Page 31 of The Duke's Vice

“Lady Joynor’s ball is coming up and it’s one of the last of the season. You had promised me that you would give it your all. I suspect you’re having a change of heart and may want to find love after all.” Charlotte looked quite pleased with herself.

Relief flooded her system.

Sarah laughed. “Mama. What makes you think Beatrice changed her mind?”

Beatrice turned back to the window and leaned her head against the window, the cool pane helped slow down her racing her heart. The thought of her mother knowing about her pact with the Duke terrified her.

Charlotte tsked. “You two are never around any more, you don’t see what I see. Your sister has changed over the past week. She’s been flittering around here with so much energy and life. Whether she knows it or not, something has changed within her and I think her mind is finally coming around to the idea of marriage.” Charlotte tapped her temple. “A mother knows these things.”

Sarah and Eleanor exchanged a look of disbelief before turning their gaze to an equally confused Beatrice.

She could admit that since meeting with the Duke, and with the possibility of her checking everything off her list, she had been more cheerful and excited.

To her mother’s defense, it’s not like Beatrice could be truthful about why she was acting more optimistic. Since making the pact with the Duke, Beatrice no longer fought with her mother about what to wear to a ball, or rolled her eyes at any society gossip her mother brought to her.

The Duke gave her a way to fulfill her wildest dreams and in doing so, she felt removed from the restraints of society. Hearingabout the comings and goings of the peerage was no longer duty-bound but entertaining.

She could see how her mother could confuse her relief for not having to be a part of society as finally accepting her place in said society.

However, the further she got away from that night, the more anxious she became. Beatrice returned her sister’s looks with another shrug. Her mind was whirling with what-ifs and made up scenarios. The barrage of thoughts caused her head to throb.

Beatrice was saved by a knock on the parlor door. Daniels, their butler, opened the door with an envelope on a tray.

“Pardon the interruption, Your Graces, but this letter just arrived for Lady Beatrice.”

Once again all three sets of eyes drifted to Beatrice who stood there unmoved.

“Don’t look at me, I have no idea who is sending me a letter.” She huffed as she trudged over to the butler.

She took the envelope and opened it only to feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand. She turned to see her mother leaning forward to try and see what she held in her hands.

“Do you mind?” Beatrice chided.

Sarah laughed. “Now Beatrice, your mother is just looking out for you.”

Beatrice narrowed her eyes at her sister. “I liked you better before you became a mother.”

Eleanor snorted as she took a sip of her tea.

“Well,” Charlotte huffed. “Are you going to tell us who it’s from? Is it from a suitor?” She asked hopefully.

Beatrice rolled her eyes. “No, Mama. It’s from Jane. She wants to know what I’m wearing to the Joynor’s ball. And she added a line asking if there will be any good food at Sarah’s dinner party next week.”

Sarah’s laugh echoed throughout the parlor. “Your friend Jane loves my cook, doesn’t she? Whenever we have a party she is always hovering around the dessert table.”

Charlotte sniffed. “She shouldn’t be. She’s a lovely girl but sometimes…”

“Mama.” Eleanor’s voice warned. “I wouldn’t finish that sentence. Jane is a lovely girl and I hear her she has several interested suitors including a Duke’s son and Lord Dancary.”

Charlotte lifted a shoulder. “I don’t mean to talk ill of the girl, I’m just saying.”

Sarah sighed. “We all know what you’re saying, Mama.” She looked to Beatrice. “Tell her we’ll have all of her favorites because they just so happen to my favorites as well.” She said with a wink.

Beatrice folded the paper back into the envelope. “I think I’ll go write to her now.” She looked at her sisters. “Do either of you mind if I retreat to answer her letter?”

Eleanor nodded as Sarah added, “We’ll see you at our dinner party next week. I can’t wait to hear all about the Joynor ball.”

Beatrice gave each sister and her mother a kiss on their cheeks before retiring to her room.

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