“When my husband is feeling better, I am certain he and yourself shall have much to discuss,” Lady Janet said.
It was Julian’s turn to smile coyly.
There was, of course, a single matter which he was keen to discuss with Lord Percival Fairchild, of Kendrick Priory. The matter of his daughter's hand in marriage. Julian felt his throat tighten at the prospect, his heart flutter. There was no reason to suppose that Lord Percival would refuse to give his consent but that did not stop Julian from catastrophizing. He did not know what he would do in that circumstance.
“Oh, I shall say it! I am sure Papa will be keen to give his blessing to Jul—His Graceand Helen. And then perhaps we can turn our attention to my debut?” Helen said carefully, glancing at her mother.
Lady Janet gave the younger daughter a pointed look. “One thing at a time, Helen. At present, your sister’s matters take precedence.”
“Of course, Mama,” the girl sighed with exaggerated patience,
“Has any thought been given to Miss Helen's debut ball as yet?” Julian inquired curiously.
Lady Janet offered a gracious smile, though there was a flicker of hesitance in her eyes. “Not so. There have been... other matters demanding my family’s attention, unfortunately.”
“And I would not have mytroublesovershadowing Helen's debut,” Ester put in, her voice taking on a softer note.
“In that case, I should be glad to host,” Julian chimed keenly. “Theydon Mount would need a little sprucing up, of course, before it is fit for such an occasion, but I should be honored if my title and home could be of use to the Fairchilds.”
Lady Janet’s face lit up with delight, but it was Helen who positively sparkled, clapping her hands together in excitement. “Oh, can we, Mother? A debut at a Duke's estate! Oh, how magnificent it will be! Just think of it—a castle! I will be the talk of the ton for centuries to come!”
Julian chuckled. “I must confess, the place is somewhat under-staffed at present, but I shall see to that immediately. I will write to my butler, Mr. Crammond, and have him begin the necessarypreparations if it is all well with yourself, Miss Helen. I am quite certain we can have Theydon Mount returned to its former glory before long.”
Julian found a simple pleasure in being able to help bring happiness to another. For so long, his life had centered on himself and his own woes. Then, Ester had unsuspectedly, and quite nearly, fallen into his lap. The Fairchild's were good people, trying to live a quiet, decent life. They had been uprooted by one man's wickedness, but he sensed it had not left them jaded or cynical. He felt at home among them, relaxed in a way that he had not been at any previous point in his life. He doubted that his title would have as much pull with the local ton as the Fairchild's assumed. He was known as the Ghoul and the Phantom locally, after all. But he was still a Duke. Some would attend because of his rank. Some would attend because of their own curiosity. It did not matter. Helen would have her debut among the great and the good of society and this would go a long way to helping her chances of finding a suitable husband.
They talked and drank tea for a while longer. Julian enjoyed the inconsequential nature of the conversation. Enjoyed secretly holding hands with Ester beneath the cover of the tablecloth, and touching feet. Enjoyed the sunshine and the comfortable feeling of acceptance.
A servant came out from the house to announce that his lordship had retired for a few hours to recover his strength. Julian had hoped to secure Lord Percival's blessing that morning and felt a moment's disappointment at the delay.
“Why do you not show His Grace some of the excellent grounds we enjoy here,” Lady Janet suggested to Ester. She then turned to Julian. “They are not my own gardens—rather a sample of the inventive nature of my two daughters during their short stay here. But they are excellent nonetheless with an extremely handsome woodland adjoining.”
Ester agreed and rose gracefully, almost immediately after her mother had spoken. Julian also rose. Once again, he offered his arm and Ester took it. They walked together across the lawn and towards a set of mossy steps that led down to the gardens.
“Thank you for that,” Ester whispered as they strolled, “for offering to host Helen's debut. I know she was apprehensive about holding it here, in a house belonging to another. And we did not know when we would be going home.”
“It is nothing. But I think I shall require the help of the architect of these splendid gardens in preparing the house for guests,” Julian smirked. “Besides, you know its current state well enough.”
“I do. And I would be more than happy to lend a hand,” Ester chimed.
Julian nodded absently. “As Duchess, it will be one of your duties.”
Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she smiled down. Then, she paused and spun daintily to face him. “You know, you have intimated that you would speak to my father about me… but youhave yet to actually ask me,” she pointed out with an arched brow.
“That is correct.” Julian gave a soft chuckle. “But I shall.Onceyour father grants his blessing.”
Ester giggled and skipped down the steps that they had just reached. Beyond was a paved path that wove between artfully placed flower beds and bushes. Somewhere out of sight came the tinkle of running water. Trees loomed in the middle distance, the green jumble of an English woodland.
“And what if I do not give my permission?” Ester called over her shoulder with a playful lilt.
Julian followed her at a more sedate pace. “Then I shall be compelled to win you over,” he replied.
“Compelled?” Ester laughed, “I am sorry that you have to becompelled.”
“Compelled by the demands of my heart. A heart that cannot contemplate life without you.”
“And yet you have known me for but a month or so. That is hardly enough time for such sentiments,” Ester replied, folding her arms in challenge.
“I knew it from the first night I carried you home.”
