Page 18 of An Arranged Betrothal with an Icy Duke
“No, no, not in the least, Your Grace. He spoke only to his wife but I was standing just behind her and heard every word. Though I do think that you should speak of it soon, for I will not have been the only one who has heard it!”
With a brief nod and fighting to keep the scowl from his face, Henry forced himself to walk away from the two ladies, going to fetch a glass of brandy and, after a moment, tapping it lightly with a spoon he procured from a footman. Every eye turned towards him and with his heart quickening, with his stomach twisting, Henry fought to speak without hesitation.
“I should like to inform you all that a recent engagement has taken place between Miss Tidemore and myself, daughter to Viscount Tidemore,” he began, all too aware of the many gasps of surprise which filled the room. “We shall marry soon, once my house gathering has taken place. Good evening to you all.”
The task was done and though Henry forced a smile, he felt no joy nor delight within his heart. Studying Miss Tidemore, who was now still talking with Lady Eaveswood, he waited to see if there was any smile or any expression of happiness on her face.
There was not.
She was quickly surrounded by many a lady all clearly eager to give their congratulations to her and though she accepted them all, and responded graciously, never once did a smile grace her lips.
It seemed that Miss Edith Tidemore was just as unexcited about this engagement as he.
Chapter Nine
Despite the fact that Edith had already been introduced to the Duke’s mother and taken tea with her, there was still a great sense of nervousness which flooded her as she sat down opposite the lady in the carriage. The Duke of Eaveswood was to sit with his mother and though Edith would have much preferred to go in the carriage with her mother, sister and father, the choice had, yet again, been taken from her. She had been instructed to go to the Duke’s carriage, to stay in whatever overnight accommodation the Duke had secured and that she would then be in company with her family again when they all reached the Duke’s estate. The Duke’s mother, the Duchess of Fairglen, was to be her chaperone.
“Good morning, Your Grace.” Edith smiled briefly, taking in the lady’s expression and wondering why there was not even the smallest smile on the Duchess’ face. “I do hope the journey will not be tedious. I think – ”
“I hardly think that my company could be considered tedious, my dear girl.” The lady arched an eyebrow and Edith immediately flushed, a little embarrassed.
“Forgive me, that is not what I meant to say. If anything, I meant to express that myowncompany might be a little lacking, that is all.” Her smile slipped a little though the Duchess nodded and then, much to Edith’s relief, offered her a small smile.
“You need not think so poorly of yourself, Miss Tidemore. I am certain we shall all do very well indeed.”
“We are ready to depart.”
Without so much as glancing at her, the Duke of Fairglen swung into the carriage and then the door was closed behind him.
“I think it will be a few hours before we reach the inn,” he continued, still not looking at Edith. “Though the driver thinks the roads should be without difficulty. It has not rained heavily for some days.”
“That is good.” The Duchess glanced to Edith and then back to her son before a frown flickered across her forehead. “As you see, my dear, Miss Tidemore has joined us.”
Edith waited until the Duke’s eyes finally met hers before she inclined her head just a little. “Good morning, Your Grace.” Had that been sympathy in the Duchess’ eyes and voice? Had she seen the lack of interest that her son had shown towards Edith? Mayhap, Edith considered, she might have something of a support in the Duchess.
“Good morning, Miss Tidemore.” The Duke cleared his throat, settled back in his seat and turned his attention to the window again, reaching up to rap on the roof. He did not say anything more than that and Edith dropped her gaze to her clasped hands, a little embarrassed that the Duke had done nothing more than say four words to her and nothing else. He had not enquired as to whether she was well, had not expressed any sort of delight that she was present with him. Yes, she was well aware that her father had mistaken the Duke’s intention and that her presence here was not at all what the Duke had expected nor even wanted, but that did not mean that he had to ignore her, did it?
“Now, Miss Tidemore.” The Duchess, perhaps seeing the distress that Edith was doing her best to hide from her expression, leaned a little further forward in her chair and offered Edith a warm smile, much warmer than had been given to her before. “Tell me about your family. I should be very glad to learn all that I can about you.”
A small relief burst in Edith’s chest and she returned the Duchess’ smile with one of her own, glad that the lady appearedto be a good deal warmer towards her than had first been expressed. “Of course, Your Grace.” So saying, she began to speak of her family, telling the Duchess about her elder brother – the one out on the Great Adventure – and her younger sister. As she spoke, however, the Duke did not once turn his head to look at her, did not once pull his gaze away from the window and the view outside.
The gentleman she was engaged to, the one she was meant to soon call husband, had no interest in her whatsoever, and that realization broke Edith’s heart all over again.
***
The conversation had long since come to an end and the sun had already begun to fall low in the sky by the time the Duke announced that they were close to the inn he had chosen whereby they would spend the night. Feeling stiff and a little sore from the many hours in the carriage, Edith glanced out of the window, seeing the pink and orange spreading out across the sky. Her heart had not lifted from the sadness which had filled it as she had realized just how disinterested the Duke was in her company. The Duchess had done her best to fill in the many pauses and silences and theyhadshared a good many things, which Edith was grateful for though the Duchess had soon grown weary – just as Edith herself now felt – and was now dozing lightly, her head resting against the side of the carriage. Edith had wondered if the Duke of Fairglen might then seek to converse with her but he had done nothing other than stare steadfastly out of the window. Thus, Edith had been left with nothing and no-one and had spent the last two hours in silence. What a relief it was now to know that she would be able to step out of the carriage and into the inn! Her body was weary, her mind tired as a thousand thoughts ran through it, and thethought of being able to lie down and rest was a very pleasant one indeed.
“Mother? We have arrived.” The Duke nudged his mother gently, showing a little more tenderness than Edith had expected, though he still did not so much as glance up at her. The Duchess quickly roused herself and after a few more minutes, Edith found herself standing outside a small, well-appointed inn. It looked even more picturesque given the way the sun was setting behind it and Edith permitted herself a moment or two to gaze at the beautiful scene.
“Miss Tidemore, if you please?”
It was the first thing he had said to her – aside from his greeting – and Edith blinked quickly, looking at him before her face burned hot with embarrassment. The Duke of Fairglen was waiting for her, his arm outstretched towards the door and without waiting even a second longer, Edith hurried towards him, following after the Duchess who had already stepped inside.
“Good evening. I have three rooms here,” the Duke told the fellow waiting by the door. “The Duke of Fairglen, if you please.”
“Oh, but of course. Thank you, Your Grace.” The man bowed low and then gestured for the three of them to follow after him. The Duchess was shown to her quarters first and Edith stayed a little back from the door as the Duchess smiled and nodded and then stepped inside. Her skin prickled from the awareness that she was in sole company with the Duke of Fairglen, daring a glance up at him though she quickly saw that he was not in the least bit interested in her company. He was looking away, tapping one foot on the floor in obvious impatience and his hands clasped tightly in front of him.
Edith’s mouth twisted but she chose to say nothing.
