Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Devonshire Estate, 1819

Sixteen years later

The excited murmurs could be heard while guests made their way up the stone walkway to the proud, modern, white painted stucco faade of the main house.

Laughter and chatter filled the air as ladies found their friends.

"Darling, you look wonderful, silk always suits you."

"Thank you, my dear. Don't think I haven't noticed those diamonds." Two ladies gave each other the lightest of embraces as to not ruin their make up.

Their fashionable gowns made of light material suited the particularly warm evening. The men stood nearby hoping to get inside the dining area for a refreshment.

"Do you believe we stand a chance of having a drink before it has all been drunk?" Baron Sylvester Tweed remarked to his companions in a whimsical manner.

"I like to think so," Edward Sternwood replied dryly.

The third, Lord Benjamin Wells said nothing, but the duke watched him as the man's gaze wandered through the garden. Wells was known to enjoy large parties—as they allowed him the opportunity to prey on any unmarried ladies.

The duke observed him, and frowned. The man was smiling to himself as he stared over at a ravishing young lady with clear emerald eyes, ones that seemed to create an almost immediate fascination. The duke knew the man was just waiting for his opportunity.

The balmy wind carried harp music out to greet every new arrival to the estate. The large entertainment area, which started outside and continued far into the main house, had nearly a hundred people scattered around, immersed in hushed conversations.

The servants had made sure that every surface gleamed as brightly as the silverware nearby. The large dining table was being set as more and more people arrived. The white tablecloth was almost blinding in its unblemished splendor.

Whenever the duke announced a dinner, it became of utmost importance to be on the guest list. Not being invited meant you were not even worth speaking to in most social circles.

That evening was all about romance. He had arranged that particular party even though he was quite against the notion of love. He had yet to experience the euphoria described by his peers or find reason to believe a woman would want him for more than his money.

He had finally regained his ability to walk, though it took years. He had worked tirelessly to regain his mobility. Only to be crippled by the fear that a woman would never stay by his side in his condition. She had to take him as he was or not at all.

The duke looked toward the guests of honor. The Smith brothers had met a pair of sisters and had courted them at the same time. When the time had come, they had found themselves ready to marry. When word had gotten around that not only one but both Smith brothers were engaged, the town was alight with joy.

The Smiths were a rare combination of wealth and good-heartedness. They created hundreds of jobs in a time where men had fought for work daily. The entire town wanted to celebrate, and the duke would oblige.

Though most would not be invited to the ball, they would eat well. For some a gift more precious than the newest silk gown.

Carriages continued to pull up to the entrance. Dukes, barons… even a prince had made his way from the east to attend. The mere extravagance of a ball hosted by the duke would draw out the most interesting selection of people.

The atmosphere made every guest want to smile. The looks of adoration shared between the two couples made all who greeted them swoon. The warm weather meant the guests could dance outside under the stars. Married couples could be seen holding hands again, reminded how falling in love had felt.

They arrived in attire that boasted how much they were willing to spend to stand out. The men wore suits made from the finest cotton and silks, while the women seemed to compete regarding who could dress in the most opulent gowns, and have the most outlandish hair styles.

"Where on earth did she find that!"

"Must be lovely to have such style." Murmurs of both compliments and judgments could be heard among the guests.

Those who favored themselves to be almost royalty would arrive last, and many a time late.

Inside, groups of people stood together sipping on the best wines in the duke 's collection and comparing fortunes.

"Well it was only going for a few thousand. How could I not? It suits my hunting room rather well," one lord scoffed.

"If you must have it then why ever not?" his wife said with a laugh. The rest of the group joined in, humoring her. The duke listened with half an ear, and sighed. It was always the same.

Tonight was a night where the magic of love was celebrated. Every guest had a smile on their face as they bragged of newly acquired land or paintings. All were having a jubilant time, all except the very man who had arranged the dinner.

Henry VI, The Duke of Devonshire looked the very definition of melancholy. Although the perfect host, the duke was not as deeply in conversation as his guests. He was seated as he always was and had by now convinced himself that he was content that way.

Henry was the host, and a duke, and yet he was the only person in the room who didn't have a partner. He had no idea what all these people had that he did not. Though being surrounded by all the company helped him feel more part of life, he was always struck with even worse loneliness than before.

"I do really appreciate this Your Grace!" said James Smith to the duke, one of the brothers who had asked his beloved to be his bride.

"Not at all James. You found love. It should be celebrated." Henry meant it.

"Thank you, Your Grace. For this and for… well keeping things quiet about..."

"You are a gentleman James, and I have known you for years as such. I don't see any reason your reputation should be tarnished. Least of all if you take up your responsibility as any decent man should."

James nodded and excused himself to join his brother. The bell chimed on the large wooden clock and everyone fell quiet. They all moved into the dining hall after the clock had chimed seven times and the kitchen staff had opened the doors that led from the entertainment area into the dining hall.

Henry sighed. I wanted to make it to the dining hall before everyone. As usual I let conversation distract me.

He chastised himself for not paying close attention to his surroundings. He deeply disliked being the center of attention.

He did make it before most, at least, saving himself from being a full spectacle.

I swear they all love coming here and having me as entertainment, the duke thought as his guests watched him expectantly.

He stayed seated as the other guests entered the dining hall.

I would stand to greet them, if only every single one of them didn't believe I were incapable of doing so. At least not without the aid of several servants.

If only they knew…

Henry caught sight of his reflection in the large mirror that almost covered one side of the wall. He looked tired even to his own eyes. His dark hair was well groomed but a few loose hairs at his temple made him look slightly deranged.

Once the guests were all seated, the soup was brought out. The duke stared at the offending liquid as it was placed before him. The unnatural yellow paste did not have much of a smell to it, and the duke took a small spoonful to taste, confirming its blandness. He glanced around at the other guests who started eating after him. He would have admired their convincing murmurs if their fakery didn't test his temper.

"Rather good, isn't it?" Louisa said softly. Seated directly to his right, his sister was one of the few people he was glad to see there tonight. The dim lights from a table behind them made her light blonde hair glow.

It may also be due to the fact that she's expecting. Delightful news that I will get to at least have a niece or nephew that I can see grow into an adult. The duke lost himself in melancholy thought again.

"Hmmm, yes, delightful." He said lifting the spoon to his lips but barely eating any. Her gloved hand flew to her mouth to conceal a giggle. He smiled at her with the first genuine smile he had all evening. She beamed up at him with the same warm brown eyes that he had. A keepsake from their father who passed only three years prior.

A finer duke than the one I make, he thought bitterly.

"Are you free tomorrow? There's something I wish to discuss with you." Louisa said, interrupting his musings.

"If it's about what I think it is, then no I'm not free," Henry said with a smirk.

"Henry, it's time. You would do well to find yourself a proper wife. The lack thereof is evident every time I enter the estate, she replied with a worried look.

"You mean there aren't six children running around the place?"

"What I mean, dear brother, is that I fear you aren't properly taken care of, and you never leave the grounds anymore. There isn't a whisper of a woman's touch to be seen anywhere," Louisa said with a caring tone.

Just like the gardens and rooms, I too haven't felt the touch of a women's hand in mine for years! The duke was glad his thoughts were not easily revealed in his words.

"That is my own choice. Why does it concern you so?" Henry asked with a bit more care.

"I just want you to be as happy as I am," she said with a tinge of sorrow that tugged at his conscience.

"I know. Sadly, as you must know, most woman crave a man who can actually walk." Louisa looked at him with a look of pure pity.

I know she means well but I dislike being pitied, he thought. Especially since it's completely unwarranted. Not only can I walk… but I can run.

He stared down at his untouched plate. Mercifully the soup was taken away and the first course of roast lamb and vegetables were served. The seared meat was the perfect hue of dark brown. Steam danced away from the plate meaning it had been prepared and plated immediately, still piping hot.

Rosemary and sweet mint assailed his senses as he waited for everyone to be served. He cut a small piece of meat and scooped some of the vegetables and gravy along with it onto his fork. The tartness of the tomatoes went well with the fatty meat. The herbs and spices he had noticed earlier were more pronounced by salt and notes of pepper.

He struggled to keep his eyes open as he appreciated how well the soft, perfectly prepared meat seemed to melt in his mouth and made his stomach sing with relief.

He took another bite as he cast his eyes around the room. All the guests were merrily eating, except for the two couples seated near the head of the table on opposite sides. The four people in question were his newly engaged friends.

They were the reason everyone had gathered that night.

I would have preferred not to get involved. It would unfortunately be very unbecoming if I were to not celebrate my friends and their happy news. I only wish I could ever stand a chance like they do. The duke struggled to swallow his food suddenly.

I have little recollection of how many times their brides-to-be have lifted their left hands to gasps of admiration. I'm so happy for them, though it does look rather cumbersome. Misery clouded his thoughts.

They had not touched the soup and seem similarly uninterested in the next course.

It would appear that love sates all one's needs, even hunger! I do wish I had a better distraction to have saved me from the soup as well, or do I? What women would want to be troubled by the likes of me? A man who can do nothing but sit and lay down? A man who won't be able to give a woman the family she craves? The heir I need? My entire bloodline will be erased from history!

The duke, feeling true panic grasp him, tried to clear his mind. The alternative is to show that I'm not those things. No, then I open the doors to fortune hunters. I want a woman who would still love me if it happened again, and the effects were permanent.

He could hardly enjoy the food he had relished just mere moments earlier. The next four courses that followed were the same. It appeared he had as little appetite as the lovebirds, only for a much more unsavory emotion, envy.

He leaned back to look longingly through the open door that led out into the gardens. He would have to make it through the tiresome evening before he could be alone and free.

When the meal was finally over, the men joined the duke for a glass of fine, aged, Port and a cigar while the ladies enjoyed their tea. The looks of sympathy as he was helped into his chair were plain on the faces of his peers. It enraged him. His invalid chair did not fit under the table. In order to go from room to room, the duke was helped in and out of his dining chair.

He was just about to enter the smoking room when he looked in the direction of the ladies tea room. He watched a man speaking to a much younger lady. He recognized Lord Wells and knew this unfortunate young lady might soon find herself victim to his advances.

Lord Wells reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The young lady recoiled from him. She most obviously did not want his attentions. It was more than enough to prompt the duke into action.