Chapter 4

Chapter Four

“ Y ou don’t think he will come looking for us, do you?” Diana asked, the panic in her voice causing Louisa to look up from the piano and miss a note.

Seeing the look on her sister’s face, Louisa stood up and walked around the pianoforte to sit on one of the sofas that made up the sitting area of the drawing room.

Diana immediately came to sit beside her. “You do not think he might report you to the authorities? I don’t know the law, but I am positive that breaking into a residential building is a punishable offense,” she continued, her voice ringing with anxiety. “I wonder what would be said in the rags about us if he does so. It would ruin us.”

Assuming that the ton believes such a rumour.

Louisa smiled inwardly. She didn’t know about her own reputation because her scar garnered her sympathy from the majority of the ton.

“Trust me, all would be well,” she said, smiling at her sister reassuringly.

“What if—” Diana started.

“He will not report us. Do not worry.”

“Who won’t report you?” Isabella asked, entering the drawing room.

Oh God. Why now?

“The Duke of Colborne,” Diana answered.

“Why would he have reason to report you?” Isabella asked, pouring herself a cup of tea. “Is it because of the letter?”

“No,” Louisa uttered. She had truly hoped that no one but herself, Diana, and the carriage driver would know about their visit to the Duke’s townhouse, but alas it was not to be.

“Well?” Isabella prompted impatiently. “Will any of you tell me what happened?”

“We went to the Duke’s townhouse,” Louisa admitted.

“You did what?”

“I wanted to get the letter back before he could read it, but he caught me.”

“I literally have nothing to say,” Isabella scoffed, shaking her head. “I sincerely hope for your sake that he doesn’t report you.”

He would have to leave his house first.

Not for the first time since their visit to Colborne House, Louisa wondered what exactly happened to the handsome man who lived behind those dilapidated walls.

What happened to make him choose a life of solitude, content to haunt the walls of the old building?

What was it about the man that made him so mysterious and piqued her curiosity?

What was it about the man that made her long to get to know him, to understand what emotions swirled in his dark eyes?

She had cared little about much else apart from her family since her accident.

“So, is he a beast like the rumours say?” Isabella asked, forcing her to focus on the reality in front of her and the room she sat in.

“Who?”

“The Duke of Colborne,” Isabella huffed in a chastising tone.

“No, he wasn’t,” Louisa replied with a sigh, standing to return to her seat at the pianoforte.

“What did he look like? Does he have horrific scars? Is he deformed?” Isabella probed, curiosity getting the better of her.

“No, he doesn’t. On the contrary, he is quite… good-looking,” Louisa replied, keeping her voice carefully bland and arranging the sheet music to continue practicing on the pianoforte. A fast piece that challenged but intrigued her.

Just as her fingers hovered over the keys, ready to play, the door to the drawing room swung open and her mother strolled in.

“Louisa,” Lady Langham said shakily. “It appears that you have a visitor.”

Louisa’s eyes widened at the news as she watched her mother leave.

When she got to the door, Lady Langham turned around abruptly. “Remind me to never doubt your stories again,” she added awkwardly, before turning on her heels and stepping into the hallway.

Louisa frowned, wondering who called on her and why their visit had discomfited her mother. She had no friends, hence she hardly had any callers—at least since the accident. The few friends she had, they had left since then.

This was in no way their fault. It had been a deliberate decision on her part. She had grown tired of the pitiful looks they threw her way whenever they met. It felt like she was attending her own funeral while she was still alive whenever she was with them, and that was ridiculous because she could not, for the life of her, understand why they made such a fuss over a little scar.

Some people might argue that the scar marred her face and made her unattractive and unable to attract suitors, but she preferred to have someone who liked her beyond her physical attributes. A person who loved her for her personality and intellect. A person who would not be discouraged simply because of a tiny scar on her face.

She knew it was a fanciful thought. It even sounded unlikely to her, but there was a part of her that held out hope that she might meet that special person.

That was the reason she would rather remain unmarried than marry Lord Pemberton. He could not hold her gaze any more than her former friends could. Since there was no possibility that her friends were visiting, the only other person who would call was the Duke of Colborne. But that was not likely, right?

The man was a recluse who rarely came out of his home. What were the odds that he would make the sacrifice of leaving the safety of those old walls simply to come and punish a daft girl who had trespassed on his property?

But then he was within his rights to punish her. It was highly unlikely that he was calling on her, but not impossible.

“Do you think it might be the Duke?” Isabella asked, a hint of fear in her voice.

“There is only one way to find out,” Louisa said, standing and wiping her suddenly damp hands on the skirt of her dress before marching out of the room.

Just as she got to the door, she had to stop abruptly to avoid colliding with the newcomer, who seemed to be trying to gain entrance into the drawing room.

“Good morning, ladies,” the stranger greeted in a familiar, deep voice.

Looking up into his face, Louisa found herself awestruck yet again .

The man was beautiful in an essentially masculine way. He had a typical aristocratic face with high cheekbones, a chiseled jaw, and eyes the colour of the sky during a storm. She recognized those eyes but found it hard to believe. His eyes flickered with several powerful emotions, but seeming to realize her scrutiny, they shuttered, locking her out.

Here in the light of day, she came to the startling realization that the Duke of Colborne was in fact an irresistibly attractive man, and he became even more so when he cracked a smile, transforming his somber expression into something she could only describe as dangerous.

“Do not tell me that you have already forgotten me, Miss Louisa,” he drawled, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “I am Percival Fletcher, the Duke of Colborne.”

His words were followed by a perfect bow over her hand and a chaste kiss on it, making the butterflies in the pit of her stomach flutter.

Louisa had to make an immense effort to maintain her composure.

Clearing her throat, she said, “Welcome to our humble abode, Your Grace. We are honoured to host you. Forgive my surprise, we were not expecting your visit.”

“Why, am I not allowed to visit my fiancée without prior notice?” he asked, the sly grin on his face growing as a collective gasp rippled through the room.

Well, there was one more thing she hadn’t deduced from their first meeting. It appeared that the reclusive Duke had a flair for dramatic announcements.

Louisa could feel the weight of three pairs of eyes on her, and even though she could not see their faces, she knew they looked astonished. She would explain the situation to them later, but at the moment, her focus was on the Duke, who she was doing her best to smite with the heat of her glare.

Instead of looking intimidated, the dratted man seemed to enjoy her discomfort because his smirk just widened.

She pulled back the hand he was still holding, and he instantly released her, surprise flashing in his eyes and disappearing just as quickly. As if he had not realized that he had been holding onto her hand for the better part of five minutes.

Running her suddenly damp hands over her dress, Louisa forced herself to hold her head up high as she stepped forward. One step, then another, until she stood so close to him that she could feel the heat of his body.

A part of her enjoyed watching his smirk dim a little in surprise.

“If you are here to blackmail me, Your Grace, I must say that you should be ashamed of yourself. This is a most cowardly thing to do,” she said in a low whisper.

“Miss Louisa, I would never do anything of the sort,” he replied.

“Welcome.” Isabella greeted, reminding Louisa of her presence in the room. “Please make yourself comfortable. I must leave you two to discuss. I seemed to have forgotten an appointment with my modiste. I shall see you tomorrow, Louisa.”

The Duke bowed in response.

As soon as the door closed behind Isabella, they stepped away from each other.

The Duke went to take a seat on one of the sofas in the drawing room, leaving Louisa standing, watching him as he folded his tall frame and made himself comfortable.

“If you have not come to blackmail me, what did you hope to gain by claiming to be betrothed to me in front of my family?”

“You reached out to me first, or have you already forgotten, beautiful Louisa?” he retorted, stressing the syllables in a way that felt like a caress.

Warmth bloomed in her belly in response.

She had always thought her name was too simple—stuffy even. But when he said it, he made the simple syllables sound like something sinful. Something to be whispered in dark corners at night.

She had to make a conscious effort to pull herself back to reality. What exactly was it about the man that drove her to distraction?

“Yes, I did. Was that the reason you decided to break your self-imposed seclusion and visit us?”

“Well, it would be rude of me not to answer your letter, especially after you had gone through the trouble of using a dashing gentleman to deliver the letter,” he said with an aggravating smile. “Besides, I am a gentleman, and I would never allow a young lady to fall into disgrace on my account. You should have expected my proposal, especially considering the scandalous nature of your letter and the fact that we had spent time alone in my manor unchaperoned .”

“But nobody saw us,” she pointed out in outrage.

“Are you sure about that?” he asked, his eyes glittering with barely concealed mirth.

He was enjoying this, damn him.

“You live alone. Who could have seen us?”

“Do I? Live alone, that is?” he asked with a raised eyebrow, staring at her steadily until she came to a horrible conclusion.

“Your butler? He wouldn’t,” she gasped.

“I do not control what Tobias says or does beyond his duties. He is usually discrete, but I could never expect him to enjoy solitude the way I do. He must talk to someone. Besides, I am sure that you are familiar with the saying that the walls have ears. Believe me, the ton would have learned about this somehow.”

Louisa dropped her folded arms in defeat. “I will not be the only one ruined if they find out. Little Diana might be affected as well. There is enough noise about me amongst le bon ton . I certainly do not wish to add scandal to the list,” she said in a hopeless tone.

“I just did not want to be coerced to marry a man who pitied me and held no affection for me. My last suitor just wanted to marry me as a broodmare of sorts. I could never settle for that no matter how hideous the world thinks I look.

“I would not be able to bear the pity and pain for a lifetime. I am sure it sounds unrealistic, but I had thought to escape it by inventing an imaginary suitor. Forgive me, but I thought you did not exist, that the stories about you were just fantastical tales conjured by members of the ton to entertain themselves.”

“I do not blame you. I do live like I do not exist,” he acknowledged, a somber expression on his face. He patted the space beside him on the sofa. “Come, Miss Louisa. I believe we have much to discuss.”

Louisa came to sit on the other end of the sofa, keeping some distance between them.

“I do have an offer that could put your current problems to rest.”

“That does sound intriguing, Your Grace. Do tell,” she said, leaning forward and staring at him with rapt attention.

For a moment, he was distracted by the warmth of her wide brown eyes. But then he cleared his throat and spoke up. “I propose that we marry.”

Seeing her frown, he raised a hand to stop her asking questions until he could frame his words.

“It would not be a marriage in the true sense of the word—a marriage of convenience if you will. You will no longer have to deal with the pressure of your family forcing you to marry a man you strongly dislike, and you will certainly not receive pitiful looks from me. I know people who deserve such an emotion, and you, my dear, are not on the list.

“You will have your freedom to come and go as you wish. You will have the protection of my name and the freedom that neither married nor unmarried ladies of the ton can boast about.”

Louisa was stunned into silence, worsened by his unwavering stare. He was a man confident in himself and much used to getting his way, and while that should have annoyed her, she found she was somewhat… excited by it.

“Your offer is attractive, Your Grace. Maybe a bit unrealistic. You promise things that seem too good to be true. In exchange, what do you want from me? I do not particularly like to be indebted to anyone,” she replied, a skeptical look on her face.

“Do not worry, dear,” he said, leaning forward to stare intently into her face.

His gaze felt like a hot caress on her skin. Louisa swallowed hard, doing her best to appear composed.

“You would pay me back by simply attending all social events with me, turning on your best ballroom smile, and helping me return to the good graces of the ton. Of course, I will also need your dowry to repair my manor. You might have noticed that it was in great disarray during your last visit.” He gave her a rueful smile.

Louisa had indeed noted that Colborne House needed repairs and silently wondered about the Duke’s financial situation. She knew it was in no way his fault, but it still worried her. Repairing it would be best for both her and her soon-to-be husband. While she did not require a lot to be comfortable, she fancied living in a home that was at least sufficiently organized.

“Just that?” she asked, wide-eyed.

“Just that,” the Duke confirmed with a nod.

“B-But you are a duke. Surely you would require an heir?” she asked tentatively, shifting self-consciously as his eyes flashed with more heat and slowly roamed down her body.

“You are not required to do anything other than what I had stated earlier, Miss Louisa,” he reassured her, looking away just in time, as she was contemplating reaching for her fan to cool the heat that seemed to consume her whole body.

“What of your title? It would end with you,” she pointed out, a frown creasing her brow.

“Do not worry about that, dear,” he said with a half smile. “I have a relative who would inherit the title when I die. You do not have to break a sweat over it.”

“So, do you agree? Do you have any other questions?” he asked.

“I just feel like I have more to gain from this marriage than you do. We might also be throwing away any chance of making love matches,” she said, biting her lower lip anxiously.

“I have never intended to make a love match, and I never will. I might not promise you love, but you would have my protection and my loyalty. I would be faithful to you for as long as I walk this earth.”

“Even if we do not have marital relations?” she pressed, her cheeks flushing. “I know that men do have needs—needs that are supposed to be satisfied in the bedroom. How will you remain faithful when I do not offer you that satisfaction?”

“Do not worry yourself about that, my dear. I would worry about that myself. Just know that I keep my vows,” he replied, looking away dismissively.

“If I am to agree to this, I have expectations.”

“Whatever things you require will be taken care of.”

“You didn’t even wait to hear what I have to say,” she said, smiling.

“Consider it done. We will be wedded in a week by special license. I will obtain one from the Bishop,” he declared with finality, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips.

When Percival set out to make this offer, he had been doubtful of its success. The first problem he had encountered was choosing what to wear. Seeing as he had not been in polite company for the better part of two years, he had not needed formal dress.

At that moment, staring at the contents of his wardrobe, he cursed himself for neglecting to acquire some of the finery that came with his title, never mind that he did not feel he deserved it.

It was at that moment that good old Tobias stepped in to save the day. Apparently, he had some of Michael’s clothes altered. His brother was about the same height, but his time in the army must have given him broader shoulders because the coat felt snug around the shoulders.

Percival had to hire a hackney to go to the heart of Mayfair, where Langham Manor was located. It was a well-kept building, a far cry from the state of his home. When he had introduced himself as a duke, the butler was only too happy to allow him in. When he had finally seen his quarry, he was once again struck by the uniqueness of her features. She was petite but had curves that teased him endlessly. Her hair was twisted in a loose bun, with some tendrils escaping to frame her face, giving her a youthful look.

Her sister stood beside her, with nearly identical features. They might look the same, apart from the scar, but something in his quarry’s soulful brown eyes ensured that he recognized her at an elemental level.

It seemed the restlessness in his soul called to hers.

When he proposed, he had expected her to reject him passionately. He was even ready to use blackmail if need be. Imagine his surprise when she accepted his terms without much resistance. Just when he was about to seal the deal in a manner of speaking, her mother stepped back into the room, with a maid bearing refreshments hot on her heels.

“My apologies for the delay, Your Grace,” she said with a nervous smile. “We had to make a fresh batch of biscuits.”

She set down a tray laden with different types of cakes and cookies, complete with a tea set.

“Thank you, My Lady,” he returned with a smile.

He didn’t much care for sweets, but looking back at his betrothed, he could see the longing glances she cast at the overflowing tray from time to time, as if she wanted to reach for it but was not allowed to.

Using a napkin, he picked up one perfect cream muffin.

“Here, my dear,” he said, offering it to her. “Think of it as an early betrothal gift.”

She chuckled happily and took it. A sense of relief washed over him when he saw how relaxed and happy she was.

“Mother,” she announced, looking up with a smile, “His Grace has asked for my hand in marriage, and I have accepted.”

Percival watched in amusement as relief flashed across Lady Langham’s face and her shoulders relaxed.

“That is excellent news, Louisa,” she said, rocking slightly as if she dearly wanted to break into dance but was making the effort to stand still. She turned to him with a radiant smile. “Welcome to the family, Your Grace. I promise you will not regret this decision.”

“Marrying Louisa can never be regrettable,” Percival declared stiffly, slightly offended by the implication that his betrothed was not desirable. “I am a lucky man to have her. Since we have agreed, I will do my best to obtain a special license. We will be married in a week.”

With a deep bow, he walked out of the drawing room, leaving the two ladies standing there, their jaws slack with astonishment.

“Well,” Isabella began, breaking the silence that fell over the room following the Duke’s departure. “It seems that we have a wedding to plan on very short notice.”

“Indeed, I do not know how on earth we are expected to put forth a good celebration on such short notice. We do not even have a wedding dress ready. I truly wonder if the modiste will be able to make something beautiful so quickly. We have to go there before nightfall,” Lady Langham sputtered, frantic with worry.

“Mother, there is no need to fret,” Louisa said.

“There is every need, dear Louisa. You are not allowed to look anything but absolutely glorious on your special day. I am not going to let the vicious mamas of the ton have a field day again,” Lady Langham asserted, pacing the length of the drawing room.

Louisa felt that familiar cold weight in her belly that reminded her of the blow her self-esteem had taken for the past couple of years since the accident. Her mother attempted to play it off as nothing, pretending that she was not affected by their snide comments, but her last comment belied her pretense.

“Louisa…” Lady Langham began in an apologetic tone.

“There is no need, Mama. The modiste will make a good dress. No amount of finery will make the ton forget that I am a scarred lady. I bear my scars with pride and would never allow them to make me feel less.”

“That is the spirit, dearest sister,” Isabella chimed in, a wide smile on her face.

“Come, my dear,” Lady Langham urged, taking Isabella’s hand. “We have a wedding to plan. There is so much to do. Make haste.”

Considering that Isabella’s wedding had taken three months to plan, Louisa did not envy them the task of trying to replicate a wedding of such opulence in so little time. But then, if there was anyone who took hospitality and balls very seriously, it was her mother.

It was how Lady Langham had managed to marry off two of her daughters to dukes, and a third was on the way.

While she did not particularly care for appearances, Louisa understood her mother’s need to control some things, and because she understood the cause of that impulse, she humored her.

More than the wedding, she was concerned about the marriage per se, and naturally, she thought about her fiancé. She could only describe him as mysterious in a dark way, and while that quality was attractive in a way, it was also the root cause of her nervousness.

While the marriage offer seemed the answer to her prayers, she wondered what it would be like to be married to the Duke of Colborne. On the surface, she must admit that he was easy on the eyes and that he was attractive in a dark, untamed way, with a smoldering gaze and rumbling voice that called to a primal part of her that she had not realized existed.

They were attracted to each other, there was no doubt about that. But she had no inkling of his character and what exactly he was capable of. She had a feeling that she would never know, especially if he meant to keep to his plan of living separate lives.

She was supposed to be euphoric about the idea of enjoying the freedom that came with living alone, hence she did not understand the tightness that bloomed in her chest at the thought.