The Duke's Bidding

Chapter 5

Dinner was too far away. Elizabeth had spent the past hour hiding in the library in hopes of avoiding her mother's incessant nagging. Lady Danbury did nothing half-measure. She made Elizabeth practice the pianoforte for three hours, the same boring song, repeatedly, so that she could play it tonight after dinner. The moment her mother left the ballroom, Elizabeth sneaked out in case her mother changed her mind and returned. Elizabeth found safe haven in the only place Lady Danbury avoided, the library.

Elizabeth loved this room—with its floor to ceiling walls covered in books. Clusters of lounges sprinkled throughout the main floor gave the space a cozy feeling. Two spiral staircases led up to the second floor from each side of the grand room. The second floor offered more private seating, a few window niches and golden drapes around each of the alcoves. Elizabeth loved losing herself in books—faraway places, adventure, and mysterious villains. She often curled up in one of the niches—where the windows overlooked the rose garden. The seat was deep and had velvety cushions to give the reader a relaxing perch. Its long golden drapes allowed for privacy as well as a means of seclusion from the real world.

Wrapped up in the cocoon created by the drapes, Elizabeth fell fast asleep. She woke up with a start as the library door slammed shut. A scuffle of shoes and loud voices let her know that she had company.

"I am not marrying her and there is nothing you can do about it. I am not even open to discussing this. Do you think there is any way I am going to tie myself down to a thirteen-year-old girl? I don't care how much you and mother love her—or how mature she seems!"

"I am not saying marry her today—I am saying let's get you two betrothed. You can marry her when she comes of age."

"I don't want an arranged marriage. I am going to choose the person I marry."

"You don't have a say in this. My decision is final. If you plan to live under my roof, you will abide by my bidding." Julian, the Duke of Ashbourne turned on his heel and walked out of the library.

John was so frustrated he wanted to scream. At the same time he knew he needed to stay calm long enough to think of a way out of this. What if he enlisted in the Navy or caused a scandal in town? At best, that would send him to the continent. There had to be a way around this dilemma. He was pacing the library when he suddenly caught a small movement in the golden drapes upstairs.

Someone had eavesdropped on his conversation with his father. He climbed the staircase to the second floor landing. A delicate pairs of slippers were sticking out from beneath the drapes. Someone was there! The shoes were too fashionable to belong to a servant, so that left one of the only two female guests in residence. He doubted Lady Danbury would hide in the alcove, which left only her, the pianist. Just as he made up his mind to walk over and expose Elizabeth, Robert walked in.

"Bloody hell, there you are. I have been looking everywhere for you. How is your mother?" Robert climbed the stairs.

"She is getting worse, but there is nothing to be done. The doctor said it's just a matter of time now." John stated, a recitation of facts, but Robert could tell that his friend was upset.

John rubbed the back of his neck, for a moment relieved that Rob was there, so relieved he forgot his unwanted guest.

"How is your father taking it?" Robert asked as they sat in one the small groupings of chairs near the alcove.

"Bloody fine. The bastard has the shackles ready for me. He actually notified me of my pending nuptials a few minutes ago. You missed the show!"

"Shackles? You are joking!" Robert frowned, "John, really, I don't think this is a time for that sort of humor."