Page 60 of Dancing with an Enigmatic Duke
“Of course not. Why would you think that?”
“You had that look on your face that my father gets when my mother is unhappy with him.” Charles laughed. “You look happy enough now, though. I had better write up this reply.”
A moment later, Charles was gone and Nash was left with the silence of the room.
***
Emmeline eyed her brother with a growing sense of concern. “I understand that you want to have the party here, Harcourt. And I think that would be best also. However, I know little about such things. I fear that I would not be able to put on a suitable party.”
“It will soon be your duty to put on parties for the duchy. Would it not be better to start here?” Harcourt had a point, but that did not mean that Emmeline had to like it. Besides, she was not going to be responsible for the duchy, yet she could not tell her brother that.
Emmeline sighed heavily. “Fine. But I will not do it alone. I do not think going at such a thing recklessly is really the way to learn about proper hostess duties.”
“You have the aid of your ladies and my whole staff at your disposal. Now, if you will let me get back to work, I might be able to afford to pay for the party.” Harcourt waved his hand at her dismissively.
Emmeline narrowed her eyes at her brother. She turned and left in a huff. The hallway outside to her surprise was not empty. Cook and Jasmine both were waiting expectantly.
“I suppose you two heard that we have to throw the engagement party?” Emmeline asked the question with embarrassment.
Cook patted Emmeline on the shoulder. “It isn’t such a hard thing. You worry over what you want to eat and I shall cook it.”
“And music,” Jasmine suggested. “We’ll need some music.”
Emmeline nodded slowly. “There were some musicians at that last party at Lady Grayson’s home. I could ask her for a reference.”
“Good. And what of the menu?” Cook seemed eager to get on with her work.
Emmeline frowned. “What sort of things would be served at a party?”
“Depends on whether it is more dance or dinner party.”
Emmeline was about to respond when Francesca’s voice came from behind her. “A dance would be lovely, and such a jubilant way to celebrate an engagement.”
They all turned to look at her.
“I think a dance would be grand as well,” Emmeline agreed. “If that is okay with you, Cook?”
Francesca did not look pleased that Emmeline was checking with the kitchen staff to see if an arrangement was agreeable. Cook bobbed her head. “Oh yes, that would be fine. Haven’t had a dance here in a good while. I can make my special punch and serve up some lovely sandwiches.”
“That does sound nice. Your punch is delicious,” Jasmine responded with enthusiasm.
Francesca cleared her throat. When they all looked at her again, she said, “If we are all satisfied with the type of party, then we should move on to what sort of decorations and lighting we should have. I heard Jasmine mention musicians and yes, Lady Callum, the quartet from Lady Grayson’s party would be quite splendid for the ballroom.”
“I fear that this party will be a long ordeal,” Emmeline said with little hope of getting out of planning it. She looked at the ladies. At least she might not have to go through this whole thing alone.
Francesca clapped her hands together in merriment. “Planning a party is grand fun, Lady Callum. You shall see that it is really quite a good thing.”
“Perhaps for you, Francesca. But despite my birth right, I feel woefully out of place in such a predicament.” She really did not know where to start. If Francesca liked to make parties, then perhaps she should just let the woman at it.
Almost as if she had read Emmeline’s mind, Francesca put in, “Just relax and let me handle things. It will all work out wonderfully.”
“As much as I would love to simply allow you to do so, I really should make an effort to see this through. I intend to learn as much about the process as I can, so that I can do my duty as a wife admirably.” Emmeline smiled. “I am going to retire to the library.” As she turned, she met Jasmine’s eyes. Emmeline motioned for the maid to follow her. “If you have any further ideas, Francesca, please feel free to let me know. I really do appreciate all of your help.”
Francesca dipped into an elegant curtsey as Cook left to see to her kitchen duties. Emmeline and Jasmine headed to the library. When they were out of sight of the Frenchwoman, Jasmine said, “I’m surprised you did not let Francesca deal with the party. You didn’t seem thrilled with the idea of managing it.”
“I am not overly joyed by planning it, but that is mostly because I have had little experience doing so. Mother planned dances and such, but they were simple affairs.” Emmeline thought back to those times with a smile. “I would like a simple party, but I know that society here likes some sparkle. If Francesca can help with the pompous part of it, then I am more than willing to listen. However, I will be expected to do this sort of thing once I am wed.”
Jasmine nodded her agreement. “Of course, Miss. It is wise to use all the resources at your disposal.”
