This story has been beta'd by The Duchess of Fanfiction Sunflower Fran. Now on to the show!
Chapter 3
Edward
It has been one day since the ball and I find myself on edge and in unfamiliar territory. I have heard talk of several gentleman intending to make an offer of courtship to Isabella.
Whit has indeed made an offer to Lady Alice as I wait, but for what I do not know. All I know is that Isabella mustn't fall prey to Baron Cromwell. I take a sip of my brandy, trying to gain the courage to go to The Earl's London home and make a proper offer of courtship.
Once we are married, she will be protected, and I am sure we will form a mutual attachment. I dare not stand aside and let Hunt have his way with her.
Visions of the ladies he took advantage of at University attack my personage and my resolve strengthens.
I ring the bell. My steward Jenks comes into the sitting room. "Sir?" He bows gracefully.
"Jenks, please have Michael bring around the carriage," I tell him.
"Yes, sir. Right away."
~~TBD~~
Before I make a rather rash decision of the heart that will seal both Isabella's fate, and mine, I stop at White's in search of my closest confidants. I find McCarty drinking brandy alone.
"There you are! Come have a drink to celebrate our friend's courtship." McCarty takes a sip of his brandy.
I take a seat running my hands through my hair. I raise my finger signaling one of the butlers for a drink.
"Yes, where is Whit. Lady Alice is a lovely lady." I bow my head at him.
A drink is placed in front of me and I inhale the bouquet, the strong aroma soothing my nerves.
"She is. You know what they are saying about you?" He asks, raising an eyebrow.
"You know perfectly well, I do not follow idle gossip," I tell him taking another sip.
"Word has it that you have your eye on a certain beauty." He grins mischievously.
Before I can deny the rumor, Hunt strolls over to us. He stands over me with a look of disdain upon his features, which I ignore.
"Masen, I know the rumors are untrue but I want to hear it from your own lips. Do you plan to make an offer to Lady Isabella?" He asks taking off his gloves.
"My plans are of no concern of yours Hunt." I take another sip of my brandy.
"They are when I have plans for the lady and her fifty thousand pounds. I dare say I cannot wait to get my hands on her, you know how I love sport and her alabaster skin is indeed a clean canvas." He licks his lips.
My stomach churns and my mind is set.
"McCarty, if you will excuse me, I have an urgent matter to which I must attend." I bow to him and take my leave.
~~TBD~~
Stepping out of the coach, I inhale deeply staring up at the London townhouse of The Earl of Forkshire. I must secure the courtship, if she still accepts Hunt, it will not be from a lack of valiant effort on my part. Strolling up the stairs with my head held high, I rapidly hit my cane against the door.
The butler answers, "Sir?"
"The Duke of Devonshire," I state my title firmly.
"Yes, of course, Your Grace, please do come in." He extends his hand and I walk in, passing my cane and hat.
The staff bustles around the grand home with fresh flowers and shined silver. I wait just outside the doors as the butler announces me.
"His Grace, The Duke of Devonshire."
I enter to find Lady Renee, Lady Alice, and Lady Isabella assembled along with my very dearest friend, The Marquis of Herford.
All eyes fall upon me as I enter the room with the stiff grace taught to me by my father.
Whit raises an eyebrow in question when he sees me enter. Everyone stands, and then continue with the usual bowing and curtseying. My eyes seek out the doe-eyed beauty, and my heart does a pitter-patter within my chest. She is as beautiful as my memory of her.
"Your Grace, what an honor. Please do sit down." The Lady Renee offers an empty seat next to Lady Isabella.
"Your Grace, I believe you may know The Marquis of Herford." She tilts her head towards Whit.
"Aha! Yes, I've had the unfortunate pleasure of being one of his closest companions," I tell them causing the ladies to giggle delightfully.
"Here I thought I was the unfortunate one," Whit says, performing as if he is doing a Shakespearean play.
"You, my dear fellow, are very lucky indeed, for The Duke of Devonshire does not take on friends freely as so I hear from the Ton."
"Finally, you speak the truth, Masen … I'm sorry Your Grace-" Whit tries to collect himself.
"None of that man, we are amongst friends and lovely ones at that." My eyes drift over to the jittery form of Lady Isabella.
She is exquisite in the early afternoon light. The sun seems to have found favor on her as it shines its rays around her through the open curtains.
"Are you well, Your Grace? You left the ball so abruptly; I worried for your well-being." Isabella's angelic voice sings beside me.
"I assure you, Lady Isabella, I am quite well. Occasions such as balls and parties rarely hold my attention long," I tell her directly.
She stiffens under my harsh word and before she can reply, her mother interrupts.
"Your Grace, The Marquis was going to take the ladies for a turn around Hyde Park. Perhaps you would be so kind as to join them?" The Lady suggests.
"It would be my honor to escort you, Lady Isabella, if you would allow me?" I bow my head toher.
"Lovely, Charles should have returned by then." She smiles knowingly.
I can feel myself perspiring. It is an odd feeling indeed, as I rarely find myself losing control. Lady Isabella smiles at me, and then both sheand her cousin rise.
"That would be lovely, Your Grace. We will return shortly, we must prepare for the weather," Isabella says before she leaves the room with her mother and cousin.
"Good God, man, have you gone mad?" Whit asks rising to stride towards me.
"Whatever could you mean?" I ask, feigning indifference.
"What I mean is that I have known you since infancy and you have never made a call to a Lady. Dare I say you are smitten with Lady Isabella?" The look upon his personage irritates me.
"I am not smitten. I do not know what I am. Until I, myself figure it out, I beseech you to refrain from idle gossip," I ask him sincerely.
"As you command, Edward. I only wish you great happiness," He says.
The ladies return with their pelisses and parasols. We bid the Lady Renee adieu and take off for our afternoon turn.
Whit and Lady Alice are a great distance ahead when a carriage pulls up and the Baron of Cromwell steps out sneering at us.
The look of shock on his face gives me great joy, but he quickly masks it.
"Ahh, Lady Isabella, I was just going to pay you a call but I dare say The Duke has made a claim." The Baron can barely contain the disgust in his voice.
"Baron Cromwell, thank you for calling, I am sorry The Duke and I were accompanying my cousin and The Marquis of Herford on a turn around the park." She says this with a great deal of niceties, but I can see the relief upon her person.
"Indeed. May I call upon you on the morrow?" he asks, his beady little eyes greedily roaming her delicate features.
A primal instinct takes over my very person, "I'm sorry, but the Lady is engaged on the morrow and the morrow after that. I dare say she is off the marriage mart. Good day, Hunt. I'm sure you can entertain yourself with another Lady."
Shocking both The Baron and Lady Isabella with my declaration, I firmly lead her behind Whit and Lady Alice, who had stopped to enjoy the general splendor of the day.
Isabella
Upon my word! I believe The Duke has just announced to The Baron that he and I shall be an item. This cannot be. It is not to be born. I dare say The Duke is indifferent towards me. He barely notices me and we only danced once and that was at the insistence of Father.
Could the Lady Esmeralda have been correct in her observation?
"If I have overstepped, please accept my sincere apology," he says gently.
"Pray tell, Your Grace-"
"Edward. Please call me Edward." His name is but a whisper upon firm lips, but the declaration is clear.
"Of course, Edward, and please call me Bella," I tell him with the hint of a smile. "Edward, pray tell, what is the meaning behind your statement to The Baron? If I may be so bold?"
We walk in silence, the breeze tickling our faces. It feels wonderful against my skin and a few loose hairs escape the intricate bun Angela created this morning. The sounds of my slippers and his shoes dance through the air. I notice the looks of the gentry as we pass; whispers of 'Your Grace' fill the silence.
Edward is a very proper and serious sort of fellow. There are times when I cannot form a suitable opinion of him. His declaration and claim in front of the Baron was a tad bit exhilarating. The very thought of belonging to such a man causes tingles to dance in my toes.
"Lady … Bella, I would like to ask permission to speak to your father. If I shall be so bold. My intentions are to enter into a courtship." The twinkle in his green eyes ceases all doubt.
Maybe the Lady Esme was correct; The Duke does have feelings for me but is unable to show affection freely. Therefore, I shall allow him to court me and we will grow together, but I dare say my affection needs no encouragement.
"Yes, Edward, I would like very much if you were to speak to father."
The remainder of the walk is spent discussing my childhood, how Alice joined us when we were very young. I describe my home in Forkshire down to my meadow where I would spend hours reading alone. He is a discerning listener, commenting when there is a pause, nodding to acknowledge that he is indeed engaged.
Talk turns of Chatsworth House and Devonshire. Edward speaks excitedly on the renovations.
"I have recently hired a new head gardener, together we plan to expand the gardens and add a conservatory," He says happily.
"That sounds divine, Edward. Do you miss it terribly?" I ask gripping his forearm.
"I do indeed. I take great joy in my large estate. It will be my pleasure to show you every acre." He says smiling.
"I would love nothing more."
I am shocked that I speak so freely in front of him. There is an understanding between us and I do not know from where it has stemmed, but I quite enjoy it.
Upon arriving home, Edward requests an audience with Father while my mother escorts me to her apartment. She is practically giddy with anticipation as we sit on the chaise.
"Mama, please calm yourself," I tell her, placing a hand on her bouncing knee.
"My dear girl, I can hardly contain my joy. A Duke, and not just any Duke, but The Duke of Devonshire." Her excitement is uncontainable.
"I admit that he is a magnificent specimen, but I cannot help but to wonder about his true feelings. Tis one of the reasons I so readily accepted his offer of courtship. That we may discover each other." I tell her gently.
"My dear, that is very wise and I dare say a marriage proposal will be on the horizon. You mustn't worry yourself; all will come together for the greater good. Look at your father and I." Her smile and the hope in her countenance give me peace.
My parents were not a love-match. In fact, their union was arranged without their knowledge. They met only twice before their wedding. My mother says the first year was difficult but they prevailed and by the time I was conceived, two years after they wed, their mutual respect had grown into love.
I have always hoped that my own marriage would mirror theirs, but having seen the devotion of Alice and The Marquis, I can't help but to wish for more.
Wishing for more is what made me so readily accept The Duke. There is something in the air when he is near me, my very being ignites, and having him claim me so passionately to the Baron had nearly caused me to swoon.
Edward
I sit in front of Charles, The Earl of Forkshire, sipping the glass of brandy he has handed me.
"You wish to court Isabella?" He asks in awe.
"I do. I also wish that no other suitors be allowed to enter into a courtship with her." I state boldly.
"I see, and is she agreeable to your conditions?" He asks taking a sip from his own glass.
"She is agreeable to the courtship, I have not discussed the other matter with her as of yet. I shall speak to her about it once we are done here." I give him a nod.
"Good. If this is what Isabella wants, then who am I to stand in the way." He says nodding.
"Do you have objections, Charles?" I ask frowning at him.
"Your Grace-"
"Edward, we are, after all, friends Charles."
"Edward." He clears his throat, "I have no objections to you courting my daughter if your feelings are true and just."
"I can assure you that from the moment I laid eyes on her, I was completely and utterly captivated." He smiles at my answer.
'Then congratulations my good man. I hope one day soon I may call you son." He says striding over and taking me by the hand.
I nod my head with a tight smile. The word son was never used kindly by my own father, so I have no love of the word.
Once I am done speaking with Charles, I find Isabella waiting for me in the small parlor, reading a book. She stands and bobs a curtsey as I bow to her.
"Lady Isabella, I do not wish to disturb your reading," I say nodding to her book.
"It is no disturbance at all, Edward." She sits the book down and smiles up at me.
"May I ask, what you are reading?"
"Shakespeare's Sonnets," She whispers through a smile.
My breath catches, the words forming in my mind.
I smile over at her, taking her hand in mine. Our eyes lock as my thumb massages her delicate hand.
"O me! What eyes hath love put in my head,
Which have no correspondence with true sight,
Or if they have, where is my judgment fled,
That censures falsely what they see aright?"
My free hand moves to her cheek and my fingers gently caress the soft skin.
Her breath hitches, as my hand cups her face. I continue with the sonnet, its words a balm to my soul.
"If that be fair whereon my false eyes dote,
What means the world to say it is not so?
If it be not, then love doth well denote,
Love's eye is not so true as all men's: no,
How can it? O how can love's eye be true,"
Her brown eyes dance with excitement, her breathing coming out in shallow breaths. Bella move her hands so that our fingers intertwine whilst my other hand lay gently on her cheek.
My entire being stirs, as it never has before. Taking a deep breath, I whisper,
"That is vexed with watching and with tears?
No marvel then though I mistake my view,
The sun it self sees not, till heaven clears.
O cunning love, with tears thou keep'st me blind,
Lest eyes well-seeing thy foul faults should find."
Bella smiles at me, our eyes never leaving the others. The atmosphere in the room is saturated with unspoken emotions. Taking a deep breath, I remove my hand from her porcelain skin, immediately mourning the loss.
Bella looks down at our intertwined fingers with a light smile on her fair lips. "Bravo, Edward. That was divine. Pray wherever did you learn Shakespeare Sonnets by memory?"
"My surrogate Mother, Esme, would have me recite them over and over, whenever I misbehaved, which was quite often, I'm afraid." I laugh lightly at the memory.
"I had the privilege of meeting Lady Esmeralda at the ball." She gives me a devilish smirk.
"Ahh, I wonder how long it would take Mother Es, to approach you. I see she pounced immediately." I take my free hand presenting it to her.
I wait as she slips her other hand in mine and now we are fully connected again. The thought stirs a hunger within me.
"She did not pounce, but she was very helpful," She says very secretly.
We sit in silence for mere minutes.
I look up nervously, "Lady Bella, if I can be so bold as to ask … I wish for you not to accept any other would-be suitors while we are in a courtship."
A delicate blush appears on her ample cheeks, "Of course Edward, if it is what you desire. May I ask the same of you?"
"My dear madam, you are the only Lady that has my special attention," I wink at her causing a fit of giggles.
Lady Renee waltzes into the room and looks at our joined hands. She clears her throat and we quickly break apart.
I stand, bowing gracefully, "My Lady."
"Your Grace. I am sorry to disturb your visit, but Isabella's French tutor has arrived and is waiting in the library along with Alice to begin their lesson." She smiles at me.
"Of course, My Lady. I do apologize for monopolizing Lady Isabella." I turn and bow to Bella and then back to her mother, "If you ladies will excuse me, I shall take my leave."
Bella stands and smiles at me, "Thank you for coming, Your Grace."
"It was my deepest pleasure." I nod my head and then take my leave.
~~TBD~~
Sitting in White's with Whit, I take a sip of my brandy, letting the dark liquid sooth my nerves. I have gone and gotten myself in a courtship with Lady Isabella Swan. I do not know what came over me when The Baron came to call on her. An animal took over my very being, and all I know is that Bella has given me a gift in permitting me to court her.
I know not how to court a Lady. I should end this farce while I still have time … while Bella can be saved from scandal, but the very idea of not being able to be near her, to stare into her deep chocolate eyes brings a pain to my heart like no other. I could not purposely cause her harm. I initially wanted to protect her from The Baron this is true, but all has changed. Isabella has sealed both of our fates for life. With just one look, she has opened my closed heart, with one touch, she has healed my wounded soul and with just a smile, she has made my days worth living.
It is my new mission in life to make Isabella Swan the next Duchess of Devonshire.
McCarty takes the empty chair next to Whit. He looks forlorn and withdrawn. Before I can inquire on his disposition, The Baron himself strolls over to our table.
"I dare say, you were not interested in the little minx until I made my intentions towards her clear. Come now, Masen, back out now so that Lady Isabella and her fifty thousand pounds belong to me." He sneers in a very ungentlemanly-like manner.
I stand so that we are toe to toe. "I dare say, James, that will never happen. She will not be one of your conquests and fall prey to you the same way the ladies at University. I will only say this once, stay away from my intended."
"This will not be the last you hear from me. Mark my words." He storms out of the club.
I sit down to find both Whit and McCarty's eyes on me.
"Would someone tell me what the bloody hell is going on?" McCarty insists.
Several eyes fall on us, but they quickly look away when they see that it is I at the table.
"Calm yourself, man," Whit tells him.
I take a sip of my brandy before turning my attention to him. "I have entered a courtship with Lady Isabella Swan."
"Surely you jest. Come now Whit, tell me he jests. Masen, I just saw you earlier today and you denied having any feelings for the lady." McCarty takes in our serious demeanor.
"Well, earlier my mind was not clear, now it is. Tis no jest. I am now in a courtship. I am sorry that this may cause a riff with your mother-in-law."
Taking in a deep gust of air, he picks up my brandy for his own and consumes the remainder.
"I am afraid there may be other matters that disturb my mother-in-law's delicate disposition."
Whit leans into him.
"Such as?"
"I am not at liberty to say. Come, let us order another round and celebrate Masen and Isabella. God save the dear girl!"
A/N: Here we are, ladies. I hope you so enjoyed The Bachelor Duke Chapter 3. As you can see the courtship is moving along quite well. If you would like to know some history the real Bachelor Duke did indeed hire a gardener for the gardens on the estates as well as build Chatsworth great conservatory. So it was actually fitting that our Duke takes after him. It has been my upmost pleasure serving you. I will see you all in a sennight. (love ya! Mean it!)