After the dressmaker’s, it was a milliner’s for new hats, gloves. And all the accessories a rich merchant’s daughter and her Lady’s maid might need.
When they returned, Mr. White scurried down the steps to help them with the dozens of boxes and wrapped parcels.
“More will be coming over the next few days,” Ann told him.
The man only nodded as he followed Lizzy up the stairs.
Ann took a deep breath and turned to Mrs. Jensen. “Thank you,” she said. “I never could have done this without you.”
Mrs. Jensen waved her hand in dismissal. “You pulled the wool over the eyes of one of this town’s most high-toned dressmakers. If you can fool her, you will not have any problems deceiving the women of the ton. Believe me.”
Ann’s heart soared, oh how she hoped the woman was correct. But deep inside, a doubt remained. A strong doubt. She knew women, they could spot a fraud at a dozen paces. They would see through her within minutes. A misspoken word, the wrong accent, her dealing with a butler or a servant, something would give her away.
Chapter Thirteen
It couldn’t be avoided, no matter how hard she tried. She couldn’t put this feeling of dread aside by reading a book. It was impossible. Instead, her stomach churned with a thousand fears. The Southampton Ball was this very night. Glancing at the clock, she shuddered. It was almost time to start preparing.
A strong sense to run away flowed through her. To run as far and as fast as she could.
But where? How? No, she had no choice but to go through with this. Either she would succeed or fail, she told herself. Either the Dowager Duchess would be fooled. Or, Ann would be exposed.
Worrying about it wouldn’t change anything.
Of course, it was impossible to follow her own advice.
These past ten days had been nothing but a blur. Mrs. Jensen would arrive each morning to conduct training. Much like a Sargent Major, she would drill Ann on which fork to use. How to use her fan. Which topics were safe to discuss. Who was who in the ton, their connections, and their hidden secrets that everyone knew?
It was like being doused in a bucket of water. She had always believed she knew how to act. Her mother had insisted that she act properly at all times. But Mrs. Jensen took it to another level. Sharing the intricacies. And even more importantly, the reason behind the silly rules.
In the afternoon, she would work with the dancing master, Mr. Schiff, as he tried to teach her each of the intricate moves to a dozen different dances.
After dinner, she and Lizzy would retire to her room where she and the young girl would experiment with different hairstyles. Lizzy worked on increasing her skills while they both tried to find the appropriate look. Fashionable without being too flamboyant.
She was to be a rich merchant’s daughter. A young woman trying to rise up out of the middle-class could not afford to set new standards. She must demonstrate adherence to the accepted standards of the day yet still be attractive enough to attract the attention of a British Duke.
In reality, though, nothing really worked. She looked like a woman pretending to be someone she wasn’t. And, now, finally, there was no more time. She would have to live with whatever Lizzy could come up with.
A nervousness filled her. A strange combination of anticipation, excitement, and fear all mixed together in a tight ball deep in her stomach.
Taking a deep breath, Ann tried to reassure herself. She knew the dance steps. Or, at least as well as she ever would. As for small talk with the Ladies of the ton. She couldn’t know if she would freeze, or make a fatal error. Perhaps she might be able to hold her own. At least long enough to fool them.
Suddenly, the thought of meeting the Duke’s mother sent a cold chill down her spine. The thought of her discovering the truth made her shiver. It would be bad on so many levels. In addition to the entire failure aspect. There was also some other strange emotion involved with meeting the woman.
Was it because of her feelings for the Duke?
Speaking of the Duke, she wondered, what was he thinking? Ann shook her head, knowing him. He probably hadn’t even thought about it. To him, it was but another dance. If it worked, he would be better off. If it failed, he would simply shrug his shoulders and try something else.
In the meantime, she would be shamed in front of half the British nobility and a laughing stock throughout London.
Would the newspapers write about her failed attempt to deceive the ton? A poor guttersnipe who thought she was better than she was. Her stomach clenched up even tighter at the thought. Of course they would. Who wouldn’t love a story about a woman who failed to fool the powerful elite? They would ride the story for weeks.
She wondered if Grainger would hear. And if so, would he come looking for her, determined to recoup her father’s debt? The thought made her shudder.
Perhaps if she was but a wallflower. A silent observer. Maybe she could make it through the night if she didn’t bring any attention to herself, would that work?
Of course not, she realized. She must impress the Duke’s mother enough to have her believe His Grace could actually think of proposing to her. They must create the belief that he was drawn to her, not for money or connections. That she was special.
The thought almost made her laugh. No, she would never achieve that by hiding.
The thought sent a sadness through her. Why couldn’t it be true? she wondered. Oh, how she wished the Duke might truly find her unforgettable. The one thing in this world that he needed.
No, she reminded herself for the thousandth time. Daydreams and wishes would only lead her to heartbreak.
As she pushed the thoughts away, she was interrupted by a knock at the parlor door followed by Mrs. Jensen entering with Lizzy close on her heels.
Ann’s heart jumped. She hadn’t expected Mrs. Jensen.
“It is time,” the older woman said with a warm smile. “I thought you might wish some help getting ready.”
Ann could only smile sadly. It was impossible to think this plan would ever work.
“Never fear,” Mrs. Jensen said. “My mother was a Lady’s maid. I was a Lady’s maid after His Grace went off to school. I know every trick in the book.”
A nervousness fell over Ann as she nodded acceptance. She would put herself in Mrs. Jensen’s hands and hope for the best.
The afternoon tumbled over itself as the two women worked to make her beautiful. A numbing denial filled her. If she pretended it wasn’t real, perhaps she could ignore the nervousness building inside of her.
Ann noticed that Lizzy watched Mrs. Jensen like a hawk. The way she brushed out the dress. How she inspected each garment before laying it out on the bed. Placing each one in order from the skin out.
The girl watched as Mrs. Jensen brushed out Ann’s hair, twisting it before placing strategic pins to hold it where they wanted.
Then the both of them worked on tightening the corset. Only after everything was done did the two women hold up the deep blue gown and lower it over her head, being careful to not disturb her new hair arrangement.
Ann ran a hand down the front of her dress then looked up to see both Mrs. Jensen and Young Lizzy smiling widely at her.
“You look like a princess, Mum,” Lizzy said with a hint of surprise.
Mrs. Jensen nodded. “I knew I was right.”
Ann’s entire body threatened to shake until she turned to look at herself in the mirror. The woman reflected back at her was not what she expected. This woman looked as if she belonged. Poised, confident. A fit consort for a King. Or, at least a Duke.
Maybe, just maybe, she could do this.
“Now then,” Mrs. Jensen said as she stepped up next to her, as they both looked into the mirror. “There is but one thing missing. The one thing that will make you look like a rich merchant’s daughter. The Duke thought you might wish to use this for the night.”
Ann held her breath as Mrs. Jensen draped a diamond necklace around her neck. A tear-shaped pend
ant surrounded by smaller cut stones. A cold shock ran through Ann. Had the Duke really thought about her?
“Be careful with it,” Mrs. Jensen said as she clasped it behind her neck. “I’m sure it cost him a pretty penny. He couldn’t use any of the estate's jewelry of course. His mother would have recognized them.”
“The Duke purchased this?” Ann gasped as her fingers reached up and caressed the glittering stones. He hadn’t forgotten about her.
Mrs. Jensen nodded. “He can always return it or add it to the estate’s collection at a later date.”
Ann nodded, unable to take her eyes off the necklace. Mrs. Jensen was right. It did make her feel powerful. As if she really was worth something.
“Now then,” Mrs. Jensen said as she brushed away an imaginary piece of lint from Ann’s gown. “You are traveling without an escort. A social error, but perhaps forgivable for a merchant’s daughter.”
Ann sighed, one of many errors she feared she would make that night.
“But,” Mrs. Jensen continued, “it will give them something to focus on and will reaffirm their belief that you are rich but don’t know what is expected. Believe me, it will feed their preconceived ideas.”
Ann nodded.
A knock at the door was followed by Mr. White announcing that the carriage was waiting below.
Mrs. Jensen placed a comforting hand on her arm, “You will do fine. I promise you.”
Again, Ann took a deep breath to try and settle her stomach.
When she stepped outside, she was surprised to see a beautiful coach with a liveried footman at the door ready to assist her up. Even more expense for the Duke. How much had he expended all in a scheme to fool his mother? The man must really despise marriage.
Taking a deep breath, she placed her hand in the footman’s, then looked back to see Mrs. Jensen and Lizzy smiling at her. Both trying to encourage her. What they didn’t understand was that she felt like a woman being led to the gallows.
“Don’t worry Mum,” Lizzy said.
Ann smiled back. The girl was right. Within a few days, she would return to cleaning fireplaces and polishing silverware. Taking a deep breath, she climbed into the coach then sat back. Remember, she thought. She could be in a Manchester brothel. Instead, she was dressed in a gorgeous gown on her way to a fancy Ball where she would be dancing with a Duke.
She was able to continue that positive attitude until the coach pulled to a stop in front of a marble mansion. The carriage rocked as the footman jumped down from the back and opened her door.
Ann took a deep breath. It was now or never. Her biggest fear she realized, was not being exposed. Not having a hundred Lords and Ladies laughing at her. No, it was the possibility of disappointing the Duke. Failing him sent a bolt of terror directly through her. She owed him so much.
It was the one thing that stopped her from turning and getting back into the coach and returning to the Dowager’s house. He was depending on her.
Taking a deep breath, she smoothed out her long white gloves, ran her hands down her gown, and lifted the hem to walk up the stone steps.
A tall footman in powdered wig raised an eyebrow.
Gathering every bit of courage, Ann passed him her invitation. The man whispered something to the next man in line, then turned to look over her head to the arriving guests.
Ann swallowed hard, the first hurdle completed, only a few dozen more.
“Miss Ann Parker,” the butler said to the finely dressed man next to him.
Lord Southampton and his wife, Ann realized as she dropped into a deep curtsey.
“Welcome,” the Lord said as if she were but another in a long list of people. His wife, however, studied her with a keen eye.
“It is so nice of you to join us,” the Countess said as she examined Ann from head to toe. Obviously looking for any fault. “I have heard so much about you.”
Ann’s insides turned over. How was that possible? What had she heard? A hundred different scenarios danced through her mind. None of them good.
“Thank you for inviting me, My Lady,” Ann managed to reply.
The countess scoffed, “When the Duke of Bedford makes a suggestion. I have found it wise to follow.”
Again, Ann’s stomach churned. Did that mean the Countess didn’t want her there? She was tempted to simply nod and smile before making her escape. But a flash of realization filled her. The Duke had laid the groundwork to deceive his mother. Of course, she realized. Remember to play your role, she thought.
Ann nodded to the Duchess and smiled. “Is his Grace here? He mentioned that he might be attending.”
The countess smiled back. “Yes, he arrived a bit ago, with his mother.”
A sinking feeling filled her. There was something about the way the woman said ‘his mother’ that could be interpreted as a warning.
Ann curtsied again and left the Countess to greet the rest of her guests. Once free, she tried to slow her racing heart. This would never work. These people were different, they would flush out her secret. She was sure of it.
Taking a deep breath, she took in her new surroundings and almost swooned. The colors, the sounds of the orchestra tuning their instruments. The soft scent of perfumes. The room was lit a magical yellow light of hundreds of candles.
Women in gorgeous gowns. Servants in bright uniforms, ready for any service. The soft hum of intelligent speech. Everything added to a sense of awe. Every story, every dream. It was all true. This really was a special world. A world designed to be unique and above the normal toils and troubles of everyday life.
Her heart raced as she tried to steady herself. She didn’t belong here. It was too much. Too magical. Not the place for a common maid.
Again, the urge to run filled her until she saw him. His Grace. Tall, broad shouldered, devastatingly handsome with a smile just for her. Their eyes locked across the room adding to that sense of mystical magic. Suddenly, she felt emboldened.
He approves, she thought as a sense of power washed through her. He thinks I can do this.
Then, as if the moment had become too charged to last, he broke the look to say something to the woman next to him and started making his way towards her.
Now her heart began to race for a different reason. Oh, how she wished she really was a princess. Someone worthy of him.
Don’t let him see it, she thought. He must never know that she had fallen in love with the man. It would only embarrass him and destroy her.
Chapter Fourteen
The Duke of Bedford saw her and his world shifted. Mrs. Jensen had been right. The woman had the poise of a princess. Even now, here, where she must be terrified and alone. Even here she looked as if she owned the room.
Straight back, chin up. As if daring anyone to challenge her right to be there. And he knew it had to be instinctive. This ability to appear calm despite the overwhelming distress. The woman was remarkable.
Then she saw him and their eyes locked. It was as if the world fell away. His mother, Lady Beatrice, everyone disappeared from his awareness. There was only the beautiful girl across the room.
“Excuse me,” he said to his companions before leaving them and walking towards her. The entire time, he felt as if he were returning to the place he should be.
A smile crossed his face. He loved it when a plan came together. Granted, Mrs. Jensen had done all the work. And Ann, he must never forget Ann and her contribution. But still, he had a small part in this, didn’t he?
“Your Grace,” Ann said as she dropped into a deep curtsy.
He smiled as he bowed to her, perhaps a little deeper than protocol called for when greeting a commoner. Yet, again, it was an instinctive act.
“Miss Parker,” he said as he took her hand. “I am so pleased that you came.” The feel of her hand in his made him smile.
“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world, Your Grace,” she said.
An obvious lie, he thought, then quickly changed his mind. Perhaps she would enjoy this.
Heaven knew the look on her face indicated she did. He smiled at her and tucked her arm into his. “Let me introduce you.”
A brief hint of terror crossed behind her eyes, but she quickly pulled herself together, straightened her shoulders and gave him a small smile in agreement.
He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “You look spectacular, by the way.”
She shivered slightly but didn’t look up at him, obviously afraid of what was about to happen.
As they walked together, he noticed several men eyeing her with predatory intentions. Their eyes lingering on her hips and breasts. An anger flared inside of him. He knew these men. A new beauty was an obvious target. Once they learned she was the daughter of a rich merchant they would be on her like wolves on a lone doe.
“Mother,” he said when they drew close. “May I introduce Miss Ann Parker. Miss Parker, my mother, the Dowager Duchess of Bedford.”
Ann dropped to a deep curtsey while his mother looked down at her like the young woman was a mouse in her bed. He grit his teeth. If his mother cut this woman, he would spend the rest of his life making her miserable.
Thankfully, his mother had more sense and smiled slightly and said, “It is so nice to meet you, Miss Parker, my son has told me so much about you.”
The Duke sighed internally. This was going to work.
.o0o.
Ann cringed inside, this would never work, she thought. The woman could tell right away that she didn’t belong in this world.
Her stomach continued to turn over. Everything was too much. The colors, the band preparing to play. The women in their beautiful gowns. The men, all straight and tall. Even the steady hum of conversations throughout the room was like a constant reminder that she didn’t belong. Where moments before it had all seemed so special. Now, it felt like a thousand thorns pricking her skin.
They were probably all talking about her, she realized as another cold chill ran down her back.
A Duke's Desire (The Duke's Club Book 1) Page 9
