Page 6 of The Duke's Concealed Vow
Serena bit her lip, studying her father. He had always been warm and jovial when he was with his family. But that day, he seemed as far away from the present moment as the Far East was from London. She opened her mouth to inquire, concerned for her father’s well-being. But he rose quickly from his seat, casting his eyes to his feet.
“If you will excuse me, I must tend to some pressing business matters,” he said, a bit too quickly. He hurried from the room even faster than he had spoken, and Serena watched with mounting dread as the earl practically ran into the hallway. She knew it was silly to be so concerned over what was very likely worry over an important business deal or meeting. But she could not shake the feeling that there was more to her father’s odd behavior than just work concerns.
“Sister, dear,” Julian said, his voice warm and reassuring. “You mustn’t pay Father any heed. You and I know perfectly well that he is a busy man. He simply has something important to handle before your ball tonight. Besides, I suspect that some of his reticence is related to the fact that his little girl is now awoman of the ton.”
Serena slowly drew her gaze from the open door to her brother. She allowed Julian’s words to comfort her, eventually nodding in reluctant agreement.
“I’m sure you are right,” she said, trying to believe the words. “I just worry.”
Julian chuckled and shook his head.
“The only thing you need to worry about is the business venture I delayed for your ball tonight,” he said with an impish grin. “You must understand that that means I fully expect you to save me a spot on your dance card.”
Serena laughed heartily, the dread beginning to release her.
“I would not dream of depriving myself of the chance to watch you step on my foot, Brother,” she said.
Julian pretended to be offended, gasping and looking at her with horror that his sparkling eyes told her he did not truly feel.
“You wound me, little sister,” he said. “It was I who allowed you to step on my feet when you were first learning to dance.”
Serena giggled again, shaking her head.
“I was standing on your feet so that you could lead me in the dance steps,” she said, playfully correcting her brother. “And I will never know how you ever learned, since you don’t seem to have a mind for keeping up with the music.”
Julian rolled his eyes, but his lips were quivering with another smile.
“It has been years since we have danced,” he said. “I shall show you tonight.”
Serena nodded, smirking at her brother, letting their shared affection replace her previous negative mood.
“We shall see, Brother,” she said.
After breakfast finished, Imogen whisked Serena to her chambers, where her lady’s maid, Christine, already awaited her with Serena’s white silk ballgown in her hands. Serena giggled,looking at her aunt with quizzical curiosity.
“Aunt Imogen,” she said. “The ball will not begin until seven this evening. Is it not a bit early to be getting dressed?”
Imogen looked at her as though she were mad.
“Darling, it is already after noon,” she said, pointing to the clock in Serena’s pink and purple room. “You must have your bath drawn, your dress donned and your hair styled to perfection before then. We’ll be lucky if this is enough time.”
Serena laughed. She knew her aunt was exaggerating, if only a little. But she realized that Imogen was right. It was better to begin getting ready right then and not take the chance of running late.
“Very well, Aunt Imogen,” she said. “I shall get ready for my bath now.”
Christine curtseyed to her, giving her a bright smile.
“I already have the staff working on heating your water now,” she said. “I will draw your bath as soon as it is ready. I have rose oil for your water, and the matching perfume for when you are dry, before I dress you.”
Serena and Imogen both nodded. Imogen gave her niece a hurried kiss on the cheek and an anxious smile.
“I will tend to the last-minute arrangements and decorations,” she said. “All you need to do is shine, my darling.”
Serena laughed at her aunt lovingly once more. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought that it was her aunt’s debut ball.
“Thank you, Aunt Imogen,” she said. “I shall be ready well before time for the ball to begin.”
Imogen nodded, hurrying from the room. When the two of them were alone behind her closed bedchamber door, Serena and Christine burst into laughter.
