Page 16 of Unmasked By a Captivating Lady
Ruth sighed heavily. “And I have never understood why you are so opposed to the idea, dear cousin. What do you think you will lose if you did marry? Why do you think it would take something away from you?”
Ara bit her lip. She couldn’t articulate it, even to someone as close to her as Ruth. How could she explain that she did not want to be controlled by a man? How could she guarantee, if she did marry, that her husband would not try to tame her and oppress her, just like her parents did? She knew that men viewed their wives as their property.
“Never mind,” she said quickly. “I am being fanciful, in any case. He is only coming for afternoon tea. I am sure I will see the Duke, and then we will probably never connect again.”
***
Ara sighed heavily, watching her mother buzzing around the parlour like a bumblebee in a jar. She had been like this all morning, and into the afternoon. It had irritated her father so much that he had left the house early, saying that he would read the papers at his club.
“Hattie!” Mrs. Nott addressed the parlour maid, who was busily dusting the mantelpiece. The maid jumped.
“I want all the ornaments wiped down as well,” barked her mother, to the startled maid. “And you must do it immediately. It is almost quarter to three. The duke shall be here soon, and everything simplymustbe ready. Has Cook plated the cakes and sandwiches, and set the kettle to boil?”
The parlour maid nodded quickly. “It is all ready, madam.”
Mrs. Nott nodded. “Good.” Her eyes swept over Ara, who was perched on the chaise lounge. She frowned slightly. “Do not fidget so, Ara! And why are you pulling at your sleeve?”
Ara sighed again. “It is tight, Mama. And the lace itches! Why must I wear this gown, when you know that it irritates me?”
Mrs. Nott ignored her, looking out the window. Abruptly, she jumped.
“He is here!” she hissed, dropping the curtain, as if she had been scalded. “Quick, Hattie, go and tell Cook to bring the afternoon tea!” She stared at the startled maid. “Do not just stand there like a gaping fish, girl! Hurry!”
Hattie exited the parlour quickly. Ara raised her eyebrows at Ruth, who was sitting opposite her, but her cousin looked pointedly away. Mrs. Nott sat down, in her chair, adjusting her dress around her. Her eyes were rivetted to the door.
Ara felt her heart beat faster, as she heard the knock at the door. There was the sound of footsteps, and then the door opened. The butler, Harding, walked in.
“His Grace, the Duke of Lancaster,” he announced.
They all stood up. Ara saw him, just behind the butler. His tall frame almost filled the doorway. She felt her heart beat faster still as she sank into a curtsey.
She glanced up surreptitiously, gazing at him. He was just as handsome as she remembered. Maybe even more so.
“Your Grace,” breathed her mother, moving toward him. “You are most welcome! Please, sit down. The afternoon tea shall arrive at any moment.”
The Duke sat down on a chair, and they all followed suit. There was a strained silence for a moment, only interrupted by the maid entering with the tea. It was only after everything was settled that she could feel him gazing at her intently. Almost searchingly.
He cleared his throat. “I hope that you are quite recovered from your shock yesterday, Miss Nott.”
Ara jumped a little. What was he talking about?
“The auction house,” he prompted, looking like he was trying to suppress a smile. “The appalling manners of the gentlemen there?”
“Oh, that,” said Ara quickly, waving a hand. “It is quite alright, Your Grace! I do not lose sleep over men like that. They huff and they puff, but they are all bark and no bite.”
“Arabella!” said her mother sharply, looking scandalised. “You speak too plainly! I do apologise for my daughter, Your Grace. She sometimes does not think before she speaks.”
“It is quite alright, Mrs. Nott,” said the Duke, grinning widely. “I must admit I find it refreshing.” His eyes turned to Ruth, who was staring down at the rug shyly. “Is this your other daughter, madam?”
“Oh, I have not introduced you,” said Mrs. Nott, looking flustered. “I do apologise! This is my niece, Miss Ruth Nott, who resides with us as our daughter, since her own dear parents passed away many years ago.”
The Duke inclined his head towards Ruth. “A pleasure. Are you as outspoken as your cousin, Miss Nott?”
Ruth looked startled, and obviously didn’t know how to respond to the question. Ara gazed at her sympathetically.
“Ruth is not like me, Your Grace,” she said quickly. “My cousin is a model of propriety, unlike myself. Even though she is younger than me, I look up to her. She has far better manners than me.”
“Tea?” asked Mrs. Nott weakly, staring at the duke. “And a sandwich, perhaps? Cook has prepared some cucumber ones, which are quite refreshing…”
