Page 32 of The Duke of Fire
“I thank you for your advice, Your Grace,” she said, even as her heart rebelled.
“It was nice talking to you, dear,” the dowager duchess said to finish the conversation.“I hope that you make sure to protect yourself.”
When she was gone, Amelia remained in the alcove, wondering if she had made a mistake by being involved with the duke and the dowager.
I need to leave one day, she reminded herself. She just had to steel herself against Sebastian.
Chapter 11
The dowager duchess’ words seared Amelia’s mind, but there was nothing she could say to fix it. She knew what kind of man the duke was, and she would never set her eyes on him. She decided to forget all about him and play her part tonight.
She danced a few times with indifferent partners, men who looked at her like she was just another polite obligation. One of them stepped on her foot. Another barely made eye contact.
Eventually, she found herself standing beside Serenity, both women sipping at glasses of lemonade and trying to keep from yawning.
“You look… different,” Serenity said with a teasing smile as she gently tapped her fan against Amelia’s arm. “Your gown is divine. Is it new?”
Amelia hesitated. “It was… a present.”
“That explains the glow,” Serenity murmured, glancing around. “Or perhaps something else is responsible?”
Amelia could not answer. The note was still folded carefully inside her glove.For every moment I did not get to touch you when I wanted to.
Serenity leaned closer. “Are you going to tell me who gave you that look? You seem… flustered.”
“No one you know,” Amelia said lightly, then immediately regretted it. Serenity tilted her head, her curiosity growing.
“I see. Shall we find someone tolerable to dance with, or are you still contemplating your mysterious benefactor?”
Amelia smiled despite herself. “Let’s find someone tolerable.”
They danced with two gentlemen who were, in fact, quite indifferent. One talked of horse breeding, the other of his indigestion.
Amelia heard gasps. Then, the murmurs began. People did not expect him to show up for balls and social events. He was lurking in the shadows before, trying to remain unnoticed.
“May we announce the Duke of Firaine!”
The applause was thunderous, but her heart beat louder in her ears. He was staying for the night, and not simply visiting his grandmother and slithering out of the ballroom.But why? He was not supposed to stay.
The rest of the game had begun.
Dressed in uncompromising black, he entered the room like a shadow cutting through silk. His face was unreadable, his mouth a grim line. Everything about his posture screamed loathing for the spectacle around him. But his gaze—
His gaze found her instantly.
Awed guests followed his every movement as he strode purposefully toward Amelia. She was torn between being pleased at catching his attention and being uneasy that he seemed to make a scene.
“Isn’t that the maid’s daughter?” one lady in her late thirties exclaimed, not even bothering to lower her voice.
“Yes,” her friend replied, her eyes bulging. “A spinster. Do they know each other?”
Sebastian did not seem to care about what was going on. His eyes were focused on her the whole time. In the corner of Amelia’s eye, she saw another lord walking toward her. His strides were quick, unlike the duke’s leisurely ones. His gaze was not intense. Instead, it was open and friendly, which was surprising, given who Amelia was.
It was Lord Halsey, Earl of Newcombe.
“Miss Warton, if I may be so bold, may I claim the next dance?” the earl asked, breathlessly.
Lord Newcombe was a handsome man, taller than her but not as tall as the duke. He had a pleasant face, with slightly round cheeks but an overall fit body. Amelia thought that he did not sound like a terrible idea for a husband. Not at all. He might not be the wealthiest, but he would free her from the Warton house should her plan to leave fail.
