October 10, 1814

As was the custom of Hempsted Park, a house party was hosted every autumn. The same guests were invited annually. The new Earl had been raised in that lifestyle and easily reverted back to many of the aristocratic ways of life. He had grown up with many of the gentries in the local area and looked forward to reestablishing old ties.

The estate’s butler proved to be indispensable in arranging the invitations. The butler had helped plan the house party for the past five years when he served the previous Earl. The butler and housekeeper were eager to assist the Chatham family with anything to help them get settled and make this party a success. Their years of experience made planning an easy feat.

Eleanor’s mother, now Lady Gloucester, enlisted the help of the housekeeper, Mrs. Allan, to hire seamstresses and tailors to produce clothes worthy of their new station. New shoes and boots had to be ordered from London. Eleanor and her siblings were provided etiquette training to help ensure their successful introduction to society.

Eleanor’s father, being accustomed to the lifestyle, thought Lady Gloucester was overreacting. He continued to remind his wife that their children were raised with manners and were accustomed to society’s rules, so they didn’t need the extra classes on etiquette. Lady Gloucester insisted.

* * *

At last, the date of the house party had arrived. Eleanor and Emma were excited; this was their first social occasion as the daughters of an Earl. Emma was particularly excited and talked about the possibility of meeting her future husband. Eleanor still thought of Charles, and had no interest in making the acquaintance of any suitors.

The guests arrived on Thursday morning. Most of the guests had visited the estate on many occasions, so an official tour was not needed. Although the guests knew Vicar Chatham, now Lord Gloucester, they were meeting his family for the first time. The guests were given access to use the amenities of the estate and explore the grounds as they pleased.

In the drawing room before dinner, Eleanor and Emma were paid much attention, not only by the men, but also by the women. They wanted to know all about them, what their talents were, and how they were enjoying Hempsted Park.

As the eldest unmarried daughter of the Earl of Gloucester, Eleanor had a considerable dowry. Her family’s wealth spanned centuries, and they were now one of the wealthiest families in the south of England. Her father had warned that fortune seekers might pursue her, which was just one more reason for Eleanor to be on guard.

Emma, who also had a sizeable dowry, was excited by the prospect of finding love. She brushed off her father’s words and claimed that she would only marry an honorable man that could prove that he loved her, and then she would fall madly in love with him and live out their lives in pure bliss.

Eleanor covered her mouth to hide her smile. Although she hoped Emma would find the love of her life, experience had taught Eleanor money could bring out the worst in people. Although Charles was an honorable man, he had married for money. If Charles had chosen Eleanor, he would have had ties to a well-respected family, and more money than his chosen bride brought to the marriage. But most importantly, he would have married someone he loved, and who also loved him in return. If only Charles would have waited a few more months before proposing to Lady Beatrice.

When Eleanor and Emma were in private, Eleanor took the opportunity to speak to her sister and hopefully talk some sense into her. Their lives had just been turned upside down, and there was no rush to marry or entertain thoughts suitors.

“Emma, isn’t it amazing that we were barely noticed in Lansdowne, and here we are, suddenly quite popular?”

“What do you mean, Eleanor? You have always been so beautiful and have always had many suitors. The only thing that is different is the type of man that is pursuing you.”

“Emma, I just want you to be careful. Please don’t rush into anything. There are a lot of men who would like to take advantage of your new situation. Men like Charles…”

Emma grabbed her sister’s hand, “Eleanor, you needn’t worry about me. I will tell you the truth; I am having the most difficult time remembering all these names and their titles. I simply cannot tell them all apart. When I marry, it will be for love. In the meantime, I intend on having as much fun as I can. Next season, I am sure my dance card will be full at every ball. I insist you do the same.”

Eleanor giggled, “Don’t let Mama and Papa hear you say that. Mama would surely faint.”

When Emma and Eleanor returned to the drawing room, they played whist and faro until late in the evening. Eleanor enjoyed every minute of the attention and remembered that she would never allow her heart to overrule her head, not like she did with Charles.

* * *

The next morning, the men were off for the day’s activities as soon as the sun came up. The women remained in the house. Some women played cards, while others retreated to the music room or practiced their embroidery.

Eleanor went to the library and breathed a contented sigh of relief. No more conversation and small talk, she thought to herself. She closed the door behind herself and went to her favorite section of the book collection, history. The library was vast, and she had a difficult time choosing one that piqued her interest, but finally chose a history book on William the Conqueror. History was her favorite subject, so this particular book appealed to her as William the Conqueror was a subject that she knew very little about. She opened the book and started to read the first page as she walked across the room to the couch by the fireplace.

A masculine voice startled her thoughts, “Good morning. Lady Eleanor, is it?”

Eleanor gasped in surprise; she was not alone. A man who appeared to be in his late twenties with sandy blond hair and green eyes stood in front of her. He was tall with broad shoulders and was quite handsome.

“Good Morning. Yes, I am Lady Eleanor. I don’t think we have been introduced.”

“No we have not, as I arrived late in the evening. I am Nathaniel Drake, Duke of Fenton.”

Eleanor curtsied and greeted him “Your Grace, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Lady Eleanor Chatham, the feeling is mutual.”

“May I ask you a rather unusual question?”

“Why not?” he said with a warm smile.

“Did I do that correctly; I mean the curtsy and the greeting?”

“Yes, I would say you did splendidly.”

“Well, that’s good,” laughed Eleanor. My mother is worried that I won’t be able to get all of these rules correct. ‘Do this, and don’t do that.’ Really, my head is spinning from everything I must and mustn’t do.”

“Are you always this delightful and honest? I have never met a woman who was more entertaining and engaging than you.”

Eleanor laughed, “You have only just met me, and I have barely said anything. Your acquaintances must be quite dull.” Eleanor stopped, as she remembered that she was speaking to a duke. “Your Grace, I must apologize. Please forgive my speech. I should hold my tongue.”

The duke said, “Lady Eleanor, your openness is quite the welcome change. And, you are correct. Many of my acquaintances are dull.”

Eleanor smiled, “Your Grace, may I ask why are you not attending the hunt with the other men?”

“I enjoy riding, but I have never been one for hunting. I am attending the party because my family has always attended. It’s tradition.”

“Tradition seems to be very important. Does no one ever strike out on their own or do anything that’s against tradition and custom?”

“Not if they can help it,” he answered with a smirk.

Eleanor knew that she shouldn’t be alone with the duke, and he knew that as well. The guests and Eleanor’s family were all busy, so they continued their conversation.

They spoke about books they enjoyed and the differences between their childhoods. Eleanor had grown up in the middle class, while the duke’s family was part of the ton. With Eleanor’s father’s inheritance, her lifestyle had changed dramatically. The duke shared some tips to help Eleanor get accustomed to her new way of life. They both forgot that in a library, they were supposed to be reading and instead shared a conversation that neither would soon forget.

As the hours passed, Nathaniel said, “Now, I must be off. I will leave you to read, which is why you came here in the first place, right? We don’t want anyone to catch us in here alone, as we don’t want to break any of those rules your mother deems so important.”

Nathaniel kissed Eleanor’s hand and left her speechless.

When Eleanor’s father formally introduced her to the duke, they pretended not to know each other. Eleanor did not get another chance to be alone with the duke as he was only there for one night. He said he had business he needed to attend to at home.

Eleanor found herself wishing to see him again, but she tried to quickly put those thoughts out of her head. She couldn’t let her heart break again. Still, thoughts of the duke continued to fill her mind.