Page 23 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

Chapter Nine

Today was teawith the Countess of Danbury and her cousins.

Minta was a jumble of nerves as Bertha fiddled with her hair. Her aunt looked on and nodded in approval.

‘You look your absolute best, Minta, my darling,” Aunt Phyllis said. “I am delighted that the modiste had this gown finished for you to wear to tea today.”

She looked down and smoothed the gown of sky blue. They had been in town two days now and she had made her first trip to the dressmaker’s shop, where she tried on a multitude of gowns that had already been made up for her for both day and evening wear. Very little needed to be done and so Madame Chevalier had sent over two dozen of the ready gowns. Minta was to return in three more days for another round of fittings.

Since she had spent so many hours at the modiste’s shop, little else had been accomplished. She had sent a message to Lady Danbury, as promised, to let the countess know of their arrival in town. Lady Danbury had responded immediately, inviting Minta to tea, along with the Duchess of Camden and Lady Middlefield. She couldn’t help but have high hopes for today’s tea. Though she loved her aunt and uncle dearly, she had missed being around those her own age and especially missed her sister now that she was back in London. Sera had been more than a sister. She had been a confidante and friend to Minta over the years. Her twin had written once more, confirming that she would be on the late-April ship bound for London. Minta could not wait for her twin to arrive.

A knock sounded at the bedchamber door and Bertha answered it.

A footman appeared on the other side and said, “The carriage has arrived for you, Miss Nicholls.”

“Very good,” Aunt Phyllis said, linking her arm through Minta’s and guiding her downstairs.

“I think it so very thoughtful that Lady Danbury sent her own carriage for you,” her aunt remarked.

Minta had thought the same, which only made her wish to get to know the countess and her cousins even more.

Aunt Phyllis accompanied her outside, along with Bertha, and a footman handed her and the maid up into the vehicle. She gave a jaunty wave to her aunt and the carriage began in motion.

Aunt Phyllis had explained the rules in town differed from those in the country, being much stricter in nature. The carriage ride she had taken alone with Lord Kingston would never have been allowed in London. Her aunt had stressed that Minta was never to be alone with any gentleman at any time. She would always be chaperoned to events or calls that she made upon others. When her aunt wasn’t available, Bertha would accompany Minta on these calls or errands, such as her appointments at the modiste.

She wondered for the hundredth time how Lord Kingston was faring. Their last conversation—and those incredible kisses—had her believing that there was potential in their relationship. The fact that the marquess had kissed her both startled and pleased Minta. She had relived those kisses every single day since they had parted, hoping to repeat the performance at some future point. Although from what her aunt said, she doubted she would ever be alone with Lord Kingston again. Even if he chose to become one of her suitors and called upon her, Aunt Phyllis and even Uncle West would always be present in the drawing room. She wondered how women did kiss a gentleman to decide if he would be a good husband or not if they could never be alone with a man and taste his kiss.

Her aunt said the rules slightly relaxed once a betrothal occurred. Only slightly, however. Minta didn’t know if she wanted to commit the rest of her life to a man if she had not kissed him. She was also eager to compare Lord Kingston’s kiss with that of others. She would have to be extremely careful in doing so, though. Aunt Phyllis had warned her if she were caught alone with a man—let alone kissing that man—it would mean an instant betrothal. If he were a true gentleman, her aunt said if she were caught in those circumstances, a gentleman of quality would immediately offer for her.

“But what if I don’t wish for him to offer?” she had countered.

Aunt Phyllis had frowned, the crease in her forehead deep, and said, “You will not have a choice in that instance, Minta. If the man does not offer for you or if you do not accept his offer when he does, Polite Society’s gossips would skewer you. You would be ruined. That is why I am warning you never to be alone with a man.”

“But I have seen Mama and Papa kissing, Aunt. What if I do accept a gentleman’s offer of marriage and then I do not enjoy his kiss?”

Her aunt’s frown deepened and she finally had said, “Occasionally, you might be going for a stroll on a terrace between dances at a ball. On a rare occasion, you may find yourself in a situation—a darkened corner of that terrace—and your partner might steal a brief kiss. That should satisfy your curiosity. Hopefully, no one would see that occur. I warn you against such impulsive behavior, though, Minta.”

Minta didn’t believe a brief kiss would make up her mind, however. The kisses she had exchanged with Lord Kingston had gone on for who knew how long. She had marveled in the feelings a kiss could bring, both physically and emotionally.

She was desperate for the marquess’ kiss again.

Though extremely reserved, he had made that bold move, which led her to believe the possibility existed that he had some feelings for her. He had acted upon the attraction between them before fleeing. She wondered if he had come to town or gone to one of his other country estates after leaving Kingwood. She would learn in the next few weeks if he was here in London or not since the Season would begin in a little over two weeks’ time.

The carriage came to a halt and the door opened. A footman handed her down and then did the same for Bertha. Minta urged the maid to go with the footman and he led Bertha away, most likely to a servants’ entrance, she supposed. Another of Lady Danbury’s footmen escorted Minta to the door, where she was received by a smiling butler.

“Miss Nicholls, you are expected. Please accompany me to the drawing room.”

She followed the servant up the stairs and into the drawing room, where he announced her. She moved forward, seeing a smiling Lady Danbury and two other beautiful blonds. The trio came to their feet and Lady Danbury took a step toward Minta.

“My dear Miss Nicholls, I am so happy that you could join us for tea this afternoon.” The countess embraced her, kissing Minta’s cheek, which surprised her.

“I am delighted to introduce you to my cousins, who are my closest friends since childhood.”

She indicated the thin woman with hair the color of honey and sky blue eyes. “This is Her Grace, the Duchess of Camden.”

Minta curtseyed as Aunt Phyllis had taught her to do and the duchess smiled graciously at her.

“My cousin has told me wonderful things about you, Miss Nicholls. I have looked forward to this tea and making your acquaintance.”

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