Cinderella and the Duke

by Janice Preston

  ‘And as for Hector...’ Freddie’s voice floated through the door before she could shut it behind her ‘...he is part of this family. Where we go, he goes, too, even to London for the Season.’

  Chapter Fourteen

  Four days later, they left Stoney End. Rosalind, Freddie, Penny and Hector all travelled inside the Lydney carriage, which had come to convey them to London. Susie, who had begged and begged until Rosalind had finally relented, was well wrapped up and sitting up on the box with the coachman, and Kamal was tethered to the back of the coach for the thirty-nine-mile journey to London. Sir William had set out for the north a few days before, with the promise of staying in touch to let them know how he fared at his daughter’s house.

  It was over a fortnight since Rosalind had last seen or heard from Leo and, try as she might, she had been unable to banish him from her thoughts. Sleep had evaded her night after night as she relived the time they had spent together and now... Gloomily, she peered through the rain-spattered window as the carriage bowled through the outskirts of London—a grim, grey mid-March scene to match the weather and to echo the state of her heart and her mind, both weighted with dread at the thought of that inevitable meeting with Leo.

  What would she say when she saw him? Would he imagine she had followed him to the metropolis? Would he reveal her immorality? A blush of shame heated her cheeks.

  If only she could turn the clock back.

  If only he had called upon her just once after that disastrous afternoon.

  If only he had not simply disappeared back to town as soon as he had fulfilled his carnal lusts.

  If only...if only...

  If only I had not so stupidly, recklessly given in to my basest desires.

  Lust. Pure and simple.

  Well, I have learned my lesson well.

  But the very worst of her worries was: what if her actions harmed Nell? When she had lain with Leo, she’d been confident that Leo would never...could never...connect her with Lady Helena Caldicot. But now...

  She sighed. If only she could have resisted Lady Glenlochrie’s summons, but that had been impossible. She knew if she did not help Nell now, it would be as good as abandoning her to Sir Peter Tadlow’s machinations.

  She heaved another sigh and tore her gaze from the rain-soaked streets to the hands that twisted in her lap.

  ‘Why the sighs, Ros?’

  How long had Freddie been watching her? Her brother was far too observant. He must suspect there was more to her distress than the simple fact they had been forced to change their plans and come to London.

  ‘It is nothing, Freddie. I am tired. I had trouble sleeping last night.’

  ‘Again?’

  ‘Is it any wonder, with the prospect of meeting Mama’s darling sisters, not to mention Sir Peter?’

  ‘You might also meet Mr Boyton again,’ Freddie remarked in a casual tone as he gazed out of the window.

  Rosalind knew that seemingly simple statement concealed a wealth of meaning. She glanced at Penny, seated opposite, but she was sound asleep, mouth agape as she snored quietly, oblivious to their conversation. Nevertheless, Rosalind lowered her voice.

  ‘That is an eventuality I view with complete and utter indifference.’

  Freddie’s muffled humph reached her ears.

  ‘Freddie! Please believe me. He was a pleasant gentleman, but I have no desire to further our acquaintance.’

  ‘“The lady doth protest too much” comes to mind. You gave every appearance of enjoying his company when he called at Stoney End.’

  Rosalind shrugged, lifting her nose. ‘His company was a welcome distraction. He alleviated the tedium of only having my aggravating younger brother with whom to converse.’

  ‘Ouch! And the lady bites back. You had better watch your place, Hector, old lad.’ Freddie leant down to pat the dog, who was stretched out with his head on Freddie’s feet. ‘Who needs a guard dog when they have a ferocious sister?’

  ‘Oh, Freddie!’ Despite her worries—and her irritation with him for seeing too much—Rosalind had to laugh. ‘I am sorry, you know I did not mean that but, please, I beg of you, do not read more than it meant into a passing acquaintanceship. You know yourself that a new face and new conversation is welcome from time to time. It meant nothing.’

  The carriage slowed, and turned into a residential street. Rosalind leaned forward, glad of the opportunity to change the subject.

  ‘Look, Freddie. Here we are, South Audley Street.’

  * * *

  Rosalind gazed around the staircase hall of Lady Glenlochrie’s town house, awed by the magnificent stone staircase, complete with elegant wrought-iron balustrade, and the intricate and ornate plasterwork that decorated the ceiling and cornices. The sprawling Lydney Hall, where they had lived for over twenty years, had always seemed grand to her, but to compare its appearance to this was to compare a plough horse to a highly bred racehorse.

  Penny and Susie had already been despatched upstairs to begin unpacking, one footman had been sent to apprise Lady Glenlochrie and Lady Helena of their arrival and a second had been detailed to take charge of Hector.

  ‘Ros! Freddie!’

  Nell’s voice brought Rosalind back to the realisation she was staring around open-mouthed. That would never do in front of the starchy butler who had opened the door to them. He had peered down his pointy nose when given their names, clearly having already relegated them to the status of poor relations. Even though he was right, Rosalind was determined the servants should treat them with due deference. After all, they were Lady Glenlochrie’s guests. It was not as if they even wished to be there.

  Nell ran lightly down the stairs, an imperious voice floating in her wake.

  ‘Walk, Helena. Walk! You are a young lady.’

  Nell did not slow, but launched herself at Rosalind, throwing her arms around her.

  ‘Thank you for coming, dearest Ros. I know what a trial this must be for you.’ She released Rosalind and hugged Freddie. ‘And thank you, too, Freddie, although I suspect you will enjoy London and its sights far more than Ros. Are you completely exhausted after your journey?’

  ‘It was not as tiring as the journey from Lydney to Foxbourne.’ Rosalind suppressed her shudder, recalling their fear that Sir Peter would catch them and force Nell to go back with him. ‘I should not care to live through that again.’

  ‘Neither should I,’ Freddie said, with a grimace. ‘Will you take us to pay our respects to her ladyship, Nell?’

  ‘Of course.’ Nell led the way, taking the stairs slowly to accommodate Freddie. ‘I should warn you that Aunt Susan has hired a lady’s maid called Elspeth for you, whilst you are here, to help with your toilette and to dress your hair à la mode. And a valet and a footman to assist you, Freddie.’

  ‘But there is no need—’

  ‘Hush. Do not let my aunt hear you say that.’ Nell stopped on the stairs and struck a pose. ‘Whilst you reside in my house your conduct and your appearance shall be paramount. Never forget that you are my representative in society.’

  ‘Nell! Lady Glenlochrie has been very good to you. Do not mock her,’ Freddie hissed. ‘It does you no credit.’

  Rosalind bit back a smile, recalling Freddie’s own mockery of her ladyship.

  Nell sobered. ‘I am sorry, Freddie. I did not mean to appear ungrateful.’

  They eventually reached the second floor.

  ‘Aunt Susan is confined to this floor, but she is able to use her boudoir during the day,’ Nell said as she tapped on a door and opened it, revealing a feminine room decorated in shades of pink and cream, with a pretty sprig design wallpaper.

  ‘Aunt Susan, Rosalind and Freddie have arrived.’

  Lady Glenlochrie reclined on a chaise longue by a window. Solidly built, with ash-grey lock
s covered by a lace-edged cap, she was dressed in a purple day dress, with a shawl covering her legs and another draped around her shoulders. She raised a lorgnette to peer at her visitors.

  ‘Lady Glenlochrie...’ Rosalind dipped into a curtsy ‘...I was very sorry to hear of your accident. I do hope your leg is healing well?’

  Humour gleamed in the lady’s grey eyes. ‘I have no doubt of your being sorry, Rosalind, for I know how much you will dislike chaperoning Helena over the next few weeks.’

  Their eyes met and Rosalind smiled at the understanding she read. Lady Glenlochrie might be formidable, but she had always been kind, if a touch patronising, in her dealings with Rosalind and Freddie.

  ‘I dare say I shall cope well enough,’ Rosalind said. ‘It is only a few weeks. I shall endeavour to avoid any of our Hillyer relations and thus afford them no opportunity to snub me.’

  ‘That’s the spirit,’ Freddie said. He bowed. ‘Your servant, Lady G. Looking as ravishing as ever, I see.’

  ‘You never change, Frederick, you wicked boy,’ Lady Glenlochrie said, with a pleased smile. ‘I have every expectation that you will provide me with a little diversion whilst your sisters are occupied with their frivolities.’

  ‘Indeed I shall and I shall enlist the help of Susie as I foresee that I must become her main tutor whilst my sister is out gallivanting.’

  ‘Susie?’ Her ladyship’s voice boomed in the sudden silence.

  Rosalind frowned at Freddie, who raised a mocking brow in response. She had hoped to introduce Susie’s presence herself. Diplomatically. She explained how they had discovered Susie and her desire to help the child better her prospects.

  Lady Glenlochrie raised her lorgnette again and glared through it at Rosalind. ‘Raised by farmers, you say? Humph! You had better ensure the child learns her manners fast. The woman you brought with you can have charge of her, and I shall review the situation after I have met her.

  ‘I cannot say I think your decision wise, but I dare say you think to fill the gap left by your sister, once she weds.’

  Rosalind bridled at her ladyship’s words, not trusting herself to respond, but Freddie’s nod of agreement made her wonder if her ladyship was right. Was that why she was so adamant Susie should stay? Because she dreaded losing Nell? Was she clinging to Susie as a replacement? Freddie had accused her of being selfish. Mayhap he was right. But what would be the purpose of her life when her brothers and sister no longer had need of her? Jack might still be only fourteen years old, but he was growing fast. A young man—an earl—would have little use or time for an older stepsister such as she.

  At least Freddie was unlikely to ever leave, even if they did seem to spend more and more time bickering.

  ‘Well, I cannot wait to meet her,’ Nell said stoutly. ‘And I have not yet seen Hector. You did bring him, Freddie?’

  ‘Hector?’ Lady Glenlochrie’s voice was filled with horror. ‘You have brought that hellhound to my house?’

  ‘Now, now, Lady G.’ Freddie patted her ladyship’s shoulder. ‘I shall make certain you see neither sight nor sound of him. He is very well-behaved, don’t you know... You will barely know he is here.’

  ‘But he is so big, Frederick. And he will need exercise! You are not to take him to the park during the promenade hour, do you hear? Oh, why could you not have a dainty little lapdog as other people do?’

  ‘We had no choice but to bring Hector,’ Rosalind said. ‘There was nowhere else for him to go. I enjoy the exercise walking him, as Freddie is unable to, and I promise I will only take him out at the times you deem suitable.’

  Lady Glenlochrie appeared mollified. ‘Such a pity you are unable to walk him, too, Frederick. You must suffer with being so housebound.’

  Freddie’s jaw set, but his reply was determinedly cheerful. ‘You do realise, my lady, that you and I are now bound together by our infirmities? Although I suggest that you are in a worse case than I, for I may still hobble about whereas I wager your physician has advised you to rest until your leg is healed.’

  Lady Glenlochrie sighed. ‘He has indeed. I am not to venture out for several weeks. Now, Helena, my dear, you may show Rosalind to her chamber.’ Her sharp gaze raked Rosalind. ‘I have ordered an appropriate wardrobe for you, in order that you will not shame us when you attend the various functions in my stead. Helena, fortunately, knew your measurements so there will only be a few minor adjustments before the clothes are ready to be worn.’

  ‘There was truly no need—’

  ‘No.’ Her ladyship held up her hand, cutting off Rosalind’s protest. ‘There was every need. If we left you to your own devices, you would no doubt go out looking an utter drab.

  ‘Now, there is a party tonight that Helena must attend. It is a private affair for a few young ladies who are about to make their debuts, to accustom them to dancing with other couples before they are let loose in a crowded ballroom. The Duke has two adult sons and they will bring some of their friends to the evening to provide partners.’

  ‘The Duke?’

  ‘The Duke of Cheriton, Ros. I am bosom friends with his daughter, Lady Olivia, who is coming out this Season, as well.’

  ‘But...tonight? I had thought—’

  ‘Your invitation is for eight,’ her ladyship continued, ‘so you should go to your bedchamber now and rest. You will soon become accustomed to town hours, but we cannot have your first foray into polite society attended by yawns and dark circles around those lovely eyes. Although...’ her ladyship leaned closer to Rosalind and tutted ‘...I fear the dark circles are already present. No matter. Elspeth will know how to disguise those so you look your best. Frederick will remain and keep me company, so there is no need for any obligation on your part, my dear. Now...tonight...there is a pretty green evening gown in your wardrobe that will be perfect for the occasion and Elspeth will make any final adjustments to ensure it fits perfectly. I expect you to visit me here before you leave so I can give you my final approval.’

  Lady Glenlochrie waved a dismissive hand at Rosalind. ‘Run along now, my dear. I shall see you later.’

  As Rosalind left the room, she heard her ladyship say, ‘Now, Frederick, pull up that chair and tell me what you think of your first sight of London.’

  * * *

  My goodness.

  Rosalind stared around the grand entrance foyer of Beauchamp House in wonder. She had thought the Glenlochrie town house magnificent, but this...this was true opulence. How did anyone have enough wealth to live in this utter luxury? She and Nell followed a liveried footman, complete with powdered wig, up a wide, marble staircase, lit by a glittering chandelier suspended high above, to the first floor where they were shown through a pair of intricately carved doors into a salon thronged with strangers.

  A swarm of butterflies invaded Rosalind’s stomach as she smoothed her gloved hands down her skirt and then patted at her beautifully coiffed hair. She had joked with Elspeth, the maid appointed to her, that her appearance was fine enough to attend a real ball. Now she understood the woman’s enigmatic smile as she continued to diligently comb and tweak and pin Rosalind’s locks. Now, Rosalind could see that—compared with the bejewelled glitter of many of the ladies present—her appearance was positively restrained. She raised her hand to her simple locket. She had never needed fine necklaces.

  And I will not covet them now.

  She thought of her mother, who had been born into a world such as this and had been unable to adjust to a simpler, more basic life, even for love. She rubbed her locket between finger and thumb and thought of her father, and then of her grandfather. Her heart ached. So many years ago. Was Grandpa still alive, even? Rosalind pictured Grandpa as she had last seen him, stooping over his workbench, pouring his love into what was, for him, an extravagant gift for his only granddaughter for her sixth birthday.

  That was her re
ality. Not this.

  ‘We shan’t be announced, as this is an informal gathering,’ Nell whispered, as they paused a short way into the salon.

  Sheathed in silvery lilac, Nell looked beautiful and poised and at home in this world as she searched the faces of the other guests with a confident smile. They’d had little time to talk since Rosalind’s arrival, but she could see that Nell—Helena! I must become accustomed to calling her Helena—had changed in subtle ways since coming to town.

  ‘Look, Ros. There is Olivia and her aunt, Lady Cecily.’

  A slender young lady in a white gown, pink flowers woven into her raven hair, had emerged from the crowd and now hurried in their direction, a happy smile lighting her face. She was followed, more sedately, by a graceful, chestnut-haired lady, dressed in blue silk with a single strand of pearls around her neck and matching eardrops. Rosalind’s mouth dried even as her palms grew damp inside her evening gloves and she envied Nell for her careless confidence as she greeted her friend.

  What will they think when they find out Papa was a mere soldier?

  As soon as the thought arose, Rosalind quashed it. She would not be intimidated. She had loved her papa and she would not tarnish his memory by being ashamed of him now. She was not pretending to be something she was not—she was here solely to chaperon Nell.

  ‘Lady Cecily, Lady Olivia, I should like to introduce my sister, Rosalind Allen.’

  Rosalind bobbed a curtsy and returned the other ladies’ smiles, suppressing her jolt of surprise at the familiarity of Lady Olivia’s silver-grey eyes fringed by black lashes...the image of Leo Boyton’s. She forced her wandering thoughts away from that wretch. Many people had black hair and grey eyes. Would she freeze with shock every time she encountered one?

  ‘I am pleased to meet you,’ Lady Cecily said.

  ‘And I,’ Olivia said. ‘Nell has told me all about you and your brother, Miss Allen. And I cannot wait to meet Hector.’