Chapter Twenty

E ffie had chosen to wear a gown which the duke had not yet seen. It was a soft rose color and flattered her skin and hair, as well as bringing out her Strong eyes. She had asked the captain if he would serve as her chaperone for the planned outing with Waterbury, and he had graciously accepted, teasing her a bit since she could not tell him where they would be going. He did tell her that he would need to go into Neptune Shipping for a couple of hours this morning, but he would return by the time the duke arrived at the Seaton townhouse.

She went downstairs now, ten minutes early, and was surprised Waterbury was already waiting in the foyer. He stood with his hands behind his back, studying a portrait of her great-grandfather. She could not help but admire the figure he cut. The duke was long and lean and moved with a grace which exuded confidence. She imagined him being the first chosen in schoolboy games, everyone vying for him to compete on their team.

He must have sensed her presence, for he turned, his gaze meeting hers. Effie went warm all over under his scrutiny, recalling their time in the conservatory yesterday afternoon.

She did not want to encourage his attention, yet she craved it at the same time. Knowing he was looking for his duchess and that he had spent an inordinate amount of time with her, showing how much he was interested in her, Effie felt she must speak up and tell him she could not wed him in case he planned to offer for her.

It wasn't that she did not wish to marry him. She yearned to do so now, having admitted to herself the strong feelings she had for him. He was a duke, however, and the woman who became his duchess would always have the eyes of Polite Society trained upon her. The ton would find her an unacceptable wife for a duke. She was not remotely interested in the activities the ton deemed appropriate for women, in general, and a duchess, in particular.

If they could simply remain in the country year-round, Effie might consider marriage with him. He would need to always return to town each spring, however, whether it was to be an active participant in the House of Lords or simply to make his appearance at social events. She could recall her own father speaking about how important a duke's influence was in both politics and society and how he and Mama needed to attend as many social affairs as possible, as well as host them, during the Season.

Waterbury must wed a woman suitable to be his duchess, one who flourished in the womanly arts. Certainly not one who preferred wearing breeches to gowns and had more experience birthing foals than babes.

She would make all this clear to him today, discouraging him from further contact with her. Effie knew she should have spoken up after his kisses yesterday, not wanting to lead him on, but she had been dazed by what had taken place between them. Then he had dangled the surprise outing, something which intrigued her. She would go with him and the captain to whatever place he wished her to see, then it was imperative that she ended whatever attachment was forming between them.

Effie only hoped that it would not affect her friendship with Lady Ada, but if her new friend must cut ties with her, she would understand. Her own family loyalties were strong, and if she had to choose family over friends, she would do so every time.

The duke came toward her now, his smile letting her know how pleasing her appearance was to him.

"I was not certain how I should dress this morning since you have not revealed our destination."

He chuckled as he took her hand and kissed it, holding it a tad longer than he should have before releasing it.

"It is eating you up, not knowing where we are going, isn't it?" he asked, mischief gleaming in those green eyes of his.

"I must admit that I am rather curious."

"Will the captain be accompanying us, or is he busy at his shipping offices?"

"He agreed to go with us and should be here at any moment. You are early, you know."

The duke grinned shamelessly. "I do know. I was eager to see you again. I have to admit that our time in the conservatory had me a bit addled. I had even brought my carriage yesterday and was going to ask you to drive in Hyde Park with me."

Effie was glad he had not asked her to accompany him to the park. To do so—especially during the fashionable hour, when the park was littered with carriages—would have instantly coupled their names together, something she was trying to undo.

Or at she would try to do it sometime today.

"The park is too crowded for my taste," she told him. "It is not as if you can actually enjoy a drive there. Carriages clog all the pathways, and people are constantly stopping their vehicles to talk to others. It is one of many reasons why I prefer the country," she said, beginning to lay some of the groundwork for her argument, in case he did offer for her.

"I prefer driving a cart down a country lane and only seeing the occasional passerby," she continued. "Not inching up a few feet, surrounded by so many people that I cannot enjoy the peace and beauty of the day."

"I did not realize it was so crowded, else I would never have dreamed to ask you to accompany me. I had simply thought it might be a pleasant diversion after tea." He smiled. "Then again, we had diversion enough in seeing the conservatory yesterday."

Effie felt herself blushing to her roots, thankful the footman was so far away and not able to hear their conversation.

The door opened, and the captain entered. Relief spilled through her.

"I see you are already here, Waterbury. It is still five before the hour. I like promptness in a man," he said approvingly.

"Thank you for agreeing to accompany us today, Captain. I think you will enjoy our destination."

Her stepfather cocked a brow. "Is that so? Effie said that she had no idea where we might be going."

"I will tell you about our stop along the way. Come, my carriage is waiting for us."

They went outside, where the duke handed her up. His carriage was as luxurious as that of James. Effie realized in some ways she had been immune to Waterbury being a duke because she had lived with a duke her entire life. Though she'd had little contact with her father, she had enjoyed the benefits of the trappings of a ducal lifestyle, from their large townhouse and abundant staff to amenities such as the best carriages in town.

The captain climbed into the vehicle and sat opposite her, which meant Waterbury would seat himself next to her. Effie's heart sped up considerably when he did so. Even though the seat had plenty of room, he sat close enough that their bodies touched. She glanced out the window, not wishing to see the captain's reaction to this. When she finally did turn, she noted a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Waterbury asked the captain about his duties at Neptune Shipping, and her stepfather elaborated on some of the projects he currently oversaw.

"It seems quite a lot for one man," the duke commented.

"Ah, but I have Her Grace to guide me. I will be honest, Your Grace. I had never been around women much, being at sea most of my life. Her Grace was the one who had actually promoted me to captain on one of her vessels." He paused, and Effie saw the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Then I met Effie's mother, and Cupid's arrow struck straight into my heart. I could not return to sea and leave such a lovely creature behind. Dinah held my heart and soul, and I refused to be parted from her. That's when Sophie offered me the chance to help lead Neptune Shipping. She still is active in all major decisions, but she knows because of my unique background, she can entrust me with the day-to-day running of the place. Thanks to the strategies employed by her and James, Neptune Shipping is no longer a direct competitor to Strong Shipping Lines. We have divided up the trade routes and bring different products home to be sold to the public. It has been extremely profitable to both companies."

The captain paused and then said, "The women in this family are unique, Your Grace. There isn't anything they cannot do."

Effie almost flinched hearing this. She did not need the captain singing her praises. She was trying to get rid of Waterbury, not latch on to him.

"I am beginning to learn that, Captain," the duke said. Then he cleared his throat. "I suppose it is time to let you know exactly where we are headed."

He turned to face her. "I know of your great love of animals, especially horses, so I thought it only right that you visit the most important horse dealer in London."

Her heart nearly burst from her chest. "Do you mean... Tattersall's?" she asked in wonder.

"I do, my lady. They are open on Mondays throughout the year and on Thursdays during the Season."

She frowned. "But today is Friday, Your Grace. And I know for a fact they do not allow women on their premises."

He smiled at her, that smile that would convince anyone to do anything. "I am a duke, Lady Effie. I spoke with Mr. Tattersall himself and explained that I needed a private tour of his facilities because I planned to buy several of his horses. Naturally, he granted my request. When I shared with him that my chief adviser regarding horseflesh was a lady—and that I wished for her to accompany me—he did not bat an eye. We are both expected."

Excitement filled her. "Oh, Your Grace, you do not know what this means to me. To visit the legendary Tattersall's. They have the best horses in all of town. Simply everyone purchases their horses from Tattersall's. And dogs, too," she added. "They breed hunting dogs, as well. You could not have given me a better present. The opportunity to see a place I have yearned to visit."

"I am happy you are so pleased, my lady."

She thought a moment. "Do you really need to purchase any horses?"

"That remains to be seen," he said. "Yes, I would like a new carriage team, but it would depend upon what they have available. And what my trusted adviser recommends. Or if you see a quality horse which you believe should not escape my notice, then I will purchase it, as well."

She had the feeling he did not need a new carriage team, but she would not call him out over this. She was getting to go where no female in town had ever been. Tattersall's reputation was sterling, and for her to be allowed to see its horses was nothing short of a miracle.

"Ah, I think we have arrived," the captain said.

Effie looked out her window and saw Tattersall's, knowing they were now at Hyde Park Corner.

Soon, they were out of the carriage and speaking with Mr. Tattersall himself. The owner of the establishment was very businesslike, and she understood while he dealt with the highest levels of English society, he would never be a part of it and had to show proper deference to his clients.

He tested her, though, and she would have less respect for him if he had not. They spoke of Waterbury's wish for new carriage horses and discussed the age and height range, type of body build, temperament, and color of the team.

Apparently, Effie passed Mr. Tattersall's test, and he said that he would allow his son to take them about, as he other business to attend to.

She liked the son very much. The younger Mr. Tattersall took them through various stables, noting the outstanding qualities of each horse. Upon her recommendation, after having led several horses from their stalls, she put together a team of blacks and asked that they be exchanged for the bays of the duke's current team of horses. She wanted to see how this group of horses performed together.

The two teams were changed out, and Waterbury asked if she would like to go along in the carriage to see how the ride went for a passenger.

"No, Your Grace. I want to sit next to your coachman," she declared. "I must see how the horses travel together with my own eyes and if they are suited to their role."

She heard the captain chuckling and saw Mr. Tattersall's eyes go wide.

"Then I will also sit atop so I might hear your comments," the duke proclaimed.

Effie was assisted up to the driving bench, and the coachman sat next to her, followed by the duke.

"Where to, my lady?" the driver asked her, and she instructed him where to go, giving him directions on which corners to turn as they went along, in order to allow the team the chance to make different turns, as well as try varying speeds.

After she had them return to Tattersall's, they were greeted by both Mr. Tattersalls, which did not surprise her.

As she was handed down, the older Mr. Tattersall asked, "What did you think, my lady? Usually, I sell teams that I have put together. Instead, you chose individual horses." He gave her a brusque nod, as if he bowed to her judgment. "It looks to me as if this is an excellent combination, however."

She went to the horses and stroked the neck of one. "I would switch this one to the left front," she told the men. "He is a natural leader and has good instincts for the road. It would be a shame to keep him back and not let him lead."

"You have a good eye, my lady," the younger Tattersall said. "I quite agree with you." Looking at Waterbury, he asked, "Will you be keeping the team you came with, Your Grace? If you choose to sell them to us, we are happy to take them off your hands."

"No, I plan to keep both teams," the duke replied. "We can leave my new horses in place, and you may return the other ones to my mews later today if it is convenient for you."

"It will be as you wish, Your Grace," the older Tattersall said. "Might we interest you in any other horses?"

Effie could appreciate the businessman wanting to sell even more horseflesh, but she spoke for the duke. "No, Mr. Tattersall. I believe this is all we found to our liking today. Thank you again for allowing me to come and advise His Grace on his purchases. I know you broke one of your longstanding rules to allow me on these grounds."

The old man shrugged nonchalantly. "It is a Friday, my lady. I see no other clients present who might spread gossip regarding your appearance. As for my staff? They will never divulge your visit here."

He took her hand and bowed to her. "I know it is thanks to you that I have sold this team to His Grace. You know your horseflesh, Lady Effie. You are welcome here anytime." He smiled. "That is, when we are closed to the public."

"I understand. Thank you, Mr. Tattersall."

They returned to the ducal carriage, Effie almost floating, so happy at having visited the renowned Tattersall's and having gained the respect of its owner.

In the carriage, the two men continued to discuss the new team of horses, leaving her to her own thoughts. She knew she could not continue to see Waterbury. It would not be fair to either of them. Already, she knew she loved him and could not imagine what it would be like to give him up. She would, though—after she did something that would allow her to always carry a piece of him with her.

Effie could not see herself wed to any man, even the handsome one now beside her. She was too free a spirit to tie herself to anyone. But what had taken place between them yesterday was, she suspected, only the tip of the iceberg. She wanted to know what coupling with a man was like. No, not any man. With Waterbury. It would satisfy her curiosity to do so.

And it would be the most incredible memory which she would take with her to her grave.

Somehow, she needed to ask him to make love with her and find a place to do so uninterrupted. She wanted to know all there was to know about him—and about physical love.

Only then would she reluctantly push him away so that he could find a woman worthy of him.