Page 43 of Not the Duke's Virgin

As the night progressed, Victoria realized she was enjoying herself. The humorous tales and amiable conversation around the card table made her feel at ease. With growing excitement, she won a few hands, much to her surprise and delight.

Simon and Madeline were wise enough not to go easy on her. The challenge kept Victoria on her toes and heightened her sense of triumph when she prevailed. Her eyes sparkled, and color bloomed becomingly in her cheeks.

When they finally laid down their cards in the wee hours, Victoria was aglow with accomplishment. “My dear Madeline, you were so right to urge me to play tonight,” she exclaimed. “I haven’t had such fun in ages!”

Madeline squeezed her friend’s hand affectionately. “I’m glad to see you coming out of your shell, Victoria. We shall have to make card games a regular pastime!”

As the ladies retired for the evening, Simon bowed over Victoria’s hand. “It was a pleasure playing with you this evening, Lady Victoria. I look forward to many more opportunities in the future.”

Victoria blushed at the warmth in his tone.

She bid the remaining guests goodnight with gratitude. The day’s emotional toll had thoroughly exhausted her. Arm in arm with Madeline, she climbed up the stairs, looking forward to the sanctuary of her bedchamber.

Once tucked beneath the covers, Madeleine turned to Victoria with a mischievous grin. “Now, you simply must tell me what happened today. I’ve been on tenterhooks!”

Despite her fatigue, Victoria could not suppress an excited smile as she recounted in hushed tones her encounter with Simon in the village. Madeline listened, rapt, letting out delighted gasps in all the right places.

“… and before I knew it, he was kissing me so passionately that I thought my legs would give out!” Victoria finished.

“How utterly romantic!” Madeline declared. “His Grace is already quite enamored of you.”

Sobering, Victoria whispered, “Do not say such things. It cannot be so.” At Madeline’s confused look, she hesitated before continuing slowly, “It is only that… the situation is complicated. I do not wish to invite trouble or damaging rumors.”

Madeline nodded sagely, though her eyebrows remained knitted in concern. “I understand. Your secret is safe with me.”

She squeezed Victoria’s hand warmly before blowing out the lone candle, plunging the room in darkness.

In the darkness, Victoria’s worries crept back in to gnaw at the edges of her mind. Had she put Aurora’s safety at risk by allowing herself to get closer to Simon? If Oliver learned of it, would he follow through with his vile threats of exposure?

* * *

The pale light of dawn filtered through the curtains, rousing Victoria from slumber. As she blinked awake, it took a moment for her to get her bearings. The lovely wallpaper and ornate furnishings marked this as one of the luxurious guest chambers at Hayward Manor.

Today was their last day in residence, for the festivities would draw to a close this evening.

A soft knock sounded at the door connecting her chamber to Madeline’s. “Victoria? Are you awake?” her cousin called out gently.

“Yes, come in,” Victoria responded, sitting up against the pillows.

Madeline entered, already dressed in a charming day dress of pale blue muslin. “Good morning,” she greeted brightly. “Did you sleep well?”

“Tolerably so,” said Victoria.

In truth, her rest had been fitful. The secret surrounding her sister’s condition gnawed at her. And the false engagement into which she had been forced by wicked Oliver preyed upon her thoughts.

“I confess I shall be sad to leave Hayward Manor today,” remarked Madeline, gazing wistfully out the window at the lovely gardens below. “I have so enjoyed the house party thus far. The diversions have been simply delightful.”

Victoria smiled indulgently at her cousin’s provincial charm. Madeline had grown up quietly in the countryside. These last three days of dinners, dances, horse riding, picnics, card games, and royal treatment had been thrilling for her.

“I am glad you have had such a pleasant time,” said Victoria warmly. “I know the whirlwind of the London social Season shall seem strange and overwhelming to you at first. But you shall grow accustomed to it in time. There are many more upcoming festivities for you to enjoy.”

Looking back to Victoria, Madeline sighed. “You are right, of course. I should not be ungrateful. Still, I shall cherish the memories from my first ever grand house party always.”

“As will I,” Victoria assured her, though for far different reasons. Rising from the bed, she crossed over to give Madeline’s hand an affectionate squeeze.

A knock sounded at the chamber door, heralding the arrival of the lady’s maid. It was time for Victoria to dress for the day ahead.

The cousins breakfasted together in the smaller south parlor, as many of the guests were still abed after last night’s lively moments. Victoria welcomed the intimate setting. She had no desire to encounter Oliver just yet and have him force her into playing the doting fiancée.

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