Page 18 of A Scandalous Love for the Enticing Duke
“Such high praise from you milady.It warms my heart; I must confess. Sadly, as much as I love to see you all riled up, I must calm your fears. Nicholas is an honourable man. If I had a sister, I would hand her over to him, myself. There is no better man I would rather see her married to, with such profound peace in my heart. I have met the Lady Agnes a few times. While I do not think this match is sensible, I do know they would honour each other as a man and wife should in marriage. They may even find happiness in one another as the years go by.”
Isabelle’s heart hammered in her chest, and she wondered at this. Why? Why did she suddenly feel so weak after hearing him speak in his friend’s defence. Why did hearing him speak of honour in marriage and happiness, with such intensity, give her fluttery feelings in her belly. No, this would not do. She searched for something to say. A retort that would vanish away the seriousness that had just settled in the air, but all she could come up with was,“Very well, then. I suppose, that would do.”
Then she turned around and took the last four steps to the library. Without pausing, she pulled the door open and stepped in. Her eyes widened at the sight she met.
She had deciphered that she would meet Nicholas and Eleanor in the library together. However, what she had not considered was the fact that she would meet them laughing so comfortably together like old friends.
Benjamin got to her eventually and pushed the door further so he could step in behind her.
It was at that moment that the duo finally realised they had company.
“Isabelle?”
Chapter 12
Eleanor was confused as she beheld her sister and the man at the door. She knew her sister must have come to fetch her, but why was she with Benjamin Witherspoon, her sworn enemy?
“Is it time?” she asked, already getting up on her feet to put as much distance as possible between her and Nicholas, lest her sister thought more of their situation. A situation she herself did not know what to think of, yet.
Nicholas must have realised what she was trying to do, for he too stood up and walked over to the shelf to replace the book he had taken. As he returned, she saw the grim look in his eyes and wondered if she had hurt him by her actions. But surely, he must understand that it was inappropriate for the both of them to be found so cosy together, without any form of chaperone, whatsoever. The worst assumptions could be made from their situation, and she would rather have a scandal-free season. While she could vouch that her sister would not behave so rashly, she could not trust the Duke’s judgement, or the ability to keep his mouth shut for that matter.
“Yes. It is. Our company awaits us at the balcony,” Isabelle replied, stepping further into the room.
“We have kept them waiting long enough as it is. I suggest we leave now.” Eleanor held a breath as her sister regarded Nicholas. She wondered what she was thinking as she watched her appraise Nicholas like one would a familiar face.
“I see you have met Nicholas Stamford; the man sister is to be married to.”
Eleanor’s heart dropped as her sister’s words sank in. This was Nicholas Stamford? Oh, but of course, they had only exchanged first names. She had not bothered to press further, thinking it sweet to relate without fully knowing who they both were. The mystery had thrilled her if she were to admit the truth. Now, she wished she had chosen to go along with her better judgement.
“You are Nicholas Stamford of Yorkshire?” Eleanor asked as she turned to Nicholas. The incredulity in her voice rang clear, so did the hint of accusation. He did not have to say anything. The way his face fell was all the answer she needed.
A strange ache settled deep within as she tried to digest what this meant. If this man, whom she had just spent over an hour bantering and laughing with, was the man who belonged to her sister, then it was obvious she was to be doomed. For though it had only been a little while, she was not naive to think the stirrings inside of her were anything other than a profound likeness for this man who was unlike any other she had ever met.
“You did not know the man whose company you were in? That is surprising.” She jerked her head to look at Benjamin who had also stepped further into the room. Now, she could join the dots. Of course, Benjamin Witherspoon was Nicholas’ childhood friend. She knew of his reputation, and though Nicholas had assured her that they were nothing alike, she was forced to wonder – was it the truth? After all, what was a respectable man doing making heat crawl up the cheeks of a woman when he was already promised to another?
“Nicholas, Elizabeth asked that I return with you. Like Isabelle said, we have kept them waiting for long enough. It would be nice if we leave now. These introductions can proceed on the balcony, I am certain.”
“Yes. I believe it can.” As he glanced at her, she turned sharply, unable and unwilling to meet his gaze. She didn’t trust what she would do if she held them. Didn’t want to see any lie he would plead with those thunderclouds. She felt the moment his gaze left her and she released the breath she didn’t know she had been holding in.
“Let us be on our way in that case. Of course, the ladies have to go first.” He walked over to his friend, and Eleanor decided it was time to return the copy of “Belinda” by Maria Edgeworth. She felt his gaze return, but she kept her posture upright, outrightly ignoring him still. After placing the book neatly into the shelf, she walked over to her sister. She only broke the silence as she reached Agnes, then to no one in particular, she announced, “I’m ready, we may take our leave.” No one send anything as they turned to leave, and she felt grateful for that for she didn’t trust herself to make any sensible conversation, not while she was battling a myriad of emotions in her heart.
_
Nicholas had no luck against the conflicted feelings that plagued him as they headed for the balcony. He looked at Eleanor and wondered what she was thinking, if she was even considering the possibility that he knew who she was but had chosen to deceive her by keeping quiet about his identity. That was not the case, of course. Clueless as she had been, he had been shocked to learn of her identity.
Now he knew he should have asked for full introductions. If he had known she was a younger sister to Agnes Birmingham, he may have withdrawn and removed himself entirely from the library. The longer he spent in her presence, the more enchanted he had become by her.
Soon, they were out of the hallways and silence continued to reign as they found their way to the balcony where things would change completely. Where it would be affirmed that he could never pursue the relationship he would love to pursue with the Lady Eleanor.
Suddenly, he was not feeling grateful towards his parents as he had been when he arrived at the ball. Perhaps, if they had held on a while longer, he would have met Eleanor first and offered proposal for her hand in marriage. However, he did not miss out on the irony of why he was here, in this ball, in the first place. He almost laughed at the twisted humour of fate.
They finally reached the balcony, and true to Benjamin’s words, his parents and the Birminghams were waiting for them.
“Oh look! They finally arrived. We were just about sending out a search party, afraid that you might have lost your ways, or come upon some sort of harm – God forbid.”
Out of courtesy, Nicholas went straight to the Duchess of Cambridge, the woman who would be his mother-in-law, one way or another. Taking the hand she offered, he dipped into a regal bow and placed a warm kiss on her gloved hands.
“My apologies, it was not our intention to keep you waiting ma’am. We are sorry to have caused you any worry. I would regret to know I caused any crease upon the face of such ageless, epitome of beauty.”
