Chapter Twelve

E ffie enjoyed herself so much during supper that it was almost over when she remembered that Waterbury was going to tell her what she had been wrong about.

Perhaps she had been wrong about him . . .

She had thought him a bit full of himself before tonight. A tad pompous simply because he was a duke. Also, a man who was much too serious. At times, she had sensed an anger within him, something he hid from the world with his cold, silent exterior.

Yet after what he had revealed to her, she couldn't help but understand him a bit more. He'd truly had no one for years, other than a younger sister whom he had not been around that much. His schooldays had been lonely. His home life—with a distant father and self-absorbed mother—had obviously been miserable. Effie had seen firsthand how shallow the Dowager Duchess of Waterbury was, and she could not imagine growing up without abundant love. It made her realize how fortunate she was to have come from the family she did. True, her own father sounded an awful lot like Waterbury's ducal father, but Mama had more than made up for his lack of attention and love.

She'd also had all her sisters and cousins, all her best friends from the time she came out of the womb. Effie could not imagine what it would be like to be excluded. Isolated. Lonely.

Waterbury had not really talked about the wife and babe he'd lost. Instinct told her he had behaved much toward them as his own father had to him, not knowing how to be close to others. She hoped he would do a better job in his next marriage. She would be on the lookout for a woman who might help His Grace live up to his full potential. Effie would also ask her brother and brothers-in-law to keep a watchful eye on the duke and befriend him.

"The dancing will start soon," Lord Ashmore said. He gazed longingly at Lady Ada. "I wish we could dance the next set."

Ada looked pleased at his remark. "Then you must ask me to dance again, my lord, at the next ball."

"I will do more than that, Lady Ada," said the viscount, his face earnest. "Might I call upon you tomorrow afternoon?"

Her friend blushed prettily. "You may."

"Shall we go to the retiring room, Lady Ada?" Effie asked.

"Oh, that is an excellent idea."

The gentlemen rose and helped them to their feet. Effie said to the duke, "I haven't forgotten that you were supposed to share something with me. I cannot recall what, but please remember for me so that you might do so later."

She laughed and saw him chuckle. She also saw his eyes darken as he looked at her. An odd feeling ran through her, and Effie shook it off.

Slipping her arm through Lady Ada's they left the supper room and went to the retiring room, which was located on the ground floor.

"What do you think of him?" her friend asked breathlessly.

"Him? Who is him?" she asked playfully before bursting into laughter. "I cannot keep a straight face. I know you mean Lord Ashmore."

"Is he not marvelous?" Lady Ada asked, her face going dreamy.

"He seems like quite the gentleman. More importantly, he likes you."

"Do you really think so?" Lady Ada asked, worry in her eyes.

"I most certainly do. He hung on your every word at supper. He has asked to call upon you. I think you make for a wonderful pair. But do not rush into any commitment with him," Effie cautioned. "Continue to get to know him."

Lady Ada sighed. "It seems as if I have always known him."

Effie recalled Sophie saying something similar about James and believed her friend might have already fallen in love.

They freshened up and then primped, Effie securing a stray lock of Lady Ada's with a hairpin.

"I am so glad we were able to sup together," her friend said. "It was kind of you to dance with Waterbury."

"I only did so in order that we might spend the supper hour together. I have encouraged him to mingle more and dance as much as he can. It is the only way he will be able to determine who his next duchess might be."

Lady Ada's brow creased. "What if . . . what if my brother is . . . interested in you ?"

Effie laughed heartily. "That would never be the case. We are as opposite as night and day. Besides, I look more upon him as a brother, not a soulmate who makes my heart quicken like I believe Lord Ashmore may do yours."

Lady Ada's face turned bright red. "I know I should not already feel this way, but there is just so much to like about Lord Ashmore. Do I love him? I am not certain what love is." She smiled. "To understand it, I should probably spend more time with your family. They are most loving, Lady Effie. Even your mama and the captain give each other such heated looks—and think of how old they are."

"Mama missed out on love the first time around. I am happy she has found it with the captain."

Lady Ada grew contemplative. "Waterbury did not love Imogen. They barely knew one another before they wed, and they spent so little time together after their marriage. She was quite ill the entire time she was increasing and took to her rooms, avoiding him."

"I am sorry to hear that. Hopefully, His Grace will make a much better second marriage than he did his first."

"Mama chose Imogen for him because she was beautiful and her family name was respected." Lady Ada hesitated. "Mama did not have a headache as Waterbury said. We quarreled with her in the carriage on the way to the ball."

"Over her involvement in choosing your mates?"

"Yes," Lady Ada said. "Waterbury said it was up to us whom we would wed. That Mama could contribute her opinion, but he and I would make our own decisions regarding our spouses."

"I can see that did not sit well with her."

Lady Ada giggled. "That is certainly one way to put it."

"We should return to the ballroom," Effie suggested.

When they left the retiring room, there were a good two dozen others milling around outside it.

Including Waterbury and Lord Ashmore.

"There is still a bit of time before the musicians take up their instruments again," the viscount said. "I was hoping you might wish to share a glass of ratafia with me before you dance your next set, Lady Ada."

Her friend glowed with happiness. "I would be delighted to, my lord."

They left together, leaving her with the duke.

"I could use a bit of air," he said. "Would you care to accompany me for a stroll along the terrace, Lady Effie?"

If he had called her Euphemia, she would have said no. Since he didn't, she agreed to do so.

Placing her hand on his sleeve, she said, "Lead the way, Your Grace."

The ventured outside through a set of French doors. Effie saw a handful of other couples strolling along leisurely. A few lanterns had been placed on the terrace, but it was only dimly lit. The cool night air felt good, however, after the crowded ballroom and supper room.

As they slowly walked the length of the terrace, she asked, "What are you looking for in a wife, Your Grace? I would like to do my best to help you find your duchess."

"You would do that for me?" he asked softly.

"Your sister is my friend. She loves you a great deal. Because of that, I am happy to help you in any way I can."

"Are you impressed that I am a duke, Lady Effie?"

His question surprised her, but she said, "If I am being honest—and I always am—no. Not one whit."

"Why not? So many women of the ton seek a man with a title, the higher his rank in Polite Society, the better. I would think it would help me attract women."

"It most likely does, but as you may have noticed, Your Grace, I am not most women. Why, I do not even like wearing this gown. I go about Shadowcrest in a pair of breeches simply because it is easier to ride and do the work on the estate."

Effie felt him stiffen beneath her fingertips.

"You wear . . . breeches?"

"I most certainly do. I am not a typical girl making her come-out, Your Grace. Titles mean nothing to me. My own brother is a duke, rich and powerful. Yet he is merely a man and my brother. His title does not make him any more special than the next man. Neither does his wealth. It is his manners and how he comports himself. His intelligence. His fierceness in caring for his family and his loyalty which make him James."

She shrugged. "So, no, your title means little to me. Now, it will mean a great deal to most men and women of the ton . You will attract women to you simply because of the title, not to mention your wealth and good looks."

"You think me handsome?"

"I had not really thought about it at all, but you are striking in appearance. Your tall, athletic frame is quite appealing. Your face is handsome. Your dark hair quite thick. And your green eyes? They are mesmerizing. I do believe you have looks and charm going for you."

They had reached the end of the terrace, and she lifted her hand from his sleeve. Propping her elbows along the terrace wall, she rested her face in her hands and stared out into the dark.

Then Effie sensed his warmth behind her. His arms came about her waist, pulling her against him. Though the night was cool, the duke radiated heat.

"Your Grace?" she asked, uncertain as to what he was doing.

His lips grazed her neck, bringing a rush of heat through her. She placed her hands atop his forearms, thinking to pry them away from her, but resting them there instead. The kisses moved along her neck, to her nape, and she felt the graze of his teeth against her skin, bringing a hot rush between her legs. He moved to her ear, his lips and teeth teasing the lobe, causing her core to pound violently.

The duke slowly turned her so that Effie faced him. She couldn't read the look in his eyes because his face was mostly in shadow. His large hands held fast to her waist.

"I am going to kiss you, Effie. Not for too long—and not the way I wish to. But I wanted you to see what a kiss could be like. You haven't been kissed before, have you?"

"No," she answered reluctantly, her thoughts so jumbled that nothing else came from her.

He bent, his warm breath caressing her as his mouth touched hers.

Oh!

Waterbury softly pressed his lips against hers, moving them back and forth as if they were a paintbrush gliding across a canvas. She could smell the spice of his cologne. Feel his body heat. She swallowed, afraid to relax, not knowing what to do.

His lips stopped moving and pressed harder against hers, causing a pleasant tingling to pour through her.

Then he lifted his head, breaking the kiss. Effie thought he was smiling but could not be certain.

As if nothing unusual had taken place between them, the duke placed her hand upon his sleeve again, and they strolled the length of the terrace again, where he walked them through the doors they had come through only minutes earlier.

When she had yet to be kissed.

Blinking, trying to acclimate herself to her surroundings again, Effie said, "Thank you for the fresh air, Your Grace."

She caught the mirth in his eyes as he replied, "Thank you for accompanying me, my lady."

Without another word, he guided her back to the ballroom and her mother and the captain.

"Here she is, Captain. Safe and sound," Waterbury said to her stepfather.

The captain harumphed.

"Please remember to organize the outing to Gunter's for us, Lady Effie," the duke reminded her. "I will see you tomorrow."

Desperate to find her voice, she cleared her throat and said, "Yes. Tomorrow, Your Grace."

She watched him saunter away as if he hadn't a care in the world.

"Effie?"

She turned, seeing Mama looking at her quizzically. "Yes, Mama?"

"Are you enjoying your first ball?"

If her mother had asked that question ten minutes earlier, Effie would have immediately responded with a yes. After kissing the duke, however, she was bemused.

"It has been wonderful, Mama," she said, trying to gain control of the multitude of unfamiliar emotions running through her. "I quite enjoyed all the dancing, and I cannot wait to share with Cook what was served on the buffet."

"Did you get any ideas for your own come-out ball?" her mother asked.

"Yes. I will sit with you and Cook and discuss them. I see my next partner arriving now."

Smiling, she greeted the rather nice-looking earl who said, "I believe we are to dance this set, Lady Effie."

"Yes, my lord. I eagerly look forward to doing so with you."

The rest of the evening, Effie had to use every bit of concentration she had to not make a false step as she danced. When the final number of the evening was played and she found it to be a waltz, disappointment ran through her.

Because she would not be partnering with the Duke of Waterbury.

Why was she taken with him after kissing him?

And more importantly, why had he not kissed her the way he wanted to? Was there another way to kiss? If so, what did it involve?

Effie hoped to have answers from Waterbury the next time they saw one another.