Chapter Text
Timothy Bradford, the 9th Duke of Bradford, surveys the ballroom with borderline contempt and disdain. He hates attending social gatherings. Endeavors to spend as little a time as possible among his peers at these loathsome balls and soirees. Currently there are only three people in his life who could force him to attend the few parties he did. All women. The first, his mother, the dowager duchess is currently spending time in the country with his sister who was due to give birth to her second child in the coming months. His sister, Genny, is the second such lady who could guilt him into attendance. The third and final lady, the Countess of Evers, is the reason he came tonight as this is her ball. He could not refuse because she would not let him. His dear friend Angela is determined that a fourth lady should be added to this special council. However, she is wasting her efforts. He maintains that there will never be a Duchess of Bradford in his lifetime.
Certainly not for a lack of trying on the parts of meddling mothers of society. Nor on the intentions of male relations of young women who they wish to use to further their business contacts with him. After all, it is not arrogance to acknowledge that he is quite a catch. Though he knows it is not his good looks or keen intellect that has caught the attention of the ton. His title alone has women fawning to be his duchess. His vast wealth only adds to the prize. His father, a brute of a man and a drunkard, while horrible as a human being had at least been conservative with his money so as not to squander the family wealth. A small blessing. When Tim had taken over the title at the age of twenty, he invested wisely in business ventures that produced large yields. In the last eight years he has earned enough money to ensure the stability of the Bradford estate for decades to come, and he knows that by continuing on this path the future of the dukedom will be in good hands.
However, those hands will have to belong to his nephew Tyler when the time comes. Despite what others want for him, he has no intention of marrying or siring a son. Not that he is against the idea of children in general. Indeed, he quite adores his young nephew and is certain he will equally love this new child of Genny’s. At one point he even dreamed of having his own children. But that dream ended a decade ago in scandal. And while the members of the ton may be willing to look past his youthful disgrace in favor of his title and fortune, he is not. The pain is still too great.
Therefore there will be no marriage for him. No duchess. No children. There will be a future Duke of Bradford, but the heir will not share his surname.
Which is precisely why attendance to events such as tonight’s are completely unnecessary. The purpose for these parties is to meet a future bride. An argument he has made countless time to his friends to no avail. So if he must be here, then he will remain in this corner, arms crossed, waiting for the appropriate hour until his can depart. In order for his time to not be a complete waste, he thinks over his current business affairs. Contemplates the meetings he must attend. He becomes so engrossed in his plans that he doesn’t hear another person approach.
“I thought I insisted that your infamous scowl was not to make an appearance here tonight, Your Grace.” He turns to see Lady Evers narrowing her eyes at him.
“You requested my presence, and I obliged, Countess. You knew my scowl would be part of the deal.” He countered to his friend.
“Yes, but I had hoped that you would at least feign interest for my sake. Not stand in the corner brooding all night.” She teases him. “I want all my guests to be happy, especially my favorite duke.” She drops formalities, “Come now, Tim, there has to be at least one lovely woman with whom you would be willing to share a dance with tonight. And I do not qualify.”
“I think Wesley would argue against that notion.” Tim watches as the man in question appears to be in a spirited debate with Lord Del Monte.
“Wesley would argue if you tried to steal one of his dances. I am saving all of them for him. Therefore you must find another partner.” She takes his arm in hers and maneuvers him to face the crowd. “So who will the lucky woman be?”
He rolls his eyes at her machinations, but knows there is no hope in disagreeing. He searches among the faces for someone who will be the most tolerable dance partner to share a few minutes. None peak his interest. He knows almost all either by reputation, or from dealings with their families, or by having to endure conversations with them in the limited social settings he does attend. That’s not to say anything dishonoring against these women. They are all perfectly lovely and genteel. A credit to their families. But he does not want to delude any of them into thinking they might gain his interest. He has always been quite clear of his aim to never marry. To suggest otherwise would be unfair.
He considers asking Miss McGrady to dance. She is well aware of his lack of marital intentions and harbors no desire for a marriage with him herself. However, as he waits for her to finish a dance with the Marquess of Thorsen, he notices another woman. One he has never met before.
Perhaps the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Her dark chestnut tresses are styled expertly as soft tendrils caress the delicate features of her face. The vividly yellow gown she wears complimenting her gorgeous honey complexion. As though the sun herself has graced this ball with her presence. Though the cut of the gown is modest and demure for polite society, he can still appreciate the ample curves hidden beneath. Curves that ply him with thoughts he is too much of a gentleman to share even in the darkest corner of his favorite private social club.
While her body intrigues him, her face is what stops his heart. Her smile is warm and inviting. Cheeks that are bright and rosy. Plush, full red lips pulled wide as she smiles. Imploring him to know if they would feel as soft against his own as he imagines.
She appears to be genuinely interested in her conversation. Her eyes are a deep brown that he is certain would sparkle in the right conditions. Perhaps her eyes are what interests him the most about her. Despite her sunny demeanor, there appears to be something off about her eyes. Something not quite right. As though she is hiding a secret from everyone.
Before he can stop himself, he inquires to Angela, “Who is that lady speaking with Viscountess Murray? I haven’t seen her before.”
Angela stretches her gaze to where he is staring. “She is Miss Lucy Chen. Her father is Patrick Chen. The shipping magnate.”
Tim is aware of who Patrick Chen is. Having done business with his company numerous times and continuing to do so. Though Mr. Chen is unaware of that fact.
Not surprisingly, Angela knows almost everything about her guests. And what she doesn’t know, she will quickly discover. “Even though she is already twenty years of age, this is her first season. She has been traveling the world with her family, and they’ve only just settled in London this year. The Chens are hoping to find a respectable match for their daughter,” she informs him. Of course, they would be. That is what all members of society expect. He can practically feel the weight of Angela’s curiosity upon him as she eyes him. “Would you like me to make the introductions?”
“No. No, that won’t be necessary.” He insists. If Miss Chen is new to society, then she likely hasn’t heard about his disregard for marriage. He shouldn’t do anything to make her think otherwise. He does not wish to confuse her.
“I could inquire more about her if you like. After all, it’s not every day the Duke of Bradford takes interest in a woman of society.” Angela offers, but before he can dissuade her of the notion, she has already disappeared into crowd. Intent on beginning her investigation.
Thankfully, Angela shows some decorum and does not begin with questioning Miss Chen herself. He watches as the lady in question finishes her conversation with Viscountess Murray before politely excusing herself. Without regarding his own actions, Tim finds himself following her to the refreshment table.
As he stands next to her, he realizes he must speak. Especially since she has noticed him staring. Introducing himself would be the right thing to do, and yet for some unfathomable reason those are not the words that leave his mouth. Instead he states, “You look troubled.”
“Excuse me, sir?”
Too late to course correct now so he must double down. “Troubled. I do not mean to cause you any ill will or have you think you have made a mistake. You have done a good job of hiding it. You smile at all the right times. Laugh in all the right places. I doubt anyone else has noticed, but I have.”
Her face shifts in confusion. “How could you possibly...?”
“Your eyes.” He interrupts her. “They appear dim. I imagine if you were truly happy tonight, they would shine as brightly as the rest of your smile.”
She doesn’t deny his explanation, but her face turns to one of stone. “I do not see how that is any of your concern, Your Grace.”
He doesn’t let her dismissal stop him from his goal. “Normally it would not be. But considering this is Lady Evers’ ball, and she has insisted that all in attendance be entertained, I must ensure her wishes. Or else I will be hearing her complaints for the next several weeks. If not months.” He smiles tightly though he is truly terrified by the prospect. Then he realizes how she addressed him. “You know who I am despite not having been introduced.”
She nods in acknowledgment. “Your reputation precedes you. I have heard many stories about the Duke of Bradford this season. Most of the other ladies speak of your handsomeness. Also about how you are rarely seen at gatherings. I have yet to see you anywhere else this season. I put the two thoughts together.”
He smiles genuinely at what she has just revealed. “So you admit you find me handsome?”
She laughs in spite of her annoyance. “I was relying mostly on the fact that I have not seen you before. I took a chance on your appearance though I think there has been some exaggeration.”
He does not believe she is any less affected by his appearance than he is by hers, but he will not push her on the subject. “What else have you heard about me?”
“According to rumors and stories, people say you are cold and distant.” She pauses before continuing. “And cruel.”
His smirk deflates as his spine stiffens. “Do you believe these rumors?”
“Cold and distant, maybe. But I do not believe that you are cruel.” She admits. “The way the tales describe you, I perceive you to be more calculating. Which is why I do not think you would approach anyone without at least first knowing their name.”
His smile returns with a small laugh. “You’re clever, Miss Chen.” She preens under his praise. “Perhaps, we should start over.” He reaches for her hand carefully. Lifting it to him as he bows. Kissing it briefly before standing back up straight. Though he holds on to her hand a little bit longer than conventionality allows. “Timothy Bradford.”
“Lucy Chen,” she offers as she reluctantly pulls away when he releases her hand.
“Now that that is settled, I was sincere about my intentions to alleviate the countess’s worries about her guests’ amusement. She even suggested that I participate in a dance. More like demanded.” Unsure as to why exactly, he is not afraid to show Miss Chen that he is able to bend to someone else’s command. There are very few for whom he is willing to do so, and even less that he is willing to admit to it. Perhaps he can already sense there is something special about Lucy that makes him want to open up to her. Best he not think about that too much right now. Instead he asks, “Would you kindly aid me in her request by accepting this dance?” He offers his hand for her to take. “You would not want to disappoint our hostess, would you?”
“Of course not, Your Grace.” She takes his hand as he leads her out to the dance floor.
The quartet begins to play a waltz which requires him to hold Miss Chen close. He suspects this has less to do with luck on his side and more because Angela had noticed them entering the floor. Not that he has any objection.
“Have you been enjoying your time in London?” Tim asks once the dance has begun.
“It is a beautiful city. The parts I have been permitted to visit anyway, but I confess I miss traveling.” He takes note of the longing in her eyes as she reflects on her travels. “There are far more lovely sights in nature. London would be too much for me to enjoy year round.”
“I agree. When I have completed my business in London, I find myself eager to return to my country estate.” He considers an idea. “Perhaps you might enjoy a visit.” When her eyes alight in surprise and her breath hitches at the implications, he quickly explains himself. “With your parents as well, of course. The countryside is quite a relaxing experience that I believe all of you would benefit from. I would even invite the Murrays and the Evers to join us.” More people invited hides the fact that he wants to be alone with her. Though he certainly does. He only hopes that he won’t have to organize a ball to make it happen. Genny and Angela would never let him hear the end of it.
“I thank you for the offer, Your Grace, but I believe it is one that will have to be made to my father for him to accept.” She replies diplomatically.
“My apologies. Of course, I will extend the invitation to him.” If his feet were not presently busy, he would want to kick himself for making a fool of himself.
“If I may be so bold, Your Grace, why is it you do not attend more parties? You are a skilled dancer. I am sure many women would be eager to have you as a partner.” Her interest seems so genuine that at first he wants to be honest.
But he chooses to deflect instead. “I’m afraid the answer is that I know many of these people too well to enjoy conversing with them on a more social basis.”
“Too well? What does that mean?” She asks.
“Take for instance Lord Smitty over there.” He indicates the baron standing near the refreshment table. “I once saw him stuff thirty olives in his mouth on a bet. He then proceeded to slowly eat the olives while they were still filling his mouth. Nearly choked three times. Once you’ve had that image in your head, it’s hard to conduct any conversation with him within the norms of society. And that’s not even the most absurd of his antics.”
Lucy laughs as she must be picturing the hilarious oddity of Smitty, and the sight of her joy overwhelms Tim. “I was right,” he concludes.
She inquisitively looks at him. “About what?”
“Your eyes do shine as brightly as your smile when you are genuinely happy. More so than I imagined. It’s breathtaking.” She blushes at his words, and perhaps more would be said between them if the song had not ended.
She steps out of his arms as he regrettably releases her from his hold. “I thank you for the dance, Your Grace, but I must return to my family.” He bows his head shortly to her, and no more is said between them as he watches her walk away. She speaks quietly with her mother and father who flank to her side the moment she steps off the dance floor. Also instantly by her side is another man Tim unfortunately recognizes. One he does not have a good feeling about.
He tears his sight away from Lucy briefly to address Angela who has stepped toward him. “I’ve spoken with Viscountess Murray about Miss Chen. Nyla is the one who has been helping introduce the Chens and Lucy into society. For the past several weeks the son of the Earl of Monrovia has been courting her. This has not been made common knowledge yet, but this morning the Earl and Mister Chen finalized terms on a marriage arrangement. Next week they will be announcing Lucy’s engagement to Lord Sanford.” Angela eyes fill with sympathy. “I’m sorry, Tim.”
He is sorry too. As he watches Lucy interact with her fiancé, he knows with absolutely certainty that she is not happy.
Her eyes do not match her smile.
***
Three days have passed since the night of the Evers’ Ball, and Tim’s thoughts have not strayed far from Lucy. He cannot fathom why. Yes, she is beautiful. And from their brief conversation, he knows she is intelligent. But that’s all their time has been: brief. So why do thoughts of her consume his every waking hour? Why has she been haunting his dreams at night? Why does he miss the feel of her in his arms after sharing only one fleeting dance?
He should move on. She is only one woman. But she is the only woman who has the power to make him actually enjoy attending the gatherings of the ton. So much so that for the past few nights he accepted the invitations sent to him – much to the amazement of the hosts. All in the hopes that Lucy might be in attendance.
Thankfully, she was at these gatherings.
Regrettably, with her fiancé hovering around her.
For that reason alone he did not approach her again. Instead he stood in a corner. Brooding. No doubt Angela would have chastised him if she had not decided to relax at home after the success of her own ball.
The situation has become quite ridiculous. He needs to get Lucy Chen out of his head. He cannot just sit around his home sulking as he sips whiskey. Perhaps that will be an activity more enjoyable at his club.
Or better yet, he might find release in the arms of another woman. Someone to distract him from the thoughts of Lucy for a while. But as quickly as the idea enters his mind, he dismisses it. He knows any satisfaction he seeks from another woman would be temporary at best. His mind and his body want the one woman he cannot have. No other will do.
He is still busy contemplating how to forget Lucy when his butler informs him that a lady has arrived asking to speak with him. Tim is beyond confused. The hour is late, and he is unaware of any plans he made with women who would frequent another’s home at this time of night. Not that he entertains these women in his home anyway. He visits with them at their residences. Curious, he instructs his butler to allow the lady entrance.
He does not expect the woman in question to be the very same one who has been plaguing his thoughts for days. When she enters his study, he stands from his desk abruptly. “Miss Chen, what are you doing visiting here at this late hour? Unchaperoned. You know how people will gossip if anyone sees you.”
To her credit, Lucy does not falter. “You’re a very private man, Your Grace. Almost nothing is known about you which means your staff is loyal and discreet. I doubt anyone will give me away. And only my lady’s maid knows that I sneaked out of the house. I assure you, she will not tell. Especially since she helped me.” Lucy is correct about his staff, and he will take her at her word about her maid.
But that doesn’t account for everyone. “And what about the person who drove you here? Can you trust him to keep his silence?”
“I walked here, Your Grace.”
“Alone? At night?” If he didn’t know better, he would question her sanity.
“I can take care of myself. I bet I can fight better than you,” she counters.
Though interested in testing that theory only because of how close that would require them to get, he forces himself to move on from those enticing visuals. “Fine. And what is so important that you would risk your reputation and safety to visit me at night?”
“I assume by now you are aware that I am engaged to Lord Sanford.” At least she does not bother to beat around the bush.
“I have not read anything in the papers about it, but I have my sources,” he admits.
“What your sources would not be able to tell you is that it is my parents who want this marriage to happen. Not me.” He suspected as much, but he is glad to have confirmation none the less. When he says nothing, Lucy continues. “Ours is not a love match. Not for me, anyway. My parents want me to be among the peerage, and they have the money to ensure it happens.”
Walking out from behind the desk, Tim stands in front of Lucy. Crossing his arms, he leans against his desk. The facade of social propriety went out the window as soon as Lucy stepped foot in his home anyway. “I understand, but that hardly makes you any different from any other woman in our society.”
“I know that. I’ve known since I was a little girl exactly what was expected of me from my parents. I’ve been reared to be a proper lady. To marry a suitable husband. One who can provide a lofty title if not any money since my parents have no need for it. In fact the poorer the entitled man, the better. Since that will give him great need to marry me.” She pauses as she braces herself for the rest of her speech, “My family is accepted into London society because of our money, but we are aware that this is seen by many as new money. We do not have the ancestral lands or titles the highest in your ranks have achieved. So my prospects are still limited by those prejudices. We are accepted, but we are not necessarily welcomed. A title changes all of that.”
“Hence why your parents are so eager to marry you off to the heir apparent of the Earl of Monrovia.” She nods at his assessment. “But that still doesn’t explain why you are here to see me.”
Lucy chooses her words carefully. “Lord Sanford is a kind man. I am sure he will be an excellent husband to someone who is interested, but to me I find him rather...” She pauses as she contemplates how to finish.
“Dull.” Tim answers for her.
Lucy, smiles in spite of herself. The tension releasing from her body. “Yes, actually. Though I probably would have chosen other phrasing.” Tim shrugs. He sees no point in mincing words. “The problem is he is just not...” She trails off as her eyes connect with Tim’s.
The silence hangs between them as her implication lands. After a few moments, she is able to find her words again. “I enjoyed our conversation the other night, and the dance we shared.” She blushes as she is unable to meet his eyes before steeling herself again. “If I am to marry for a title, I don’t want a marriage that is merely tolerable. I want one that can be enjoyable for both parties. I believe that during our brief encounter we made a connection. One that might prove beneficial in a marriage.”
Though she tries to retain a strong composure, he can see the worry in her eyes that she might have misread the situation. He feels the need to reassure her. “You’re right. We did have a connection.” She visibly relaxes with his words, but he needs her to completely understand what she is asking of him before he agrees. “However, you’ve heard the stories about me. I haven’t had any interest in marriage in ten years. What makes you think that will change now?”
“I know you do business with my father.”
Well, that’s news to him. “Your father isn’t even aware that I’m invested in his company. How were you made aware?” He questions.
“I’ve done my research. I traced one of the names that invests in his ships back to a financial company which leads back to you. It took me a couple of days to find it. Otherwise I would have been here sooner. I knew I couldn’t approach you with this offer without monetary incentive. I’m not as naive as some people would think.” She stands proudly. Daring him to object. Not that he would.
“Indeed you’re not.” He smiles appreciatively. Impressed by efforts. “In fact, I don’t think I gave you enough credit when I said you are clever. You’re brilliant. And apparently, you’re determined as well.” She smiles brightly at his words, and he hopes to see more of that smile in time, but he knows they must be realistic about their endeavors. “But surely you know the reason I hid those investments is because your father doesn’t want to do business with me. He’s a proud man, and the scandal attached to my name is too much for him. What makes you think he would be willing to ignore it? Especially where his only daughter is concerned.”
“You’re right. He is a proud man. And he doesn’t want to do business with anyone whose name is linked to a scandal. At least not one so out in the open.” She concedes. “But that’s only if he has a choice in the matter. So we don’t give him one. We elope,” Lucy explains. “Once we are married he will be forced to accept the marriage or risk exposing even more scandal to his name. Your title and the prospect of furthering his business with you as his son-in-law will be enough to dampen any anger. He will accept this because it is the pragmatic option. You will be able to increase your investments with him out in the open and make the connections he has. Everyone benefits.”
“Except for Lord Sanford and his father.” Tim reminds her. Not that he cares.
“Yes,” she blanches as though she just remembered her fiancé. “But they will not be any worse off than they were before. Not if we marry before the engagement is announced.”
He considers everything Lucy has told him. She has made several good arguments, and if he is honest with himself he was willing to accept her proposal before she suggested any of the financial benefits to him. “I will marry you.”
She startles as though she doesn’t quite believe her plan actually worked, but recovers quickly enough. “Should we elope to Scotland tonight?”
“No.” He rebuffs her as he begins forming his own plans for how to proceed. “Tonight I’m returning you to your home. I’m assuming you can sneak back in as easily as you sneaked out.” She nods as he grabs his coat before ushering her toward the door. “Excellent. I have some arrangements that need to be made after I see you home, but I will be in touch soon.”
“What kind of arrangements?” she asks as he orders his butler to ready his carriage.
“Just some things that need to be sorted before we can continue with our plans.” He doesn’t want to reveal anything more until he can be certain everything will go off without a hitch.
“Will you continue to be this secretive during our marriage?” she inquires sharply though he senses no real bite in her words.
“I’ll try not to be if I can help it,” he smirks. “Will you continue to be this challenging during our marriage?”
“Yes.” She answers truthfully. Better he know now what he is getting into.
“Good.” He responds. “That will ensure our marriage will never be boring.”
In fact, Tim is quite sure a life with Lucy would be many things but boring would never be one of them. He cannot wait to find out what a marriage with her will bring.