Page 81 of When a Duke Loves a Woman
When the knock sounded, he glanced at the clock and realized he’d spent nearly an hour sitting there and visualizing her in this room. Not that he’d ever have her in this chamber while his mother resided here. He could imagine the turmoil that would cause and the misery his mother would deliver to the woman he loved.
That thought nearly had him careening out of the chair. He loved her, loved Gillie. He who had never loved, loved at last. That he was even capable of such intense emotion came as a bit of a revelation. He wanted to throw open all the windows and shout it out to the world—
But he couldn’t even tell her, because it would be unfair to her, to him, to them. He could have her here in this bed, in this chamber, but he could not have her as his duchess. He could not ask her to give up the tavern which meant so much to her. He could not take her from all she knew, all the people who would stand beside her and threaten him if he did wrong by her. He couldn’t bring her into this world that failed to bring him the barest hint of joy.
Although he had little doubt she could hold her own among theton, at least when it came to socializing. She had an innate grace and confidence that made her any lady’s equal. Her speech patterns would mark her as not having been raised among the aristocracy, yet the ease with which she managed to carry on conversations would see her in good stead. She would charm and delight those who would give her a chance, just as she charmed and delighted him at every turn. It was a pity the origins of her birth would prevent those he knew from having the opportunity to spend time in her company.
The knock again resounded, a bit louder and more insistent.
“Enter.”
His mother swept in as though pushed by a gale force wind. He shoved himself to his feet as she came to stand before him, her back erect, her hands clasped before her.
“I saw your announcement in theTimesregarding the end of your betrothal.”
He’d placed an advert in yesterday’s edition, so proclaiming. It had been short and sweet, indicating a mutual understanding and agreement between all parties involved that a wedding between the Duke of Thornley and Lady Lavinia Kent would not take place. “I wanted to ensure no fingers were pointed or blame was assigned.”
“What you have ensured is that the nattering gossips shall have a field day. You mustshowpeople you are not the wounded party and are quite ready to move on. You have made it more imperative than ever that you select a wife as quickly as possible. Therefore, I have set a date for the ball, two weeks hence. Invitations went out this morning.”
He wanted to groan in frustration at her meddling. Instead, he merely said calmly, “Good Lord, the printer must have worked all night.”
“I am a duchess. Of course he did, and he was glad to do so.”
He couldn’t imagine Gillie inconveniencing someone like that.
“I have invited the families with the most eligible girls,” she continued. “It will be a small affair, as it has a singular purpose: to ensure you find yourself a bride worthy of your position and in short order.”
“I am not yet ready to see to the task.”
“Make yourself ready. People are laughing at you, wondering what faults Lady Lavinia found with you to leave you as she did.”
“I stated clearly no one was at fault.”
“Do you think anyone believes you? What you have done is given fodder to those who would see us fall. Situations such as this are best handled by women, so I am taking the matter in hand. I know we seldom agree but do not fight me on this. You have a duty, an obligation, a responsibility to those who have come before you.”
“Already, you have made them all, every eligible lady, seem so appealing,” he said caustically, hoping she would catch the sarcasm.
“If you are to have any hope at all of having an heir, you must see to it immediately, as you are developing your father’s habits of staying out all night. I am well versed in where that leads.”
“I’m old enough, Mother, to live my life without being chastised for it. I believe it’s past time for you to move into the dower house.”
She jerked her head back as though he’d delivered a blow. “I cannot possibly do that until there is another lady in residence to manage things. Servants will grow lazy without a firm hand. I shall not allow a residence in shambles to be passed on to your new wife. It is a matter of pride.”
Pride. Always so much pride in this family.
Although she did have the right of it. He was at an age where he needed to marry and provide an heir. Whether or not he wished to. Crossing his arms over his chest, he gave a curt nod. “I will attend the ball on one condition. You will invite Miss Gillian Trewlove.”
“Who is her family?”
“Lady Aslyn married her brother. You should invite them as well, if you have not already.”
“Lady Aslyn married a commoner, a by-blow.”
“Thus you shall have the distinction of being the first to have them at a ball.” He had little doubt his mother knew exactly where to find Lady Aslyn. “You may send Gillie’s invitation care of the Mermaid and Unicorn tavern.”
She turned up her nose. “A tavern-serving wench?”
“The tavern owner.”
