by Jenna Hart
"Mademoiselle is working to put the finishing touches on it," Lynette said to the group of women swooning over Winter's gown and the beautiful items sent with it.
Mademoiselle De Ellen fashioned several dresses in jewel color tones for both Winter and Serena, and the colors would complement their pale hair, blue eyes, and cream-colored skin.
She had chosen a vibrant lilac color for Winter's dress. The bodice cut a bit high, but still very fashionable.
Winter would stand out amongst the creams and whites that were sure to occupy the ballroom tonight.
A light knock on the door brought Serena back to the reality around her.
"Come in," Serena called out, continuing to gaze out into the street.
"Miss Rena, your dress is here," Alice said happily, entering the room, "it's beautiful and sure to cause a stir and win you some hearts tonight indeed."
Alice, although only her lady’s maid, had become one of her dearest friends. She was one of Serena's only friends anymore, aside from her sister and Lady Emily Mauldin, her childhood friend, and Serena's self-appointed champion.
In the year that had passed, Serena had learned to control her reckless nature, often with the help of Alice and Winter.
And without Emily, Serena would have never been able to make it through the few social gatherings she had to attend, following her failed engagement.
Serena had fallen from the status of being the darling belle of the beau monde to a near scandalized ruination-all thanks to one man.
Hadden Bearingston, the Duke of Averton.
She simply loathed that name now and the person it belonged to, no matter how handsome he was and no matter how much her heart tried to convince her otherwise.
No one would have ever accused Serena of doing anything that would jeopardize her character or family name, much less her chance to marry a gentleman in good standing-a duke at that!
She was, after all, the daughter of a marquess, whose wife was notoriously famous for being a true guardian of the rules of proper etiquette and behavior.
Most who knew her knew she had what her mama affectionately called unusual energy. It was that exact energy, which caused her to end up in some misadventures, but none that would ever cause anyone to question Serena's moral character.
Serena had led a very genteel life at Danerly Hall in the countryside before coming to London for her season and knew in her heart of hearts that she had done nothing to cause Hadden to end their engagement.
Her papa had made sure she knew that.
The rich, beautiful daughter of one of the most powerful men in the kingdom set aside by the duke as if she were a piece of unwanted bread, because he simply chose to.
Those had been the facts of the matter, and those closest to Serena knew they were the truth.
To those members of fashionable society who loved to sip their morning tea while chatting about the latest juicy gossip bits moving throughout their social circles, well, those facts were simply not fascinating enough!
There were whispers that Serena had ruined herself with Averton, and after he realized how wanton his future wife was, he ended their engagement.
Another rumor was that the Duke had seduced Serena in the heat of passion and broken the engagement after coming to his senses and remembering his strong aversion to matrimony.
Of course, those were rumors only circulated in private drawing rooms, but still, had been powerful enough to cause her to not receive another offer of marriage, even from the besotted gentlemen who had asked before.
No one would publicly snub or excluded her, especially with her father's power, money, and close friendship with the Prince Regent, but they had certainly tried to make uncomfortable.
Serena had never given them the chance to shun her publicly. She had done it herself.
Her papa had hugged her tight and patted her back as she cried on his shoulder, after telling her she was no longer engaged.
Serena simply did not understand what had happened, but her papa had assured her that everything would be alright.
He promised her.
Her mama had cursed the Duke with every foul word that came to mind. Judith had refused to speak to her husband for almost an entire week. She was livid! If he had only NOT accepted Bearingston's hasty proposal, this wouldn't have happened.
Serena's brother, Ethan, four years younger than Serena, had wanted to call Bearingston out and challenge him to a duel.
"Nonsense," her mother said, "I will not have another one of my children tied up into another scandal because of that man!"
Serena's father did not go into any great detail with her as to what had happened. He just kept assuring her that everything would be fine, and nothing had been her fault.
Something had told Serena there was more to it what had happened, but she would never know.
"Well, let's hope it doesn't cause too much of a stir tonight, and one heart will do, Alice, if it's the right heart," her mother sang merrily, entering Serena's dressing room, with her smiling sister trailing behind her.
Her mother was in good spirits this afternoon.
At least someone is, Serena thought!
"Your gown is beautiful! Oh, I love it," Winter exclaimed. Her sister had moved over to where Alice stood, holding Serena's gown for tonight.
"Yours is just as lovely, Wint," Serena said as she left her window for the first time that afternoon.
She knew her sister was going to be a success tonight. With her pleasing and soft nature, men craved women like Winter, …especially for marriage.
Serena joined her sister and stood admiring the magnificent piece of work Mademoiselle de Ellen had created.
The gown was indeed as beautiful as she had promised it would be.
Pale blue silk shimmered in the light, revealing small threads of silver throughout the skirt. The puff sleeves would fall just under Serena's shoulders, and they would fit as tight as a glove upon her delicate hands.
The waist was fitted tight as well, with the bodice cut low- but not with the customary square neckline.
De Ellen had insisted she make Serena a scalloped neckline traced in the same shimmery, silver thread that ran through the skirt.
"It will show off your gifts, Miss," Mademoiselle said, smiling. "You will be irresistible to anyone who sees you…as well as anyone you want to see you!"
De Ellen had come up behind Serena and winked at her as she pulled the back of her simple cut day dress tighter. This way, it showed the full curve of her ample breasts as she stood looking into one of the large mirrors Mademoiselle had placed around her Bond Street shop.
Serena knew De Ellen meant to show off a fair amount of her breasts, causing Serena to blush.
"Oh, no, no, no! Do not be shy. You will win the handsome gentleman your heart desires, and my creation will help you do it!" Mademoiselle's grey eyes sparkled, speaking Serena's deepest secret to life.
"He has ended your engagement, Serena!"
Serena closed her eyes briefly, pushing the painful memory that worked its way out of its hiding spot, back down to its darkness.
She ran her hand over the stunning gown.
Tonight, she would make the Duke of Averton wish he had never laid eyes on her.
Serena only wished she felt good about doing it.
The grand townhouse of the Marquess of Danerly lit up Grosvenor Square, beckoning fashionable society inside to enjoy its night of delights.
One of the largest townhouses in London, Edward purchased it explicitly with the knowledge that his Judith adored entertaining, and the large home offered the space she needed.
Lady Danerly had overseen every detail of the night-from the fresh plants positioned strategically around the large room, to the side chairs that would make for quick retreats for some of the older guests, in need of a readily available place to rest.
Everyone had accepted their invitations, promising a packed house.
No one would dare pass up this chance to
see the elusive Duke of Averton.
Serena stood to the side of the ballroom, wanting to blend into the large plants her mother had set out. She could feel the eyes on her and knew the whispers scattering around were about her. And Averton.
She just had to make it a bit longer.
Her mama, standing not far from her, was engrossed in an entertaining story with Lady Harris. The sound of the two ladies' laughter made Serena smile.
Her mother was at ease tonight, despite her worry over Averton's arrival and the impact it would have on Serena.
"Serena, you look smashing," Lady Emily Mauldin exclaimed, coming over to where she stood. A huge smile crossed her pretty, round face, and she squeezed Serena's hand.
"Winter is already a success tonight! I told Mother that we have to visit Mademoiselle De Ellen's shop tomorrow. Your dresses are exquisite!"
Serena gave Emily a gentle hug and sipped the lemonade Emily had handed her.
"There's Viscount Sanders," Emily said, giggling behind her hand at the handsome young man walking towards them.
"He's extremely handsome," Emily continued, "and he's also hunting for a wife, and my brother says he prefers blondes."
Serena choked on her lemonade, launching herself into a coughing spell. Emily started laughing, delighted to see some emotion other than worry come from her dear friend.
Emily tended to say whatever came to mind. Most would find it unbecoming of a lady. Serena, an owner of several unladylike ways of her own, found it enduring.
"Emily, really," Serena said after recovering. "You shouldn't say such things, at least out loud anyway!"
"Well, he didn't tell me that specifically, I happened to overhear him telling Father that."
"Shhhh!" Serena bit her lip to keep from bursting with laughter.
"The hair color part, not the wife part," Emily said, keeping a straight face.
That sent both girls into a sure fit of laughter, causing several heads to turn in their direction.
"He's coming, quiet," Emily warned as they attempted to pull themselves together.
"Lady Serena, Lady Emily, what a great pleasure to see you both," Lord Justin Sanders, Viscount Redding said. After bowing, he stood and smiled. He was handsome, but differently than other men she had found attractive.
Well, she had only ever thought one man to be truly handsome and look where that had gotten her.
Emily led the conversation, "Viscount Sanford, a pleasure to see you as well."
Serena looked around the ballroom. She had heard no announcement yet for the Duke of Averton.
He should have been here by now, she thought, pursing her lips together and crossing her arms.
What was wrong with her? If he didn't come, she wouldn't have to face him. It wasn't as if she wanted him to see him.
"Your sister looks wonderful tonight, Lady Serena, and you look stunning. I do admire the color of your dresses, very unique way of displaying your charms."
"I beg your pardon?" Serena asked, after hearing Viscount Redding call her name again.
"Your dress," Viscount Redding repeated.
"Oh, thank you, I am afraid Mademoiselle De Ellen would not have let me choose anything else for tonight," Serena murmured, becoming uncomfortable with the way Sander's eyes fixed upon her.
"Lucky me," Sanders said, his words low and soft.
"You look lovely as well, Lady Emily," he said, pulling his gaze from Serena over to Emily. "Do you intend to catch a husband this season?"
"That depends, really," Emily replied, looking thoughtfully at Serena and fighting back another laugh.
Serena knew her friend well enough to know that she was about to say something she shouldn't.
"I think it's safe to say that my brown hair will not be the trend this season. I've heard blondes are going to be the ruling hair choice."
"Touché, Lady Emily," Sanders conceded, lust glazing his eyes as he looked at Serena.
Serena wanted to put as much distance as she could between herself and Sanders.
"And you, Lady Serena," he continued, "any hopes or prospects for a future husband for you?"
Serena gave him a weak smile and shook her head.
"I'm sure after last year's debacle with Bearingston behind you, you won't have any problems finding someone worthy of your beauty," Sanders said.
"And blonde hair," Emily interjected, raising her eyebrows and lifting one shoulder and letting it fall.
Serena had to get out of the ballroom for a few moments. She could feel the wall closing in on her, so she scanned the room, searching for her exit.
Her papa's study was down a few doors, offering the perfect escape.
She could go in without being seen, and she'd just sip a bit of brandy to calm her nerves. It would help her make it through the rest of the night.
"If you will both excuse me, I need to find my sister," Serena said, walking away. She was going to make her way to her papa's study and hide for a while.
The hall was empty, as most of all of the guests had packed themselves into the ballroom, eager not to miss any chance meeting between Lady Serena and the duke.
Serena dashed down the hall to the study and opened the door and slipped into the study, enjoying the fresh, night air that had filled the room from the open window.
The ballroom had been stifling, adding to Serena's discomfort and her need to escape.
The study was dark, except for the moonlight shining in through the two large windows.
Serena knew her way around the room, even in the dark, and walked over to the hutch, pouring herself a small amount of brandy, allowing the amber liquid to burn her throat as it slid down.
Serena closed her eyes and exhaled deeply. Nothing had gone right tonight. Not for her, anyway.
Winter had been a smashing success, and Serena was so happy for that, but Averton had failed to show up, and she was…disappointed.
Not because she wanted to mend things, but because she wanted to see him, and that bothered Serena more than anything else.
"Curse you, Hadden Bearingston," Serena said, finishing off the last bit of her brandy, "I wish I had never laid eyes on YOU!"
"Now, that is no way to greet an old friend," the voice cut through the silence, causing Serena to whirl around so fast that she became tangled in her dress, falling over onto the floor.
The figure from which the voice had come moved swiftly, helping Serena up before she realized what had happened.
Serena was so stunned she didn't know whether to scream or faint.
"I…thank…who…you…why," Serena stammered, unable to piece together a coherent sentence. She babbled the words, watching as a slow grin crossed the face of her visitor.
"Good Evening, Lady Serena!"
Serena was now looking back into the face of the Duke of Averton.
CHAPTER THREE
"Your Grace," Serena said softly, frozen in place. "I…umm...yes. Good evening to you as well, Your Grace."
Serena felt like a blubbering idiot. Her face was on fire, and she knew her cheeks were pink.
"Please, call me Hadden."
"Hadden," Serena whispered, taking a small step away from him. This was not how they were supposed to meet.
Hadden knew he had startled her, which had not been his intention. Not that he had any real purpose for the night, other than planning to sit in Edward's study until the matchmaking mamas had given up on his arrival.
Then he would weave his way into the crowd as discreetly as possible and hopefully find some information he could use.
Hadden watched Serena, reading her facial expressions with no problem. She was an open book, shock, uncertainty, fear, longing. All had crossed her face in the few moments they had been together.
Even in the moonlight, she was breathtaking.
How anyone had not stolen her away and married her by now was beyond him.
Of course, HE could have married her, but there was nothing he could do about that situation. It was m
ore complicated than anyone realized.
A pale curl worked its way out of Serena's elegant updo and onto the side of her face. Hadden resisted the urge to reach out and brush it back behind her ear.
If he tried to touch her, she would surely bolt from the room.
"I didn't expect to see you here, I mean in here, in the study. How did you get in here?" Serena asked.
His arrival had been the most anticipated out of all of tonight's guests, and there were lookouts posted around, wanting to be the first to get a glimpse of the Duke of Averton.
"One of my many, many talents," Hadden said, grinning at her, hoping she would relax. He knew he was going to have to cut their meeting short.
If anyone found them here together, alone, the rumor mills would show no mercy this time.
Seeing the confusion on her face, he explained further. "Your butler let me in the back-your father is aware I'm in here, by the way."
Unsure if it was the brandy, the heat from earlier or just her nerves, Serena propped herself onto the hutch, using it to support herself.
She had expected to see the Duke at some point that night, but she had wanted to find him herself-not have him ambush her in her papa's study.
"I think one of us should leave," she said, biting her lower lip.
Her chest moved steadily, pushing her breasts up and down with each breath. Whoever had fashioned her dress, knew the effect it would have on the opposite sex.
Hadden watched, fascinated with the woman before him. He had sworn to himself that he would stay away from her, but he couldn't tear his eyes away.
"Why were you cursing me, Serena?" Hadden asked softly, taking a step towards her.
Serena had nowhere to retreat to, finding herself pushed back into the hutch. "Because of everything. Everything you caused, and you weren't here tonight."
Serena knew the words didn't make sense as soon as she had spoken them.
Swearing off brandy for good, she shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She had indulged only once or twice before, but her papa often gave it to her mama to help her relax. Her mama could handle it. Serena apparently could not.
