Chapter Two

“L ady Cherish is perfect,” Gawain said, smiling as Fiona approached him later that evening shortly before supper was announced. He stood toward the rear of the parlor, nursing a brandy and hoping to avoid the throng of guests now gathered for a welcome reception to start off his cousin’s week-long house party.

Well, the party had started two days ago and the reception was to celebrate his arrival and that of his two friends. In truth, nobody really cared what reason was given for this party so long as there was ample libation and an orchestra to provide music for a night of dancing after supper was served.

The large glass doors leading onto the terrace were open to allow in a gentle breeze off the sea, and Gawain had moved closer to those doors in order to inhale the bracing sea air. It was a hot day and the sun had been shining with no reprieve until now.

“Did I not tell you she would be just the one?” Fiona replied with a smirk.

“Yes, but I dared not suppose you would come up with the right girl so easily.” He refused to expound on just how perfect he thought Lady Cherish was, for Fiona might make too much of it.

Lady Cherish had certainly caught his attention.

She was physically beautiful in a quiet way that wrapped around a man’s soul, a point in her favor and undeniable. Her hair was the color of molten honey and her eyes were a dark, brandy brown. Deep, rich, and intelligent. Indeed, he could go down the list of her attributes and find them all to his liking. Soft lips. Creamy complexion. Generous bosom and a slender frame.

She was also sharp witted, sensible, and could stand up for herself.

Yet despite that streak of independence, there was something fragile and lovely about her. Perhaps it was because he knew her situation and understood how frustrated a competent woman like Cherish must be feeling while under the thumb of an oaf like the new Earl of Northam.

She was a trapped bird, a lovely nightingale in a cage, unable to escape due to circumstances partly of her own making. But he could never fault her for choosing loyalty to her parents over her own Society debut. That her father had not trusted her to manage her own funds after his demise must have stung deeply, especially since she had shown herself worthy by running the Northam estate when he was no longer up to the task. Why had he left her to the mercy of an obviously uncaring uncle?

Well, her father’s failing was now serving Gawain’s purpose. Reggie would flourish in the hands of a woman like Lady Cherish.

“Speaking of Cherish, where is she?” Fiona craned her neck to search the gathering. “I thought she had come down ahead of me, but I don’t see her here.”

“She slipped past a cluster of guests a few minutes ago and is hiding out on the terrace,” Gawain said. “I’ve been watching her.”

Fiona’s eyes widened. “You have?”

Gawain chuckled. “Surprised?”

“Yes, I thought her earlier rejection might have put you off.”

“Actually, it had quite the opposite effect. I like that she knows how to stand her ground. She was honest with me and I admire her for it. She is a bit sensitive and feels things a bit too much, but is this not better than hiding her intentions behind a false smile?” He glanced across the room. “Would any of these young ladies have been so forthright with me?”

Fiona graced him with a knowing smile. “No, they would have fussed and fluttered over you, indulged you if they thought there was profit in it for them.” She looked around and then eyed him curiously. “I am surprised to see you standing alone.”

He shrugged. “I might have been scowling and chased everyone away.”

Fiona laughed. “It must have been some scowl.”

“I suppose I could have been more polite, but I do not wish to get caught up in this marriage business.”

“It is a business,” Fiona agreed. “But a husband is a husband. If those young ladies cannot have you, then any one of them would be amenable to settling for Reggie as the next best thing.”

“Which is why they are unacceptable for Reggie. Lady Cherish is not so mercenary. I think I will have to get to know her better if I am to warm her up to the idea of Reggie. She does not come across as grasping.”

“She is kind and generous. In truth, I wish she would be a little tougher and think more about her own interests. How else is she to escape her uncle’s clutches?”

Gawain looked toward the terrace again, his heart unexpectedly tugging as he noticed Cherish standing alone, her slender form illuminated by the golden light of the setting sun. She was incredibly pretty, and he found it difficult to tear his gaze away. Her hair gleamed as rich and beautiful as a flame-gold sunburst. “I am going to try again.”

Fiona’s eyes rounded in surprise. “But she refused you the first time. What makes you think she will reconsider?”

Gawain grinned. “I can be persuasive.”

Fiona sighed and shook her head. “She is my dearest friend and I will never forgive you if you hurt her, Gawain. She isn’t merely a mission. She may seem resilient, but she’s quite soft on the inside. Tread carefully with her heart.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Reggie’s the one who needs to appreciate her. I’ll keep an eye on him to make certain he does not take advantage.”

He left the parlor and strode out onto the terrace in time to see Lady Cherish skitter away into the garden. No doubt she had noticed his approach and chose to run off rather than face him.

Well, he would deal with her as gently as he might any skittish filly.

He ambled slowly toward her, but she wasn’t having any of it. Instead, she frowned at him and started toward the beach. Shoreham Manor was on the water and had its own private sand beach within a sheltered cove.

In truth, this was a lovely estate and quite a pleasant reprieve from London’s summer heat. He would enjoy spending more than a mere week here. An entire summer would do him nicely, swimming or riding in the mornings, and hiking in the afternoons.

But first, he needed to deal with Cherish and gain her cooperation.

Gawain folded his arms across his chest as he continued to watch the girl scurry away. He knew she could escape no farther than the beach. He would follow her into the water if had to, assuming she were so foolish as to take her escape that far.

But he knew she was no fool and was not going to leap into the water.

She came to a halt at the top of the stairs leading down to the beach, seemingly lost in thought as she stared across the crystal- blue waters. However, he had no doubt she was acutely aware of his approach.

The wind was dying down, so there was hardly a ripple upon the water. Waves gently washed to shore with the softest whoosh . Several birds flew overhead, occasionally breaking the silence with their caws as they soared and dove against a deep blue sky.

He stopped beside her, ignoring her frown when she turned to acknowledge his presence. “Lady Cherish, we started off badly. I did not mean to embarrass you. Why do we not take a step backward and simply start again? You might find me less of an ogre as we get acquainted.”

She fumbled with her hands, first clasping them in front of her, and then setting them at her sides.

Well, Fiona had said she was shy, so perhaps the girl found his attention more disconcerting than he realized. Had he been rude to put his cards on the table within minutes of meeting her? He merely wanted to be honest, certainly did not wish to lie to her. He also did not want her thinking he was interested in her. Was this not considerate of him?

“Yes, let’s get acquainted,” she agreed, surprising him. “The sooner we get to know each other, the sooner you’ll realize how foolish your venture is. Might I suggest you stop meddling in the lives of others and simply look out for yourself?”

He laughed. “Is your tongue always this sharp, or have you honed it just for me?”

“I do not mean to speak harshly, but you are a man used to getting your way in all things. Is this not so? I suppose it is because you are always fawned over by the ladies and sought out by those who want something from you. You plow ahead like a determined bull and will not listen unless someone stops you by hitting you over the head… Verbally, I mean. I would never actually hit you.”

Gawain used this remark as an opening to tell her a little about himself, hoping it might soften her. “Walk down to the beach with me and we’ll talk. Did Fiona not tell you about my upbringing?”

“No.”

“So this is why you assume my life has always been pampered and soft.”

She glanced at him, obviously assessing his looks. “You are not soft, that much is apparent. I also know you served in the military, so your life could not have been easy for you while in service to the Crown, even if you were supplied with all the luxuries appropriate for your noble rank.”

“There are few luxuries supplied on a battlefield. As for my noble rank… Yes, I was born the son of a duke, but I was never expected to step into the title. I am the youngest of four children.”

“Youngest?”

He nodded. “I had two older brothers and a sister who was Reggie’s mother.”

She turned to him in surprise. “I did not realize…”

He gestured toward his face. “I did not gain these scars or the wear lines on my brow from living an easy life. I’ve spent most of my years in military service, not just a few pampered moments, as you seem to think. It was never my wish nor my expectation to become the Duke of Bromleigh. But with the deaths of my father and brothers all in short succession, I suddenly found myself in this position. When my sister passed, I also took on the responsibility of seeing to Reggie’s care.”

She cast him a pained look. “Oh, I see.”

“Unfortunately, Reggie’s character was mostly formed by the time I stepped in. But there is much good in him that can still be salvaged.” He shook his head and hastened to press on when he saw her tense at the mention of his nephew. “Do not be so quick to judge any of us. I would not be bothering with Reggie if I did not think he had significant merit.”

“You are right.” She nodded. “Forgive me.”

“I did not take offense. The men in your life have disappointed you, so you have reason to be wary. As for me, I spent most of my life as the ignored third son until suddenly coming into the title and overnight becoming everyone’s darling. I was in my early thirties by then. It is the insincerity of it all that galls me. I do not think I shall ever grow used to it.”

“But are you not perpetuating that insincerity by trying to match me to your nephew? How does this help anyone?” She cleared her throat. “Why do you not marry and sire heirs? Then your nephew will not be a concern for you.”

They had walked down the stairs and were now about to step onto the sand. “No, I have no desire to be a sixty-year-old father to a son about to enter university. My time has come and gone.”

She shook her head. “I beg to disagree. Facing an empty future is no way to live one’s life. Well, I am one to talk, since I have done nothing to help myself. But there is nothing stopping you. With your present wealth and title, you have only to crook your finger to have any woman you want for a wife. The most beautiful. The wealthiest. The most charming. Even a royal princess, if that is your aspiration.”

She paused and stared at her slippers. “Do you mind if I walk barefoot? It is shockingly forward of me, but I cannot abide the thought of those grains of sand getting into my slippers.”

He grinned. “Go right ahead. I am hardly one easily shocked.”

She sat on the bottom step and daintily took her slippers off. She then left them neatly on the bottom step and stood by his side. A sense of warmth flowed through him, an odd feeling of… He wasn’t certain what it was, only that he liked having Cherish beside him.

He thought she would start hurling questions at him, but was surprised when they merely walked along the beach in companionable silence. She darted close to the waves, and then darted back as they swept to shore, her smile enchanting as she indulged in the simple pleasure.

He enjoyed watching her, but kept to the sand, since he was not about to take off his boots or allow them to get wet. To his own surprise, he found himself smiling at her in return, liking her ability to take genuine delight in a mere stroll along the beach.

Sunlight caressed her face, and he could not seem to take his gaze off her.

In truth, she was such a pretty thing.

His own tension receded, for walking beside her was quite pleasant. However, he was never going to accomplish his purpose if they did not talk.

He cleared his throat, seeing that he would have to take the laboring oar in this conversation. “Have you and Fiona been neighbors long?”

She darted close in order to avoid a wave that came in suddenly and nipped at her toes. “Yes.”

He lifted her slightly as he drew her back to avoid the hem of her gown getting soaked. “How long?”

She smiled in gratitude as she looked up at him with those big brandy eyes of hers. “Very long.”

He sighed. “Lady Cherish…”

Bollocks.

He was going to kiss her if she did not turn away.

To his relief, she resumed walking along the sand. “I suppose merely bobbing my head in response to your questions will not do.”

He chuckled. “It is hard to hold a conversation when only one party is forthcoming.”

“Which leaves me a little confused. I know this will sound impertinent, Your Grace, but why are you still bothering with me when I told you I will not agree to your scheme for Reggie?”

The wind blew her curls loose so that a few fluttered about her ears. On instinct, he reached out and tucked a strand or two behind her ear. “I think the question to ask is, why are you so reluctant to better your circumstances? Marriage to Reggie would offer you a way out of your situation. Or has Fiona exaggerated the problem between you and your uncle?”

She sighed. “No, she hasn’t exaggerated it. With each passing day, I am further reduced in the household. My clothes are several years old now and would be out of style if not for the alterations Fiona had her seamstress make for me. As for this week, I am here because my uncle and his family happen to be visiting his wife’s brother. They left me behind, of course.”

Gawain tamped down his irritation over her treatment. It would not do to allow his feelings to become entangled. “I think you are going to haul off and hit me as I ask this next question,” he said. “But it must be asked.”

He was a big man, and she looked quite little standing beside him, but there was also a lovely strength to her that made them more than equals. She frowned at him. “Are you going to insult me by bribing me now?”

Yes, he was.

But dealing with Cherish required battle strategy, so he was never going to admit he intended to do just that. “I wish you would not look upon my attempt to help your situation as a bribe. Shouldn’t you be more concerned for yourself? Fiona suggested to me that you needed to think more about yourself. What is so wrong with that?”

She nodded, looking not at all angry. “You are right. I should. It is something that has become increasingly hard for me to ignore. Perhaps it is foolish of me to hold on to the dream of love. My parents were a love match. I wish for the same. Did you ever hold out such hope for yourself?”

He shook his head. “No. As the third son, I was destined for the military and just assumed I would be shot on a battlefield someday. Once I moved beyond my foolish youth, I never gave much consideration to falling in love. It is an impediment in battle because it makes you think of what you might lose and distracts you as you rush forward in the face of cannon fire. A moment’s hesitation can be the difference between life and death. I found it was easier never to burden myself with such fancies.”

“But it has all changed for you now.” She looked straight at him as she spoke, their gazes meeting, and neither of them seemed capable of turning away. “Has there never been anyone who filled your heart? Who took your breath away and made you want to spend the rest of your life with that person?”

Gawain felt as though she were reaching into his soul. He did not like this feeling of opening himself up. Everything had been denied to him before, all possibilities for happiness. Now it was too late for him. He did not like her jarring him out of the comfortable independence he had settled on for the remainder of his life.

“No,” he repeated, knowing it was a lie. “Nothing has changed for me, Lady Cherish. The years have taken their toll. There is nothing of the hopeful boy left in me. In truth, I never had the luxury of idle, poetic thoughts or falling into raptures over a woman. That I am now a duke does not change the man I am inside. Who I am is now set in stone.”

“No one is suggesting that you change the essence of yourself. In truth, it probably enhances your appeal to women.”

He laughed and shook his head.

She frowned at him again. “Why are you so determined to keep yourself cut off?”

The question troubled him more than he would let on. “This conversation is not about me. I have no need to be saved, but you do. What would it take for you to consider marrying Reggie? And don’t punch me. This is just as important a question for you as it is for me.”

“I wasn’t going to punch you,” she muttered, pursing her lips. “You are asking me to be mercenary, and it is completely against my nature.”

“I am asking you to tell me what you wish. I am not agreeing to grant you any of it. I just want to hear what is important to you.”

“You answer first,” she said. “If you were of a mind to marry, what would you wish for in a wife?”

Her curls had blown out of place again, so he reached out once more and tucked a few stray ones behind her ear. But touching her was not a good idea, especially since he was not as unaffected by the girl as he’d expected himself to be. “I never allowed myself to wish for something that I thought was out of my reach.”

“But you are now the Duke of Bromleigh and nothing is out of your reach. Nor has it been out of reach for you these past several years. You can make those wishes come true for yourself. If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?”

To kiss you.

Well, that would be a disaster. Cherish was the one girl he could not touch. Not even Reggie, as much of a clot as that boy was at times, would have her then.

“I don’t know,” he said more harshly than intended. “To be left alone, I suppose. That would be my wish.”

She shook her head and cast him an admonishing look. But her expression was soft, so he knew she was not trying to criticize him. “We are a woeful pair, aren’t we? Your choice is almost as bad as mine. Yours is a terrible and sad state of affairs.”

“Not at all. Terrible and sad is making the wrong selection in a wife and having to live with the mistake for the rest of my existence.”

“So it is easier for you to make no choice at all?” She was still frowning at him, in a delightfully tender way, if such a thing were possible. “I will make a deal with you. I think we must both give this question some thought. I shall sleep on it tonight and let you know what I would wish for, assuming I agreed to consider Reggie as a husband.”

“That is fair enough.” He was not going to push her by suggesting she and Reggie could be a love match. Even he knew it was not possible. Cherish would be good for his nephew, but those two were never going to fall into raptures over each other. “We had better head back to the others,” he said. “The dinner bell will sound shortly, and there will be talk if we show up late.”

She shook her head and laughed, her impish grin charming as she regarded him. “Ha, that would be a scandal broth. The two of us caught together on the day of your arrival. That would shoot your plans for Reggie to bits.”

“It would not be funny at all,” he said quite soberly. “I have no intention of seeing you ruined by gossip.”

“Especially since you would not do the honorable thing and marry me.” She cast him that look again, the one that seemed to reach into his soul. “Yet I think it would prey upon your sense of honor if you were not to step up. I wonder what you would do if it ever came to that?”

“Do not put it to the test.”

“I would never trick you into a compromising situation. You are the one who followed me down here. I was trying to escape you. Even so, I would not demand you marry me. But I suppose that is me being foolish again, for that scandal would give my uncle all the excuse he needed to further demote me in the family’s standing.”

“All the more reason why you must seriously consider Reggie and not dally over your decision. We have only the week to make this happen. Reggie and I return to London once the party is over.” He held her lightly by the elbow and walked her back to the beach steps.

The girl looked as though she wanted to cry.

Well, she wasn’t really a girl. Cherish was a woman and had the luscious curves to prove it. But it was time she stepped up to the realities of her spinster future and made those hard decisions for herself.

“My father was inconsolable,” she said, taking a seat on the step and dusting the sand off her feet, “already grieving the loss of my mother before she passed on. Having seen this bond develop between two people, it is very hard for me to give up on the hope of finding it for myself.”

“Eternal love?”

She nodded. “The sort that silly girls like me wish desperately for themselves. I cannot even consider myself a girl anymore. I am too old now.”

“You are still young enough, and beautiful. Even if we could not come to an agreement on Reggie, there are other bachelors here. You will never find one to look at you if you continue to hide yourself away.”

“Hiding? You think I am hiding?” She shook her head and gave a mirthful laugh. “I know you will not believe me, but this is me making an effort to be seen. I suppose I am rather bad at it.”

“Yes, you are,” he said with a chuckle, and shook his head. “Granted, I have not been here very long. But I have yet to see you chatting among a circle of friends. Mingling requires you not to be standing alone.”

She cast him an impertinent smile. “But I am not alone now. You are here with me.”

He laughed again. “I do not count. First of all, I am old enough to be your father… Well, not quite that old, but almost. No, I am a confirmed bachelor. But my nephew—”

“Oh, please. Give me at least the night to mull over the possibility of Reggie. Never once in all my years have I considered marrying someone who laughs like a woodpecker.”

This was progress. She hadn’t hit him or outright said no.

The dinner bell sounded as they approached the house. In the next moment, a shrill woodpecker laugh emanated from the parlor and carried on the wind to Gawain’s ears.

Cherish shot him a look.

He winced. “I know. Do not say it. I know.”

The peahens surrounding his nephew thought his antics were hilarious.

Gawain sighed, for Reggie attaching himself to one of those little dimwits would be a disaster. As they strode in, he counted six young ladies clapping their hands and squealing with glee around the boy.

Gad, could they be more foolish? Or had he become that much of an ogre to frown on every bit of enjoyment? It was a summer house party, after all.

“Uncle! You made it!” The lad came over and gave him a drunken hug.

Gawain hugged his nephew back because, after all, he did love the boy.

Bloody blazes.

He turned to include Cherish in their conversation, but she had quietly slipped away. This was going to be more difficult than he imagined.

Cherish was perfect, of course. But why did Reggie have to be such a clot?

A most amiable one, of course. But still a clot.

Where was Cherish?