Page 43 of The Duke's Concealed Vow
Chapter Twenty
“Your Grace,” whispered a hushed, feminine voice, pulling Serena from her sleep.
She opened her eyes to see Christine smiling brightly down at her, softly shaking her arm from atop the blankets.
Serena’s eyes flew open, and she quickly sat up. She realized that it was the morning of her ball, and she was instantly filled with anticipation and nervousness.
“I’m up, Christine,” she said with a soft laugh, swinging her feet over the edge of the bed.
Her lady’s maid gently dragged her to her dresser, rummaging through her morning dresses.
“This is sure to be a busy day,” she said. “I believe we should put you in something simple and comfortable, to make tending to all the last-minute arrangements for this evening as easy as possible for you.”
Serena nodded. That night would be an important opportunity to showcase her new role as duchess, and that meant ensuring that there wasn’t a single decoration out of place, one refreshment not prepared or a single chair forgotten.
“I believe that my white day dress will suffice,” she said.
Christine nodded, fetching the outfit, and closing the dresser. She twisted Serena’s hair into a simple but elegant bun, then helped her into the morning dress. She opted to skip breakfast, promising to make it up at lunch that afternoon. She was too restless to eat, and there were too many things she needed to finalize with the staff before she could stop for a luxury such as eating.
She headed straight to the ballroom, delighted to see that the refreshment tables were exactly where she’d instructed andalready filled with empty silver trays, champagne flutes and wine glasses. She was surprised to see that Eleanor had appeared to have the same idea she had. Her mother-in-law was standing in the corner of the ballroom, speaking with a maid, and pointing up at the chandelier. The maid nodded and curtseyed before rushing off to comply with whatever order Eleanor had just given her. But when she saw Serena, Eleanor gave her a bright smile, approaching her with open arms.
“Everything is coming together beautifully, darling,” Eleanor said, embracing her daughter-in-law.
Serena blushed at the use of such an affectionate pet name. She couldn’t deny that she and the dowager had grown closer in the days they’d spent planning the ball. Her mother-in-law had delivered more than her end of the bargain about teaching Serena how to be a duchess and host a ball. And in just a few hours, she would be showing all of high society what she could do with those lessons.
“Your Grace,” said a footman as he bowed quickly upon reaching her side. “The last of the decorations has just arrived. The other footmen and I will help the maids place everything in the places you desired. Are there any further requests?”
Serena started to shake her head gently as she glanced at Eleanor. But Eleanor gave her a wink and the footman a small but warm smile.
“Any more requests can be handled by me,” she said, turning back to Serena. “And you should go try to rest. This evening will be exhausting, of that I am certain. Everything in here will be taken care of. Now, go take care of yourself.”
Serena gave her mother-in-law a grateful look.
“Are you sure, Eleanor?” she asked.
The dowager nodded, still smiling.
“I will simply give the final orders to the staff,” she said. “They are excellent at following instructions, and they have yetto disappoint me in their execution of party preparations. I will rest once they have been notified of their duties for the rest of the day. And I want you to do the same.”
Serena nodded once more.
“Thank you, Eleanor,” she said.
Eleanor patted her shoulder before turning back to the servants. Serena exited the ballroom, taking a deep breath to calm her mind. She wandered through the halls, although hardly aimlessly. She was heading straight for her favorite refuge in Dalenwood Manor. And part of her was hoping that she would once again have company as she enjoyed the beauty and serenity of it.
Much to her delight, Rowan was standing at one of the tall bookshelves in the library, staring up at it thoughtfully. He was breathtakingly handsome in a gray suit with a white cravat, with his chestnut hair combed back and shimmering in the sunlight shining in through the window. His hands were clasped behind his back and his posture was straight. Though she could not see his hazel eyes, she imagined they were studying each book spine with reverence and contemplation.
As if sensing her presence, he turned toward the door. His eyes were indeed scrutinizing. Until they landed on her. As their eyes met, Serena would have sworn she felt a jolt of attraction that could only be likened to lightning. His expression changed at once and he greeted her with a warm smile that nearly stopped her heart.
“Serena,” he said, holding out a white gloved hand to her. “Do come in.”
Serena blushed under the intensity of the palpable current in the air between them. She obeyed, putting her hand in his and following his lead as he led them to the cushioned bench by the window. She seated herself, her heart pounding as Rowan sat beside her. She didn’t realize she was returning his smile untilher cheeks began to ache.
“How are the ball preparations going?” he asked.
Serena’s heart skipped. He was showing an interest in the event she was planning. It was the first time, apart from their conversations about literature, that he had tried to connect with her by engaging her about her activities. She swallowed a host of butterflies that threatened to bubble from her stomach and out of her throat.
“Very well,” she said, smiling sweetly. “The staff is doing the final decorating, and everything is right on schedule.”
