Marie had a difficult time hiding her dismay at the Duke’s absence. But hide it, she did. She went ahead and danced with each of the husbands of her friends and the sons who were in attendance.
She laughed and drank ratafia and generally acted as if she were having the most wonderful time. She gossiped with the other women and smiled and nodded when they commented on what a beautiful young lady her daughter had grown into.
But the fact that the Duke hadn’t sent a note of apology and birthday salutation had put a dampener on the entire evening for Marie. She sat on the sofa watching Richard Warren squire Mimi around the dance floor for the third time. She had not the energy to stop it.
*******
“You look especially lovely tonight, Mimi.”
“Thank you, Richard. I can’t believe I’m actually eighteen! It seems like only yesterday you and I were running along the beach up in Cromer with Bella. Now, she’s all grown up and married.” Mimi glanced over Richard’s shoulder at her friend then back at Richard. “My, you’re a wonderful dancer, Richard. How did you learn to dance so well?”
“My mother taught me. Of course, we don’t talk about it much, but she was in the theatre when she was younger. Keep that in your confidence, will you? She tells no one she was in the theatre even though it’s how my father met her. The story is quite romantic, at least for my parents.”
“How is that?”
“My father was escorting a young lady to a play. A young lady my grandparents were hoping he would marry. The lady’s father was quite rich, and a union with the daughter would have raised our family up in society. Much higher than the merchant class actually. Her father was an Earl.”
“And, so what happened to keep you and yours out of the peerage?” Mimi laughed.
“Well, the Earl and his wife were not very happy about their daughter’s choice of my father for a husband. But the girl was quite spoiled, and, after many tearful entreaties, I dare say, they relented. My father had every intention of doing his duty by the young lady and by his parents. He planned to marry the young lady and go to work for her father, running the country estate and accepting an honorarium, of course, for his time. Indeed, he was quite fond of the young lady and could see no wrong in their union. He planned to have a comfortable married life with an amiable, lovely, and more than acceptable companion.
“But then the house lights dimmed, and the curtains opened for the play. When my mother entered the stage light and uttered her first lines, my father fell instantaneously in love.”
Mimi’s eyes glowed. Her hand went to her heart. “My word. That is the most romantic story I’ve ever heard.”
“Yes, quite romantic, as I said. And as a result here we are.”
“Here we are, a plain young maiden and a plain young man. No high society to consider here!”
Richard laughed. “We’re almost to the garden. Come outside with me, Mimi. No one will see. I … I want to tell you something.”
“Richard! You’ve manoeuvred near to the French doors on purpose! You meant to sneak me out to the garden all along, didn’t you?” Mimi stopped dancing, snapped her fan open and feigned upset at his audacity.
“You must be a gypsy mind reader, Miss Hancock.” He looked quickly around the room and ducked through the doors pulling Mimi along with him.
“Richard.” Mimi muffled her laugh behind her fan, “You must stop.”
“And why would I want to do that, mon chou?”
They found a little bench, hidden in an alcove of low hanging tree branches, and sat. It was unseasonably warm for March, but Richard removed his jacket and placed it around Mimi’s shoulders.
“Your new locket suits you, Mimi.”
Her hands unconsciously went to the golden heart with filigree decoration hanging on a fine gold chain from her throat. “Yes, my parents gave it to me earlier today at breakfast. My birthday gift. My father had it made special.”
“It is lovely, may I?” Richard took the golden piece in his hand, his hand barely touching the skin of her neck in the process.
Mimi felt a spark where his hand accidentally brushed her. It sent shivers through her. “We should go back inside, Richard. It’s unseemly for us to be alone out here.”
“Alas, you are right. I only wanted to have you to myself for a moment.”
“We’ve danced together three times. The other guests will think we’re engaged! Or worse, they’ll think that I’m a fast piece.”
“I’m sorry. We’re here at your house. No one will notice how many times we took the floor; this is your birthday. All the gentlemen are drunk already, and I dare say the women are tipsy. Bella and Francis have left, and the other boys are busy trying to filch some more port.”
“I just, well, I wanted to tell you how beautiful you are, Mimi. Not just tonight. But every time I see you. You seem to grow lovelier. And I must confess I find my feelings for you have changed somewhat.”
“Changed? I don’t understand. I have no inkling of what you’re talking about, Richard. You are my close friend. Why you’re as dear to me as Bella is. Why would you feel otherwise towards me?”
“What I mean is my feelings for you have,” he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, seemingly unable to go on.
“Richard? What do you mean?” Mimi didn’t know what he was trying to say, yet she felt a flutter in her heart as she waited for his words. There was a feeling of delicious anticipation in the air around her. She closed her eyes for a moment. Could it be that he returned her own secret sentiments?
“What I’m trying to say, Mimi, is, well I … I find myself quite hopelessly in love.”
Mimi’s stomach felt as if it had dropped to her feet. “You are in love?” She leaned away from him and rested against the back of the bench. Defeated. She felt her heart would break right then and there. The garden seemed to swirl around her, and she feared she might faint. She fought valiantly to stay calm feigning a light-hearted feeling. “How wonderful. What is the young lady like?’
“She is as beautiful as an angel. Very different from any woman I’ve ever met. She is mysterious, yet direct. Her mettle is strong. She is intelligent and doesn’t occupy herself with idle gossip. She is all things that are wonderful and nothing that is not.”
“Pray tell, who is the lucky lady?” Her mind raced violently, her breath came in tiny gasps. He wasn’t referring to Lizzie Stevens, was he? He must be. She prepared herself, mentally, for his answer.
Richard looked at her for a moment. She watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he swallowed. His eyes blinked twice. And then he burst out laughing.
“Pardon me, but what is so funny?” Mimi’s heart was shattering, and Richard was laughing. She’d never felt so mortified. How could he be so insensitive? And to lead her on by dancing with her. To have the nerve to abduct her from the party and pull her out to the garden with him. This alone could ruin her reputation. What if the Duke were to arrive at this moment?
Mimi stood abruptly. “I … I must go inside. It is not appropriate for us to be alone together. Especially since you have confessed your love for another.”
Richard stood up as well. “For another? Mimi, why do you say that? What do you think it is I’m trying to tell you? That I love another?”
“It’s very clear what you’re trying to tell me. You have fallen in love.” Wonderful. I’m happy for you. Truly, I am. But if the young lady ever finds out you were alone in this garden with me, I fear she might never forgive you. I don’t appreciate the manner in which you’ve decided to tell me your news. Pray, don’t tell me who the lucky woman is.”
“Mimi! You misunderstand me! I am not in love with someone else. It is you, Mimi. You, mon amour. I thought you would know immediately who I was speaking of. I thought you would know that it’s you who owns my heart.”
She looked deeply into his eyes then and sat back down on the bench. He joined her, sitting just a little closer than he’d been before.
“Truly, Richar
d? You’re not teasing me? Are you?” Her eyes glistened with tears of joy and relief.
“No. I am not teasing you, my love,” he answered quite seriously. “I love you, Mimi. And if you would promise to allow me to court you, formally and publicly, and then marry me, I know I should make you very happy indeed. At least I would spend my life trying to fulfil your every wish. I intend to ask your father for your hand, Mimi.”
“Richard. I … I am so happy. I would like nothing better. I … I want you to speak to my father. As soon as you may.”
“So, you return my sentiments?”
“I do, Richard. With all of my heart, I do. I love you deeply.”
He picked up her hand and brought it close for a gentle touch of his lips.
“Mimi!” Marie Hancock burst through the overhang of foliage and headed straight to her daughter. “What are you doing out here? And alone. Richard, where are your manners? Your mother would be most unhappy about this. Mortified, I dare say.”
“I’m sorry, Mrs Hancock. This is not what it looks like.”
“It most certainly is what it looks like, young man. Don’t try and fool me. I’m not so old that I forget what young couples do when they find themselves secretly alone in a hidden place. Tsk. What is on your shoulders, Mimi? Take it off this instant.” Marie pushed Richard’s jacket to the bench and grabbed Mimi’s hand away from his. She pulled her daughter to her feet.
“You should be ashamed of yourself, Richard. Ashamed. Do you hear me? I have a good mind to tell your parents what an awful display I just happened upon. In fact, I may. If it wouldn’t make my daughter the subject of scandal, I most certainly would.”
“Maman!”
“You hush, Mimi. And come with me.” Marie started towards the French doors, all the while pulling Mimi behind her. “Disgraceful. To think that my own daughter …”
Mimi looked back at Richard, trying to assure him by smiling. It mattered not what her mother might say, she wanted to tell him with her bright black eyes. As long as Richard returned her love, all would be well.
Chapter 3
Giselle entered the bedchamber with a small tray upon which stood a little pot of chocolate, butter, and some rolls. “Here you are, Miss Mimi. Your breakfast. Would you like anything added to it?”
“Oh, thank you, Giselle. No, this is perfect.” Mimi poured herself a small cup of chocolate and propped herself up on the pillows to enjoy it.
“I’m going to prepare your bath, Miss. What frock would you like to wear this morning?”
“Wonderful, Giselle. I think I shall wear the dotted muslin.” Mimi took a sip of the rich hot chocolate. “Mmm. Delicious.”
“I take it your party went well last night, Miss?”
“Oh, for the most part, yes. You know my mother, though. She was terribly disappointed that the Duke of Hertford had not stopped by the house, he also hadn’t sent any word explaining his absence.”
“I see. Yes, that would, indeed, vex Madame.” Giselle dragged the copper tub from the tiny side room off the main bedchamber. Water had been put to boil in the fireplace an hour earlier.
“I don’t understand why she was so upset about it. To me, it serves only to show that the Duke is a bit of a cad.”
“We don’t know the reason for the Duke not arriving or sending word, Mademoiselle. It’s prudent to hold judgement until all of the facts of a situation are known.”
“Well, that doesn’t appear to be what Maman has done.”
“Come now, Miss. The water is ready.” Giselle emptied four large vessels into the tub and left two in the fireplace to stay hot.
Mimi stood, arms out from her sides as Giselle lifted the chemise over her head, then helped her into the tub.
“Why do you think my mother is so upset, Giselle? I mean, doesn’t my mother want me to be happy? Why would she want me to marry someone I am barely acquainted with? Doesn’t she want me to have a man who loves me the way my father loves her? Don’t I deserve that kind of love?”
“Your mother has, no doubt, always had the highest of wishes for you, Mademoiselle Mimi. I dare say she wants you to have it all. The Duke is quite handsome and charming, though. And quite an accomplished equestrian it’s said. He is dashing in his way. Wouldn’t you say?”
“He is not without good looks and charm. That is true. I suppose those things contribute to his being somewhat dashing. Yes.”
“Well, Mademoiselle, even in this age where arranged marriages are mainly indulged in only by royalty, parents still have a way of choosing who they see as best fit to marry their daughters. And that individual is usually well to do in a way that can benefit the entire family.”
“Like chattel. It disgusts me.” Mimi frowned and slid down into the warm, fragrant water.
“Often when a woman meets the man her parents have chosen for her, she is sorely disappointed. Hence, I believe, the allure of Gretna Green. The only way out from the plans of their parents is, for some young ladies, to marry before any plans have been made. It seems the parents’ choice of a suitable groom for their daughter is much older than the young lady. Duke Hertford, I dare say, is a choice I believe you could learn to live with.”
“Duke Hertford is almost thirty, Giselle! Ancient! Mon Dieu. He is practically my father’s age. Did my mother put you up to this? Did she tell you to inform me of the attributes of the Duke?”
Giselle gently poured water over Mimi’s raven tresses and blended fragrant soap into the waves to wash them. “It seems to me, Miss Mimi, that you have someone else in mind. Am I right?”
Mimi looked down quickly and splashed water into her face to hide the colour that had come into it.
“Miss Mimi? Are you well?”
“I am fine, Giselle, thank you. I’d like to share something with you. But I must ask you to promise not to let Maman know what I’m about to tell you. Will you promise me that, Giselle?”
“I will, Mademoiselle, but you must remember your maman confides in me also. It is the complication I have, being the lady’s maid to both of you. I will not share with Madame Hancock anything you tell me, dear Mimi. But, I will not betray your mother’s confidence either. Is that clear to you?”
Mimi’s brow furrowed. “Oh, very well. If it makes it easier for you. But I simply must tell someone. You’re the only one I can trust not to say a word.”
“Hold this linen against your eyes, and put your head back, Miss.” Giselle poured warm water over Mimi’s hair to rinse it. “I will keep your secret, Mademoiselle.”
“It’s Richard.”
“Richard?”
“Richard Warren. I am in love with him. And he with me. Giselle, he confessed his love for me last night. He wants to marry me when we’re old enough.” Mimi looked off dreamily.
“He told you of his intentions when he stole you away to the garden, did he not?”
“Yes, he did. But, how do you know we went into the garden? Did Maman tell you? Oh, you won’t tell me if she did. She was terribly angry. But I was too happy to care. Can you just tell me if my mother told you about Richard and me? In the garden?”
“I saw the two of you go out, Mademoiselle.”
“No!” For a moment Mimi looked horrified. “Did anyone else see? It wouldn’t do for my reputation to be ruined. No, Maman would be mortified if anyone saw us.”
“It was only me who saw, Miss. And I witnessed Madame pull you back inside.”
“Did you see Richard when he came back in, Giselle? Did he look alright? Maman sent me straight to my chamber.”
“Madame told everyone you’d got a headache. Too much excitement and butter cake she’d said. Everyone left shortly after,” Giselle supplied.
“But you didn’t see Richard come in?”
“No, Miss, I did not.”
“I suppose it wouldn’t make a difference either way.”
Suddenly the two young women looked directly at each other, a question in their eyes. A blood-curdling scream had pierced the quiet of the house.
Mimi looked at the clock on the table by her bed. It was just eight thirty.”
“Mon Dieu, what has happened?” Mimi whispered.
“Miss, allow me to help you.” Giselle practically pulled Mimi from the tub and wrapped her in a soft length of fabric.
The door flew open. Giselle jumped in front of Mimi to shield her from being seen undressed. “Come quickly, Mademoiselle.” Mrs Gauthier went to the clothes press and pulled out the first frock her hand fell upon.
“Giselle, help Mimi to dress. Quickly. Then come to Mr Hancock’s bedchamber.”
Giselle curtsied to the housekeeper by way of answering.
“Why am I to go to my father’s chamber? What has happened, Mrs Gauthier?”
The Lost Love of a Stunning Lady: A Historical Regency Romance Book Page 4
