Page 25 of The Odd Riddle of the Lost Duchess
The conversation had taken a road that sent soft shivers under Emmeline’s skin. The look in the Duke’s eyes and the soft tone of his voice made an ache settle so deep in Emmeline’s soul that she wished she could throw propriety away and fall into his arms.
“If only I had that power, Noah.” Emmeline replied. “But I will be here when you are vindicated.”
“Thank you,” he replied, “Now hurry back to Ann and make your way to the house, it is not proper for you to be here for so long without a chaperone. Go now.”
“There is one thing you must know,” Emmeline said while daring to step closer.
“And what is that?” Noah’s voice had dipped.
“You do not command me,” she declared.
The Duke’s eyebrows lifted just as his hand did, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear, his thumb brushing her cheek. “We will see about that, won’t we? Go now,” he reiterated.
* * *
Beside herself with excitement, Emmeline cheerfully dressed for the ball that night.
Ann observed her friend, with a concerned look painted on her features. “I have not seen you this happy in a while.”
Emmeline swung around in her emerald green velvet gown. “I do not know what to say, Ann. His presence pleases me.”
“I am worried that if things…what if you cannot marry him in the end? Heavens, Em, he has not even asked you yet!” Ann chewed on her lower lip.
“Quit chewing on your lips, Ann. You do not want them to bleed tonight,” Emmeline frowned. “Besides, what has changed you? You are the one who suggested that I catch him.”
“That was before Geor…the Duke of Leverton talked to me about the Duke of Newberry,” Ann admitted. “He really will not accept his proposal, if one does occur. We got into quite a tiff about it.”
Emmeline clenched her jaw slightly and shook her head, displacing the aggravating thoughts and redirecting her attention. “Listen, Ann, whatever is going on between my brother and you, I do not want it to affect our friendship.”
Ann’s face reddened. She stammered, “There…there is nothing going on between us! I just do not want you to be unhappy.”
Emmeline sighed. “Ann, I am really very partial to the Duke. I do not know why. Despite our past…we have started to get along splendidly.”
Her friend did not respond.
“Besides, my uncle believes we will make a good match and so do I. If things go that far. It is true he has not asked for my hand as yet,” Emmeline remarked.
“Just do not get too attached to him, Em. I really cannot see you hurt.” Ann tucked a stray curl of Emmeline’s hair behind her ear.
“I shall try,” Emmeline agreed.
When the ladies descended the stairs, they saw the hall had been transformed beautifully. The chandelier was rumored to have belonged to an Irish king, who had eventually grown bored with it. It was a mammoth of crystals, silver, and numerous candles that could make one dizzy if they tried to count them all. On tables, fresh flowers were arranged in lovely vases.
Emmeline and Ann were among several unattached young ladies in the throng but most of the ladies invited that night were either married or widowed.
“What a lovely crowd this is!” exclaimed Ann excitedly.
Contrary to her friend, Ann thrived in crowds, especially when some of the attention was on her. Lord Bexley and his bachelor friends were eyeing them. Emmeline was certain most of the glances were directed at Ann, in her pale-purple gown with an intricate high collar and silken sashes. She was the loveliest young lady in the room.
Lady Alford was kept busy making introductions, so the gentlemen could claim dances with both of the young ladies. Emmeline noticed that George kept his distance from Ann, although did not fail to glower at any other gentleman who dared to dance with her.
“You are scaring my admirers away, Your Grace,” Emmeline heard Ann whisper furiously to George.
George scowled. “I am most surely not, Miss Benwick.”
“Indeed, you are! I did hope you remembered our conversation last season.” Ann snapped.
George slammed the glass of whiskey from which he had been drinking on the table. The table shook from the force of the movement. Then, he held out his hand insolently.
