Chapter Fifteen

A mere hour later, Malcolm sat in the drawing room of the Marquess of Edgethorne, whose townhouse was located across the square from the Seaton townhouse. Tea had been brought in for those gathered, and Lord Edgethorne poured out, passing along saucers while the men of the family filled their plates with sandwiches and sweets.

Every man had responded to the Duke of Seaton's call to action. Not a one sent word that he could not come or that he would be delayed. Seaton had needed his family—and they had rallied for the head of the Strong family.

He glanced about the room, thankful his memory was good and he had a talent for matching faces with names. Besides the duke and Mr. Andrews, five other men were present. Two were viscounts—Hopewell, who had been the first to wed a Strong sibling—Pippa—and Blankenship, who had met his wife Lyric at a house party held at Shadowcrest. Two more were marquesses—Edgethorne, their host, who was wed to Pippa's twin, Georgie, and Bridgewater, who had been the last of this group to enter the family, wedding Mirella. Carroll was the lone earl, wed to Allegra, whom he had met at the same house party.

"What is the emergency?" asked Hopewell. "It must dire since you have brought all of together quickly, James.

"You haven't guessed?" asked Bridgewater, looking amused. "His Grace needs our help with Effie. He is the only man here not related by marriage. James' message to us said immediate action was required." The marquess paused. "What could be more urgent than the need to assist Waterbury here with Effie?"

"Georgie and I did note that the two of you partnered for the supper dance last night," Edgethorne said.

"That was all Allegra and Lyric could talk about in the carriage on the way home," revealed Carroll. "Both my countess and her sister thought the two of you danced together splendidly and seemed to be getting on rather well during supper."

"And Effie came back from the terrace with flushed cheeks," noted Blankenship. He shrugged. "I did not notice, but Lyric most certainly did." The viscount turned to Malcolm. Did you kiss her?"

He bristled. "A gentleman does not kiss and tell."

"His Grace did kiss Effie," the duke said. He looked at Malcolm. "It is important they have all the facts. Tell them. They are here to help you, Waterbury."

Having the attention of all seven men caused his heart to pound rapidly. He relied on his schooldays, letting his natural confidence take over.

"Let me preface things by saying that I am a widower. I wed three years ago. My wife died in childbirth two years ago, along with the babe. I did not attend last Season, so this is the first time I have been in Polite Society since Imogen's death."

"Did you love her?" the captain asked.

"No. Not at all," he freely admitted. "In fact, I did not even choose her as my wife. My mother selected Imogen for me."

Several of the men nodded, taking in his words.

"We were ill-suited from the start. Frankly, we had barely spoken to one another before our marriage ceremony took place. Afterward, I found us to have nothing in common. My duchess was very beautiful, but that cushion on the settee has more personality than Imogen possessed. More brains, as well."

More nods followed.

"I came to town this year ready to start anew. I wanted to find a woman who was not cowed by my being a duke. One who was intelligent, thoughtful, and caring."

"That's our Effie," Hopewell said. "And you should see her with Adam and Louise. She has all the nurturing instincts a mother needs."

Hearing that caused Malcolm's eyes to mist, and he blinked rapidly several times before continuing.

"Lady Effie and my sister became friends from the moment they met at the modiste's shop. I have squired them about town. Listened to their conversations. Learned a great deal about Lady Effie. She is more than the proverbial diamond of the first water." He paused. "She is the most genuine, unique, sincere, candid person I have ever met. As more events of the Season take place and other gentlemen discover her, they will admire her authenticity."

"And you greatly admire Effie?" asked Bridgewater.

"Very much so. The trouble is, she does not see me as a viable suitor."

"Why not?" interjected Blankenship.

"I have been a serious soul my entire life. Reserved. No, aloof. I have said very little around Lady Effie, merely wishing for her and Ada to enjoy their time together. I thought being a duke, with its power and wealth, would be enough to convince any woman of my worth."

"Not Effie," the captain said. "Your title is meaningless, Your Grace. Effie does not think like other women in Polite Society. She thinks for herself. She has been given a great deal of freedom at Shadowcrest. She speaks her mind freely. She pursues her own interests. And if you've kept quiet, she most likely believes you have no conversation. To Effie, talking about everything means the world to her."

"It is even worse than that," Malcolm said glumly. "She told me... that she looks upon me as she does all of you. She thinks of me as an older brother. An extension of Ada. How can I convince her to consider me in a new light?"

"Did kissing her not work?" asked Carroll. "If she did not enjoy your kiss, then I say it is a lost cause, Your Grace. The Strong women have strong physical and emotional reactions to being kissed." He shook his head dismissively. "As a former rogue, I can tell you now you have already lost this battle. Much as you hold Effie in regard, you must move on to someone else if that spark is not there."

"But if he already loves her, he cannot simply do that," protested Blankenship.

He started to interrupt and explain that he did not love Effie.

When it struck him—that he did.

"Have you kissed her properly?" Bridgewater asked. "The way a man should kiss a woman he loves?"

"No. I have not. I did not want to scare her away and supposed she had limited or no experience in kissing. I gave her a very chaste kiss last night on the terrace. As I suspected, she did not have an inkling how to react."

Edgethorne laughed. "Well, there's your answer, Your Grace. You simply need to have the time and privacy to kiss Effie properly. Your actions will first convey your feelings for her."

"And then you must affirm those actions with the words all women wish to hear," seconded Hopewell.

Frustrated, Malcolm asked, "How can I get her to kiss me again when she feels it is like kissing her brother? I cannot force her. That would drive her away, stubborn creature that she is."

"He's right about that," the duke said. "Which is why I called this meeting. We need to help Waterbury in wooing Effie. The floor is open for suggestions."

Immediately, they all began talking at once. He sat there, looking from one to another, confused.

"Calm down!" said the captain, his voice sharp, his authority unquestionable. Malcolm assumed it was his sea captain's voice, and it did the trick because the room fell silent.

"It is already hard enough on the poor duke here, having to say all he has," the captain told the group. "Now, go one at a time and give him solid advice. It can be in regard to his actions—or his words—but we must try to help the man win Effie's heart." He paused. "That is, if you believe this duke worthy of our girl."

"How will your second marriage be different from your first?" asked Blankenship.

He organized his thoughts a moment before speaking. "Most important will be the dialogue between us," he began. "If we cannot communicate well, all is lost. I spoke little to Imogen because she meant little to me. This time, I am choosing the woman I wish to be by my side, not simply a broodmare to get my heir and spare. I want a partner to share the good and the bad. I will not only love my wife—but I will also like her. And respect her."

Blankenship nodded. "I am satisfied. The first thing I would tell you is that you must be patient as you woo Effie. Take part in the usual courting rituals. Send her flowers. Compliment her. But the compliments should be unusual, not the usual which men spout to women."

"Proximity counts," Carroll told him. "Be first to greet her at a ball and sign her programme. Bring her refreshments. Lead your conversation with a compliment, as Silas recommended. A genuine one. Not that her gown is pretty or that she is fair of face. Something with more depth that would touch her and have meaning for her."

"Never be distracted when the two of you speak," James added. "That means being a good listener. Give her your full attention, and for goodness' sakes, do not interrupt her. Too many men give a woman only divided attention. I'm saying ask her thoughtful questions and truly listen to her responses. Look her in the eye. Make her feel as if she is the only person in the world. And then reply to what she has said in a thoughtful way so she understands you have truly heard her."

The captain spoke up. "I say treat her as your equal. Respect her. And watch out for other men lurking about her. You are attracted to Effie. Others will also find her attractive. Do not let your guard down, Your Grace, or someone might slip past you and sweep her off her feet."

Edgethorne said, "Be a friend first before trying to become a lover. See what you have in common. Debate the things you don't. Effie needs to see that you like her and like spending time with her. I am not saying you should ignore physical touch. A casual brush of your hands or your hand against her arm is called for. Smooth her hair. Lead up to a kiss. And give that kiss your everything when it does take place."

"I would say be confident but not arrogant," Hopewell added. "Give her an unusual gift. Not flowers. It does not have to be expensive. Surprise her with some trinket that would have meaning only for her."

"Write a poem for her if you have that kind of thing within you," suggested Carroll. "If not, share your essence with her, your deepest and most personal thoughts. Ask for her thoughts—then take her advice on some issue and let her know it proved successful. Because you listened to her."

"Be creative. Take her somewhere out of the ordinary," Bridgewater advised. "I gave Mirella a tour of Grasmere when we were both visiting the Lake District. We hiked to the top of Helm Crag and stood there, looking out at its beauty. That is where I kissed her for the first time. It is a kiss we will never forget sharing."

Malcolm was overwhelmed. Not merely by the large number of suggestions these men had made as they tried to help him capture Effie's heart. No, what had struck him like a thunderbolt was the fact he had been lying to himself all along. He was capable of love. He needed love. He deserved love.

He needed Effie.

With Effie in his life, everything would be possible. He had only been existing up until this point. Now, he had the chance to reach his full potential—and aid Effie in reaching her own, as well.

Dazed by what he had discovered about himself, he gazed out at the group of seven men in this drawing room and meekly asked, "Is there a way you might write all of this down for me? My head is swimming with your suggestions."

Viscount Blankenship enthusiastically said, "We most certainly will, Waterbury. Why, I can see the name now." He held a hand in the air, moving it from left to right as if he read a title, saying, " The Duke's Guide to Winning a Lady's Hand ."

"Here-here," Carroll said. "Why, you fox, you." He grinned at Blankenship. "We should have done something like this years ago. Back in our days when we were the two biggest rakes in all of London. We should have written the ultimate guide on how to be a rake and seduce a lady. It would have sold incredibly well, especially if other gentlemen had known we were behind it." He grinned. "And I am certain a few ladies would have purchased it as well."

The earl paused and met Malcolm's gaze. "Silas and I have found, Your Grace, that being loyal, loving husbands is far more satisfying than the rakehells we once were. Together, we cut a swath through Polite Society, bedding every widow or willing wife who even gave us a smile, charming our way into their beds. We are reformed rakes now, though, and steadfast husbands. Silas and I will write down everything which was suggested to you, and anything else we might be inclined to think of. We will go home and do so now, and we can present it to you sometime tomorrow."

"Weren't we supposed to go to Gunter's together?" asked Hopewell. "Pippa said something about it to me. Some group outing."

"Georgie said the same to me, as well," Edgethorne piped up. "Why don't we ask the ladies in our lives if tomorrow afternoon would be suitable?" He looked to Malcolm. "Your Grace, it would really depend upon your sister. Since she is making her come-out this Season, she will be having suitors at your doorstep every afternoon."

"I will simply tell Ada that I have made other plans for us. If those suitors are truly interested in her, then they will be that much more eager to stop by the following afternoon."

"The good thing is, we should have Gunter's to ourselves," noted Seaton. "Because all the ladies who usually patronize the place will be at home for those calls or making morning calls of their own. Shall we say meet at Gunter's at one o'clock? I can send a message alerting them to our rather large party wishing to dine upon their ices and more."

The group agreed to the time, and they decided they needed to part ways.

"Are any of you going to tonight's musicale?" the duke asked. "Sophie and I, along with Drake and Dinah, will be taking Effie, and I know His Grace is to be there."

"Georgie and I will be attending," Edgethorne said.

"So will Mirella and I, James," Bridgewater said. He chuckled. "It is music, after all. You know how Mirella and Georgie are mad for playing their pianofortes."

Seaton looked around the group. "That is it then? Very well. Then it will be Drake, August, and Byron, along with myself. Do the rest of you have other engagements this evening?"

"None," Blankenship and Carroll said in unison, while Hopewell said, "No. We are staying home this evening. We will be hard at work on His Grace's guidebook."

"Then see it is completed and have it delivered to his townhouse by tomorrow morning," Seaton instructed.

Malcolm looked about the room and said, "None of you are my friends, yet you are coming to my aid. You have said you will support my efforts in trying to win Lady Effie's hand. I cannot begin to express my deep gratitude toward each of you."

Seaton offered his hand, and Malcolm took it, shaking it. "We will do our best to see that you become one of us," the duke promised. "Even if Effie decides to wed another or chooses not to marry at all, you have a friend in me."

"And me," Bridgewater said.

The others all repeated the sentiment. "And me."

He turned toward the captain. "You are her stepfather, Sir. What say you?"

"I say if Effie chooses any man at all, it better be you, Waterbury."

He walked out with Carroll, who told Malcolm, "It was rough going between Allegra and me. The same with Silas and Lyric. I have not asked how the others came together, but just know, Your Grace, that sometimes the road to love and lasting happiness is filled with a few bumps along the way. You learn to negotiate those bumps. You go around them. You smooth some over. But if it is the road you are set to travel, take it with confidence."

"Thank you, my lord. I look forward to receiving my guidelines." He grinned. "And any other ideas you might think to jot down."

"We shall take care of you, Waterbury," Carroll promised.

As Malcolm walked across the square and turned to head toward his townhouse, he knew he had come to the turning point in the road. He was taking the path for the life journey he was meant to go on.

He only hoped Lady Effie would join him.