Page 23 of Nothing Compares to the Duke
Forgiveness, yes. She could offer him that, but nothing more.
Last night, he’d expressed regret and she’d accepted his apology. That should have ended all that remained unresolved between them.
So why did nothing feel resolved?
One thing she knew with unwavering certainty: she couldn’t help him, despite how much the impulse gnawed at her. The girl who gave in to every whim and fancy was gone. New Bella had plans and they were set as firmly as the stones in the rough-hewn wall separating Yardley land from the Claremont acreage.
Setting her manuscript aside, she stood and put on her jacket then glanced at the mirror and decided the simple knot she’d pulled her hair into would have to do. Breakfast was long over and at this hour guests would be assembled outdoors for croquet.
Outside, Bella found the late summer sun shining on a freshly manicured lawn of vibrant green. Her mother and Louisa were consulting with servants about tables that had been moved out onto the veranda. The gentlemen seemed engrossed in the middle of a game.
Bella was pleased to note that Teasdale was not among their number. She’d hoped embarrassment and shame at their behavior would drive himandMr. Nix to depart early.
Unfortunately, the wealthy mill owner remained and, as usual, he was talking. He and the other gentlemen stood with their backs to her, unaware of her approach.
“Some would call a woman ruined for Miss Prescott’s behavior last evening.” Nix’s voice had a whiny pitch to it, and Bella bit her tongue to stop from revealinghisbehavior the previous evening. What would the others think of him for plotting to wager for her like a filly at Tattersall’s?
In truth, Bella was thrilled by his disdain. Let him judge her a hoyden for speaking to an old friend. She looked at the situation strategically. With Nix and Teasdale out of consideration, she only had to contend with playing polite debutante to two gentlemen. Hammersley, who was far too old, and Lord Wentworth, who was far too quiet.
“I must agree,” Hammersley said as he rolled up his shirtsleeves. “Claremont is hardly proper company for Miss Prescott. Or any decent young woman. Alone in a room together for God knows how long. The man’s the worst sort of scoundrel.”
“She’s clever,” Wentworth added quietly. “Miss Prescott cannot be unaware of his reputation.”
“I begin to doubt her sense of propriety.” Hammersley positioned his mallet near the blue-ringed croquet ball and lined up his aim. “No man wants a wife without a whit of good sense. Never mind how pretty she may be.”
Bella went to the rack and selected the yellow-ringed mallet.
The taciturn Lord Wentworth spoke while Hammersley took his shot. “The lady is known for her cold demeanor. I don’t imagine Claremont got very far.”
“He didn’t,” Bella said brightly, and watched each man jolt in shock and consternation. “Good morning, gentlemen.”
“Miss Prescott.” Wentworth nodded solemnly. He did seem to have the least to be embarrassed about.
“I understand there is some concern about the Duke of Claremont.” Bella waited a moment to ensure she had every man’s attention. “He was not invited but his presence in our home is nothing out of the ordinary. As a child, he spent many days at Hillcrest.”
“He’s hardly a child anymore,” Nix put in unhelpfully.
No, he most definitely was not. Bella got lost for a moment thinking of all the ways the man she’d faced in the billiard room last night was different from the boy she’d once known. The bravado was much the same, but something was missing. He wasn’t as quick to smile or tease. One could almost see the dukedom weighing on his broad shoulders.
“We must start a new game, gentlemen, so that Miss Prescott and I can join,” Louisa announced as she approached with the green mallet that perfectly matched the ribbon on her dress.
Wentworth acknowledged her arrival with a nod but the other men ignored her.
A thwack sounded behind Bella and Hammersleylet out a low belt of laughter. “I shall win our wager yet, Mr. Nix.”
“Another wager,” Bella mumbled under her breath.
“Men do enjoy winning,” Louisa said as she came to stand close enough for them to whisper.
“Teasdale is gone. I wonder why Nix chose to remain after last evening.”
Louisa moved an inch closer. “I believe he wishes to make an arrangement with Hammersley to fund a new mill in the north near the viscount’s estate.”
“Do men do nothing but make deals?” Bella bit her lip as soon as the words were out.
Rhys’s visit had left her so out of sorts that the entire house party felt like a farce. She wanted it to end so she could get back to her puzzles and conundrums. Solving riddles made far more sense than navigating gentlemen suitors.
She also had to find a way to convince her parents to set off for a warmer climate.
