No matter what happened, she must remain serene for Harry’s sake. He had wanted her to attend the party with him, and she was honored. Years from now, she would remember this beautiful gown, her mother’s pearls, and the chivalrous man who had stolen her heart.
“We’re headed to the garden,” Bell said, and led Lady Bellingham outside.
Footsteps sounded on the stairs, and Harry stopped. “Mina, is everyone on the grounds?”
“There’s quite a crowd already. Aunt is in raptures. Miss Longmore, I’m so glad you came. Your gown is gorgeous. Harry, I intend to steal her away from you. Later you can take her to see the goldfish.”
“Mina, I brought her at my mother’s request.”
“I know. Now go find your friends. No doubt they’re smoking cheroots and swigging from their flasks. Do not think I’ve no idea what goes on behind Aunt’s back.”
He winked. “But you would never turn informer.”
“I’ll not spoil what passes for male entertainment, but you will be sorry if Aunt smells liquor on your breath.”
“I’ll keep my distance from her,” Harry said, laughing.
Lucy noted the merriment in his eyes and couldn’t help smiling.
Mina took her arm. “I see you have your parasol. We’ll be safe from the dreaded freckles. Now come with me. I’ll introduce you to everyone.”
As they stepped out into the gardens, the fragrance of roses perfumed the air. Harry had obviously purloined the rose he’d given her from his mother’s garden. “It’s lovely here.”
“Aunt loves her roses. Did Harry tell you my Christian name is Melinda? I thought you would be interested, as most people are taken aback by my sobriquet.”
“It is unusual,” Lucy said.
“My mother’s name was also Melinda, and it upset my sisters to hear it spoken. It was Harry’s idea to call me Mina. My sisters and I were very young when our parents died in an accident. My aunt has treated us like her own daughters.”
Lucy’s eyes widened.
“I understand you live with your grandmother,” Mina said.
“Yes, I’m fortunate to have her.”
Mina studied her for a moment, giving Lucy the impression that the young woman was wise beyond her years. “So you have made your own way in the world teaching dance.”
“I have more than one job, but dancing is essential to me. One day I hope to have my own studio.”
“You are ambitious,” Mina said.
“Yes, but I do what I must,” Lucy said.
“Our sex is supposedly the weaker one,” Mina said, “but our strengths lie in our ability to find ways around the limitations society sets for us.”
“Well put,” Lucy said. She had always thought women of means lived lives of comfort and ease, but Mina’s words reminded her that all women had trials and tribulations.
When they entered the tent, Mina took her toward the back. Lucy spotted Mrs. Norcliffe, who was speaking to several ladies. As they drew nearer, Lucy suspected Harry’s mother had seen her, but Mrs. Norcliffe seemed determined to ignore her presence.
Three young ladies walking past regarded Lucy with disdainful expressions. For a moment, Lucy wondered if she’d done something wrong until Mina took her arm.
“Never mind those three. They’re jealous of you.”
“How can that be? They don’t even know me.”
“They were present the first time you instructed dance in Aunt’s drawing room. They saw you dancing with Harry. All the single girls have him in their sights, but he gets exasperated with their affectations. He especially abhors the girls who lisp because it has become fashionable.”
Lucy had never heard of anything so silly.
“Oh, there is Aunt,” Mina said. “Shall we join her?”
“Your aunt is engaged at present. Perhaps we could walk about the grounds,” Lucy said.
“But then Harry would be affronted. I know he wishes to show you the goldfish. Shall we get a cup of lemonade?”
Lucy nodded. She certainly did not wish to stand about waiting for Mrs. Norcliffe to take notice of her. They found chairs in an area away from the breeze and sipped the lemonade. A footman paused before them with tiny iced cakes, but Lucy refused. It would be just her luck to drop something on her skirts.
A few moments later, Helena and Amelia joined them.
“Your gown is pretty,” Amelia said. “Wherever did you have it made up?”
“A shop on Bond Street,” Lucy said.
“Oh, that must be Madame Delanger,” Helena said. “We recently shopped there.”
Lucy said nothing. The three sisters would be shocked if they knew she’d sewn and swept floors at the shop a few weeks ago.
“Ah, here comes Aunt,” Mina said.
When Mrs. Norcliffe arrived, she frowned at Mina. “I saw you earlier, but you disappeared.”
“You were much engaged, Aunt. You remember Miss Longmore.”
“Of course I do. I invited her.” Mrs. Norcliffe turned her attention to Lucy. “You look rather fetching in that gown.”
Lucy rose and curtsied. “Thank you.”
“Aunt, she had her gown made up at that shop we discovered on Bond Street. The one you liked so well.”
A footman brought a chair for Mrs. Norcliffe, but she waved it away. “Miss Longmore, will you walk with me?” she said.
“Yes, thank you.” Lucy opened her parasol and walked beside her. Mrs. Norcliffe walked at a brisk pace and nodded at others along the way. The entire time Lucy wondered if Mrs. Norcliffe would reveal why she’d invited her to walk. Unsettled by the silence, Lucy said, “It is a beautiful day. I imagine you are happy the weather has cooperated.”
“I always plan for contingencies. In the event of rain, I was prepared to hold the event indoors.”
“Very wise,” Lucy said. She reminded herself to take the time to think before she replied.
“Do you have family?” Mrs. Norcliffe asked.
“Only my grandmother.”
Mrs. Norcliffe pursed her lips. “You have no other family?”
She would not mention the Earl of Wargrove. “It is only my grandmother and me.”
Mrs. Norcliffe’s brows drew together. “That cannot be an easy life for you.”
“I make the best of my situation, and I count myself fortunate to have my grandmother.”
“Since you teach dance, I presume you did not inherit a fortune.”
She smiled a little. “No, I did not.”
“Forgive me, but surely dance lessons do not pay handsomely.”
She felt no compulsion to explain. “I am fortunate that I enjoy it.”
“You are certainly well spoken and mannerly. Lady Jersey was impressed by your dancing skills.”
“I shall take that as a compliment,” Lucy said.
“Your grandmother did not accompany you.”
“No, she was unable to attend.” Lucy did not think it necessary to mention her grandmother’s affliction.
Mrs. Norcliffe regarded her with a crafty expression. “I gather you are ambitious.”
Not where your son is concerned if that is what you mean. “I’m more than happy to assist those who wish to polish their dancing skills.”
Mrs. Norcliffe sniffed. “A pretty way of saying you intend to make a business of it.”
Lucy met her gaze. “One day I hope to open my own dance studio.” She half expected Mrs. Norcliffe to recoil in horror.
“I admire your honesty.” Mrs. Norcliffe shook out her fan. “However did you meet my son?”
She certainly wouldn’t admit she’d threatened him with a knife. “We met in the park. His dog got loose and decided to befriend me.”
She arched her thin brows. “My son or the dog?”
Lucy covered a laugh. “I beg your pardon.”
“You need not.”
“I see where he gets his sense of humor.” And his blue eyes.
“He is a scamp. Always has been,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. �
�His uncle encouraged him in mischief, but he was a good role model for Harry after my husband died.”
“It must have been difficult for you.”
She sighed. “Not long afterward, my sister and her husband perished in a carriage accident. I had three young girls to look after. I had no time to indulge in melancholy, but I cherish them. They are like my own daughters. My son is fond of them as well.”
Lucy was surprised to find Mrs. Norcliffe far more amiable than she’d expected. “I imagine the girls adore you,” Lucy said.
“We get on well. Have you seen the rose garden?” Mrs. Norcliffe asked.
Lucy was momentarily thrown off guard by the change in topic. “Only briefly.”
“I shall give you a tour.”
“Thank you. I would be delighted.” Her curiosity heightened. Once again she wondered why Mrs. Norcliffe had invited her to the Venetian breakfast. Lucy suspected she was taking her to a secluded place for a reason, but she had no idea what to expect. Undoubtedly Mrs. Norcliffe would reveal her reason soon enough. Given her previous dealings with Mrs. Norcliffe, Lucy meant to be on her guard.
When they entered the garden, Lucy saw numerous rosebushes of all colors, including pink, white, and red.
Lucy gently touched the soft petal of one red rose.
“That particular variety is called the velvet rose,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.
“The fragrance is pleasing.”
“Do you aim to please, Miss Longmore?”
Lucy’s heart hammered as she sought an answer, but of course, she chose the safe response. “I hope to please when I teach dance.”
An ironic smile played on Mrs. Norcliffe’s lips. “A careful answer.”
“I’m a careful person.” Liar. If you were careful, you would never have struck up an acquaintance with her son or kissed him.
Mrs. Norcliffe broke off a stemmed rose. “Since you like scents, I believe you will find this one most unusual.”
Lucy brought the rose to her face. “It smells of cinnamon,” she said in wonder.
“You will not be surprised that it is called the early cinnamon.”
“I imagine you spend many hours in your garden.”
“Not as many as I would prefer. When the season is in full swing, it is quite hectic.” She walked along the bushes and halted once more. “This one is known as the virgin rose.”
Lucy’s face grew warm, and of course she felt foolish.
Mrs. Norcliffe looked amused. “It is so named because there are no thorns.”
“How convenient,” Lucy said. That was quite possibly the most inane comment she’d ever made.
Thus far, Mrs. Norcliffe had been agreeable, but Lucy knew that something was in the wind. Clearly Mrs. Norcliffe had a reason for spiriting her away from the other guests. Most likely she’d done so because she didn’t want anyone else, perhaps her son, to hear her words.
Mrs. Norcliffe led her to a wooden bench. “You will likely find my question intrusive, but may I ask how a dance instructor affords a gown from a premier modiste on Bond Street?”
Lucy suspected Mrs. Norcliffe thought her son had purchased the gown. “At one time, I worked at Madame Delanger’s shop. This was an abandoned gown that her assistants made over for me.”
Mrs. Norcliffe’s brows lifted. “How generous of your former employer.”
Lucy smiled a little. “I believe she hoped others would inquire about her shop.”
“A shrewd tactic and a boon for you as well.” She paused and added, “Your pearls look well with your gown.”
Clearly his mother wanted to know how she’d afforded them. “They belonged to my late mother.” Obviously she would not reveal that Harry had redeemed them from the pawnbroker.
“Since you worked for Madame Delanger, I assume you are talented with a needle,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.
Like all girls, she’d learned to stitch, mend, and embroider. “I have an average proficiency with needlework, but dancing is my passion.”
“Perhaps pretty gowns are as well.”
She might as well be honest; after all, she was fooling no one, least of all Mrs. Norcliffe. “I’ve never owned such a fine gown, nor do I expect to do so again.”
“It suits you very well,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.
“I doubt I shall have another occasion to wear it.”
“Are you pessimistic by nature?” Mrs. Norcliffe asked.
“I’m practical.” If she found herself short of money, and it had happened more than once, she would likely have to sell the gown. But she could not let thoughts of what might happen distract her.
“Miss Longmore, your manners are refined. Your father must have been a gentleman.”
“He owned no property.” Of course, she didn’t speak of her father’s horrid drinking.
“Your mother must have influenced you, then. What of her family?” Mrs. Norcliffe said.
She had no intention of mentioning the Earl of Wargrove. “My mother was estranged from her family before I was born.”
“Estranged?” Mrs. Norcliffe said.
“My mother eloped,” she said.
“Oh dear,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. “Too many girls think it romantic, until they discover they’ve no dowry. Well, your lack of family is unfortunate,” she said. “Nevertheless, you are to be commended for looking after your grandmother. Now, I wish you to give dance instructions on Tuesday morning in my drawing room. May I count on you?”
Lucy’s heart leaped. “I welcome the opportunity.”
“I’m determined to see Mina and Everleigh win the dancing competition if at all possible. I have it on the best of authority that Mr. Fitzhugh and Miss Fothergill have been practicing daily. The lady in question is delightful, but Fitzhugh is a known libertine. I am appalled that Lord and Lady Tatten-Brown would allow their daughter near the man.”
Lucy remained silent, though she was somewhat amused by Mrs. Norcliffe’s opinions. “Are there any particular dances you have in mind?”
“Indeed,” she said. “The Allemande will be among the first of the dances. I assume you are familiar with it.”
“Yes, I know it well.”
“You appear to be a clever girl.” Mrs. Norcliffe toyed with the virgin rose. “As you may have guessed, I brought you to the garden so that we may speak privately.”
Even though she’d known this moment was coming, Lucy’s heart drummed.
“You are on friendly terms with my son.”
Her mouth went dry. “We have not been acquainted long.”
“I see. There is a young lady whom I intended for my son. I believe you remember Miss Hortense Osterham.”
Lucy struggled to keep her expression neutral, but the news pummeled her. “Yes, of course.”
Mrs. Norcliffe watched her closely. “Unfortunately, my hopes in that direction have not borne fruit. I was naturally disappointed. Miss Osterham’s breeding and accomplishments are excellent. My son, however, has ideas of his own.”
Lucy felt as if she’d dodged trampling hooves and her heart was still beating too fast. She should not have let down her guard in front of his wily mother.
Mrs. Norcliffe watched her with a hard smile. “My son is considered London’s most eligible bachelor. I have every expectation that he will marry well—perhaps before the end of the season.”
Lucy didn’t want to think about the season ending, though it would come whether she was ready or not, but she didn’t want to ruin the day with worries about tomorrow or the end of the season. A year from now, she wanted to remember this as a happy day she’d spent with him.
However, Mrs. Norcliffe clearly meant to make sure that Lucy wouldn’t stand in the way of her plans for Harry and meant to warn her off. But why? There was no way Mrs. Norcliffe could know there had been anything romantic between her and Harry, but she did not need proof. Harry’s mother could ruin her easily with a few words if she chose. Lucy’s stomach clenched at the thought. She must be on her guard at all times around Mrs. No
rcliffe—especially today.
The swish of skirts diverted Mrs. Norcliffe. Lucy concentrated on regaining her composure. Her heart felt as if it were in her throat, but she mustn’t let Mrs. Norcliffe intimidate her. She would not give her the satisfaction.
“Aunt, there you are,” Mina said. “I thought you might have given Miss Longmore a tour of the rose garden.”
Lucy wondered if Mina had come to the garden in order to intervene. While she would never know for certain, Lucy had learned to trust her instincts, and it seemed probable.
“I had better return to the other guests,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. “Miss Longmore, I will speak to you after the dance lesson on Tuesday.”
Lucy rose and curtsied.
Mina took her arm. “Do come along with me. I’ve only spent a few moments with you. I suppose my aunt asked you to instruct us in our practice session on Tuesday.”
“Yes, she did.” Ruthlessly, she shoved her concerns aside. There was no point in worrying over what might happen. She’d been invited to instruct the dancing in Mrs. Norcliffe’s drawing room next Tuesday, and that at least appeared to be a positive sign. Given her previous experiences, she knew better than to depend upon it.
“I hope my aunt was not too inquisitive,” Mina said. “She prides herself on knowing everything about everyone.”
Lucy hardly knew how to respond to Mina’s statement. She let silence be her answer.
Mina glanced at her. “Oh dear, I hope Aunt did not pry.”
“I answered to her satisfaction…and mine.”
Mina smiled. “I rather thought you would be up to her challenge. Most people are not. “Oh, look. Harry, Everleigh, Charles Osgood, and Lord Chesfield are standing just outside the tent,” Mina said. “Let us join them.”
The wind blew their skirts as they crossed the lawn. When they reached the gentlemen, Harry smiled. “I wondered where Mina had taken you. Off to see the rose garden, I suspect.”
“Your mother showed it to me. It’s beautiful,” Lucy said.
“We were planning to walk to the bridge to see the goldfish,” Harry said.
What a Devilish Duke Desires Page 23