Page 61 of The Duchess’ Modiste

The second hand on the pocket watch in the Duke’s grasp was ticking away. As Chloe stood behind him, she had a good view of the hand moving. It didn’t seem to matter that the violinists far behind them on the platform were playing music, all Chloe could concentrate on was the sound of that ticking.

“What is the time now?” she whispered, so only the Duke could hear her.

“Half past.” The Duke sighed and closed up the pocket watch, returning it to his waistcoat and making that ticking abruptly stop. “It’s late.”

She knew that, without him having to tell her. Nodding, she turned away and looked around the ballroom. The Duke and Maeve had thrown their efforts into the ball. The room was decorated beautifully, in fine laces and so many white roses that Chloe was afraid of bumping into the many vases.

Between those vases and the candelabras, there were but a few people. Maeve stood beside the seamstresses, with Rosaline amongst them. They were all wearing Chloe’s gowns.

Chloe tried to take comfort in the sight of her dresses, for they were truly beautiful. Maeve’s in particular was stunning, for it consisted of an ivory white column gown, with a sheer blue lace covering, parted at the front so that the lace on the white skirt could be seen. The short sleeves were curled under, giving the illusion of a long neck and a very slender collar bone.

Yet, there was no one else there to admire the gown. Chloe walked toward them, feeling her hands beginning to shake.

“They are all late,” Chloe whispered as she reached Maeve’s side.

“It’s only been a half an hour. People may come yet,” Rosaline said, trying to hold onto her usual buoyancy.

“Yes, they might,” Elizabeth said, nodding eagerly, with Marianne nodding along with her.

“You are all kind, but I can see the fear in your eyes. It is the same that is in my own.” With these words, Chloe turned her focus on Maeve. Her good friend did not bother to lie or try to cheer her spirits. “They’re not coming, are they?” Chloe asked.

“I . . .” Maeve sighed, looking as heartbroken as Chloe felt.

“That’s a carriage. It’s a carriage!” the Duke called back to them all, from where he was standing by the window, looking out to the drive.

Chloe whipped round, sudden excitement filling her.

Is it possible that someone doesn’t believe what is written in that scandal sheet?

The violin music became a little more vigorous, until the door opened. Chloe was probably the only one in the room who smiled when the new person entered.

Leo!

He hurried forward.

“I thought I was late.” He gestured to the empty room. “Where is everyone?”

“Where do you think?” the Duke asked with a sigh, returning to his place at the window. Soon enough, he waved a hand at the violinists. “Take a break. You are playing for empty air.”

Chloe felt her breath hitch in her throat. Even the Duke was giving up hope of anyone coming.

Leo hastened to Chloe and Maeve’s sides. At one point, Chloe thought he was reaching for her hand, and she looked forward to that touch, needing it, but then his hand lowered and no such touch happened.

“Truly, Maeve? No one is here.”

“The ball was rather hurried,” she began slowly. “Perhaps people could not make it on such short notice?”

When Chloe offered her friend a certain narrowed look, Maeve shrugged. “I’m trying to make things have a better outlook.”

“I don’t think anyone can.” Chloe stepped away. She went to the edge of the room where champagne glasses were laid out. Rather than taking any, she reached behind them, to where a brandy carafe was and poured out a dribble in a wide-bellied glass, then lifted it to her lips.

“Is this a good idea?” Leo’s voice appeared in her ear. She jumped to find him so close. Once she had calmed the thrill that passed up her spine to find him so near, she turned around and pointedly took another sip.

“What does it matter if I have a drink, Leo? No one is here to see me do it.” At her words, he offered a rather sad smile.

“Two more carriages!” the Duke declared from the window, then hurried back to join his wife.

Chloe felt the glass being taken from her hand by Leo and put down behind her. That glass had just touched the table when the doors opened to reveal two familiar faces.

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