Beguiling the Duke by Darcy Burke

Chapter5

Stifling a yawn, Sadie applied more pressure to the crust she was rolling out on the worktable in the kitchen. She was helping to make several pies to have on hand to feed everyone. Mrs. Rowell was always busy during the festival baking cakes for the welcome reception and then making a variety of puddings for the pudding competition. This year was even busier since they had three additional members in their household.

“You may need a quick nap this afternoon,” Mrs. Rowell said with a chuckle.

Sadie hadn’t managed to keep from yawning after all. “I am not usually up as late as I was last night. And you know I don’t nap.”

“I do know that. You barely even sit down. What time did you return from the festival?”

“After midnight.” Then, she’d been up early to complete some chores before going to Esmond’s to watch the boys so Annabelle could make crowns. As expected, Sadie hadn’t accomplished much with cleaning the larder, but she’d enjoyed the time with her nephews.

“I hope you had a nice evening with the duke. Did he ask you to dance?” the cook asked with a sly smile.

“He did, in fact.” After that first dance, she’d danced with several other gentlemen. Some of her partners were men she knew from Marrywell, such as her old friend Phineas Radford, whose family owned and cared for the botanical gardens, but most were gentlemen she’d never met who had come from out of town. She’d felt a trifle uncomfortable with them as she recalled her foolishness that first year with Walter Osborne. He’d been from Bath, and he’d completely enthralled her with his good looks and easy charm.

But she needed to overcome her reticence if she wanted to find a husband. She’d learned from her mistake and wouldn’t be so gullible this time.

Perhaps one of the men from Marrywell would suffice. Except she’d known a few of them for so long that considering them as potential husbands seemed odd.

It was far too soon to make any judgments. There were many more days of festival left, and with the duke’s help, she might indeed receive an offer of marriage.

She wondered what he might be doing to assist her—besides promenading and dancing with her. Was he complimenting her to other gentlemen? Or prompting them to invite her to dance? Whatever he was doing, she’d never felt so…seen. It was at once wonderful and disconcerting. She was much more used to lingering in the background, such as helping to set up the welcome reception or the pudding competition, and making sure things went smoothly.

“Is something wrong with the dough?” Mrs. Rowell asked.

Sadie blinked. She’d stopped rolling as she’d become lost in her thoughts. “Not at all. Just woolgathering. So many things to do before I attend the festival this evening.”

“You aren’t going this afternoon?”

“No, I’ve too much to do,” Sadie’s long list included making entries in the household account book, sweeping the downstairs, and replacing candles.

“Bryan and Gwen plan to attend the lawn bowling competition,” Mrs. Rowell said.

Sadie allowed their employees to attend as many festival events as possible, especially the young unmarried ones. “Mavis isn’t going with them?”

“I believe she will be reading to Mr. Holden,” Mrs. Rowell said with a pointed look.

“Oh? How fascinating.” Sadie smiled as she wondered what might be blossoming between her maid and the duke’s coachman. Then her smile faded. What if Mavis fell in love and they got married? She’d leave Fieldstone, and Sadie would have even more to do.

They’d hire another maid, of course, but honestly, they needed a housekeeper. Having Lawford point that out to her was both embarrassing and provoking. She hadn’t broached the subject with her father in a long time. When she thought about it, she hadn’t mentioned it in four years, not since the incident with Walter Osborne when Sadie had subsequently hidden herself away at Fieldstone.

She winced inwardly. Was that really what she’d been doing?

It seemed so. But not any longer. This was the year she’d find her way. She’d get married and have a household of her very own.

Fieldstone and her family would just have to learn to manage without her.

Law had hoped to break his fast with Miss Campion that morning, but he hadn’t risen early enough—and he hadn’t slept late. Apparently, she awakened with the birds, which he should have realized. However, he’d been tired after yesterday’s accident. Indeed, he could hardly believe he’d been able to stay upright as late as he had last night.

Today, his body was sore in odd places. After missing Miss Campion for breakfast, he’d submitted to a lengthy toilet with Yates, who’d insisted on applying some relaxing concoction to his face that had turned his skin red. Yates had apologized profusely before retreating, and Law had decided to go back to sleep in the hope that he’d wake up looking like himself. While he felt much restored this afternoon, his face was, regrettably, still the color of a strawberry.

In need of something to do, he made his way to the stables to see how his coach was coming along with its repair. Or if it was even coming along. Holden was still recuperating today and would not be available to assist them, even though he would only be providing verbal help. Law had been explicit in telling the coachman that he must not overexert himself. The last thing Holden wanted was to worsen his injury. Furthermore, it seemed the housemaid was spending an inordinate amount of time visiting and caring for him. Yates had complained about the situation, and Law had told him to stop being such a prig.

As Law approached the door to the stables, he heard a…discussion going on inside.

“It doesn’t go on like that!” one male voice yelled.

“As if you know!” another snapped.

Steeling himself for quarreling brothers, Law stepped into the cool interior of the stone building.

“Your Grace, are you here to see the coach?” Richard asked. A lad of seventeen with dark blond hair and inquisitive hazel eyes, he was taller than his older brothers and possessed a more slender build, as if he hadn’t yet filled into his manhood.

“Indeed I am.” Law moved into the interior of the barn where the vehicle was braced on a wooden contraption to hold it up so the wheel could be reattached. “I came to see how the repair is progressing.”

Law noted that all four brothers were present. Last night, Miss Campion had laughingly described them, in order of birth, as: Esmond, the handsome one; Philip, the witty one; Adam, the talkative one; and Richard, the clever one.

The other three Campion brothers stopped what they were doing and turned to face Law. “Your Grace,” they said, nearly in unison, sounding almost as if they’d been caught behaving naughtily. He imagined the four of them looking at their sister guiltily and saying her name in the same tone, because Law was certain she must have caught them misbehaving on more than one occasion.

Philip stared at Law, his mouth gaping, “What happened to your face?”

“My valet misapplied something.”

Adam moved closer to Law, his gaze riveted to Law’s face. “Does it hurt?”

“No. It just looks like I’m burning in hell.” Too late, Law recalled he was speaking to Marrywell’s new curate.

Adam smirked, his hazel eyes gleaming with humor. “Or you’re the devil himself.”

Law had been accused of many things, but never that. He would have reserved that description for his father, who in turn would have delighted in it. Law could hear his low, deep laugh now. He’d say it was better to be in control of something, even if it was hell.

Philip laughed and glanced toward the oldest brother. “You look like Esmond that time he worked all day with his shirt off in the summer. He was red as a hot coal.”

Esmond grimaced. “That was very painful. Glad your face doesn’t hurt, Your Grace. Will you be able to escort Sadie to the festival tonight?”

“Certainly.” Law was curious if they were always this interested in their sister’s activities. However, he decided the likeliest outcome from learning that would be annoyance with them and their lack of care for their sister.

Law had participated in his sisters’ introductions to Society and had provided support in their securing good marriages. He’d attended events with them, danced with them, introduced them to potential husbands. Indeed, his youngest sister had married one of his friends from Oxford.

“Who’d care to apprise me on the repair of my coach?” Law asked, looking from brother to brother.

“You didn’t have to come all this way,” Esmond said, seeming a little uneasy. “We could have told you about it later.”

“It’s a three-minute walk.” Law stepped closer to the coach. “Besides, I wanted to see it for myself. Have you made much progress?” He couldn’t tell.

Philip put his hands on his hips as he surveyed the vehicle. “Some.”

The lack of details was perhaps telling, but since Law wasn’t in any hurry to leave, he didn’t see the point in pressing for them. He also saw no benefit in offering to help. Unless he wanted to see if they actually knew what they were doing. He wasn’t too worried. Holden would probably be up and about tomorrow and could make sure the repair was completed properly.

“Are you courting Sadie?” Esmond asked, as if Law hadn’t completely changed the subject.

Philip turned toward him. “We think you should. She’d make you a fine duchess.”

“Have you tried playing matchmaker with her before?” Law asked.

The brothers exchanged looks. It was Richard who answered. “No, but she hasn’t been very interest—”

“We don’t like to meddle in her business,” Esmond said, tossing a glower at Richard. “You seemed to enjoy yourselves last night. Can’t fault us for wanting to see our sister happy.”

“No, I cannot. I hope that is what you are truly after.” Because she’d also danced with other gentlemen and seemed to enjoy her time with them too. Were they also asking those men about potential courtship?

Esmond stuck out his chin. “What else would we want?”

“If you truly cared about your sister, you would have ensured that she was able to stay at the reception yesterday so that she could meet the May Queen instead of her having to be the one to return here to fetch forgotten cakes. You should also ensure she’s able to attend the festival instead of expecting her to help with your chores when she seems to have more than enough of her own.” Law wanted to see Miss Campion have a day, even a month, hell, an entire lifetime without hard work.

They were silent a moment, but then Richard spoke. “I would have gone to get the cakes if I’d—”

“You don’t know Sadie,” Esmond said to Law with indignation. “She has a mind of her own. If she doesn’t want to do something, she doesn’t do it. Anyway, she likes working.”

“That doesn’t mean she needs to do it so much. Or that she wouldn’t rather attend a once-a-year event where she might find a husband—an endeavor that you claim to support.” Law exhaled before regarding them with an icy stare. “Perhaps you should find ways to lessen her burden.”

“I don’t even live in the house with her,” Esmond said defensively.

Philip snorted. “No, but she brings things to your cottage all the time, and she often helps with the boys.”

“She’s their aunt!” Esmond turned on his brother, putting one fist on his hip. “She brings things to you and Janet too. Didn’t she mend your shirt last week because Janet doesn’t like mending?”

“We’re newlyweds. Sadie’s just being kind.”

“She’s always kind,” Richard muttered, sounding exasperated, not that Law blamed him. His brothers seemed to like to talk over him. “We could ensure she has time for leisurely pursuits.”

The brothers fell silent, and Law wondered how often that happened.

“It’s so quiet in here.” Miss Campion walked into the stables looking lovely despite the drab brown of her work dress. Her light brown hair was pinned up, but a few errant strands grazed her temples and neck. She narrowed her eyes at her brothers. “What are you plotting?”

Law noted that she didn’t seem to include him in that question, but would answer anyway. “I came to check on my coach. As you can see, they haven’t accomplished much.”

Miss Campion’s eyes rounded as she fixed on Law’s face. “What happened?”

“My valet applied something that has turned my skin an unfortunate color.”

She stepped toward him, lifting her hand as if she might touch him. His body quivered with anticipation. But she quickly dropped her hand back to her side. “Does it hurt?” she asked.

“Not at all. It’s fine.”

“Mrs. Rowell might have something that will help. We can go ask her when you’re finished here.” She looked at Esmond. “Has Jarvis been able to help you?”

“He needed to tend one of his horses.” Esmond lifted a burly shoulder. “We can manage without him.”

Miss Campion tipped her head to the side, her lips pursing as if she wasn’t sure she believed that. She pivoted toward Law. “I’m so sorry, Your Grace. You must think us inept.”

“Not at all.” He would never include her in such a description. “I’m confident it will be repaired in due time—and done well.” Particularly when Holden was here to supervise. Offering Miss Campion his arm, he said, “May I escort you back to the house?”

“You may. I need to complete the task you, ah, interrupted yesterday with your arrival, but I can do that after we see Mrs. Rowell.”

Law arched a brow at her. “You’re going to finish cleaning the front door by yourself? On a ladder?”

“I could help,” Richard said, stepping toward her.

Law definitely liked Richard best. “That’s excellent of you to offer. However, I think I should be the one to provide assistance since it was me who prevented her from completing it yesterday.”

Richard’s brow furrowed. “But I can—”

Esmond scooted toward his youngest brother and jabbed an elbow into his side, cutting him off. “We need you here.”

Miss Campion smiled at Richard. “Thank you. I appreciate you wanting to help.”

“I will with anything, whenever I’m here and not at school. Just ask.”

“I’ll remember that.” She took Law’s arm, and they left the stables. When they were several paces away, she glanced back over her shoulder. “Were they being awful?”

“No. Richard seems pleasant.”

“He is. They all are, mostly. But Richard is the most sensitive. Perhaps I should also have called him the kindhearted one when I was describing them to you last night.”

“We don’t need to see Mrs. Rowell first,” Law said. “In fact, ‘we’ don’t need to visit her at all. I am perfectly capable of seeking her help.”

Miss Campion snapped her gaze to his. “I didn’t mean to imply you weren’t.”

“I didn’t take it that way. I suppose I’m trying to say that you needn’t do everything. I imagine you are busy given that you had to spend time at your brother’s cottage this morning. You’ll want to take time to prepare for this evening’s endeavors in husband hunting.”

Laughing, she said, “I’m not sure I like how that sounds.”

“It’s accurate, however.”

“I’d prefer to think of it as happiness hunting. Finding just a husband isn’t enough.”

Law stared at her as they walked, amazed at how deeply she touched him. Happiness hunting was something he’d never, ever considered, and yet when he looked back at his own wife seeking, he realized that was why he hadn’t wed. He hadn’t yet met a woman who made him feel…happy. “That’s a wonderful sentiment.”

They fell into silence for a moment, and Law decided this was a good time to ask about moving Yates to a new room. “I hate to add to your burdens, but I wonder if Yates could move to another room. He can be…stringent, and Holden needs his rest.”

“Actually, Mavis is already moving him. ‘Stringent’ was not the word she used, but she said it was necessary for Holden’s state of mind that the two be separated.”

Law grimaced. “I’m sorry to cause you trouble.”

“It’s no trouble to me—Mavis is taking care of it and happily so. I think she’s taken a liking to your coachman.”

“Indeed?” Law wondered if the matchmaking festival cast a spell over everyone in the vicinity. Was that why he was more drawn to Miss Campion than he’d ever been to a woman?

She looked up at his face, her nose wrinkling slightly. “Are you sure it doesn’t hurt?”

He touched his cheek. “Yes. But I’m confident it makes me look ridiculous, so perhaps my vanity is a trifle wounded.”

“You don’t look ridiculous at all,” she said quickly.

“If you’re going to lie, make it believable,” he said, smiling.

She chuckled. “That sounds like advice you’ve received. All right, perhaps you appear a trifle absurd.”

“My father was a font of advice.” Except it was typically shared more as a directive than something Law could take or leave.

“How helpful.”

Law laughed. Loudly.

“Why is that amusing?”

“Because his advice was nearly always unsolicited. Nor has the bulk of it proved very helpful.”

“Ah,” she said with understanding. “Thankfully, I don’t have to deal with much of that. I am mostly left to my own devices.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“Usually, yes.” The breeze blew the loose strands of her hair, and Law’s finger itched to tuck one behind her ear. Then he’d drag his fingertip down the outer rim. And down farther, to her neck, then all the way to the edge of her bodice.

What on earth was he thinking?

That she was beautiful, clever, and in need of someone who would make her the center of their world.

He needed to distract himself from such pointless thoughts. His goal was to find her a husband who would make her happy, and he was not that man. And it wasn’t just the fact that he might have to wed Lady Frederica. Why would a competent, clever woman such as Miss Campion, who simply wanted her own household to manage, want to saddle herself with the complication of becoming a duchess?

They neared the front door, and Miss Campion took her hand from his arm. “I moved the ladder out of the way. Let me fetch it.”

As she started striding toward a pair of trees, he caught up to her. “I’ll get it,” he said. “Why did you move it if you weren’t finished?”

“I couldn’t just leave it there to look terrible, not with you coming and going to the festival. And I only put the broom on the porch before walking to the stables to check on your coach.”

They reached the trees, and he picked up the ladder. “You were concerned about how this would look to me?” And she’d gone to check on his coach.

She lifted a shoulder as they went back toward the door. “I realize Fieldstone is far beneath your typical lodging or domicile. I can’t help feeling somewhat self-conscious about that.” Color flagged her cheeks, and he hated that she was embarrassed.

“Fieldstone is charming, and I’m incredibly impressed with how well it’s run with so few retainers. You are to be commended. All day, every day.”

“You are extremely complimentary. I would ask you to stop, but I confess it’s lovely to hear.” She gave him a sheepish smile that crinkled her features in the most adorable fashion. He just wanted to stare because he simply couldn’t get enough of her.

She grabbed the broom from beside the door as he set the ladder. “How are you planning to assist me?”

Taking the broom from her, he met her gaze. “I am going to climb up there and finish the job while you watch from the comfort of the ground. Or you could go about your other duties, if you prefer.”

“And leave you alone without help or supervision?” She shook her head firmly as a smile danced upon her eminently kissable lips. “Not a chance, Your Grace.”

“Law,” he said. “I think, given our alliance in your happiness hunting, that you must call me Law.”

“I couldn’t. At least, not when others are around.”

He shrugged. “Do as you like, but it would please me to hear my name on your lips.” His choice of words was unintentionally provocative. At least to him. Was it to her?

He could only hope.

And why was that? What on earth would he do with a mutual attraction with Miss Campion? The thought sent a spike of desire straight through him. Miss Campion was beautiful, intelligent, and Law enjoyed her company more than any woman he’d met.

As heat flooded his body, he was grateful that his face was already red. Otherwise, she would have seen the flush coming over him as he worked to tamp down his sudden, rampant lust.

“All right, Law. You may call me Sadie when we are alone.”

He would also call her Sadie in his dreams, for he was bound to have them about her. “I’m going up now.”

As he climbed the ladder, she asked, “Have you ever knocked down cobwebs before?”

“Never. I once tried to knock a kite out of a tree, but I doubt this is quite the same.”

Sadie laughed. “This is probably easier. Were you successful? With the kite, I mean.”

“Eventually. However, I ended up climbing higher into the tree to get it loose, and then I was too scared to make my way down. One of the grooms had to fetch me. After that, my father made me practice climbing up and down trees every day until I was nimble as a cat.”

“I can’t decide if that’s horrible.”

Law batted at the cobwebs. “At the time, I thought it was cruel because I was so frightened. However, after the first day, my mother came to watch. She told me it was good to conquer fear. It got easier after that.”

“Your mother sounds lovely.”

“She was. I miss her sometimes.” He also missed the man his father had been before she’d died. Nearly all the cobwebs were gone, but there was one corner he couldn’t quite reach. Bracing his hand on the stone in front of him, he reached his other arm out as far as possible, extending his hand until pain shot up his wrist.

“Careful!” Sadie called, as if she realized he was almost to the point of reaching too far. “We can move the ladder.”

They probably ought to, but he heard his father’s voice telling him not to be a coward, that if he just tried a little harder, he could do it…

Law relaxed his arm and pulled the broom back before climbing down. “Yes, let’s move it.”

Stepping off the last rung, he turned and was surprised to find her standing very close. So close that he could see small gold rims in her eyes separating the pupils from the irises. His heart picked up speed, and his lungs suddenly had to work harder.

“I didn’t think you were going to come down,” she said softly. “You had me worried there for a moment.”

“I didn’t mean to cause you distress. I confess to having an internal battle, but ultimately decided safety should win out.”

Her lips—those utterly, deliciously kissable lips—turned up. “I’m glad.”

Law was so focused on her mouth that he nearly forgot where he was and what he was doing. “I’ll just move this and finish up.” He forced himself to turn back and move the ladder.

He climbed up and cleared out the rest of the cobwebs, his body raging with an almost desperate desire. Was there any chance she might feel the same?

Now was not the time to ask. Hell, there would never be a time to ask. He needed to keep his wits about him before he did something he would regret.

Except he was fairly certain he’d never regret anything that happened between himself and Sadie.

Returning to the ground, he handed her the broom. “All clean.”

“Too bad we can’t hire you,” she said, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “Once I’m married, Fieldstone will need more help.”

“I’m not sure I’d want to work here without you.”

“Oh. Well. I can’t imagine you’d want to work here at all.” She laughed, but it had a nervous, uncertain quality to it.

He feared he’d overstepped. “Where does the ladder go?” he asked, adopting a businesslike tone.

“In the stables.”

She’d carried it from there yesterday? Or had someone carried it for her? He wasn’t sure what was worse, but decided it was the latter, for then whoever had transported it had allowed her to complete the risky task alone.

The sooner he helped Sadie find a husband, the sooner she could start her life away from Fieldstone. He’d make sure the gentleman was thoughtful and considerate, and that he understood Sadie’s exceptional character.

As he picked up the ladder and started to turn, she put her hand on his arm. The touch was gentle and brief, but the repercussions traveled through his entire body.

“Thank you, Law. I never would have imagined a duke could be so helpful and kind.”

“It’s my pleasure to be of assistance to you.” He inclined his head, then left her presence, glad for the distance he was putting between them.

If he wasn’t careful, he was going to forget that he was helping her to find a man who wasn’t him.