Free Duke of a Gilded Age by S.G. Rogers Page A

gave her a stately bow. “Thank you, Mrs. Neal, we’ll be ready.” He turned to Wesley. “I have this in hand, Your Grace, if there is somewhere else you’d like to be this afternoon. Perhaps you can arrange an outing with Miss Oakhurst?”
    “If you insist, Cavendish. I’ll go check with her at once.” Wesley paused. “And thanks.”
    Wesley backed out of the room and strode down the hall toward the elevator. He couldn’t wait to show off his new hat to Belle. Cavendish has proven to be invaluable so far. Perhaps I need a valet after all.

    Belle sat in the sitting room reading A Tale of Two Romances , but her mind kept wandering. She glanced at her father, who was sorting through a sheaf of papers at the desk.
    “Papa, when you’re finished, would you like to visit the Statue of Liberty? I’d love to see it up close.”
    “I’m afraid I can’t just abandon the Parkers. What if they should need me for some last minute details?”
    Belle swallowed her disappointment. “Of course, Papa. I understand.”
    A knock sounded at the door, and she jumped to her feet. “I’ll get it.”
    She opened the door to discover Wesley standing in the hallway. He removed his hat and bowed. “May I come in?”
    “Certainly.”
    As Wesley entered the room, Belle got a better look at him. “You’ve had a haircut!”
    “And purchased a new top hat.” He gave it a flourish. “Cavendish has acquitted himself admirably on both accounts.”
    Mr. Oakhurst rose. “How may I help you, Your Grace?”
    “Since my valet is packing my trunks for me, I’ve the rest of the day free. Would you and Miss Oakhurst care to do some sight-seeing?”
    “What a capital idea, Your Grace!” Belle exclaimed. “Do you suppose Lady Frederic would enjoy a visit to the Statue of Liberty?”
    “I don’t see why not. Mrs. Neal seems to be on top of things and I think a little fresh air would do my mother a world of good,” Wesley said.
    “I’m at your service, Your Grace,” Mr. Oakhurst said.
    “My mother and I will meet you in the lobby shortly,” Wesley said as he headed for the door.
    Belle did a pirouette and danced toward her room. “I’ll get my hat.”

    From the Battery, the Oakhursts and the Parkers boarded one of the hourly ferries to Bedloe Island. The ferry wasn’t particularly full, so they had their pick of seats. Wesley and Belle sat together toward the prow of the vessel, watching the Statue of Liberty grow closer. Belle glanced over her shoulder toward her father and Lady Frederic, who were deep in conversation several rows back.
    “Was it difficult to convince your mother to come today?” Belle asked.
    “After Mrs. Neal reassured my mother she would complete her tasks well in advance, my mother couldn’t refuse.”
    “Your timing was impeccable. I’d just asked my father if he would accompany me here today, but he declined.”
    “Why?”
    “For him, this isn’t a vacation. He works for you, Wesley, and he wanted to make sure your needs were met.” She giggled. “Fortunately, your needs have happily coincided with mine.”
    “I’m very glad. This is my first visit to Bedloe Island.”
    “How can that be?”
    “My father had planned to take us after the Statue of Liberty was dedicated, but he died before we could go.”
    “What a shame.”
    Belle glanced at Wesley. The day she’d first met him he’d been fresh from a street brawl. The warrior-like expression of the recent past had fallen away to reveal the raw emotional wounds underneath. Almost of their own volition, her gloved fingers reached out. She meant only to give his hand the briefest of squeezes, but he captured her fingers in his and held them fast. Belle locked eyes with Wesley for several seconds before she remembered to breathe. With an apologetic smile, she withdrew her hand.
    “Oh, yes, I know. It’s not proper,” he murmured.
    Belle stared straight ahead as she willed her heart to quit racing.

    Wesley wished the warmth of Belle’s