He hoped that he would have some kind of claim on Lady Thea before that last night when the country ball would be held. Or did he? In truth, Adam didn’t even know if he would like Lady Thea once he spoke to her. She might be a featherbrain who talked utter nonsense. Or someone so boring that she might put him to sleep. He was hard pressed to understand why he had experienced such an attraction to her, only that he did. At least hosting her for the next week would provide an opportunity to speak to her at length during the various activities his aunt had planned. Maybe he would want to pursue an acquaintance with her. Maybe not.

  The next few days would tell.

  He thought on the other invited guests. Viscount Wrexham, Louise’s brother and rescuer, and his wife. She’d told him Wrexham resembled her and so it would be easy to pick him out. Two older gentlemen would also be joining them, invited particularly for Louise’s amusement. They were Viscount Lorry and the Earl of Denton. She said to leave the entertaining of them to her, so he would.

  Of the bachelors in attendance, he was expecting three—the Earl of Minden, the Marquess of Burles, and Viscount Hardy. His aunt assured him all were accomplished men of good intelligence and worthy of his friendship. He looked forward to meeting friends his own age since most of his were dead. He pushed aside thoughts of battle charges and the subsequent bullets and screams. The blood. The air thick with smoke. The cries of the wounded and dying carrying across the battlefield.

  “Concentrate,” he told himself.

  The other three young ladies had accepted the invitation for the house party and would be accompanied by their doting mamas. He knew from Louise’s descriptions that Lady Lydia was petite, blond, and blue-eyed. Her mother, Lady Burns, was a viscountess and, according to his aunt, would be the most dominating of the mothers in attendance.

  Lady Sybil had light brown hair and brown eyes and was of medium height. Though she had a beautiful voice, she was extremely shy, as was her mother, the Countess of Moore.

  The final young lady was Miss Gloria Pickford, who possessed brown hair and vibrant green eyes. Aunt Louise said she was an accomplished horsewoman and the daughter of General Pickford, who worked for the war department. Her mother, Mrs. Pickford, also enjoyed riding.

  Adam went over the names and descriptions again several times, committing them to memory. His natural tendency toward reticence would have to be overcome. As host for the gathering, he needed to be more outgoing instead of reserved. He’d always been a quiet observer of others, though he’d shown excellent leadership skills as an army officer. He must remember he was a duke—and act like one.

  A knock sounded on his door.

  “Come.”

  Holmes entered. “The first carriages are coming up the drive, Your Grace. Your presence is required.”

  “Thank you.”

  Adam tamped down the nerves that threaten to swallow him whole. He was in charge. He would view this week as a mission and his houseguests as his soldiers. He would—politely—order them about and do his best to get to know the gentlemen as well as all four of the potential candidates for Duchess of Durham. If he found Lady Thea lacking, then he would concentrate on the other women. And if none of them pleased him, there was always next Season. In fact, that might prove a better time to consider matrimony. As it was, he still was woefully ignorant about so many things regarding not only this estate but his other holdings. Perhaps it would be best if none of the women pleased him and he merely focused on visiting all of his properties and learning how best to manage his dukedom.

  Still, a small part of him held out hope that Lady Thea would be as appealing as he thought she might be—and they could travel throughout England together, as man and wife, visiting his various holdings.

  Adam left his study and found his aunt waiting for him in the foyer.

  “Paste on your best social smile, Your Grace. It’s time to greet your guests.”

  They ventured out to the drive, where the first of two carriages pulled up. He saw more coming down the lane. From the second spilled servants, and he realized that not only would they be entertaining sixteen guests but all of the people who accompanied them. He wondered how many valets and ladies’ maids would be arriving and was grateful his aunt was there to manage everyone.

  “Wrexham!” called Louise gleefully.

  Adam looked and saw what his aunt meant. Her brother resembled her closely. She’d revealed they were only thirteen months apart and had always been close. Wrexham’s wife was a small, birdlike woman with a kind smile.

  He greeted them warmly. “Thank you for saving Aunt Louise all those years ago and giving her a place to reside.”

  Wrexham accepted his offered hand. “Louise and I were always peas in a pod. I’ve been happy to have her with us.” He introduced his wife to Adam.

  More carriages pulled up in quick succession and he met all three of the younger men, who’d come together from London for convenience. It surprised him when he actually knew one of them.

  “Will Callander, is that you?”

  “What? Major Ashbury? This is a most pleasant surprise. So, you’re Durham. Well, I’m Hardy. I see we’ve both moved up in the world since our war days.”

  “Will—Viscount Hardy—was in Spain with me,” Adam shared with Aunt Louise.

  “Yes, we saw some terrible bloodshed there.” Hardy smiled. “And drank our fair share of Spanish wines. I look forward to renewing our acquaintance, Your Grace.”

  After the men came the three young ladies, each charming in their own way. Lady Lydia was the prettiest of the group, while Lady Sybil barely looked him in the eye, looking pained when she did. Miss Pickford was quite vivacious and like a whirlwind, asking him and his aunt about the activities planned and suggesting new ones to add. Adam thought her tendency to want to organize things came directly from her father. General Pickford was known for his attention to detail.

  He spoke briefly to Lord Denton and Viscount Lorry, both in their mid-forties or a little older. Both had been special friends of his aunt’s, and he wondered if she would accept an offer from one of them before the week ended. Adam thought Louise deserved as much happiness as she could find after her years of suffering under Durham’s hand and having been tied to the duke all these years with no recourse.

  Finally, he spied a pair of vehicles coming up the drive and held his breath. They came to a halt and the Earl of Merrifield emerged first, assisting his wife from the vehicle. They made a striking couple, he with his blond, handsome looks while the countess was raven-haired and stunning.

  Then Merrifield turned and held out a hand. Lady Thea appeared in the open door of the carriage. Adam’s breath caught in his throat.

  She was even lovelier than he remembered. Just as dark-haired as her sister, moving with innate grace. At the funeral, he hadn’t been close enough to know what color her eyes were, and his curiosity grew as the party of three came toward them.

  Louise murmured, “I can see why you are so taken with her,” and then said brightly, “Ah, Merrifield. Lady Merrifield. How good of you to come to Durbury.”

  The earl swept up Louise’s hand. “Your Grace, it’s always a pleasure to converse with you. Now, we’ll have an entire week of delightful conversations.” He indicated his wife. “You remember Diana, my countess?”

  “Of course. Welcome, my dear. And this is your sister, Lady Merrifield?”

  Lady Thea stepped forward and curtseyed to them both. “Your Graces. I’m grateful for the invitation. Your grounds and home are lovely.”

  “They haven’t been mine for long,” Adam said, noting her eyes were a mixture of hazel and gold. She was tall and slender, with a small waist and delicate limbs. “We’re happy you were able to come. I’m only sorry Lord Reston was unavailable.”

  “My brother had been away from Esterley too long. He’s only been the earl for six months and has spent much of that time in London. Since Diana has now wed, Derek was eager to return and get down to the business of running his new estate.”

  Adam smiled. “I understand that feeling. I may need to write to him and see if he has any advice for a novice such as me. In the meantime, would you care to come inside?”

  He offered her his arm and she slipped her hand through the crook. A jolt ran through him at the contact, and he gazed down at her. She must have felt the same, for her eyes widened and those perfect, pink lips formed an “O”.

  Placing his hand over hers, he said, “Holmes will have you taken to your room and your luggage will be brought up shortly. After you’ve had time to freshen up, we’ll all meet in the drawing room for a drink before dinner.”

  “That would be lovely.” Those large, hazel eyes, tinged with gold, glowed at him.

  Adam knew in that moment that he must make Lady Thea his.

  Chapter Six

  Thea had never been to a formal dinner before, much less one as grand as this first night at Durbury. Besides the numerous, delicious courses, every guest wore finery beyond what she’d ever seen. The men, all distinguished in their dark evening wear, gave way to the women in rich colors and intricate designs. She supposed this was what the Season had been like. Over the course of the past few months, she’d had Amelia and Diana describe in detail the events and clothing others wore, but her mind had not done it justice.

  She did her best to contain her excitement as the eighteen gathered around a large dining table. Placards revealed where each guest sat. It thrilled her to be placed on the Duke of Durham’s right. Across from her sat Lady Lydia in a periwinkle blue gown that complemented her skin and brought out the blue of her eyes. On Thea’s right was Viscount Hardy. She would do her best to speak to the others, but she looked forward to conversing with the duke.

  After they were seated, the first course of artichoke soup came out. Thea turned to remark to their host how much she enjoyed artichokes but Lady Lydia immediately engaged His Grace in conversation. Thea waited for a break, but the young woman never slowed down. Dismayed, she spooned her soup, wondering how to get a word in edgewise.

  “She’s rather talkative,” Viscount Hardy remarked dryly. “I don’t see how she’ll ever get a bite in her mouth if she doesn’t slow down and take a breath.” A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and Thea found herself smiling as well.

  “I’m sure Lady Lydia is merely excited to be here,” she said politely.

  “Either that—or she thinks to land herself a duke.”

  “She’s very pretty,” Thea remarked, tamping down the jealousy that arose as the young woman continued to monopolize their host.

  “You’re prettier,” Viscount Hardy said.

  A blush heated her cheeks. “Thank you, my lord,” she said, acknowledging his compliment.

  “I don’t remember you from the Season, Lady Thea. Where were you hiding?”

  “At home. With a broken leg,” she added. “I’m to make my come-out next year.”

  He eyed her with interest. “So is this your first society outing?”

  “It is,” she confirmed.

  He leaned closer. “I’m fairly new at it myself,” he confided. “I was in the army a good number of years. Second son and all that. In fact, that’s where I know Durham from. Of course, I was plain Will Callander and he was merely Adam Ashford then. Neither of us had any idea a title awaited us once we returned to England.”

  Thea now knew Durham’s name. She thought Adam suited him well.

  “I know His Grace’s cousin died in an accident, which is how he became Marquess of Trumbull. My closest friend, Lady Amelia Ward, was Trumbull’s wife.”

  “Ah, so you’re friends with Lady Amelia. A lovely girl and a young widow. I hope she’ll return for next Season.”

  “I’m sure she will,” Thea stated truthfully, knowing Amelia and her brother would come to London for the Season, albeit married.

  “How did you acquire your title, my lord?” she inquired.

  “Fever. My brother, who was a good dozen years older, caught a lung infection. Fever set in and he passed rather quickly. Needless to say, I’m having to learn the ropes as far as managing a property goes, not to mention navigating the whims of the ton.”

  “Since you and His Grace have that in common, you must aid one another. As friends, it would be good to support the other.”

  “I’m eager to renew my friendship with Durham. I had no idea he was the Duke of Durham when I accepted the invitation to this house party.”

  Thea frowned. “Then why accept the invitation in the first place?” she asked.

  He grinned. “When a duke snaps his fingers, society does his bidding. Besides, I knew it was a way to meet new acquaintances.” He gave her a wolfish smile. “Especially female ones.”

  Thea burst out laughing. “Please, tell me you’re not a rake, Viscount Hardy.”

  “Not in the least bit, Lady Thea. But now that I’ve a title, I must pass it on.” He grew serious. “A house party seemed a good way to search for a wife. I’ve already been through one Season now. This seems a much simpler and easier way to get to know others.”

  “I see.”

  Lady Merrick had told Thea a match or two was inevitable at house parties, with couples being in close, constant contact for a good number of days, unlike ton events where a couple might only be near one another for a brief period of time. She wondered if Viscount Hardy would find his wife among the single ladies present.

  He gazed at her earnestly. “I hope we will have a chance to become better acquainted.”

  It struck her that this man was interested in her. She’d come to spend time with the duke but now Thea saw other possibilities awaited her as well.

  “I look forward to the week’s activities, my lord,” she said primly, wanting to encourage him yet still wishing for time with Durham.

  He laughed. “And might we partake in some of those activities together?” His blue eyes sparked with mischief.

  Thea’s face flamed. “I’m sure that can be arranged, Lord Hardy.”

  She decided it wouldn’t hurt to be nice to him. He was handsome and very charming. At the rate Lady Lydia was talking, Thea might never have a chance to ever speak with Durham.

  The rest of dinner passed quickly, as she also conversed with Miss Pickford and the Earl of Minden. Miss Pickford was vivacious and entertaining, while Minden, who had dark, brooding looks, kept his eyes trained on her, displaying his interest as well.

  It amazed Thea to be at her first formal dinner ever, and already she believed two eligible bachelors pursued her.

  She glanced to Durham, who nodded wearily at Lady Lydia. She’d totally dominated his attention throughout dinner, demanding it as a petulant child might.

  The duke cleared his throat and addressed the table. “I believe it’s time for the men to be left to their brandy and cigars. Ladies, we’ll join you in the drawing room shortly.”

  With that, the women rose and made their way from the dining room. Thea found herself walking out with Lady Sybil, who’d been seated further down the table.

  “I hope you had a pleasant dinner, Lady Sybil,” she said.

  “Much more so than our host,” the young woman replied. “Poor Durham. Lady Lydia held him hostage the entire meal.”

  “She is rather energetic. And very attractive.”

  “Well, we are all here to meet him. That’s what Mama told me. And the other bachelors who are present.”

  “Are you interested in the duke?” Thea asked.

  “Not really,” her companion admitted. “I don’t know him at all. I was surprised by the invitation, but Mama insisted we must accept.” Sighing, she added, “I think being a duchess would be frightfully hard. So many people looking at you. Having to set fashion as others judge you and yet smile to your face as they speak unkindly about you behind your back.” She shuddered. “I would rather wed a nice, quiet man with a very unimportant title.”

  “You should wed whom you wish,” Thea said, slipping her arm through Lady Sybil’s. “Don’t let your mother force you into a match you don’t desire.”

  “What of you, Lady Thea? Are you interested in any of the gentlemen here?”

  She chuckled. “I’m not even officially out yet. I am open, though, to getting to know everyone, male and female, at this house party. I had a delightful conversation with Lord Hardy during dinner.”

  “He’s very handsome,” Lady Sybil said wistfully.

  “And he’s very nice. I will be sure to introduce you to him when the gentlemen arrive.”

  “Thank you. You’re very kind. And in return, I will try to steer Lady Lydia away from His Grace for a few minutes if I can.”

  “That would be lovely,” Thea replied, “though taking on Lady Lydia is not for the faint of heart.”

  They giggled and took a seat in the drawing room, being the last to arrive.

  “I think it’s obvious where Durham’s attention lies,” Lady Burns announced to the room. She smiled fondly at her daughter. “His Grace was most taken with you, Lydia.” The viscountess’ gaze swept the room. “Lydia had three offers this Season. Two viscounts and an earl. She was quite popular. But now I see why you didn’t accept any of those offers, my precious.”

  Lady Burns patted her daughter’s hand. “You knew your soul mate awaited you. I’m so glad—”

  “I wouldn’t count your chickens just yet, Lady Burns.” The Dowager Duchess of Durham looked at the woman with disdain. “My nephew will want an opportunity to enjoy all of the ladies’ company while they are at Durbury.”

  “Yes, but surely, Your Grace, you can see how taken—”

  The dowager duchess’ glare silenced the viscountess. Then her demeanor changed abruptly and she asked, “Would anyone care for a cup of tea?”

 

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