Chapter Eight
“You look absolutely stunning.”
Eleanor could feel the tears coming to her eyes as she gazed at Felicity. After the dreadful afternoon, the time for the ball had finally arrived and her sister stood elegantly in a dress of the lightest shade of pink. It accentuated her delicate frame and the flush of her cheeks. Her pink lips were smiling beautifully and she twirled in delight.
“Oh Elly, I feel like a princess.”
“You look like one, Felicity. You are beautiful.”
Eleanor tried not to think about the dress she had donned. It was one that had belonged to her mother that she had altered to fit her. Although it was not the most becoming gown, it was suitable. That was until she had seen her sister. Next to her sister she looked like a spinster well in her thirties. For the briefest moment, Eleanor thought about the dress that was hidden under her bed. The green would look stunning, but she would not give the duke the satisfaction of seeing her in it.
“I hope Marcus has practiced his boxing skills, for surely he will be fighting off your suitors all evening.”
“Oh, I suspect the Duke will be fighting off enough himself. Peaches will certainly be the most stunning of all.”
Eleanor smiled. At least her sister never dwelt on her beauty. She seemed to believe that everyone was just as lovely as she was. Embracing her sister, Eleanor brushed away her tears.
“I am so proud to be your sister, Felicity. I hope that you know only happiness this season and that you meet a gentleman who truly loves you.”
Her sister looked to her a bit startled.
“Eleanor, are you all right?”
Nodding, Eleanor quickly turned away and began to gather the rest of their things. She did not want to be late.
“I am fine dearest. Come, let us find Marcus and call for the carriage. Bonnet will not like us being late.”
With that, the two women headed down the stairs to meet their brother, both eager to see what the night had in store for them.
He was going to kill the modiste. That was his first thought when he saw Peaches at the top of the stairs. Her white gown clung to her every curve and her hair was breathtaking with white flowers and pearls fashioned into it. There was not a man in England who would be able to drag their eyes away from her. And then she smiled and Storm held back a curse.
“Oh Storm; I cannot believe how wonderful you look.”
Storm was amazed that Peaches never seemed to think of her own beauty. Tonight, with a ball held in her honor, he would have thought a woman would simply expect to only receive compliments. Instead, his sister seemed content to hand them out.
“Peaches, you are certainly going to be the most stunning woman in the room. It is a good thing that I will have your brother’s assistance chasing away your suitors.”
She planted a kiss on his cheek her arms coming around him to embrace him. Resting her head against his chest, his sister sighed.
“Oh, but no one can steal my heart from you. I have no intention of choosing a husband this season. I fear I am not ready to leave you yet. I love you so very much.”
Storm held her tighter before moving her from his arms and cupping her face. When his eyes met her bright blue ones, he brushed a lock of her hair away and smiled.
“You will leave me as soon as some gentleman comes along that you adore, whether it be this season or next.”
“Well, Aria has not married and she had her come out nearly three years ago.”
“Yes, well that is simply because I do not have the same charming temperament as you do. Storm is right Peaches. We all suspect you will be the first of us to find love.”
Storm turned to see Aria approaching, a picture of elegance. She really should be married by now. She had been the incomparable during her first season, yet she too seemed less than anxious to marry. Storm suspected that it would be hard for them all to be parted from each other.
“No one will find love at all if we do not get to the ballroom. Our guest will be arriving soon enough.”
Bonnet hurried forward, coming to his side, and smiled down at Peaches. Taking her hands, Bonnet seemed to glow.
“The most important thing is to have a lovely evening. Enjoy yourself Peaches and let the future come to you, no matter what it may be.”
Storm sighed, wondering if he should take that advice himself. Perhaps it would not do him harm to keep his eyes open for a wife of his own. There had to be at least one eligible lady who would be present. And the suit that Miss Pinecrest had sent fit him quite well. He was feeling rather handsome this evening himself. He simply could not wait to see the expression on her face when he entered the ballroom in it.
Even having witnessed the chaos of the morning, Eleanor had not expected the ballroom to look this glorious. Beside her, Marcus’s eyes went wide.
“Well, your bonnet certainly did know which family to get trampled by.”
Eleanor glared, but could not help but believe him right. For no other reason, the expression on Felicity’s face was worth dealing with the blasted Duke. It became very clear that the girl felt like a true princess. Twirling once her sister sighed contently.
“Oh, this is like a dream. Elly, have you ever seen something so beautiful?”
“Indeed, I have.”
When her sister looked at her with disbelief in her eyes Eleanor reached out and secured a stray lock of her hair in a pin.
“You, my dear, at this very moment. Oh, Felicity, I do love you.”
Felicity threw her arms around her sister and Eleanor laughed and collected the girl into her own. Eleanor was once again trying to hold back her tears. Lord, but this season was affecting her more than it should.
“Oh, Elly, you are the best sister in the world.”
Marcus was laughing, a sound Eleanor was grateful to hear. This was how she wished to always remember her family, filled with happiness and love.
“Good evening.”
Eleanor felt herself tense at the sound of his voice, but managed to keep the smile on her face. Tonight, she would demand a truce from the Duke, for nothing was going to ruin this ball for her sister. Nothing.
“Oh, your grace, this is the most stunning place of all. Truly. Thank you of much for letting me share this with your sister.”
Eleanor was forced to face her nemesis, only to see him dressed in every item of clothing that she had purchased. There was no way she could hide her surprise to see how very well it fit him. Although she had used his tailor, she never imagined that the cut of his coat would accentuate the strong muscles of his arms quite so well. Nor that the breeches fit him so well that the outline of his thigh was near scandalous. He was simply bewitching. And he was aware of every ounce of her appreciation, for when her eyes met his; he raised a brow in humor. Luckily, at that moment, Bonnet and Peaches entered the room and the two young ladies were squealing in delight. The distraction allowed Eleanor a chance to breathe and Bonnet a chance to steal her attention.
“Felicity is stunning.”
“So is Peaches. We are certainly going to have a rough time handling the abundance of gentleman wishing for their attention.”
Bonnet agreed and Eleanor managed to avoid speaking with the duke at all. He was not far though. Marcus and he seemed to be comparing strategies on how to keep the suitors at bay. When Eleanor felt his gaze on her, despite the distance between them, a shiver ran through her. He was not going to allow her to escape unscathed tonight. Of that she was certain.
The ball was already quite a crush by the time Storm had a chance to think about Miss Pinecrest. His sister had managed to attract quite a court but Bonnet had it well under control. Not to mention the fact that all his brothers were towering over the group ready to pounce on anyone who dared look at the girls with an improper glare. And beside them all, stood Eleanor Pinecrest.
She had not worn the gown he had sent her, but he imagined that was only because her pride would not allow it. It was a terrible shame, as the gown she had chosen was certainly one of her best and still looked terribly worn on her. He knew that she wished for her sister to receive the attention this evening but he could not imagine why she should not have put at least a little more effort into her appearance. With her brother and sister dressed in such finery it seemed a bit out of sorts for her to look so plain.
“Do you see anything that interests you?”
Storm pulled his gaze from the elder Miss Pinecrest at the sound of his sister. Bonnet stood with a smile on her face and motioned to the crowds.
“Your brothers can keep an eye on Peaches. I believe that you should be out dancing with the other ladies. There seem to be a great many beautiful women who would not mind your attention.”
Storm laughed. Leave it to Bonnet to remind him of his promise to find a suitable wife this season. No matter how busy the day was his eldest sister could still manage to keep her focus on everything.
“Ah, but will I mind theirs? I have not forgotten my promise but I believe I should like to narrow the list before I let it be known that I am seeking a wife. If that gets out I fear I will have to flee London.”
His sister brushed an invisible piece of dust from his shoulder.
“In this suit, I would not blame you. There is no doubt that you are the handsomest man in all of England right now. Miss Pinecrest certainly went out of her way to purchase the very best for you.”
Storm raised a brow and aimed his eyes in the direction of the woman in question. She stood watching the gentlemen that seemed to have attached themselves to her sister. Any moment now the dancing would start and it was obvious that Felicity's dance card was full.
“She did it to vex me. I am sure she thought I would throw a tantrum and return it.”
“Or perhaps, she merely wanted to win your favor so that you will promote a match between herself and Hunter. The two have been in each other’s company quite a lot.”
Storm had noted it. He had been meaning to speak to his brother about how deep his interest was for the elder Pinecrest woman, but the opportunity to do so had not presented itself. Eleanor Pinecrest was certainly not a good match for his brother.
“Flattering me will not improve her chances with my brother.”
Laughing, Bonnet beamed and winked.
“Ah, where have I heard that before?”
Then as quickly as she had appeared his sister rejoined the crowd around Peaches and motioned for the orchestra to begin playing. Doing his duty, Storm quickly moved to Peaches side and led her into the first waltz, joined moment later by Marcus and Felicity. Afterward, he would have to start looking for a wife.
“Go Marcus, really. You need to be searching too.”
Her brother looked to her with doubt in his eyes. Eleanor knew that Felicity was perfectly fine. Peaches and she had refused to leave each other’s side and they had three of the Westbrook brothers watching over them. The duke apparently had decided to continue dancing.
“I should stay here.”
Hunter stepped over to them and smiled.
“Felicity is perfectly fine, Lord Crayton. Do, please, enjoy the ball. If we should need anything, I will find you immediately.”
Eleanor was most grateful to have his friendship this evening. He had been looking over them all, making sure that they were all having a good time, and keeping everyone calm. It was strange to think such a relaxing man still had the power to keep unsuitable men at bay, but Eleanor was beginning to see why people should not always be judge by their appearances.
“You see, Marcus, we will be fine.”
After a few more minutes, Marcus finally gave into her demands and excused himself from the group. At least now, Eleanor thought, maybe some grand heiress would take a fancy to him. No woman in her right mind would try to approach him surrounded as he was. Eleanor had not only been watching the gentleman staring at Felicity all evening. Marcus had a fair share of admirers she had noticed.
“Miss Pinecrest, would you care for a glass of punch? I have the honor of obtaining one for your sister.”
Eleanor considered the sincere and handsome eyes of Lord Alex Larford, the very new Earl of Derrington, trying to hold back her delight. He had been the first of Felicity’s suitors to acknowledge her enough to worry over her thirst and Eleanor decided at once that she favored him for her sister above all the other gentleman they had met this evening.
“Indeed, I would like one very much, Lord Derrington.”
The gentleman smiled warmly and nodded before heading into the crowd to fetch the punch. Eleanor wished him luck. It looked as if it would be a good thirty minutes before he would manage to achieve the task. Curiously, Eleanor slid her glance toward Felicity and noticed her sister’s eyes seeming to follow the young earl’s movement through the crowd. It was a very subtle gaze, but Eleanor could tell at once that Felicity was quite taken with the gentleman. Making a mental note to look into just who Alex Larford was Eleanor did not notice that someone had slipped into the space beside her.
“I expected you to be in green, Miss Pinecrest.”
Without taking her eyes from her sister, Eleanor smiled brightly.
“And I expected you to be a gentleman, Lord Wakefield. It appears as if we were both foolish in our assumptions.”
He chuckled then, a deep purr that was most unsettling. Lord, how could she still be attracted to him after the way he acted toward her that afternoon? She should simply not have to endure such nonsense.
“Tell me, is it as satisfying as you thought, seeing me in the suit you purchased for me? I do believe it is quite flattering personally.”
Eleanor prayed that he would simply believe her blush came from the heat and dared to meet his gaze. It proved to be most unwise, as she once again got lost in the tempest of dark clouds in them. Then, to her horror, she heard her thoughts tumbling from her lips.
“I do believe you have the most fascinating eyes in all of London, your grace.”
A slow smile appeared on his face.
“Why Miss Pinecrest, if I did not know you better I would say that sounded like a compliment.”
Eleanor prayed someone would approach them. There was little she could do otherwise.
“Pardon?”
“You comment about my eyes. What is it exactly that you find most fascinating about them?”
Eleanor glared at him. Why was he even speaking with her? Had he not made it perfectly clear that afternoon that he wanted her to avoid him?
“It is probably best that you just forget the comment all together.”
Laughing he leaned in far too close for her comfort.
“Not a chance in hell Miss Pinecrest.”
Eleanor knew that she should be offended by such language, but quite frankly, she rather enjoyed his bluntness. There was something a bit thrilling about how free he was when speaking with her. She would never be able to tolerate a man who consistently had to hold his tongue in front of her. Nor one that she would consistently have to hold her tongue with.
“Now,” he continued “you were about to explain to me about what made my eyes so fascinating.”
Eleanor smiled wickedly back at him.
“As entertaining as I am sure that would be, I recall being given strict orders to refrain from speaking with you at all, your grace.”
He laughed at her. Loudly. Eleanor noticed a few nearby onlookers glace over to them. With a glare she met his gaze.
“You better be more cautious, your grace. Someone may mistakenly believe you find me amusing.”
Drawing his hands behind his back, Storm rocked on his heals for a moment.
“You are right. That would be tragic. If word got out that I find you amusing the ton will be so eager for your company you would have no time left to spar with me.”
Eleanor was a bit surprised by his response. Surely, he had not forgotten all about their conversation earlier that day. She was about to question him when Lord Derrington returned.
“Here you are Miss Pinecrest.”
Eleanor took the glass of punch and smiled at him.
“Thank you so much, my lord. It was very kind of you to think of me.”
“It was my pleasure.”
With that he bowed a quick farewell and headed toward Felicity. Eleanor sighed happily for her sister and then tried not to think about what would become of her once her sister was married. Then, having forgotten he was there, Lord Wakefield’s voice was suddenly in her ear.
“May we speak privately for a moment?”
Trying to ignore the sensation of his breathe against her ear Eleanor motioned to the crowded ballroom.
“That is highly unlikely.”
Annoyed he looked toward the exit.
“Can you please meet me in the library in fifteen minutes? I will be waiting.”
Before she could respond Eleanor knew he was gone. She missed the heat that seemed to fill the air around him. Slowly looking at the crowds of dancers, Eleanor wondered if she could even make it halfway across the room in fifteen minutes.
Storm waited as patiently a he could for Miss Pinecrest. The time had come for a truce. He had been unjustly rude to her earlier that afternoon. It was true that he enjoyed sparring with her. She was very witty. And, to be honest, few people had the nerve to spar with him. He was rather certain Bonnet was the only one. Since they had met, however, all their sparring had been in good fun. He was sure of that. Until of course, he lashed out at her that afternoon.
Storm knew that she was responsible for his anger that day, but he also knew that she was completely unaware that she had mentioned a subject he was highly sensitive about. He owed her an apology and he did not want to wait another day to offer her one. Looking toward the brandy Storm debating having a drink. But as soon as he moved forward the door to the library opened and Miss Pinecrest entered the room.
“Please do not forbid me to see your family. I adore them all and I promise that I will never interfere…”
“Miss Pinecrest,” he interrupted “I asked you here so that I may apologize.”
Instantly she stopped speaking and blinked up at him. He found himself rather amused by her befuddled look. Moving closer she kept his gaze.
“Pardon?”
Motioning to a nearby chair he watched as she perched herself cautiously on the edge.
“Miss Pinecrest, we have had many disagreements since our meeting in the park, but I hope that you have also considered our differences to be more of a playful banter in their nature.”
He waited for her to offer her agreement. Finding her voice, she settled further into her chair.
“Indeed, your grace. Have never felt our arguments were hurtful until….”
“Until this afternoon,” he finished. She did not need to respond. They both knew the truth. Honesty was the one thing they had most in common. It was rather strange to think that he was most honest with her. Finally pouring himself a drink, Storm offered one to Miss Pinecrest who gratefully took it. She was an interesting woman indeed.
“I feel I owe you not only an apology, but also an explanation.”
She looked at him curiously. Then, with a soft smile she responded.
“If you are waiting for me to disagree with you, your grace, we will miss the rest of the ball.”
He laughed at that. Laugher seemed to be a much more common sound now that the Pinecrest women were in their lives. Since his parents died he never truly laughed. Storm often used his false laugh when it was expected, but rarely had anyone solicited a true laugh from him. For the first time, he wondered if there was more to Miss Pinecrest than he originally assumed.
“As part of my explanation I must reveal something about myself that not even my beloved family knows. I am entrusting this secret with you. There is no other way to justify my action toward you without being completely honest.”
Miss Pinecrest looked to him with surprise in her eyes.
“I give you my word that you may trust me with anything.”
The most incredible thing about that statement was how true it was. He simply trusted her. Clearing his throat, he began to pace.
“When I was at University, I took up fisticuffs. I was, to be frank, very proficient at it. So much so, in fact, when it came to resolving any disagreement I would always choose to use my fists, rather than my words.”
Eleanor knew it was the truth but she could barely believe it. She had not known him long, but it was clear that he was not a man prone to throwing punches to get his way. Eleanor felt him slip further into her heart now. Lord help her, this man was going to steal her heart if she was not careful.
“It is not something that I am proud of.”
This was clearly not easy for him to talk about. Eleanor knew that he had a great many things to be proud of, but the weight of the past was obviously a burden on him. It clouded the great many things that he had done with his life.
“My family, thankfully, never saw that side of me. I find it rather important to remain on the pedestal they all have me on. They need to know they can count on me always. But you, Miss Pinecrest, have managed to knock me off that pedestal a mere day after meeting me. I thought it would anger me, but I actual find it a bit of a relief. As painful as the past may be, it is a bit less so when you can speak to someone about it.”
Eleanor wondered if he had been drinking before she arrived. He could not have meant to share so much with her.
“I was young once, Miss Pinecrest. I was young and immature and not that different than those foolish men stuttering at our sisters right now. I believed I was immune to anything but the joys in life and entitled to anything I wanted. It would have disappointed my parents to have seen me in such a way. My father was a great a man. I failed him in every way back then.”
Eleanor wanted to reach out to him. He looked so pained. She knew that Storm had felt that this was a burden he could never be rid of. He stopped pacing and took a seat across from her.
“So, as it often happens among young, foolish men, I chose the wrong battle to fight one night. I was drunk, in a foul mood and ready to fight. Unfortunately, my opponent did not believe in fighting fair. I learned very quickly that being heir to a duke did not actually make a person invincible. Truth be told, had I not had a wiser and stronger friend find me that evening, I believe I would have been beaten to death.”
Eleanor could not help it this time. Reaching over to him she took his hand and squeezed it to offer him some comfort. Softly she looked to him.
“That is why you did not want Chance to take up boxing.”
She did not need to hear his response. She felt like a fool.
“I am so sorry. You were right. I should have stayed out of the matter.”
He smiled weakly, and to her surprise, tucked a lock of her hair that had fallen against her cheek, behind her ear. Eleanor’s whole body quivered at his touch.
“You were right as well. He would have just taken up sword fighting behind my back.”
Oh, how charming he was right now. Eleanor could barely breathe. She knew that she had to help him. To relieve him of this burden somehow. But she could not possible think when she was touching him, so sadly, she settled back into her chair.
“If I may be frank, your grace, you are clearly not that man anymore. I think you should tell Chance what you just told me.”
He looked at her with doubtful eyes. She supposed it was her turn to confess.
“I know that being on that pedestal is important. But I also know how dangerous it can be. Your brother is far less likely to use his fists to get his way once he knows about your past. He can learn from your mistake. Your grace, you are a very good man. Being honest with your brother will only help him. Your family loves you. That will never change no matter what faults you may have. Believe me. You can fall from that pedestal and every single one of them would be there to catch you.”
Storm looked at her a bit bewildered. He had only meant to speak with her for a moment, but he was so comfortable around her. And so honest. It was refreshing. He knew instantly that she was right. Chance could learn boxing and know that it should be a way to burn off his energy and nothing else.
“Miss Pinecrest, you are far too wise for your age.”
She laughed at that. Storm was pleased.
“Well I have a past too, your grace.”
Looking at her closely Storm realized, for the first time, that he hardly knew a thing about her. She was constantly in his home and with his family, but she was a complete mystery.
“Anything you care to share?”
Smiling she shook her head.
“My secrets will have to wait. We have been missing from the ballroom for far too long.”
They both remained still. Smiling Storm rose and offered her his hand.
“Miss Pinecrest, you are aware that now I will be determined to unravel all of your secrets.”
Taking his hand, the woman headed toward the door.
“Now that will be most entertaining to watch.”