To Capture a Duke's Heart Page 5

  Glancing about as she entered the downstairs breakfast room she was forced to hide her sudden disappointment, however, for the Duke of Ainsworth wasn’t among those seated at the long, wooden trestle table nor was he amongst those milling around the sideboard, filling their plates from a vast selection of ham, eggs, biscuits, fruit-filled tarts, pastries and the like. His absence wasn’t altogether surprising though, for in stark contrast to the evening meal, breakfast was a casual affair with the guests coming and going as they pleased, serving themselves and sitting wherever they wished. Thus it was entirely possible that he simply had yet to arrive, had already eaten and taken his leave prior to her arrival, or perhaps had a breakfast tray prepared and sent up to his room. Hoping that it was the first possibility and that the duke had yet to arrive, she took her time as she walked to the sideboard and then slowly began to fill her plate from the sumptuous buffet.

  She’d just added a thick slice of ham and a large spoonful of eggs to her plate when a gentleman’s voice sounded in her ear.

  “Good morning, Lady Penelope.”

  Looking up from her plate, Penny saw that one of the Ashcroft twins had joined her at the sideboard.

  “Good morning, Lord Ashcroft,” she greeted, entirely uncertain if it was Michael or Rafael to whom she was speaking. “How are you this morning?”

  “Well enough I should say,” he replied good-naturedly. “Though I haven’t a doubt that I shall be feeling even better once I’ve sated my hunger with a fair number of these heavenly-looking pastries,” he added, grinning as he piled several onto his plate. “And how do you, my lady, fare this fine morning?”

  “I’m quite well, thank you,” she managed, despite the somewhat dazzling effect of the handsome gentleman standing at her side. Gracious, how was a girl to think straight when faced with such masculine perfection, she mused, for although he didn’t have quite the same heart-stopping effect upon her as his older brother, she was hardly unaffected by his presence. In all fairness, however, what warm-blooded female with a functioning pair of eyes wouldn’t be, she reasoned.

  While Penny added an apple tart to her plate, Lord Ashcroft heaped a small mountain of eggs onto his, added two slices of ham and then asked, “Would you care to join me at the table, Lady Penelope?”

  “That would be lovely, thank you.”

  After selecting two empty chairs near the far end of the table, Lord Ashcroft poured them each a cup of tea from one of the porcelain teapots set out upon the table.

  “So tell me, Lady Penelope, is this your first visit to Scotland?”

  “Oh no, I’ve been to Scotland a number of times,” she told him. “My father and Lord Gilchrist are longtime friends, having attended school together as boys; thus we’ve made many visits here over the years.”

  “I see.”

  “And you, my lord?”

  “I have been to Scotland before, yes, although this is my first visit to this particular region and to the castle, of course.”

  “The castle is quite remarkable, is it not?”

  “I should say so,” he replied emphatically. “It’s so vast that I can easily imagine a poor soul could become lost within these great stone walls and go undiscovered for days.”

  Penny smiled, nodding in agreement. “When I was younger I would often play hide and seek with Eugenia and Eleanor during our visits, but we had to be careful to limit ourselves to one small section of the castle at a time, lest we had any hope at all of finding one another.”

  “You must be quite familiar with its layout then?”

  “Oh yes. I think Eleanor and I have explored nearly every nook and cranny at one time or another.”

  “How fortuitous,” he replied with a sudden, gregarious smile. “If we’ve time later today perhaps I could coax you into giving me a tour?”

  Penny regarded him in surprise. He wanted her to give him a tour of the castle? Just the two of them? No, surely he wasn’t suggesting such a thing. Or was he? Confronted with Lord Ashcroft’s compelling, blue-eyed gaze and persuasive, heart-stopping smile, she found herself at a momentary loss for words, entirely unsure how to reply to such a request. Thankfully, however, she didn’t have to, as they were fortuitously interrupted before she was forced to respond.

  “Good morning, Lady Penelope, Rafael. Would either of you mind if I joined you?”

  Penny looked up, her heart giving a crazy little leap as she noted the Duke of Ainsworth standing just a few feet away. “No, of course not, Your Grace.”

  “Please,” Rafael answered, motioning for his brother to sit.

  Penny watched as the duke pulled out a chair, seating himself at the end of the table, directly to her right. Good heavens, how on earth was she to eat her breakfast, she mused, for seated between two such extraordinarily handsome gentlemen it was a wonder she could even draw a steady breath. Although, thanks to the duke’s greeting she at least knew which of the twins she’d been conversing with for the past several minutes.

  Reaching for a ceramic mug and pouring himself a cup of coffee, Gabriel eyed his brother speculatively. Upon entering the breakfast room he’d instantly spied Lady Penelope sitting with Rafael, smiling at something he’d just said. Astonishingly, he’d felt an immediate spark of irritation; and not because he’d already cautioned his oft-times impetuous, rakehell brother regarding the Earl of Beckford’s innocent young daughter, but because he’d felt a rather peculiar flicker of emotion that could only be described as… jealousy. Considering that he’d never before experienced that particular emotion, at least not in regard to a woman, it was decidedly disconcerting. But then Penelope Houghton was hardly a woman. She was eighteen, little more than a child, which only made his uncharacteristic reaction all the more troublesome. Unfortunately, however, her stunning countenance and all too womanly curves were making that deuced hard for him to keep in mind.

  Even now, with those thoughts in mind, he was hard-pressed to keep his eyes from straying in her direction and lingering upon her striking profile, just as they had the night before. “So, tell me Rafael, what is it that has you up and about so early this morning?” he asked, forcibly redirecting his errant gaze as he sat back in his chair and turned his attention to his brother.

  Rafael looked to him with a curious expression, a forkful of eggs hovering just inches above his plate.

  “I only ask, as it isn’t like you to leave your bed any earlier than you have to.” A look passed between them then, as his brother read the unspoken question in his eyes.

  Casting a quick, sidelong glance at Penelope, Rafael’s expression shifted into a knowing smirk as he turned his gaze back to Gabriel. “Oh, I’m fairly certain you can guess the answer to that yourself, Gabe,” he replied with a devilish wink, before forking the bite of eggs into his mouth.

  Gabriel stiffened slightly. “Can I?”

  Rafael nodded, swallowing his eggs and then taking a sip of his tea before responding. “Tis this wonderfully refreshing country air, of course,” he answered with a broad smile. “That is what you would have guessed, is it not?”

  Noting the thinly veiled amusement reflected in Rafael’s jovial tone, Gabriel frowned in irritation, knowing precisely what his brother was thinking. Unfortunately it was an all too accurate assumption; and knowing his brother, one he was certain to be ribbed mercilessly for once they were alone. As for him of all people to display even the merest hint of jealousy, or anything even remotely similar to that particular emotion, was without doubt a most unique occurrence and not one his provoking younger brother would simply choose to ignore.

  Somewhat perplexed by the rather incongruous comments and peculiar looks passing between the duke and his brother, Penny turned her attention to her plate and managed to swallow a small bite of ham.

  “You’re not eating?” Rafael asked his brother as he shoveled another large mound of eggs onto his fork.

  The duke glanced toward the sideboard disinterestedly. “Maybe later. For now, I’ll simply enjoy my coffee,” he re
plied. “Besides, it appears that you are eating more than enough for the both of us, as usual,” he added glibly, raising his cup to his lips.

  Lord Ashcroft merely grinned as he swallowed his eggs and then reached for one of the raspberry tarts he’d added to his plate. “Nothing wrong with a healthy appetite. Wouldn’t you agree, Lady Penelope?”

  Penny looked up from her plate. “No, certainly not,” she concurred with an affirming smile.

  “Yet you’ve hardly touched your breakfast,” he remarked, looking pointedly at her still full plate. “Is the food not to your liking?”

  “Oh no, it’s quite delicious,” she was quick to assure him. “I fear I simply haven’t much of an appetite this morning.” Was it any wonder her appetite had deserted her, she mused, for having little experience with men, especially men like Gabriel and Rafael Ashcroft whose every word and action seemed to reflect casual assurance and innate self-confidence, was unsettling to say the least and had her feeling decidedly young and woefully unsophisticated.

  Lord Ashcroft nodded before popping the raspberry tart into his mouth. “Heavenly,” he exclaimed, directing his eyes skyward as he chewed.

  Penny couldn’t help but smile at his reaction. “The Gilchrist’s pastry chef is a true wonder.”

  “He is indeed.”

  Cutting a slice of ham, she managed another small bite.

  Lord Ashcroft smiled approvingly before turning his gaze back to the duke. “You know, Gabe, Lady Penelope was just telling me that she’s been to Gilchrist Castle before, a number of times actually.”

  The duke’s eyes settled on Penny, his expression reflecting a well-mannered interest as he set his cup upon the table. “Oh?”

  She opened her mouth to respond, but Lord Ashcroft spoke more quickly, answering for her.

  “Oh yes,” he stated with an enthusiastic smile. “She’s quite familiar with the castle’s every nook and cranny in fact. So naturally, as medieval architecture has long been an interest of mine, I took the liberty of asking her if she might be willing to afford me with a personal tour later today.”

  As Penny watched, the duke’s pleasant expression altered slightly as he looked to his brother, his features seeming to tighten just the tiniest little bit; though if she hadn’t been looking directly at him she doubted that she would have noticed as the change was nearly imperceptible. “Did you?” he replied.

  Lord Ashcroft nodded unperturbedly and then promptly popped another of the tiny raspberry tarts into his mouth.

  “How peculiar,” the duke murmured, “that I cannot seem to recall you having mentioned such a unique interest before.”

  Lord Ashcroft merely shrugged as he still had a mouthful of raspberry tart.

  Turning his penetrating, green-eyed gaze from his brother to her, the duke asked, “And did you acquiesce to my brother’s entreaty, Lady Penelope?”

  Penny shifted uncomfortably in her chair, discomfited by the sudden intensity of the duke’s regard. “Well, no… I… that is…” Good gracious she was stammering like an absolute hen wit, she realized in dismay, struggling to compose herself. “I hadn’t yet given him an answer.” Odd, but the duke seemed decidedly pleased by her response, Penny noted, watching as his features visibly relaxed.

  “Well then, let me assure you, Lady Penelope, that you needn’t feel the least bit compelled to indulge my brother’s presumptuous request, for I’m certain there are a number of individuals within Lord Gilchrist’s employ who would be more than happy to provide him with a comprehensive tour of the castle and indulge his interest in…” he glanced toward his brother questioningly, “medieval architecture was it?”

  “Indeed,” Lord Ashcroft replied with a nod. “My brother is quite right, however,” he continued, turning to Penny, “for it was terribly inconsiderate of me to ask you to show me about, especially as Lady Gilchrist undoubtedly has a busy day planned for you and the other female guests.”

  “Truly there is no need to apologize, my lord,” Penny assured him with a gracious smile. Even so, she couldn’t deny feeling a touch of relief at having been spared from responding to his request. For while she wouldn’t have minded showing Lord Ashcroft around the castle, she hadn’t been altogether certain that an afternoon foray through the castle’s dimly-lit halls and winding corridors with a gentleman of Rafael Ashcroft’s somewhat scandalous reputation would have been entirely appropriate, despite the reason. “However, I do believe you are correct about the busyness of my day, for I’m told that Lady Gilchrist has a number of activities planned to keep us occupied.” Of course, she silently acknowledged, if the duke had been the one to make such a request she would have been hard-pressed not to have immediately acquiesced, throwing caution entirely to the wind.

  Lifting his cup from the table, the duke relaxed back into his chair. “Your exploration may have to wait in any event, Rafael, as I trust the majority of our day will be chock-full as well and for much the same reason.”

  “Yes, I imagine you’re correct,” Lord Ashcroft replied, seeming not at all perturbed by the notion.

  “Will you both be joining the hunt this morning?” Penny asked, aware that Lord Gilchrist had arranged for the gentlemen to go pheasant hunting after breakfast.

  “We will,” the duke replied. “Although, I have to wonder how fruitful our efforts shall be, for I cannot recall ever having hunted pheasant at this time of year.”

  “Well if nothing else we’ve certainly pleasant enough weather for an outing,” Lord Ashcroft commented with an easygoing expression. “A circumstance Michael will assuredly enjoy.”

  “That’s true enough,” the duke agreed. “Our brother, Michael, is quite the nature enthusiast,” he clarified for Penny.

  “I confess to having a tremendous fondness for the outdoors as well,” Penny admitted, “especially when the weather is as accommodating as it has been these past few days. In any case, you really needn’t worry about the hunt, for while it’s true that this isn’t the ideal time of year for pheasant hunting, I haven’t a doubt that your outing will prove most rewarding, for regardless of the season the lands surrounding the castle are copious with a variety of wildlife and an abundance of game birds, pheasant and grouse especially,” she continued with a smile of encouragement. “Not to mention the earl’s pointers are some of the finest bird dogs in the land and especially skilled at locating the birds hiding within the shorter grasses common to this area as pheasants are known to do.”

  “You’re familiar with pheasant hunting, Lady Penelope?” Rafael inquired, surprise evident in his tone.

  Honestly, Penny, do think before you speak, she mentally chided. For although it certainly wasn’t unheard of for women to participate in the occasional organized foxhunt, hunting in general was hardly considered a fitting activity for a well-bred young lady such as herself. “Well, I…that is…” She faltered, suddenly self-conscious and uncertain how to respond without embarrassing herself further.

  “Another of your unconventional pursuits, perhaps?” the duke asked with a benevolent smile.

  “Yes, I suppose you could call it that,” she replied with an answering smile. “And while I certainly wouldn’t describe it as one of my favorite pastimes, it’s true that I have accompanied my father on a number of hunts over the years,” she confessed. “Until my brother, Charles, came along I was the closest thing he had to a son, you see, and as such I did my best to fill the void. Though to be perfectly honest, I have always been especially keen to spend time with my father, regardless of the chosen activity.”

  Rafael’s expression was one of admiration as he regarded Penny. “I must say, Lady Penelope, that your father is a very fortunate man to have been blessed with such a devoted and accommodating daughter. Not to mention one so exceedingly lovely,” he added with a roguish grin.

  Goodness, with a smile like that was it any wonder that Lord Ashcroft had earned a reputation as a consummate lady’s man, Penny mused, feeling her cheeks grow warm beneath his appreciative gaze. �
�Thank you, my lord.”

  Leaning toward her, Lord Ashcroft spoke in a low, coaxing tone. “Promise me you’ll save me a dance this evening?”

  Penny nodded, fearing her cheeks would soon be a shocking shade of pink. “Yes of course, my lord, I would be happy to,” she replied. As they had announced the night before, the Cunningham’s would be opening the smaller of the castle’s two ballrooms later that evening, as dancing was to provide the night’s entertainment.

  “I would be honored, Lady Penelope” the duke said, leaning forward in his chair, “if you would be kind enough to save one for me as well.”

  Penny swallowed, feeling her heart skip a beat as she turned to meet the duke’s gaze, Lord Ashcroft all but forgotten at her side. “I would be delighted to, Your Grace.”

  When Lady Penelope excused herself a short while later, Gabriel turned to his brother with a sharp, questioning look. “What the devil do you think you’re doing, Rafael?”

  Rafael looked to his brother in seeming surprise, his expression the picture of innocence. “Who, me?”

  Gabriel scowled. “I thought I told you to stay away from Beckford’s daughter.”

  Rafael’s brows drew together in apparent confusion. “Did you? I don’t recall?”

  Gabriel leaned forward then, eyeing his brother in mounting frustration. “Damn it, Rafe, I’m serious. What the blazes were you thinking, asking her to show you around the castle?”

  Though Rafael shrugged nonchalantly, there was an unmistakable twinkle in his laughing blue eyes. “It’s like I said before, I’ve a newfound interest in medieval architecture.”

  Gabe snorted. “Newfound interest my arse.”

  “Come on, Gabe. You don’t honestly think that I would do anything to compromise the Earl of Beckford’s daughter now, do you?”

  “Don’t I?”