Page 67 of Taken By the Duke of Stone

"I'm afraid I may not, Jenny," she sniffled.

She was afraid that she would only make things more complicated if she tried to figure it out. What she wanted to do was crawl into her bed and pretend like none of this had ever happened. But she couldn't just bury her head in the sand.

"It will be alright," the red head whispered.

She could only hope so.

CHAPTER 21

Her reflection in the mirror didn't succeed in improving her mood. Her stomach felt too tight and achy and she couldn't even blame her corset because the lady's maid hadn't tied it too tight.

The dress was perfect and once again, Madame Vandeleur had outdone herself. It was a very pale blue that appeared almost silver, especially with the tiny beads sewn into it. The small cap sleeves were trimmed with the tiniest bit of lace and the decolletage exposed a hint of cleavage. She should have felt like a princess in the dress but all she felt was a sense of foreboding.

"You look perfect," Lady Hartfield said as they climbed up into the carriage.

"Thank you," she tried to smile but she didn't quite manage the expression. Her aunt's eyes went wide with panic and just as the woman opened her mouth to say something, she pointedly turned her face to the side, staring out the glass window.

"Halt! Halt!" Noah's booming voice sounded and the two women turned to where he was hurrying down the steps of the house and toward the carriage.

He climbed in and settled beside Lavinia with a wide smile.

"I cannot believe that you are willingly coming to a ball room," she teased her cousin. "Do not tell me you have formed atendrewith one of the ladies of theton."

He shuddered dramatically, "I can safely say that I have done no such thing."

Lady Hartfield tutted, "you should."

The man rolled his eyes with a smile then turned to Lavinia, "Yyou look wonderful, cousin. Will the Duke be at the ball?"

"Of course," she narrowed her eyes at him, "why?"

He only shrugged, "no reason. But I will not let you out of my sight tonight."

She fisted the material of the dress at her thighs, "I do not remember hiring a personal guard."

"You would not be able to afford me anyway," he shot her a look that was rife with meaning. "I will be doing this completely free of charge."

"I don't need you to watch me," she snapped, "I have Aunt Felicity with me."

"What is going on here?" Lady Hartfield asked, gaze flying between them.

She pressed her mouth into a thin line and stared at her cousin with irritation. How dare he be an overbearing oaf tonight of all nights? She had planned to have a private discussion with Victor tonight but that would be impossible with Noah watching her like a hawk.

He was probably trying to protect her from whatever he thought happened the other night.

With a huff, she sat back in her chair and turned to the window.

"Nothing, Mother," Noah replied, "I am only trying to look out for Lavvie."

She didn't need to be looked after. She was an adult and she could handle herself. After all she was to be a Duchess in a short time. Or not.

The carriage finally pulled to a stop in front of Greenwood house and the party of three climbed out and then made their way into the house.

When Priscilla, a duke's daughter had shocked thetona few years ago and married a man without a title, so many membersof polite society had gossiped and mocked her, until it had been revealed that Greenwood was as wealthy as Croesus. Since then, the Greenwood yearly ball had become one of the most exclusive parties of the season.

It was the first time the Hartfields had been invited.

"You must be Miss Proctor," Priscilla Greenwood smiled at her at the receiving line, "Welcome to Greenwood house. I have heard a lot about you and I do so hope you live up to the reputation."

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