Page 33 of Not the Duke's Virgin

Victoria quickly tried to smooth over the uncomfortable moment. “Madeline has looked forward to her first Season for ages,” she said brightly. “I just know she will be the shining star of the ton this year.”

Madeline beamed gratefully at her cousin for diverting the unwanted attention. “You are too kind, Cousin. I confess, I am quite nervous. There is so much to learn about London Society! I should be lost without your guidance.”

“It is my pleasure to offer whatever advice I can,” Victoria replied sincerely. “Though it seems not so long ago I was navigating my first Season. How quickly the time passes.” A wistful expression crossed her face as she reminisced.

As dinner progressed, the courses flowed one after another—succulent roasted meats, buttery potatoes, delicate pastries, and decadent chocolates. Finally, the ladies rose en masse to depart for the drawing room while the gentlemen lingered over port.

Madeline glanced anxiously at Victoria. “Must we leave the dining room? Can I not stay a little longer?”

Victoria touched her shoulder reassuringly. “You go on ahead, dear. I will join you in just a moment.”

With obvious reluctance, Madeline followed the other ladies out. Victoria noticed Oliver draining glass after glass of port in quick succession, his cheeks growing ruddier by the minute. Her father seemed not to notice or care about his companion’s increasingly inebriated state.

Satisfied that all was well, Victoria glided out of the room in a rustle of emerald silk. She paused outside the drawing room, overhearing Madeline’s bright voice recounting a humorous childhood tale that sent the other ladies into peals of laughter. Victoria smiled to herself, picturing the scene.

Her pleasant musings were interrupted by the echoes of unsteady footsteps followed by a muffled crash. Frowning in concern, Victoria hurried to investigate. She nearly collided with Simon, who was storming down the corridor, his jaw set and his eyes smoldering.

“Your Grace! What has happened?”

“It is nothing,” he bit out tersely. Seeing her stricken expression, he softened slightly. “Merely a little row with my drunken fool of a brother. Do not be alarmed.”

Before she could respond, Simon disappeared down the passage. Victoria stared after him, her stomach knotting with anxiety. She suspected Oliver was responsible for the commotion, and it did not bode well. With a troubled sigh, she returned to join Madeline in the drawing room.

Upon entering, Madeline immediately rushed to her side. “There you are, Cousin! Is everything quite all right? I thought I heard a commotion.”

Victoria schooled her features into a calm smile. “All is well, my dear. Are you enjoying the music?” She gestured to the young lady who was playing a lively country reel.

Madeline seemed momentarily distracted by the cheerful tune, then turned back to Victoria with renewed concern. “Please, Cousin, do not think you can keep the truth from me. I know something is amiss, I can see it troubles you.”

Taking Madeline gently by the arm, Victoria led her to a secluded corner of the room where they could speak more privately. In a hushed tone, she said, “You are right, I have not been entirely forthcoming. But let us leave further discussion for the morrow, when we are rested. Tonight has been… trying.”

Madeline opened her mouth as if to protest, then thought better of it. “Very well. I shall hold you to explaining all on the morrow.” She yawned. “But I confess I am thoroughly exhausted from the day’s events.”

“Then let us retire so you can recover your strength.” Victoria linked her arm with Madeline’s, and together they ascended the grand staircase.

Once tucked away in their bedchamber, Madeline turned to her cousin expectantly. “We are alone now. Will you not share what troubles you so?”

Victoria wrung her hands, pacing the room anxiously. “Oh, Madeline, I can bear it no longer! The secrets are too heavy on my heart. I must unburden myself to you.”

She sank onto the bed, and Madeline immediately grasped her hands supportively. “Please, Cousin, you know you can tell me anything. I only wish to help ease your distress.”

Taking a deep breath, Victoria confessed, “It is about Lord Oliver. Earlier today, in the garden maze, he cornered me and made it clear the blackmail over Aurora still stands. He is determined to see this engagement through against my wishes.”

“Your loyalty to Aurora is remarkable, though I regret Lord Oliver exploits it so cruelly,” Madeline said, giving Victoria’s hands a gentle squeeze. “Surely there must be some way to outwit his scheme without compromising Aurora’s reputation?”

“If only I knew how!” Victoria cried in anguish. “For now, I feel well and truly trapped, with no choice but to play the role he has dictated. But it weighs heavily on me, I confess.”

Madeline was silent for a moment. “There must be some solution. We need only clear minds and open hearts to find it.” She hesitated. “But, Cousin, there is something more troubling you still, I can see it plain on your face.”

Victoria turned away, a fiery blush staining her cheeks. In a barely audible voice, she confessed, “When Lord Oliver accosted me in the maze… you came upon us. So he stopped pestering me as soon as you showed up.” She shuddered at the memory.

“So I saved you?” Madeline asked gently.

Victoria gave a small nod, still facing away in embarrassment. “Yes. And later, in the garden just before dinner…”

“Yes? What happened in the garden?” Madeline probed.

“We nearly…” Victoria twisted her hands in her lap. “His Grace was seducing me. We very nearly kissed,” she admitted in a rush. “I know it is foolish, but at that moment, all I wanted was to feel his lips on mine. Propriety be damned!”

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