Page 5 of The Duke's Concealed Vow
Chapter Two
Serena Yardley sat in the drawing room of her family’s London townhouse with her father, the earl of Lindmere, her aunt, Imogen Hughes, Countess of Silverwood and her twenty-one-year-old brother, Julian. However, she could hardly sit still to have tea with them.
She was filled with enough excitement and trepidation to fill several ballrooms, and it was all she could do to keep from flitting about the townhouse like a child at Christmastide. The earl and Julian were engaged in conversation about something in the newspaper, and the countess was speaking with a maid about some last-minute preparations for that evening. It was Serena’s come-out ball, and it was all she’d been able to think about for half a year.
She stared toward the window and imagined an enchanting evening of dancing with all high society’s eligible gentlemen. She pictured herself in the white satin gown that had been tailored just for her, twirling around the ballroom, and executing perfectly mastered dances that she had been learning since she was a young girl. She could already hear the music and the murmurs of the ball guests when she entered the ballroom. Even though it was merely hours away, it seemed as though her debut couldn’t happen soon enough.
“Serena, darling,” Imogen said, interrupting Serena’s thoughts. “You look positively radiant. It wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain ball this evening, would it?”
Serena giggled, smiling fondly at her aunt.
“Perhaps,” she said, feigning innocence as she batted her eyelashes. “And thank you, Aunt Imogen.”
Her aunt nodded, giving her a warm but sad smile.
“You have grown into a very remarkable young woman, sweet niece,” Imogen continued. “I could not be prouder of you. And I know without a doubt that your mother would be proud of you, as well.”
Serena blinked, her smile wavering. She had thought about her late mother every day for the last years since her passing from a sudden lung illness. But it was only then that she allowed herself to think about how her mother, who had always been very dear to her, would not be in attendance at her debut ball.
She desperately wished that the late countess were still alive, to watch her debut into society hand in hand with her father as most young ladies got to experience at their come-out balls. Her aunt had been a godsend to her for the past years, despite her grief over losing her younger sister. But she still longed to have her mother’s guidance for such a life milestone. Her eyes misted with tears, and she reached for her aunt’s hand.
Imogen, who had been like a mother to her after Caroline Yardley died, squeezed Serena’s hand, and gave her another warm smile.
“Do not cry, my darling,” she said, reaching up with her free hand and stroking her cheek. “Your mother would wish nothing but joy for you today. And she will be watching over you from the heavens. I am sure of that, and you must be, too.”
Serena took a deep breath. She missed her mother; that was true. But she could not let herself forget or take for granted how fortunate she was to have her aunt, father, and brother to support and love her. There would always be a place for her mother in her heart. But she had her living loved ones, and she didn’t want to lose a single moment with them.
“Thank you, Aunt Imogen,” she said again, smiling warmly at her aunt as she allowed herself to feel the nervous excitement once again. “Do you really think that the ball will be a success?”
Her aunt laughed merrily, nodding as she cupped Serena’sface in her hands.
“My dear, it can be no other way,” she said. “With your kind heart, intelligent mind and sharp wit, you will undoubtedly shine.”
Serena flushed at the compliments as she kissed her aunt’s cheek. Julian looked up from his breakfast with a wide grin on his face.
“Do not forget beautiful,” he said, gazing at his sister proudly. “I would wager that Serena finds herself with the title of diamond of the season.”
Serena laughed, but her blush deepened.
“You do think too highly of me, dear Brother,” she said.
Julian shook his head, the amusement leaving his expression, replaced with reverent adoration.
“Not at all, Serena,” he said warmly. “You are the kind of lovely that all gentlemen aspire to find and that all ladies wish to be. But Aunt Imogen is right. Your other qualities alone are enough to earn you the admiration of everyone at the ball, and the regret of any who opt to not attend.”
Serena laughed, but she was touched. With her blond, curly hair and deep blue eyes, she knew she was not unattractive. And she took pride in her intellect, and in her ability to make those around her laugh in any setting. But she was humble enough to know that there were prettier, smarter and more charitable women in the ton. While she was grateful for her brother’s praise, she would never let it go to her head.
“We shall see, Brother,” she said. “But thank you for your confidence. It fills my heart with joy to hear you say such things.”
Julian shrugged, still smiling at his sister.
“I only speak the truth, Sister,” he said. “And I speak it with all the pride and love that you deserve.”
Serena waved her hand to her brother bashfully, her cheeks growing warmer by the second. As she looked away from him,she glanced at their father, who had been notably silent since she had entered the breakfast room. He looked deep in thought, and his features were drawn, as though something was plaguing him. Serena frowned, wondering what could have the earl so preoccupied. She was taken aback by her father’s aloofness during such a happy time. There was a flicker of unease in his eyes, and his features looked strained and tired in a way she had never witnessed.
As though feeling eyes on him, the earl turned his head, catching Serena’s gaze. His cheeks twitched, and he gave her a tight, sheepish smile.
“Oh, yes, your aunt and brother are right, my dear,” he said, sounding hollow and detached. “And my most sincere and doting congratulations to you on such a monumental event.”
