by Wendy Vella
“I’m waltzing in a ballroom.”
“So you are, Duchess, and you dance very well for someone who has not had much practice.” Daniel gently led her through a turn that she managed without tripping over his feet.
“Yes - ” she gave him a shy smile “ - I do.” Eva looked up at him and even though they were surrounded by hundreds of people, she was aware of only him. His intent grey eyes were focused on her also. “Thank you.”
He understood that the thank you was for so much more than the waltz.
“The pleasure is all mine.” Daniel’s eyes were on her lips. Eva could almost feel his kiss. She longed to rise to her toes and press her mouth to his.
“You’re beautiful,” he said, sounding as if the admission was causing him pain.
“So are you.”
He snorted. “Men are not beautiful, Duchess. Handsome, yes, even pleasing, but beautiful, no.”
“The music has finished, your Graces.”
“Eva looked into the smiling face of the lady who was walking past them with her partner.
“Thank you, Lady Tilbury.”
“Is something wrong, Daniel?” Eva questioned as she noted he was now scowling.
“Come, Duchess.” He did not answer her question, instead grabbing her hand and towing her from the dance floor. They did not stop until Claire stood before them.
“Good evening, Daniel, Eva.”
“I shall leave my wife in your hands, Claire.”
“You’re leaving?” Eva hadn’t meant her words to sound desperate, but the thought of being in this room filled with strangers, without him at her side, was daunting.
“I will return for the second waltz, Duchess.”
“Of course.” Eva straightened her shoulders. “I shall be fine here with Claire.” That sounded better, stronger, as if she was in control and not quaking with nerves inside.
He gave her a last, intent look before walking way.
“You look beautiful, Eva.” Claire took her hands, holding them wide. “It is a far cry from the dress I first saw you in.”
“‘Not quite the thing’, I believe you said.” Eva remembered that day clearly, because after Claire left, she had been attacked by Gilbert Huxley. Was he here? She hoped not.
Thinking of Lord Huxley brought her father to mind. How could she have given him Daniel’s grandfather’s ring? Dear Lord, what would her husband think of her if ever he found out? It had been desperation that had made her hand it to Bartholomew. She’d had nothing else to give at such short notice. If pushed by Daniel to hand it back, she could say she had lost it or it had slipped off her finger. She hated betraying him now, when they seemed to be bridging the gaps that had kept them distant from each other, yet she had to if she was to keep both he and Reggie safe.
CHAPTER TEN
“Two of the most beautiful woman in the room and standing together. I am blessed, indeed.”
“Simon, how are you this evening?” Eva placed her hand in his as he joined them. He looked handsome with his silver hair and black evening jacket.
“Very well, your Grace. Good evening, Miss Belmont,” he added.
“Lord Kelkirk.” Claire sank into a curtsy with great reluctance.
“Will you dance with me soon, Eva?”
“I would love to.”
“And you, Miss Belmont, would you dance with me also?”
“My card is full, Lord Kelkirk.”
Eva watched his mouth draw into a thin line before he relaxed once more. “I shall return for you shortly, Eva.”
“That man is insufferably rude,” Claire snapped, glaring at Lord Kelkirk’s retreating back.
“Simon? Surely not. I think he is one of kindest gentleman I know,” Eva stated. “Not that I know many gentlemen, but he has always been so lovely to me, Claire.”
Claire didn’t speak straight away, her eyes on Simon’s retreating back. She looked pretty in soft apple blossom, her hair pinned into place with tiny diamond pins that sparkled as they caught the candlelight. “I am sorry, Eva. It is just that I…he seems to annoy me for some reason that I cannot identify.”
Eva thought she knew why Simon annoyed Claire but was not about to enlighten her friend. In time, they would work it out for themselves.
“We can’t like everyone we meet and I am sure one day you and Simon will be friends.”
Claire made a scoffing sound but said nothing further.
“The Dowager Duchess has informed me that I must host a ball which she will hold at her home,” Eva said, changing the subject. “I am to present myself there promptly at eleven a.m. tomorrow to discuss the preparations.”
“Did she, by God. Old tarter. Still…” Claire chewed her lip thoughtfully. “She is right - you do need to launch yourself into society, and hosting your own ball will be just the event to assure your name sits on all the right lips. And as much as I do not relish spending time in the dowager’s company, Eva, for you I will offer any support you need.” Claire looked like she had swallowed something vile.
“She is really not all that bad. In fact she and the ladies Fairlie and Dunbar were rather sweet when I sat with them earlier.”
“Sweet!” Claire shuddered.
“Now, brace yourself, my friend. You are about to dance until your feet are weary.”
“Pardon?” Confused, Eva looked at Claire.
“You are the new Duchess of Stratton, the latest curiosity, and now they will want to get to know you.”
“They?”
“Them.” Claire nodded toward the throng of people.
“Surely not all of them?” Eva said, only half joking.
“Not all, but quite a few and here comes your first.”
Eva watched as a tall, elegantly dressed man made his way toward her.
“And I am to accept all these requests to dance?”
“Yes.” Claire smiled at the man as he stopped before them. “Lord Culliver, how do you do this evening?”
“Very well, Miss Belmont.” Lord Culliver bowed before them. “I wonder if you would be so kind as to introduce me to the Duchess of Stratton.”
Eva looked confused as the man spoke to Claire and not her when it was she he wanted to meet.
“Your Grace, allow me to introduce Lord Culliver to you.” Claire turned to face Eva, as Lord Culliver did.
“How do you do, your Grace? May I have the honor of this dance?”
Claire nodded and then widened her eyes, which Eva thought meant she was supposed to return the greeting.
“Good evening, Lord Culliver, and thank you, I would love to dance.”
Placing the tips of her fingers on his sleeve, she nodded to Claire and then they made their way to the dance floor. The music started and taking a deep breath, she searched her memory for the steps to the Cotillion. It did not take long to master the dance and soon Eva was enjoying herself. It was unsettling at first to be holding hands with complete strangers and yet they thought nothing of it; therefore, neither would she.
“Had I known that a delicate flower such as yourself was secreted away in the country, your Grace, I would have moved heaven and earth to reach you before the duke.”
Eva smiled to Lord Culliver as they joined hands once again. “Thank you, my lord.”
When the dance finished, he returned her to Claire, where another awaited her introduction and so the night went. Eva soon realized there was not much to learn about social chitchat. You answered with a thank you and a name when complimented and usually the recipient was happy to take up the reins and talk about either himself or the latest piece of gossip. She didn’t like the leering or touching and in some cases the foul-smelling breath, but for the most part, she coped. Many made pointed suggestions about her rushed marriage to Daniel but those she avoided with a smile or a murmur.
She saw Daniel dancing with other women and refused to acknowledge that the sharp pain inside her was jealousy. These people had been part of his world for a long time and unlike her, he was com
fortable in this setting. Occasionally, he caught her eye and tilted his head but he did not come near her again.
“Well, I declare the first social outing for the Duchess of Stratton a huge success,” Claire said when Eva returned from yet another dance.
Too tired to say anything, Eva just nodded and slipped into the seat beside her. How did these people dance for so many hours every night?
“There is hardly a man present who has not approached you, Eva.”
Eva’s feet throbbed as she looked around her. Surely it was well past midnight and time to go home? “And I must do this again soon?”
“Yes. Possibly tomorrow night, depending on what invitations Daniel has accepted.”
Eva groaned as she slumped into the uncomfortable chair. She would never survive the remainder of the season.
“My dear Berengaria.”
Both she and Claire stiffened as Gilbert Huxley approached. His smile was a mere curl of the lips and his smooth looks, to her mind, made him appear reptilian.
“Lord Huxley. Good evening.” Eva stood and took Claire’s arm as she did the same.
“I did not realize you knew the Duchess of Stratton, Lord Huxley.” Claire’s tone could have frozen the Thames.
“Berengaria and I are old friends, Miss Belmont, aren’t we, my dear?”
His words made their association sound intimate and Eva prayed no one else heard them.
“Lord Huxley is an acquaintance of my father’s, Claire.” His eyes narrowed as she clarified their relationship.
“I am friend to all the Winchcombs, Miss Belmont. An acquaintance of long standing, you understand. And to that point, Berengaria, how are you enjoying your first foray into our ranks?”
“As a duchess, I have, of course, been welcomed with open arms, which should not surprise you, Lord Huxley, considering who my husband is.”
Claire squeezed her arm in support but remained silent. Perhaps she sensed the tension between Eva and Lord Huxley.
“Yes, you have undergone quite the transition from country maid to duchess, Berengaria.”
Eva withstood his eyes raking over her body.
“And now we shall dance for old time’s sake.” He held his hand toward her and Eva fought the urge to slap it aside.
“I had thought to sit this one out, Lord Huxley. I fear my feet are not yet accustomed to such vigorous exercise.” Eva did not want Daniel to see her talking or dancing with Lord Huxley, especially when he had expressly told her not to in the carriage on the way here.
“It is merely a gentle waltz, my dear Berengaria - nothing overzealous, I assure you.” He smiled at her, although the gesture failed to reach his eyes.
If she refused him would he cause a scene? Eva could not afford that to happen with so many eyes upon her. Perhaps she could dance and return to Claire before Daniel noticed she was with Lord Huxley.
“Eva, if you - ”
“I’m going to dance with Lord Huxley, Claire. I shall return soon.”
How could she suddenly feel so alone surrounded by so many people? Lord Huxley swung her into his arms, his fingers gripping hers so hard, she wanted to wince. But Eva knew how to hide what she felt.
“I knew you would dance like an angel, my dear. I hope to have the honor of partnering you often.”
Eva tried to keep the correct distance as he pulled her closer. It was the second waltz she realized, the dance she had promised to Daniel. If only her husband had come sooner to claim her then Huxley would not have approached and she would now be in the duke’s arms.
“I have no wish to dance with you again, Lord Huxley, and would ask you to keep your distance in the future.”
He laughed in her face. “I think not, Berengaria. In fact, you and I will be spending a great deal of time together. Otherwise, I may have to tell your husband how you gave away his grandfather’s ring.”
“My father told you what I gave him?”
“Of course. We are partners, your father and I, and you are now our most prized investment. We have quite a few plans for you.”
Eva tripped and Huxley pulled her briefly into his chest before setting her back on her feet.
“I will not allow you to threaten me, Lord Huxley, my husband will hear of it if you do,” Eva bluffed.
“Now, Berengaria, we both know that you will tell your husband nothing or I will slice him into pieces and return them to you in a small box, and that goes for your youngest brother, too.”
“You will never touch them!”
Her words were a venomous hiss, which made Huxley’s eyes widen briefly and then he chuckled. “Don’t tell me you actually care for your husband, my dear. How terribly uncivilized of you.”
Fear for Daniel’s safety had forced her to hand over that ring and she knew that in doing so there was no way to turn back now even if she had wanted to. Daniel would never understand why she had done it and he would see it as a betrayal, especially as he had told her he would protect her from her family.
“Now, in future, Berengaria, you will be a very good girl and do exactly what we tell you.”
She didn’t speak again and was relieved when the music finished. Looking to where Claire stood, she saw that both Simon and Daniel were now at her side. The duke was scowling but not at her; his eyes were directed at Lord Huxley.
“Your Grace, your wife dances like an angel,” Lord Huxley said when they drew near.
Daniel said nothing, instead taking her fingers from Huxley’s arm and replacing them on his.
“I will call for you tomorrow, Berengaria, and we shall take my carriage for a jaunt around the park.”
“I fear there you are to be disappointed, Huxley. My wife drives solely with me.”
“Perhaps we shall go for a walk then, your Grace.” Lord Huxley looked from Daniel to Simon and his smiled slipped.
“Of course - ”
“I think not.” Daniel interrupted his wife, impaling Lord Huxley with his eyes until the other man lowered his.
“Until next time then, Berengaria.”
Eva watched the loathsome man turn to leave.
“In future, Huxley, you will call my wife by her correct title.”
He didn’t stop at Daniel’s words but Eva knew he heard them.
“The man is a pig.” Claire came to stand in front of Eva and ran her eyes over her friend to ensure she was unharmed.
“Did he upset you, Eva?”
“No, Daniel, Lord Huxley was everything he should have been. Please, there is no need to worry.”
“I told you to alert me if he approached you, yet instead you danced with him.”
She knew he was angry and could read the disappointment in his eyes. Yet how could she have done anything differently, her hands had been tied.
“Surely he was no harm to me here in front of so many people?” Eva said.
“We will discuss this no further here. We are leaving.”
Eva didn’t argue with Daniel’s words. She was exhausted, and dancing with Gilbert Huxley had unsettled her. She hugged Claire, then kissed Simon’s cheek and allowed Daniel to lead her from the ballroom.
Eva was sitting on the rug before the fire when Daniel entered her room later that night. She was staring into the flames with an intensity that told him she was deep in thought. Closing the door loudly enough for her to be aware of his presence, he walked barefoot toward her. Her hair hung like ropes of silk around her shoulders and she wore a pale cream nightdress with a sheer wrap over the top that hinted at the sweet body that lay beneath. He could see the arch of one slender foot crossed over the other, and her hands were wrapped around her knees.
“Did you enjoy your first ball, Eva?” Daniel moved to sit in the chair to her left. He was still angry over her dancing with Huxley therefore he did not follow through with his first impulse - to lay her backwards on the rug and lose himself in her soft curves.
“Yes and no.”
“Care to elaborate?” Daniel enquired, striving for calm when al
l he wanted to do was ease the ache in his loins. He studied her profile: the sweep of her spine, the sweet curve of her nose, the thrust of her chin. Every inch intrigued him and she belonged to him. No other man would ever have her, he vowed silently. Just thinking about it made his fists clench. He knew after tonight that other men would want her but he’d never allow that to happen. Sometime in the past few weeks she had come to mean something to Daniel. He wasn’t sure what, yet they were now bound together.
“Yes, I enjoyed dressing in that beautiful gown and talking to my new friends and yes, I enjoyed dancing…with some of my partners.”
She still would not look his way and Daniel wanted to see her eyes as she spoke and read the expression in their blue depths.
“No, I did not enjoy being the focus of so many prying eyes.” Eva dropped her chin to her knees. “And no, I did not like the loud whispers I heard behind my back, or the men who leered at me.”
The hiss of flames was the only noise for several seconds. Daniel sighed as she finally looked at him and he saw the confusion.
“With society comes both good and bad, Eva. There are some I count as friends and others who are not and in time you will learn the difference.”
“And I must learn these differences myself with no help from you?”
He knew she had been confused when he walked away but he had done so for her own good. Holding out his hand toward her, Daniel was pleased when she placed hers in it and moved to kneel before him. “Married couples are not supposed to spend too much time together or show undue interest in each other.” Daniel opened her hand and traced the fine lines of her palm.
“I do not yet understand society. It is filled with nuances and intrigues, all carefully masked behind a smooth, polished façade.”
“Very aptly put, Duchess.”
“But I think any rule that does not allow a husband and wife to spend time together is a very foolish one, indeed.”
“As do I,” Daniel said, realizing he meant every word. Leaning forward he touched his lips to hers. “In future, I think we shall forgo that particular rule and make up our own.”
