Page 30 of Disguised Desires of a Scarred Duke
“Please send this immediately,” she told him when she placed the envelope on the footman’s silver tray. “And please make sure the gentleman personally receives it.”
Lottie was helping Eleanor with the final touches of getting opera ready when they heard Cecil Phillips’ voice downstairs. Eleanor sighed and thanked Lottie for outdoing herself tonight. The hairstyle she created was an elegantly tucked bun at the nape of the neck with two braided sections circling her head above it.
The gown of turquoise blue complemented Eleanor’s milk chocolate hair and lavender-blue eyes.
Too bad it was all for a horrible man.
She descended the stairs slowly as she studied Lady Whitfield and Mr Phillips, deep in conversation near the front door. They spoke in a hushed tone, so she couldn’t hear what they were saying. But one thing was very obvious.
Neither one of them cared in the slightest that she had entered the room.
When Regina came down the stairs looking like a princess in an aquamarine gown, she nearly tripped and fell at their feet.
“Mr Phillips? What a surprise to see you here.” Her lips formed a flat line and pressed tightly together before she spoke again. “Mother. Is there something you forgot to tell us?”
Regina spoke the word mother with such irritation that it turned both Margaret’s and Eleanor’s heads. It was not like Regina to question her parent or speak to her bitterly. The tone was quite subtle for someone like Eleanor, but it was a very noticeable shift for Lady Whitfield’s doting daughter.
“Miss Regina, good evening. I am accompanying your sister but am happy to escort all the Whitfield ladies to the opera tonight. It’s my pleasure.”
Mr Phillips bowed his head, then looked to Lady Whitfield.
For her undying approval, no doubt.
“Eleanor was very aware that Mr Phillips was accompanying us this evening, Regina. If she didn’t tell you, that’s her mistake.” Margaret pulled her black shawl over the shoulders of the same black Victorian-style gown she wore for most formal affairs. “Now make haste. We don’t want to miss the overture.”
Cecil held his arm out to Margaret and helped her down the outdoor steps to the carriage while Eleanor and Regina followed a few steps behind.
“I thought we were rid of that man!” Regina whispered as the sisters walked arm in arm. “Did you really know he was coming tonight?”
“I’m certain he was invited long before I was. It seems your mother is Mr Phillips’ biggest fan. Why she doesn’t marry him herself is beyond comprehension. They make the perfect pair.”
Eleanor giggled and then remembered she shouldn’t speak that way about Margaret to Regina. But this time, Regina chuckled under her breath and nodded in agreement.
“I love my mother, but I’m beginning to see her in a new way. Forcing you to spend time with Mr Phillips doesn’t make any sense. I can’t figure out what she sees in that man. Or why she thinks he could survive the likes of you.”
Both girls giggled so loudly that they earned another stern look from Lady Whitfield.
This is going to be a very long night.
As it turned out, the opera was magnificent. Cecil sat between Eleanor and Margaret but barely said a word that indicated he had any romantic interest in the eldest Whitfield daughter anymore.
And, so, Eleanor had a lovely evening after all. The theatre was exquisitely decorated, and everyone’s fashions were sophisticated and divine. If she had her choice, Eleanor would spend her days outdoors in comfortable clothing. But it was also a pleasure to dress up for some of the finest events of the London season each year.
“Well, hello, beautiful Whitfield family! Did you enjoy the show?”
Edward Montrose looked as handsome as ever in his fine black coat and ruffled white shirt. His blue eyes were dazzling tonight, but Eleanor suspected that was mostly because he was gazing at Regina again with undisguised joy.
“Hello, Mr Montrose! Mother, you remember Edward Montrose from Cousin Harrison’s soiree, yes?” Regina said.
Margaret looked Edward up and down, then looked behind him and stiffened like she’d just had a fright.
Eleanor followed the direction of her gaze to the couple standing a few steps away.
“Lady Whitfield, Miss Whitfield, and Miss Regina, these are my parents, Mr and Mrs Frederick Montrose.” Edward stepped aside to let his parents move forward. Then he motioned towards Cecil. “And this is the unforgettable Mr Phillips, son of the Viscount Preville.”
Cecil and Edward bowed to each other with painted-on smiles. Though Edward’s looked much more amused than forced, since most things seemed to amuse Edward, no matter how foul.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Lady Whitfield. We are honoured to manage your late husband’s accounts at our bank. If you have any more questions about the trust …” Mr Frederick Montrose began, but Margaret cut him off.
