Page 33 of Disguised Desires of a Scarred Duke
Edward didn’t answer at first. He just shook his head as if no explanation made sense enough to guess.
“If it helps to know it, I didn’t see her give the man any attention at all until he dropped to one knee. And then she fainted.”
William stood up again and grabbed his coat from the rack in the corner. “I have to know if she is well. I have to go to her.”
Edward rose and shut the men inside the duke’s study before William could move through it.
“Wait. Let’s not make a scene, Will. I know that she is with her family, and I’m sure they are taking good care of her. I saw her cousin catch her so she didn’t fall to the ground. How about I send a note asking after her, and we wait for a reply? Or I could have my father send a note instead. I’m sure Lady Whitfield would respond to him more quickly than she would to me.”
William tugged off his coat and threw it on the floor. Then he paced around the study and picked it up again.
“Tell me something. If I told you that I had witnessed a scoundrel proposing to Miss Regina and then saw her faint without knowing if she’d even given the man an answer, would you send a note and then sip a cup of bloody tea while waiting for a reply?” William asked as he twisted his coat between his hands.
Edward blinked a few times and then stepped out of William’s way.
“Well said. I’m coming with you.”
The two friends ran towards the Whitfield home under the light of the glowing streetlamps they passed along the way. When they reached the house, William used the antique brass lion knocker to announce their presence.
It took the footman ages to open the door. When he did, he did a double take after seeing William’s face.
“Mr Black and Mr Montrose to enquire after Miss Whitfield’s health. Mr Montrose here is part owner of the Montrose Savings and Loan. Please, we know of Miss Whitfield fainting at the opera tonight and only request an update on her well-being,” William said.
The footman frowned and then asked the gentlemen to wait while he spoke to the lady of the house.
William and Edward stood outside the door for another lengthy amount of time before the footman returned again. He handed William a small white note and then closed the door in their faces.
William broke the seal and unfolded the brief note. When he finished reading it, he crumpled it up and shoved it into Edward’s hand before walking away.
Dear Mr Black,
Thank you kindly for your concern.
I am well and resting.
We look forward to seeing you and Mr Montrose in the country
for Lady Charter’s house party in a few days.
Sincerely,
Eleanor Whitfield
Chapter 14
Eleanor and Regina sat across from Cousin Harrison in his carriage as they neared the Charter country home. None of them had spoken in more than an hour, but Eleanor savoured the peace and quiet.
The past few days were a blur. The standout event wasn’t even Cecil’s proposal. It was the intense argument between Lord Whitfield and her stepmother that took place after Eleanor was safely brought home from the opera and sent to bed.
While their tempers flared in the drawing room, Eleanor and Regina had huddled together at the top of the stairs to listen in.
“You will not interfere with my daughters, Lord Whitfield! I cannot allow it. As I have reminded you repeatedly since my husband passed, I know what’s best for these young ladies far more than you. It is your place to handle the finances and my place to handle their marriage prospects. We agreed to those terms, did we not?” Lady Whitfield had shouted with venom in her voice.
Eleanor heard Cousin Harrison’s boots against the hard wood floors as he’d walked back and forth in a way that was unlike his usual timid behaviour when Margaret was around.
“And I made a promise to your husband that I would protect your daughters from harm, Lady Whitfield! Iwill notapprove of an engagement between Eleanor and Mr Phillips until I have spent time observing their courtship. Especially since Eleanor fainted at the mere thought of this match taking place!”
Eleanor had fought back tears of gratitude that night as she and Regina continued to listen to Cousin Harrison standing his ground.
