Chapter Five

T he day had been busy, with a long ride led by Caleb Strong. The group had stopped at a local inn for refreshments. Sterling deliberately avoided looking at Miss Allegra and did not converse with her once. The same held true at tea, which was held al fresco on the terrace since the day was beautiful. He had chatted with Miss Lyric and Lady Lida, along with Mrs. Andrews, Lord Tillings, and Lord Lamkin. Never once did he even glance in Miss Allegra's direction, though he could hear her merry laugh numerous times throughout the day.

He was the most miserable he had ever been.

Sterling's valet readied him for dinner now. He knew he must get Allegra Strong by herself. When he did, he would have to give her a stern talking to. His original intention had been for her to use the lessons he had taught her on kissing with other men. How he was to explain to her why she wasn't to do so was another matter.

He had been on his own for so long, hiding who he truly was even from himself. Truth be told, he pretended to be bored most of the time, and that fa?ade had now come to pass. He was bored with his hedonistic life. With his friends and what he did. His life was empty and meaningless. Though he had never admitted it to himself—possibly he had never even realized it before now—Sterling yearned for connections. True, deep, human connections, not merely superficial ones. And especially not a quick dalliance in a woman's bed or a night of drinking and gambling with men who pretended to be his friends but neither cared for him or about him.

Being around these Strongs for even so short a time had shown him how others could care for one another and how important those relationships could be. Just because he had come from two people who had spent their whole lives as strangers to him did not mean he was forced to follow in their footsteps and make those same mistakes. No, Sterling was ready to make deeper connections with those around him.

Above all, that meant Allegra Strong.

It wasn't merely her beauty that appealed to him so much, though she had that in abundance. She had an aura about her which drew him and others to her. Vivaciousness filled her, a zest for life that he was desperate to attach himself to. Yes, he had been physically attracted to her from the moment he laid eyes upon her, but he felt something more had been established between them, an intangible that he found hard to put into words. He knew she did not think highly of him, but he was bound and determined to change her opinion of him.

Because he wanted her in his life. As his wife.

That thought would have sent him running into the arms of the closest, willing woman before he had arrived at Shadowcrest. It was almost humorous how the pendulum had swung in an entirely different direction. Sterling was suddenly enthralled with the idea of a wife. Children. Even possibly spending more time in the country. He did not know if Allegra preferred town or the country, but it truly didn't matter to him. He merely wanted to be with her. The place did not matter.

And that was when he knew just how much he had changed. Like his friend Blankenship, Sterling's priorities had shifted monumentally since he had stepped from the carriage upon his arrival at Shadowcrest.

He decided the best chance he had of changing Allegra's mind about him would be through her twin. He had spoken to Miss Lyric some already, and he had observed how close the twins were. While he knew without a doubt that Allegra had told her sister about her ill opinion of him, Sterling believed Lyric Strong might very well be the key in helping him win over Allegra. He determined to get Miss Lyric alone and plead his case to her, seeing if she might be willing to help him.

His valet finished helping him dress for dinner, and Sterling left his room. Lord Motley emerged from his bedchamber, and he waited for the earl so that they might walk down to the drawing room together.

"Your daughter is delightful, Motley," he began.

Motley looked surprised. "I did not think you were in the habit of noticing children, my lord."

"Lady Viola is quite exceptional," Sterling said, knowing the way to Motley's good side would be through his daughter. Besides, he had found he liked this man, someone he hadn't bothered getting to know previously. He found himself not only interested in courting Allegra, but he knew if he were to truly change, he would need a new circle of friends.

"Viola is the light of my life," Motley told him. "Her mother was, as well. While I have mourned my wife's loss deeply, she left the greatest gift entrusted to me. I take the raising of my daughter most seriously. I am attending this house party in order to find a mother for my girl, but I also hope to find a wife again that I can grow to love. She needs to be one who can accept how much I love Viola."

"There are good candidates here that I believe would be more than suited to that task," he said earnestly, hoping Motley wasn't considering Allegra as a choice.

"I believe the same myself, Carroll. But house parties are notoriously known for betrothals. Why are you here? You must admit that your reputation proceeds you."

"Reputations often lie in the hands of gossips," he said crisply. "I do not believe I am everything those gossips say. That there is more depth to me than they would ever willingly acknowledge."

Surprise showed in Motley's eyes. "Might you be searching for your countess, my lord?"

"I am open to that possibility," he said cryptically, not wanting to tilt his hand.

They reached the drawing room and took drinks from a tray which a footman offered. He parted from Motley, going to speak with the Duke of Seaton and Lord Crowell. There had been much talk during the Season about where Seaton had been for years, but Sterling would never ask the man about his lengthy absence. All he knew was that Seaton had accepted his dukedom with an air of confidence that few men possessed.

Lord Crowell excused himself, leaving the two of them alone.

Sterling decided to take advantage of this rare opportunity in having the duke to himself, hoping his reputation for being unconventional would allow for a bold question.

"Might I ask something rather personal of you, Your Grace?"

Seaton studied Sterling a long moment, to the point he was about to squirm. "You can ask—but I reserve the right not to answer, my lord."

"Fair enough." He hesitated now that he had this man's attention. Working up his courage, he asked, "How did you know that Her Grace was the one for you?"

The duke grew thoughtful. "I suppose it was an accumulation of bits and pieces. So many things about her appealed to me. Her confidence. Her intelligence. The kindness she exhibited when she dealt with others from all walks of life." Seaton paused. "A day quickly came when I knew in my heart I must have her in my life always. That I loved her beyond measure and would be miserable if I did not make my feelings known to her—and win her heart."

Seaton's brows knit together. "Are you in the same boat I was, Lord Carroll?"

He smiled wryly. "My boat is like a small rowboat cast out to sea, Your Grace. I have been tossed about so much in every kind of element that I am not quite certain which way is up or down. I have always been secure in myself—some even calling me arrogant—and led what I will admit is a hedonistic life. This house party has turned everything I believed about myself on its ear."

The duke smiled broadly. "I doubt it is the house party itself which has caused such a maelstrom, my lord. I do believe in these cases that it is one woman who has you in such a quandary. Might you share the name of that young lady?"

Sterling hesitated a moment, wondering how Seaton might react to the news that his niece was the one causing a known rake to try and change his stripes. Then decided he should clue this man in. If he convinced Seaton of his worth, the duke might be a helpful ally in Sterling's quest.

"I am not ready to offer for her, Your Grace, but I will make my intentions known to you since you are head of the Strong family. Your cousin Miss Allegra has quite stolen my heart." He hesitated before adding, "The trouble is, she has a low opinion of me at this point."

The duke burst out laughing, causing heads to turn in their direction.

"Oh, Carroll, you have hooked an extremely slippery fish on your line. Allegra is one of my favorite people in the world. Feisty. Opinionated. Loved by all because she puts everyone at ease. I will tell you that my cousin is worth whatever she puts you through. I wish you the best of luck in winning her heart."

At that moment, the Duchess of Seaton and Mrs. Andrews joined them, with Her Grace asking, "What was so amusing, my love?"

Sterling wasn't quite ready for his suit to be known publicly. He met the duke's gaze. Understanding passed between them.

"Something only gentlemen would find humorous, my sweet Sophie." Seaton lifted his wife's hand to his lips and kissed her fingers tenderly. "Perhaps you and I should circulate among our other guests now."

Their Graces excused themselves, leaving him with Mrs. Andrews. He decided to quell his curiosity and ask her the question which had been burning within him.

"Mrs. Andrews, may I be so bold as to inquire why I was invited to this house party? It is known by all your guests that Her Grace has little interest in planning these types of affairs. That lets me know that not only have you established which activities would occur during our stay, but you also are responsible for the men and women present here at Shadowcrest."

She studied him a long moment, and Sterling felt himself almost blushing under her scrutiny.

Finally, Mrs. Andrews said, "I saw potential within you, Lord Carroll. And before you ask, I know of your wicked reputation within the ton . That you are a rakehell above all others. But I found myself thinking you might possibly want more out of life than the empty existence you have been leading."

He prickled at her description and said, "I never asked you or anyone else to pass judgment upon me. What if I am more than enthusiastic about the life I lead?" he countered, playing devil's advocate.

"Have you found yourself questioning things about you while you have been here, my lord? Have you seen the closeness the Strong family shares—and you wish you could be a part of it?"

She placed her hand upon his sleeve. "You must remember that I have been in Polite Society for many years, my lord. Two decades. I knew your parents. The kind of people they were. I can tell they never realized the gem of a son they had. Call me a meddlesome matron, Lord Carroll, but I have always seen something in you that perhaps you have never seen in yourself. I invited you here to help you understand more about who you are and what you truly want out of life."

His throat grew thick with emotion, hearing her speak so frankly to him, and the faith she, as a stranger, had in him.

Mrs. Andrews squeezed his arm and dropped her hand, saying, "I believe you could find someone here who might be the perfect partner to go on life's journey with you, my lord. All five young ladies present possess wonderful qualities."

"I agree with your evaluation of them, Mrs. Andrews. And yes, I will admit that I have been rethinking my life, thanks to my presence and observations at this house party. In fact, one particular lady has acquired my attention. Unfortunately, I made a poor first impression upon her."

Mrs. Andrews smiled knowingly. "Then you will be scrambling to show her the new you. The true you. If you need my help in any way, I am willing to assist you."

"Even if it turns out to be one of your nieces?"

"Especially if it might be one of my nieces." She smiled warmly at him. "I know you can be quite amusing and incredibly charming, Lord Carroll, but it will take more than that to win one of my girls. Being in the company of interesting, intelligent men and women will help you discover what you truly have to offer to others. Be open to the man you have kept hidden all these years. By being who you truly are, you will find happiness within yourself. I firmly believe that can then lead to happiness with another."

He sighed, thinking this former duchess had more insight into him than anyone he knew.

"Go and join the younger people now, my lord," she encouraged.

Sterling gazed at her a long moment. "Thank you for asking me to come to Shadowcrest, Mrs. Andrews. If you had not, I doubt I would be on this new path, taking an unexpected fork in the road."

He joined the closest group next to them, not deliberately wanting to seek out Allegra. He spent several minutes talking with Miss Markle, Lady Lida, and Lord Lamkin before they were given the notice to go into dinner.

Unfortunately, Allegra was seated at the far end of the table from him. Each night they entered the dining room, they had a new seat, in order for them to be able to converse with different guests at each meal. He only hoped he and Allegra might partner for the card games to be held later this evening.

The ladies withdrew to the drawing room after dinner, while the men sipped brandy and smoked cheroots. Sterling abstained from the cigars, not wanting the stench of it on his breath.

Because he hoped he would have the chance to kiss Allegra Strong tonight.

When they finished and joined the ladies again, Mrs. Andrews told the group, "Only the young people will be playing cards this evening. There are enough of you for us to have six partners, which will make up three tables of play. Tonight's game will be whist, but we will also play other card games in evenings to come, including faro and commerce."

She picked up a small crystal bowl and continued. "The names of the five gentlemen are here on slips of parchment. I will ask each young lady to draw for her partner. Their Graces will also play as partners. Miss Markle? Would you do the honor of drawing the first name?"

Miss Markle rose and went to the bowl, pulling out a slip. "Lord Motley," she read aloud.

"Lady Lida?" Mrs. Andrews called. "Your turn."

Lady Lida followed in her cousin's footsteps and announced, "Lord Blankenship."

Sterling's heart beat faster, hoping he would partner with Allegra. He now had a one in three chance of doing so.

That was not to be, however.

Miss Bancroft was asked next to draw for her partner. She did so, her gaze meeting his.

"Lord Carroll is to be my partner," she told the group.

He smiled as if he did not have a care in the world, as he heard Miss Lyric would play with Lord Tillings, leaving Allegra to be Lord Lamkin's partner.

"We may not win the tournament this evening, Miss Allegra," Lord Lamkin said. "But I guarantee you we will have a wonderful time trying to do so."

"Get with your partner for a moment and strategize," Mrs. Andrews told the group. "Remember the rules of whist. No conversing about anything related to the game itself once you are at your table. No tipping your hand to your partner. And certainly no signaling your partner."

Sterling rose and joined Miss Bancroft, who retreated to the far corner of the room.

"Shall we make the most of this evening?" he asked, looking over her shoulder and watching Allegra putting her head close to Lord Lamkin's as they discussed their gameplay.

"My lord?"

He turned back to the plain woman who stood before him, suddenly not finding her plain at all. She was smiling at him brilliantly. It amazed him how much a smile could change her features.

"Yes, Miss Bancroft?"

"I know I am not the partner you would have wished for." She held up a hand when he tried to protest. "I have seen you looking at Miss Allegra when you believe no one is watching. I am a great watcher of others, Lord Carroll. It is a habit of wallflowers, I suppose. If you feel the need to impress her this evening, then let us combine to outplay everyone at the tables. I am quite good at maths, my lord, and easily keep track of the cards which have been played. You have a reputation of being a skilled card player. Together, we will be unbeatable."

He returned her smile, suddenly liking this honest, open woman. "Then what shall our strategy be?"

"Whichever of us opens, play the highest card in your dominant suit. That will signal to the other which suit you have the most cards in, and we can play appropriately. If we win that trick, go for the lowest card in your hand next."

Quickly, she continued to outline a strategy that showed how shrewd she truly was.

"Why, Miss Bancroft, if I took you to the gaming hells with me, you would conquer your competition. They would be calling you a cardsharp because you would win at the tables so frequently."

She looked pleased at his unusual compliment. "Thank you, my lord."

"Is there anyone here who has drawn your attention?" he asked. "Perhaps I might be in a position to sing your praises to this gentleman."

A furious blush spread across her cheeks. "You would do that for me?"

"I would do anything for the partner who has all but guaranteed we will demolish our competition," he teased.

"Lord Tillings," she blurted out.

Sterling could see her and the shy viscount as a couple. "Then I will play matchmaker when I can," he promised. Offering her his arm, he said, "Come, Miss Bancroft. Let's go and triumph over our competition." He grinned. "And see if two certain people notice."