Page 15 of The Odd Riddle of the Lost Duchess
The following dances passed in a blur and verily, Emmeline could not remember one name or title or even the shape of her partner’s faces. She was tired and weary, but Noah hadn’t made any appearance of watching her. Her last partner–Lord Something–bowed to her and walked off. Seeing him go, Emmeline felt the strain and was a bit weak.
Then a ripple ran over Emmeline’s skin as her senses flared with the feel of Noah behind her. She had no idea of how she was able to sense him, but she did, and she tingled from the Duke of Newberry’s tangible presence.
“I believe this dance is mine,” said a familiar baritone voice.
With one look, Emmeline realized Ann was right–the Duke did not seem pleased by the attention that she was receiving. His face was grave, and his eyes flashed dangerously beneath the black hood.
“I apologize,” Emmeline offered weakly, “I haven’t checked with my card before the last three dances.”
The next dance was a waltz and Emmeline wondered if this ‘scandalous’ dance was the theme song of her relationship with Noah.
The Duke of Newberry’s hand rested on her slim waist as he held her. Emmeline was once again efficiently guided to the dance floor but this time her fatigue was gone–replaced by nervousness.
“I see you have accumulated many admirers, Lady Emmeline,” the Duke said, not sounding happy.
Emmeline’s expression was innocent. “I believe it is quite a common occurrence for a debutante, Your Grace.”
“Indeed,” the Duke of Newberry agreed, his eyes never leaving her face. She noticed that they were a bright smoky gray, shining with keen intelligence.
The silence between them was unnatural, and Emmeline began to wonder if Ann’s plot had taken her down the wrong road. “Have I angered you, Your Grace?”
The Duke’s hand tightened a bit over her, and his hand on her back pressed her closer. “No, but I must admit that I’m suffering from one of Hades’ curses, My Lady.”
One of Hades’ curses?Oh, he is jealous!A soft blush crossed her face.
“But then,” the Duke’s voice was crafty, “I believe you suffered under the same green-eyed monster once, My Lady, when I danced with Miss Benoit.”
Now her cheeks were tinged a deeper red of embarrassment. Emmeline did not fully comprehend why this particular gentleman affected her so strongly, but she had a strong suspicion why.
Valiantly, she tried to change the subject. “I was just mentioning to Lord Dickson how interesting different cultures are.”
“Ah…travelling. That is another subject I find we both like,” His Grace said.
Emmeline ignored the fluttering in her stomach, “May I ask, where have you traveled, Your Grace?”
“You can ask me whatever you wish,” the Duke of Newberry said warmly. “I have been to many places, My Lady, but I once accompanied a relative, who regularly conducts spice trade from the subcontinent.”
“The subcontinent? The land of elephants?” she remarked, excited in spite of herself. “Please, tell me more!”
“It is very dry land, as compared to England. The sun was scorching in the summers. Unfortunately, that was the time of our visitation,” the Duke of Newberry’s lips curved into an indulgent smile. “The royalty and wealthy use elephants for transport. Once, I saw a Hindu Raja seated atop the most magnificent elephant, both adorned in embroidered cloth and jewels. The Muslim emperors are quite flamboyant in their display of wealth, too. There were dancing women and great feasts offered to the rich and the prominent.”
“Are British titles respected there?” Emmeline pressed, as her inquisitiveness was piqued.
The Duke’s frown was contemplative. “The natives have their own castes and titles that are different from ours. However, we have several British settlements there.”
“I see,” Emmeline said. “Thank you for sharing this with me, Your Grace. I do not know why some gentlemen think women cannot hold an intelligent conversation. I think some believe we only concern ourselves about balls, fashion, scandalous gossip, or which kind of dessert should be offered at meals.”
The Duke spluttered at her remark, “Dessert? What kind of ninny asks aboutcake?”
Emmeline laughed at his aghast expression. “Do you not believe me, Your Grace?”
“I do not,” Noah replied staunchly.
“I fear you will later regret your words, Your Grace.” Emmeline teased.
“There are ways to silence you, of course, if I feel the need, My Lady,” the Duke teased playfully.
Emmeline’s heartbeat quickened but she feigned innocence. “Whatever do you mean, Your Grace?”
