Page 108 of The Enigmatic Governess of Buford Manor
“God speed, Miss Rose,” Betsey called to her as she ventured toward the door, inhaling deeply. “Please, return to us.”
“Please!” Harry agreed and Rose knew she could not put herself in harm’s way, not when the children relied on her so desperately.
“You needn’t worry,” she told them. “I will not leave you.”
Rose imagined she had the same expression upon her face when Nicholas had told her the same hours earlier; a look of sheer disbelief.
* * *
Never had Rose seen so many people in one place, a flock of handsomely dressed men and liveried servants. Everywhere her eyes fell seemed alight with lace and jewels, a sparkling array of wine-filled goblets and dazzling candlelight.
Every chandelier in the grand hall was lit, shadows dancing mischievously against the high walls. Even the portraits seemed to come alive, but Rose maintained her position behind the grandfather clock in the foyer, partially hidden as she sought the duke.
The duchess glided through the ballroom, her smile ablaze with happiness. The beam filled Rose with sickness. She was still unsure if she had played a role in all that had happened.
She stopped to speak with the guests, her laughter reaching Rose’s ears as the governess stayed rooted behind the clock, wondering where Nicholas had gone.
Choosing a simple but elegant blue and white gown, Rose knew that she was not apt to make a spectacle of herself, despite having hastily tamed her mass of tangled blonde tresses up to expose her long, lovely neck. Should anyone notice her, they were not likely to glance at her a second time and for a long while, she maintained her spot almost comfortably.
It took her several moments to realize that the guest of honor was not the only one missing from the party; Captain Balfour was also nowhere to be seen.
“Miss Rose?”
She gasped and jumped, whirling to see Theodore peering at her as if he had seen a ghost.
“Theodore,” she smiled, her gloved hand pausing over her heart.
“I was told you had been sent away for treatment,” the servant choked. “Does the duke know you have returned? How do you fare?”
“I am very well,” Rose fibbed. “I would not miss the duke’s birthday. Where is he?”
Theodore’s red-rimmed eyes narrowed.
“I have not seen him,” the butler replied slowly as if he had just realized it.
“I must find him, Theodore,” Rose told him urgently. “It is dire.”
The sound of a bell emanating through the main floor caused them both to turn their heads and Rose’s heart quickened as she watched Captain Balfour descend the center staircase.
“Welcome all!” he boomed as the duchess hurried to join him, her eyes shining with affection. “I regret to inform you that Duke Buford has taken ill and will be unable to join us for his own birthday celebration.”
Rose gasped and stepped forward as if to challenge the man but Theodore grabbed her arm firmly. She turned her head to look at the old man who shook his head.
“You must not do anything,” he whispered and Rose knew she had an ally in the ancient servant. A murmur of commiserating noises flowed through the house, but Balfour was not finished with his announcement.
“I realize it is a grand disappointment, but I can assure you, Duchess Buford and I have a wonderful night planned for you, filled with gracious guests, delectable food and…” He chuckled, his slate eyes glittering in a way which made Rose tremble. “…shall we say, surprises after all? If you will follow, let us proceed with the evening!”
The guests tittered appropriately and the orchestra resumed its play as the captain continued through the hall, the duchess on his arm.
“Is it true?” Rose breathed at Theodore as they moved with the others far into the ballroom. Theodore did not need answer for at the front of the room stood an altar, Father Benchman solemnly present as the captain led the duchess forward.
A swell of mutters erupted through the party as the noblemen realized what they were witnessing.
“Good God!” Rose choked. “What has he done with the duke?”
“I do not know, Miss Rose,” Theodore mumbled, looking uncomfortably around as if hoping to locate his rightful master but they both were aware that Nicholas was nowhere in sight. All around her, the questions and scrutiny reached a din.
“They are marrying? Her husband only just died!”
