A Christmas Surprise (2 page)

Yes, I can see your point. So what time shall we pick you up?”

“We plan to meet about five, so if you can come over no later than half past four that will be good. Now, I must go before Mama starts in with the toe-tapping.”

After hugs and kisses on cheeks, the two ladies separated with a renewed promise to meet on the morrow.

As Aleece joined her mother, Eleanor, the Duchess of Carlisle, she couldn’t help but wonder about the quizzical expression on the duchess’s face.

“Darling, did you have a wonderful time this evening? I could not help but notice you missed only one dance.”

“It was the same as last week and will be the same next week. Gentlemen who think it’s better to step on toes than the floor shouldn’t be allowed here or anywhere in polite society for that matter,” Aleece replied.

“I agree with you.” Eleanor paused as a footman announced their carriage. “Let us continue this on the drive home. I have a question or two for you.”

Moments later, seated side-by-side Eleanor took up the conversation where she’d left off.

“Now, who was that sinfully handsome man to whom you were speaking?”

Aleece tried to swallow around the lump of fear that formed in her throat knowing her mother had seen her and Mr. Thomas together. She hoped against hope Mama wasn’t aware of their visit outside, even if it was chaperoned.

“Why, he’s a friend of Lord Jeffrey’s. You remember him. His sister, Susan, is my dearest friend in the world.” Aleece stopped there not sure how much, if anything, she should reveal about him.

“Ah then, if he is known to the Earl of Whitchurch’s eldest he must be of good stock. Do you think mayhap this gentleman will call?”

“That I can’t say, Mama. I know you are a little more liberal compared to Father in your views, as you have so well taught me, but I fear not. He admitted he’s not titled, and you know Papa wants me to marry well,” Aleece responded.

“That is true. And here we are, darling.”

The town coach rocked to a gentle halt in front of the Duke of Carlisle’s London townhouse in Mayfair, the center of all the
ton
. Swiftly the door was swung open, the step lowered, and a footman assisted the ladies out.

At the top landing of the grand staircase, mother and daughter kissed each other good night.

Upon entering her bedroom suite, Aleece saw her maid and confidante, Debbi, was dozing in a chair by the fire. Closing the door quietly, she tiptoed over to the girl and tickled her nose with the fringe of her shawl.

Aleece giggled when Debbi bounded from the chair.

“I’m sorry, m’ lady, I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

“But you did. Don’t tell me I’m making you work too hard.” She stopped on witnessing the poor girl’s face flush red. “Or perhaps it was the extra-long ride we had this afternoon?” Aleece narrowed her eyes and tapped her chin with a finger. “I know why you’re tired. Don’t tell me you had a romp in the hayloft with the underbutler?”

“If we hadn’t galloping, not once, but three times, and I hadn’t tried to keep up on that old horse, I might not be so tired. It shan’t happen again. I promise.”

“That’s quite all right. I’m tired from that extra race myself. Now, help me out of this gown, and I’ll tell you all the boring details of the ball, so you can know what you’re not missing.”

Chapter Three

Over the next few weeks, Aleece and Mr. Thomas met in secret or semi-secret. They caught a few minutes of private time when they’d meet along Rotten Row, even under the watchful eyes of the duke’s groom. What surprised her was not once did her father ask about him. At times she wondered if he approved of Mr. Thomas but not even Debbi was able to ferret that information out from any of the staff.

When asked by friends about him, Aleece would say the meetings were totally by chance.

Or they’d catch a few moments of privacy at a ball. Those were the times Aleece valued the most, for here in her natural environ of the
ton,
she got a chance to see how this man, whom she was developing deep feelings for acted. From his behavior and the way he acted, she was positive he was born to mingle with the crème de la crème of society. But when she questioned him about his birth, he would deny it.

At one ball, Lady Cowper, one of the major gabble grinders, demanded to be presented to him. Aleece’s Mr. Thomas, or so she had come to think of him, carried off the meeting with such aplomb that it amazed Aleece.

“I can’t believe you had Lady Cowper almost eating out of your hand,” Aleece said moments later as they walked out onto the flagged patio.

“I approached her the same way a soldier would face battle, if I was a military man, straight on. The trick, my dear, is to never show fear. If you let the words spouted by someone wound you, then you’ve lost the battle.”

Once free of the throng she glanced around to see who, if anyone, was within sight. Spying the area clear she easily guided him into the shadows. “Now, I feel you should be rewarded for your gallantry.”

“My thoughts exactly, and I know the perfect way you can pay me,” he whispered.

She felt a warm pleasurable tingle course through her as his arms encircled her waist, drawing her to him. Reaching up, she cupped his nape, guided his head down, and easily settled her lips over his offered mouth. With no need to be coaxed, she opened for him.

A moan of pleasure slipped from her throat as he delved deeper. Her response was to press her body against his, aching for his touch. A feeling she knew was normal, or so she’d overheard from several of the maids as they described secret meetings with the stable hands who worked for her father.

Every time they kissed she seemed unable to get enough of her Mr. Thomas, no matter how hard she tried. And the way he seemed to respond to her showed he was enjoying it as much as she.

A subtle feminine cough seeped into her mind forcing her, against her wants and desires, to break the kiss. As she withdrew her mouth from his, she took his full lower lip between her teeth and teased it. She smiled to herself on hearing a pleasured moan escape from his throat.

With a frown, Aleece stepped out from the comfort of his arms as she looked toward the sound. Seeing Susan being illuminated by the overflow of candle light from the ballroom, she let out a breath.

“You scared me. I thought it might have been Mama, who’s been keeping a close rein on me lately.”

“I’m sorry, but I would wager she will be looking for you both. Well, at least you, Aleece.”

Mr. Thomas stepped into the light to join the two women. “And I, my dear Lady Aleece, must depart. I only stopped in tonight so I could tell you in person that I have to return to my estate as there has been a problem with a dam breaking. I must see to its repair before the damage gets too severe. Fear not though, good lady. I should be returning by the middle of next week, as I have already set things in motion for the repair to begin even without me.”

Hearing the news, Aleece stuck out her bottom lip in a childish pout.

“Then why must you go?” Aleece was even surprised at how whiney she sounded.

“It’s my land and the people who live there, farmers and crofters, rely on me to make sure they are safe. Just as those who are within your father’s lands need him.”

She was happy to hear that he insisted on taking good care of the tenants. Many, even those who had a title in front of their names, only took and never gave back. In this sense he was very much like her parents. What did puzzle her was how he could have obtained the land. She did know from previous conversations he’d invested in several businesses, including shipping along with the new invention — the railroad.

Her father was always checking to make sure those under his protection were well-housed and had everything within his power to provide. Her mother spent so much time caring for the families, many of them named their daughters after her. Aleece enjoyed making the visits and as such several even named their daughters in honor of her. Not to mention there were more Simons than one could count.

That Mr. Thomas was willing to drop everything and return to where he was needed boded well in her estimation of the character of the man.
Yes
, she thought,
even if he’s not titled,
if asked,
I would marry him
.

“But, Mr. Thomas, by the time you return I will already have returned to the estate as the Season is coming to a close,” she said, not able to hide her disappointment that this would be the last time they’d be together, maybe forever.

“But, that’s what I came to tell you, you silly goose. I talked to the duchess, and she’s agreed.” Susan stopped, seeing both staring at her.

“What?” they asked together.

“Yes, you’re going home, but only for a day or so. Then, miracle of miracles, you, Aleece, are traveling to my father’s for a house party. What makes it even better, only Debbi will accompany you.”

“How is that helpful? I’ll be returning and Aleece won’t be here,” he all but demanded.

“It’s simple. Jeff is going to invite you to attend the house party as well. We can’t have an odd number of guests, now can we?” Susan said with a smug look on her face.

Hearing they were going to be together for a whole week, and with the social rules relaxed at this type of event, Aleece beamed a bright smile to her bosom-bow, then rose on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

“That will have to hold you until we meet again.”

Mr. Thomas shrugged. “Well, if that’s all I get now then I’d better be off to hunt down Lord Jeffrey.”

“No need for that, for I’m here to invite you formally and to collect both of these wayward ladies.” He shifted his gaze between Susan and Aleece. “Seems two mothers are looking for their daughters. For what, I have no clue, but neither was in a bad mood. Yet,” Jeff announced, placing his sister’s hand on his arm.

Aleece accepted the proffered arm of Mr. Thomas and followed the others inside.

After delivering Aleece to the duchess, he made his bows then slipped out, leaving a curious Eleanor behind.

“I can see why you are so animated when he is around. He has the same charm your father has. It is too bad about the injury preventing him from dancing, but I am sure with time it will heal.”

“Yes, I believe so. And thank you for allowing me to attend the house party at the Earl of Whitchurch’s,” Aleece said.

“Ah, here is our carriage. Let us be off,” Eleanor announced.

Once settled Aleece glanced at her mother. “Mother, I understand that Debbi will of course be going as my maid and as I understand my chaperone also.”

“Yes, darling. I’ll be going back to the estate with you. Your father is remaining behind to finish up some sort of business and will join me later. Also, this sounds like such a young crowd Susan has assembled. And I have complete faith in Debbi to make sure you don’t get into mischief. It will also give her a chance to taste a bit of society.”

Aleece glanced at her mother with a raised brow. “I don’t understand.”

“In due time you will, but not tonight.”

Chapter Four

After a fatherly hug Simon, the Sixth Duke of Carlisle, handed his daughter into their well-sprung and appointed traveling carriage. He then turned, gave his wife a brief but warm kiss on the lips, and assisted her into the carriage. With hands clasped behind his back he waited until the conveyance turned the corner before entering the townhouse.

As he crossed the threshold, he paused and glanced over to Horsfall, his butler, “Tell Cook I will not be here for luncheon. I have a meeting, and I don’t know how long it will last. I’ll be eating at White’s but will be home for dinner, which I’ll take in my office.”

“Very good, Your Grace. Will you be taking Sabre or the carriage?”

“Have my beast ready for me in thirty minutes. He’s been inside for the past few days, so I’ll take him for a good ride first. And make ready for my return to the estate day after tomorrow. This will give my two ladies some private time and also give Debbi that extra polish she might need before leaving for the house party.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Horsfall bowed and left to complete his assignments.

At the appointed time, Simon rose from behind his oak desk, where he’d been going over the latest reports on Napoleon’s invasion of Russia. This was to be the subject of the meeting with Robert Jenkinson, second Earl of Liverpool, otherwise known as the First Lord of the Treasury.

Due to the sensitive nature of the documents, he tossed them into the fire and waited until they burned before exiting his study.

At the front door, he was met by his butler who handed over his black leather riding gloves. The duke waved off his hat and when Horsfall opened the door, Simon stepped out into a beautiful sunny London day. A perfect day, except for not having his wife with him. He did feel gloomy as it wasn’t their normal habit to be separated.

Meeting with Liverpool was normal for him, and he would share freely, or as freely as he could, the information with Eleanor. Sometimes getting a different perspective on the event discussed even if not asked for, as his wife tended to be outspoken at times. It was the get-together later at White’s he didn’t want to be questioned about.

After galloping the fidgets out of Sabre, he rode over to Fife Hall, Liverpool’s townhouse in Whitehall.

The meeting went well much to Simon’s surprise since Jenkinson had only been the Lord of the Treasury for a few months. He graciously declined an invitation from Lady Liverpool to join them for luncheon saying he had a previous engagement. Simon made his good-byes, mounted on his charger, and made for White’s.

After he turned over the reins to one of the grooms, Simon bounded up the front steps, with the entrance opening as he got to it. Handing his gloves over to the waiting footman, Simon followed another to where his second, and more important in his opinion, meeting of the day was waiting.

As Simon approached the table where the man was reading
The Times
he motioned his guide to leave. He stood in silence for a moment taking in what he could see of his old friend and former rakehell, Kenneth Heritage, Duke of Somerset.