Chapter Thirteen

“You are smiling.”

Florentina looked at her sister as they walked through the park. “Indeed, I am. What of it?”

“What are you thinking of?”

“I am thinking of how pleasant a day it is.” Florentina did not tell her sister the truth, certain that she would not understand should Florentina mention that the reason for her smile was because of her reminiscing. The waltz with the Duke the previous evening had been more wonderful than Florentina had ever anticipated and, with every step, she had felt herself warming to him all the more. A good deal had changed in the past week or so, for the Duke appeared to have entirely altered, seeming to be glad of her company, wanting to be present with her and making sure that they danced at every ball they attended. There was no pushing back from her now, no pulling away and thus, Florentina felt her heart softening towards him in a way that she had never expected.

“Look, there is Lord Allington!” Christina grasped Florentina’s arm and then began to wave though Florentina hissed quickly and pulled her sister’s hand down.

“Hush now! You cannot do such a thing as that. You know that Lord Allington has not been in our company as much of late.”

“Though we do not know why ,” Christina responded. “Do you not wish to ask him?”

“Certainly not.” Florentina drew herself up. “I have not even thought about that gentleman, I can assure you.” That was nothing but the truth for Florentina; though flattered by Lord Allington’s attentions, she had never once permitted herself to think anything of their connection. She had resolved to wed the Duke and now that her thoughts were more and more centred upon him, she had not even the smallest consideration when it came to Lord Allington. “Now, let us turn this way,” she continued, taking the left path rather than the one that would lead them closer to the gentleman. “Look, I can see Lord Barlow and Lord Crawley, as well as three other gentlemen of our acquaintance.” She studied her sister’s expression, noting how her gaze instantly went to Lord Crawley. “You are interested in Lord Crawley’s company, then?”

Christina laughed softly. “Mayhap I am. Though,” she continued, “I am not ignoring Lord Barlow. If he were to ask to court me, then I might have to consider it.”

“Though if Lord Crawley asked you, would you immediately accept?” The blush on her sister’s cheeks told Florentina the answer, making her laugh softly. “Then I hope that he asks you soon.”

“What do you think of him?”

Florentina hesitated. “I think that he has shown devotion to you,” she answered, recalling how Lord Crawley had been most insistent on speaking to her in private though, as yet, he had not managed to do so and seemed to have shown less interest in that request. “You will know his character better than I and your judgement is sound.”

Christina smiled at her. “You trust me. That is something I appreciate. Though might I ask if you would be truthful enough to tell me about your own feelings for the Duke?”

Heat poured into Florentina’s face as she looked away, uncertain as to what to say and feeling somewhat embarrassed that all she had been trying to hide was so obvious to her sister.

“If things are improving, then that is an excellent thing,” Christina murmured, as Lord Crawley spotted them, a smile on his face as he turned to greet them. “But you can tell me of such things, you know. I would not judge you in the least.”

There was no time to respond, for Lord Crawley had almost reached them, greeting them both warmly and Florentina smiled back in return.

“And who are these two fine young ladies?”

Their conversation came to a sudden halt as another gentleman, one that Florentina did not recognise, came to join them. Lord Crawley, glancing up, then frowned, his chin lifting.

“Lord Finneston, good afternoon. I do not think that we have been in company with each other since last Season, or, if not, the Season before that!”

“And yet, here I am.” Lord Finneston, his dark brown hair sweeping across his forehead, smiled into Florentina’s eyes, his green eyes glinting. “I confess, it was not your company that I sought, Lord Crawley, but rather an introduction to these two young ladies.”

Lord Crawley’s frown deepened and, for whatever reason, he darted a look towards Florentina. Then, with a small sigh, he gestured to Florentina. “Lord Finneston, might I introduce Lady Florentina and her sister, Lady Christina, sisters to the Earl of Haddington. Lady Florentina, Lady Christina, this is the Earl of Finneston.”

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Lord Finneston dropped into a bow, then rose quickly before taking a step closer to Florentina. “If you are to take a turn about the park, might I ask for your arm, Lady Florentina? And Lord Crawley can walk with Lady Christina and we shall all have an excellent time, I am sure!”

Much to Florentina’s astonishment, the gentleman took her arm before she had even given her consent and, with a broad smile, began to walk with her, almost pulling Florentina along. Florentina had no choice but to go with him, though she did throw a sharp glance towards Christina. Alas, Christina was already laughing up into Lord Crawley’s eyes and did not see Florentina’s look.

“I must say, I am delighted to have been introduced to you. I did note your beauty at the ball last evening and was determined to come and speak with you but, alas, you were much too busy and I was already dancing every dance! But I do hope that we will be able to step out together very soon.”

Quite astonished at the gentleman’s effusiveness, Florentina forced a smile but said nothing, wishing desperately that she could tell him that she was already engaged and thus, send him away from her. Though there was nothing wrong with his manner, his behavior towards her was much too forward and Florentina was left feeling distinctly uncomfortable.

“I have a grand estate in the far north of England,” Lord Finneston continued, the broad smile on his face never leaving. “I have wonderful views of the countryside from my home, three pairs of greys and plenty of space for shooting.”

“How wonderful,” Florentina murmured, looking behind her to see if Christina and Lord Crawley were joining them and, much to her relief, they were. “I think that we should wait for my sister as they are some steps behind.”

Lord Finneston chuckled. “You have no need to fear, Lady Florentina, I am not about to do anything in the least bit improper.”

“No, no, I did not think that,” Florentina answered quickly, her chest tightening with embarrassment. “I am responsible for my sister this afternoon, though our mother is here also but with my youngest sister. I do not wish to appear irresponsible.”

“Ah, I quite understand.” Lord Finneston beamed at her as though she had said something truly remarkable. “Not only is your beauty quite remarkable but you are also a wonderful young lady! To have such consideration and responsibility speaks of a high moral character and that is something I value greatly.”

Florentina frowned, not accepting the compliment in any way. “I see. That is most considerate of you to say, Lord Finneston.”

“But of course! I shall always make my considerations known, Lady Florentina. To hide compliments and to keep them back from young ladies that I inwardly admire is foolish, I think and thus, I have decided to speak openly! I do hope that you do not find me too overwhelming.” He laughed at this but Florentina did nothing aside from simply looking at him for a long moment and then turning her head away, wishing that she might pull her arm from his. Lord Finneston was the most unsettling gentleman she had ever come across and she certainly was not enjoying his company. As soon as she could, Florentina intended to step away from him and, thereafter, studiously avoid his company.

A familiar face came towards them and Florentina’s spirits sank all the lower. The light, slightly twisted smile on Lady Dinah’s face did not speak of any real happiness at seeing her and Florentina, her stomach tightening, turned her gaze away in the hope that Lady Dinah might simply walk past them without attempting conversation.

It soon became clear that any such hopes were quite misplaced.

“Lady Florentina! It seems that wherever I go, you are conversing with yet another gentleman of high society! Who is it this time?”

Florentina flushed hot, her skin prickling as she forced her gaze to Lady Dinah. “We have only just been introduced. This is the Earl of Finneston and, Lord Finneston, this is Lady Dinah.” It was not the most proper nor the most correct way to introduce them both but Florentina was already tired of both the gentleman’s company and now Lady Dinah’s also. She wanted to step away at once but to do so would, she knew, bring about Lady Dinah’s remarks about her conduct and, truth be told, Florentina was a little afraid that the lady might soon then begin to spread rumors about her. That was the last thing she needed, given the complexity of her present situation with the Duke.

“How delighted I am to make your acquaintance!” Lord Finneston, still as bright in his voice as ever, inclined his head and then smiled warmly at Lady Dinah. “I have only just been introduced to Lady Florentina, as she has said, though I was eager for an introduction last evening.”

“Is that so?” Lady Dinah’s lips puckered for a moment, her eyes now sharp as she looked at Florentina. “Goodness, Lady Florentina, it appears as though you are never contented with the gentlemen that are eager for your company! You seek out more and more and more!”

“I was not the one who sought out Lord Finneston, Lady Dinah,” Florentina answered quickly, aware of the needling that Lady Dinah’s words had brought. “Though perhaps I shall step away now and leave you both to conversation.” She made to pluck her hand from Lord Finneston’s arm but, for whatever reason, he tightened his so that she was unable to do so. Her heart began to beat a little faster, fright now charging through her. “My sister and I must soon return home and—”

“Lord Finneston?”

Another familiar voice sent a streak down Florentina’s spine, and she turned quickly, her hand still trapped, only to look into the face of the Duke of Dartmoor. He was frowning heavily, his gaze now going to where her hand sat on Lord Finneston’s arm and Florentina’s heart burned hot in her chest. She tried once more to pull her hand away, but Lord Finneston turned abruptly, causing her to stumble back and, unfortunately, clutch his arm all the more tightly.

“And Lady Florentina.” The Duke’s eyebrows lifted all the more as Florentina steadied herself, another streak of heat running down her spine. “With Lady Dinah present also.” He smiled but it brought no warmth to his eyes. “What an interesting meeting this is.”

“I have only just been introduced to Lord Finneston,” Florentina said quickly, finally managing to pull her hand back. “We came upon Lady Dinah also, and my sister and Lord Crawley are nearby.”

The Duke said nothing, his eyes darting to hers and then pulling away again as though he could not quite look her in the face for long.

“How good to see you, Your Grace!” Lady Dinah sent a bright, warm smile in the direction of the Duke, her eyebrows lifting gently. “Have you come to tell us about the ball you are soon to host? I have been waiting and hoping to hear such news!”

With a clearing of his throat, the Duke nodded. “Yes, of course. I have decided to throw a ball very soon. The invitations are being sent out as we speak.”

Lady Dinah let out a squeal of excitement and clapped her hands in delight, while Florentina searched the Duke’s face, wondering at this announcement. As yet, she had not been informed of the Duke’s intentions of throwing a ball or soiree but somehow, Lady Dinah had known of it. Why had she heard of it before Florentina? From the way the Duke looked and spoke to Lady Dinah, it did not appear as though he was in any way enamored by her but what, Florentina considered, if that was simply a part being played and there was a greater intimacy there between them?

Just as he might now suspect between myself and Lord Finneston. Closing her eyes for a moment, Florentina took in a deep breath and then turned bodily towards the Duke. “Your Grace, I can see that my sister and Lord Crawley are gone a little way down the path already. Might you wish to accompany me as I go towards them? I do not want Christina to be out of my sight, you understand.”

The Duke did not say a word but with a nod, offered her his arm which, within a moment, Florentina took, catching the immediate scowl which settled itself upon Lady Dinah’s face.

“Thank you, Lord Finneston. It was a pleasure to meet you.” She did not mean such a sentiment, of course, but speaking it was right and proper and appeared to mean a great deal to the gentleman, given the way he bowed low.

“But of course. And I do hope that we shall dance together very soon, Lady Florentina.”

With a nod, Florentina turned her head away and, with relief, began to walk alongside the Duke though his stony silence made her heart twist with concern. She suddenly did not know what to say, realising that the thought of the Duke having a stronger connection with Lady Dinah was making her deeply upset and, likewise, fearful that he might think the same of her.

Her breath hitched and, with a suddenness that surprised even her, she turned, pulling the Duke from the path and towards some large bushes. To her relief, he did not pull her back nor hesitate, walking within her until they stood, entirely hidden by shrubbery, and she was staring up into his eyes, her hands now tightly in his.

“I am sorry.” Her breath was coming in short gasps, an urgency to speak quickly, to tell him that what he had seen was nothing that he needed to be suspicious of. “I know that you must have been greatly surprised to see me arm in arm with Lord Finneston but I can promise you, I was only just now introduced to him.” She squeezed her eyes closed again, her lips pressing flat for a moment in frustration. “In truth, he quite astonished me in his fervour. He took my hand without my consent and walked along with me as though I was to be paraded on his arm. And when I tried to step away, his strength prevented it.”

“Florentina, I—”

“I did not like to see you so displeased,” Florentina continued, quickly as she squeezed his fingers lightly as though that might prove her determination. “I was greatly frustrated with what had happened and the circumstances I found myself in and I want you to know that I would never behave in any way inappropriately with any other gentleman. I know that you have decided to keep our engagement a secret for the time being, but that does not mean that I have any intention of behaving improperly.”

The Duke let out a hiss of breath and dropped his head, his chin going to his chest as Florentina’s heart leapt up, frightened by his reaction. What did he think of her? Was this an outward expression of his own frustration or could it be that he was struggling to believe her words?

Tears formed behind her eyes and she pulled her hands out of his, hating the confusion that roiled within her. Why did she want him to think well of her? What was this force that seemed to pull her towards him and why could she not hate him with the same passion as she had once had? Angry at her own growing affection—for that, she saw, was what it was—Florentina rubbed one hand over her eyes, feeling them hot and gritty.

“You shame me, Florentina.”

She blinked furiously as the Duke finally lifted his head and, seeing her expression, quickly pulled out a handkerchief and offered it to her. When she took it, his hand lifted to her cheek and, much to her astonishment, he let his fingers brush along her skin, making her shiver lightly.

“You shame me,” he said again, a crack in his voice now. “We have spent a good deal more time together of late, have we not?”

Nodding, Florentina dabbed the handkerchief to her eyes, sniffing gently.

“And in that time, I have seen more and more the sort of gentleman that I ought to be but that I know I am not. The truth is, Florentina, I have been reflecting upon myself a good deal of late and I find myself in your shadow. You are the one who ought to be honoured here in society for your character alone is worthy of it! I, on the other hand, have done nothing that would be worth anyone’s notice, thinking that my wealth and my property would be enough to make the ton think well of me.”

Florentina swallowed at a sudden lump in her throat. The Duke had been altering in his character of late but she had struggled to trust it, still afraid that there might be something more hiding there but now, as he spoke, she found her heart open and trusting, finally believing that all he now said was quite true.

“The ball I am to throw is to be in your honour.” He caught her hands in his again, his handkerchief falling to the ground though he did not seem to either notice or care. “I wish to make the announcement there, Florentina, that we are betrothed and will marry. What say you to that?”

For a moment, Florentina could not even take a breath. She stared back into his eyes, seeing the way he looked back at her, his hazel eyes swirling as he waited. Could it be that this was truly the same Duke as she had first been introduced to; the one who had marched into her brother’s manor house and declared it his own? He seemed so very different now, almost tender in his manner towards her and certainly caring enough for her so as to make certain she was happy and contented with the notion of a betrothal celebration.

Florentina could not help but smile. “That, I think, would be quite wonderful.”

“Truly?” The Duke exhaled loudly, looking away for a moment and Florentina laughed softly.

“Did you think I would refuse you such a request?”

The edge of his mouth lifted. “Truth be told, Florentina, I was not certain what you would say. I am overjoyed at the deepening of our connection of late, but I know that I must earn your trust, and that shall take a long time. All the same, what I have said to you this afternoon is the truth, and I will not be pushed back from it.”

She took a small step closer, her heart leaping up as his breath brushed lightly across her cheek, suddenly captured by a growing desire in her heart to be close to him… closer than she had ever been before. “I do not know why you wished to keep our betrothal from the ton , but if you are determined now to announce it, then I am glad of it.”

A flush crept into the Duke’s face as he shook his head, his mouth all pinched. With a heavy sigh, he looked back at her. “Do not question my reasons for doing such a foolish thing, Florentina, for then I shall have to explain to you the extent of my foolishness, and I believe I have already dropped very low in your estimation indeed.”

Florentina smiled gently. “Though that has improved of late, Dartmoor.”

This seemed to astonish the Duke, for his eyes rounded and he gazed back at her in silence for a few moments, only to lean closer to her. The sun seemed to grow suddenly warmer, the bird song all the sweeter, and Florentina closed her eyes, her heart quick with excitement as she waited for him to close the distance between them.

And then, it came.

It was the briefest of kisses, the lightest touch of his lips against her own but it was enough to make Florentina feel as though fireworks were exploding all around her. Her breath hitched and she stood completely still, wanting the feeling to linger, for the sensation to last for as long as it might.

And then, a clamour of voices made her eyes flare wide, one hand going to her mouth.

The Duke chuckled. “If you return to the path this way, I shall make my way through the shrubbery and come out at a different place. Then I shall meander back towards you, and no one present will have any reason to suspect that there is only a brief acquaintance between us.” He took her hand and pressed a kiss to it, looking up at her as he did so and making Florentina’s whole body tingle with just a look. “After all, I would very much like it to be a surprise to all of the ton … and perhaps, most of all, to Lady Dinah.”

“Lady Dinah?” Florentina began to move away from him, praying that no other couple might think to come into the shrubbery for their own few moments of solitude. “She knew of your intention to throw the ball before I.”

“Only because she does not ever release me from her conversation!” the Duke answered, with a roll of his eyes. “No, my dear Florentina, I shall look forward to making that announcement on the day of my ball, and then all will know of our intention to wed. And that, I believe, shall make me very happy.”

Florentina smiled back at him, relief pouring into her. “As it shall make me,” she whispered, before turning around and hurrying back towards the path and, thereafter, her sister.

Yes, the Duke of Dartmoor had altered his character so greatly, that Florentina did not quite know what was happening to her. Her heart was clearly affected, now pulling towards him with a strength that utterly astonished Florentina but she was quite determined not to try and restrain her feelings any longer.

Perhaps, despite it all, despite the upset, the pain and the fury which she had felt, there might come a greater happiness than she had ever known; and it was to be found solely in the arms of the Duke.