Page 19 of Disguised Desires of a Scarred Duke
No, they had to keep their distance. Anthony Black was as dangerous for her as an ocean storm. Being alone with him was out of the question, other than how they cavorted together in her mind after dark.
“They look as though they’ve seen a ghost, Mr Black. I’ll take care of that for you. Please allow me to introduce my dear friend, Anthony Black. Though he had a nasty accident a few years ago, he’s a survivor and a gentleman. He’s also the estate agent for the Duke of Ashbourn.”
Several people, including Margaret and Regina, exclaimed “Oh!” at the mention of the Duke of Ashbourn’s name. A few women moved closer to get a better look at someone who knew the mysterious duke but then backed away quickly when they noticed Margaret’s angry stare.
“Thank you kindly, Edward. The Duke of Ashbourn sends his regards, and I am happy to attend this soiree on his behalf. And this is my friend, Edward Montrose, son of esteemed banker Harry Montrose of Montrose Savings and Loan. He hasn’t had any nasty accidents that I can recall, but he falls hard for tulips in the spring. Would you say that’s a correct assessment of your love for tulips, Mr Montrose?”
Lady Whitfield’s mouth pinched shut at the sound of Mr Montrose’s name as if she’d just tasted something sour.
“Oh goodness,yes!Such a welcoming flower. Now, I believe a few more introductions are in order. Or shall we skip the formalities and go straight to getting that refreshing punch?” Edward said.
Eleanor watched Mr Montrose’s smile fade into a stony stare aimed at Cecil, which then brightened again when he looked back at her.
“Ah, yes! Mr Montrose, Mr Black. We are quite ready for that refreshing punch, aren’t we Regina?” Eleanor replied.
She held Regina’s confused gaze long enough for her sister to understand that all would be revealed soon.
So please play along.
“Of course. With pleasure, Mr Montrose, thank you,” Regina replied as she and Anthony’s friend exchanged looks of instant attraction neither one of them could hide.
“Nobody is going anywhere! Stop this nonsense at once, Eleanor. And, Regina, I expected more from you,” Margaret scolded her daughters as they turned back around to face her anger again. “I don’t know these men, nor do I want to. And they don’t have any say in private family matters. Let’s not make a scene. Regina, you come with me. Eleanor, your place is with Cecil.”
Before Eleanor could protest, she felt the heat of Anthony’s breath grow heavier on the back of her neck. Then, as she had done with Regina moments before, Anthony stepped in front of Eleanor and discreetly held her hand behind his back.
“Eleanor’s place is wherever Eleanor wants to be,” he said to Cecil in a quiet but commanding voice that could have made marble statues crumble at his feet. “Tonight, that place is apparently on the dance floor with me. Do you take issue with that, Mr Phillips?”
Eleanor peeked through the gap between Anthony’s arm and torso to see Cecil’s expression. It was a mix of embarrassment and rage battling for dominance.
“Whatever the lady wants,” he replied, then asked Lady Whitfield to join him in the entrance hall for a moment. When Margaret protested, he whispered something in her ear that calmed her temporarily.
“Be prepared to leave when I return to this ballroom, or I will scream for assistance,” Margaret said, then she pinched the skin of Eleanor and Regina’s arms to get her point across.
“Yes, ma’am. We’ll be ready, Mama,” Regina said, then waited for her mother to exit the ballroom before turning back to her sister with a smile.
“It seems we have some catching up to do, Eleanor. You have new friends, I see.”
“Yes, dear sister. We do need to talk soon. But for now, let’s get refreshments with these chivalrous gentlemen before Lady Whitfield has our heads on a platter.”
Edward extended his arm to Regina. She happily accepted it, and the two led the way towards the refreshment tables at the back of the ballroom.
Before Anthony escorted Eleanor in the same direction, his expression turned serious.
“Are you all right? Did that man hurt you?” He searched her eyes and dared to gently brush one of her curls away from her face.
“I’m fine. Thank you for stepping in when you did. My stepmother seems to think that Mr Phillips and I are getting married. Without my consent.”
Anthony’s sparkling obsidian eyes dulled for a second until they seemed to spark with the light of an idea.
“Perhaps Mr Phillips needs a few more lessons regarding how to respect a lady's choice.” He winked and offered Eleanor his arm. “Tonight, we dance. Tomorrow, we will see which gentleman comes out on top.”
Chapter 9
Though he’d spent less than an hour with Eleanor last night, William woke up the next morning feeling very glad he and Edward had made an appearance at the soiree. They’d shared several dances with the young ladies and had a great time as a foursome on the dance floor.
The icing on the cake was getting to see the man Eleanor was trying to avoid sending William looks that could kill when her back was turned.
He wasn’t quite ready to admit it out loud to his friend, but the opportunity to keep Cecil Phillips away from Eleanor gave seeing her again a new purpose. And perhaps making Mr Phillips uncomfortable would make being in London for a while a whole lot more fun for the Duke of Ashbourn.
