Page 2 of Her Ruse with the Wicked Duke
She raced to the powder room, sitting on one of the chair lounges that faced away from the door. She could not handle the peering eyes for another second.
She looked down at her dress, the brown substance seeping into the pearly fabric. She wiped away the tear that rolled down her cheek, leaning back on the perfectly upholstered couch. The Earl had no doubt seen what just happened, and he was probably chatting about her ditzy behavior now.
The tears began to pool in her eyes as she thought about going back to her brother’s home, but she sat up straight when she heard a few ladies enter the powder room.
“… Did you see her?”
“I do not know what she thinks she is doing here. And for the Queen to claim that she is the Diamond of the Season. She is not even that pretty.”
“I feel terrible about her situation, though. Did you hear about her brother?”
What did they hear about my brother?
“Do tell!”
“Well, as you both know, he is not wed. But I have heard around the ton that he treats her as a mere servant, instead of a lady. The mamas think he has released her from her servitude for the Season to arrange a financially beneficial marriage.”
“And, of course, why would not she go along with it?” The girls giggled. “Oh, I heard mention of a fireworks show in the garden this evening. Keep an eye out for the Duke.”
The Duke? Surely, they are not speaking of the Duke of Mayberry. He smells of old socks.
“I could not believe she did not pounce on him like the rest of us!”
“She probably knew better. I wonder where she ran off to.”
“She probably took her carriage home. It would be for the best…”
Alice sat as meek as a mouse as the ladies’ conversation carried out the door and back into the hall. The powder room was suddenly quiet again, and Alice stood up, smoothing her skirt.
I should probably just head back home. My dress is ruined, and I need to be ready when Richard returns. My lady’s maid is most likely worried about me by now.
Alice walked to the door and poked her head out to make sure she would have a swift path to the front door when she heard the soft boom of fireworks coming from the garden.
I suppose taking a quick look would not harm anyone.
She made her way through the empty halls to the double doors held open by two servants. She silently thanked them, and as she stepped out onto the balcony, she noticed that the man who had run into her was looking at her from the lawn. She felt a blush rise to her cheeks.
That must be the Duke. He is not unattractive by any means.
She walked down the stone steps, and he took a step toward her, making her move a bit swifter across the lawn and into the hedge garden. She decided that the critical eyes of the ladies would not be as peaceful as finding somewhere in the vast gardens to watch the fireworks show by herself.
* * *
Rowan watched as the woman’s face was illuminated by the blue and green fireworks in the sky. She was a beauty, the kind in a painting. He studied her features a moment longer before furrowing his brow.
This beautiful lady had not begged for his attention once that night. She had not even looked at him when he so rudely crashed into her and spilled his drink on her.
I must apologize to her.
“Your Grace! I am glad to see your travels brought you back in one piece.” Rowan squeezed his eyes shut in exasperation, before turning around to find none other than the Viscount Carr strolling over, pompous as ever.
“Edward, old friend. How is your family?”
“Ah, well, my father has been ill as of late.”
“I send my well wishes.” Rowan glanced in the direction of the lady before turning back. “Do you happen to know that woman?”
“Alice Snow. She is this Season’s Diamond and quite a social hit. The Baron Mowbray has apparently sent his sister to find a wealthy husband, though she mostly just socializes with the other ladies. A waste of time, I would say. ”
