“Your grandmother was a rare woman. She had no relations of her own by the time we married, and it took some time for her to find her feet among the family. But she did, and your mother did too, now I think about it. We are a rather hard family en masse.” He laughed suddenly. “I imagine the man you do eventually marry will need to understand that while your name will change to his, you will always be a Ford down to the bone. Family first.”
“I hope so.”
“Never admit fault,” the duke said. “Your grandmother always appreciated that one. She said it covered any number of social blunders or disagreements within the household.”
The duke held out his arm to embrace her, and she clung to him a moment, reassured that no matter what anyone else said, her grandfather accepted her decision.
He bussed her cheek. “I will see to it, my dear.”
“Thank you.”
He pushed her away suddenly. “Now, about this other fellow. Are we acquainted?”
“Yes.”
His eyes warmed. “And do I like him?”
She nodded. “Very much.”
“I thought I saw a glimmer when Felix showed up on our doorstep.” He leaned close and touched his finger to his nose, smiling at her shock. How could he know about Felix when she had only just decided to wait for him yet again? “Not quite so old and unobservant as you think, eh?”
Sally gulped. “You knew how I felt about Felix all along.”
“Not in the beginning, but for some time I have noticed your interest was just a little too fixed on one particular ship and your brother Laurence’s letters. When the engagement ended, I made discreet enquiries and learned your father had advanced Felix to the Selfridge simply to spite Admiral Greer. Despite the promise of his zeal and skill at command, the Selfridge was under-manned and under-gunned. I stepped in to ensure lives and the chance for success were not lost. Your father pushed him as hard as he could just to best another admiral.”
Sally closed her eyes. Poor Felix. Even if he had wanted to stay, he had not been given a chance to escape her father and family. He had always meant to leave, but he had not abandoned her willingly. It was no wonder he had been angry. He’d had good reason.
The duke smiled. “Captain Hastings proved himself in battle, child, won a fortune and distinction with the sole intent of impressing your family and you. He has lost years with you, but let us hope he does not get himself killed when he returns to face the French. He has promised to lease Torre Cottage from me upon his return, and you know how hard it is to find agreeable tenants.”
“But you promised me the dower house to live in.”
“I promised you could live in the dower house if you wed the best man in England.” The duke shrugged. “When Felix returns to shore again, you have my blessing to move there with him after the wedding takes place of course.”
Sally threw herself around her grandfather and squeezed him tight. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
“Well, do not get too excited about it now. Put on a sad, contrite face. We have a wedding to halt, and you cannot seem to be relieved about it yet.” He held out his arm. “Help an old man to the white drawing room, and let us put this mistake behind us.”
They made their way to the drawing room and found her betrothed and their mothers and Lord Ellicott were waiting. Her mother gave her an encouraging nod of approval, as if she knew what Sally was about to do.
“Lord Ellicott, might I have a word?”
He nodded, casting a questioning look toward her grandfather. “In private?”
“Outside on the terrace will do.” She led the way, chose her spot, and then faced him. “I cannot marry you.”
He tipped his head to the side, studying her without saying a word.
“Did you hear me?”
“I heard, but I am unsure I believe my own ears.” He shook his head. “Are you telling me that after a year of flirtation that should only have led to matrimony, after all the arrangements have been made to accommodate your wishes, you have simply changed your mind?”
Very little had been done to accommodate her wishes. “I made a mistake.”
“Like picking up the wrong gloves to wear to a ball?” He folded his arms across his chest. “Well, I do not accept that.”
When she had broken with Felix, he had begged her to reconsider, promising that his love came from his heart and not because of any promotion. Proof that she was making the right decision came from Ellicott’s lack of appeal. His jaw clenched. His eyes narrowed, but distress at losing her was not one of the emotions he chose to reveal.
“I am sorry if this comes as a surprise to you, but you will see it is the right thing to do in the end.”