Chapter7
Drew strode into his study, tossing aside the book he’d been trying to read all day. He was unable to settle into any task, it seemed. Aurora Hillcrest was very much on his mind. Her passion and her instant rebuff, particularly. He’d known it was too soon to bring up any future with her last week. But at least she knew he was stealing kisses with some thought for her continued good standing in society.
He might have wished she’d been more forthcoming concerning her reasons for declining to become his bride, though. He hoped to learn them that very afternoon.
It had been over a week since he’d seen her. Her note that morning had been brief. A time and date had been suggested for tomorrow, but that unfortunately clashed with other plans he’d already made. Since the reason he could not meet her was to attend an event where one of her choices were sure to be, he had written back, asking for a change to a venue of his choice today.
He had arranged to meet Aurora at an empty house in Conduit Street. She had initially suggested a meeting at Hatchard’s Lending Library, a place they both regularly patronized in London that would make it seem to be a chance meeting, no doubt. However, given Drew went there so often, he was not keen to discuss his private affairs in so public a location. Absolutely anyone in society might overhear them talking about marriage.
Aurora wished him to speak honestly—and bluntly—about his affairs, but he would only do that in private and to her alone. An empty house he was considering purchasing as an investment was as good as anywhere that he could think of.
Thoughts of Aurora—her defiance, the softness of her expression after kissing him—had plagued his mind for days. She confused the devil out of him. He almost hadn’t been able to walk away from her the last time without pressing his suit again. He’d wanted to stay and argue the merits of choosing her over another lady. To kiss her rosy lips properly.
But walk away he had.
And after half a week of deliberation, of paying court to other women who failed to excite him half as much with their smiles, he was ready to give up and give in.
He wanted Aurora.
He had managed to meet two out of her three candidates several times each. Pleasant encounters, and all without any stirrings of lust. He had tried. He’d pictured each woman in his arms, under him too, sharing his bed, and not been roused by lust at all.
Given any absence of desire with them, and a great deal more when standing in Aurora Hillcrest’s presence, he’d made up his mind. He would not be deterred…but he would be patient. He could pursue her under the guise of seeking her advice and few would probably notice, and if they did, he had an excuse to use. She called herself a matchmaker now. There was no reason for anyone to know of his pursuit until Aurora said yes to him at last.
Not even her.
But he would do all he could to support her chosen career. He knew how much help she’d always been to him. However, he would definitely draw the line at kissing lessons with other clients.
There was a scratch at the door, and he looked up to see a footman hovering. “Yes?”
“Forgive the intrusion, but His Grace’s carriage has pulled up outside,” a footman told him quickly.
“Northport?”
“Yes, my lord. Thought you’d prefer a moment to prepare,” he said before scurrying off.
Drew was surprised and annoyed by the unexpected arrival. He glanced at the clock on the mantle. He had to change and leave to meet Aurora soon. He could not be late, today of all days. Not when he was hoping to make a good impression.
Drew headed out to meet his father. Northport was only just being relieved of his hat and cane at the door when Drew arrived in the hall.
He bowed to his father. “Your Grace, what an unexpected pleasure to have you visit.”
“I should not have to make the effort if you lived closer to me,” Northport complained, and continued to regard him sourly. “I suppose you’ve heard the news about Lady Eloise.”
“Ah. Quite,” Drew said, quickly leading the older man to the library and shutting the door behind them. Northport had likely come to shout at him for dragging his feet where Lady Eloise was concerned. “You’ve come about the engagement, I take it.”
“I’ve given you a few days to lick your wounds in private, but no more. That damn foolish woman. She has no idea of the disappointment she has inflicted upon her family and ours.”
Drew sighed. Father was the one upset. Understandable, when he’d been rather obvious in his preference for Lady Eloise to make a match with Drew. Though Drew had never given the old man cause to believe he’d any intentions toward Lady Eloise. Still, the duke had persisted in dropping hints in every private conversation they’d had since Christmas just past. “I’m happy for her.”
“That is ridiculous. She was meant to be yours!” Northport raged.
“That is not so. I really am happy for Eloise. She’s chosen, and there is nothing at all to say about the matter now.”
Northport rounded on him. “After all the care and interest we’ve shown in the chit, I should say we are most put out about the matter. What are you going to do about it?”
The only thing Drew might do is help them elope so they were married faster. “I made Lady Eloise no promises.” Drew met his father’s hard stare. “You are the one upset. That’s why you’re here—to take your frustration out on me.”
The duke paced, back straight, hands behind his back. “She is marrying beneath her! Don’t think I shall ever invite her to visit us again.”