“So it really broke?”
“Oh yes, he went to the physician the next day. I have to say, he was more than a little upset that you sent a doctor to check on me when I was unharmed but sent none to set his nose.”
“Why does that not surprise me?” The duke laughed. He pointed down the corridor where Saffron and Jonquil stood with their veils on. They both appeared impatient to begin. “It seems your protégés are anxious to get started with today’s lessons. Should I leave you to it?”
“No. Come and watch. I know they want you to be proud of them. How about cheering them on and letting them know they’re going to be fine?”
“I will. Thank you for asking me to attend. I know their success at the palace will all be because of your assistance.”
Amelia followed him into the ballroom, hoping he would remember that when it was time for references. And hoping the sisters would do her proud so other families would want her to serve them.
Basil watched the rehearsal for a while. As Jonquil and Saffron moved around the ballroom, he thought about all the balls they would be participating in and realized he needed to assess their dancing skills.
“I say, Saffron, what about the dances? Did you and Jonquil have enough lessons so that you’ll be ready to perform the intricate steps of the latest ones?”
“I think we have, but maybe we could use some practice. Will you dance with us?” Saffron asked.
“I’m not sure of them myself. I haven’t been to a ball in a long time. Last season was too soon—” He stopped himself from saying more, but the look on his sisters’ faces let him know they’d caught his meaning.
“I happen to know them. I can show you,” Amelia said. “My cousin Susan insisted on learning all the steps to anything that might be played so she could be sure to take full advantage of her dance card each evening.”
Basil refrained from sharing his thoughts about her cousin’s likely-to-be-empty dance card. He satisfied himself with a small smile. “I’m glad you have the steps. Let’s make a foursome, and you can teach us all.”
Amelia’s face registered shock. “Oh, no. Surely Your Grace doesn’t need a lesson from one such as me.”
“What does that mean, Miss Amelia? Surely you don’t believe Basil thinks he can’t learn from you because you don’t have a title? He’s never been one to think he’s better than others. He treats everyone the same. Always has,” Saffron said.
“No, of course I didn’t mean that. I meant that most men of his rank and age had dance masters when they were younger, and as they matured, the latest dances weren’t so important to them.”
“I say, Miss Mandeville, how old do you think me to be? It sounds as if I am in my dotage.” Basil couldn’t help but be amused at the look of alarm on Amelia’s face as she realized she may have committed a faux pas.
Her hand flew to her mouth. “I am so sorry. I meant no offense.”
“Don’t be silly, Miss Amelia. Basil is teasing you. He’s not offended.” Jonquil reached out to Amelia with her left hand. “He does sometimes act as if he’s older than Moses, but he’s not angry. I can tell. Come. Make a square and show us some steps.”
“I confess, Miss Mandeville, Jonquil is correct. I was merely teasing, but in case you were wondering, I’m twenty-seven, and I did have a dancing master at Eton.” He bowed. “Come and be my partner while Saffron and Jonquil partner each other.”
“It would be better for each of us to partner one of your sisters. Remember, I told you I learned the dances in the male part since I was partnered with my cousin.”
Disappointed in her words and choice of partner, Basil nodded his acquiescence. Why it bothered him was something he didn’t have much of a chance to think about as Amelia immediately started the lesson.
As they learned the intricate steps of several dances, Basil was surprised to find himself enjoying the experience. It was rare for him to indulge in dancing. He normally felt awkward, as if people were watching him, but not while Amelia was leading.
He glanced around the room and almost laughed when it occurred to him that no one was watching since they were all busy dancing. He thought about the balls he would have to host for his sisters during the season and sensed no delight in the prospect. Determined not to let those worries ruin the moment, he turned his concentration to what Amelia was showing them.
Minutes later, Jonquil held her hand up. “May we stop for a bit and call for some refreshments?”
“That sounds wonderful,” Saffron said. She left the square and found a seat on the chair Amelia had been using as a throne when she was playing the part of the queen.
Jonquil pulled the bell to summon the butler and sat by one of the tall windows.
“I say, Miss Mandeville, are you familiar with the Viennese waltz?” Basil asked.
“I have heard of it but have never seen the steps. Would you happen to know it?” she answered.
“Yes, I learned it quite by accident when I was on the continent a few years ago.”
“How does one learn a dance by accident?” Saffron laughed from her perch on the chair.
“When one is on the grand tour with a friend who requires complete obedience, one does what he is commanded.” Basil smiled at Amelia. “Would you like to try it?”
“I’m afraid I wouldn’t know at all what to do.”
“Will you trust me to lead you?”
“Come on, Miss Amelia, we want to see it. Try it,” Saffron said.
Swinton entered the ballroom. “Sir, you needed me?”
“Please bring some light refreshment for the ladies. They’ve earned a rest with all the work they’ve done today. Ask Cook to send up some of those chocolates from the confectioners as well.”
“I will return in a moment, your lordship,” Swinton said as he left to do his master’s bidding.
Jonquil clapped her hands and said, “You must require Miss Amelia to dance the waltz to earn the right to some chocolate.”
“What if I can’t do it? Do I still get to have some?” Amelia asked.
“Of course. You’ll see I’m not as strict as my sister,” Basil said.
“You know she was only saying that so there would be more for her if you failed, Miss Amelia.” Saffron giggled.
“I’m not that mean. I was teasing.” Jonquil seemed again to be on the verge of tears. Noticing Jonquil’s demeanor, Basil decided to change the focus of the conversation. He held his arms out to Amelia. “Are you ready to try?”
“I think so.” She sounded nervous, so he decided he needed to move carefully and considerately.
“Since you haven’t seen the dance, I don’t want to alarm you.”
“What are you going to do that would be alarming?” Amelia paled.
“This.” He stepped forward, put his arm around her waist, and pulled her closer to his body than he would in a normal reel.
She let out a gasp, but he whirled her around the room before she had time to process what was happening.
Surprised by how slight she felt in his arms and how well she was following his steps, Basil surrendered himself to the dance.
When the door opened to Swinton carrying refreshments, Basil was still spinning Amelia around.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed someone following behind his butler.
Vonda Van Eizenga.
His heart sunk. Why does she keep coming by? Didn’t I make it clear I didn’t want her around? For that matter, why did Swinton let her in? Why didn’t he tell her we weren’t home? After all, we aren’t receiving at this time.
“What is going on here?” Vonda demanded.
Basil stopped, Amelia still in the crook of his arm, and turned to his unwelcome company. “We’re practicing the Viennese waltz.”
“With
the hired help? Why do such a thing as that, pray tell?” the woman looked down her nose at Amelia.
“Because she was showing us some dances, and Basil decided to teach her one,” Jonquil said.
“Oh. I see. I guess that’s acceptable.” Vonda sniffed deeply.
Basil’s vision turned red. What nerve! If I didn’t have to be polite, I would toss her out. She’s lucky her father is my neighbor.
Making a great effort to maintain his temper, he released his dance partner and said, “Please come and have something to drink, Miss Mandeville.”
Basil led Amelia to the table Swinton had conjured up.
When they were all seated, he nodded at his older sister. “Please do the honors, Saffron.”
Saffron poured, and everyone helped themselves to the cakes.
Once all were served and Basil felt as if he were in control of his anger, he turned to Vonda. “Is there something I may assist you with this afternoon?”
“Yes, but I’d have rather hoped to discuss it with you in private.”
“I have no secrets from my family. Feel free to bring the matter up here.” He had his share of secrets, but he’d do or say anything not to be alone with Vonda.
“Surely you aren’t including your employee in your broad statement, Your Grace.” Vonda’s lip curled as if she smelled something distasteful.
He was glad she didn’t call him Basil as she’d done on many other occasions, but he couldn’t countenance her insulting Amelia, not when he’d just convinced her to return to them.
“I am afraid I cannot allow you to speak thus. Miss Mandeville is a guest in my home, and I insist on politeness.”
“How can you say she is a guest when you’ve previously said she is in your employ? One cannot be both.” The woman glanced over at Amelia as if to receive affirmation.
Basil took the time to look at Amelia as well. Her face hung down as if in shame. Instead of enjoying her cakes, her plate sat on the table, and she wrung her hands. The picture of the pretty girl in such a posture of distress tore at his heart, and he wanted nothing more than to make her smile again as she had during the waltz.
He set his own plate carefully on the table, pushed his chair back, and stood. Holding his hand out to Amelia, he said, “I believe we’re fully refreshed now, and I hope you will join me in another practice of the Viennese waltz.”
The face that looked up at him was full of gratitude, and it warmed his heart. Satisfied he’d done the right thing when she placed her small hand in his, Basil bestowed a smile on her. Whisking her back into the dance almost before they were clear of the table, he glanced back at Vonda and his sisters, gratified to see the way his sisters grinned at him and the scowl on his unwelcome guest’s face.
“She’s right you know.”
Basil stared down into Amelia’s eyes. “What do you mean?”
“I am an employee. It’s true. You’re kind to include me when it involves your lovely sisters, but the truth of the matter is, I work for you. One cannot blame the lady for resenting the way you treat me when it is so clear that she wants to be the center of your universe.”
“She cares nothing for me.”
“Oh no, she does. A woman can tell.”
“You’re mistaken this time. She merely wants to be a duchess. No matter who wears the ducal crown.”
“That’s unkind to say about her. She stares at you as if you were the cake and she the fork.”
“After all the things she said, you still defend her?” Basil was stunned until he remembered how Amelia had been treated her whole life by the people who were supposed to be her closest allies. Of course she would believe anyone who uttered nasty things to her. What else has she ever known?
“While I don’t enjoy the way she speaks about me, as if I have no ears and were not present, I must concede she is correct in her assessment.”
“Nonsense. Besides, like I said, she only wants the title.”
“You sell yourself short. Why wouldn’t she want to marry a handsome man such as yourself?” Amelia stopped dancing as soon as the words were out of her mouth. She stared at Basil.
He smiled. “No offense taken. It’s nice to know you think I’m handsome. Come along. I see my sisters are coming towards us. I fear I shall be required to waltz the rest of the afternoon with the two of them.” He dropped his arm from her waist.
“It’s only fitting that you do so.” She curtsied. “Thank you for the dance.”
“You’re welcome. I very much enjoyed it.”
Saffron and Jonquil arrived beside him. “Jonquil says she wants to try next, but I told her since I’m the elder I should be the one.”
“You’ll both have a chance.” Basil smiled at his sisters. “But this time, I agree, Jonquil should be first.” He turned to Saffron. “Before you get upset about that, think about this. You always use your age as the reason you should be allowed privileges, and Jonquil rarely objects. I think it’s her turn to be first.”
“I’m curious. How much older are you, Lady Saffron?” Amelia asked.
“Eight minutes,” Jonquil said. “And she has never let me forget it. She was as pushy in the womb as she has been out of it.”
Amelia laughed, but the sound was cut short by Vonda’s arrival to their area of the ballroom.
“What a cozy little group you have over here. What amusement am I missing out on now? I’ve already been thrown over in the dance for the hired help.”
That was the final word for Basil. He glared at Vonda. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to leave now. You’ve done naught since you’ve been here but insult and complain, and I for one will no longer tolerate it. Since it is my home and my privilege, I am asking you to quit the premises.”
“Please don’t be this way, Basil—I mean, Your Grace—it’s merely the words of a lady who has a broken heart since you appear to prefer this person here over me, a girl who loves you. I cannot help myself for I adore you, and to be ignored by you is hurtful to the core of my being.”
Saffron took a step toward Vonda. “You know nothing about hurting other than to inflict it on others, Miss Van Eizenga. You’ve not said one kind word to Miss Amelia since you’ve met her. I’m glad my brother has told you to leave.” Saffron reached out to Vonda. “Let me escort you out.”
Vonda jerked her arm away. “I know the way perfectly well.” She turned on her heel and practically stomped her way to the door.
Once there, she turned and faced them all. “This is not over, Basil Staunton, Duke of Darnley. You’ll see. You’ll regret treating me this way.”
Vonda spun around and disappeared. Basil didn’t concern himself with her threat. What could she possibly do to me?
Chapter 11
Amelia couldn’t believe the scene that had just taken place. What has gotten into the duke to toss Miss Van Eizenga out like that? He’d been so polite to her every time she opened her mouth. What made him finally lose his temper? He said she didn’t love him and only wanted his title, but was her declaration just now what sent him into a rage?
“You needed to do that a long time ago, Basil,” Jonquil said.
“No. I should have been able to control myself when it came to it. I know how much Miss Van Eizenga annoys me, and I needed to make more of an effort to maintain calm. Her father is a friend, and I don’t relish making him unhappy with me.”
“Never mind her. She’s gone, and I want to waltz,” Saffron said.
“I hate to interrupt, but I need to return to my uncle’s house. They don’t know where I am since I didn’t leave a note.” The panic hit Amelia out of nowhere. It suddenly occurred to her that she’d not taken the time to pen a letter nor did she inform the Mandeville butler where she was going.
Trying not to show how upset she was, Amelia looked at the du
ke and addressed him, “Could you spare the carriage? I hate to ask, but it’s a long walk.”
“Of course you may use the carriage. I’ll walk down with you and order it.” The duke turned to his sisters. “I’ll be back as soon as I see Miss Mandeville off, and we’ll finish the lesson.”
“Hurry then,” Jonquil said. “Remember, I get to be first.”
“Be sure to return, Miss Amelia. We have only one more day until the presentation and need one more practice.” Saffron waved as Amelia and her brother left the room.
On the way down the stairs, Amelia said, “I won’t be able to come and assist Lady Saffron and Lady Jonquil in getting ready for their presentation. I’ll be too busy with my cousin.”
“I’m only sorry you won’t be able to attend after all you’ve done to get them prepared.”
“Did you solve the issue of who is to be their sponsor?”
“Actually, I hoped I had. I have a friend who is married to the daughter of a duke, and he was going to ask her if she would act as such. I haven’t heard from him and confess, if I don’t by today, I shall have to contact my aunt. The Lord Chamberlain must receive that information by tomorrow.”
“Your aunt wasn’t your first choice?” Amelia wanted to bite her tongue. Why do I keep asking him inappropriate questions? I know protocol. Why do I keep forgetting it when I’m around him?
“Oh no. To tell the truth and let a skeleton out of the closet, she is a horrible old hag. My sisters are quite terrified of her, and for that matter, so am I.”
“Surely, you tease.” Confused, as he sounded serious but the words were not a kind way to describe a relative, Amelia glanced up out of the corner of her eye to see what he meant. And then the truth hit her. That’s a perfect way to describe my aunt.
The Orphan and the Duke Page 11