Page 22 of Not the Duke's Virgin

Her cousin Madeline entered then, giving her a sympathetic smile as she joined them at the table. “Lord Newton,” she said respectfully with a slight curtsey before taking her seat.

“Good morning, Madeline,” the Earl replied. “Are you prepared for the house party? I’m sure all the ladies have been hard at work, selecting their best gowns and bonnets.”

Madeline nodded. “Oh, yes, Uncle. It shall be a splendid event, I’m certain.”

The Earl turned his attention back to Victoria as the footmen brought out dishes of eggs, sausage, toast, and kidneys. “Now then, Victoria,” he said, fixing his daughter with an intense stare. “Your behavior today is of the utmost importance. This house party provides the ideal setting for you and Lord Oliver to deepen your attachment and make it known to our peers.”

Victoria nearly choked on her tea but quickly composed herself. “Of course, Father,” she said quietly. “I am prepared to do my duty.”

The Earl seemed satisfied with her response. “Good. Ensure that you remain by Lord Oliver’s side as much as possible. Dance with him, take turns about the room, show everyone the happy couple you are.”

Victoria gripped her napkin tightly in her lap, forcing a smile. “Yes, Father, I will.”

“Excellent,” he declared before turning his attention to his breakfast plate.

Victoria met Madeline’s sympathetic gaze, trying to convey her inner turmoil through her expression alone.

Madeline gave her arm a discreet, reassuring pat beneath the table. “Do take care today, Cousin,” she said gently. “I hope you find some joy amidst the festivities.”

Victoria managed a weak but grateful smile. “Thank you, Madeline. I shall try.”

They ate in silence for a few minutes, Victoria still too unsettled to do more than pick at her food.

At last, Lord Newton dabbed at his mouth with a napkin and rose from his seat. “Right, I’m off to the club to meet with Lord Fairmont,” he announced. “I shall see you ladies this evening at the ball. Madeline, kindly accompany Victoria to Hayward Manor when it is time.”

With that, he strode briskly out of the room, leaving the two young women alone.

As soon as he had gone, Victoria let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders slumping. “Oh, Madeline, I dread this day with my whole heart!” she exclaimed woefully. “Being paraded about as the betrothed of that horrid scoundrel… it fills me with shame and misery.”

Madeline’s expression was full of sympathy as she reached over and grasped Victoria’s hand. “There now, do not despair just yet. We shall get through this day together.”

Victoria gave her a small, half-hearted smile. “Dear Madeline, whatever would I do without you? You are the only one I can truly talk to.”

Madeline gave her hand an encouraging squeeze. “I swear to you, Cousin, we shall find a way through this.”

For the next hour, Madeline did her best to cheer her cousin up with amusing stories and the lateston ditsof the ton. Though still anxious, Victoria felt bolstered by her support.

Later that evening, Victoria and Madeline were up in Victoria’s bedchamber, preparing for the Duke’s upcoming house party.

“Hold still, Maddie,” Victoria gently chided as she styled her younger cousin’s hair. “I’m trying to fix your hair.”

Madeline fidgeted nervously on the vanity stool. “I’m sorry, Victoria. I’m just so anxious about tonight. What if I say or do the wrong thing?”

Victoria sighed, setting down the hairbrush and resting her hands reassuringly on Madeline’s shoulders. “You must try to stay calm. I know this is one of your first social events in the ton, but you have nothing to worry about. Just remember what we discussed—keep quiet, be demure, and don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself.”

“I’ll try my best,” Madeline replied anxiously.

“That’s all I can ask of you,” Victoria said with an encouraging smile, before picking up the brush again to continue styling Madeline’s hair.

Inwardly, though, Victoria’s nerves were frayed. She had to ensure everything went perfectly this evening. Too much was at stake. Madeline had no idea of the precarious situation they were in, and Victoria meant to keep it that way. Her sweet younger cousin didn’t need such burdens placed upon her. This was Victoria’s responsibility alone to bear.

“There,” Victoria finally declared, securing the last pin in Madeline’s elegant updo. “You look absolutely beautiful.”

Madeline examined her reflection appreciatively. “Thank you, Victoria. You did a wonderful job.”

A knock sounded at the door, and then a maid entered, carrying two gowns, freshly pressed and hanging delicately from their hangers.

“Your dresses, My Lady,” the maid announced, carefully laying them over the back of the vanity chair.

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