Page 28 of Not the Duke's Virgin

A knock sounded at the door, and she turned expectantly, hoping the visitor was a friendly face. Her hopes sank when Oliver strolled in without waiting for a response.

Madeline looked startled. “Lord Oliver!”

“Do forgive the intrusion, Miss Russell,” he said smoothly. “I simply wished to give Lady Victoria a small token of my regard.”

From behind his back, he produced a small posy of wildflowers.

Madeline’s expression softened with delight. “How romantic!”

Victoria had to force herself to accept the flowers. She wanted nothing more than to hurl them back at his smirking face. “You are too kind,” she said stiffly.

Oliver lifted one golden eyebrow. “I hope you will think so when you see what else I have arranged.”

His meaning was not lost on her. The charade must convince his family, or there would be consequences.

Victoria lifted her chin. She refused to show fear. “I shall reserve judgment until then.”

His jaw tightened, the smile fading. “See that you do.”

With a short bow, he turned and left the room.

The moment the door closed, Victoria let out a shaky breath, crushing the delicate petals in her fist.

She stared down at the ruined bouquet, anger and frustration simmering within her. How dare Oliver force her into this twisted game!

With an effort, she smoothed her expression and turned to Madeline, who was watching her curiously. “Forgive me, dear. It has been a long journey, and I find myself quite fatigued.”

Madeline’s eyes filled with concern. “Of course, you poor thing. I shall let you rest before luncheon.” She started for the door, then paused. “Victoria… is everything all right? Only you seem a bit out of sorts today.”

Victoria forced a smile. “Everything is fine. Merely road weary, as I said.”

Madeline still looked uncertain. “If you need to confide in me…”

“You are a true friend. But there is nothing to tell.” The lie burned Victoria’s tongue.

At last, Madeline nodded. “I shall see you at luncheon, then.” With an encouraging smile, she left.

Alone again, Victoria sank onto the silken bed and buried her face in her hands. How was she to get through this visit without exposing them all? The Duke already seemed suspicious of her change of heart, and Oliver was like a viper waiting to strike if she faltered. She would need to be at her very best to pull this off. But did she have the strength?

A knock interrupted her despairing thoughts. Rising swiftly, she called, “Yes?”

A maid, Alice, entered with Victoria’s luggage. “Pardon me, Lady Victoria. Shall I help you unpack and change for luncheon?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Victoria moved behind the dressing screen and donned a simple day gown of ivory muslin. Alice arranged her hair into an exquisite upsweep, then helped affix a locket bearing a miniature of her mother. The familiar heirloom would give her strength.

Casting one last look in the mirror, Victoria raised her chin. She could do this. For Aurora’s sake, she must.

Drawing a deep breath, she left the room and made her way downstairs. Most of the other guests were already assembled in the drawing room, mingling over glasses of Madeira. Victoria accepted a glass from a footman and joined Madeline by the windows overlooking the back lawn.

“There you are,” Madeline said with obvious relief. “Are you feeling more revived?”

“Yes, much better now, thank you.”

Victoria gazed out at the gardens, where gardeners were hard at work, pruning rosebushes and raking the gravel paths. How she envied their simple, unscrutinized lives.

“What did Lord Oliver want earlier?” Madeline asked. “He seemed rather eager to give you flowers.”

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