Page 30 of Lavender’s Lost Duke

“I expect to hear your answer for me in two days. I’ll claim the first dance at the Moulton’s ball this Friday.” Lord Chilcott’s voice came out as more of a command than Thomas expected, but Thomas helped Lady Lavender find her footing on the ground and turned back toward the house.

“I will allow that. But Lord Chilcott, you should know that whatever answer I give to you, I expect you to respect that decision.”

Thomas was beyond intrigued by their half-conversation. For the first time in all their acquaintance, Lady Lavender sounded a bit upset. The fact that she was probably upset with Lord Chilcott made Thomas bite back a smile. He knew precisely what questions he would have for her this evening.

Lady Lavender watched the phaeton drive off and then marched up the steps to the house. Thomas only just beat her to the top before he let her inside.

She finally made eye contact with him. “Thank you, Tom. I must admit, it was strengthening to have you at my side after a ride like that.” She glanced over her shoulder at the retreating phaeton. Her hazel eyes sparking dangerously in the sunlight.

“I will be at your side whenever you need me, my lady.” And he meant it. For all the years he’d spent chasing a feeling of belonging in his life, he’d come up as empty as his brandy bottles. And now, he wanted to serve this lady as much as he wanted to court her.

She pulled her glove up higher. “How is Jack?”

“Sleeping like a baby, with his hands wrapped.”

She nodded. “Good. Would you tell Miriam I need to rest for the remainder of the day?”

“Certainly, my lady.” He put a hand on her elbow. “Will you be in the garden tonight?”

She nodded once. “I’m coming with lots of questions, so you’d best prepare yourself.”

Thomas smiled at her. “I am an open book.”

“That is my favorite type.” Her smile set his heart pounding.

Chapter 15

Lavender asked for her supper to be brought to her bed chamber on a tray. She didn’t know why the idea of being courted by Lord Chilcott made her so uneasy; it was everything her parents hoped for her, and likely more than they expected. Besides, she was wholly unaffected by him, her heart safe from any wound he could inflict upon her. They could court and be married in a matter of months. Her father could pass away peacefully knowing she was well taken care of, and she would have accomplished all her goals for the Season.

The idea made her sick. It was as if her body was warning her away from Lord Chilcott as much as her mind was trying to accept him, a war within herself. Lord Chilcott likely had a fine library, but the way he lied so easily, how he manipulated and talked down to her made her skin itch. She didn’t want to be taken advantage of for the entirety of her marriage. She wasn’t looking for love, but was respect too much to ask for?

She stayed in her rooms most of the day. She was reading, but mostly she wanted an excuse should Lord Chilcott ask for her to spend time with him. Now that it was evening and that particular threat had passed, she was ready to pepper Tom for answers about the baron and the lost duke. The more she thought about it, the more she was convinced there had to be history between the two of them, even beyond the family connection.

She left her long gloves in her bed chamber. The staff had all seen her disfiguration. There was no sparing them her monstrosity now. Even Tom would be more distant with her, she was sure of it. However, she could not undo the past, and she didn’t really wish to. She’d been able to comfort Jack. It was important for him not to feel alone in his suffering. Besides, it was hot, and she enjoyed the idea of being outside without her gloves even if it was only for an hour.

She tucked a book under her arm on her way out the door and found Tom sitting on what she’d come to think of as her swing. In reality, the children enjoyed it during the day, and it was only Lavender’s at night. Tom looked much bigger on the swing than she expected.

“Good evening, Tom. Would you like a push?”

He smiled at her. “I’d love one, thank you.”

Lavender smiled, put her book down on the garden bench, and proceeded to push the giant of a man a few times. “You’ve forgotten to shave again,” she remarked.

“I didn’t forget.”

“Then you enjoy your whiskers?”

“Not particularly.”

Lavender sighed. “I do not understand it.”

“Then don’t try to. A man’s mind is a dangerous puzzle to solve.”

She laughed a little. “I believe that women usually get that reputation. It’s refreshing to hear it is a universal problem.”

“Speaking of problems, I believe it is my turn to ask a question.” Tom walked off the swing and held it out to her. “And it is your turn to swing.”

Lavender didn’t argue with him. She took hold of the ropes. “What question do you have for me tonight?” Her middle tightened of its own accord. She felt her deformity as if it were plastered across her forehead, and she hoped he wouldn’t ask too many questions about it.