Winning The Indecisive Duke: The Fairbank Series Page 9

  Daniel looked at Jonah curiously. “Lady Julia?”

  “Yes. She is cousin to one of my dearest friends. We have spoken on occasion.”

  Daniel got a knowing look on his face and lifted his chin. “Ah, so you are already in love.” He turned his eyes to Elizabeth. “And not with you. I do see your dilemma. Tell me, my lady. Is there a hidden love in your heart also?”

  Elizabeth felt all the blood drain from her face. “I… I am keeping my options open, my lord.”

  A slow grin made Daniel’s lips turn upward. “I see.” He nodded, never taking his eyes from her. Her heart pounded, and she couldn’t look away.

  Daniel, for his part, also felt his heart beat race. He wondered if her phrase meant what he thought it did, and he wished he could find out. But he kept himself where he was. Alexandra was still holding onto the crook of his arm: He couldn’t exactly remove her hand and offer his elbow to Elizabeth. Not certain of what to reply, and caught off guard, he said something inane.

  “Well, you are young. You have plenty of time to find the right gentleman.”

  Opposite him, Elizabeth’s face fell. Her heart plummeted in her chest. Just when she was beginning to think he was interested, he said something that made her think he felt she was too young for him. Her age was becoming a real bother to her. She wished she was ten years older. Then she could tease him about being too young for her.

  She frowned and looked at Jonah, who gave her a sympathetic smile. He understood her better than anyone and must have recognized what had she felt. She reached surreptitiously for his hand, wishing she could think of something to say. Her own thoughts suddenly so uncertain, his company was the reassurance she craved. Did the duke truly only see her as the little sister of his intended?

  Jonah turned to the duke, a smile on his face. Elizabeth wondered what he might say next. “Would you like to sit and enjoy some lemonade and crackers with ham and cheese?”

  Elizabeth wondered what he was doing. The last thing she wanted to do right now was watch Alexandra and the duke together.

  “We’d be delighted,” Daniel replied before Alexandra could object.

  She still tried to, saying, “We can’t stay long. I must retire early.”

  Elizabeth sighed. Alexandra had no reason to retire early as far as she knew. It was clearly an excuse to leave as fast as possible and a transparent one.

  Elizabeth dropped herself back to the blanket, her legs to one side, propping herself up with one hand. Daniel moved to the corner of the blanket between her and Jonah. Alexandra, not wanting stains on her white and yellow dress, moved to the corner opposite him, laying aside her parasol in the grass next to her sister and sitting gracefully.

  Elizabeth passed round the platter of crackers, ham, and cheese, and their new guests took some. Jonah and Daniel chatted about the cricket games they had played the day before. Daniel praised Jonah’s choice of friends. Jonah laughed and said he had a few stories to tell that might change Daniel’s mind.

  “Oh, do you?” Daniel looked surprised. The statement was out of keeping with Jonah's friendly attitude – he seemed the last to spread rumor.

  “Surely,” Jonah responded. “But I must say those stories would probably only prove to show you how truly personable they are. They are close friends; they just have their opinions on certain topics. You know we cannot always agree. We know what we need to avoid talking about, lest it start a heated discussion.” He chuckled.

  Elizabeth slowly started to relax. She glanced at Alexandra, wishing things didn’t have to be so bad between them. She wanted all her brothers and sisters to be happy.

  Watching them together, she hoped that she was even in the running with the duke. How could she make herself appear older and more mature than she was? She doubted her capabilities and suddenly felt twelve years old.

  She was sitting in the sun, wishing she brought her parasol with her. It was hot. She fanned herself with her hand, feeling wretched and uncomfortable. I should not have stayed! Seeing them here together, while I am here with Jonah, is too horrible! And this sun is so hot... Her thoughts trailed off, and she felt herself slump forward.

  “Liz!” Jonah said, alarmed. “Are you well? Can you hear me?”

  Jonah’s voice sounded as though it was coming through a tunnel, and she tried to focus on his face without success.

  She was surrounded by black, her eyes closed against her will, and she toppled to the side.

  “Elizabeth!”

  All three of her companions said her name at the same time, surging on the fainted woman, their hands held out too late to catch her.

  Daniel's heart clenched, and he sprang to his feet, grabbed a mug that sat nearby and ran down to the water. He scooped up some of the water, rushed back and dashed it on Elizabeth’s face. She came to, gasping. Sitting up abruptly, she lifted her hands to her face.

  She looked up to see the confused look on Alexandra’s face and the concerned looks of the men. They had moved close to surround her, and Jonah was trying to lift her, while Daniel fanned her with a tray from the basket.

  “Elizabeth, what happened? Why did you faint?”

  “Are you all right?”

  Daniel paused his task and held up a hand toward Alexandra and Jonah. “Let’s step back. Give her some fresh air.”

  They moved away from her while Daniel stayed where he was, knelt on one knee in front of her. “My dear lady Elizabeth! What happened?”

  Elizabeth had barely caught her breath. She tried to focus but her mind was whirling with confusion.

  What just happened? She shook her head. And tried to think. “I don’t know. I… I have done nothing different today. It is not so terribly warm. I have not done anything that might lead to a fainting spell.” She tried to remember what had happened, but the minutes before she had passed out were lost to her.

  “Perhaps you have your corset on too tight?” Alexandra said matter-of-factly.

  She shook her head. “I do not think so. Stella didn't…” Her eyes lifted to Daniel’s concerned face, and she cut off her words. She didn’t want to talk about getting dressed in front of these two gentlemen. “I… I will be fine. I just want some tea, if you please, Jonah.”

  “Here you are,” Daniel reached behind him to where he had been sitting and plucked his mug from the blanket. He handed it to her. “Sweet tea. You will enjoy this, I’m sure.”

  “Yes, I do like tea. I was glad Jonah thought to bring some.” She felt like her mind was lost behind a haze. She held her cup in both hands and took several long swallows of the cool tea. She could feel the liquid washing through her body. She still felt so terribly weak! She drew in a deep breath and held it for a second before letting it out. When she opened her eyes, she felt better.

  “Are you all right now?” Daniel asked.

  “Yes, I think I will live.”

  “Well, thank the Lord above for that.” He looked at her very seriously. She could tell he was very concerned.

  Daniel and Alexandra stayed for fifteen more minutes before Alexandra insisted on leaving.

  Daniel pushed himself to his feet. “Shall we depart, Alexa?” he asked, holding out one hand to her. “You will manage here, yes?” he asked Jonah, who nodded.

  “I am well,” Elizabeth said softly. He nodded and turned to walk with Alexandra down the long narrow path to the house.

  As he walked with her, the lovely scenery spread out around them, he thought about the dilemma he was in. It was certainly diverting, and he wished to see where this adventure was going. He was in the fairly unique position of having two beautiful women compete for his attentions. A small part of him was enjoying it. Besides that, he did not wish to move on for practical reasons. He had only a short time to find a bride.

  He would choose one of these women. If he could not have Elizabeth, and it was increasingly certain to him that she was out of his reach, then he would settle for Alexandra. She was a beautiful woman, and he was sure he would find some mea
ns to be content with her.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  EXPLORING FOR TRUTH

  EXPLORING FOR TRUTH

  “Before we leave, Jonah,” Daniel said, straightening his jacket, “you had mentioned that your grandfather trusted you with most of the overseeing of his properties in the southwestern corner of Fairbanks.”

  It was later that afternoon, and Daniel and Jonah stood in the light and airy drawing-room at the manor. He had waited for the younger couple to return to the house before leaving.

  “Yes, that is true, your grace.”

  “I would very much like to discuss a few things with you about your knowledge of it, as that is where my land will be.” He smiled. “Not the same land, of course, but close enough and similar enough to encounter similar problems.”

  “Thank you for asking me.” Jonah’s voice revealed his pleasure. “I am not sure I am exactly expert yet – Grandfather only began to include me two years ago,” he blushed, “but I shall do my best.”

  Daniel nodded. “I’m sure you will. I’ve no doubt that if your grandfather leaves the matters up to you that you have good knowledge of it.”

  “Thank you, your grace.”

  “Shall we meet up later in the Boar and Pen? I believe that is a popular inn for discussing business.”

  “Yes, it is! I’d be pleased to meet you there, my lord.”

  “Around nine this evening?” he asked, looking at his watch.

  “Yes, that sounds good.” Jonah smiled at him.

  Daniel turned his eyes to Elizabeth. “You loosen up that corset, my dear.”

  Elizabeth felt her whole face flush red. Her eyes dropped to the ground.

  “My lady,” he said gently. “I meant no offense.” Reaching forward, he touched her under her chin and lifted her face so that she met his gaze once more. She felt her chin tingling at his touch, running all the way through her into her chest. And when her eyes met his, she felt like she was drowning.

  “I… I’m sorry, my lord,” she murmured, dropping her eyes once more.

  He shook his head, never taking his eyes from her face. “Don’t say you are sorry. Why are you apologizing when you have done nothing wrong?”

  “I… I thought…” She bit her lip.

  “Never be ashamed,” he said softly. “Especially not when someone else has misspoken.”

  Elizabeth smiled at him. “Thank you, your grace. That is wise advice.”

  “My father used to say it. He was a wise man,” Daniel said. It was his turn to look away, and his jaw worked, his feeling for his father so obvious.

  “I’m sure you miss him terribly,” Elizabeth said. When he looked at her, his face had softened, and he looked almost vulnerable.

  “I do, my lady. Every day.”

  The sorrow in his voice nearly brought tears to her eyes.

  “Allow me to tell you about him someday.” His voice dropped even lower. Elizabeth could tell he was directing the invitation to her and to her alone.

  “I will, my lord. I will.”

  Jonah took a few steps closer to her protectively. “I will see you later at the inn, your grace.”

  Daniel looked at him without speaking for a moment. “Yes,” he replied finally. “You shall.”

  When he had gone, Elizabeth sat down on a low chair as Jonah gently led her to it. “Oh, that was exhausting! All I want to do is cry and sleep.”

  Jonah nodded, dropping down beside her. “I am confused, too. At first, I thought he was interested in you. But he also shows interest in Alexandra and speaks to you as though you were a child. Well, not a child. But much too young for him. I don’t understand it. At all. You are a beautiful woman. He is a fool if he thinks otherwise.”

  Elizabeth looked into his blue eyes, feeling her throat close on a sob. “Thank you,” she said in a small voice. “I don’t think he denies my beauty. He’s said as much to my father. It is the age that bothers me. I feel as if he looks past me because of my age.”

  “He wants his inheritance, does he not?” Jonah grinned wryly. “He had better not wait too long to decide.”

  “Surely, he will see what Alexandra is like, and at least look elsewhere before he settles,” Elizabeth said reasonably. “I do not wish her ill. But they are not suited, to my mind. Not suited at all.”

  “Well, I agree,” he sighed. “Except he does not seem to notice.”

  The two of them heard Alexandra and Daniel, laughing in the hallway. She had just walked down the stairs and appeared at the front door as he was leaving. The sound cut into Elizabeth’s heart. She sighed and looked away, hoping they were not laughing at her fainting spell.

  “He touched your chin a very affectionate way,” Jonah commented when the two had gone outside. “That must mean something. I saw that look in his eyes. I would give anything to touch Julia in that way. But her parents would have my head.”

  “I just don’t know what to think, Jonah. I’ve been praying and hoping, but it just doesn’t seem to change. I can’t keep nagging Papa. And I can’t say anything at all to your father. Have you said anything more to him?”

  Jonah shook his head. “I mention it every chance I get, my dear. Trust me. I will lose my wits if I am denied Julia. I truly will.”

  “I know how you feel. I may not have known the duke as long as you have known Julia, but I do understand you now.”

  Jonah reached over and took her hand, squeezing it gently. “I suppose the Duke of Athlone is right about one thing. If we are not able to break this contract, we will still have each other. At least we love each other.”

  Elizabeth nodded. She did not want to tell Jonah that it would likely not be happy. They would still love each other, but their easy friendship would be bent and twisted in a direction it was never meant to go. She was sure that would only lead to bitterness and resentment, for both of them.

  “Yes, at least we do,” she said gently. “But I think it would still hurt us, my dear.”

  “I agree.” Jonah shook his head sadly. “I suppose it is foolish to think it would not.”

  “It’s not foolish,” Elizabeth said. “It just isn’t wise. It’s not what we want. I want to speak to you and be friends with you for the rest of my life. But I do not want to be your wife. I… I can’t imagine…” She colored a light pink, thinking about what it would be like to be intimate with him. She already had enough questions of her own about the making of children. She could not imagine exploring it with Jonah. He was as close to her as David and Frankie were, and the thought of doing the things with him she had heard referred to in the novels she read was awful.

  “Do you think the Duke of Athlone will want to talk to you about me tonight?” she asked.

  Jonah grinned at her. “There’s a good chance. Do you want me to start talking about you? Perhaps see how he feels? I could wait until we have had some wine and he feels more mellow. I am sure that would loosen his tongue.”

  “If you find yourself in such a situation, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to ask a few questions. But do not raise the topic artificially – I would hate it if he guessed we meant to pry.”

  “I must know how this man feels about my future bride, you know,” Jonah teased. “I may have to call for a duel.”

  “Oh, Jonah!” she laughed. “You would not dare.”

  They both laughed.

  Jonah shook his head. “No, my dear. I would not do that to you. We both have ideas about our future. I know what you want and you know what, and who, I want. So, there can be no doubt of our intentions.”

  “We have always been open and honest with each other, haven’t we, Jonah?” Elizabeth asked, looking down at her small hands, folded in her lap.

  “Yes, my dear. Of course. We are good friends. Best friends.”

  “Julia understands that. I hope that… the man who chooses me also understands that.”

  “You may just as well say the Duke of Athlone. We both know that is who you are thinking about.”

  Elizabeth felt h
er cheeks turning warm. She dropped her eyes again and let a tiny smile lift the corners of her lips. “Yes, of course. I might as well say it is him – or at least, I wish it so. There has been no other man who has intrigued me in such a way.”

  “He is a handsome man,” Jonah confirmed.

  “You are a handsome man, too,” Elizabeth said, softly.

  He gave her an amused look. “Surely, you do not think I am jealous! Lizzie, I want you to be with a fine-looking man. I think you are a beautiful woman. But that does not mean I desire marriage.” Jonah felt as though he were talking in circles, closing himself in on trouble if he didn’t stop. He choked back a chuckle. “Oh, for the Lord’s sake. You know what I’m trying to say, don’t you, Lizzie?”

  “Of course, I do.” She hid her giggle behind one hand. “Of course, I do.”

  He sighed. “Shall we move to the terrace? It seems a little warm here. And I do not wish you to become ill.”

  “Oh, Jonah,” she said gently, as he held out a hand and helped her up. “You are too dear to me by far! Anyone would think I was precious silk from the Indies, the way you take such care with me.”

  He nodded and gave her a huge grin, much to her satisfaction. She noticed when he looked over her shoulder and his face took on a new look, a look of longing and passion. She wondered what it would be like to be on the receiving end of that look. She turned and looked behind her. They had moved though the wide doors to the terrace, and Julia was walking toward them with her parents.

  She turned back to Jonah. “I did not know they were to visit Papa? If it is a family outing, where are all her brothers and sisters?” she whispered, as they were rather near to the terrace. They headed slowly across the lawns to take the great marble staircase up toward the front door.

  Jonah looked at her. “I really have no idea. They are young. They may not have wanted to go for an outing.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “I will ask.” She turned to the steps that led to the garden. “It will be a pretext to invite them to join us, will it not?”