Page 11 of Wedded to the Loveless Duke
“You are welcome.”
Eleanor watched her father leave with relief, glad that the enmity between them was finally coming to an end. She doubted he had entirely given up on his intent to marry her off, but at least this was better than the coldness that had settled between them for the last month. It was progress, and perhaps in time, he would soften further and give up this madness entirely. “You never said what it was for, though, Father?”
“In due time, my dear, in due time. Come. I thought we might go to the market and look for some embroidery supplies for you. Perhaps some ribbons for your hair to go with your dress? I have it on good authority that bandeau pieces are quite in style with the ladies. Perhaps you would like something of that nature to go with the dress?”
“That might go nicely with it.” She fingered the heavily embroidered fabric once more, trying to guess what sort of event they would be attending that would require such a lavish gown with so many layers of fine muslin.
“Shall we go now?” William asked.
“What of lunch?”
“We will fetch something while we are out. I am certain the Cook will appreciate the time to herself.”
“Very well.” She pulled her fingers away from the dress. “Shall I put it away before we go?”
“I have already asked your maid to do it for you. Come, my dear, let us go, or I shall think you are making excuses to refuse my gesture of goodwill.”
Eleanor bit her lip, but she nodded and followed her father out of her painting room. He offered her his arm and led her to the foyer, where she collected a coat and an umbrella for walking. Without a word, she let him guide her outside to their curricle. The tiger responsible for handling the horses while they were generally out on errands was already seated on the small seat at the back of the vehicle.
William helped his daughter step up into the curricle, and she adjusted her skirts. He joined her and took the reins, sending the vehicle rumbling down the cobblestone driveway and onto the country road towards town.
William glanced at Eleanor as they drove. “You and Richmond seem to get along well.”
This could only be going in one direction. “Father, please do not spoil the afternoon with talk of marriage.”
“No one has said anything about marriage but you, my dear.”
“That is where this is going, though. I am no fool. You think we get along well and believe I might be able to bring the Duke up toscratch. If I cannot, you could, and you believe you might be able to pawn me off to a man I might not despise.”
William smiled wryly. “You have it all figured out, I see.”
“It is hardly the first time you have started delicate conversations with such transparency.” Eleanor straightened and stared at the road ahead. “The Duke of Richmond is a good man. However, I still have no desire to marry, not to him or anyone else. There is no reason.”
“So you have said.” William sighed heavily. “Really, Eleanor, I have heard this enough times already. I know you believe there is no good reason.”
“You have given me none, and I can’t think of one.”
“As you said, Eleanor, let us not spoil the afternoon. I really do wish to have a good time this afternoon.”
Eleanor sat back in her seat with a shake of her head. “Fine. I suppose you have no good reason and simply wish to be rid of me. My stance remains the same on the Duke. As nice as he seems, I am uninterested.”
“As you say,” her father murmured noncommittally.
She wouldn’t get anything else from him now, and she was beginning to doubt he had good reason for his sudden change of heart regarding her unwillingness to marry anyway, so shelet it go. He was trying to show goodwill. It might not last for long, and as angry as she was with him for pressing her on the marriage issue, she also didn’t want to lose him entirely. If he ever came to his senses, she didn’t want to let this whole matter blow out of proportion to the point where they could no longer reconcile. So, she remained silent and prayed this wouldn’t all end horribly wrong.
CHAPTER 5
The day of the mystery event that William had yet to explain had finally arrived. Eleanor still had no idea what sort of event it was, but she dressed for it dutifully, smoothing her hands over the fine layer of white muslin that comprised her dress’s skirt. The beadwork and embroidery looked even more beautiful now that she put the dress on.
She wished her father would tell her where they were going. It was earlier than usual for most events thetonwould attend, but perhaps there was something going on at the palace. Her father might need someone to attend the event with him, and with her mother gone, Eleanor was the lady of the house, thus making that her responsibility. Either way, if her father was taking her to an event, he couldn’t be too angry with her about her continued resistance to his plan to marry her off.
Tucking an errant hair back into place around the bandeau she wore, she took a moment to admire the work her lady’s maid had done on her hair. Then, she picked up the reticule she’d chosento carry with her and pulled on her gloves before going to join her father.
William stood waiting at the bottom of the staircase and looked up when he saw her coming down to see him. He smiled, though he looked near tears, which was unusual for him. Eleanor rushed to him and took his hands. “Father, What is it? You look upset.”
“I am not upset, my dear.” He squeezed her hands. “I am merely sorry your mother is not here to see what a beautiful young woman you have grown into. She would have been so very proud.”
Eleanor squeezed his hands with a smile. “I am certain Mother is watching from heaven, Father.”
