Who Brings Forth the Wind (Kensington Chronicles) (7 page)

"Why, Stacy." Lucinda's voice snapped her out of her I firance. "Your face is rather flushed Are you not feeling well?"

"Cinda," Roddy spoke with a laugh, "she's just danced for

hours; what would you expect her to look like?"

Lucinda laughed with him, and Roddy helped her into her tr cloak. Stacy was thankful that no more was said on the subject

as they loaded into the carriage and headed for home.

The next morning Roddy and Stacy enjoyed another ride

in the park. When they returned, Stacy went directly to her

room, but Roddy found Lucinda in a fury. Now he was in the

parlor with his hostess and friend, making an attempt to calm

her.

"Cinda," his voice was gentle, "wait to send for her. If she

comes in now you'll terrify her."

"I don't care," Lucinda told him, although she did. "I've

already sent Craig for her. I intend to have some answers now!"

Roddy sat down. When Lucinda was in high dudgeon there

was simply no reasoning with her. If only she would settle

down before Stacy arrived. But it was not to be. The moment

she stepped into the room, Lucinda attacked

"Where did you meet him?"

"Meet who?" Stacy asked. Her expression had gone from

open friendliness to guarded fear upon seeing her aunt's ire.

"The Duke of Cambridge."

"I--" Stacy began to say that she hadn't met him, but

Lucinda cut her off and began to pace.

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"I warned you last night when I found you staring at him,

but I can see my wishes mean little to you." She continued to

rant and rave, but Stacy couldn't get beyond the fact that she

didn't remember meeting a single duke the night before.

"I'm waiting for an answer, Stacy Daniels," Lucinda suddenly

stopped and demanded. "When did you meet Lord

Richardson?"

"Lord Richardson? You mean Tanner Richardson? He's the

Duke of Cambridge?"

"Do not playgames with me." Lucinda moved toward her,

having completely lost her head.

"Lucinda!" Roddy's voice, sounding unlike Lucinda had

ever heard it, checked her stride. She turned to find angry fire

in his eyes, his face flushed. She was so startled by the change

in him that she calmed slightly before turning back to Stacy.

What she saw washed her in shame. All color had drained

from Stacy's face, and she was staring at her aunt in stark fear.

"Sit down, Cinda." Roddy's voice had returned to normal,

and Lucinda did as he commanded. She watched as Roddy

approached Stacy and led her gently to a chair. Stacy kept her

eyes on Roddy once he had seated himself, her eyes begging

him to tell her what she had done. He did not disappoint her.

"The flowers on the table are for you," Roddy told her

gently. He waited until Stacy noticed the huge bouquet of red

roses before going on. "They are from Lord Richardson and

came with a note telling you how much he enjoyed meeting

you last night."

"Which is just ridiculous," Lucinda cut in angrily. "All you

did was see him across the room. Isn't that right, Stacy? He's

got more cheek than any ten men I know."

A short silence ensued before Roddy asked, "Did you see

more of him, Stacy?"

Stacy nodded in misery, her eyes on her aunt, who suddenly

looked crestfallen.

"I'm sorry, Aunt Lucinda. It was so warm in the ballroom,

and I needed some air. I didn't know he was on the balcony. I

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didn't know he was the man from inside, and he never said he

vas a duke. I'm so sorry, Aunt Lucinda."

Stacy's face was so full of anguish that the last vestiges of

anger drained completely out of Lucinda. The room had been

like a furnace last night, and it was all so innocent on Stacy's

part.

On the other hand, Lucinda was convinced that Tanner

Richardson didn't have an innocent or honorable bone in his

body. She was going to have to keep her head about this or lose

control of the entire situation.

"Don't be upset anymore, my dear," Lucinda finally told

her. "It wasn't your fault, and it's going to be fine. Did Tanner

touch you in any way?"

"No," Stacy told her, and then her eyes grew huge. "I

almost forgot. He did touch my nose with his finger."

Lucinda's eyes slid shut momentarily. When she regained

control she asked, "Did he say anything improper?"

"No."

"You're certain?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Lucinda nodded. "Stacy, Tanner is not for you. He's young

and titled, but he's also very cynical, and that is not the type of

man for you." Lucinda looked at Roddy and gained his approving

nod

By unspoken agreement, however, neither Roddy nor

Stacy's aunt went on to tell her that Lord Richardson's interest

in her would not lead to marriage. Stacy was upset enough as

it was, and they now knew how closely she would need

chaperoning. Her trusting and innocent nature made her a

possible prey to any and all disreputable men of title.

The three of them talked for a while longer before Lucinda

suggested that Stacy check on preparations for lunch. Roddy

and Lucinda continued to talk after she'd left.

"You can control Stacy's actions, Cinda, but you have little

to say over Lord Richardson's."

"True," Lucinda said regretfully. "But if he tries anything

with Stacy, he'll have to go through me."

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"Well, you're certainly his match, Cinda, but have you

considered the possibility of Stacy falling for him?"

The eyes Lucinda turned to him were dim with pain.

Roddy moved close enough to slip an arm around her. Lucinda

let her head fall against his shoulder, her heart silently contemplating

how many years she'd begged Andrew to allow

Stacy to come to London. Lucinda wondered that she could

have been so unsuspecting of all that would entail.

tanner swept into the ballroom, completely unconscious

of the picture he presented The black pants and coat

hung on his muscular frame without wrinkle or gap, and the

white cravat at his throat only heightened the deep tan of his

face.

He nodded to several greetings of "Good evening, your

Grace," but beyond that he was left alone. His eyes scanned

the crowded dance floor for a sign of Stacy. This was the third

dance he'd attended this week in order to speak with her, and

she hadn't been present at the first two. Tanner told himself

if she wasn't here tonight, he would go directly to Lucinda

Warbrook's and demand to see her.

The incongruity of the situation began to dawn on Tanner.

He hadn't been involved with a woman since Leslie died. So

why now? Tanner had no answer. He had met Leslie the same

way, spotted her at a ball and then sought her out. Of course at

the time he didn't know how self-seeking she was or how

desirable the title of duke was to her, the title that his brother

had held at the time.

Suddenly Stacy came into view. Just the sight of her caused

Tanner's doubts to fly. He didn't know much about her, didn't

know if his being a duke would matter to her or not> but he

knew this--he found her unforgettable. For the moment Tanner

believed this to be enough.

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In order to be more discreet, Tanner moved from the edge

of the dance floor and began to patiently watch her and wait

for his chance to approach.

As unkind as it seemed, Aubrey Warbrook's death had

come as a relief to Lucinda. He had killed the love she had for

him while she was still a bride. Lucinda wanted so much more

for Stacy.

f

"He's danced with you twice, Stacy," the younger girl said

with wide eyes. "I hope you're ready for a proposal."

"Oh, Liz," Stacy shook her head at a friend she'd come to

know through her weeks in London. "I think he's only being

kind"

Liz exchanged a glance with the two other girls of the

group, Barbara and Annemarie, and all three giggled. Stacy

laughed at their teasing and shook her head again. They all

wanted to be married so badly, and now a man at the ball, one

who seemed to be two feet shorter than Stacy, had danced

with her twice and given them all reason to think they would

be bridesmaids.

"I need to go to the retiring room," Barbara said in a

sudden whisper, and Stacy, with a swift glance at Lucinda who

was standing nearby, moved off with the other three.

Lucinda held her place and watched them go, finally feeling

at ease over letting Stacy out of her sight. The flowers had

arrived over a week ago, and Lucinda had been ready for a

battle that never materialized She mentally shook her head

over her own reaction. She should have known young Richardson

would never follow through. He was the type of man

who wouldn't commit himself to anything.

Lucinda frowned at her own uncharitable thoughts. Why

was she so adamant against the man? She knew him to be a

skeptic. She also knew he'd had a terrible childhood and first

marriage, but that didn't make him a brute. It was just that his

looks so reminded her of her husband, dead many years now.

He had not been an easy man. Never faithful for more than a

month, he had been two-faced about his infidelity to boot.

"I know I'll end up right back in here," Liz was saying as

the four young ladies exited the retiring room, "but I must

have something to drink."

"Good evening, Stacy." Tanner's low-pitched voice brought

all four of them about, but his eyes were for Stacy alone.

"Hello," Stacy returned softly, forgetting for the moment

who he was and thinking he was even more good-looking

than she remembered. She glanced at her companions and

found them staring at her with eyes like saucers. Their looks

reminded her of Lucinda's reaction to her speaking with this

man.

Stacy curtsied suddenly and turned to go back to the

dance. The other girls had already done the same, so when

Tanner moved to fall in step beside her, they ended up a little

behind the rest. Not that the girls missed anything; they

turned constantly to look at their companion and the duke.

As they neared the dance floor, Stacy began to panic. If

Lucinda saw her with Lord Richardson, she would be very

upset. With a move born of desperation, Stacy stopped, thinking

she could bid this man goodbye and go back with the

others. To her horror they did not stop, and she found herself

alone with Tanner.

She glanced at the floor in misery, not wanting to offend

him but knowing Lucinda would be outraged. When she

looked up it was to find herself under Tanner's close scrutiny,

a small smile playing around his firm mouth.

"You look lovely this evening, Stacy."

"Thank you, Lord Richardson," she answered, finally

allowing herself to meet his eyes.

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"So it's Lord Richardson now. On the balcony it was Tanner."

Stacy's hand came to her mouth in humiliation. "I'm so

sorry, your Grace. I had no idea. It won't happen again."

His low chuckle sent a chill down Stacy's spine.

"On the contrary, Anastasia, I hope I hear it often." There

it was again--the soft, warm sound of her name. Stacy felt lost

and breathless. She stood looking at him as though she'd

taken leave of her senses. Not until he repeated the action of

touching her nose, ever so tenderly did she realize where she

was and to whom she was speaking.

"My aunt," Stacy nearly stuttered and took a step back.

"She will wonder where I've gone."

Tanner nodded wisely, knowing that now was not the time

to try to talk with her.

"Go ahead, Stacy. I'll see you later."

Stacy didn't stay to question him about his words, but

turned and nearly ran. Her heart, pounding from her encounter

with the duke, slowed with relief when she spotted Roddy

as soon as she returned to the floor. She stepped to his side,

and he turned to her with a smile which died when he saw her

flushed face.

"Is he here?" he asked after just a moment.

Stacy nodded.

"And you spoke to him?"

"Yes. I'm sorry, Roddy. He just appeared, and I didn't know

what to do."

Roddy took her hand in his and led her onto the dance

floor. As they danced he spoke softly--words to calm her,

words to let her know she hadn't erred

"I don't know how to tell Aunt Lucinda," Stacy admitted.

"Let me handle it, dear." His voice was paternal. "You just

enjoy the remainder of the evening, and I'll be close by."

Stacy nodded gratefully and went from Roddy's arms to

those of an older gentleman whom she'd met earlier. He and

his wife had been friends of her aunt's for years, and Stacy

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looked forward to a relaxed dance and visit. Tanner, however,

had other ideas.

The music had barely begun when he stepped forward

and cut in. Stacy looked at her partner, but he didn't seem the

least put out. He smiled in a grandfatherly fashion and turned

her over without a backward glance.

Stacy held herself stiffly in Tanner's arms and for a long

time never looked higher than his cravat.

"I'd like to see more of you, Stacy," Tanner said when they

had danced for a time.,

"You would?" Stacy asked, finally looking up at him.

"Yes. In fact, I'd like you to meet me tonight."

Stacy wasn't even aware of her feet as she stared into his

eyes and listened to him. "Meet you where?"

"In your aunt's garden. I'll be there at 1:00."

"I'll have to ask Aunt Lucinda."

Tanner smiled, willing to go along with her innocent act

just to be with her. "Oh, but I want it to be a secret, just

between the two of us."

His voice and eyes made it seem special and wonderful,

but as dreamy as Stacy felt she still answered immediately. "I

couldn't do that. I couldn't leave the house at night without

telling Aunt Lucinda."

The smile left Tanner's face abruptly. She was taking this

too far.

Stacy had no idea what caused the change in him, but she

saw it in his face and felt it in the arm that held her.

"I really hoped you would agree." Tanner's voice was

clipped now. "Maybe one of the other women here would be

interested in a moonlight stroll with me, since you are obviously

not."

"I'm sorry I can't go with you," Stacy told him. Her bubble

had abruptly burst, and hurt etched every word "I hope you

have a nice time with...with whoever accompanies you."

Stacy's voice had grown softer with every syllable until the last

word was little more than a whisper.

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Tanner stared at her in amazement. He couldn't believe

she was actually turning him down. They finished the dance

in silence. Tanner was coldly angry, and Stacy had no idea

what she'd done wrong. When the dance ended, it was a relief

to be led off the floor.

"I can't believe you didn't go out there," Lucinda said to

Roddy before Stacy returned to their side.

Roddy sighed. "I never dreamed he would go that far. The

damage was done the moment he took her in his arms. It

would have brought nothing but humiliation to stalk out there

and demand her return."

Lucinda nodded unhappily and watched anxiously as Tanner

returned Stacy to their side. She glared at Tanner upon

seeing Stacy's pale features, but the young duke seemed

totally unaware of anyone's presence.

Without a word, Stacy's confused face caused Roddy to

suggest an early evening. Stacy looked so relieved at the

suggestion that the three of them left immediately.

Stacy worked very hard over the next two days to put

Tanner from her mind. She and Lucinda had talked, calmly this

time, and Lucinda had told Stacy that considering all the

circumstances, she had done well. Lucinda surprised her

speechless by apologizing for underestimating Tanner's boldness

and for taking her out and not staying with her.

"I've decided that we need to slow down a bit. It's always

been more my desire than yours to attend a different ball

every week, and now I think that for your sake, Stacy, we'll stay

in for a time."

"I'm sorry, Aunt Lucinda."

"No, child, it is I who am sorry. You've gone along to please

me and been hurt because of it... and after I told Andrew I

would take such good care of you."

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Lucinda did nothing this time to disguise the tears in her

eyes. Stacy rose and went to put her arms around her aunt.

"I've had a wonderful time, Aunt Lucinda. Please don't

think I'm disappointed or unhappy. It's too bad that I'm not

more experienced in social settings or with men, but--"

"No, dear," Lucinda cut her off. "Never be sorry for your

innocence. Your trusting nature is a precious gift. Someday

someone very special will come along and treasure you and

that gift for all of his life."

Tanner's face immediately popped into Stacy's mind, but

she did her best to push it away, smile at her aunt, and give her

one final hug.

Three weeks later Roddy, Lucinda, and Stacy went shopping.

Stacy thought Lucinda amazing as she careered her way

through the day, never seeming to tire or grow too warm. At

the last shop, Stacy had to beg off.

"If I'm going to have any energy left for the Royal Gardens,

I'm going to have to rest."

"I quite agree. Cinda, you're on your own for this one."

Lucinda regarded her companions with a raised brow and

condescending look before sweeping out of the open carriage

and into the shop. Roddy chuckled at her departure and

then looked up to see Stacy studying him.

"That's certainly a serious face," he said with a smile.

Stacy didn't smile. In fact she looked so hesitant that

Roddy sobered.

"What is it, Stacy?"

"It's something that's none of my business."

"Concerning me?"

"Yes," Stacy answered and studied him some more. His

look was so open that she felt emboldened. "Why have you