Page 69 of An Accidental Romance

Chapter 12

“I daresay there were morepeople feeling particularly religious this morning than the usual number,” Aylesham said as he and Susan joined Rebecca in the dayroom of Aylesham House. “Wouldn’t you agree, my duchess?”

“There were certainly more people in attendance at St. George’s than all the other times we’ve attended services,” she replied. “Put together.”

Rebecca herself had not attended church services with them, for, as Susan had explained, “Allowing yourself to continue to rest and heal for another Sunday is not a bad idea.” Rebecca had been fine with that decision because her unwieldy crutches would have drawn unwanted attention. She had, therefore, remained behind and had attempted to read one of her brother Isaac’s sermons.

“You don’t suppose the number in attendance had anything to do with anticipation of the Duke and Duchess of Aylesham’s lovely and delightful sister?” the duke said. “Who, I might add, was not there for them to scrutinize. They must have been mightily disappointed.”

“I highly doubt they were there to see me,” she replied. “Perhaps it’s a religious holiday?”

“You know very well it isn’t a religious holiday,” Susan said. “Enough teasing, Aylesham. Most likely, it had to do with the distinguished foreign guests who have already arrived in Town and upon whom Society expected to cast their curious eyes. However,” she continued, “we did have an enlightening conversation with Lady Bledsoe, who is a close friend of our Lady Walmsley. Before the service began, she came right up to us and told us that she had it onexcellentauthority that you have been granted vouchers for Almack’s this Wednesday.” Susan looked at Rebecca with glee. “I have not yet been to Almack’s either, so this is a treat for me as well.”

Aylesham sighed rather dramatically and feigned a bored tone. “I suppose that means I know what I shall be doing this Wednesday evening. I shall be forced to wear breeches while enduring poor refreshments and making conversation about trivial subjects with all and sundry.”

“You will also be enjoying a dance or two with your beloved wife,” Susan added.

“There is that,” Aylesham said with a cheeky smile.

“And I shall be sitting in a corner, watching everyone,” Rebecca said. “But at least I willbethere, and I’ll be able to be officially presented and can finally meet people.”

“Hmm,” Aylesham said. “Perhaps I can be of some assistance in that regard. I have an idea I will share with you both later.” He then picked up a book and began reading, obviously intending not to tell them anything more about his plans.

Rebecca now had Almack’s to look forward to, if this Lady Bledsoe was correct in her information. It was finally happening: the music, the gowns, the dancing—she’d imagined it all. She wondered which elegant people would be in attendance; her own father was a viscount, and her brother-in-law was a duke, but to have so many of England’s elite all in one place and to be introduced to them . . .

Her mind simply would not stop buzzing, although she did open a book of her own and attempt to read. She even managed to turn a page or two despite not remembering a single word she’d read.

Susan picked up her own book and began reading, although the sly look on her face suggested to Rebecca that she knew Rebecca’s mind was far away at the moment.

* * *

Rebecca studied herself in the full-length mirror in her dressing room, turning her head this way and that way, trying her best to keep her crutches out of sight as she did so.

“I’m glad you chose the ivory,” Susan remarked from behind her. “It still has the effect of a young lady making her come-out and yet adds a level of maturity and elegance.”

Rebecca turned. Her beautiful elder sister had chosen a burgundy velvet gown that was simply cut and utterly magnificent. “You look stunning,” Rebecca said.

“As do you. Madame Veronique has a genuine talent.”

“She does. I’m glad you say my gown has such an effect,” Rebecca said, “because the splint and crutches certainly don’t. Just a few more days, Susan, and I’ll be rid of these things! I can hardly wait.”

“Ah, that reminds me . . . All right, I didn’t need reminding, because I hadn’t actually forgotten. George has something of a gift for you in celebration of your appearance at Almack’s. He’s waiting for you in his study. Shall we?” Susan gestured to the dressing room door. “But only if you are ready to do so, every curl where it should be, ear bobs in place, you know.”

“I’m ready,” Rebecca said, although the moment she uttered the words she studied her appearance in the mirror once more.

“Come, little sister,” Susan said. “You look a dream. There is nothing more to inspect.”

Rebecca nodded. “Very well. I suppose I’m as ready as I’ll ever be, at any rate.” Except for the fact that she’d be attending Almack’s with unsightly crutches. She followed Susan down the corridor, being careful not to accidentally catch her crutches on the hem of her gown, and then cautiously descended the stairs. She was beyond ready to be done with the entire broken-ankle situation.

Aylesham stood when the footman opened the door to his study. Rebecca followed Susan inside, and the footman closed the door.

“Ah, me,” Aylesham said softly, putting his hand over his heart. “Such beauty stands before me. I am humbled by your presence.”

“Thank you, George,” Susan said. She crossed the room and offered her hand to him. He responded by pressing a rather intimate kiss to her wrist. Rebecca watched them and trembled, remembering the passion with which Ben had kissed her. “I have done as you asked and have not divulged even the tiniest of clues to Rebecca about what your gift to her is.”

“Amazing,” Aylesham said, although Rebecca wasn’t sure whether he was commenting on Susan’s appearance or her ability to keep a confidence.

“Indeed,” Susan said with the look of a cat that had lapped up the cream.

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