Page 14 of Taken By the Beastly Duke

"I need to be the perfect gentlewoman if I am to convince the Duke to make alternate plans for his pursuit of a bride."

"I do not understand why you would think that you require etiquette lessons. You have better poise and grace than half the ladies of theton"

"You flatter me, Charity," she replied on a laugh, "but whatever poise I seem to possess, I acquired while watching other women of theton. I do not delude myself by thinking that I am adequate in that regard. Besides, if I am to succeed in my quest to change the duke's mind. I have to be the perfect lady. I require your extensive knowledge on the matter if I am to succeed."

"When is this dinner?" Her sister asked tapping her chin with a single finger in thought.

"In a week"

"That is quite short notice for the extensive lessons you are requesting. Unless..." she trailed off her eyes brightening with excitement.

"Unless what?" Victoria asked curiously

"I just might have a faster way" she said standing up to her full height and dragging Victoria up with her " Come with me" she ordered her skipping excitedly back to the house. Victoria followed her, a lot of thoughts competing for importance in her head.

She hastened her steps to match her sister's quick strides. They soon arrived at the library. Charity quickly mounted the ladder that rested against one of the floor to ceiling bookshelves to retrieve a book from the shelves. When she dismounted, she presented her with a book that she was sure was familiar and sure enough, it was.

"A Manual of Etiquette for Ladies" Victoria read the title written on the well-worn vellum leather cover of the book.

"Isn't this the book you said was recommended at the finishing school?" When Charity nodded in the affirmative, she continued,

"Why are you giving me this then?" she asked, puzzled.

"You already have the basics of etiquette at your fingertips, this is just an attempt to polish your skills that's all," Charity answered.

So she accepted the book, thanked Charity for her help, then headed off to find Diana, she could trust that the young lady was up to some mischief.

Over the next few days, she studied the book and she had to admit the author whoever she was, was an absolute genius. She itemized all the many rules of theton, in such an understandable manner, it was difficult to misunderstand the instructions.

When the day of the dinner arrived, she felt confident, having read the book several times over. That didn't mean that when she saw the duke's carriage arrive at their doorstep, she didn't feel jitters.

When the duke alighted from the said carriage, she remembered the reason for the warm feeling in her belly. The man was simply magnificent, from the fit of his evening coat to the shiny texture of his hair.

When he turned his face towards the entrance of the house, the moon illuminated his scar. The scar while dastardly, did not detract in any way from his masculine beauty, instead it lent a lethal charm to an almost too pretty face.

Clutching her skirts in one hand, she hurried down the stairs, making sure to affect modesty when she appeared within view of the foyer. Folding her hands across her middle and walking sedately down the stairs.

She also managed to maintain her poise while she curtseyed in greeting to the duke.

When he took her arm to lead her to the carriage, the butterflies in her belly took flight making her to sigh with relief when he released her to take a seat opposite her.

They spent most of the journey to the dinner in silence and in no time they arrived at the home of Lord and Lady Lyons. The duke alighted first, then proceeded to hand her down from the carriage. The man was nothing if not gentlemanly.

When they stepped into the castle, Victoria felt her earlier nerves make a reappearance but they disappeared when she recognized a familiar face. It was Lady Townbrige, her childhood friend. While she felt the need to hug her and spin her around like they did as children. She tamped down that urge, reminding herself of the need to impress the duke with her grace and poise.

"My lady," she greeted with a curtsey. Charlotte shot her a curious look but played along, curtseying in return.

Turning to the duke, she made the introductions.

"Your Grace, Meet my dearest friend, Lady Townbrige."

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady," he said with a deep bow, taking the other woman's gloved hand he placed a short chaste kiss.

"Charlotte, This is the Duke of Devlin."

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Grace." Charlotte replied with warm smile, a slight blush appearing on her cheek.

If Victoria needed any further confirmation of the man's potency, the fact that he made her rather happily married friend blush was confirmation enough. She had to clear her throat loudly to recall her friend to reality.

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