Page 135 of Rakes & Reticules
Did all men doubt women?
She released a sigh and turned to leave but the duke’s hand at her elbow stopped her. Over her shoulder she said, “Your Grace.”
“Don’t go.” His hand dropped back to his side.
Hazel spun back around to face the duke, whose ever-present warm, inviting smile was slowly disappearing from sight. “Is something wrong?” She followed his gaze across the dance floor toward a row of chairs which were currently all occupied by ladies considered past their prime. All ladies, including herself, feared being banished to spinster seating. If she continued to listen to her heart, holding out hope that one day Samuel’s feelings for her would transform into love rather than friendship, she could easily imagine being seated next to the lovely Lady Helen. Why no man had yet claimed Lady Helen’s hand was a mystery to Hazel. Lady Helen, an heiress, was from one of the most respected families of the ton and possessed a pristine reputation.
“Can you keep a secret?” The Duke of Whistlestop’s gaze flickered between Hazel and Lady Helen. His charming lopsided grin briefly returned but quickly disappeared as his gaze fell back upon the quiet and reserved Lady Helen.
“I believe I can.”
“Lady Helen and I are engaged, and have been for years.”
Hazel couldn’t recall ever seeing the two in each other's company. “Years?”
“Our parents arranged the betrothal well before either of us could talk, or walk for that matter.” He forced his lips to curve into a smile and added, “If I’m successful tonight, we shall wed as soon as the banns have been read.”
“Then I shall wish you all the best in your endeavors this eve, and please accept my sincere congratulations for your upcoming nuptials.” She turned to sneak a peek at Lady Helen but the woman was no longer in sight. Her heart began to ache for Lady Helen. To have been secretly engaged to a rake must have been trying.
As if he could read her mind, His Grace said, “You’re probably wondering why we have kept our betrothal a secret and why have I never publicly claimed Helen’s hand.” The Duke of Whistlestop winged his arm for her and added, “If you assist me in tracking down my clever and ever evasive fiancée, I shall share with you why and how I’ve come to find myself in what any man would call a no-win situation.”
Curious to know more, Hazel hooked her arm through his. “It shouldn’t be that difficult to locate Lady Helen.”
His Grace chuckled and said, “Then you don’t know my intended very well. Lady Helen is a master magician. She can make herself disappear and reappear on a whim. The truth of the matter is, I’ve been chasing Lady Helen for nearly half a decade, but this Season I shall prevail.” As the duke led her around the perimeter of the dance floor, Hazel attempted to deduce a logical reason as to why Lady Helen would lead her intended on a merry chase for five years. But in matters of the heart, she was quickly realizing logic doesn’t apply.
After combing through the crowded ballroom and three very brief but discreet trips out into the gardens, Hazel turned to His Grace and said, “You weren’t bluffing earlier. Lady Helen is truly a master at evasion.”
“My thanks for assisting me this eve. I’m indebted to you.” The man released a deep sigh and added, “To be honest, most ladies retract their offers of help after a short spell.”
Hmm. Hazel snuck a quick peek up at the man next to her and said, “Mayhap you aren’t really the rake most believe you to be.”
“I pay no mind to what others think. I’m content knowing the truth of my actions and motivations.” He took a step back and bowed. “Thank you again for your time and help this evening. If you are ever in need of assistance…”
Before he could finish his thought, Hazel blurted, “I’m in need of a husband.”
“Beg pardon?” All the color in the Duke of Whistlestop’s cheeks faded until he was as white as a sheet.
“Not you, you are already betrothed. I’m seeking help in finding a suitable husband.”
“What of Thornsbee?”
She dipped her chin to her chest. “He views our relationship as purely platonic.”
“Very well. Leave it to me, and I shall repay your kindness.”
She raised her gaze to ascertain if the duke was being serious, but His Grace’s attention was already directed elsewhere. The man she had presumed held only fleeting feelings for the opposite sex was once more scanning the room in search of his fiancée. Without another word, but with a determined expression set on his features, the Duke of Whistlestop strode directly toward the terrace doors.
Left to ponder the Duke of Whistlestop’s situation, Hazel found herself sinking down into the chair Lady Helen had vacated earlier. Would an arranged marriage be easier than hunting for a husband? She shook her head. Definitely not. She shuddered at the thought of Richard selecting a husband on her behalf. Suddenly thankful for the opportunity, Hazel rose to her feet and rolled her shoulder back. She would not let this Season go to waste. She was going to give Richard back the freedom that had been taken from him at an early age when both their parents were lost at sea. Resolute on success, Hazel made her way back into the throng of guests, determined to find an eligible bachelor to wed.
CHAPTERSIX
An unrelenting ache settled in Samuel’s chest. After spending an hour attempting to devise a plan to win over Hazel, Samuel realized his monumental mistake in not being completely honest with Hazel about his feelings for her.
Sarah huffed and flopped onto the settee. “Why are men so obtuse when it comes to love?”
Samuel continued to pace in front of the fire in silence. Dimwitted he might be in matters of the heart, but he was at least wise enough to know that Sarah’s question was a rhetorical one. Another extra loud sigh came from the settee and Samuel stopped to peer over at Sarah.
With her arm draped over her eyes, she mumbled, “Who am I to criticize? Had I been honest with your cousin, Patrick might very well be with us today instead of…” Sarah’s voice broke off with a heartbreaking sob.
