The Orphan and the Duke

by Jillian Chantal

  “Sadly, Miss Mandeville, I do not. She’s a vicious lady, and we would all be happy never to see her again.”

  “Then I sincerely hope your friend’s wife comes through for you.”

  “That makes both of us.”

  They arrived at the foyer. The duke ordered his carriage for her then excused himself to return to his sisters.

  The trip home was too quick for Amelia. She was nervous about the reception she would receive upon arrival. She thought about asking the driver to drop a block or two away so she could pretend to have been out for a walk.

  Before she could do so, the horses stopped and the driver jumped down to open the door. Amelia took a deep breath and stepped out into the street with the assistance of the driver.

  Susan came out the front door, followed by Amelia’s aunt and uncle.

  The carriage departed, and Susan moved straight toward Amelia.

  “Why did you go to the duke’s home without me and without leaving a note? You know Father said the condition of you going was that I had to be included.”

  “Can we take this inside, please? We don’t want to give the neighbors something to gossip about.” Amelia surprised herself by strolling past her family without stopping. Her stomach clenched, but she held her head high and entered the house.

  Inside the parlor, Amelia stood in front of the fireplace and braced herself for the battle ahead.

  “Was there a reason you disobeyed my rule about Susan accompanying you each time you called on the duke or his sisters?” her uncle asked.

  “No one was home, and he sent his carriage for me. What was I going to do? He’s a duke. I cannot very well ignore the man, can I?” Amelia hoped the lie wouldn’t come back to harm her. That’s not really a lie, is it? After all, the man was waiting in the carriage for the return letter, wasn’t he?”

  “You could have sent the carriage back with a note to return for both of us in a couple of hours,” Susan said. “I know why you didn’t. You want him all to yourself. You’re being so nice to those two sisters of his in some kind of deluded idea that he will be attracted to you as a possible mother figure to them.”

  Amelia shook her head. “You have no idea what you’re talking about. His sisters are old enough to be on the marriage market and have no need for mothering. And I surely know I am in no way on an equal social standing with a duke and have no expectation of anything when it comes to him.” She couldn’t resist adding, “Unlike you and your thoughts that he will offer for you.”

  “It’s much more likely he’d offer for me than one such as you.” Susan tossed her head.

  “And so we’re back to that, are we?” Amelia could scarce believe herself. She’d never spoken to her cousin in such a way and certainly not in front of her aunt and uncle.

  “Back to what?” her aunt asked in an icy tone.

  “Calling me illegitimate. It seems to be the topic we turn to most often.”

  “I don’t know what has gotten into you, Amelia, but I don’t like it. As I was afraid would happen, the duke has obviously compromised you and made you think you are better than your family. I have news for you. Even if he has seduced you, he won’t marry you. More likely, he will leave you with child and destitute.”

  “What?” Amelia stepped back, appalled at the words her uncle spoke.

  “You heard me. I told that man the day he called here that I knew what his illicit purpose was, and now I have been proven right.”

  Amelia wanted to ask if that was when the duke broke his nose but decided it wouldn’t be a good idea. He was angered enough without reminding him of that.

  “I knew when we took her in all those years ago she’d turn out like her mother,” her aunt said.

  “What is that supposed to mean?” Amelia’s head reeled at the accusations and statements being thrown her way.

  “You know very well what it means. I can’t believe you allowed the Duke of Darnley to defile you.” Susan’s face registered shock, but Amelia thought she recognized jealousy.

  “I stand here absolutely stunned that you three think so little of me—no, wait, I know none of you respect me, so let me change that—think so little of the duke as to accuse him of such behavior. If he knew you were saying such things, he would no doubt call you out, Uncle Henry.”

  “No. I’m sorry, Amelia. He already told me he wouldn’t call me out for it which leads me to the exact point I’m trying to make here. If he won’t call me out, doesn’t it mean it’s the truth?” Her uncle paced the area in front of her. She feared he’d strike her, but she knew she’d survive, though she’d never seen him so enraged. The color of his face was such that she was afraid he might be stricken with apoplexy.

  “It is not the truth. Nothing untoward has happened.” Hoping her face didn’t betray her thoughts of the duke’s strong arm around her waist as they danced, Amelia stared hard at her uncle. She’d decided to let pass the comment about her mother, for she knew another callous word spoken against the woman who gave her life would be her undoing.

  She was able to stay strong in the face of the current attack only because she focused on the completely false statements about the duke. Her only memories of her parents were not memories but sensations. Feelings of warmth and comfort. She couldn’t bear anyone to talk about her mother and sully those sacred emotions.

  Her uncle stopped in front of her, his face mere inches from hers. “Hear and know this. If you start increasing, you will be on the street the very day I notice it. Be assured there will be no additional chances if it becomes clear you have lain with the man.”

  “That won’t happen, Uncle. You will all see. We are innocent.”

  “I hope so, for your sake. Now, go to your quarters. A tray will be sent for your dinner. I don’t want to look at your face again today,” he said.

  “Father? May I ask a question?”

  “Yes, Susan. What is it?”

  “Are you returning to the duke’s home before presentation night?”

  “Lady Saffron and Lady Jonquil have asked that I make one more trip tomorrow for a last chance to practice. I told them I would, but if Uncle would rather me make my apologies, I will do so.”

  “No. Please, Father. I want another chance to try to spend time with the duke.”

  “You would want to be married to a man who has defiled your cousin?” Amelia’s aunt asked in a stunned tone.

  “She says he didn’t. I can believe he wouldn’t want to defile her. Besides, there is a lot I would forgive for the chance to be a duchess.”

  Amelia couldn’t resist. She knew she should, but since she’d already been banished to her room, she figured she might as well. “You could forgive a man who might prefer another woman over you?”

  “Only because I’d know he only prefers her because he wouldn’t have to offer marriage in order to bed her.” Susan tossed her head, her curls quivering in the air.

  There was nothing else to say. Amelia knew she’d opened herself to that comment. She turned and left the three of them in the parlor, not slowing her stride until she was in her room.

  The next day, Amelia and Susan arrived at the duke’s home soon after the midday meal. After the butler let them in, they made their way to the ballroom to wait for Jonquil and Saffron to appear. The cat followed them down the corridor.

  “I don’t know why their brother allows that mouser to have free run in the house. It’s disgusting.” Susan glared back toward the animal.

  “I think he’s rather sweet.”

  “Of course you do.” Susan sneered.

  Amelia shook her head and decided not to respond. She knew it was always better not to, and after the night before, she was reminded of it.

  “I wonder where Jonquil and Saffron are,” Susan said.

  “You mean L
ady Jonquil and Lady Saffron, don’t you?”

  “No, I don’t. Once I convince the duke that I am his duchess, I’ll be allowed to address them merely by their first names.”

  “You really have no idea how the man feels about you, do you? How could you if you keep telling yourself there’s a possibility that he would ever offer for you?”

  “Why do you think you know so much? He may be bedding you, but he surely doesn’t confide his thoughts to you.”

  “I suggest you not speak that way here in the man’s own home.”

  “I notice you didn’t deny it this time.”

  They arrived at the door to the ballroom, and Amelia opened it. Before she stepped inside, she whispered, “I’m not going to spend any more time denying it since not one of you believes me.”

  Looking across the room, Amelia noticed the Staunton sisters already in their practice trains, veils, and feathers. Saffron waved and called across the space, “Come in. We’ve spent the morning practicing.”

  Amelia moved inside, not bothering to see if Susan was following. The cat bounded past her on the way to Jonquil, who picked him up and patted him. “Look at my handsome escort, Miss Amelia.”

  “He’s very handsome. All the ladies of the ton will be quite jealous.” Amelia arrived beside the sisters and ran her hand over the cat’s head.

  “If you’ve been practicing already, then you don’t need me.” Sad that they’d started without her, Amelia forced herself to smile.

  “Oh yes, we do. Basil said you’d be busy when we’re getting ready for the evening tomorrow, so we decided to do it twice. You’ve helped us so much, we wanted you to be able to share in our moment.” Saffron held out her hand. “Come with us. We’re going to use our mother’s dressing room since it’s the biggest one in the house.”

  “I’m still worried about that, Saffron. We haven’t been in there very often since Mama died. I’m afraid I’ll cry.”

  “Don’t think of it that way, Lady Jonquil. I’m sure if she were alive, she would’ve had you both in there to be by your side. Let’s imagine she’s still here.”

  “That’s complete nonsense, Amelia,” Susan said.

  “And that’s why we want you to stay here or return to the parlor,” Saffron said.

  A sly look crossed Susan’s face. “I’m sorry. Please let me come. I’d love to see what you’re wearing. I wasn’t at your final fitting.”

  “All right, you may come, but you must be kind to Miss Amelia.” Jonquil set the cat down. “Come along, Archimedes. We can’t leave you in here alone.”

  “If you can’t leave him, wouldn’t it be easier to carry him out?” Susan asked. Amelia could tell her cousin was trying to be amiable, but it was hard for her.

  “He’ll follow along. You’ll see.” Saffron led the way. She moved down the hallway at the pace required by the presentation ceremony, still with the veil and feather on her head.

  Amelia wanted to laugh at the procession they made. Two young girls dressed in false trains, her cousin with a fancy calling gown covered with ribbons, and herself in a morning dress she rarely changed out of for the afternoon. An orange cat followed them out.

  Arriving at the dressing area, Amelia gasped at the spaciousness of it. It seemed to go on forever. It was tastefully decorated with pale blues and white accents and obviously expensively furnished. Two ladies were in the room dressed in maid’s uniforms. Amelia presumed they were the girls’ personal maids.

  She glanced over at Susan to see what she was doing and recognized the look of envy on her cousin’s face. So this is why she wanted to come along. She wanted to see what kind of rooms the Duchess of Darnley would have.

  “Isn’t this a lovely room? We always loved to watch our mother get ready for balls and other outings. We’ve spent a lot of time sitting in here.” Saffron sat on one of the stools.

  “What a nice memory to have,” Amelia said.

  Saffron’s maid stepped up behind her. “We should put the gown on, milady, before I prepare your hair and feather.”

  “You’re right. I don’t know why I sat first. It must be nerves.” Saffron giggled. “If I’m this nervous the day before I meet Queen Charlotte, I’m terrified of how scared I shall be on the morrow.”

  “It’s going to be even worse than you think, Saffron. Basil says he hasn’t heard from his friend’s wife about being our sponsor, so he must send a note to Aunt Caroline.” Jonquil’s voice sounded as if she were on the verge of tears.

  “What’s wrong with your aunt?” Susan asked.

  Amelia wished her cousin hadn’t posed the question. It hung on the air as if it had a life of its own.

  Since neither of the sisters responded to her, Susan repeated the query. “I say, what’s the issue with your aunt? It seems to me under court protocol that she would be the proper person to sponsor you. Is she the sister of your father or mother?”

  “It doesn’t matter, Susan.” Amelia said. “It’s none of our business. We mustn’t ask impertinent questions.”

  “How dare you accuse me of being inappropriate. You are impudent yourself to address me in such a way.” Susan stood as if to come toward Amelia.

  Though she didn’t believe her cousin bold enough to lay hands on her in front of the duke’s sisters, she moved away in case that was the intent.

  “Wait one second,” Saffron said as her head emerged from the neckline of her dress. Her maid pulled the fabric down over the girl’s torso. “Why wouldn’t your own cousin be on an equal footing with you? It seems to me she could address you any way she desired.”

  Appalled by the direction of the conversation, Amelia almost swooned. What will Lady Saffron and Lady Jonquil think of me when my lack of legitimate paternity comes out? Will they hate me? Look down on me? It is not to be borne.

  Just as Susan opened her mouth to tell them the truth, there was a knock at the door.

  The duke’s voice called out from the other side. “Are you suitably attired for visitors?”

  “Yes, come in Basil,” Jonquil called out.

  He opened the door and stepped in. Both maids curtsied.

  “Mary and Elizabeth, please excuse us. You can attend to the ladies in a few minutes. I have something to discuss with them.” The duke allowed them to leave then poked his head into the hallway. “Come on in.”

  A lady dressed in a perfect, pale pink gown that accentuated her blond curls and blue eyes entered, followed by a sublimely handsome man with dark hair and the best legs Amelia had ever seen.

  “May I present my sisters, Lady Saffron and Lady Jonquil?”

  Both young ladies curtsied. “This is my friend Myles Cuthbert and his wife, Lady Augusta Cuthbert. Her father is the Duke of Huntington, and she has graciously agreed to be your sponsor tomorrow night.”

  Lady Augusta smiled at the sisters. “It’s so nice to meet you both. When Myles asked if I would agree to sponsor you, I wasn’t sure since I’ve never done anything of this nature, but if you will have me, I will be glad to do so.”

  Before either of his sisters could answer, the duke said, “I’m sorry. I’ve been remiss. This is Miss Amelia Mandeville. She’s been assisting my sisters in the protocol of the presentation process. Along with her is her chaperone, Miss Susan Mandeville.”

  “How nice to meet—”

  Before Lady Cuthbert could finish her sentence, Susan wailed, “Chaperone?” She stuck out her bottom lip and glared at the duke. “Why, I never.” She turned on her heel and fled the room.

  Amelia thought about following her but decided to stand where she was. She was sure it would do no good to try to soothe Susan. All she would get for her trouble was a pinch, a slap, or her hair pulled. Yes, it is safer to stay right where I am.

  “I’m sorry about that young lady. She’s high strung, but
her father—Miss Mandeville’s guardian—insisted Miss Amelia have a companion with her when she’s in my home. We can’t blame him, can we? After all, sending his niece to the home of a single man on an almost daily basis had to be concerning for him, hadn’t it?”

  “I’m surprised the chap allowed it at all,” Mr. Cuthbert said.

  “I’m glad he did. We learned so much from Miss Amelia.” Jonquil took Amelia by the hand. “We love her.”

  The words Jonquil spoke went straight to Amelia’s heart, and it seemed as if it would burst from her chest. She held back the tears that formed in her eyes, but for a while, she was actually blinded by them.

  “Yes, we do. She’s so kind and wonderful. We want her to stay through the entire season.” Saffron nodded at Amelia. “You will, won’t you?”

  “If you need me, I will.” Amelia’s heart was fuller than it had ever been. She’d never been so appreciated. It was an alien feeling, and she desired it to go on forever.

  “I’m glad the ladies had you to help them. As I recall from my own presentation, I was sure I would land on my face in front of the Queen’s throne,” Lady Cuthbert said.

  “My darling Augusta, that was always a possibility with you. And I’m a bit surprised that it didn’t.” Myles’ face appeared to glow as he smiled at his beloved wife. He turned to face Amelia. “I’m afraid my wife is a bit of an anomaly. She’d rather be out in the field hunting or riding her horse than in a ballroom.”

  “Hush, my love. These young ladies sure don’t want to hear their sponsor has no manners.” She smiled at Amelia. The woman had a beautiful, warm countenance, and Amelia liked her instantly. “Were you a puddle of nerves at your own presentation?”