Page 15 of Not the Duke's Virgin

Victoria softened her tone and squeezed her hand. “Worry not, you meant no harm. But we must be cautious, even here.”

It would not do at all for a careless word to reach the servants’ ears. Gossip spread faster than wildfire in the servants’ hall.

Abashed, Madeline nodded. “You are right, of course. My loose tongue nearly compromised us.” She gripped Victoria’s hands beseechingly. “Promise me you won’t attend this house party! It is too perilous.”

Victoria wavered, sorely tempted. Distancing herself from the Duke was by far the safer course. But she was no coward. Refusing his invitation could only rouse his suspicions further.

Gently freeing her hands, she said, “Your concern warms my heart. But I must face this danger head-on.” Seeing Madeline’s dismay, she hurriedly added, “Yet, I will not be reckless, I promise you. Forewarned is forearmed, as they say. I will proceed with the utmost caution.”

Though still anxious, Madeline nodded reluctantly. “Very well. But take care, Victoria, the Duke and his brother are not to be trusted.” She shuddered. “I wish we could flee this nest of vipers.”

Victoria hugged her fiercely, hiding her trepidation. “All will be well, you shall see. Have faith.” Drawing back, she mustered a teasing smile. “But come now, we have far happier matters to occupy us this night, do we not?”

As if on cue, the clock on the mantel chimed the hour, breaking the somber atmosphere. Victoria laughed and linked her arm with Madeline’s, leading her back into the bedchamber.

“Quickly now, help me get my dress perfect! We shall be dreadfully rude if we arrive too late.”

Together, they managed to get Victoria ready just in time to depart for the ball. As the carriage rolled through the lamp-lit streets toward the magnificent estate hosting the ball, Victoria gazed unseeingly out at the passing townhouses.

The Duke’s ominous invitation still weighed heavily on her mind, though she tried her best to hide it. She did not know what he intended by requesting her presence, but she could not afford to show any weakness. She must face him with courage and cunning, for more than just her future was at stake.

Squaring her shoulders, Victoria banished all thoughts of the Duke from her mind as the carriage swept through the grand gates. Tonight was for dancing and merriment. She would not let his machinations ruin her enjoyment, no matter how disquieted she felt.

Turning to Madeline with a brilliant smile that barely felt forced, she declared gaily, “Come, Cousin! Let us dazzle them all.”

* * *

The grand ballroom of the palatial estate glittered with the light of a thousand candles, casting everything in a warm, golden glow. Silks rustled, gems glittered, and light laughter echoed through the cavernous space as members of the ton mingled and danced.

At the top of the marble staircase, Victoria paused to take in the magnificent scene, Madeline at her side. Though dread still coiled in her belly after receiving the Duke’s ominous invitation that day, she was determined not to let it ruin her evening.

Squaring her shoulders, she descended gracefully into the swirling sea of London’s high society. She was a daughter of an earl, groomed from birth to shine at events like this. She would not falter now.

Madeline, bless her heart, seemed to share Victoria’s resolve, greeting acquaintances with easy smiles as if nothing troubled her. Though her grip on Victoria’s arm belied the underlying tension.

“Have courage,” Victoria murmured encouragingly as they exchanged pleasantries with Lady Carmichael and her daughters. “All will be well.”

Madeline’s answering smile was strained but determined. Linking arms, they continued navigating the glittering ballroom. Despite her breezy demeanor, Victoria found herself scanning the crowd for a head of tousled dark hair or piercing dark brown eyes. But neither Oliver nor his imposing older brother were there.

The first dance was just being called when a now-familiar voice purred in Victoria’s ear, “Good evening, my dear Lady Victoria. Don’t you look ravishing tonight?”

Whirling, she came face to face with Oliver, resplendent in a well-cut tailcoat, his green eyes glinting. Her spine stiffened, but she bobbed a graceful curtsy.

“Lord Oliver. What a… surprise to see you here this evening.”

“Is it?” He flashed a roguish grin. “Surely you know balls provide unparalleled opportunities for a gentleman to show his lady every courtesy.”

Victoria tried not to recoil as he took her hand and bowed over it, his lips brushing her knuckles. At her side, Madeline radiated quiet fury.

“If you will excuse me, I see an acquaintance I must greet,” she muttered before gliding off, not even sparing Oliver a glance.

Victoria watched her cousin depart longingly before turning back to Oliver’s smug smile.

“Shall we take a turn about the room?” he inquired, tucking her hand in the crook of his arm and leading her into the swirling mass of guests.

Victoria allowed him to guide her along the periphery, nodding politely as they passed familiar faces. Oliver seemed content to preen under the curious glances they attracted. For her part, Victoria kept scanning the crowd, simultaneously anticipating and dreading the appearance of his imposing older brother. But the Duke was nowhere to be seen.

After a seeming eternity of stilted small talk, the opening notes of the next set began. With practiced charm, Oliver bowed. “May I have the honor, Lady Victoria?”

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