Julia came bustling in, ready to help her get dressed and ready for the night, when she noticed the door was open and she looked at Rhia with her eyebrows drawn together. “Why is the door open? Did something happen?”
Rhia shook her head. “Nothing to write home about. I have it handled.”
Julia smiled, “Let’s get you ready for this evening? Shall we?”
Rhia nodded her head, and smiled. Grateful once again to have her friend here with her.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Rhiannon
Northumberland, England Sept 1812
The ball came faster than she was ready for. Rhiannon was nervous. Never before having gone to such an extravagant ball. Or any event from the ton for that matter.
When she was younger, they had gone to a few things, but nothing that included people with titles or anything like that. It was very intimidating to her. Being around so many people that held titles and were the elite ton.
She knew that Aidan was uncomfortable in such a large gathering. He had told her so yesterday when they were out on their adventure. He said that with so many people staring at him and his scars, it made him uneasy. He knew what people said of him and he didn’t like it.
She didn’t even see them anymore, but he was self-conscious about them and of people staring. She didn’t like it. Knowing how much it bothered him. But it had never bothered her. She loved his scars. Because they made him the man he was.
Rhiannon thought Aidan a lot today, he was so busy getting the ballroom ready for tonight she hadn’t seen him, or received any of his kisses.
When he kissed her, it was as if the world faded away and she would simply melt into him. She loved him, and when they got a minute tonight, she would tell him so.
The only thing that could put a damper on tonight was Katarina.
Rhia had to keep her chin up and not be affected by Katarina and her mean words. More than once Rhia wanted to leave and never return after hearing what Katarina thought of her, but Aidan convinced her to stay.
She was glad she convinced him to not cancel the ball. She knew how hard everyone had worked, and she didn’t need to give Katarina more fuel to add to her hatred toward her.
There was a handsome gentleman downstairs that held her heart in his hands. He was all that mattered right now, and in the future.
Rhia looked in the mirror and gasped. Julia worked miracles and it showed. Her hair was beautiful. It was up in an intricate design, braids all over and small diamond pins decorated it here and there. She loved it.
Julia had also put a small amount of kohl around her eyes. It made her look so beautiful. She couldn’t wait to see Aidan’s face.
Lydia had ordered her the most beautiful gown she had ever seen. It was a deep sapphire blue that was simple in its design, no ruffles or flounces, just straight silk. It gathered in at the waist with a strip of silk and a small diamond pin in the middle. It also came off her shoulders in small cap sleeves and had a low neckline, that enhanced the curves of her breasts. It was much lower than she was used to, but for tonight, she wanted to look and act the part of the ton.
She had on soft blue slippers that didn’t have a heel on them, and she was grateful for Lydia’s attention to that.
Her limp was still quite noticeable, but she hoped that she would be able to dance at least once with Aidan leading her. She knew he would never let her fall.
There was a knock at the door and Julia went to open it. Rose, Lily and Lydia all came through looking gorgeous in their gowns of different colored silk. Rose was in a light pink, and Lily in pale yellow. Lydia was wearing an emerald green gown that made her eyes stand out. They were all stunning.
Rose gasped when she saw Rhiannon. “Rhia, you look so beautiful. Mother, that dress you picked is perfect for her.”
Lydia laughed, “I think so too. Rhia, you are a vision.”
Rhia blushed and looked down. She smoothed the skirts of her dress and pulled on the white gloves that Lily had lent her.
Lily nodded her agreement, still quiet. “Rhia, I have never seen a more beautiful woman. You deserve this night.”
Lily came over to her and grasped Rhiannon’s hands between her own. “I am grateful we found you. You are just what we need around here.”
Rhia blushed again, “I am more grateful than words can even express. Thank you for taking care of me. And accepting me.”
Lydia and Rose sniffled and they each pulled her into a hug. “Come ladies, let’s go enjoy this night.”
Lily and Rose walked out together and Lydia looped Rhia’s arm around hers. “My dear girl, I think there is a handsome man downstairs awaiting you.”
Just thinking about seeing Aidan made butterflies swarm in Rhiannon’s belly. “I am ready.”
They walked down the hall to the main staircase and there at the base of the stairs, was Aidan and Cole looking so alike in their finery. Rhia was glad to see them together.
They both had on all black, except their shirts and their waistcoats were a different color.
Aidan’s was a light gray with black stripes and Cole’s was a dark gray, solid with no stripes. They both had black pants, tucked into polished Hessians that came to their knees, white shirts and cravats with black evening coats.
Aidan had combed his hair back into a queue, and Rhia was glad to see he hadn’t cut it. She knew he had been debating on whether or not he should cut it, but she was glad to see he left it long. She loved his long hair. Loved running her fingers through it. She was disappointed to see he had shaved his beard, but seeing his handsome face without it, made her breath catch in her throat.
He was even more stunning and the butterflies in Rhia’s stomach intensified.
Aidan looked up to see them walk down and his gaze flicked to his sisters and smiled and then looked back at his mother with another smile.
He glanced at Rhiannon, as if he didn’t recognize her, then whipped his gaze back to hers. His eyes widened and he grinned.
Rhia smiled back at him, her heart in her eyes, seeing how his face lit up when he saw her, made her love him that much more. She didn’t think it was possible, but here she was, more in love with him than ever before. She sucked in a quiet breath and wanted to tell him. Determined that tonight she would tell him what was in her heart.
Cole stepped forward and held his arms out to his sisters and also took a second glance at Rhia. His eyes too, went wide and his mouth dropped open.
Rhia giggled and Rose hit Cole on the arm. “Forgive me Rhiannon. You look stunning.”
Aidan growled beside him, “She is more than stunning. There are no words to describe her beauty. She is a goddess.”
Rhia blushed and made it down the last of the stairs. She dropped into a curtsey the best she could, “Thank you, your Grace.”
Aidan grinned again and bowed to her. “My lady, if you would permit me to escort you?” He held out his arm for her and she slipped her arm through his. This was it, they were going in and Rhia took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She knew with Aidan by her side, nothing could harm her.
It felt wonderful being here with him. They were getting ready to go in when they heard Katarina’s whiny voice, “Mother, she doesn’t look hideous. You said that she was hideous! You lied to me about that and the fact that she had to wear a dress out of style. It’s not out of style. It’s magnificent. She isn’t supposed to be wearing something like that. Mother! Fix this!”
The last part was hissed quietly, but Rhia heard it nonetheless and was not looking forward to the next few moments.
Katarina came into view and sneered at Rhiannon. Then she smiled at Aidan and Cole, “Your Grace, my Lord. My aren’t you both just handsome this evening? But I am sorry, something is wrong with this arrangement. As this is my ball, and I have a title, unlike this woman here, surely, I will be escorted inside the ballroom first? It is the proper thing to do.”
Aidan sighed and forced out, “If you would just wait, I will take Rhia inside
first and then I will come back to escort you.”
Katarina stomped her foot. “No, I will not wait. This ball is for me, not her! I should be in there first. Everyone needs to see me first. It is the done thing. They need to look at me, and besides she could go in by herself. What would people say if they I went inside with no escort? I will be the laughing stock of my own ball!” She was shaking with rage, and Rhia could see that it wouldn’t end well if she didn’t get her way.
Aidan stiffened and Rhia knew he was getting ready to make things worse for them with Katarina, but Rhiannon patted his arm. “Go, I can wait here. It is just fine Aidan. Truly, it is fine.”
Aidan looked down at her and finally nodded. “I shall be right back.”
Katarina hurried over to him and bumped into Rhiannon on the way, who stumbled, but was able to right herself with Lydia’s help. Katarina said nothing, just turned her nose up to her and walked in on Aidan’s arm.
Lydia came and stood beside her. “Such a harpy. Don’t worry about her. We just need to get through this ball and then she is gone. Hopefully we won’t have to see her again anytime soon. I don’t think Aidan will stand for it if we had to see them again. He still isn’t happy this night is even happening at all. I do appreciate you being so kind and letting it continue. You didn’t have to.”
Rhiannon nodded, “You all worked so hard on this ball. That girl and her mother can say what they have to. I know that’s just how they are. And I know that if they need to say horrible things, then I will just have to let them. It hurts, but they are just words. And as you said, they will be gone soon and I won’t have to deal with them.”
Lydia smiled, “You dear girl. Still just kind. I hope they will not be doing anything this night. I want everything to be perfect and then they can leave with no complaints.” Rhia and Lydia smiled and then laughed and soon, Cole and Aidan were back to bring them into the ballroom.
It was overflowing with people, but that wasn’t what made Rhia gasp. The sight before her was something to behold. There were white sheer drapes across the ceiling and down the wall almost like a white waterfall, making it look like something from a fantasy. It all looked so romantic. There were huge vases of roses and lilies spread throughout the room and it was so beautiful in its simplicity.
Aidan led her inside further and conversation around them ceased to a whisper as Aidan walked past. She caught one snippet of a conversation that sounded awful. “Look at his face? How could he even want to show its hideousness in polite company?” “Does he have no shame? I would never show my face again if it looked like that.”
Rhiannon’s eyes filled with tears. Aidan looked down, “Don’t worry about what they say. It’s nothing I haven’t heard before. Dance with me?”
She nodded and Aidan led her to the edge of the dance floor and carefully led her through the first dance. She loved every moment of being in his arms, in this beautiful room.
It was so wonderful being with him. The man she loved. At the place she had fallen in love with. Aidan held her close and never once let her stumble. Rhia actually felt graceful in his arms.
The dance ended; another began. Aidan kept her in his arms, and led her through another dance. Rhia loved the second one more than the first. It wasn’t a waltz, but it was close to it. She loved being in his arms once again. After the second dance ended, Aidan reluctantly led her from the dance floor and showed her around the room for a few moments, before he led them to where his mother was seated, helping Rhiannon in a chair next to Lydia. Her leg ached, but she thought it was a good ache. She would take it a hundred times over to dance with Aidan again.
Lydia grasped her hand, “You dance beautifully my dear.”
Rhia smiled and felt Aidan at her back. “Are you well Rhia? Is your leg doing all right? It wasn’t too much strain, right? Dancing two dances? Are you thirsty? Never mind, I am going to get you some refreshments. I shall be back before you can miss me.”
Rhia nodded, wanting to answer his rapid questions, she was just fine, perhaps a tiny bit thirsty. But he never gave her the chance to speak. She smiled as he walked away.
Koryn had made her way over to where they were seated, a glass of lemonade in her hand. Just as she got close, she tripped and dumped her full glass into Rhiannon’s lap.
Rhia jumped up as best she could. Her leg protested the fast movement, it hurt her badly. She bit her lip to fight the cry that wanted to escape.
She shook off the lemonade, hearing, “Oh you poor dear, you should probably take care of that before it gets too wet and ruins your lovely gown.”
Lydia stood, “Do you need help Rhia?” Rhia shook her head and left without a word. She was angry that Koryn would deliberately spill her entire glass of lemonade on her dress. She just knew it was deliberate. Once again, Koryn and Katarina had to ruin her evening by being themselves. She really couldn’t wait for them to leave. She thought as she made her way slowly to the retiring room.
As she got close to the doors, she heard some women talking and went to open the door, but Katarina’s voice rang out, “It’s happening tonight. That’s why he held this ball. To celebrate our betrothal in front of the majority of the ton. He already got the ring from his mother.”
She heard another voice say, “What about his face? How can you stand to be around him?”
Katarina laughed, “I just don’t look at him when I kiss him and as for his heir, I wasn’t averse to doing the deed in the dark. He said that he needed to test the merchandise and since we haven’t seen each other since we were smaller children, he wanted to make certain I was the duchess he needs by his side and in his bed. Last night he came to my room, and the things that man can do, even though I can’t stand to look at him, makes up for it. He is sensational in bed. This whole week has been an act for him, with me. But he told me that he wants to have his new mistress secured before we announced our betrothal. And, though it hurts me to know I am not enough to satiate him in all ways, I understand it. He can have her, because I know that she isn’t in competition with me. She is too ugly, and crippled. Have you seen her walk?”
Rhia heard Katarina laugh. “Aidan would never want her over me. He may not be the most handsome man, but he makes up for it with his fortune, his title and his skills in the bedroom. He must have had several women teach him the art of lovemaking, as he is truly quite good. He can do things in bed that I have never felt before and I know I left marks on his body from how passionate our love making was last night. It’s a wonder we didn’t wake anyone with how loud we were last night. He is very vocal in the heat of the moment.”
Rhia heard several of the girl’s giggle, and she put a hand on her stomach, shocked and hurting to hear these things about the man she thought she loved. Katarina continued, though Rhia didn’t want to hear any more.
“We are wanting to get married as fast as possible, because I might be pregnant. It’s still too soon to know, but we shall find out soon enough. Which I am grateful for. I hate this place. It’s so large and drafty and there aren’t enough staff for my liking. The minute I know I am with child, I am leaving this sorry place and going back to London. I will even get him to come with. He wants to show me off to London and we will be the talk of the town.”
That same voice said, “What about his mistress though? Is she the girl I saw him dance with? She isn’t that ugly. He seems very protective of her. You might have a reason to be worried.”
Katrina made a rude noise. “Yes, that’s her. The stupid crippled bitch. I am certain he will keep her around. He has needs, and he said she can fill those needs while I am in London for part of the time. Because I know he has to be here as well. And I refuse to keep coming out here. He says it's all an act though. That he feels badly for her because he found her out in a storm and she got sick because of it. He said it was awful having to be there to wait on her hand and foot. He was much too busy to deal with that. He said it was hard on his family as well. Aidan is such a great actor, and is too kind to some
people to kick them out. He even came to her defense as part of his act. Even though he said he was simply acting.”
“I have treated her badly several times. He said he doesn’t want me to scare her away before he has her secured at his mistress. It was why he got so mad at me and my mother. He doesn’t want her to catch on just yet and leave. Women are few and far between out here and he wants this cripple girl. So, he kept making it seem like he was mad at me. He even threatened to cancel the ball. He is an excellent actor. He has made it seem as though the girl is something more to him, when in reality he only wants her for one thing. And he will get it. He always does. He is waiting until the ball is over, so I am not humiliated by it though. He is respectful of our betrothal.” Katarina giggled and Rhia's stomach clenched. She felt sick to her stomach, and hated hearing all of this the longer she stood there.
She was covered in sticky lemonade and hearing her worst fears confirmed. She put a hand to her stomach and to her mouth and fought to keep from retching. Listening as Katarina continue her horrible tale.
“I would hate to not let him get his manly urges taken care of. I may not always be around, so I would rather he do it with her, rather than with someone more beautiful than I am. That would be too much for me. I just hate that he feels the need to have her paraded around like a guest. I knew from the start she was to be or was already his mistress. I mean what normal man of the ton has a ‘guest’ stay at their house? That was what made me realize. And he is always around her. It’s part of his act, and I know he is just trying to get her to stay here when I leave. He says that his other mistress left and because of that hasn’t had his regular release. So it has built up. He needs someone to help with that and he decided it would be her. As long as I don’t have to see her, what do I care that he has someone on the side? I was the one he was with last night. Twice. He is just so large and dominating, that I could hardly keep up with the demands he had. I may just have to make sure her bed is empty for a time. It was delicious. And I simply cannot wait for the announcement. It will happen soon. He wanted to make certain all the guests were here so everyone could see it. It will be the talk of the town for months. If you will excuse me ladies, I need to get back out there to my fiancé.”
The Duke Who Loved Me Page 27
