The Duke's Secluded Bride (Marriage by Fairytale Book 5) Read online

  Indicating his agreement, Baldwin led Lord Reinstone to the chairs.

  Chapter Two

  “Are you sure you want to marry someone you haven’t met?” Marcy Cotter, Lady Pruett, asked that evening.

  Baldwin had waited until after dinner before making the announcement. He shifted in the chair, mindful that Marcy and her husband, Lewis, were watching him in acute interest. He couldn’t blame them for being surprised. He hadn’t ever mentioned the possibility of having an arranged marriage. They knew he wanted to get married, but he, like many others, assumed he would find the right lady from one of the balls or at a dinner party.

  “I know it’s not the most conventional way of doing things,” Baldwin said, his gaze going to the two-month-old boy in Marcy’s arms. “I didn’t expect to end up doing this, but an acquaintance came up to me today and told me about his sister who is ready for marriage. It sounds like it’ll be a good match.”

  “Aren’t you at least going to talk to her and find out if she’s as good as her brother made her out to be?” Marcy asked.

  “Yes,” Baldwin replied. Noting the relief on her face, he added, “It’s only fair I give her a chance to say no to the marriage if she doesn’t find me to her liking.”

  “You might not find her to your liking. Your wishes are just as important as hers.” She glanced over at Lewis, who’d been quietly sipping his tea. “What do you think?”

  Lewis shrugged. “I think it’s his business what he does. If he wants the arranged marriage, he should take it.”

  She frowned then directed her gaze back to Baldwin. “You shouldn’t diminish your worth. You’re not as boring as you fear. You don’t have to marry anyone who’ll have you.”

  He felt a surge of gratitude well up within him. His dear cousin had always seen the best in him. When she looked at him, he was her knight in shining armor. She overlooked his flaws. It was no wonder she couldn’t understand why any lady wouldn’t jump at the chance to be his bride.

  “The truth is,” Lewis began, “it doesn’t take long to figure out if you want to marry someone or not. When Marcy came to me at the masquerade ball, I knew within an hour that I wanted to marry her. I think you either have something special with someone or you don’t.”

  Though Marcy seemed pleased by his words, she added, “To be fair, we knew each other before that ball. It wasn’t like we were meeting for the first time.”

  “Since I didn’t know who you were, it was the first time for me,” Lewis argued.

  Marcy bit her lower lip in a way that let Baldwin know she would like to find a flaw in his argument but was unable to.

  “He’s intelligent,” Lewis added. “If this is the course he wants to take, then we should support him.”

  “I do support him.” She turned her attention back to Baldwin. “I support you. I just hope you don’t end up with someone like my step-sister. Most ladies are wonderful, but a few are terrible.”

  He couldn’t blame her for being cautious after what she’d gone through. He understood her unease, but he doubted that a lady who was too shy to come to London would go around killing people to get what she wanted.

  “Most people, gentlemen as well as ladies, are wonderful,” Lewis told her. “It’s not just ladies who have a dark side to them. Lord Reinstone’s sister has as much of a reason to be wary of Baldwin as he has to be wary of her. For all she knows, he could be a terrible husband. Once the two get to talk to each other, they’ll know if going through with the marriage will be a good thing or not.”

  Though Marcy seemed reluctant to agree, she nodded. “That’s true. Most people are good. I suppose the chances that his sister is like my step-sister are slim.”

  “Why don’t I do this?” Baldwin inserted before they continued talking about him as if he wasn’t there. “I’ll judge his sister by the kind of person you are, Marcy. You’re the very epitome of what a wife should be. If she’s similar to you, I’ll know she’s worth marrying.”

  “I like that,” Lewis said. “It’s a good compromise.”

  “I understand what you’re saying, but I don’t think I’m the epitome of what a wife should be,” Marcy replied. “I’ve made plenty of mistakes in the past.”

  “Which makes you human,” Lewis said. “This lady will be human, too. We’ve all made mistakes. The important thing is that your heart is in the right place.”

  “Right,” Baldwin agreed. “I’m not expecting perfection. I just want someone I can share a happy companionship with.”

  “You should also hope to be attracted to her,” Lewis said. “I happen to think Marcy’s the prettiest lady in London.”

  She sighed, but Baldwin noted the pleasure on her face. “Yes, it is nice when you find the other person attractive.”

  “It’s easier to have children when you do,” Lewis added, a twinkle in his eye. “These little ones don’t happen just by wishing for them.” He leaned toward his son and ruffled the boy’s hair. “You have to put in the effort to make them.”

  “That’s enough, Lewis,” Marcy said, her cheeks growing pink. She cleared her throat and turned her gaze back to Baldwin. “I know I have no right to mother you. You’re not only my cousin, but you’re older than me.”

  “You spoke up because you care.” Baldwin smiled at her. “I understand. You, more than anyone else, tried to help me find a wife. It’s not your fault none of those ladies took an interest in me.”

  “I really thought Lady Tabitha was going to be the one,” she said. “I get along with her step-mother so well.”

  “I went on and on about the instruments I played,” Baldwin replied. “I didn’t realize I had bored her until I caught her trying not to yawn, and by then, the silence in the room was so awkward that I ended up leaving.” He was sure the fact that he hadn’t understood the joke she’d told didn’t help matters. What lady wanted to be with a gentleman who didn’t have a sense of humor?

  “I hope this time things will go in your favor,” Lewis told Baldwin.

  “Perhaps you two can visit,” Baldwin offered. “Lord Reinstone’s estate isn’t more than a day’s journey from mine. You two can go to my estate. I had the servants keep your bedchamber ready any time you wanted to go there,” he told Marcy. “You two can stay there until you’re ready to visit me at Lord Reinstone’s.”

  “You won’t be taking your bride to your estate?” Marcy asked.

  “Considering how shy she is, I think it’s best I stay at her brother’s for a while,” Baldwin said.

  Baldwin was sure once she got used to him, she would be willing to go with him to his estate. He didn’t know if he could ever talk her into coming to London, but even if he couldn’t, he could make his trips here brief so they wouldn’t have to be apart for too long. He still had business to tend to from the connections Lewis had helped him make. But those details could be worked out later.

  “When will you leave?” Marcy asked.

  “Tomorrow morning,” Baldwin said.

  Her eyes grew wide. “That soon?”

  “Lord Reinstone has talked to a vicar, and the vicar wants to leave right away.” Baldwin shrugged. “I don’t mind. I’m anxious to meet Lord Reinstone’s sister.” He finished his tea then set the cup on the tray. “I have time for a game or two of cards before I need to go home. Is anyone interested in playing?”

  Lewis jumped to his feet. “I’ve been eager for a game all night.”

  Marcy grinned at Baldwin as her husband ran to the desk to get a deck of cards. “In case you don’t know, he loves playing cards.”

  Amused, Baldwin winked at her. “The games are best when you’re with someone whose company you enjoy.” He took his nephew in one arm then helped her to her feet. “I think a game would do you well. I can tell you’re still nervous on my behalf, but you shouldn’t be. Everything will be all right.”

  “I’m sure you’re right,” she said. “I’ve gotten so used to things not being what they seem that I tend to question everything.”

  “No one can blame you after all you’ve been through.” He gave her elbow a comforting squeeze and led her to the table where Lewis was arranging the chairs. “You and Lewis should come out to Lord Reinstone’s estate when the time is convenient. Then your mind will be set at ease.”

  She indicated she would come for a visit then sat down to play the game.

  ***

  Three days later, Baldwin arrived at Lord Reinstone’s estate. The late hour and light rain made it impossible for him to take in any more than the silhouette of the manor and stables. Originally, Lord Reinstone had suggested they ride together, but Baldwin wanted to bring his carriage so that when Lord Reinstone’s sister was ready, they could go to his estate.

  The vicar was due to arrive tomorrow. So, for the night, at least, it would just be him and Lord Reinstone coming at such a late hour. Baldwin had hoped to meet his future wife today, but that would have to wait until tomorrow. She was surely asleep by now. The last time Baldwin had checked his pocket watch, it’d already been eight in the evening. That had to be hours ago.

  The carriages pulled up to the front of the manor. Eager to have the ride over with, Baldwin stepped out of the carriage and stretched his muscles. He glanced over at Lord Reinstone who was talking to the coachman. He waited until the coachman left to go into the manor.

  “I didn’t realize we’d arrive so late,” Lord Reinstone told him. “I thought we’d make it in time for dinner. I’ll instruct the cook to make us something light to tide us over until tomorrow morning.”

  Baldwin wanted to tell him not to worry about it, but his stomach grumbled in protest.

  “The staff will bring our luggage in,
” Lord Reinstone said. “We should get in before we get drenched.”

  On their way to the entrance, Baldwin asked, “What should I call you now that we are to be related?” He had kept meaning to ask for the gentleman’s Christian name, but Lord Reinstone would say something, and Baldwin forgot all about it.

  “You can call me Andrew.”

  “You can call me Baldwin.”

  “My sister’s name is Dinah.”

  Dinah. Baldwin rolled her name over in his mind. It was a very pleasant name. He could enjoy saying it for the rest of his life.

  The footman opened the front door, and Baldwin followed Andrew into the entryway. He removed his hat and shrugged off the raindrops.

  Andrew turned to the butler who was holding a candelabra. “Show the Duke of Edmondstone to a guest bedchamber.” To Baldwin, he added, “Once you’re warmed up, come back down, and I’ll take you to the drawing room. We’ll have our meal there.”

  Baldwin indicated he would do as Andrew wished then went up the stairs with the butler. While passing through the hallway, Baldwin noticed paintings along the walls. There didn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to them. To him, they appeared to be random colors thrown together and mixed around.

  The butler stopped at a closed door and opened it. “This will be your room.” He entered first and set the candelabra on the dresser.

  Baldwin noted how clean the room was. He knew servants were there to keep all the rooms clean, but there wasn’t a speck of dust anywhere. Even the corners of the ceiling didn’t have any cobwebs.

  “Is this room used on a regular basis?” Baldwin asked.

  “No, Your Grace. This room hasn’t been used in over twenty years.”

  And yet it appeared as if someone frequently slept here. How odd. It wasn’t possible that Andrew knew he was going to come out here to marry his sister.

  But he had been planning to arrange for her to marry someone. He had probably gotten this bedchamber ready for whichever gentleman came out here. Yes, that was why the bedchamber was in such pristine condition.

  Baldwin relaxed. The whole thing didn’t seem so strange now.

  The coachman who’d been driving Baldwin’s carriage came into the room with Baldwin’s trunk. “I’ll bring in the others in a moment,” he told Baldwin then headed back out of the bedchamber.

  “Is there anything you need, Your Grace?” the butler asked.

  Baldwin shook his head as he opened the trunk. It contained all of his day clothes and grooming supplies. “No, I’ll be fine, thanks.”

  “Perhaps you’d like me to send a valet?” the butler offered.

  “No, I can manage on my own.” He offered the butler a smile.

  The butler bowed and then left.

  Baldwin didn’t know how long he would need this bedchamber. With Dinah being so shy, it was hard to know if she would want him to stay with her right away or if he was better off slowly working his way into sleeping in the west wing of the manor with her.

  Choosing to be optimistic, he only took out the items he would need for the night and tomorrow morning. As he was setting out his grooming supplies, the coachman brought his other trunk into the room. This trunk contained his evening and sleeping clothes. After that, the coachman brought in a third trunk which contained the musical instruments that he had carefully packed himself. He couldn’t imagine going for any length of time without his clarinet, violin, or bassoon. He enjoyed the piano, too, but that was too large to pack and take with him. Perhaps Lord Reinstone had one in the manor. If not, that was fine. He preferred the bassoon, clarinet, and violin anyway.

  Baldwin thanked him and then hurried to get out of his wet clothes and into some casual dry ones. The days of travel had exhausted him, and he was looking forward to grabbing something to eat and then going to sleep. The owners of the inns had been accommodating, but it was always better to sleep when one was home. And for the time being, this was his home.

  After he changed clothes, Baldwin went to the drawing room where Andrew was waiting for him.

  “Did you find your bedchamber to your liking?” Andrew asked.

  “I did. It’s spotless in there.” Baldwin chuckled. “I thought my manor was clean, but your staff is more diligent about cleaning than mine is. I hope you’re paying them what they’re worth.”

  Andrew grinned. “I assure you that my staff is well provided for. I’m glad you find the bedchamber to your liking. I don’t want you to have doubts about marrying my sister.”

  “No, I don’t have doubts about that. The more I get used to the idea, the more excited I get.”

  Andrew’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “I think other gentlemen would start to question what they’d gotten themselves into. Not many like the idea of an arranged marriage.”

  “I don’t think it’s how one gets married that matters so much as the fact that they marry.”

  “That’s an interesting way of looking at it.” With a smile, he waved Baldwin to go with him to the table that had food waiting for them on it. “I can see that having you here will be worthwhile.”

  Baldwin followed him and sat across from him. “I suppose it can get boring out here in the country since there aren’t a lot of people to talk to. You said your mother, aunt, and uncle live here in addition to your sister?”

  “Yes, it’s just the five of us. Of course, for the most part, it feels like there are only four of us. Dinah’s more like a ghost than a person.”

  Yes, Baldwin supposed having a sister who chose to remain secluded would seem like an apparition.

  The two started to eat, and Andrew said, “I thought it best if I introduce you to my mother, aunt, and uncle in the morning. Then you can see the grounds and get acquainted with the staff. In the afternoon, I’ll introduce you to my sister. I want to speak with her first to let her know I found her a husband.”

  Baldwin hid his disappointment. He had hoped to meet Dinah first thing in the morning. But he supposed it was best if she was aware he was there to marry her before her brother introduced them.

  “Do you like horseback riding?” Andrew asked.

  Baldwin looked up from his soup and nodded. “I do. It’s a soothing pastime.”

  “Excellent. Then you’ll be happy to check the grounds on horseback. We have fine horses for you to choose from. I think you’ll be pleased with the selection. The stablemaster spends considerable time and care in breeding them.”

  “If they’re like the pristine condition of your rooms, then I’m sure they’re going to be some of the most excellent horses I’ve had the pleasure of riding.”

  “I take pride in everything I own. I assure you, those horses are among the best you’ll ever find.” Andrew took a sip of his wine then added, “I never do anything halfway. I give all of myself to everything I do, no matter how large or small it is.”

  “That’s an admirable trait.”

  “Thank you.”

  With another smile, Baldwin turned his attention back to the meal.

  Chapter Three

  Baldwin should have been able to sleep well after a long and exhausting trip, but he could only manage a couple of hours of rest before he had to get up for the day. This afternoon, he was going to meet the lady who’d be his wife. It was no wonder that he couldn’t sleep once the sun started to come up.

  It was too early to leave the bedchamber, so he chose to bring out his clarinet and played a few songs to help ease into what was going to be a busy day. Music always calmed his nerves. When he was in the middle of the musical piece, the rest of the world faded around him, and it was just him and the instrument he was playing. By the time it was eight, he felt much better about the upcoming day. Any gentleman would naturally be nervous about meeting his bride. He was no different.

  When he went to the drawing room, he saw Andrew talking with an older lady and an older couple. The older man was in a wheelchair, and a blanket was draped over his legs.

  Andrew stood up as soon as he noticed him. “Mother, Aunt, Uncle, I’d like for you to meet the Duke of Edmondstone. His Christian name is Baldwin. He’s here to marry Dinah.” He gestured to his relatives. “Baldwin, this is my mother, Beatrice, and these are my uncle and aunt, Clarence and Holly.”