Duke in Training

  Wayward Dukes’ Alliance #8 (Observations of a Wallflower #4)

  Jane Charles

  Copyright

  Duke in Training © 2023 by Jane Charles

  All Rights Reserved

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

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  Contents

  Copeland Family Tree

  Claxton Family Tree

  Tilson Family Tree

  About the Duke in Training

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Epilogue

  About the Duke in Training

  Darius Copeland, an American, and now the Duke of Ellings, believes he knows all that is necessary for his new station in life.

  Theresa “Tessa” Claxton, self-professed spinster, will show him that there is so much more to learn than memorizing a list of rules.

  What they come to realize is that some rules are meant to be broken.

  Dedication

  Thank you to these wonderful readers, who came to my aid when I needed to prepare the list of rules a wise duke would follow if he wished to remain a bachelor and not be caught in a marriage trap. My private reader group – Romance & Rosé, is always there to help me brainstorm and I could not be more grateful. You ladies are wonderful!

  Sheree Doran

  Theresa Baer

  Beth Hinterleiter-Udall

  Cecilia R. Rodriguez

  Prologue

  Chatwell Castle, Shropshire, England ~ June 1816 ~

  The Duke of Ellings was failing and it would only be a matter of days, or possibly hours, before he passed. Currently he slept, his breaths shallow, while the rest of the family waited in the sitting room just off the sleeping chamber.

  His only child, Claresta, had arrived a day earlier, along with her husband, Donovan MacGregor. They had traveled to Shropshire the moment they had received word of the carriage accident that had claimed the life of her mother and would also claim His Grace, who had lingered from his injuries these past five days.

  Now, she waited.

  They all waited.

  Ellings had never had a son—an heir—and while there had been four younger brothers, only one still lived, Samuel; the only sibling to have fathered sons, the eldest being Darius Copeland, who now kept vigil at the bedside of the current Duke of Ellings.

  Darius and his siblings had been pulled from London by the tragic news. He had been happy to leave Town, but not for this reason.

  Darius’ father lived in America. Being the youngest, he had been expected to settle into a profession such as the clergy or buy a commission. Instead, Samuel set out to make his own fortune and, in the process, married Miss Catherine Monroe of Pennsylvania and never returned to England.

  The family eventually found their way to New Orleans where they settled, and where most of Darius’ nine siblings lived along with his parents. When His Grace passed, Darius’ father would become the next Duke of Ellings, a title he never wanted and would not acknowledge. Nor would he leave his home in Louisiana to return to England. Instead, Darius would assume what duties he could without being in possession of the title. Though in time, it would be his.

  The idea of being the next Duke of Ellings was daunting, but his father had warned Darius from the time that he was a child that if none of Samuel’s older brothers managed to produce a son, then it would fall to Darius. He had dismissed taking on such a responsibility his entire life, but his father had convinced him to at least learn about what he was willing to discard so as not to cheat himself or his family. That was the only reason Darius and five of his siblings had come to England last summer. He had no intention of staying, but Uncle Daniel had prevailed upon Darius to remain and learn, come to know England and his heritage before he made such a decision. In the end, Darius had decided he would take up that which his father had never wanted.

  “Bring me the box,” his uncle croaked, startling Darius. He thought his uncle Daniel was asleep.

  “What box?” Darius asked.

  “Toby knows,” he said.

  Toby, his uncle’s valet, crossed to a dressing table and withdrew a small box from inside a drawer and brought it to the duke.

  With shaky and weak fingers, Uncle Daniel opened the lid to reveal a signet ring. “This is now yours.”

  “An heirloom?” Darius asked. He had never seen it on his uncle’s finger. If it was so important, why was it in a box in a drawer?

  “For…assistance.”

  “What kind of assistance?” Darius asked, even though he could tell that conversation was a struggle for his uncle.

  “Leopold will explain. Keep it close.”

  “The Duke of Claybrook?”

  His uncle dropped his chin as if the weight of his head was too much, which Darius assumed was a nod and then his uncle’s eyes drifted shut.

  Leopold was a cousin removed and only two years younger than Darius.

  Uncle Daniel opened his eyes again. “I will see my daughter now.”

  Toby crossed to open the chamber door and Darius vacated his seat by the bed so that Claresta could spend time with her father. He took a step back, holding the box and wondering at it as Claresta’s husband placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

  She picked up her father’s hand as the two whispered.

  Darius watched on, noting that his uncle’s pallor was more grey than white, his lips almost blue. The time was near, and these moments should be private, between father and daughter. Therefore, he returned to his chamber and hid the signet ring away until he could learn more about it and why it was important. He then made his way through the castle and into the library. There he intended to pour himself a glass of brandy and await the news of his uncle’s passing. Instead, he found Leopold Tilson, Duke of Claybrook.

  “I had not expected you,” Darius said as he crossed to the sideboard.

  “His Grace sent for me.” He handed Darius a missive.

  He turned it over to note the unbroken seal on the back. The imprint matched the signet ring he had just stashed away.

  “How did you know he wanted you here if you have not read the contents?”

  “I did not need to.” Leopold pointed to the wax seal. “Did my uncle give you a ring.”

  “Yes, just now. He said you would explain.”

  Leopold, comfortable in the castle, poured a glass of brandy and settled in a leather chair before the bookshelves. “Only a few own such a ring and it is possessed only by a duke.”

  “Then it will belong to my father,” Darius argued.

  “Your father has no intention of leaving New Orleans, as we both know, and even if he did, he is not the one in need of it.”

  “Why do I need such a ring?” Darius asked as he took the seat opposite Leopold.

  “The ring signifies an alliance of gentlemen who have agreed to help each other, as well as keep confidences. When you need assistance, send a message such as your uncle sent to me. The seal alone will alert the receiver that aid is of the utmost importance. As I had already known of the accident, I knew your uncle would be here and a written message was not needed. Otherwise, I likely would have read the contents.”

  This was all very strange. His uncle wouldn’t have been strong enough to even fold a missive and stamp the seal into the wax, let alone write a missive.

  Ah, but Toby could have, and he did know about the ring. Toby knew all and everything, and the reason Darius hoped that he stayed on after…

  “If I am not available, seek out the Duke of Cranbrook, founder of the alliance,” Leopold instructed. “In time I will provide you with a list of dukes you can count on.”

  “I will keep that in mind, though I do not anticipate needing any help in the future. Uncle Daniel taught me well and I believe I am prepared.” If he needed assistance in any matter or simply advice, he would likely ask Toby before some strange duke or Leopold.

  Leopold smirked. “I am certain you know all there is about estates, financing, and whatnot, but I need to teach you so much more.” He grinned. “You are still very much a duke in training.”

  Chapter One


  London, England, April 1817

  I previously wondered why Lord Crispin Tilson, the finder of all things, and Miss Vanessa Claxton, the thief finder, had both been invited to Lady Osbourne’s house party, and accepted when neither one enjoyed being in Society. Well, the answer was because Lady Osbourne was matchmaking under the guise of having them search for a heart-shaped ruby brooch that had gone missing. I was told that it was located, but in the process, the two guests also decided to wed.

  It was at their wedding celebration that I took note of the newest Duke of Ellings, Darius Copeland, an American from Louisiana, having just inherited the title in December.

  Not much is known about His Grace as he had kept to himself when he was in London last Season.

  Not far from his side was his first cousin once removed, Leopold Tilson IV, Duke of Claybrook, and if I overheard correctly, he was giving the Duke of Ellings advice on how to navigate Society, though it sounded more like a list of rules on how to avoid matrimony. I assume this is the natural goal of most bachelors, but they are both dukes and have dictates they must follow. Ellings is already thirty and should thus put his mind to his duty to wed and produce the required heir and a spare. Further, Claybrook should not be discouraging as he is expected to do the same and is already eight and twenty. Not that I have any interest in either duke, but no doubt there are several available misses and ladies who would like nothing more than to become the wife of either, without a true preference for which, as long as he is a duke.

  And while those who had dreams of landing a duke simpered behind fans, one bold miss approached them directly, dance card in hand—Miss Theresa Claxton, sister to the bride whose marriage was being celebrated.

  Miss Theresa had already determined that she fully intends to become a spinster and as she remains unwed at the age of five and twenty, it may likely happen. Therefore, what could she be about? Had she changed her mind about marriage? If so, which duke did she prefer?

  I do believe that my observations will prove to be quite enjoyable this Season.

  Observations of a Wallflower

  What was it about Miss Theresa Claxton and why did she intrigue him so? This was not a recent development, but something that had plagued Darius since the beginning of last Season.

  They’d not been introduced officially, but they had shared conversations, which usually occurred in the early morning hours in Hyde Park. The first time it had been because he’d been unable to sleep and was questioning whether he had made the right decision to remain in England. She had been out because it was her favorite time to walk when all was quiet, and few were about to watch and listen. They never planned to meet again, yet they managed to do so at least twice a sennight and usually because Darius rose early in hopes of seeing her again. It wasn’t long before she called him Darius and asked that he call her Tessa.

  If anyone took note of their meetings, it was never mentioned and it was the opinion of Darius that those also in the park at such a time did not wish to be bothered either and therefore remained mum on what they may have seen while riding in the morning mist.

  He never approached Tessa at a ball or any other entertainment because he did not wish for their acquaintance to be remarked upon, and Tessa had been of the same mind. And then her cousin, Lucinda, married his younger brother, Caleb, and now they were related, though not by blood.

  She was not only beautiful, but vivacious and a bit bold, and had placed herself firmly on the shelf, much to his disappointment, for there was no other woman of his acquaintance whom he desired.

  Yes, he desired her deeply, and he had fallen in love last spring.

  She had not.

  Though Darius had not spoken to Tessa in months, he hoped that they could return to morning walks. He’d missed her and their shared quiet mornings.

  As if she knew his thoughts, Tessa turned and caught his eye. The corner of those coral lips quirked and if he didn’t know better, humor and mischief sparkled in her blue eyes. This was not the first time that they’d shared such an exchange at a ball, and it would likely not be the last.

  A fascinating miss, indeed. Darius gave a slight nod, acknowledging her.

  “This first function will prove to be the most dangerous,” Leopold warned.

  Darius inwardly groaned at his cousin’s dire warnings.

  They happened to be attending the wedding celebration of Leopold’s younger brother and twin, Crispin Tilson, who today had married Miss Vanessa Claxton, the older sister of Tessa. It was hardly dangerous, unless one feared being poked in the eye by one of the outrageous adornments some ladies wore in their hair.

  “My sister-in-law is now the envy of every unmarried miss in the ballroom. They dream of the moment when they will be the bride with all the attention showered on them. Their heads are now filled with love and romance, and they will want it for themselves. As a duke, you rate the highest in potential husbands, as do I.”

  Darius had been the heir all of six months before his father had died. Word had reached him at the end of January of his father’s passing in early December, and this was the first Societal event he was attending as the Duke of Ellings. Oddly, he did not feel any differently, though others bowed, which had not been an occurrence when he’d only been but a mister from America.

  “Therefore, there are rules you must adhere to,” Leopold continued.

  “You have already shared your Rules on How to Avoid Matrimony for the Duke in Training,” Darius reminded him. “You have even written them down with that very title,” he offered with grave sincerity wondering if his cousin would realize the ridiculousness of having such rules or a list.

  “They bear repeating,” Leopold ground out and frowned at Darius’ dry humor.

  “If you recall, I did not seek your assistance, Your Grace,” Darius reminded him. “If I do, I will be certain to send a message. I have a special ring just for that.”

  Leopold narrowed his eyes on Darius. “I am anticipating and saving us both time. Follow my rules and you will have no need to seek assistance from the alliance.” The last word was said in a whisper.

  Darius idly wondered if the ring could be used to send a message to another duke who was part of the alliance to silence Leopold.

  With those thoughts he searched the ballroom and located the grey head of the Duke of Cranbrook. For a moment he considered approaching His Grace, but then Darius dismissed the idea. The ring was to be used in dire circumstances. Leopold was simply a pain in the arse. Besides, Cranbrook had little patience for such trivial matters. At least that had been his impression when he’d dined with Cranbrook on previous occasions.

  “Never waltz with the same woman more than twice or it will be assumed that a betrothal will soon be announced. It is my advice not to waltz at all, but if you must, only waltz once so as not to give a female hope.”

  Darius took a sip of wine and wondered how many functions he needed to attend before Leopold would leave off and trust Darius not to do anything foolish.

  “I have not had all of my waltzes claimed, Your Grace.”

  Darius turned to find Tessa waving her dance card before him.

  “Have you met my cousin, Darius Copeland, the Duke of Ellings?” Leopold asked Tessa.

  “We have not endured an official introduction,” she answered truthfully.

  “Miss Theresa Claxton,” Leopold offered.

  “It is a pleasure,” Darius murmured, looking into her humor-filled blue eyes.

  “I have warned you to beware of bold misses, have I not?” Leopold grumbled.

  “You know I have no intention of relieving a gentleman of his bachelor state any more than I wish to relinquish my status of spinster,” she grinned at Leopold.

  “Your sister marrying my brother does not make you long for a match of your own, wedded bliss and all that rot?” Leopold countered with disbelief.

  Tessa smirked. “You, of all people should know better.”

  She then turned to Darius, her smile now sweet in comparison to the expression she held for Leopold. “I have the supper dance free.”

  “He will not be partaking in the supper dance,” Leopold rejected.