Bryghton watched in amazement as she went from looking like a mischievous schoolgirl to a blasé member of Society. He uttered a low whistle of approval. “One would think you were an old hand at this, my lady.”
Victoria lifted one shoulder in a negligent shrug. “Mayhap I am, your grace,” she said in an offhand tone before meeting his eyes. He grinned at seeing the sparkle of laughter in her eyes, much in contradiction to the expression on her face. She reprimanded him, “Do not grin at me, Duke, you will quite ruin my effect. It took a ridiculous amount of practice to manage this exact look and I shall not be able to hold onto it with you smiling so at me. Now I pray you do not take it amiss, but I shall not be able to look at you for the rest of our time in the park, for I am certain an idiotic grin will break over my face if I do.”
Bryghton was delighted by her honesty. He fiercely hoped the thoughts coursing through his mind were not written upon his own face as he met his sister’s probing gaze.
Alanna searched her brother’s face trying to read his reactions to Lady Victoria. She would have sworn the duke was showing unprecedented attention to her, but she was unsure of his reasons. She could feel her frustration rising at his impassivity, but she could not help grinning when he once again flicked her a wink as they entered the park and he brought the horses to a trot to ease into the slow-moving traffic as the fashionable world took the time to show themselves off to one another.
After a few minutes passed in silence, Victoria finally broke it. “Alanna, my dear friend, I do declare that my face is about to crack from this impossible expression. Do say we can stop a moment and take a little stroll away from the probing eyes, as I really must smile and gaze about with real curiosity.”
“Oh Victoria, I am truly sorry,” Alanna was instantly contrite. “I did not mean to say you cannot smile at all. We should be conversing and you could react as naturally as you wish to whatever we discuss. But perhaps your suggestion is better. We did say we wished to stroll after all.”
At those words Victoria turned a brilliant smile upon her two companions and Bryghton and Alanna could not help responding in kind. “This is the most amusement I have had in ages. Do some of these people not realize how ridiculous they look? That last lady with dogs in her carriage looked quite like her furry friends. And the other lady with the purple plumes sticking out of her headdress, I am quite certain she did not think how they would look when in motion.”
Alanna giggled at Victoria’s words, unaware of her brother’s intent expression as he gazed at the earl’s niece.
Pulling his horses to a standstill and helping the ladies out of the carriage, Bryghton fought his growing attraction to the young lady as he reminded himself just whom she was related to. He remembered, somewhat ruefully, that he had meant to use her as a means for revenge against the earl, but he knew now that would be impossible. With rising frustration he wondered at his feelings for Lady Victoria and what he could make of their connection. With a shake of his head, he shoved the concerns to the back of his mind and found a conveniently placed tree to tie his horses. Turning back to his companions, he offered each an elbow.
Strolling along in silence, the duke enjoyed listening to the two girls banter and chatter with one another. He momentarily lost himself in thought as Alanna was hailed by a passing acquaintance. He was pulled from his reverie by a soft voice.
“Is everything all right with you, your grace? You have become strangely quiet,” Victoria asked in an undertone. “Or are we talking too much to allow you any room for comment?”
“Naught is amiss, my lady,” Bryghton answered. “I am merely enjoying the pleasure of having two such lovely ladies on my arms. It is not every day I have the honour of escorting my sister and her friend.”
Victoria, with an effort of will, kept her smile in place at this reminder that she was merely his sister’s friend. She had started to think that she could count the duke as her friend too, but she realized, with a wistful, though silent, sigh, that that was a foolish thought. Forcing her mind to the practicalities of her situation, she turned her attention to contemplating the various men they had encountered.
“Now it is you who has turned quiet, my lady, is aught amiss with you?” Bryghton turned her words back on her with a smile.
She did not return the smile, but answered him seriously, “I am contemplating the potential suitors your sister has so far introduced me to. I am not sure if any of them would well suit with me, but I promised myself I would be open minded and think through all my options.”
Bryghton blinked in surprise at her honest reply. He had known this was one of the main reasons she had considered his sister’s presumptuous insistence on introducing her to the ton, but he had not seriously considered the possibility of her marrying one of his friends. With effort he maintained his stoic manner and as blandly as possible asked her about her options.
“Do you as yet have any favourite potentials?”
“Not really, your grace. It is far more difficult than I had thought. These are real people with whom I would be spending the rest of my life. It is a rather daunting situation. I know ladies do it every Season, but they usually have the backing of family and supporters who will vouch for both parties. I am in a unique situation for this venture.”
“Are you wishing you had someone to vouch for you?” he asked, his voice husky from concern.
“I am actually more concerned about wishing I had someone I deeply trusted who could vouch for potential mates. It seems to me that it is a far more consequential thing for the lady than for the gentleman when a marriage bargain is struck, and I fear that your sister, despite how very kind she is, is not in a position to advise me seriously.” Victoria shot a look of concern his way lest he think she was insulting his sister.
“Alanna is a green girl despite her protestations otherwise, and I would never entrust her with my own future, so I can understand your concerns. Would you consider my assistance?”
Victoria blushed to the roots of her hair and stammered out a reply in her discomfort. “Your grace, I have no wish to burden you with my meagre concerns. I deeply appreciate your offer but I would hate to impose on you in such a way.”
“It is no imposition, my lady. I feel a sense of responsibility for your situation, as it is through me that Alanna became acquainted with you and dragged you into your current dilemma.”
Victoria’s blush deepened, causing Bryghton to be concerned for her health. “Are you sure you are all right, my lady?”
Victoria held onto her smile with sheer force of will. She would rather live under a bridge than discuss specific potential suitors with the duke but did not feel it prudent to tell him so to his face. “I appreciate your offer, your grace. If I find myself in too much of a quandary I may take you up on it.” She managed to blurt out the lie without choking on it.
“What are you two discussing so seriously?” Alanna interrupted, much to Victoria’s delight and Bryghton’s dismay.
“Nothing of import,” Victoria dismissed airily, hurrying to Alanna’s side and urging her to continue their stroll.
A short time later, Alanna decided it best that they return home and imperiously demanded that the duke comply.
With a wry bow, Bryghton answered, “I am, as always, yours to command.”
“Oh, fie on you, Duke, do not get all starchy with me. You know my mind is preoccupied with our plans for tomorrow. And I have a surprise for Victoria this evening and we really must get home to prepare.”
Victoria turned to Alanna with a face full of delight and wonder, bringing a fond smile to the duke’s own face.
“What kind of a surprise?” Victoria asked, her eyes shining.
“You will have to wait and see,” Alanna teased.
“You truly must give me a hint before I expire of my curiosity,” Victoria insisted as they hurried to Bryghton’s carriage.
“A hint?” Alanna asked provocatively. “You shall have to change into evening attire,” was the only hint she
would allow.
“Well, that is of no help,” said Victoria, laughing. “If I understand it correctly, you change into evening attire nearly every night of the week.”
Alanna shrugged with a glint of mischief in her eyes and refused to make any further comment. Bryghton found the girls’ interaction to be amusing and engaging, enjoying their company more than he ever would have expected.
They drove quickly out of the park and towards the duchess’ townhouse. Victoria was the first out of the carriage and hurried up the steps with barely a glance back for the duke. Unperturbed, Bryghton caught his sister’s arm before she was able to descend.
“You are not going to lead her into trouble tonight, are you? Could I be included in your plans to keep an eye on the two of you?” he asked her in a low tone.
Alanna let out a peal of laughter. “I am not about to lead her astray, Bryghton, my dear. But of course, you are welcome to join us.” She lowered her voice still further in order for Victoria not to overhear. “Mama and I are escorting Victoria to the theatre tonight. Since she always wants to get home at an early hour when she spends time with me I have been unable to take her thus far, but since she will be sleeping over we are free to stay out as late as we would like.”
Her impish grin brought a growl to her brother’s throat. “Mind you do not stay out later than is seemly.”
Alanna rolled her eyes at her brother’s imperiousness. “You are turning into a wet nurse, Bryghton. Nothing unseemly will be taking place. We shall be in the company of the duchess. Now let me go, I must make haste.”
“What time should I come by to collect the three of you?”
“Why do you not just meet us there? We are attending a dinner party before the theatre and I cannot finagle an invitation for you at this late hour,” she replied rather harshly as she yanked her arm from his grasp and turned to the stairs.
“Behave yourself, little chick,” Bryghton called out after her, laughing as she turned to glare at him.
“That man is impossible,” she grumbled half-heartedly to Walter as he held the door for her. “But one cannot help being fond of the lout.”
“Welcome home, my lady,” Walter replied with a formal bow and a fond smile.
“Where has Lady Victoria gone off to?” Alanna asked, surprised not to see her awaiting her in the foyer.
“I believe she has gone up to your room. The last I saw her she was climbing the stairs and mumbling something about evening attire.”
Alanna grinned. “I did not tell her what we have planned for the evening, merely telling her she must dress in evening attire. It is to be a wonderful surprise which she shall love once she gets over her distress of not knowing what she is getting into.” Alanna glanced towards the stairs and grinned anew. “I had best get upstairs and help her decide what to wear.”
“Walter tells me you were grumbling to yourself,” Alanna teased as she entered the room.
With a guilty blush, Victoria admitted, “I confess that I find it disconcerting to try to plan for something when I do not know what it is.”
“Now quit worrying and pacing. If the duchess were to see you she would call the both of us to task. Let us go above stairs and see which gowns are prepared for your use and which you would most like to wear this evening. We might as well start our preparations now. Would you like the maids to draw you a bath?”
Delighted by the offered luxury, Victoria gave up on her concerns and agreed to Alanna’s plans. It did not take them long to select which gown Victoria would wear for the evening, and a short while later Victoria was happily settling into the steaming tub and contemplating the possible excursions for the evening.
When one of the maids returned to help her out of the tub, holding a large warmed towel for her to step into, Victoria sighed with delight. She was still grinning as she strolled into Alanna’s room.
“What do you look so happy about?” Alanna asked with a matching grin.
“I have decided that I could get used to living in the lap of luxury, so my list of potential suitors must include only the gentlemen who can support sufficient staff for there to be a maid to pass me a warmed towel whenever I choose to take a bath.”
“You do not usually have your towels warmed?” Alanna asked with some dismay.
Victoria laughed over her friend’s innocence. “Alanna, my dear, I usually have to fill my own bathtub and make all the other preparations.”
“But your uncle surely has sufficient staff to meet your needs.” Alanna’s tone was coloured with disbelief.
“True, but the governess does not in general have the use of the maids for herself,” Victoria reminded gently. “I pray you, do not trouble yourself on this matter, my friend. All is well. I am wholeheartedly enjoying your and your mother’s hospitality.”
Alanna forced a smile back to her face, but concern for her friend buzzed at the back of her mind like a small bug that would not let her be. The two girls continued to giggle and gab their way through their preparations, but Alanna slipped out of the room while her lady’s maid was arranging Victoria’s hair.
Scratching on the door, Alanna entered upon hearing her mother’s, “Come hither.”
“Alanna, my darling, you look lovely, as always. You are ready faster than usual, which is a surprise, since I thought you two girls would take forever.”
“Victoria does not take too long to do anything,” Alanna explained. Her amused smile gave way to a worried frown as she continued, “I wanted to hurry so I could speak to you before we go.”
“What is troubling you, my child?”
“Victoria’s circumstances. I feel that she is being mistreated in her home. Surely there must be something we can do about it. This afternoon she was so happy about having the maids help her with her bath. Should this not be something that she takes for granted? That house she lives in is hers. So surely those must be her servants. She should be able to command them as she wishes. Not be one of them herself.”
“I understand your concern and I share it, but I am unsure if there is much we can do aside from what we are doing, introducing her to Society and hopefully a suitable gentleman who will take control of the situation for her.” The duchess paused in thought for a moment and continued in an altered tone of voice. “I do hope, though, that you are not using Victoria and your matchmaking efforts on her behalf to get away with not thinking about making a match for yourself.”
Alanna flashed a rather guilty look at her mother, but protested nonetheless. “On the contrary, Mother. It is so much more diverting to have someone to share the experience with. It is interesting to discuss the pros and cons of various gentlemen with her. She has an interesting perspective, and I am enjoying seeing the Season through her eyes. And we make an excellent team to find a match for each other.”
“Very well, my dear. Now tell me, is it still a surprise from Victoria, what we have planned for this evening?”
Alanna did a little dance of glee. “It is. I can hardly credit it. I have never been able to keep a secret in my life.”
The duchess could not resist smiling in amusement over her daughter’s delight. “Now run along and finish getting ready, we should be leaving shortly. And try not to worry overmuch about Victoria’s situation. Between the three of us, we shall be able to ensure that both of you are arranged for securely and happily.”
Impulsively, Alanna threw her arms around her mother and gave her a quick, warm squeeze before skipping to the door. She turned, blew her mother a kiss and ran from the room.
Upon returning to her own bedchamber she blew a low whistle when she caught sight of her friend. “Lady Victoria, I do believe you shall break a few hearts.”
“That does not sound very nice, but I am quite sure you meant it as a compliment, so I will say thank you.” She suited her words with a curtsy. “Where have you been? You must hurry and get ready.”
“I was just confirming with the duchess if all was in readiness,” Alanna dismissed as she head
ed towards the maid who was waiting with her gown. “I must say, Sally did wonders with your hair. That style perfectly suits you.”
Victoria could not resist preening in front of the mirror. “I apologize if this sounds terribly immodest, but I would have to agree with you. I swear I do not even recognize myself.”
The two girls shared a giggle.
“You look right lovely, m’lady,” complimented the maid as she arranged Alanna’s skirts. “The two of you are goin’ to be right popular this night.”
“Thank you, Sally, that is a very sweet thing to say,” answered Victoria.
“I ain’t turnin’ you up sweet, it’s the truth I’m tellin’ you.”
Alanna hugged her favourite maid. “We appreciate your words, Sally, thank you. You have worked your magic over both of us.”
Victoria grinned at the two but then returned to seriousness. “I have no idea where we are going, but I do believe we had best be on our way.”
“I cannot decide if I think you are handling this well or not,” Alanna said. “You have not thrown an ill-bred fit, but you have certainly brought the subject up often enough to demonstrate your dislike for surprises.”
Victoria could not help the guilty look that crept over her face at Alanna’s words. “I am truly sorry, Alanna. I do not wish to make you regret all you have done for me. You must realize that I have had very few good surprises in my life, so I am rather distrustful of the unknown.”
“You want to be in control, just like everyone else. It is completely natural, and I fully understand. But I promise you this is going to be a perfectly lovely surprise and you will enjoy yourself wholeheartedly. And you are quite correct; it is definitely time we were on our way. Come along.”
In fine spirits and in good humour the two girls joined the duchess in the foyer.
“The carriage is awaiting you, your grace and my ladies,” Walter announced.
“Thank you, Walter.”
Chattering like magpies, the two young girls kept the duchess amused as the party made their way through the streets. It was not yet late, so the traffic was not overly heavy and they quickly arrived at their destination.
The Reluctant Debutante: A Sweet, Regency Romance (Ladies of Mayfair Book 4) Page 25