Regency Romance: A Duchess in Disguise (Historical 19th Century Victorian Romance) (Duke Fantasy Billionaire Romance) (85 page)

Chapter Four

With her parent’s permission, Isabeau decided to skip out on the dance Friday night. She had been looking forward to it, as it was a masquerade ball, her favorite during the entire Season. But
she
wasn’t up to facing the Lords and
Ladies,
so she stayed at home and played cards with her mother. She was interested to hear what Anne had to say about the masquerade ball and didn’t feel bad about not going.

She had not mentioned the Duke’s proposal to her parents yet.
She
had been thinking about it for a few days. She was waiting
for her father
to come home so that she could speak to them together. Over the past 48 hours, she had reviewed nearly every encounter she could remember with the Duke, every time he had spoken to her and any occasion
she
could remember where she had heard something about him. She had searched her memory for something negative but had found nothing.

She concluded that Edward would be a good match for her. She was sure that she would be able to love
him,
if he was
truly
as genuine as he seemed.

It was late before her father came home. She found that she was unable to speak to him about Edward because when he came in the door, the Duke was with him. The Duke greeted her and her mother amiably.

“Good evening,
ladies,
” he said, bowing low. They lowered their heads in return and stood up. “No need to stand, please stay comfortable.”

“How are you this evening, your Grace?” Isabeau’s mother tried to keep her surprise at his entrance hidden but was unable to.

He smiled wide. “I see I have surprised you both. I do apologize. I noticed that Lady Isabeau did not come to the party
tonight,
and I wanted to check on her welfare. How are you feeling, Lady Isabeau?”

“I’m doing quite well, thank you,
your Grace,
” she responded.

“I do hope you didn’t stay away from the ball because of my brother.”

Isabeau chuckled. “Not
entirely
,
” she replied.

The Duke nodded. “I do understand. Would you care to go for a walk with me? I realize it is somewhat late. We will stay close to the house.” The Duke smiled at Isabeau’s parents, who returned his smile warmly.

“I would be delighted.” She looked at her mother and gestured to their unfinished game. “Mother…”

“Go ahead, Isabeau. Your father can take your
place,
and I will just beat him instead.”

“I heard a challenge!” They all laughed when Lord Camm stepped over to take his daughter’s seat.

The Duke held out one
hand,
and Isabeau took it. His grip was warm and inviting, not at all like the forceful clutching of his brother.

Isabeau remembered to pick up a shawl as she went to the front door with the Duke. It was a bit
cool
in the evenings. She didn’t mind. The crisp air made her feel refreshed and alive. She breathed in deeply when she stepped through the doorway. The Duke held the door and passed through behind her, coming up to walk beside her down the pathway.

“I would like
to apologize once again
for my brother’s behavior at the last dance,” The Duke began. She was
beginning
to like the sound of his voice. He had a smooth tone and
sounded
confident
and
strong
. She had no doubt that as his wife, she would be very protected. She looked up at him. The moonlight as so bright, she could see nearly every one of his features. There were no clouds in the sky. It
was dotted
with millions of bright stars that seemed to add to the light the moon was providing.

“It is a beautiful night,” she breathed. He looked up at the sky.

“Yes, it is.” He moved his eyes down to her and smiled. “You look
very beautiful
in this light.”

She felt her heart flutter in her chest. “Thank
you,
” she whispered. She couldn’t bring herself to tell him how handsome she thought he looked.

“I want you to know a few things before you say yes or no to my proposal, Isabeau. I want you to know that I have spoken with Jonathan Barnaby about the things my brother said to him. I made it clear to him that you are not that kind of woman. He was unaware that your family has money of its own and that they would never turn their backs on you. You
are already provided
for and do not need to seek out a man with money or status. You are not a commoner.” He lowered his voice. “And even if you were, you are a noble woman of heart and conviction. I have seen you with others and here when I have
visited,
and I find you to be a most pleasant person to be around.”

“I appreciate that you spoke to the Earl.” She did feel some relief, knowing that the Duke had stood up for her and dashed the lies of his brother.

“I want you to know that I spoke to him because you seemed to get along with him quite well at the dance. I don’t want you to think that I am trying to interfere in something you have already planned. If you are interested in the Earl…”

She interrupted him, lifting one hand to stop his words. “I had
a wonderful
dance with Earl Barnaby. It was very lovely. And he is a friendly, sociable man. However, he was ready to believe what your brother said about me. And even if he doesn’t believe him now, it does not change the fact that he did.”

“He has had trouble in the past with women who seek only his fortune or his power.”

Isabeau nodded. “Yes, I am aware. Unfortunately, this incident has tarnished that relationship beyond repair.”

“So you will not consider a courtship with the Earl, should he propose one?”

Isabeau shook her head. “No, I would not. Did he mention such a thing when you spoke to him?”

“His words were
subtle,
but I got that impression. I do not want to interfere where I
am not wanted
.”

“You have not. I am grateful that you have been speaking to everyone about this and clearing things up. I was afraid for my reputation. I was also afraid that you would be angry with
me or my father
because of the things your brother has said about me.”

“My brother and I are not very much alike. I
sometimes wonder ,
if there could have been a mistake and we are not related. But alas, we have the same
parents,
and it must
be accepted
as a fact.”

His tone was very light
hearted,
and he smiled at her. She giggled. “It’s
very sad
, yes.”

“I do not wish to judge you or be judged by the actions of my brother.” Edward stopped walking and turned to face her. She glanced up at him. The shadows were casting dark shades over half of his
face,
but she could see he was still smiling. “There are more things I want to tell you before you go back inside.”

“I have
time,
” Isabeau said. “Shall we sit?”

They had approached a
bench,
and he nodded, gesturing for her to take a seat first. He sat so that he was on the edge of the
bench
, facing her at an angle. She pulled the shawl around her shoulders, feeling
a cool
breeze blow across her face.

“Are you cold? Should we go inside?” His voice was concerned. It made her feel warmer inside just hearing it.

“No, I will be
fine
. I like the cooler weather. It suits me.”

“I am the same way.” He looked up at the bright moon. “My favorite time of the year is spring, but late winter is also a blessing to me.”

“Did you have more to say, then, your Grace?” She encouraged him to continue, glancing up at him.

“Please, call me Edward.”

“Edward.”

“Do you think you could ever fall in love with me, Isabeau?”

She grinned, hiding it behind one hand.
“You are so direct, your Grace.
But I must admit that I would not have a problem with that.”

He chuckled. “You will have to learn not to call me ‘your
Grace.'
”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“I have to tell
you;
I did not just come
upon
this decision in the last few days. My feelings for you are not
sudden
though it may seem that way to you. I have been watching you with others at the balls all this Season, yes, but I noticed your grace and civility long ago.”

Isabeau’s heart was
bursting,
and she suddenly wished they were inside where she could see him better. The next second, she was glad they weren’t inside because he would be able to see how flushed her face was. When he continued, she felt a bit overwhelmed by the gentility in his voice. “You are a beautiful woman no doubt, but I see much more than that in you. You are kind to your friends, gentle with children and
a help
to those in need. I’ve never seen you in a disagreeable mood. Do you ever get in a disagreeable mood?”

His question seemed out of the blue and caught her a little
off-guard
.

“I…I’m sure that I
sometimes do
.” She had to laugh.

“Well, I’ve not seen it. I can’t imagine it would be that bad.”

“I’m not a shy
person,
but I am not abrasive
either,
” She said. “I do have my
own
thoughts and desires.”

He nodded. “Yes, I have seen that. I…wanted to tell you how impressed I was with how you handled my brother’s actions the other night, especially when the Earl confronted you. I have to think that if he had not met you on the floor that way, you
may
not have known what
was said
to him. It would have left him thinking of you the wrong way. I am glad we were able to set the record straight.”

“Yes. I am, too.”

“I began to think of you more frequently several months ago.”

“It has been months?”

“Yes, it has. I have been coming here
on
the guise of seeing your father but…” He gave her a small grin and bit his lip. “I was
really
coming to see you, to be closer to where you are.”

“
Oh,
Edward!” Her surprise sent
pleasant
waves through her. She’d been in his sights for
months,
and she hadn’t even known. “Did you say something to my father?”

“I didn’t have to.” Edward had to laugh. “He could tell. He started telling me about your day, just as if I had asked or as if it was
a normal
topic of conversation for him.”

“How would he do that?” Isabeau was curious, trying to think of what her father
could possibly
have to say about her.

“He would tell me something interesting you had said or mention where you were sometimes for no reason. I didn’t notice he was doing it for a while and when I realized it, I began to wait for him to tell me about you and what you were doing.”

“I think from now on you can just ask me.” She grinned.

“I would like that. If you will let me.”

“You have my permission.”

“You will see me on a regular basis then?”

“Edward, I would love that.”

He took her hand and kissed it gently, not letting go when he
was done
.

“That makes me a
very happy
man, Isabeau. I will be waiting for you to fall in love with me as I have with you.”

She put her hand over his and smiled warmly at him. “You don’t have to wait, Edward. My heart already belongs to you.”

*****

THE END

Chapter One

Cynthia Vogel was stretched out on her sun
deck;
her light robe parted slightly so the sun would get to her bare legs underneath. She had a pair of shades covering her eyes so that she could lay back and enjoy the warm rays on her skin. It was rare she was able to sit outside without all of the layers required of a woman in her position. But Cynthia was beginning not to care what they all thought of her.

Cynthia’s nearest neighbor was miles
away,
and her land was vast, stretching out around her on all sides. Her late husband had amassed quite a lot of
land,
and the house behind her was enormous. Unfortunately, his untimely passing had left her with a great fortune but also with
a huge debt that
she was still trying to decide what to
do about
.

Soon Alexander would be here and extinguish her candle of loneliness. He always made her feel so much better about life.
It was unfortunate he was so young.
She couldn’t imagine being with someone eight years her junior. Besides, she had been friends with him since he was ten years old, almost twelve years ago, when she was his governess. Their friendship was more like a brother-sister relationship and Alex never failed to lift her spirits whenever he was around. She didn’t have to pretend to be someone else.
She
didn’t have to watch what she said. She could be herself.

Cynthia reached over and picked up her glass of sherry, taking a long drink from the glass before replacing it on the table next to her. She sighed.
Life was so boring.
Nothing to do but get ready for parties and talk to people all day long. She wanted to accomplish something. Something other than being a wife to some Duke, Earl or Lord. Whatever his station, she was unimpressed. The King himself could come for a visit and ask for her hand in
marriage,
and it wouldn’t happen.

She giggled, her thoughts bringing her some amusement. She heard Alexander calling to her from the doorway of the house behind her and turned to look back at him.

“Come along, darling. I’m
here,
and I have sherry!”

She could see him smiling and was immediately relieved. He strolled across the green lawn to get to her, leaning over to give her phantom kisses on both cheeks, which she returned as he did.

“Hello,
gorgeous,
” Alexander said. “How is my lovely lady today?” He took his usual place in the lounge chair on the opposite side of the table.

“I’m doing well, Alex, thank you for asking. Waiting for you to come along and lift my spirits!” She turned and gestured to her servant, who had let
Alexander in
. The girl disappeared into the house and would reappear moments later with
a glass
for Alex. “How have you been today?”

Alex shrugged, his eyes looking out over the beautiful landscape. “It’s been the same for me today as any day, dear.
Just taking care of a bit of business for my father.”

“Is his business still floundering?”

Alex nodded, taking the glass from the servant and smiling up at her. “Thank you, Alice.”

“You’re welcome, sir.” The girl curtsied slightly, turned and hurried back to the house, her face slightly flushed.

“She likes you, Alex. Why do you tease her so?”

Alex looked offended but had a sparkle of amusement in his green eyes. “I’m not teasing her!” he exclaimed and then smiled. “She deserves to feel appreciated. And she knows there would never be anything further to explore here.”

“If you say so.”

“Yes, father’s business is still in the red since he made those bad deals earlier this year. It is a shame that he
was fooled
in such a
way,
but there can be nothing done about it.”

“I wish I could help you more but
at this point
…” She drifted off, not wanting to continue. Alexander knew of her predicament.

“I understand, Cynthia.
Believe
me, I do understand. It is almost as if the men who betrayed my father of his money also betrayed your late husband of his.”

“It would seem so.”

“You are dealing well with his passing. You were back to your old self much faster than I would have predicted.”

Cynthia took his words as a compliment. “Thank you, yes, I just couldn’t see staying in mourning for an entire year or longer. I loved James, don’t think I didn’t. But I have also enjoyed being alone. I like being able to do what I want to do when I want to do it.”

“And you have me to bring you male companionship. Friendship.”

She smiled at his clarification and glanced at him. He was such a handsome young man. It was too bad their relationship could never be more. “Have you found a bride yet, Alex?”

Alex snorted and gave her
a sarcastic
look. “You mean since yesterday, which was the last time you asked me that? No, Cynthia, I haven’t found a bride.”

“Don’t you think you are getting up there in age? You’re 21. You should
be married
by now. If it
were
me, they would be writing me off as a spinster!”

“That’s the difference between men and women, Cynthia. We can go well into our years before marrying and never suffer
a stigmatism
. It’s called being a lifelong bachelor.
That’s praised
in many circles!”

“I wouldn’t know why.” Cynthia huffed. “It certainly takes more effort to be a spinster than it does a bachelor.”

Alex nodded. “I’ll give you that, dear. It is very much a man’s world. Would you like to attend the ball this Friday with me?”

“That would be lovely, Alex. Tell me, though, how will you attract a lady if you always take me everywhere you go?”

Alex laughed loudly. “I do not take you everywhere I go, my dear! You should know better than that.”

Again when Cynthia looked at him, his eyes sparkled back at
her,
and she felt a warm affection for him.

“I’m so glad you’re here, Alex.” She gushed. She raised her glass into the air. “Here’s to our friendship.”

“To our friendship.” He picked up his glass and clinked it against hers.

Duke Daniel Willingham looked out over the green field, scanning it
closely
for animals or any changes that may have
been made
since he last took a ride out this way, which was exactly a week ago. He sighed. There was no change. No one ever trespassed on his
land
poached or camped out there. No one threatened his family in any way. It was always
boring
and tedious, these ritualistic tasks his father made him do.
Normal
people aren’t still held under their parents’ thumbs when they reach the age of 21, much less 30. His thirtieth birthday was only a few months
away,
and his parents were itching for him to find a bride and create an heir.

“They’re not even that
old,
” Daniel grumbled as he pressed his heels into the horse’s side to get it to move forward. He leaned forward and patted the horse on his neck. “We got this, Your
Majesty,
” he said to the horse. “You know nothing’s out here, don’t you, boy?”

Over the years, Daniel’s father had built quite an empire from almost nothing and would defend it
for
his very life. He had fought a war to protect his land and lived to tell about it. Now, many years later, his father was still fighting that
war,
but he’d brought it to his
own
back yard. Grand Duke Isaac Willingham was a tyrant and a bully but only when it came to his suspicions. If he felt taken advantage of, he would light up like a fire in the night. He was loud and could be rude. Daniel couldn’t fathom what kept his mother from running for the hills at some point over the last 30 years. He had ruled his district with an iron fist since he inherited it from his father.

Daniel supposed it was the other side of his father, the one that only a few people were privileged enough to see that kept his mother with him and his family loving him. The strength that his father exuded when angry was matched for his other emotions as well. He was a fierce defender of his wife and three children. He was loyal to the core and honest as the day is long. Daniel couldn’t remember a time when his father had lied to him. He may have been mistaken or
confused,
but Isaac never lied. Daniel had learned from that. He
strived,
to be honest in everything he did.

Unfortunately, that meant he was open about his feelings for the women he courted. He had been through many in the last ten years. Many. They had been fun for a time. Each one of them had
special
qualities that he adored. But there was always some
kind of
problem. They were too clingy, too naggy, too homely, too tall, too short
…
there was always something wrong that made him turn away from them. After they had fun, though.

That meant a lot of the ladies in town and that he had to dance with during the Season were already onto him. They already knew what he was about and would only deign to give him a quick Waltz or Polka because he bothered to come to the ball in the first place.

He sighed, seeing the faces of his most recent encounters in his mind and reviewing each of them quickly to see if a second or third date would be possible. His father had given him an ultimatum. Find a bride or be disinherited.

That was the last thing he needed. He had no money of his own and lived off of his father’s allowances. He had few duties when it came to taking care of their dukedom. Any that might have been his fell to his older brother, Mark, who had been successfully in charge since he was about 21. Now, fifteen years later, Mark was well-known and highly regarded all through the lands. He wasn’t going to be able to match up
to
his brother. He’d stopped trying long ago.

But recently his mother and father had bestowed a new responsibility. He was now in charge of the Eastern portion of their lands and was expected to rule the district in a manner his father approved. That meant being a married man with at least one heir. He was getting
older,
and it was starting to annoy them.

Always willing to listen to his father’s suggestions and obey when told something to do, Daniel had decided to press forward and
really
find a bride this time. The new Season started on
Friday,
and he would be at the ball.

He
sighed again, rocking back and forth in the saddle as his horse trotted back to the stable. If there weren’t any new ladies at the ball, he wasn’t going to find what he was
looking for
.

Then again, if he looked at women he hadn’t considered before, that might help his cause. He shook his head
instinctively
as if to wipe away the thoughts. Who hadn’t he considered except the old hags and the wallflowers? He didn’t want a lady who would follow him around like a puppy dog or one who would behave like she was his mother. He didn’t want
a lady
who just sat there doing what she
was told
either. He had his
own
life to live and wanted to find a woman who had her own, as well. He had no idea if he would find her but it was going to be too late very soon.