“Your Grace simply cannot admit when he is wrong.”
The music started, keeping him from replying right away. They raised their hands to shoulder height, and he placed his hand on hers as the dance began. The sudden contact caused a jolt to rush through her in such an unexpected manner that she gave a little jump. As they moved, the feeling of his hand on hers quickly went from being odd to comforting. She enjoyed it, much as it pained her to admit. They spun around in a circle, eyes locked on each other for a moment, before he handed her off to the next dancer in line.
When they were joined again, the Duke picked up where they’d left off.
“I would gladly admit when I am wrong, but I am not. However, it appears you are unable to admit when you are mistaken.”
“I am not, I assure you. I am simply surprised Your Grace cannot see the error of the government’s ways in dealing with this matter.”
They parted once more. This time, Alexandra ended up with Lord Chatterley.
“Is the Duke bothering you?” he asked with a twinkle in his eyes.
“I assure you, I can manage His Grace quite well,” she replied. Lord Chatterley laughed out loud, drawing a large number of stares toward them. He was a mild-mannered man, less formal than you would expect from a man of his station. Perhaps that is why he and Lady Chatterley had such a successful marriage.
“I am sure you can, Miss Evans.”
They spun around and she stood opposite the Duke once more. He picked the conversation up right where they left off.
“Perhaps I can introduce you to Lord Byron sometime, and you can discuss your mutual sympathies for the destructive rogues.”
“I do hope Your Grace does not speak to Lady Frances in such a brash manner.” She could not help but look him in the eyes as she said this. He was enjoying their banter as much as she, it was clear from the look in his eyes. She only hoped nobody else saw it. To her surprise, he lowered his voice a little further.
“I do not speak to anyone the way I speak to you, except Lord Hendley. I cannot often be myself.”
The smile froze on her lips as the meaning of his words became clear to her.
“Your Grace…”
How am I to react to this? He tells me he can be himself with me? What is he trying to say? It is my own fault. I have encouraged him in our silly banter. I must pull back and …
“Miss Evans, I …” He started, but it was time once more to change partners as this last change would be the final one before the dance was over. She concentrated on the steps and when they were united for the final time, she made sure to look away from him.
“I did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“You have not. In the future, I do believe it would be better if we avoided talking about such inappropriate subjects. For one, I am a woman and should not be seen discussing current events with a man, and in public at that. No matter how quietly the conversation is held. And for another, you should be conversing with your intended, not with the chaperone.”
The music ended as they stopped and stood across from each other momentarily. Alexandra was first to move. Eyes downcast, she walked past the Duke back to where Lady Frances had been sitting. She took a few big steps across the dancefloor, utterly lost in thought. Once she did raise her head to look up, she froze in place.
There, next to Lady Frances, with an expression of utter disgust on her face, was the Duchess of Gatterlen.
* * *
“Your Grace, what a pleasure to see you…” Alexandra said. She tried to sound calm, but inside she was rattled. She had not expected the Duchess here and from the expression on her face, she was not happy.
“Miss Evans. I see you are certainly enjoying your time here at Almack’s.”
It’s clear she doesn’t approve of me being here, but I am certain her animosity is due to my dancing with her son. I should not have danced with him. I should have found a way to decline.
“Yes, Your Grace. And you will be pleased to hear the Duke has just arranged another meeting with Lady Frances, this upcoming week, at the Tower.”
The old woman’s lips were pressed together tightly as she glared at her.
“That is good news, indeed. I am sure Lord Cladborough will be glad to hear it.”
“Your Grace, my father will be delighted, I assure you,” Lady Frances addressed the Duchess warmly. Instantly, the woman’s icy façade was replaced with a wide, pleasant smile.
“Dear Lady Frances, I am glad to hear it. Say, I wondered if you may like to call on me at Woodley House one day soon, so we may enjoy a luncheon together. Perhaps His Grace may join us. Sunday, perhaps.”
The young woman nodded eagerly. “Faith, yes! I would certainly enjoy it!”
“It is set then.” She turned to Alexandra. “We will not be needing a chaperone that day of course, Miss Evans. I shall assume the duty. In fact, as I am here now, you may go. I am certain you must be quite exhausted, having taken on so many new clients as of recently.”
Oh no. She is not going to dismiss me this easily. Besides, I am here on a voucher of my own, not simply as a chaperone. At least in this regard, we are equal. Both of us are here by nothing but the say so of the Lady Patronesses. Oh, how I would like to tell her this! However, I must hold my tongue or at least say it politely.
“I am rather energized, Your Grace but I thank you kindly for your concern. As I am here as a guest myself, perhaps I shall enjoy the rest of my evening and simply mingle.”
This did not please the Duchess. The sour expression returned to her face. Clearly, she had not liked what she saw on the dancefloor. She wanted to get Alexandra out of the picture, at least for the night. She was not able to express that desire however, because her son appeared beside them.
“Mother, I did not expect you here this evening.”
“I have an annual voucher. Am I expected to let it gather dust while the rest of society enjoys themselves?”
“Of course not, Mother. I was simply surprised to see you that is all. I am pleased you are here and keeping Lady Frances and Miss Evans company.”
Alexandra took the opportunity to polity insert herself into the conversation.
“Oh, as a matter of fact, I am about to take my leave. The Duchess has kindly offered to assume chaperoning duties for the evening. Thus, I have been relieved of my responsibilities.” The Duke’s eyes grew wide.
“Oh Mother, I am sure there is no need to burden yourself when we have Miss Evans here.”
“It is not a burden at all. I shall have a grand time with Lady Frances. Here,” she pointed at the seat next to her. “Why don’t you join us, and we can discuss Lady Frances’s visit to Woodley House next week?”
The Duke looked utterly bamboozled, having missed the start of the conversation. Before he could find his feet, Alexandra bid her farewells and hastily left the ballroom. The less time she spent around the Duke the better, really. She’d be seeing him soon enough for their outing at the menagerie Wednesday afternoon. Perhaps spending some time with Lady Frances and the Duchess would be good for him.
* * *
Upon leaving the ballroom, she returned to the supper room where she proceeded to help herself to the thinly sliced bread and butter that was being served. She pondered about having a piece of dry cake when Lord Hendley approached.
“Miss Evans, have you abandoned your chaperoning duties and left the two lovebirds to their own devices?”
Alexandra smiled. He was a lovely young man, though somewhat too naïve for the world they lived in.
“The Duke’s mother has relieved me for tonight.”
“Ah! Good ole Dowager. Here to bring a pleasurable evening to a screeching halt, as is her usually habit.” He paused for a moment, popping a piece of bread into his mouth. “Perhaps she did not like to see her son dance with a commoner.”
“I suspect that is the case.”
Also, she certainly hadn’t liked the way they looked at one another. Alexandra became quickly
aware of that fact the moment she saw her face. It had been a mistake. She still did not know what she’d been thinking allowing herself to be so taken in by him in such a public venue.
“The Duchess does not care for those beneath her. I am of noble birth, but to her I am little more than dirt beneath her feet. I may as well have been born a laborer’s son.”
“And yet, her son does not appear to make such a distinction between the classes.”
Hendely swallowed his cake without much chewing.
“He is aware. Though he is not as rigid in his beliefs as his mother. His father was a kind-hearted man and Gatterlen takes after him more so than his mother. Thank the heavens. Now, if you do not mind, I shall make my way to the ballroom and join the happy party. I know the Duchess will be most delighted to see me.”
“I am certain of it,” Alexandra agreed with a wide, knowing smile. To be a fly on the wall in the ballroom now. Alas, Alexandra did not wish to linger near the party.
After bidding Lord Hendley farewell, Alexandra wandered through the premises and discovered the card room at the far end of the mansion where the men played cards. Another supper room was located toward the front of the house, populated by famished ladies in need of sustenance after a long evening of dancing.
Alexandra spotted the Lady Chatterley as well as Lady Marlborough among them. Both seemed happy to see her, and the Lady Marlborough motioned for her to join them. Alexandra approached them, despite feeling out of place.
“Miss Evans, what a delight. Care to join us for a bite?” Lady Marlborough asked. Now that the doors to the club had closed to arrivals, the Lady Patronesses were free to join in the festivities. Alas, Alexandra decided to proceed with her plan to depart.
“I am about to make my way home,” she explained much to Lady Marlborough’s chagrin.
“So am I. I tire early, given my condition, but you? Has the dancing gotten you worked up?” Lady Chatterley giggled, though not in a malicious way. Alexandra had worried others might have noticed her banter with the Duke, but Lady Chatterley acted as she always did.
“I must depart, for I have an engagement in the morning with another couple.”
“Ah, the business of matchmaking must keep you rather busy this time of year,” Lady Marlborough said.
“Indeed, especially since you so kindly approved my application.”
The older woman cut a large piece of cake and wrapped it in a napkin. “Of course, of course. It was my pleasure. One cannot simply refuse a request from Lord Alderth, as you must know. How is the good fellow doing anyhow? I have not seen him much since his wife passed away. I hope he does not become a shut in.”
How am I to answer this? For one, I do not know the Lord at all other than to see him in Mr. Holmes’s shop every now and then. For another, it was not he who arranged for me to receive a voucher at last but Mr. Holmes. Has Lady Marlborough really forgotten all about it already? Or is she covering up the fact that she was doing a favor to a commoner? The Duchess of Gatterlen did say Lady Marlborough has a soft heart for commoners after all.
In the end, Alexandra had no choice but to improvise.
“Lord Alderth is handling his circumstances as well as can be expected. I have it on good authority that he is went into town just the other day to meet with a friend, so you need not worry about him.”
“Well, that is a relief to hear.”
Alexandra breathed a sigh of relief at having gotten out of this tricky situation without too much trouble. She really had to depart, for this stress was getting to her. She made a mental note to ask Holmes why Lady Marlborough appeared so certain Lord Alderth had arranged for her voucher.
Alexandra was beginning to suspect Holmes had not been quite so forthcoming with the truth. Perhaps Lady Marlborough had not offered her help after all. Perhaps Mr. Holmes had in fact asked Lord Alderth for his assistance and then kept it from her. It must have cost the old man quite an expensive pocket watch to get the Lord’s help.
Before she could be drawn into any further conversation, Alexandra bid the ladies farewell and made her way out of Almack’s and out onto Kings Street. She was almost outside when she heard someone shout her name. She stopped and considered glancing over her shoulder, though she decided against it. She recognized the Duke’s voice, and she did not wish to be drawn into any further discussion tonight.
Determined, she hastily continued down the street towards the hackney coaches waiting for fares. To her great relief, the Duke did not follow her. This time.
* * *
Alexandra walked along the cobblestone road, glancing up every now and again to watch the lightning bugs that were swirling around the new streetlights. It was quiet; the only sounds were the rhythmical clapping of hoofs on the road.
She enjoyed walking in Mayfair at night, she found. The light from the streetlights illuminated the road in an almost magical manner. It filled her heart with calm. Calm she desperately needed after this evening.
She had enjoyed dancing with Duke more than she should have, which did not escape the Duchess. Alexandra did not enjoy these types of entanglements. Her approach to her work was straight forward. She found two people that fulfilled each other’s needs, chaperoned them as they got to know each other, and then let them go forward with their life once an offer had been made. That was all. Simple. Just as her mother taught her.
Sometimes, Alexandra would enjoy the outings she chaperoned, other times they would be tedious affairs. Never were they confusing on a personal level. It was a wall she never breached.
Behind her, the sounds of hooves became louder, announcing the passing of yet another carriage. Unlike the others, this one slowed down. A horse gently neighed. Alexandra turned around and saw a carriage had slowed just behind her. She recognized the coat of arms emblazed on the side as the Chatterley’s. The carriage door opened, and Lady Chatterley poked her head out.
“Miss Evans, let me give you a ride home. It is too late and too chilly to be walking to the hackney station.”
It was really not that far, only a couple of streets over. Still, it would be nice to ride in comfort and she enjoyed Lady Chatterley’s company.
“That is very kind of you,” she said as she boarded the carriage. The interior was rather grand. The seats were red velvet and had gold embroidery stitched onto the back. There were even velvet curtains with similar trim on the windows, displaying the Chatterley coat of arms. Alexandra noted that the lady was alone.
“Where is the Marquess?”
Lady Chatterley yawned. “He joined some of the others at White’s. I’m sure he will make his way back home eventually, as he always does.” She giggled, utterly unconcerned. She placed her hand over her swollen belly.
“You seemed somewhat bothered in the supper room. I saw you speaking with the Dowager. Has she gotten under your skin?”
It’s her son who’s gotten under my skin; the mother I can handle.
“I would tell a tale if I said she does not bother me. She is a rather brusque woman.”
Lady Chatterley nodded in agreement. “That she is. Lady Frances will need all her strength and resolve if she is to spend her life as the Duchess’s daughter-in-law. If that is to happen.”
“I should hope so.”
Lady Chatterley took a moment to study Alexandra’s face. Her lips were pursed, and her forehead set in deep concentration.
“Miss Evans, I know we are not friends as such, yet I feel a kinship with you. You’ve done so much for me so I would like to take a moment to speak to you as though we are indeed friends.”
Alexandra swallowed. This could not be good.
“The Duchess is a cantankerous woman. She and the former Duke were not a happy couple. My father was well acquainted with the old Duke. The Duchess made his life misery, and I am certain she does the same to His Grace. She is a she-dragon. Whatever you do, take great care not to get in her way, for she will surely crush you like a junebug under her heel.”
Alexandra shu
ddered. She already knew the Duchess was not to be crossed, but why did Lady Chatterley feel the need to point this out to her?
“I am aware of the Duchess’s tendencies toward the dramatic and extreme. I do thank you for looking out for me, Lady Chatterley.”
The woman folded and unfolded her hands repeatedly, her eyes darting from the ground to Alexandra’s face and back. Finally, she sighed.
“I saw the way the Duke looked at you while you danced, and I saw the glimmer in your eyes as well. It is not my business what transpires between the two of you, but there is one thing I know for certain. If the Duchess were to see the match with Lady Frances threatened in any way, she would stop at nothing to make sure it goes ahead. And given how she dismissed you after the dance, I suspect she already has an inclination of what is going on between you and the Duke.”
Perfectly Mismatched With The Duke (Historical Regency Romance) Page 11