by Joyce Alec
Suddenly Bosley was pulled away from her.
"Give me your hand, Miss Faith. I'll take you home," Edmund reached out and she gladly took his hand as he pulled her towards him. She felt faint. Too much had gone on and she collapsed as her legs went from under her.
Edmund scooped her up in his arms.
"Bosley, never contact me again. How could you?" Edmund shouted as he left Madigans.
Alice came to in the carriage.
"What happened? My lord, what happened?" she cried out.
She was so afraid, so unlike the day of the accident.
"That Bosley. I'll never have anything to do with him again. He didn't try to hurt you in any way, did he? I will have him dealt with, you know," Edmund sounded angry. He was riled up. He was afraid for what might have happened to her under his watch, and he couldn't bear it if anything had happened to her.
"You just rest and I'll tell you when we get home. His Grace will want details, and it will save you telling it again. Plus, I have my part of the story to reveal."
Edmund fell silent, but he heard Alice crying. She was so distraught. He couldn't get the image from his mind, walking into Madigans and seeing Bosley overpowering her. He could never let Edmund have anything for himself. Bosley just had to interfere and destroy all that was good.
Rather than back down, as was his norm, he had an attitude of power that caused the other party-goers to stand back out of his way as he pulled Bosley away from Alice. Her frightened face, seeing her cowering, looking so lost and alone, she had brought out another side of Edmund.
When Edmund had arrived rather abruptly at the duke's, he was in a tizzy. Jarvis was perplexed at the marquess's ranting about the Duke being ill, and when the duke appeared, Edmund had come to his senses. It was a ruse. The only one he knew capable of such behavior was Bosley. He had dashed out of the house again, much to the duke's annoyance. With the theater closed, he had made his way to Madigans, and sure enough, found the scene.
Jarvis opened the door as the carriage arrived, and much like the scene of the Alice's arrival, Edmund insisted on carrying her through to the drawing room.
The duke bellowed as he left his study to enter the drawing room demanding answers.
Edmund revealed his side of the story and Alice told him what had happened next.
Unbeknownst to her, Alice had helped Edmund stand up to a man who had controlled him for far too long. The duke had noticed this, too. He had always disliked Bosley, even when he was just a boy. There was something devious about him, but the duke had to admit, he liked this side of Edmund.
5
Bosley stood by the fire, furious at the night's events. His friends had laughed at him when Edmund left with the young woman. He had never been so humiliated in his life. He was the one who laughed at others. Who did Edmund think he was to behave like that towards him? He would pay for his behavior, and so would this woman masquerading as Faith. He now knew exactly who she was, but now he had to ensure Edmund's social annihilation.
He laughed at his plan. It would be marvelous, and it was sure to put Edmund and the duke in their place. Who did they think they were to lord over him?
Bosley was glad he hadn't recognized Faith immediately. It was only when Edmund carried her away that he remembered who she was.
This was an excellent plan. He would extend an invitation to a particular young lady to accompany him to Almack's. The lady's maid of the Countess who organized the vouchers was rather sweet on Bosley, and he knew that the duke had been in touch requesting vouchers.
No one was going to get away with making a fool of him. Satisfied that his plan couldn't fail, Bosley went to bed.
Edmund and Alice had no idea of what was in store for them but for now, they were both recovering from their traumatic night.
"Jarvis, send for the doctor. Miss Faith is quite the peculiar color. It's a wonder it didn't jerk her memory back into place," the duke said.
Alice was shivering despite being covered in blankets. The doctor checked on her, but there was nothing physically wrong with her. He gave her a sleeping draught so that she could recover by morning.
The duke and Edmund spoke.
"It's a dastardly business, Edmund. I shall attend Almack's with you and Faith. By Jove, we'd better find her family. It's a big responsibility caring for her. I just cannot fathom how no one is looking for her."
Edmund agreed with the duke. It was high time that Alice was reunited with her family. Only then he could he ask permission to court her. Edmund's mind was made up. He wanted to marry her. Only a man in love could behave as Edmund had done. He had the strength of ten lions; he had been ready to pounce on Bosley.
The ton loved gossip, and without knowing her background, stories abounded that she was a French aristocrat, or a Russian tsarina, smuggled into London to escape death. Yet other rumors were circulating that she was, in fact, a nobody who had inveigled her way into the duke's home. Her presence made them notice the otherwise invisible Edmund, and Bosley didn't like that fact. He was the star of their group, and he wasn't looking for anyone to take his title as leader of their pack.
The following morning, Alice was hesitant about leaving the house, and the duke didn't force her. He encouraged her to sit with him. He sensed she didn't want to be alone and she was pleasant company. She was quiet when he needed to work, as she took reading some of the books in his library.
"You remind me of my dear wife. She used to sit there and read while I worked. I've missed that," the duke smiled kindly at her.
"Your Grace is very kind to compare me to the duchess. I have seen her portraits; she was a very beautiful woman," Alice said.
"They really do not do her justice at all. She was beautiful on the inside and out." The duke looked away.
Alice was sure he had shed a tear.
"Tell me, my dear, how do you feel about Edmund?"
The question unnerved her.
"Both you and he have taken great care of me," she said diplomatically.
"Yes, but how do you feel about him?"
"I feel safe when he is close by. Being alone in Lord Bosley's company unnerved me. A feeling I have never felt with Lord Cholmosley. It was quite peculiar. I feel safe with the marquess…" she paused.
"I am glad to hear that. Edmund is anxious that we find your family. He wishes to propose to you, but he must ask your father's permission. He has grown as a man in the short time you have been here. I would be very much in favor of such a match, if you were in agreement, Miss Faith."
"But Your Grace, I do not know if I am promised to another."
Alice wasn't sure she wanted to commit herself to any agreements.
"I didn't think of that. We shall see."
It saddened Alice to think no one was looking for her. The same thought had struck the duke and the marquess when they allowed that thought to rise. She should have been found by now. While many descended on London, the community was still quite small, and word would have spread by now if one of them was missing. There was an intrigue here, but the duke, who considered himself a great study of people, knew there was no presence of malice on Alice's part. She really didn't remember who she was.
But someone was looking for Alice, although not very successfully. Betty had convinced Jim to take her to their local police station, but the police weren't interested in looking for a disgraced lady's maid. Instead, Betty went to each police station and hospital she came across to see if any unidentified bodies were in their presence. She was assuming the worst. It was the only explanation.
Betty went to see Mrs. Dempsey to tell her what had happened. Mrs. Dempsey was shocked. It would be so out of character for someone like Alice to up and disappear. She was a gracious young woman. They came to the same conclusion. She must be dead. They didn't realize that someone was eavesdropping on the conversation and relishing every word. Connie couldn't contain her snicker. That uppity Alice had got her what she deserved.
"Who is there?" Mrs. Dempsey called out as
Connie revealed herself.
"It's you. What are you doing here? What is that on your face?" Mrs. Dempsey looked back at Betty as she spoke and rolled her eyes at the get up of Connie.
"I'm meeting my gentleman friend," Connie said haughtily.
"Some gentleman!" Mrs. Dempsey guffawed.
"He's a real gent. You're just jealous because you're so old. What are you looking at?" Connie directed at Betty who was smiling at Mrs. Dempsey's comments.
"I used to be like you Connie, remember, thinking the "gents" would actually be interested in a maid. But you'll learn. Trust me."
Connie marched out. Her excitement at hearing of Alice's possible demise had faded by being teased by these two crones. She left, looking forward to meeting her fancy man.
"He's certainly turning her head, whoever he is. She's usually quite loud about the wealth of the men she sees, but she's keeping quiet on this one. I'm wondering if it's the same man as last year when we came here for the Season." Mrs. Dempsey said as she made tea for Betty.
"The Season isn't just for the young ladies we look after. I wasn't without having my head turned. She'll learn she's just a toy to be cast away when wife material catches their eyes. Those men don't marry maids."
Betty knew too well what it was like for a pretty girl to have her world turned upside down by a gentleman who would promise everything, but give nothing.
Jim had mended her broken heart, and they were happy together. They could do with more, but at least what they had was theirs. No one to boss them around. Jim had been the carriage driver for the Guildfords. But he couldn't stay feeling downtrodden. He wanted to make his own way in the world. What he really wanted was to have his own farm. But for now, it was just a dream. Betty loved him for it.
As Connie turned the corner, she saw her man standing there, waiting for her. She cheered up when she saw him and ran towards him.
"My pretty little thing, no need to run. Did you bring the jewels?" he asked, although Connie felt a little put out by his interest in the stolen Bankwell jewels, rather than her.
"Here they are," Connie said as she handed the handkerchief to the man.
"Good. Here's your cut. Tell me, Connie. What was the name of Lady Jane's lady's maid?"
Connie was sick of Alice's name.
"What's it to you? I hear she's dead. No one knows. Ain't you interested in me no more?" Connie tried to be coy.
"I've got no time today, Connie. But I'll see you soon, no doubt."
He walked away leaving her standing there alone.
"Bosley, you come back here. That ain't no way to treat a lady," she shouted at him.
"Good thing you aren't a lady then. Ta-ta, my pretty, it's been a blast," Bosley waved without looking back.
Connie threw a tantrum. Who did he think he was? She was going to get back at him. Thinking he could use her and then just leave her. No, no one made a fool of Connie Lakes and got away with it. She fumed as she watched him disappear.
As Bosley walked away, he thought about how he was going to get back at Edmund. He was going to relish in his revenge. He needed to dispose of the jewels first. Connie was becoming a liability. Pity though, he thought, she had a propensity for theft and having other people take the fall. Still, he couldn't have her falling in love with him. This was a business arrangement.
Bosley laughed as he returned to his carriage. With his plans in place, his trip to Almack's was sure to go down in history.
6
The duke was happy to see that that Alice had recovered from recent events. The day at home had proved to be the tonic she needed. She was chatty at breakfast, telling him about the play, and he loved watching how she spoke. His beloved wife had been an admirer of the theater. He, himself, found such things tedious to endure. Alice's recount took him back to another time in his life.
He had closed himself off after his wife had died. Her illness had been so short. And although he wasn't sure he ever wanted to let her go, she had been in so much pain, that it was a relief to her at the end to join the Lord. She was everything to him, and without her, he felt part of him was missing.
This young woman had brought an old man back to life again. It seemed the house was a home again with her presence. He watched her face light up as she enthused about going to Almack's.
"Yes, my dear, I am sure you will have a wonderful time. I must say. I'm rather glad that ghastly business has not failed to dampen your spirit," the duke said.
"I have decided it is not good to dwell on it. I am sure he had his reasons, and I can only think he is jealous of the marquess, who has now found himself in your good favor. I am fortunate that it was Edmund who knocked me down that fateful day rather than the Earl of Bosley," she furrowed her brow as she spoke.
Alice was excited at the prospect of going to Almack's. She told the duke how Edmund told her that as it was the place to be seen, so she was surely going to meet someone who would recognize her. The thought filled her with mixed emotions. She was happy with the duke and Edmund. It was strange to her not to have a sense of missing family.
"You shall need a new gown, my dear. Please choose from my wife's and Jarvis will arrange for a seamstress to visit," the duke told her as he gestured to Jarvis to ensure it was done.
His kindness made Alice feel a little emotional. All this talk of family made her wonder if her papa was as gracious and pleasant as the duke. She prayed that he was. She didn't relish the prospect of leaving such a calm place for something different.
"Now you run along, my dear. There is much work to be done. I shall see you later for dinner."
The duke, Edmund and Alice found themselves busy for the day and didn't meet until their pre-dinner drinks. Edmund was sanguine; it was a side of him the duke liked. At least something good had come Bosley's antics, a more mature Edmund. Nothing the duke could say would ever have had the same effect.
Alice was quiet during dinner. She was tired after being fitted for her gown, but she didn't want to spoil the surprise of her choice of dress. She had underestimated the effects of not knowing who she was and she had to stifle a yawn.
As the duke and Edmund sipped on their brandy, he asked Edmund if any more had been heard from Bosley.
"No, Your Grace, he has not made any contact with me, nor have I seen him on my daily constitutionals in Hyde Park. I must admit I was surprised by his actions. I suppose he was always like that, but I just never noticed. It's as though I see the world so differently. My concern for Miss Faith superseded any feelings of friendship I had for Bosley. He was so underhanded. I would never have believed him possible of such ungentlemanly behavior."
Edmund looked into his glass as he swirled its contents. Miss Faith was an enigma to him, and he wanted so much to make her his wife. He was more certain than ever. Who was she? He wasn't sure he cared whether she was titled or not. She was the most beautiful and unaffected person he had ever met. As though reading his mind, the duke interrupted Edmund's thoughts.
"She is certainly a mystery, but have faith that you will soon be able to marry, Edmund. I am glad she has made you more sensible. You need a good woman like that. At the very least, you see how destructive Bosley is, and you are no longer under his spell. For that, I am grateful. I long had my reservations that you would be capable of becoming sensible, but you are now a man," the duke watched Edmund, who smiled at the compliment.
"I never thought a woman would want to make a man wish to change. I feel Miss Faith deserves me to be my very best and I want to make her proud of me. I wish to return home tomorrow. Mama's jewels would be just the thing for Miss Faith's first Almack's. I want everyone to be dazzled by her. I do not wish her to know, Your Grace."
"Certainly, you must do what is right. I will explain your absence as a business necessity. I will keep the young lady entertained. There's an exhibition I'd like to visit at the Royal Academy. I wouldn't normally bother, as you well know, but I shall go with Miss Faith, as she reminds me of my dear wife and…"
"Yes, Edmund, a good woman will make you want to move mountains. She asks for nothing, but you do everything to be your best self. That is a rare woman, indeed, in my experience. See you when you get back from your estate. Jarvis, I'm ready to go to bed now."
The following morning, the duke took Alice along Hyde Park. He had no doubt that gossip was rife about Bosley's botched attempt to bring her name into disrepute. Being by her side, the duke ensured that she had his full support. Although none of this was on Alice's mind.
She was the perfect companion for the exhibition, and she made observations that made the duke forget at times that she wasn't his duchess. It was uncanny, he told himself, and he couldn't help but feel thirty years younger. In fact, at times he felt he was a young man again courting his bride. In her short time in the house, he had already lost the use of his walking stick. He moved more freely than he had in years. He had allowed himself to age prematurely in his grief but now Alice gave him a reason to be sprightly. She was the tonic he needed.
Alice had missed Edmund's presence for the day. It seemed odd to her that he would leave without a word. The duke explained he had been called away on business. She hoped he wasn't upset by Bosley's shenanigans, although his absence afforded her the opportunity to spend some time alone with the duke. She wanted to ask him what would become of her if no one claimed her, but each time she opened her mouth to ask, she changed her mind. She didn't want her time to end.
The evening of the dance had arrived and Alice was feeling very nervous. She didn't know why but something was different. Alice put her necklace in her reticle, somehow she felt better having it with her, but she was reluctant to wear it with such an outfit. In fact, she hadn't worn it at all since her arrival, choosing instead to keep it on her person. She was dressed as beautifully as ever, and when the duke and Edmund saw her, she couldn't help but smile at their reactions. Their jaws seemed to drop as they took in the vision before them.
