Page 30 of Her Ruse with the Wicked Duke
“I am glad to see you so excited about an event, Your Grace. I was starting to worry about your resilience to the ton’s dramatics.”
“It is exhausting attempting to keep up,” he replied, taking one last look at his hair before giving up. “I would like to get to the castle before everyone else, to have time to settle and assist if I can.”
“Very well, Your Grace. Would you like me to tell the other coach to wait until this afternoon to pick up Miss Snow?”
“Tell them to wait a little after we leave. And do not let them forget the gown.”
“It is already in the carriage.”
“I am ready to leave, then. I would like to bring a bottle of bourbon, as well. Could you find the best in the cellar?” He slipped his shoes on, and Maxwell nodded, making his way out of the room.
Rowan marched downstairs to see several letters piled on the table near the foyer, all from Miss Elizabeth Darcy.
He ignored the pile of missives and made his way outside, taking a deep breath of the cool spring air. He took a moment to sit in the peace of nature before Maxwell opened the front door, carrying a large glass bottle full of dark liquid.
They climbed inside and made their way to Xander Yarros’s castle, far off in the distant countryside.
* * *
“Miss, His Grace has sent the more gorgeous carriage,” the maid cooed at the door. “And this.”
“What is that?” Alice’s eyes widened at the brown box the woman held.
Alice took the box from her and placed it on her bed, opening the parcel to see an incredibly blue gown inside. She felt her heart stop for a moment and needed to compose herself before reaching for the small, folded piece of paper that was tucked inside the fabric.
A Diamond needs to shine. Wear this.
She was shocked into silence and pulled the dress out. It was absolutely gorgeous. Long, and billowy, it looked like the sky was pulled down and made into a dress.
“How can I accept this?” Alice muttered quietly.
“You must wear it tonight, Miss.” Grace grinned. “Here. I will get you all fitted before we go. We will want to make haste, as your brother will be back in a short while. He knows there is an event tonight, but not that it is at Yarros’s home. He would be furious to know that “
Alice nodded, still a little starstruck at the gown as she put it on, and before too long, they got the dress on and finished pinning her hair into a bun that sat atop her head. The ladies looked into the mirror, smiling.
“You look so beautiful, Miss. Your mother would be so proud to see you,” Grace said, tears beginning to make her voice hoarse.
“No tears, Grace! We must be going if we do not want to be late.” Alice smiled, wiping her maid’s tears.
As they made their way downstairs and out to the lavish carriage, they heard the distant sound of another carriage approaching. She squinted down the driveway, recognizing her brother.
“We must make haste. I do not want to get into an argument before this evening.”
The women were assisted inside the vehicle and began to make their way down the road, passing her brother, who gave Alice an annoyed look from the coach. He was clearly upset, but before she let it consume her, she took a deep breath, determined to enjoy her evening.
* * *
“Rowan, are not you looking dapper? I heard that you will be showing off your Diamond.” Cain waggled his eyebrows.
“I do not know what affection you think I have over that woman, but I can guarantee there is none. She is her own person. A strong one at that,” Rowan remarked. “I would be surprised if she will ever accept a man trying to control her.”
“I cannot wait to meet this lady that you speak so fondly of.” Cain grinned, pinching Rowan’s cheek before jogging inside. “Though I wish I would have met her before the Baroness Bainbridge chased us away from her party earlier this week.”
Rowan chuckled as he followed him back inside to find Xander. He had forgotten how much he enjoyed being with his friends. His travels were exciting, and he had Maxwell with him to keep him company, but being able to joke around like boys again was something he had not realized he missed.
“My friend, I swear on everything that is holy, you had better not ask me for another task. You are a guest.” Xander pointed a finger at him, and he threw his hands in the air in surrender.
“Fine. I will wait outside for guests to arrive.”
