“Miss Rose, whatever is the matter with you? You are never as fidgety about your clothes and hair as this. You aren’t planning anymore assignations, are you?”
“Mary Singleton! Of course not, how could you say such a thing?”
“Seems to me like it’s a sensible question when you consider the goings on of late.”
“You hush, Mary. There are no goings on. I merely wish to look my best. It seems to me to be a reasonable request for a debutante.”
“You are perfectly correct, Miss, it is just that you have seemed to hardly care before now.”
“Well, now I have friends to meet and the potential of dance partners, so I need to be presentable.”
“You have always been presentable, Miss, more than presentable. I think you look better than most of the other girls I’ve seen. Those two ladies who arrived just before you and Lady Elizabeth left from visiting Lady Anne surely looked like they needed to spend a bit more time with their maids and a hairbrush.”
Rose giggled over her maid’s words but reprimanded her none the less. “Hush, Mary, I am trying to be friendly with them, so we must be kind even if their hair leaves a little to be desired. Perhaps their maid does not have the skills you have.”
“Now you’re just trying to turn me up sweet, Miss.” Mary grinned at her mistress.
“Is it working? It seems to me that it is terribly important to remain on the good side of the person styling your hair. Else I might not be able to leave the house.”
“Oh Miss, I would never do anything to damage your beautiful hair.”
“I know, Mary, I was merely teasing you. Now tell me again what you heard while you were waiting for us. I wish to have it fresh in mind before I head out to mingle amongst the ton tonight.”
Rose could see the maid’s assessing gaze in the looking glass and grinned. “Do not be troubled, I have not lost my mind, I remember what you said, I just wish to hear it again.”
Mary huffed a little but proceeded to repeat her tale. “Like I told you, Miss, I was sitting in the chair the footman was kind enough to set out for me as I stood in the foyer. Being my first time there, I wasn’t about to go wandering down to the kitchens without a by your leave.”
“No, of course not, you did just the right thing.”
“Anyways, I was just sitting there minding my business, keeping myself entertained by looking around at all the strange decorations they had on the walls, when a couple of parlour maids came along to do some dusting. They were giggling to each other, but they seemed nice enough, stopping to say hello before they went into a room just behind me to do some dusting. They must’ve forgot I was there or else they didn’t care about airing their family’s dirty laundry because they started talking to each other about Lady Anne’s maid and that she was going to have to be let go because Lord Austen don’t have the money to pay her next wages. But then they were saying as the earl might be so good as to hire her on and keep Lady Anne and boot out his lordship as he is just being a drain on the family and isn’t even their relative. But then they were speculating that maybe Lady Anne will land herself a fine lord who will fix their affairs all right and tight.”
“Thank you, Mary. So none of that was anything we did not already know. You did not hear any mention of Sir Broderick or the Duke of Wrentham. But you did prove that your listening skills are still sharp, so that was excellent work.” The two young women shared a grin before Rose continued. “Tomorrow we are going to take tea with Lady Elizabeth. If Lady Anne brings her maid, perhaps you could invite her to go for a walk with you while you both wait for us. It would be absolutely wonderful if you could get the girl to confide in you. Anything you could glean from her would be excellent. If it is true that there is some question of her getting paid, you can be sure she will be happy to tell anything there is to tell. But of course, try not to be too obvious in your inquiries.”
“Leave it to me, Miss, I will know just how to go on.”
“I know, Mary. It is just that this entire situation has me all at sixes and sevens. A part of me wishes I had never gone to that wretched musicale. But that reminds me that I really must call upon Lady Yorkleigh soon. It seemed to me as though she had a few things to say about the ungentlemanly knight. Perhaps she could be trusted to help me with this situation. I do wish to pass this off to someone more capable.”
Heaving a disconsolate sigh, she returned her gaze to the mirror as Mary finally finished tugging and twitching her locks. With a gasp of delight she clapped her hands. “Oh my goodness, Mary, you have truly outdone yourself. I could not have asked for anything better. I do not know how you did it, but I actually look like I could be the belle of the ball. It is miraculous.”
“Get on with you, Miss, it ain’t no miracle. You’re as pretty as a picture every day. I just did a wee bit of enhancing. Just keep in mind that it is much more difficult to do any spying when you’re in your looks. People will be remembering you tonight, you can’t go sliding in and out of rooms and eavesdropping.”
Rose put on a face of disapproval. “Ladies do not eavesdrop, Mary.”
“Oh yes they do, Miss, just be careful whatever you are up to.”
Rose bounced up from her seat in front of the looking glass and threw her arms impulsively around her maid. “You are a dear and I have no idea what I would do without you.”
Mary grinned mistily at her mistress. “Get on with you now, Miss, you do not want to wrinkle up your lovely frock.”
Now Rose grinned as she glanced down at her beautiful gown. “You are quite correct. My mother would have my head in a noose if I were to muss it up before we even get to the ball. It is a lovely gown, is it not? I was not completely sure if it would be pleasing when I was picking it out at the mantua makers’, but I must say I am well pleased with the result. These puffed sleeves with the darling piping and these appliqued silk fans are really beautiful, but it is certainly a good thing that I will be wearing gloves as this is not the most practical attire for a cool, late autumn evening, I must say. It does make me wonder who decides what is fashionable and why I am such a ninny hammer as to go along with it.”
The two girls shared another grin but then Rose thought of something else. “Of course, if the ball turns out to be a crush I will be happy that I am not dressed too warmly. I shall just have to make sure I am not standing in any drafts and all shall be well.”
“You will be so busy dancing all night you won’t be able to do any of your investigating.”
Rose grinned at those words. “Would that not be lovely? I really do not think I could do much investigating at a ball anyway. It is not at all the same as it was in Vienna. There were so few people there, not like here where there are such crowds at every social event. I will of course try to keep my ears open, but I will not mind having a good time.” With a girlish giggle, Rose gathered her fan, reticule, and wrap. “I have no idea what time I shall be home and unfortunately I shall probably need help getting out of this beautiful dress without damaging it.”
“Of course, Miss Rose, I will be here waiting for you. I will want to hear all about your evening anyway. My only advice is to have a care to your reputation and steer clear of the duke.”
“You are a dear,” was all Rosamund had as a reply as she hurried out the door.
Lady Smythe was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. She was resplendent in jewel tones of crepe. Having managed to keep her figure despite having three children, she looked lovely in the high-waisted style of gown that was in vogue.
“Mama, you look positively smashing this evening,” Rose declared with a low whistle.
“Do not be vulgar, I pray of you,” Lady Smythe admonished drily.
“I so envy you your colours, Mama,” Rose continued, ignoring her mother’s obvious ill humour. “This silly tradition of debutantes not being allowed to wear anything other than whites or lights is ill advised, if you ask me.”
“Well then it is clearly a good thing that no one asked you,
as it is a lovely tradition and one that you will abide by.”
“Of course, Mother. I do not have the fortitude to do otherwise, so you need not trouble yourself. I was merely trying to compliment you,” she concluded rather airily, trying not to reveal to her mother that her snippity tones actually dented her feelings. “Are you ready to depart?”
Lady Smythe did not reply with words, merely leading the way out of the house to the waiting carriage.
When they arrived at the elegant but large home housing that evening’s festivities Rose was slightly dazzled by the blaze of what seemed like a million candles shining from every window. Clearly no expense was being spared this night. She grinned with anticipation before remembering that it would not do to seem overly eager. Glancing around discretely as she followed her mother, Rose admired the paintings on the walls of pastoral settings, possibly the earl’s country seat. Feeling a passing sense of nostalgia for the country, Rose bolstered her sagging spirits by looking around in the crowd for Elizabeth.
As her gaze wandered, she felt a prickle climb the back of her neck and knew instinctively that Alex was near and quite probably looking at her. An instant after that awareness, their gazes collided. She felt a wave of heat flow through her body, followed swiftly by one of frigidity. Maintaining her composure with effort, she kept her face as neutral as possible but bowed her head discreetly, acknowledging his presence.
∞∞∞
Alex was amazed that he had known as soon as they entered the room, although the major domo had not yet announced them. His eyes had been drawn to the entrance of the ballroom like a moth to a flame.
He admired the proud tilt of Rose’s head as well as the confusing array upon it that was her hair. He never could understand female hairstyles, but this one seemed to be quite fetching. Rose was again dressed in the first stare of fashion. Clearly, the Smythes were not in need of a wealthy match for their only daughter.
But pursuing a match was certainly what they were about this Season. It stood to reason, of course, he realized as he pondered the issue. Rosie must be twenty by now. She had missed the chance of a Season a couple years ago due to being in mourning, he thought sadly. Then she traipsed around Europe with her father for a couple years. Now the Smythes seem set on marrying her off before she gets too long in the tooth.
She’ll do well on the Marriage Mart, Alex decided, trying to be detached on the subject. With her pretty face, perfect figure, and elegant bearing she would make an excellent wife for any nobleman. And she no doubt has a generous dowry, which would only sweeten the pot. Of course, the fact that she has opinions and doesn’t mind overmuch sharing them could be a bit of problem for some gentlemen, he mused as he watched her wend her way through the milling crowd.
Alex watched as Rose left her mother seated with the other matrons before she strode with purpose in the direction of where he had last seen Lady Elizabeth. He wondered if she had confided in her friend about “the situation.” He was not left to wonder for long, when he caught Elizabeth’s glance, just as Rose met up with her. Alex had to stifle his smile of amusement as Lady Elizabeth blushed at being caught looking at him. Rose was not so missish. Seeing the look upon her friend’s face, she followed her gaze and caught Alex’s eye.
Alex felt the contact almost like a physical blow. His stomach turned over, and he felt a prickle at the back of his eyes. He bowed to her in acknowledgement then tore his gaze away from her. This would just not do. He was never so happy to see anyone in all his life as he was when Lord Dunbar turned up at his elbow.
“There you are, Your Grace,” Wesley declared jovially. “I was wondering if I would be able to find you in such a crush, but I should have remembered that with your height you are easy enough to locate in a crowd.”
Alex, used to comments about his height, managed to keep a pleasant smile plastered to his face as he reconsidered how happy he was to see his friend.
Wesley was continuing to prattle. “I was uncertain if you would even turn up this evening. Thought you might be too caught up in your mystery.”
The duke cast his friend a quelling glance, hoping he was not being overheard. He absolutely did not want word to get around Town that there was some sort of mystery surrounding the Duke of Wrentham. He could just imagine the uproar that would cause, and he felt a shiver of dread slither down his back.
“Are you in your cups, my lord?” he asked suppressively.
“Whatever do you mean?” Wesley appeared surprised by the implications.
“Your discretion is even less than usual. I would have expected a touch more discernment from you.”
Wesley chuckled. “I have no idea why. Have we not been friends for eons?”
“Good point,” the duke replied, his tone dry.
“It would seem all the parties are present this evening,” Wesley observed, keeping his voice appropriately low as he gazed out at the sea of well-dressed guests flowing through the countess’s rooms. “I just saw your Rosie meet up with her friend, Lady Elizabeth. The Austens were announced not a quarter hour past, and I do believe I saw Sir Broderick in one of the card rooms as I walked by.”
“Let the games begin,” Alex muttered.
“Are you going to shock the ton by asking Miss Smythe to the dance floor?” Wesley was curious.
“You really are daft tonight, are you not? That would be exactly what we do not need for this occasion. I seek information. For that, it would be best if I do not make myself the brunt of every tidbit of gossip to be dissected tomorrow.”
“So that would be a no, then, would it?” Wesley drawled. “Very well, then, I think I shall seek out the lady and ask for her myself, if that is the case.”
Alex had to clamp his teeth together tightly to prevent from growling his dismay over his friend’s treachery. “Judas,” he called after his friend’s departing back.
Wesley’s laugh floated on the heavy air as he waved in acknowledgement but did not stop his progression. “See you later, Your Grace,” he called over his shoulder as he walked away.
Alex watched as the viscount made his way through the throng, pausing here and there to exchange greetings. Finally he arrived where Rose and Elizabeth were standing. He could not hear their words, but saw that what was clearly good-hearted banter was being exchanged before Rose accepted his elbow and the two made their way to the dance floor.
Watching them, Alex questioned his own sanity. It was foolish beyond belief for him to torture himself by standing there watching them when there was no possibility of him ever being able to partner her in a dance. But there was a degree of pleasure in the watching as well. She danced with such graceful, economical movements. It revealed something about her that even while dancing she clearly wanted to be in control. She had always been a managing little thing, even as a child, but it would seem that the loss of her brother had made that tendency a bit more extreme. Some might find it charming, he thought, but not him, he reminded himself once more. Finally he turned away, unable to stand the unbearable burden of sadness that pressed upon him for all that they had lost.
With purpose, he turned on his heel and strode further from the dance floor. Finally, he spotted his quarry.
“Lord Austen, what a pleasure to see you this evening.” Alex hoped his words sounded much more sincere outside of his head than they did inside.
“Your Grace.” Lord Austen’s obsequious tone made Alex grit his teeth, but he managed to keep a smile on his face by sheer effort of will. “It is entirely my pleasure to see you, Your Grace. Are you having a good time? Have you seen my lovely daughter? I am certain she would be delighted to dance with you, Your Grace.”
“I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing Lady Anne this evening, my lord. I meant to ask you, I have not seen you in the House of Lords very recently. Is all well with you? You used to be so active in the running of our country.”
“Oh yes, Your Grace, how good of you to notice. I dearly love being involved with our nation’s governance, o
f course, Your Grace, but I have been so very busy with overseeing my dear daughter’s first Season, you see.”
Alex smiled at Lord Austen. “I always thought the Season was to complement Parliament, not the other way around.”
Lord Austen began to look uncomfortable; perhaps he was embarrassed by Alex’s observation. Alex could see his eyes start to dart around as though he were wishing for a rescue from some quarter. Alex hoped his smile did not look quite as predatory as it felt.
“I am sure it must be a huge responsibility to have your daughter debuting at her first Season, especially since she does not have a mother. Of course, no doubt your late wife’s sister is of great assistance in such a delicate matter as this.”
“Oh yes, the earl and countess have been lovely. They have been most generous hosts. My dear Anne is lucky to have them in her life.” Alex watched in fascination as the other man mustered up his composure and appeared a trifle more conniving. “Her connections will make my daughter a remarkably good wife to some fortunate nobleman.”
Alex smiled in reply. “No doubt. You will have to be most vigilant to make sure she finds someone who truly appreciates her and all she has to offer.”
“That is exactly the truth of the matter and why I have to miss so many sessions, Your Grace. One’s only child is a precious thing, and I must take the most care of her that is possible. There are always others who will be able to do as good a job as I ever could in the House of Lords, to be sure.”
Alex had to agree with the man about others doing a better job but did not think it seemly to do so verbally, so he merely offered a bland smile. Lord Austen must have taken this for encouragement.
“I do believe my darling daughter would make a lovely duchess, Your Grace.”
“Perhaps she would, my lord. There are a few dukes looking about for wives this Season if you can believe the gossips. I happen to not be searching for one myself, as I am of the opinion that I should wait until I have everything in the duchy in order as I would like it. Taking over my father’s properties and titles has been a bigger challenge than I had expected.”
The Duke Conspiracy: A Sweet Regency Romance Adventure (Mayfair Mayhem Book 1) Page 10
