as if slicing him open so that all of Will’s faults and insecurities would bleed on the ballroom floor—“you’re half in love, if not completely.”
With a slight nod, Grayson took his leave without another word.
There was only one thing to do. That was to find Thea and prove Grayson’s theory wrong.
He was not half in love with Thea.
God help him, but it felt like he was completely in love with her.
But could he trust his heart this time?
Thea had found herself in a long conversation with Lord Howton, Will’s mother, Lady Edith, and Stella. Will’s father finally joined the group and begged for his wife’s company. Another waltz was set to commence, and the duchess had promised it to the duke. With great fanfare, Lady Edith and Stella had commandeered Lord Howton with each holding one of his arms. They’d demanded he escort them to the card room, leaving Thea alone.
Unbelievably, she relished the break from the guests. Though Lord Howton had been charming and affable, Thea had examined every question and comment he uttered. Always cautious, she had looked for hidden or double meanings. Frankly, it had been exhausting. However, Stella had beamed at her throughout the entire exchange, and Thea finally found her confidence increasing every minute.
Lord Howton had asked about her estate and how she could manage it without directly referring to the Duke of Ferr-Colby’s challenge. Thea had taken the opportunity to explain the proud tradition her family had instilled with working together with all of Ladykyrk’s tenants to make each working acre profitable. Thea had even expressed her displeasure of the Scottish Clearances of years past where longstanding tenants on profitable estates had been uprooted and moved to the various coasts of Scotland so that their land could be used to raise sheep. Her grandfather had warned her that the new duke might consider such actions acceptable under the right circumstances, particularly if there were minerals rights on the ducal estate that could be sold. The new duke had even told her grandfather that he’d kindly relocate the longtime ducal tenants to the coasts so they could earn their keep fishing. But he’d promised that would only occur if profitable mineral veins were found at Dunbar on Ferr.
It was simply despicable that the tenants who came from generations of past farmers were expected to make a living fishing without any equipment or experience. More inconceivable was that anyone could be that heartless to destroy families and traditions all in the name of profits.
Lord Howton had listened intently, then smiled slightly. However, there had been a coolness behind his demeanor that set her on edge.
She gazed around the room. With Howton’s conversation finished, Thea relished her first real social event and the fact that she was the guest of honor. She allowed herself to relax for the first time that evening. As she gently tapped her foot in rhythm to the music, she subtly looked for Will in the crowd. She found Claire dancing with her husband. The smile on the marchioness’s face made her glow from within. They seemed to be in their own world as they danced and never took their gazes from the other.
In awe, Thea sighed. That was love, and the Cavenshams had it in abundance. Spending time with Will and his family made her believe love could be in her future. For the first time since her grandfather had fallen ill, Thea believed she might deserve that dream—she could have a husband who loved her.
She had no doubt what she and Will had shared this afternoon was something remarkable. Something only the two of them could have created together. She wanted more, and she wanted his company. She glanced around the room again looking for him.
“Lady Eanruig, how delightful to see you after all these years.”
With a practiced smile on her face, Thea turned, expecting a guest. Instantly, she took a step backward.
“By the shock on your face, I’ve taken you by surprise. I apologize.” Garrett Fairfax, the new Duke of Ferr-Colby, stood before her.
For a moment, neither said anything. They just stared at one another.
Thea swallowed but never broke eye contact. In that instant, she knew exactly what the hens felt when the fox snuck into the henhouse uninvited. She straightened her shoulders and vowed not to show any fear.
He took her hand and performed a perfunctory bow. When he stood, the smile on his face was pleasant.
Ever cautious, she dipped a slight curtsey. “Your Grace, I didn’t know you were invited this evening.”
There was no plausible way he’d received an invitation, as the duchess had gone over the guest list with Thea. It was a small gathering of only about a hundred people. Taking in consideration the Cavenshams, that left about ninety or so guests.
“Lord Howton asked if I could attend and explained to the Duke of Langham that he’d only attend if I was invited. He doesn’t want to appear as if he favors one of us over the over. Langham graciously agreed.” Ferr-Colby clasped his hands behind his back and surveyed the room. “Were you looking for someone?”
“I’m just enjoying the scenery and the lovely couples dancing.” Her pulse had quickened. Though he was her family, albeit a cousin thrice removed, he was trying to take her inheritance away. Yet, with his cool air and manners, he stood before her as if nothing was amiss.
“I thought perhaps you were looking for your fiancé.” His gaze bored into hers. “I read in The Midnight Cryer article that you are betrothed.”
She blinked slowly, then smiled without answering.
He glanced away, revealing he was as nervous as she was. “You’re aware of his reputation, I take it? I’ve heard he dallies with widows and women of the demimonde. Never staying in the same spot for longer than a night. It gives a whole new meaning to the Cryer’s words ‘failure in matrimony.’”
“I don’t take stock in rumors, nor do I spread gossip. Whatever you’ve heard, that’s not the man I’ve come to know.”
“I meant no harm,” he quickly offered. “You need to know what you can expect if you marry him.”
“I’m aware of a hardworking man who knows how to run an estate. He’s a man who places his family and friends first.” Defiantly, she lifted her chin. “He’s a man who would protect his land and his tenants. That outplays any slur you might utter.”
“He has a champion in you, I see,” he drawled. “Since you’ve raised the topics of rumors and slurs, I must say they’re everywhere, aren’t they?” He tapped his chin with his forefinger as if deep in thought. “I wonder what exactly happened to my dear great-uncle?” His brow furrowed into neat lines of feigned concern. “I’m sure the committee is curious too. A challenge to a title reeks of drama, particularly when there’s a sniff of unpardonable behavior.”
Her pulse pounded in alarm, and her chest rose and fell as she fought for breath. “Are you threatening me?”
“Of course not. Please, my lady, excuse my own indefensible behavior.” Heat flooded his cheeks. “I meant no harm.” He exhaled deeply. “I had hoped my comment might lead to a frank discussion between the two of us.”
“And that is what? The real reason you’re challenging my right to my title and my estate?” she asked.
He shook his head and studied his evening shoes for a moment. The white stockings against the pristine black leather dancing shoes practically blinded her. “I believe that the earldom should go to me. I’m trying to do what’s best for my future heirs. You can’t fault me for that, can you?”
“No,” she answered tersely. “But only if there was a hint of truth in such a claim.”
“I understand why you’re leery of me. I’d feel the same if you were disputing my right to the dukedom.” He smiled. “You never commented about your betrothal to Lord William.” He looked around the dance floor once again. “It wasn’t announced this evening as expected, which gives me hope.”
“Hope for what?”
“Perhaps this is a little presumptuous, but if you aren’t betrothed officially, I’d like you to consider marrying me. It would serve both of our purposes.”
“Why would you want to marry me?” Thea asked, completely dumbfounded.
“The match would benefit us both. The Eanruig title would be combined once again with the Ferr-Colby dukedom. Our combined family would retain possession of the estates and the titles. I’d dismiss my challenge in front of the Committee for Privileges immediately, and we’d both win.” The feigned sincerity on his face contradicted his earlier threat.
A slight breeze could have pushed her over with what the duke had offered her since he’d practically accused her of killing her grandfather.
Thea tightly clasped her hands together. Finally, she forced herself to answer. “Under the circumstances, I think we both need to think about the ramifications.”
“Of course,” he said. “If you marry me, all rumors about what happened with your grandfather would die a quick death. I’d not let anyone besmirch my wife. It would make your life so much easier. When you’re ready to talk, send word. I’ll call on you.”
She stood still, not answering.
“There you are, my darling,” Will announced with an engaging smile, one she was all too familiar with. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” He turned his attention to Ferr-Colby. “I think she’s done with you, Your Grace. If you’ll excuse us? I must steal my fiancée from your side.”
Thea wanted to run into his arms and never let go.
It was the first time he’d ever acknowledged to someone else that they were betrothed.
Her renegade heart pounded in approval.
Will wanted to challenge Ferr-Colby then and there, before sweeping Thea into his arms and escaping to the farthest corners of Langham Park. Even then, he wasn’t certain that was enough distance from the Duke of Ferr-Colby and his threatening marriage proposal.
After his conversation with Grayson, the urge had seized him to find Thea so they could talk. Not about anything consequential, but he just needed to hear her voice.
When Will found her, it didn’t take long to understand who was attacking her. With his anger barely under control, it took every ounce of willpower not to knock Ferr-Colby senseless.
But Will decided against such primeval action. He’d not embarrass Thea tonight at her first introduction to society. The duke’s insinuations were vile, and he’d meant to shock her into accepting. All of it a bit too convenient for Will’s tastes. The duke was desperate for Ladykyrk.
“Thea, may I have the pleasure of your company?” Will held out his hand and waited, not daring to breathe to see if she’d follow him or stay with the Duke of Ferr-Colby, who’d just made an unexpected proposal after trouncing Will’s reputation and insinuating that Thea was a murderer.
She took his arm. In that singular moment, he’d imagined what it would be like to have her by his side as they lived their years together. Surprisingly, such a thought calmed his racing pulse.
“Your Grace.” Thea dipped a slight curtsey.
Before Will could escort her from the ballroom and up the stairs to the wing that held their rooms, he was interrupted by two elderly ladies who closely resembled wet hens.
Aunt Stella picked up her quizzing glass that hung around her neck and examined the duke from head to toe, the movement designed to intimidate. “Imagine our surprise at seeing you here. Spying on our Thea, I see.”
“Humph.” Lady Edith tipped her nose in the air.
Stella lifted a single eyebrow, and the duke generously bowed. He took his leave without another word.
Will tugged Thea a little tighter to his side, still wanting to protect her.
Edith pried Thea’s hand away. “William, your father and brother need you immediately.”
“I’ll see to them shortly.” He exhaled loudly. For once, he didn’t relish addressing any business with his family. His only priority was Thea. “Allow me to escort the countess—”
Aunt Stella swung her daunting gaze to Will. “We’ll be more than happy to escort Thea while you see to your father and brother.” The quizzing glass made her eye look massive as she regarded him. “Glad to see you’ve come to your senses. Thea told us about the engagement. There is no sense in playing games, is there my boy?” she asked with a rigid aplomb.
Not waiting for an answer, she wheeled around and led Thea and Lady Edith away.
Will ran a hand down his face. He didn’t think he was playing a game, but if he was, he wished he understood the rules.
One thing was becoming clearer.
What he and Thea shared was becoming all too real.