“You are stunning,” he said.
“You approve?” Lucy said.
“Definitely.” He regarded Madame. “The gown is almost as beautiful as Miss Longmore.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Madame Delanger said. “Now, Lucy, there are gloves, slippers, and a parasol to finish the ensemble, but now you must change clothes so that Evelyn can box up everything.”
Mary accompanied Lucy to the screen. Several minutes later, Lucy emerged and Mary helped Evelyn box up the items.
“Lucy, I will come to your lodgings tomorrow to help you dress,” Mary said. “You looked beautiful in the gown.”
“Thank you, Mary,” Lucy said. “Thank you, Madame and Evelyn.”
Madame bowed. “It is my pleasure.”
Once the boxes were stowed in the carriage, Harry helped Lucy inside and sat next to her. Afterward, he knocked his cane on the roof. “You’re quiet,” he said.
“I’m a bit nervous about tomorrow.”
“You needn’t be. I will be there, and so will Mina, Helena, and Amelia. They’re anxious to see you again and have talked endlessly about the dance lessons. Apparently you managed to put everyone at ease, even with others watching.”
“If only I could be at ease tomorrow. I fear I’ll have nothing to contribute to the conversations.”
“I disagree. My sisters assured me the Almack’s competition is much talked about. Others will want your opinion.”
“That reassures me.”
She didn’t look reassured at all. “I promise I won’t hover over you tomorrow, but I’ll not stray too far.”
“Tell me again what to expect. Will there be many guests?”
“Yes, my mother’s annual party is always a crush. There will be tents for the refreshments. The other patronesses will be there, of course. I’ll introduce you to my friends and their wives.”
“You are so kind to me, but I find myself wishing I’d never agreed.”
He took her hand. “I’m thankful you did. You’re the reason I look forward to it.”
The way he looked at her took her breath away, and it was an exhilarating experience to have all of his attention centered upon her.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “You will relax once we are there.”
She lowered her eyes. “I fear I’ll inadvertently make a faux pas and embarrass you.”
He wrapped his arms around her. “You won’t, but I will make this promise. If for any reason you are uncomfortable, we will leave.”
“No, I can’t do that to you. I’m just anxious. I’m sure all will be fine tomorrow.”
He kissed her lightly on the lips. “I know you’re a bit nervous, but you will enjoy the party.”
When the carriage rocked to a halt, Harry got out and looked around, but there were no other vehicles traveling on the street. Then he assisted Lucy on the carriage steps and escorted her upstairs to her home. He gave her a quick kiss. “Until tomorrow.”
She waved at him, and a moment later he heard the bolt slide home.
Harry ran down the steps again and strode to his carriage. He heard a scrabbling sound as if someone were trying to gain their feet. It seemed to come from the lodgings across the street. He retrieved his knife from his inner pocket and strode beneath the stairwell to investigate, but he saw nothing there. He approached the carriage and queried his coachman. “Did you see any suspicious persons?”
“I saw a limpin’ man walkin’ under the stairwell across the way. That was all, Your Grace.”
“I don’t like this neighborhood,” Harry said.
“Not the safest, Your Grace.”
“I’m going to check the stairwell on the other side,” he said.
Harry walked beneath the stairwell. Broken glass crunched beneath his boots. The neck of a broken bottle lay on the ground. Someone had spent time here. After his mother’s party, Harry meant to discuss safer lodgings with Lucy. He would be honest with her about his fears for her safety and that of her grandmother.
Buckley’s ankle throbbed from moving too fast. It was still swollen, but not broken. When he’d seen the toff with Lucy, he’d had to hide quickly in the shadows. He figured the coachman had seen him limping to the stairwell. When the nob walked inside with a blade in his hand, Buckley had started shaking and managed to scrabble out the other side. The nob was no fancy man; he was big and muscular. It had been a close call, but Buckley had seen the nob carrying boxes tonight. Obviously Lucy’s nob was buying her gifts in recompense for serving him.
He removed an apothecary bottle and tipped it to his lips, but only the dregs of laudanum remained. Tonight he’d have to pick pockets, a dicey business. If caught, he’d swing from the Tyburn Tree.
He wouldn’t be in this sorry state if not for Lucy. She’d betrayed him, taken away all his clients, and now she was probably spreading her legs for the rich nob. But her man had taken himself off in his elegant carriage, and Buckley meant to take advantage of the opportunity. When he got to the stairs, he winced because his ankle ached. He made it halfway up the steps and sat. He pulled out a rag he meant to use to gag her, not that anyone in this neighborhood would care about a squawking female. He took a deep breath and shouted, “Help!” Once he had her pity, he’d snatch her.
Sure enough, her door cracked open. Lucy scowled at him. “Go away.”
“I’m hurt. Help me.”
She hesitated.
“You owe me, Lucy. I gave you your start. You wouldn’t turn away an injured man.”
She shut the door. A bolt slid home.
“Bitch.” He swore he’d rough her up badly when he caught her.
After Lucy bolted the door, she leaned her back against it. Her heart hammered, but she mustn’t hide it.
Grandmama held her hand to her heart. “What was that?”
“Buckley. He fell and wanted my help. I suspect it was a trick.”
Grandmama worried her hands. “What does he want?”
“He claimed he was injured, but it was likely nothing more than a sprained ankle. He probably wants to ask me to be his assistant again.”
“Oh dear. I don’t like this at all,” Grandmama said.
“Eventually, he’ll tire of the damp fog and go away.” Unfortunately, she doubted it would be the last time. He must be desperate. She hated having to carry her blade in her basket, but she must be wary of Buckley. He might be injured, but he blamed her for his misfortune. Buckley might want retribution, but she was far cleverer than him. She wouldn’t let him within a foot of her ever again. That meant she must be aware of her surroundings at all times. She’d learned her lesson the night the thief had tried to steal her basket, and she couldn’t afford to be caught off guard ever again.
Late Saturday morning
Mary arrived midmorning to put Lucy’s hair up and help her dress.
Lucy looked in the mirror. “Mary, you have a real talent for styling hair. You could be a lady’s maid.”
“I never thought of it,” Mary said. “I guess I just followed in the same shoes as my mother and sisters. Do you think it would be easier than sewing?”
“I don’t know for certain, but sometimes you have to take a leap of faith. It never hurts to inquire.”
Mary inhaled. “I’ve never had any confidence.”
Lucy rose. “I think we all have to look deep inside to find faith in ourselves. I suppose I should take my own advice. I’m a bit anxious,” Lucy confided. That was a colossal understatement. She never, ever should have agreed to attend this party.
“Step into the gown,” Mary said, and then she drew the bodice up. “You look beautiful. Like a princess.”
“Hardly that,” Lucy said. Who was she trying to fool? She would never fit into his world. “Mary, I can’t go. I can’t.”
“Of course you will go,” Mary said.
“You do not understand. They will look at me as if I’m unworthy to be in their presence.” She paced her small bedchamber. “Why did I ever agree to attend? I will be comp
letely out of place and embarrass Harry. I’ll not be able to contribute to the conversations.”
“Stay still.” Mary tied the tapes of her gown. “Harry, is it? That sounds promising.”
She’d let his Christian name slip. “Mary, I admit I have tender feelings for him, but I know his family would never accept me. Frankly, I’m terrified about this party.”
“You won’t let your man down,” Mary said. “He’s ever so handsome, and I wager he’ll be very proud to escort you to the Venetian breakfast.”
“Is that not the silliest name for an afternoon party?” Lucy said.
Mary smiled. “Well, perhaps they’ll have gondolas.”
Lucy laughed. “Oh, what would I do without you and Evelyn?”
“You’re our friend, Lucy, but today, you will be the most beautiful belle at the party.”
“No, I’m quite sure I won’t. I only hope that I can make it through this day without a mishap of some sort.”
“I saw the way the duke looks at you,” Mary said. “He’s in a fair way to falling in love with you, if he hasn’t already.”
“I know he cares for me, but I have to be realistic. Our affaire de coeur will likely end quietly when he returns to his property in the summer. It’s inevitable.”
“You don’t know that,” Mary said.
“Mary, my jobs are here in London. When the season ends, he will return to Havenwood, his property in Wiltshire. I want to spend as much time with him as possible before that day arrives, but I must prepare myself for the day he leaves.”
“Lucy, do you love him?”
Her eyes welled. “I tried not to fall in love with him, but I did.”
Mary gave her a handkerchief. “Don’t cry. It will spoil the party for you. For today, you are a lady attending a Venetian breakfast with a very handsome duke. Don’t let anything spoil this special day for both of you.”
“Thank you, Mary.”
“What troubles you?” Mary said. “I can see it on your face.”
“I think his mother means to put me in my place. Why else would she invite me?”
“Perhaps she wants one of her nieces to win the Almack’s dancing competition.”
“Undoubtedly that is true, but I do not think I’m wrong about Mrs. Norcliffe’s intentions.”
“Try to think positive,” Mary said. “No matter what happens, you have a wonderful beau.”
“Mary, he’s not mine. He never will be.”
“He is today,” Mary said. She bit her lip and hesitated a moment.
“What is it?” Lucy said.
Mary set the soft shawl over Lucy’s shoulders. “I would give anything to be in your slippers.”
Lucy hugged her. “You will find someone who adores you.”
“I hope your day is magical,” Mary said. “Now I must go.”
“Meet me and Grandmama at the park tomorrow.”
“I have to sew, but next week for sure,” Mary said. “I’ll bring Evelyn.”
“I’ll hold you to that promise.” Yet she knew the decision was all in Madame Delanger’s hands.
Lucy walked with Mary to the door. “Thank you.”
“You must describe it all to me when next I see you,” Mary said.
“I will.”
“Good-bye, Mrs. Longmore,” Mary said.
After Lucy closed and bolted the door, Grandmama said, “Come sit with me.”
Lucy joined her. “I wish you were coming with me today.”
“We’ve already discussed that,” Grandmama said. “Granfield will be here soon. There are a few things I wish to say before he arrives.”
Lucy’s stomach clenched. “Is something wrong?”
“No, but I worry about your relationship with him.”
Lucy wet her dry lips. Had her grandmother guessed she’d allowed him liberties?
“Do not mistake me. He seems a good and caring man. You know I like him very well. I do not believe he would deliberately wound you, but I advise you not to lose your heart to him.”
She was scared because it would hurt when they must part.
Grandmama sipped her tea. “I’ve thought about this a great deal since he confessed he was a duke. His family will expect him to marry among his own kind.”
“I know,” she said. “I have no illusions about a future with him.” Sometimes she imagined the three of them living in a small house and a hearth blazing with a warm fire. She shook off the foolish image, but she felt a little hollow inside knowing the image was nothing more than a daydream.
Grandmama sighed. “I suppose I’m trying to prevent you from being crossed in love. I only wish to protect you.”
“I know.” Harry was never far from her thoughts. When he kissed her, she felt exhilarated and cherished, but she knew it would hurt terribly when he left London this summer.
Grandmama patted her hand. “You’re a sensible young woman. I know you’ll act in a responsible manner.”
She had already acted irresponsibly, but she would never regret his wicked kisses and touches.
“Now I fear I’ve put a damper on your day,” Grandmama said. “I never meant to do so. You must enjoy yourself today. I hope you’re wearing your mother’s pearls,” Grandmama said.
Lucy focused on keeping her tone light. “The gown is adornment enough for an afternoon party.” She had never told her grandmother that she’d taken the pearl necklace to a pawnshop. Perhaps she ought to have confessed to Grandmama, but Lucy hadn’t wanted to make her grandmother sad. Maybe it had been wrong of her, but how could it be wrong to avoid hurting someone needlessly. Nothing would have changed if she’d told Grandmama.
Footsteps sounded on the stairs outside.
“I believe Granfield is here,” Grandmama said.
Lucy opened the door, and there he stood with a single red rose. “For you,” he said.
She inhaled the fragrance. “It’s beautiful.”
He bowed over her hand. “So are you.”
Grandmama rose. “Well, Granfield, I am entrusting my granddaughter to your safekeeping. You will take good care of her.”
“Grandmama, there’s nothing to worry about.”
Harry’s blue eyes lit up as he met Lucy’s gaze. “I will look after her, Mrs. Longmore.”
“Very well,” Grandmama said as she took her cup to the cupboard.
After she disappeared, Harry drew out a dark blue velvet pouch and handed it to Lucy. Chill bumps erupted on her arms when she held the velvet pouch. She held her breath as she opened it. She gasped. “My mother’s pearls,” she whispered. Tears sprang in her eyes.
“I couldn’t be sure they were the ones,” he said under his breath.
“I know it by the silver heart on the chain.” She trembled a little.
“Thank God for the chain. I almost walked out of the pawnshop, but the pawnbroker pointed out the silver heart. He said he remembered you because of it. I decided to take a chance.”
Her chest shook. “It’s my mother’s. I can’t believe you found them.”
“I had to try,” he said. “Please don’t cry.”
In that moment, she fell hopelessly and irrevocably in love with him. “Th-thank you.”
He handed her his handkerchief, and she blotted her eyes.
“Grandmama doesn’t know about the pearls,” she whispered.
He bent down and kissed her cheek. “I understand.” Then he put his handkerchief away.
“This is the best gift I’ve ever gotten,” she said.
When he clasped the pearls around her neck, she touched them, still a little unable to believe he’d found them.
Grandmama’s stick tapped on the floor. “Have a lovely afternoon at the party.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Longmore,” Harry said. When he offered his arm, Lucy took it. Something inside of her tumbled over, and she knew it was her heart.
When Lucy looked at the street, she frowned. “There’s another carriage.”
“Yes,” he said. “I’m sendi
ng you with Bellingham and his wife, Laura—Lady Bellingham—in order to observe the proprieties. However, we will leave the party early today and use my carriage.”
He escorted her to the other carriage. Lord Bellingham and his wife stepped outside while Harry made the introductions.
Lord Bellingham bowed. “Miss Longmore, will you join my lady and me?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Bell winked at Harry. “We’ll take good care of her, old boy.”
Harry lifted his chin. “Thanks, Bell.”
Harry arrived first, so he waited in the carriage until Bellingham arrived.
“There you are,” Harry said when Bell assisted the ladies out of his carriage.
Harry offered his arm to Lucy and led the way to the house. He leaned down and said, “I will be the most envied man at the party today.”
She knew differently, but the expression in his blue eyes took her breath away.
“You are exquisite,” he said.
“A lovely gown and pretty bonnet makes all the difference.”
“No gown or bonnet could ever eclipse your natural beauty.”
“Well, if you think so. I suppose it would be foolish of me to disagree.”
“I meant it,” he said.
She thought it best to keep the banter light. “I am onto your charming ways.”
“Are you, now? I had better think of new ways to entice you.”
She looked at him from the corner of her eye. “I think charm runs in your blood.”
“Perhaps I could charm you into a kiss later?” he whispered.
“Maybe, if you are on your very best behavior,” she said.
“Oh, now you’ve set me a challenge.”
As they stepped inside the foyer, Lucy figured her biggest challenge today would be Harry’s mother. Lucy suspected Mrs. Norcliffe intended to ensure Lucy got her comeuppance. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time, but Lucy meant to be as cordial as possible, regardless of what his mother said.
There was a part of her that hoped Mrs. Norcliffe would ignore her, but another part of her wanted to impress his mother. It was a silly wish. She doubted Mrs. Norcliffe would even acknowledge her. After all, not long ago she’d claimed to have forgotten her.
What a Devilish Duke Desires Page 22