Page 69 of Tempted By an Unconventional Lady
“I don’t know how long it has been going on, but from this moment, I forbid you from ever seeing the Duke of Ashbourne again.”
Chapter 27
Three hours earlier
Alexander had been somewhat nervous approaching Elliot Fairchild, though he couldn’t for the life of him think why. Any of the lower lords would be thrilled to have their charge marry a duke, even if he wasn’t as wealthy as he liked to present himself. And what little Alexander knew of Fairchild, he was a pleasant and appeasing man.
But marrying Charlotte meant so much to him, and anything that might prevent that was nerve wracking.
“Come in,” Elliot called from the study.
Alexander opened the door and peered in to find the man looking up at him in surprise.
“Oh, Your Grace,” he said, rising from his seat. “I’m sorry, I assumed it was one of the servants come to pester me about something. I wasn’t expecting you.”
“No. It was rather an unplanned call, but I do hope you won’t mind seeing me,” Alexander replied.
“Not at all, not at all. Come in, make yourself at home.” Elliot beckoned for Alexander to join him, offering up one of the comfortable high-backed wing chairs in front of the fire. Elliot himself took the other. “To what do I owe this pleasure? Is it business?”
“Actually no. At least not in the strictest sense.” Alexander paused, finding the words he wanted before continuing. “In actual fact, it’s about young Lady Charlotte.”
Elliot’s beaming smile told Alexander everything he needed to know: this man loved his niece and wanted the best for her. Alexander breathed a little easier.
“Is it indeed? Did I detect a little flush of attraction that night in the theater?”
Alexander looked away, embarrassed that it had been so plain, but he smiled all the same. “You could say that, yes. In fact, since the wedding of Lord and Lady Lemming, Lady Charlotte and I have become something of friends. She is an excellent conversationalist as well as a beauty, and I must admit I find her rather captivating.”
“Does she know you are here today?”
Alexander nodded, looking down at his hands sheepishly. “Yes, we had discussed it. In fact, it was her idea.”
Elliot chuckled. “She always insisted she would never marry, but I knew she only needed to find the right gentleman. And it seems now she has.”
Alexander looked up at him, eyebrows raised. “You know why I am here then?”
“Your Grace, I have enough experience of the world to recognize a man in love. You are here to ask for my blessing?”
“I am,” Alexander clarified. “Do you think you could find it in your heart to give it to us? I will take good care of your niece, Lord Fairchild. She will want for nothing, and her life will be filled with love.”
“I have no doubt. Of course you have my blessing. I am overjoyed at the prospect. Shall we take a little brandy to celebrate?”
Alexander left the study two glasses of brandy later, thrilled at how easily the conversation had gone. He found he rather liked Elliot Fairchild. The man was light of heart and full of good cheer. He left the house and went immediately to see Stewart. If ever there was a time to celebrate, this was it.
***
Lydia was sitting in the drawing room with her embroidery when she heard the front door close, followed by the quiet call of her husband. She glanced over at Lucille, whose nose was buried in a book. She couldn’t wait to get rid of the young woman, but they had some time yet before their plan could be fully enacted.
“Lydia? Where are you?”
“Where I always am, you old fool,” she muttered under her breath, causing Lucille to giggle, and then louder, she said, “the drawing room, Elliot.”
When he came bounding in, Lydia narrowed her eyes. He was always quite a happy-go-lucky man, but on that particular afternoon, he seemed overly cheerful. It always worried her when he was overly cheerful. It usually meant there was something afoot.
“I have just had the most wonderful news,” he said, plonking himself down on the chair opposite her and motioning to the maid for a drink. Lucille remained silent in the corner, as if she hoped they would forget she was there.
“And would you care to share it with us?” Lydia asked, her lips pursed.
“That was the Duke of Ashbourne who just left. Did you know he and our Charlotte have become something of friends since Lady Chelsea’s wedding?”
