The Perfect Duke (21 page)

Cara sank back on the settee, and placed one of the cool damp cloths against her forehead. Despair raced through her blood. He’d lied to her. Not just once, but over and over. Her breathing increased until she could barely catch her breath and what little air she received trembled in her lungs. She curled forward, rocking slightly.

“I’m sorry, Caroline.”

“Don’t call me that. I’m Cara.” But she couldn’t even be sure of that. “Why?” Her voice came out as a croak. “Why would he keep something like that from me? Especially when it meant we could be together.”

“You were his betrothed.”

“I don’t understand.”

“My husband and Garret’s father were great friends, in spite of the ongoing feud between the families. They thought the best way to solve the problem was to betroth one of our daughters to his second son, Garret.”

“Garret and I are betrothed?” She gasped, shaking her head as if the action would make sense of the statement. “But he’s signing a contract to marry Lady Regina.”

“Yes, and you’re going to let him.” Cara’s mother sat next to her. “Listen to me. Your father never revoked the betrothal contract because to him that was as good as admitting you were dead, but he would never have wanted you to marry the present Duke of Kendal. He’s too like his grandfather, and my husband despised the old duke.”

“You don’t understand. He’s changed.”

“Has he? Why do you think he brought you to Belcraven? Think Caroli— Cara. He was confronted with the problem of marrying a vicar’s daughter. What do you think the almighty Duke of Kendal would do?”

“He’d try to discover if I was suitable.” She spoke each word as if it were totally new to her.

“And once he ascertained that you would make a commendable duchess, guilt drove him to ask you to be his wife, but he never revealed your family connection.” Her mother leaned forward and held her gaze. “The one thing that would have taken the stumbling block away from your marriage. Why do you think that was? Could it be that he wanted
you
to refuse
him?

“Is there a possibility he’d never really intended to marry you, but needed something to assuage his conscience?” She straightened and Cara had to strain to hear her next comment. “If he has one.”

Cara leaned back against the cushion, tears streaming down her face. He’d not only lied to her, but he’d judged her and found her wanting. Even if she had done everything right, he must have been embarrassed by her. All her childhood insecurities welled up, forcing her to face one stark fact. He hadn’t considered her good enough to be his bride.

Her mother joined her on the settee, and pulled her into an embrace, then rubbed her back the way you would a child’s. “I’m so sorry. But it’s better you know the truth. Come home with me and we’ll find a way to work everything out.”

Cara clung to her. Things were happening too fast. She’d thought Garret loved her—needed her. But then again she’d always thought of herself as the vicar’s daughter and it turned out that wasn’t true either.

It was time to stop believing in fairy tales. Garret had turned out to be the
beast
after all. Her promise to remain here had been based on lies, so she was no longer honor bound to stay.

What she needed was time to figure out what she was going to do with her life. Perhaps it would be best to get to know her new family. At least they might prove a distraction from the hollowness in her heart.

She leaned back and wiped away the tears with her fingertips. “I’ll come with you, but not until tomorrow. I need time to pack and say my good-byes.”

“I don’t like leaving you here after finding you again.” She brushed Cara’s hair out of her eyes.

Cara smiled. “It’s just one night. I’ll be fine.”

“Very well, I’ll send our carriage for you in the morning. Our estate is within an hour’s ride from here.” She rose and glanced at the teapot. “I’m afraid we’ve let the tea go cold. Perhaps you can ask to have it heated later. I really must depart before your brother finds out I’ve been here.”

“What caused the bad blood between the families?”

“It’s a long, sordid story.” She adjusted her beaded bodice. “I promise you’ll have plenty of time to learn all the disagreeable details.” She tugged Cara to her feet and gave her a hug. “The girls aren’t going to believe I’ve found you. Your sister Beth is staying with us for a time with her two sons, Ian and Bradly. You’ll meet them tomorrow.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” Cara tried to sound enthusiastic, but the pain in Garret’s eyes as he’d left haunted her. Had it truly been an act? If so, it was the most despicable form of treachery.

Her mother patted her cheek. “Don’t fret. Things will look better in the morning.” She hurried from the room, then gave an encouraging smile as she tugged the double doors closed behind her.

Cara took a slow appraisal of the room, trying to commit each detail to memory. It seemed hard to believe she’d be leaving Belcraven and Garret behind.

She wandered to the wing-backed chair he was fond of using. With languid, circular movements, she ran her hand over the area where his head normally rested. The smooth leather warmed under her fingertips, reminding her of the texture of his skin.

She closed her eyes, feeling adrift. A sadness so intense she had to struggle to breathe gripped her, causing her fingers to curl and her nails to scrape across the supple leather.

Her entire life had been built on lies.

But one thing hadn’t been a lie—her love for him. That had been real from the first moment she’d gazed into his troubled blue eyes.

Garret allowed Regina to lead him across the elaborate salon toward yet another small cluster of dinner guests. The banks of gilt mirrors on the walls reflected each highborn member of the Ton, creating the illusion of a crowd.

He followed her, observing her movements as she searched the room, her straight back and elaborate upswept hairstyle, dotted with pearls and gems, the very essence of the well-bred lady.

In all actuality, her neck was a little too long for his taste. Not that it was an
unforgivable
flaw, it’s just that she put him in mind of a goose bobbing its head as it forged for food.

He’d never had such thoughts about Cara. Curvy, but delicately made, she’d enchanted him from the first. Her love of life, childish references to fairy tales and odd wisdom had changed his view of the world. She was everything a man could wish for. Even the tuck of her waist had fitted his palm as though she’d been made for him. Just the memory of her satin skin caused his manhood to jump in response.

He curled the fingers on his right hand until his nails imprinted the skin. He wouldn’t think about Cara or what might have been. That part of his life was dead.

“Your Grace, I’d like you to meet Lord Owens.” Regina took his arm. “He’s a great friends of my father and has been very anxious to make your acquaintance.”

Lord Owens inclined his gourd shaped head. His eyes and mouth were mere indentations in his fleshy face, but the astute gleam in the man’s eyes gave Garret pause. “I take it your Lordship is not happy with the festivities.”

Garret made it a point to smile. “On the contrary. How often have I had the good fortune to be betrothed to a beautiful woman?” Cara came to mind, in spite of his best intentions.

Regina twittered, ending on a high-pitched giggle. “Your Grace, you flatter me.”

Garret clenched his jaw. He hated her laugh. He couldn’t help it.

“You’re a lucky man, Your Grace. Lady Regina will make an admirable duchess.”

“I have no doubt.” He gazed down at the woman clinging to his arm and tried to give her a warm smile. Her father’s friend seemed a little too interested in how Garret felt about Regina. Was Lord Stanford worried that Garret would mistreat his daughter?

Regina’s attention focused on a point behind him. “Did you know Lady Mallory would be attending?”

Garret swung around. “No, my sister often does the unexpected.” He didn’t care that he sounded exasperated. Mallory’s change of heart about accompanying him could only mean trouble. But what kind of trouble?

Mallory swept through the crowd, nodding at acquaintances, but moving quickly until she’d joined them. She appeared composed, dressed in one of her best gowns, but then she would never let the guests know about any dire situations.

Sweat broke out on Garret’s palms. “Is there a problem at the estate?” Perhaps the killer had found a way to get to Cara at Belcraven.

“Of course not. I simply wanted to be here when you made your momentous announcement.” Her expression was entirely too sweet. “You haven’t signed anything yet, have you?”

“No. All the papers will be put in order during the festivities next evening.” He held her gaze. “But the contract is merely a formality.” Garret wanted to groan, but settled for raising an eyebrow at his sister.

“That’s such a relief. I told Miss McClure I’d be in time.”

“Who’s Miss McClure?” Lady Regina glanced from brother to sister.

“Rachel’s governess. I thought you met her when you last came to Belcraven.”

“I don’t believe so.” Regina peered up at him from under her lashes and gave his arm a squeeze. “If she’s very good, perhaps we could hire her when we start our family.”

“No!” The word erupted from Garret’s chest. His sister was going too far.

“Oh, but that’s a wonderful idea.” Mallory was all smiles. “Just imagine it, Your Grace, we could keep Miss McClure with us.”

“She may not wish to remain.” Garret could barely force the words through his lips.

“Oh, but you could make her an offer to keep her there. Perhaps if you tell her the truth.”

There had to be some way to rein in his sister. What did she think she was doing?

“What truth?” Regina dropped his arm and stepped back, a confused expression on her face.

“My sister believes that I should tell the governess that I find her work adequate. It seems Miss McClure feels she’s not appreciated.” He shot Mallory a warning expression that dared her to contradict him.

Regina wrinkled her nose. “Then I wouldn’t want her to remain, Your Grace. You shouldn’t have to concern yourself with the feelings of servants."

Cold iced Garret’s blood. Her observation was a commonly held belief amongst the Ton, but that didn’t make it right.

Mallory sounded sympathetic. “I couldn’t agree more. I imagine you’ll make several changes once you’re the Duchess of Kendal.”

Regina blushed. “I do have several ideas.” She gave Garret a coy smile. “With Your Grace’s approval, of course.”

Mallory appeared very interested. “Such as?”

“Well, I thought we could add a tower. Leave our imprint on Belcraven.” Regina warmed to the subject, her voice rising in pitch and speed. “I do love Mr. Wren’s work and that area on the North wing seems like the perfect location.”

“What area?” This was the first he’d heard of building. He’d never thought of Regina as having any real ambitions.

Regina practically clapped her hands. “I thought we might clear off that glass structure on the roof and add another tower.” She made it sound as if it were the grandest idea in the whole world.

Garret choked. “I’m afraid I must disappoint you.”
Regina meant to tear down his conservatory.
Of course, it really wasn’t her fault. He’d never told her about his secret retreat. “I grow many rare plants in that location.”

Mallory held her bottom lip between her teeth, but still managed to maintain her innocent façade. What his sister needed was to have someone turn her over his knee.

Regina pouted, her eyes wide and pleading. “Couldn’t you put your plants elsewhere?”

Lord Owen’s chuckled. “There, Your Grace, is the reason a man’s home is not his castle after he marries.”

Garret knew Lord Stanford had indulged his daughter, but he’d never thought of her as willful. Perhaps he should reevaluate his assessment.

“We will discuss this at a later date.” He inclined his head at Mallory. “May I speak with you privately? I have a few messages I’d like you to take back to Timmons.”

That wiped the smug expression off Mallory’s face, but she raised her chin. “Of course, Your Grace.” She turned toward the elegant group. “Would you excuse us?”

“Certainly, Lady Mallory.” Lord Owens gave Lady Regina a small bow. “May I offer you some refreshment?”

“Thank you.” Regina turned toward Garret. “I shall look for you when they announce dinner.”

“I shan’t be long.” He glared at his sister. “Shall we?”

She followed him out the French doors and onto the balcony. Soft evening mist brushed his face, but didn’t cool his anger.

He turned as soon as they were away from prying ears. “What the devil are you about? Do you have any idea what you almost accomplished in there?”

“Yes. I was rescuing you.”

“From what?”

“Not what. Who.”

“What in blazes are you babbling about?”

“I’m rescuing you. From yourself.”

“I don’t need your help. I told you at Belcraven, I’ve made my decision.”

“But you didn’t see her.”

“Who?”

“Cara. She cried all afternoon.”

That shouldn’t make him happy, but it did. So she hadn’t been totally impervious to his departure. “Why should that make any difference?”

“You can play the
Marble Duke
with others, but I know better. You’re making a mistake, Garret.”

“Perhaps, but it’s mine to make.” He pinned her with his gaze. “Now, if you dare to interfere again, I’ll send you to Aunt Mae for the Season. She’s been wanting to get you married off and the way I’m feeling I’d be happy to give her the opportunity.”

Even by the light of the torches he could see Mallory blanche. “You wouldn’t.”

“Yes, I would. Please feel free to stay for the ball tomorrow night, but if I even suspect you of playing your games I’ll ship you off to Aunt Mae right then and there. You know how I am once I make up my mind.”

Mallory glared at him. “You deserve to be miserable.” She picked up her skirts and flounced back into the salon.