The Orphan and the Duke (11 page)

As they learned the intricate steps of several dances, Basil was surprised to find himself enjoying the experience. It was rare for him to indulge in dancing. He normally felt awkward, as if people were watching him, but not while Amelia was leading.

He glanced around the room and almost laughed when it occurred to him that no one was watching since they were all busy dancing. He thought about the balls he would have to host for his sisters during the season and sensed no delight in the prospect. Determined not to let those worries ruin the moment, he turned his concentration to what Amelia was showing them.

Minutes later, Jonquil held her hand up. “May we stop for a bit and call for some refreshments?”

“That sounds wonderful,” Saffron said. She left the square and found a seat on the chair Amelia had been using as a throne when she was playing the part of the queen.

Jonquil pulled the bell to summon the butler and sat by one of the tall windows.

“I say, Miss Mandeville, are you familiar with the Viennese waltz?” Basil asked.

“I have heard of it but have never seen the steps. Would you happen to know it?” she answered.

“Yes, I learned it quite by accident when I was on the continent a few years ago.”

“How does one learn a dance by accident?” Saffron laughed from her perch on the chair.

“When one is on the grand tour with a friend who requires complete obedience, one does what he is commanded.” Basil smiled at Amelia. “Would you like to try it?”

“I’m afraid I wouldn’t know at all what to do.”

“Will you trust me to lead you?”

“Come on, Miss Amelia, we want to see it. Try it,” Saffron said.

Swinton entered the ballroom. “Sir, you needed me?”

“Please bring some light refreshment for the ladies. They’ve earned a rest with all the work they’ve done today. Ask Cook to send up some of those chocolates from the confectioners as well.”

“I will return in a moment, your lordship,” Swinton said as he left to do his master’s bidding.

Jonquil clapped her hands and said, “You must require Miss Amelia to dance the waltz to earn the right to some chocolate.”

“What if I can’t do it? Do I still get to have some?” Amelia asked.

“Of course. You’ll see I’m not as strict as my sister,” Basil said.

“You know she was only saying that so there would be more for her if you failed, Miss Amelia.” Saffron giggled.

“I’m not that mean. I was teasing.” Jonquil seemed again to be on the verge of tears. Noticing Jonquil’s demeanor, Basil decided to change the focus of the conversation. He held his arms out to Amelia. “Are you ready to try?”

“I think so.” She sounded nervous, so he decided he needed to move carefully and considerately.

“Since you haven’t seen the dance, I don’t want to alarm you.”

“What are you going to do that would be alarming?” Amelia paled.

“This.” He stepped forward, put his arm around her waist, and pulled her closer to his body than he would in a normal reel.

She let out a gasp, but he whirled her around the room before she had time to process what was happening.

Surprised by how slight she felt in his arms and how well she was following his steps, Basil surrendered himself to the dance.

When the door opened to Swinton carrying refreshments, Basil was still spinning Amelia around.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed someone following behind his butler.

Vonda Van Eizenga.

His heart sunk.
Why does she keep coming by? Didn’t I make it clear I didn’t want her around? For that matter, why did Swinton let her in? Why didn’t he tell her we weren’t home? After all, we aren’t receiving at this time.

“What is going on here?” Vonda demanded.

Basil stopped, Amelia still in the crook of his arm, and turned to his unwelcome company. “We’re practicing the Viennese waltz.”

“With the hired help? Why do such a thing as that, pray tell?” the woman looked down her nose at Amelia.

“Because she was showing us some dances, and Basil decided to teach her one,” Jonquil said.

“Oh. I see. I guess
that’s
acceptable.” Vonda sniffed deeply.

Basil’s vision turned red.
What nerve! If I didn’t have to be polite, I would toss her out. She’s lucky her father is my neighbor.

Making a great effort to maintain his temper, he released his dance partner and said, “Please come and have something to drink, Miss Mandeville.”

Basil led Amelia to the table Swinton had conjured up.

When they were all seated, he nodded at his older sister. “Please do the honors, Saffron.”

Saffron poured, and everyone helped themselves to the cakes.

Once all were served and Basil felt as if he were in control of his anger, he turned to Vonda. “Is there something I may assist you with this afternoon?”

“Yes, but I’d have rather hoped to discuss it with you in private.”

“I have no secrets from my family. Feel free to bring the matter up here.” He had his share of secrets, but he’d do or say anything not to be alone with Vonda.

“Surely you aren’t including your employee in your broad statement, Your Grace.” Vonda’s lip curled as if she smelled something distasteful.

He was glad she didn’t call him Basil as she’d done on many other occasions, but he couldn’t countenance her insulting Amelia, not when he’d just convinced her to return to them.

“I am afraid I cannot allow you to speak thus. Miss Mandeville is a guest in my home, and I insist on politeness.”

“How can you say she is a guest when you’ve previously said she is in your employ? One cannot be both.” The woman glanced over at Amelia as if to receive affirmation.

Basil took the time to look at Amelia as well. Her face hung down as if in shame. Instead of enjoying her cakes, her plate sat on the table, and she wrung her hands. The picture of the pretty girl in such a posture of distress tore at his heart, and he wanted nothing more than to make her smile again as she had during the waltz.

He set his own plate carefully on the table, pushed his chair back, and stood. Holding his hand out to Amelia, he said, “I believe we’re fully refreshed now, and I hope you will join me in another practice of the Viennese waltz.”

The face that looked up at him was full of gratitude, and it warmed his heart. Satisfied he’d done the right thing when she placed her small hand in his, Basil bestowed a smile on her. Whisking her back into the dance almost before they were clear of the table, he glanced back at Vonda and his sisters, gratified to see the way his sisters grinned at him and the scowl on his unwelcome guest’s face.

“She’s right you know.”

Basil stared down into Amelia’s eyes. “What do you mean?”

“I
am
an employee. It’s true. You’re kind to include me when it involves your lovely sisters, but the truth of the matter is, I work for you. One cannot blame the lady for resenting the way you treat me when it is so clear that she wants to be the center of your universe.”

“She cares nothing for me.”

“Oh no, she does. A woman can tell.”

“You’re mistaken this time. She merely wants to be a duchess. No matter who wears the ducal crown.”

“That’s unkind to say about her. She stares at you as if you were the cake and she the fork.”

“After all the things she said, you still defend her?” Basil was stunned until he remembered how Amelia had been treated her whole life by the people who were supposed to be her closest allies
. Of course she would believe anyone who uttered nasty things to her. What else has she ever known?

“While I don’t enjoy the way she speaks about me, as if I have no ears and were not present, I must concede she is correct in her assessment.”

“Nonsense. Besides, like I said, she only wants the title.”

“You sell yourself short. Why wouldn’t she want to marry a handsome man such as yourself?” Amelia stopped dancing as soon as the words were out of her mouth. She stared at Basil.

He smiled. “No offense taken. It’s nice to know you think I’m handsome. Come along. I see my sisters are coming towards us. I fear I shall be required to waltz the rest of the afternoon with the two of them.” He dropped his arm from her waist.

“It’s only fitting that you do so.” She curtsied. “Thank you for the dance.”

“You’re welcome. I very much enjoyed it.”

Saffron and Jonquil arrived beside him. “Jonquil says she wants to try next, but I told her since I’m the elder I should be the one.”

“You’ll both have a chance.” Basil smiled at his sisters. “But this time, I agree, Jonquil should be first.” He turned to Saffron. “Before you get upset about that, think about this. You always use your age as the reason you should be allowed privileges, and Jonquil rarely objects. I think it’s her turn to be first.”

“I’m curious. How much older are you, Lady Saffron?” Amelia asked.

“Eight minutes,” Jonquil said. “And she has never let me forget it. She was as pushy in the womb as she has been out of it.”

Amelia laughed, but the sound was cut short by Vonda’s arrival to their area of the ballroom.

“What a cozy little group you have over here. What amusement am I missing out on now? I’ve already been thrown over in the dance for the hired help.”

That was the final word for Basil. He glared at Vonda. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to leave now. You’ve done naught since you’ve been here but insult and complain, and I for one will no longer tolerate it. Since it is my home and my privilege, I am asking you to quit the premises.”

“Please don’t be this way, Basil—I mean, Your Grace—it’s merely the words of a lady who has a broken heart since you appear to prefer this person here over me, a girl who loves you. I cannot help myself for I adore you, and to be ignored by you is hurtful to the core of my being.”

Saffron took a step toward Vonda. “You know nothing about hurting other than to inflict it on others, Miss Van Eizenga. You’ve not said one kind word to Miss Amelia since you’ve met her. I’m glad my brother has told you to leave.” Saffron reached out to Vonda. “Let me escort you out.”

Vonda jerked her arm away. “I know the way perfectly well.” She turned on her heel and practically stomped her way to the door.

Once there, she turned and faced them all. “This is not over, Basil Staunton, Duke of Darnley. You’ll see. You’ll regret treating me this way.”

Vonda spun around and disappeared. Basil didn’t concern himself with her threat.
What could she possibly do to me?

Chapter 11

Amelia couldn’t believe the scene that had just taken place.
What has gotten into the duke to toss Miss Van Eizenga out like that? He’d been so polite to her every time she opened her mouth. What made him finally lose his temper? He said she didn’t love him and only wanted his title, but was her declaration just now what sent him into a rage?

“You needed to do that a long time ago, Basil,” Jonquil said.

“No. I should have been able to control myself when it came to it. I know how much Miss Van Eizenga annoys me, and I needed to make more of an effort to maintain calm. Her father is a friend, and I don’t relish making him unhappy with me.”

“Never mind her. She’s gone, and I want to waltz,” Saffron said.

“I hate to interrupt, but I need to return to my uncle’s house. They don’t know where I am since I didn’t leave a note.” The panic hit Amelia out of nowhere. It suddenly occurred to her that she’d not taken the time to pen a letter nor did she inform the Mandeville butler where she was going.

Trying not to show how upset she was, Amelia looked at the duke and addressed him, “Could you spare the carriage? I hate to ask, but it’s a long walk.”

“Of course you may use the carriage. I’ll walk down with you and order it.” The duke turned to his sisters. “I’ll be back as soon as I see Miss Mandeville off, and we’ll finish the lesson.”

“Hurry then,” Jonquil said. “Remember, I get to be first.”

“Be sure to return, Miss Amelia. We have only one more day until the presentation and need one more practice.” Saffron waved as Amelia and her brother left the room.

On the way down the stairs, Amelia said, “I won’t be able to come and assist Lady Saffron and Lady Jonquil in getting ready for their presentation. I’ll be too busy with my cousin.”

“I’m only sorry you won’t be able to attend after all you’ve done to get them prepared.”

“Did you solve the issue of who is to be their sponsor?”

“Actually, I hoped I had. I have a friend who is married to the daughter of a duke, and he was going to ask her if she would act as such. I haven’t heard from him and confess, if I don’t by today, I shall have to contact my aunt. The Lord Chamberlain must receive that information by tomorrow.”

“Your aunt wasn’t your first choice?” Amelia wanted to bite her tongue.
Why do I keep asking him inappropriate questions? I know protocol. Why do I keep forgetting it when I’m around him?

“Oh no. To tell the truth and let a skeleton out of the closet, she is a horrible old hag. My sisters are quite terrified of her, and for that matter, so am I.”

“Surely, you tease.” Confused, as he sounded serious but the words were not a kind way to describe a relative, Amelia glanced up out of the corner of her eye to see what he meant. And then the truth hit her.
That’s a perfect way to describe my aunt.

“Sadly, Miss Mandeville, I do not. She’s a vicious lady, and we would all be happy never to see her again.”

“Then I sincerely hope your friend’s wife comes through for you.”

“That makes both of us.”

They arrived at the foyer. The duke ordered his carriage for her then excused himself to return to his sisters.

The trip home was too quick for Amelia. She was nervous about the reception she would receive upon arrival. She thought about asking the driver to drop a block or two away so she could pretend to have been out for a walk.

Before she could do so, the horses stopped and the driver jumped down to open the door. Amelia took a deep breath and stepped out into the street with the assistance of the driver.

Susan came out the front door, followed by Amelia’s aunt and uncle.

The carriage departed, and Susan moved straight toward Amelia.

“Why did you go to the duke’s home without me and without leaving a note? You know Father said the condition of you going was that I had to be included.”

“Can we take this inside, please? We don’t want to give the neighbors something to gossip about.” Amelia surprised herself by strolling past her family without stopping. Her stomach clenched, but she held her head high and entered the house.

Inside the parlor, Amelia stood in front of the fireplace and braced herself for the battle ahead.

“Was there a reason you disobeyed my rule about Susan accompanying you each time you called on the duke or his sisters?” her uncle asked.

“No one was home, and he sent his carriage for me. What was I going to do? He’s a duke. I cannot very well ignore the man, can I?” Amelia hoped the lie wouldn’t come back to harm her.
That’s not really a lie, is it? After all, the man
was
waiting in the carriage for the return letter, wasn’t he?”

“You could have sent the carriage back with a note to return for both of us in a couple of hours,” Susan said. “I know why you didn’t. You want him all to yourself. You’re being so nice to those two sisters of his in some kind of deluded idea that he will be attracted to you as a possible mother figure to them.”

Amelia shook her head. “You have no idea what you’re talking about. His sisters are old enough to be on the marriage market and have no need for mothering. And I surely know I am in no way on an equal social standing with a duke and have no expectation of anything when it comes to him.” She couldn’t resist adding, “Unlike you and your thoughts that he will offer for you.”

“It’s much more likely he’d offer for me than one such as you.” Susan tossed her head.

“And so we’re back to that, are we?” Amelia could scarce believe herself. She’d never spoken to her cousin in such a way and certainly not in front of her aunt and uncle.

“Back to what?” her aunt asked in an icy tone.

“Calling me illegitimate. It seems to be the topic we turn to most often.”

“I don’t know what has gotten into you, Amelia, but I don’t like it. As I was afraid would happen, the duke has obviously compromised you and made you think you are better than your family. I have news for you. Even if he has seduced you, he won’t marry you. More likely, he will leave you with child and destitute.”

“What?” Amelia stepped back, appalled at the words her uncle spoke.

“You heard me. I told that man the day he called here that I knew what his illicit purpose was, and now I have been proven right.”

Amelia wanted to ask if that was when the duke broke his nose but decided it wouldn’t be a good idea. He was angered enough without reminding him of that.

“I knew when we took her in all those years ago she’d turn out like her mother,” her aunt said.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Amelia’s head reeled at the accusations and statements being thrown her way.

“You know very well what it means. I can’t believe you allowed the Duke of Darnley to defile you.” Susan’s face registered shock, but Amelia thought she recognized jealousy.

“I stand here absolutely stunned that you three think so little of me—no, wait, I know none of you respect me, so let me change that—think so little of the duke as to accuse him of such behavior. If he knew you were saying such things, he would no doubt call you out, Uncle Henry.”

“No. I’m sorry, Amelia. He already told me he wouldn’t call me out for it which leads me to the exact point I’m trying to make here. If he won’t call me out, doesn’t it mean it’s the truth?” Her uncle paced the area in front of her. She feared he’d strike her, but she knew she’d survive, though she’d never seen him so enraged. The color of his face was such that she was afraid he might be stricken with apoplexy.

“It is
not
the truth. Nothing untoward has happened.” Hoping her face didn’t betray her thoughts of the duke’s strong arm around her waist as they danced, Amelia stared hard at her uncle. She’d decided to let pass the comment about her mother, for she knew another callous word spoken against the woman who gave her life would be her undoing.

She was able to stay strong in the face of the current attack only because she focused on the completely false statements about the duke. Her only memories of her parents were not memories but sensations. Feelings of warmth and comfort. She couldn’t bear anyone to talk about her mother and sully those sacred emotions.

Her uncle stopped in front of her, his face mere inches from hers. “Hear and know this. If you start increasing, you will be on the street the very day I notice it. Be assured there will be no additional chances if it becomes clear you have lain with the man.”

“That won’t happen, Uncle. You will all see. We are innocent.”

“I hope so, for your sake. Now, go to your quarters. A tray will be sent for your dinner. I don’t want to look at your face again today,” he said.

“Father? May I ask a question?”

“Yes, Susan. What is it?”

“Are you returning to the duke’s home before presentation night?”

“Lady Saffron and Lady Jonquil have asked that I make one more trip tomorrow for a last chance to practice. I told them I would, but if Uncle would rather me make my apologies, I will do so.”

“No. Please, Father. I want another chance to try to spend time with the duke.”

“You would want to be married to a man who has defiled your cousin?” Amelia’s aunt asked in a stunned tone.

“She says he didn’t. I can believe he wouldn’t want to defile
her
. Besides, there is a lot I would forgive for the chance to be a duchess.”

Amelia couldn’t resist. She knew she should, but since she’d already been banished to her room, she figured she might as well. “You could forgive a man who might prefer another woman over you?”

“Only because I’d know he only prefers her because he wouldn’t have to offer marriage in order to bed her.” Susan tossed her head, her curls quivering in the air.

There was nothing else to say. Amelia knew she’d opened herself to that comment. She turned and left the three of them in the parlor, not slowing her stride until she was in her room.

The next day, Amelia and Susan arrived at the duke’s home soon after the midday meal. After the butler let them in, they made their way to the ballroom to wait for Jonquil and Saffron to appear. The cat followed them down the corridor.

“I don’t know why their brother allows that mouser to have free run in the house. It’s disgusting.” Susan glared back toward the animal.

“I think he’s rather sweet.”

“Of course you do.” Susan sneered.

Amelia shook her head and decided not to respond. She knew it was always better not to, and after the night before, she was reminded of it.

“I wonder where Jonquil and Saffron are,” Susan said.

“You mean
Lady
Jonquil and
Lady
Saffron, don’t you?”

“No, I don’t. Once I convince the duke that I am his duchess, I’ll be allowed to address them merely by their first names.”

“You really have no idea how the man feels about you, do you? How could you if you keep telling yourself there’s a possibility that he would ever offer for you?”

“Why do you think you know so much? He may be bedding you, but he surely doesn’t confide his thoughts to you.”

“I suggest you not speak that way here in the man’s own home.”

“I notice you didn’t deny it this time.”

They arrived at the door to the ballroom, and Amelia opened it. Before she stepped inside, she whispered, “I’m not going to spend any more time denying it since not one of you believes me.”

Looking across the room, Amelia noticed the Staunton sisters already in their practice trains, veils, and feathers. Saffron waved and called across the space, “Come in. We’ve spent the morning practicing.”

Amelia moved inside, not bothering to see if Susan was following. The cat bounded past her on the way to Jonquil, who picked him up and patted him. “Look at my handsome escort, Miss Amelia.”

“He’s very handsome. All the ladies of the
ton
will be quite jealous.” Amelia arrived beside the sisters and ran her hand over the cat’s head.

“If you’ve been practicing already, then you don’t need me.” Sad that they’d started without her, Amelia forced herself to smile.

“Oh yes, we do. Basil said you’d be busy when we’re getting ready for the evening tomorrow, so we decided to do it twice. You’ve helped us so much, we wanted you to be able to share in our moment.” Saffron held out her hand. “Come with us. We’re going to use our mother’s dressing room since it’s the biggest one in the house.”

“I’m still worried about that, Saffron. We haven’t been in there very often since Mama died. I’m afraid I’ll cry.”

“Don’t think of it that way, Lady Jonquil. I’m sure if she were alive, she would’ve had you both in there to be by your side. Let’s imagine she’s still here.”

“That’s complete nonsense, Amelia,” Susan said.

“And that’s why we want you to stay here or return to the parlor,” Saffron said.

A sly look crossed Susan’s face. “I’m sorry. Please let me come. I’d love to see what you’re wearing. I wasn’t at your final fitting.”

“All right, you may come, but you must be kind to Miss Amelia.” Jonquil set the cat down. “Come along, Archimedes. We can’t leave you in here alone.”

“If you can’t leave him, wouldn’t it be easier to carry him out?” Susan asked. Amelia could tell her cousin was trying to be amiable, but it was hard for her.

“He’ll follow along. You’ll see.” Saffron led the way. She moved down the hallway at the pace required by the presentation ceremony, still with the veil and feather on her head.

Amelia wanted to laugh at the procession they made. Two young girls dressed in false trains, her cousin with a fancy calling gown covered with ribbons, and herself in a morning dress she rarely changed out of for the afternoon. An orange cat followed them out.

Arriving at the dressing area, Amelia gasped at the spaciousness of it. It seemed to go on forever. It was tastefully decorated with pale blues and white accents and obviously expensively furnished. Two ladies were in the room dressed in maid’s uniforms. Amelia presumed they were the girls’ personal maids.