Page 3 of A Duke for Stealing
Though Rose was sure it was meant to be gentle, Betty shoved her back with force, and it was only by Ophelia’s quick-footed nature that she did not fall on her face and embarrass them all.
“Careful, dear!” Betty called, then turned away without a care, “Watch your step!”
Rose’s cheeks flushed a bright red as those around her all set their gazes upon her, and she suddenly wished she could disappear.
“Are you well, Rose?” Ophelia asked, steadying her.
“Oh, I am quite all right,” Rose murmured, stepping out of her friend’s protective grasp. “Just a bit embarrassed is all. Though I am not sure if it is more about my mother or my near fall.”
The two of them linked arms and walked calmly away, hoping the gossip of such a scene would not spread terribly fast.
“Your mother, clearly,” Ophelia stated, her tone adamant. “Does she not understand that it is not you that is driving your potential suitors away, but her own poor behavior?”
“I am sure that is not entirely true,” Rose murmured, keeping her voice down, “My Mama is not herself, true. Yet I am not necessarily opening myself up to suitors, either. I believe I am like you, and would rather prefer the solitary life of spinsterhood than marriage.”
“You are an intelligent woman, of course you do,” Ophelia cheekily replied.
Both women giggled.
“I suppose I should try to be kindly to the eligible gentlemen, though,” Rose said warily, taking a look around at the boorish, well-dressed men surrounding her. “If anything, to say that an effort was applied. First, though, let us find a quiet space. I need a moment of recovery before I attempt such a feat.”
Ophelia nodded readily.
“I agree. Come, there is a library just down the hall with a balcony. Let us pluck some books and take some air. Get lost in another world for a few moments before we return to this travesty.”
“What a boring collection,” Ophelia mused as the two of them wandered the shelves. “Have you found anything?”
“Not at all,” Rose replied. “Just volumes on agriculture, husbandry, and-”
Rose stopped speaking as she heard the door open and froze. A second later, she heard the twittering of girlish giggles and whispered voices. She gasped, then quickly covered her mouth as Ophelia appeared suddenly by her side. Her friend pressed a finger to her own lips, then hurriedly guided her to the back of the shelves. When they reached the end, they took a right and hurriedly slipped through the curtained windowpane doors of the balcony. Both of them let out quiet laughter as they made it safely.
“That was close,” Ophelia whispered.
“I should say,” Rose whispered back, peering into the room through the small part in the curtains. “Do you think they saw us?”
“I do not believe so,” Ophelia whispered, stepping beside Rose so she too could peek inside.
To Rose’s surprise, she saw the season’s diamond, Harriett Miller, come into view along with three of her friends. Harriett was known not only for her beauty but also for her prim, proper behavior.
“What isshedoing sneaking away from a party?” Ophelia whispered.
Rose quickly shushed her, and both women strained their ears closer to the slightly ajar doors.
“Well, you have our attention now, Harriett,” Lotty Caldwell, another well-talked-of young lady, stated, “Come, come, spill your secrets!”
“Yes, we are all eager to know what it is that has you acting so brazenly,” Georgina Thompson added, tapping Harriett’s arm with her fan.
“Is it about your soon-to-be husband, Lord Duskwell?” Olivia Stanford asked.
“No, no, he is a duke now, Livy,” Lotty corrected, “The Duke of Stapleton!”
“Oh, quite right,” Olivia agreed, then rolled her eyes. “As if the man already did not have the entire attention of thetonwith his charming looks and wit, he is now also a duke. Oh, you are so lucky, Harriett!”
“Quiet, you baboons,” Ophelia whispered, “Let her speak! I want to know the secret!”
Rose quietly shushed Ophelia once more, but even she had to admit her interest in Harriett’s secret was now quite piqued.
“Ladies,” Harriet said, quickly ceasing the chittering of her friends, “What I have to tell you is of great secrecy. You must swear that you will take this knowledge to your graves. No one caneverknow what I am about to tell you. Do you swear?”
