The Orphan and the Duke (12 page)

She glanced over at Susan to see what she was doing and recognized the look of envy on her cousin’s face.
So this is why she wanted to come along. She wanted to see what kind of rooms the Duchess of Darnley would have.

“Isn’t this a lovely room? We always loved to watch our mother get ready for balls and other outings. We’ve spent a lot of time sitting in here.” Saffron sat on one of the stools.

“What a nice memory to have,” Amelia said.

Saffron’s maid stepped up behind her. “We should put the gown on, milady, before I prepare your hair and feather.”

“You’re right. I don’t know why I sat first. It must be nerves.” Saffron giggled. “If I’m this nervous the day before I meet Queen Charlotte, I’m terrified of how scared I shall be on the morrow.”

“It’s going to be even worse than you think, Saffron. Basil says he hasn’t heard from his friend’s wife about being our sponsor, so he must send a note to Aunt Caroline.” Jonquil’s voice sounded as if she were on the verge of tears.

“What’s wrong with your aunt?” Susan asked.

Amelia wished her cousin hadn’t posed the question. It hung on the air as if it had a life of its own.

Since neither of the sisters responded to her, Susan repeated the query. “I say, what’s the issue with your aunt? It seems to me under court protocol that she would be the proper person to sponsor you. Is she the sister of your father or mother?”

“It doesn’t matter, Susan.” Amelia said. “It’s none of our business. We mustn’t ask impertinent questions.”

“How dare you accuse me of being inappropriate. You are impudent yourself to address me in such a way.” Susan stood as if to come toward Amelia.

Though she didn’t believe her cousin bold enough to lay hands on her in front of the duke’s sisters, she moved away in case that was the intent.

“Wait one second,” Saffron said as her head emerged from the neckline of her dress. Her maid pulled the fabric down over the girl’s torso. “Why wouldn’t your own cousin be on an equal footing with you? It seems to me she could address you any way she desired.”

Appalled by the direction of the conversation, Amelia almost swooned.
What will Lady Saffron and Lady Jonquil think of me when my lack of legitimate paternity comes out? Will they hate me? Look down on me? It is not to be borne.

Just as Susan opened her mouth to tell them the truth, there was a knock at the door.

The duke’s voice called out from the other side. “Are you suitably attired for visitors?”

“Yes, come in Basil,” Jonquil called out.

He opened the door and stepped in. Both maids curtsied.

“Mary and Elizabeth, please excuse us. You can attend to the ladies in a few minutes. I have something to discuss with them.” The duke allowed them to leave then poked his head into the hallway. “Come on in.”

A lady dressed in a perfect, pale pink gown that accentuated her blond curls and blue eyes entered, followed by a sublimely handsome man with dark hair and the best legs Amelia had ever seen.

“May I present my sisters, Lady Saffron and Lady Jonquil?”

Both young ladies curtsied. “This is my friend Myles Cuthbert and his wife, Lady Augusta Cuthbert. Her father is the Duke of Huntington, and she has graciously agreed to be your sponsor tomorrow night.”

Lady Augusta smiled at the sisters. “It’s so nice to meet you both. When Myles asked if I would agree to sponsor you, I wasn’t sure since I’ve never done anything of this nature, but if you will have me, I will be glad to do so.”

Before either of his sisters could answer, the duke said, “I’m sorry. I’ve been remiss. This is Miss Amelia Mandeville. She’s been assisting my sisters in the protocol of the presentation process. Along with her is her chaperone, Miss Susan Mandeville.”

“How nice to meet—”

Before Lady Cuthbert could finish her sentence, Susan wailed, “Chaperone?” She stuck out her bottom lip and glared at the duke. “Why, I never.” She turned on her heel and fled the room.

Amelia thought about following her but decided to stand where she was. She was sure it would do no good to try to soothe Susan. All she would get for her trouble was a pinch, a slap, or her hair pulled.
Yes, it is safer to stay right where I am.

“I’m sorry about that young lady. She’s high strung, but her father—Miss Mandeville’s guardian—insisted Miss Amelia have a companion with her when she’s in my home. We can’t blame him, can we? After all, sending his niece to the home of a single man on an almost daily basis had to be concerning for him, hadn’t it?”

“I’m surprised the chap allowed it at all,” Mr. Cuthbert said.

“I’m glad he did. We learned so much from Miss Amelia.” Jonquil took Amelia by the hand. “We love her.”

The words Jonquil spoke went straight to Amelia’s heart, and it seemed as if it would burst from her chest. She held back the tears that formed in her eyes, but for a while, she was actually blinded by them.

“Yes, we do. She’s so kind and wonderful. We want her to stay through the entire season.” Saffron nodded at Amelia. “You will, won’t you?”

“If you need me, I will.” Amelia’s heart was fuller than it had ever been. She’d never been so appreciated. It was an alien feeling, and she desired it to go on forever.

“I’m glad the ladies had you to help them. As I recall from my own presentation, I was sure I would land on my face in front of the Queen’s throne,” Lady Cuthbert said.

“My darling Augusta, that was always a possibility with you. And I’m a bit surprised that it didn’t.” Myles’ face appeared to glow as he smiled at his beloved wife. He turned to face Amelia. “I’m afraid my wife is a bit of an anomaly. She’d rather be out in the field hunting or riding her horse than in a ballroom.”

“Hush, my love. These young ladies sure don’t want to hear their sponsor has no manners.” She smiled at Amelia. The woman had a beautiful, warm countenance, and Amelia liked her instantly. “Were you a puddle of nerves at your own presentation?”

Amelia’s full heart deflated.
Now they will change their minds about me. If they had a good opinion based on what the sisters said, they will lose it as soon as I answer the question.

“Miss Mandeville hasn’t been presented as yet. I believe it may be a matter of finances for her uncle. After all, he has two daughters as well.” The duke surprised Amelia by stepping in with an answer. She was sure her uncle wouldn’t be happy someone questioned his wealth, but it was at least a good reason for his ward not to be out as yet.

“Oh, too bad then. I was hoping to see you at some of the events of the season,” Lady Cuthbert said.

“Thank you. I’d dearly love to take part, but not this year.” She knew she’d never take part, but it was better to pretend than to tell the lady the truth.

“I think it’s time for the men to leave so I can see what my girls are going to wear and how proud they’re going to make me.” Lady Cuthbert smiled at her husband. The intimate look that passed between them made Amelia wistful for such a relationship in her own life.

Pushing that desire down as an impossible dream, Amelia said, “They have worked very hard. I think you’ll be happy to see what they can do. I’m positive Lady Jonquil will please the queen with her sedate pace and skill with her backward movement with the train. I am also quite sure Queen Charlotte will have never seen such a fine curtsy as Lady Saffron’s. She can almost touch her elbows to the floor and rises like Venus from the sea.”

On his way out of the dressing room, the duke said, “Hopefully, in her gown and not nude.”

“Basil, don’t say such things,” Saffron said, her face suffused with a bright pink blush.

“I couldn’t help myself.” After Mr. Cuthbert had preceded him into the hallway, he closed the door.

The playful side of the duke had surfaced again. Amelia was fascinated when he made those little comments and wondered anew who the man really was deep inside.

“We need to ring for your maids so I can see, in truth, how lovely I imagine you’ll be in your gowns.” Lady Cuthbert pulled the cord to ring for the maids’ return.

“I’m so glad you agreed to be our sponsor, Lady Cuthbert. We were afraid our Aunt Caroline would be the one to accompany us,” Jonquil said.

“And this aunt is not pleasant? I could tell by your face as you said her name that she isn’t a favorite.”

“Oh no, she’s quite cruel. We don’t want to be around her at all, and the thought of being in the carriage with her and then in line to be presented was almost too much to bear.” Saffron hooked a bracelet on her arm and admired it.

“Then I’m glad my husband finally remembered to ask me. It seems it slipped his mind after the boxing match with your brother, and he only recalled it when he was showing me some tactics yesterday.”

“Tactics? For boxing?” Amelia couldn’t help herself. The question popped out of her mouth.

“Oh yes. I know it’s not a typical woman’s activity, but I’m not a typical lady.”

“I think your husband alluded to that earlier.” Amelia smiled, glad the lady wasn’t upset at the inquiry.

“He’s a remarkable man to tolerate me.”

“I hope I find such a man,” Jonquil said in a dreamy voice.

“You won’t unless we get you presented.” Lady Cuthbert clapped her hands together as the two lady’s maids reentered the room.

Once the sisters were in their gowns, Lady Cuthbert asked them to show her their walks and curtsies. They assembled in the corridor to perform for their sponsor and Amelia.

“I’m so glad you agreed to be their sponsor, Lady Cuthbert. They really seem to fear that aunt of theirs,” Amelia whispered. Knowing what it was to have a cruel aunt, she could sympathize with the younger ladies.

“Please call me Augusta.”

“Oh, I couldn’t.”

“Yes, you can. Try it. You’ll see, it’s easy.” Lady Cuthbert reached over and squeezed Amelia’s hand. “Come on. Say it.”

“Thank you, Augusta.”

“See? You survived.” She turned and grinned at Amelia.

“That I did.” Amelia smiled back at the nicest woman she could ever remember meeting.

“Here I come,” Saffron called from her end of the hall and then proceeded toward the opposite end.

“See how she wants to walk too fast? I’ve been trying to get her to slow down, but I don’t think it’s in her to do so.” Amelia hoped desperately the lady approved of her work with the sisters.

“I think she’s perfect. I can tell they’ve put a lot of work into the process. How many memories this brings back. I’m quite sure you have been a sweet taskmaster. Not like the lady who tutored me.”

“Your own mother wasn’t around?”

“No. Sadly, she died when I was quite young. I was raised by a mostly absent father and three older brothers.”

“I guess that’s why you love hunting and riding?”

“It is.” Augusta took Saffron by the arm as she arrived in front of them. “What a nice presentation you made. Now show me how you back out of the room.”

Saffron performed her exit, and then it was Jonquil’s turn to come forward.

“I see what you mean about Lady Jonquil’s more sedate pace.” Augusta turned to Saffron. “Not to take away from your own lovely walk, my dear.”

“I know I’m too fast. Miss Amelia has tried her best to slow me down. I always have good intentions, but it doesn’t seem to help.”

“It’s going to be fine. Who knows, Queen Charlotte may be ready for someone to come quickly,” Augusta said.

“Augusta is right, Lady Saffron. You merely need to be yourself. You will be perfect.”

“Augusta?” Saffron raised her eyebrows.

“I have given Amelia leave to address me by my given name as I give to you and your sister. Amelia has been kind enough to show me the same courtesy.”

“As we both should have done a long time ago.” Saffron turned to Amelia. “Please call me Saffron.”

Jonquil arrived and, after giving her own curtsy, asked, “What are you speaking of?”

“Augusta has given us leave to call her by her first name and has done the same for Amelia. I was merely telling Amelia we’d been remiss in not allowing her the same intimacy. We both adore her. Surely we should be on a first name basis. Don’t you agree?”

“Of course.” Jonquil leaned forward and hugged Amelia. “Jonquil. Call me Jonquil.”

Amelia’s tears threatened again, and she had to turn her head to keep from embarrassing herself.

Augusta squeezed Amelia’s hand. “Enough of all this. Let me see your exit, Jonquil.”

Archimedes picked that moment to bound down the corridor toward Amelia. When he reached her, she knelt down and buried her face in his fur and let a few of the tears of happiness and gratitude escape.

Chapter 12

The hours before the presentation passed too quickly for Basil. He was glad he was done working on ledgers, but he wasn’t looking forward to having to get ready and accompany his sisters and the Cuthberts to the palace. He wasn’t sure he would make it through the evening.

When Basil wasn’t the duke, he enjoyed a ball once in a while but had always been more interested in the card room. Now that he had so many responsibilities, he didn’t relish seeing his old friends, as they had expectations of him that he could no longer fulfill since he was the guardian of two young ladies.

No one missed his old life as much as he did, but as time went on, it had become easier because he’d severed all ties to the old boys who wouldn’t understand the changes in him. At the ball, he’d have to see some if not most of them. It was, after all, the required event of the year for someone of his rank.

He knew he wouldn’t be able to avoid speaking to Mr. Mandeville as he was sure Susan would seek him out as soon as she was presented.

Thinking about that likely meeting led him to wonder if he could convince his sisters to leave once they were presented. After all, Miss Susan Mandeville would be far down the list from the daughters of a duke. It was something to consider.

Images of Saffron and Jonquil practicing and planning for their presentations flooded his mind. He knew they would want to stay until the end of the evening. He didn’t blame them but wished it were different.

Too soon for Basil’s liking, they were ready and the carriage was brought around. They drove to the Cuthbert’s home and, once the couple was comfortably seated, made their way to St. James’s Palace to take their place in line.

Both of his sisters nervously played with their fans. “You two need to stop fidgeting. You’re even making
me
anxious.” Basil smiled at them to let them know he was teasing, but they weren’t having it.

“That’s easy for you to say. You aren’t going to trip and fall into the queen,” Jonquil said.

“And neither are you, dear.” Augusta reached across the compartment and smoothed Jonquil’s dress over her knees.

“But what if I walk too fast?” Saffron asked. “You know I will.”

“You’ll be fine. If I tell you a secret, will you promise not to worry?” Augusta asked.

“How will a secret help?” Saffron asked.

“This is the worst part of the whole thing. That’s the secret. Sitting out here idle gives you time to imagine all kinds of evils. Once the thing is underway, it goes very quickly, and then you’ll be free to enjoy yourselves.”

“Speaking of enjoying, I think it’s time for Darnley and me to leave you ladies to your ordeal and have ourselves a cigar and a drink.”

“Did you have to use the word
ordeal
, darling? Aren’t they anxious enough without you describing it thus?” Augusta asked her husband.

“Men have the ordeal of public school and all that entails, which lasts for years, dear. This woman’s ordeal is quite not fair as it’s a matter of minutes.” Cuthbert leaned over and kissed his wife. “Enjoy your time as sponsor, and we will see you on the other side.”

The man left the carriage, and Basil gave each sister’s right hand one last squeeze. “You’ll be wonderful. Try to enjoy it.”

Once they were free of the ladies, the two men made their way inside and found some refreshment. Basil slipped a footman a coin to fetch him when it was almost time for his sisters to present themselves to Queen Charlotte so he wouldn’t miss it.

He settled in to play cards with Cuthbert and two of Lady Augusta’s brothers: one named Lancelot and one named Ambrose. He was glad of the foursome as he might otherwise have found himself at a table with some of the people he was trying to avoid. He was also grateful there was a card room. He’d been worried there wouldn’t be one.

Across the room, he spotted Cecil Longthorne and a few others from his school days. He hoped they planned on being in the card room all night and didn’t plan on dancing with the newest members of society. Although Cecil had threatened to call on his sisters, he hadn’t as yet, but Basil worried that their change in status would bring him around.

“You seem distracted, Darnley,” Myles said. “Are you as nervous as your sisters?”

“No. Well, yes, but for a different reason than one of them might fall in front of the queen.”

“What’s that then?” asked Lancelot.

“There’s an old acquaintance of mine who is not welcome around my sisters. He has indicated he plans to call on one of them as soon as they are out in society. I see he’s here this evening, and it reminded me of his intentions.”

“Want me to have a conversation with him? I can send him on his way.” Lancelot laughed. “I scared a lot of beaus away from Gus before old Myles here won her hand.”

“Gus?” Basil asked.

“My wife’s brothers call her Gus. A childhood nickname.” Myles squinted at his cards. “I can’t decide which bloody card to play with all this chatter.”

“That’s our clue, Darnley. When Cuthbert starts pretending he can’t play the game, it means he has a hand no one can beat. Might as well hand him your money.” Lancelot clapped Myles on the back.

“Maybe he really can’t concentrate. Lord knows I can’t. You talk too much, Lance.” Ambrose finally spoke. He tossed his cards on the table and stood. “I’m out.”

“I bet he’s going to go find Cassandra. He’s courting her, and even before he asks for her hand, she’s leading him around as if he’s an infant learning to walk,” Lancelot said.

“I am going to agree with him in one way.” Basil laughed.

“What’s that?” Lancelot asked.

“You
do
seem to talk a lot.”

“And that’s
his
tactic,” Myles said. “Lance can’t win at cards since he has no skills, but he can prevail if he confounds his opponent. That’s what he’s trying to do to you.” Basil noticed the footman approaching the table.

“That’s my cue to leave. Mustn’t miss my sisters as they process.”

“And I mustn’t miss my bride’s sponsorship. Sorry, Lancelot, you’ll have to find someone else to talk to death.”

“It’s a better way to go than a saber through the gut,” Lance called out as they moved away.

Over his shoulder, Myles said, “Don’t be too sure of that.”

They walked toward the throne room to observe the proceedings. “You two seem to have a good relationship. Did you meet when you were courting his sister?” Basil was surprised to find he envied the easy camaraderie of the two men. He’d never had a friend of that nature.

“No. I’ve known Lancelot a long time. We served in the army together.”

“Oh, that explains the ease of your conversation. When people have risked life and limb together, they tend to bond, do they not?”

“That is truer than you know.” Cuthbert looked to his left. “Here comes my wife.”

The men stood silently as each of Basil’s sisters were announced by Lord Chamberlain, made their way to the queen, and received a kiss on the forehead.

Once they both backed out of her presence, the men met the three women at the side of the room.

“Did you see us, Basil? How did I do?” Saffron asked as she hugged him around the waist.

“You were beautiful. Mama would’ve been proud.”

“What about me? What about me? I tripped a little. Could you tell?” Jonquil asked.

“No. You were perfect, and Mama would have thought so too.” He held a hand out to Lady Augusta. “And thank you for saving my sisters from a long evening with their aunt.”

“Don’t look now, Basil, but here she comes,” Jonquil said, her eyes wide.

The lady in question stepped up to Basil and swatted his shoulder. “What is this all about, young man?”

“Look here now. This man is the Duke of Darnley. What are you doing?” Cuthbert asked her.

“He’s my own nephew, and I will speak to him as I wish without your impertinence.”

“Not here in a crowd, Aunt Caroline. Come over to a quieter place, and I will listen to you.” Basil tried to lead her away from the area where many of the families of the girls who’d just been presented had gathered.

“Why should I try to keep you from being embarrassed? You have shamed your family name by ignoring your own aunt as sponsor to your sisters. Your own blood, slighted. What would your parents say?”

“They would probably be proud of me.” Basil knew he was crossing a line, but it was time the lady knew her behavior would no longer be accepted.

“What’s that supposed to mean? My brother—rest his soul—would be shocked and disappointed in you all.”

“I think not. You had them fooled for a long time, but once Roger let them know how you abused us while they were traveling, they decided not to take us back to your home. Didn’t you ever wonder why the visits stopped?”

Cuthbert took hold of Basil’s elbow. “Come on, old man. People are staring. Let’s not give them more of a show. It’s not the theater.”

“You’re right. Sorry.” Basil turned to his sisters. “Go with Lady Augusta for some refreshments, and I’ll be right there.”

When they had departed, Basil leaned in and whispered in his aunt’s ear. “You are no longer considered part of our lives, you old crone. You’ve done your last damage to a member of my family.” He turned on his heel and, ignoring the crowd, made his way to his sisters, promising himself to enjoy the remainder of the night and not think about his aunt.

Both Saffron and Jonquil wanted to dance since they were able to be out in the company of the
ton
. Lady Augusta called her brother Lancelot over, and he joined Saffron in the reel. Basil took the part of Jonquil’s partner.

They moved along in the dance until it ended. Basil and Lancelot then changed partners and danced the next one as well. Another dance soon followed.

Basil couldn’t help but think about the lessons in his own ballroom where Amelia showed him and his sisters the steps. He’d pretended not to know some of the dances in order to make them all feel at ease. He especially enjoyed the waltzes he danced with Amelia.

Wishing she had come out so she could be presented, Basil decided he would invite her to the ball he was giving for his sisters.
Even if she isn’t out, she can come as my guest. After all, I
am
a duke, and it is my home. I can do whatever I want in my own home, can’t I?

When the dance ended, Basil escorted Augusta from the floor since he’d claimed that one from his sisters’ sponsor.

They stopped short when Basil spotted the Mandevilles escorting their daughter. He didn’t relish the idea of speaking to them but determined to do so in order to make sure Amelia’s uncle would allow her to attend his ball.

He took a deep breath and greeted the Mandevilles; he even spoke to Susan.

She simpered. Knowing he would probably regret it, he decided to ask the young lady to dance. As soon as the words left his mouth, he
did
regret it.

“Oh yes, I would love to.” Susan grabbed his hand and led him to the dance floor.

Basil glanced in the direction of his sisters and was surprised to see the consternation on their faces. He had made a mistake. In his eagerness to have Amelia at his own ball, he’d stepped into the lair of the wrong Miss Mandeville.

It’s only one dance. How much harm can it cause?
He tried to convince himself that everything would be fine.
The chit surely won’t get the wrong impression. Don’t most young ladies expect to dance with a series of gentlemen?

Each time Basil touched Susan’s hand in the turns of the dance, she let out a tiny squeal. Before long, he was so annoyed by the sound he clenched his teeth whenever he approached her.

Across the room, he spotted Vonda. She gave a little wave.
She’ll be the next one hounding me to dance.

The reel was over, and he was able to make his escape. He was determined to find a place to hide from both Susan and Vonda.

Before he could, though, the Mandevilles surrounded him.

“Didn’t you enjoy that? Would you like to call for tea tomorrow?” her mother asked.

“Thank you, but I’m busy.” Basil bowed. “Thank you for the dance, Miss Mandeville, but I must be excused to return to my sisters now.”

“I don’t know why. They’re both dancing. Surely you could thus share another with me.” Susan pointed across the space.

Basil noticed Jonquil dancing with Myles, but then his eyes sought out Saffron. When he found her with Longthorne, a red haze blurred his vision, and anger threatened to overtake his reason. Since he was already fuming at himself for asking Susan to dance, he stalked across the dance floor and snatched Saffron by the arm. He dragged her off into a corner.

“What is wrong with you, Basil? I was having a lovely time, and now I look like a fool. Why would you take me out of the dance like that? Is someone hurt?”

“I say, old chap, what’s the issue? I was enjoying the music with your sister. Why make a scene over it?” Longthorne asked.

“You know very well that my sisters are not to be trifled with.”

“Who says I was trifling? I told you my intentions weeks ago.”

“And I told you that was not going to happen. So you need to understand there will be no calling on either of them.” Basil took Saffron by the arm. “It’s time we were home.”

“I don’t want to go.” Saffron looked back over her shoulder as Basil escorted her away from Cecil.

Cuthbert appeared by his side. “Not to interfere, my friend, but you’re calling attention to yourself. You might want to try to rein in your anger. You don’t want to be the talk of the
ton
on your sisters’ first night in society.”

“I’m afraid it’s already too late for that,” Saffron said. “Basil has made me look foolish, and everyone will hate me before they even get a chance to know me.”

“It’ll all die down by the end of the week. You’ll see. There will be something else to talk about by this time tomorrow.” Basil led her to where Jonquil stood with Augusta.