“Thank you Mary. So none of that was anything we did not already know. You did not hear any mention of Sir Broderick or the Duke of Wrentham. But you did prove that your listening skills are still sharp, so that was excellent work.” The two young women shared a grin before Rose continued. “Tomorrow we are going to take tea with Lady Elizabeth. If Lady Anne brings her maid perhaps you could invite her to go for a walk with you while you both wait for us. It would be absolutely wonderful if you could get the girl to confide in you. Anything you could glean from her would be excellent. If it is true that there is some question of her getting paid you can be sure she will be happy to tell anything there is to tell. But of course, try not to be too obvious in your inquiries.”
“Leave it to me, Miss, I will know just how to go on.”
“I know, Mary. It is just that this entire situation has me all at sixes and sevens. A part of me wishes I had never gone to that wretched musicale. But that reminds me that I really must call upon Lady Yorkleigh soon. It seemed to me as though she had a few things to say about the ungentlemanly knight. Perhaps she could be trusted to help me with this situation. I do wish to pass this off to someone more capable.” Heaving a disconsolate sigh she returned her gaze to the mirror as Mary finally finished tugging and twitching her locks. With a gasp of delight she clapped her hands. “Oh my goodness, Mary, you have truly outdone yourself. I could not have asked for anything better. I do not know how you did it but I actually look like I could be the belle of the ball. It is miraculous.”
“Get on with you Miss, it ain't no miracle. You're as pretty as a picture every day. I just did a wee bit of enhancing. Just keep in mind that it is much more difficult to do any spying when you're in your looks. People will be remembering you tonight, you can't go sliding in and out of rooms and eavesdropping.”
Rose put on a face of disapproval. “Ladies do not eavesdrop, Mary.”
“Oh yes they do, Miss, just be careful whatever you are up to.”
Rose bounced up from her seat in front of the looking glass and threw her arms impulsively around her maid. “You are a dear and I have no idea what I would do without you.”
Mary grinned mistily at her mistress. “Get on with you now, Miss, you do not want to wrinkle up your lovely frock.”
Now Rose grinned as she glanced down at her beautiful gown. “You are quite correct. My mother would have my head in a noose if I were to muss it up before we even get to the ball. It is a lovely gown, is it not? I was not completely sure if it would be pleasing when I was picking it out at the mantua makers', but I must say I am well pleased with the result. These puffed sleeves with the darling piping and these appliqued silk fans are really beautiful, but it is certainly a good thing that I will be wearing gloves as this is not the most practical attire for a cool, late autumn evening, I must say. It does make me wonder who decides what is fashionable and why I am such a ninny hammer as to go along with it.”
The two girls shared another grin but then Rose thought of something else. “Of course, if the ball turns out to be a crush I will be happy that I am not dressed too warmly. I shall just have to make sure I am not standing in any drafts and all shall be well.”
“You will be so busy dancing all night you won't be able to do any of your investigating.”
Rose grinned at those words. “Would that not be lovely? I really do not think I could do much investigating at a ball anyway. It is not at all the same as it was in Vienna. There were so few people there, not like here where there are such crowds at every social event. I will of course try to keep my ears open but I will not mind having a good time.” With a girlish giggle, Rose gathered her fan, reticule, and wrap. “I have no idea what time I shall be home and unfortunately I shall probably need help getting out of this beautiful dress without damaging it.”
“Of course, Miss Rose, I will be here waiting for you. I will want to hear all about your evening anyway. My only advice is to have a care to your reputation and steer clear of the duke.”
“You are a dear,” was all Rosamund had as a reply as she hurried out the door.
Lady Smythe was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. She was resplendent in jewel tones of crepe. Having managed to keep her figure despite having three children, she looked lovely in the high-waisted style of gown that was in vogue.
“Mama, you look positively smashing this evening,” Rose declared with a low whistle.
“Do not be vulgar, I pray of you,” Lady Smythe admonished drily.
“I so envy you your colors, Mama,” Rose continued, ignoring her mother's obvious ill humor. “This silly tradition of debutantes not being allowed to wear anything other than whites or lights is ill advised, if you ask me.”
“Well then it is clearly a good thing that no one asked you, as it is a lovely tradition and one that you will abide by.”
“Of course, Mother. I do not have the fortitude to do otherwise, so you need not trouble yourself. I was merely trying to compliment you,” she concluded rather airily, trying not to reveal to her mother that her snippity tones actually dented her feelings. “Are you ready to depart?”
Lady Smythe did not reply with words, merely leading the way out of the house to the waiting carriage.
When they arrived at the elegant but large home housing that evening's festivities Rose was slightly dazzled by the blaze of what seemed like a million candles shining from every window. Clearly no expense was being spared this night. She grinned with anticipation before remembering that it would not do to seem overly eager. Glancing around discretely as she followed her mother, Rose admired the paintings on the walls of pastoral settings, possibly the earl's country seat. Feeling a passing sense of nostalgia for the country, Rose bolstered her sagging spirits by looking around in the crowd for Elizabeth.
As her gaze wandered, she felt a prickle climb the back of her neck and knew instinctively that Alex was near and quite probably looking at her. An instant after that awareness their gazes collided. She felt a wave of heat flow through her body, followed swiftly by one of frigidity. Maintaining her composure with effort, she kept her face as neutral as possible but bowed her head discreetly, acknowledging his presence.
****
Alex was amazed that he had known as soon as they entered the room, although the major domo had not yet announced them. His eyes had been drawn to the entrance of the ballroom like a moth to a flame.
He admired the proud tilt of Rose's head as well as the confusing array upon it that was her hair. He never could understand female hairstyles but this one seemed to be quite fetching. Rose was again dressed in the first stare of fashion. Clearly the Smythes were not in need of a wealthy match for their only daughter.
But pursuing a match was certainly what they were about this Season. It stood to reason, of course, he realized as he pondered the issue. Rosie must be twenty by now. She had missed the chance of a Season a couple years ago due to being in mourning, he thought sadly. Then she traipsed around Europe with her father for a couple years. Now the Smythes seem set on marrying her off before she gets too long in the tooth.
She'll do well on the Marriage Mart, Alex decided, trying to be detached on the subject. With her pretty face, perfect figure, and elegant bearing she would make an excellent wife for any nobleman. And she no doubt has a generous dowry, which would only sweeten the pot. Of course, the fact that she has opinions and doesn't mind overmuch sharing them could be a bit of problem for some gentlemen, he mused as he watched her wend her way through the milling crowd.
Alex watched as Rose left her mother seated with the other matrons before she strode with purpose in the direction of where he had last seen Lady Elizabeth. He wondered if she had confided in her friend about “the situation.” He was not left to wonder for long, when he caught Elizabeth's glance just as Rose met up with her. Alex had to stifle his smile of amusement as Lady Elizabeth blushed at being caught looking at him. Rose was not so missish. Seeing the look upon her friend's face, she followed her ga
ze and caught Alex's eye.
Alex felt the contact almost like a physical blow. His stomach turned over and he felt a prickle at the back of his eyes. He bowed to her in acknowledgement but then tore his gaze away from her. This would just not do. He was never so happy to see anyone in all his life as he was when Lord Dunbar turned up at his elbow.
“There you are, Your Grace,” Wesley declared jovially. “I was wondering if I would be able to find you in such a crush, but I should have remembered that with your height you are easy enough to locate in a crowd.”
Alex, used to comments about his height, managed to keep a pleasant smile plastered to his face as he reconsidered how happy he was to see his friend.
Wesley was continuing to prattle. “I was uncertain if you would even turn up this evening. Thought you might be too caught up in your mystery.”
The duke cast his friend a quelling glance, hoping he was not being overheard. He absolutely did not want word to get around Town that there was some sort of mystery surrounding the Duke of Wrentham. He could just imagine the uproar that would cause and he felt a shiver of dread slither down his back.
“Are you in your cups, my lord?” he asked suppressively.
“Whatever do you mean?” Wesley appeared surprised by the implications.
“Your discretion is even less than usual. I would have expected a touch more discernment from you.”
Wesley chuckled. “I have no idea why. Have we not been friends for eons?”
“Good point,” the duke replied, his tone dry.
“It would seem all the parties are present this evening,” Wesley observed, keeping his voice appropriately low as he gazed out at the sea of well-dressed guests flowing through the countess's rooms. “I just saw your Rosie meet up with her friend, Lady Elizabeth. The Austens were announced not a quarter hour past and I do believe I saw Sir Broderick in one of the card rooms as I walked by.”
“Let the games begin,” Alex muttered.
“Are you going to shock the ton by asking Miss Smythe to the dance floor?” Wesley was curious.
“You really are daft tonight, are you not? That would be exactly what we do not need for this occasion. I seek information. For that it would be best if I do not make myself the brunt of every tidbit of gossip to be dissected tomorrow.”
“So that would be a no, then, would it?” Wesley drawled. “Very well, then, I think I shall seek out the lady and ask for her myself, if that is the case.”
Alex had to clamp his teeth together tightly to prevent from growling his dismay over his friend's treachery. “Judas,” he called after his friend's departing back.
Wesley's laugh floated on the heavy air as he waved in acknowledgement but did not stop his progression. “See you later, Your Grace,” he called over his shoulder as he walked away.
Alex watched as the viscount made his way through the throng, pausing here and there to exchange greetings. Finally he arrived where Rose and Elizabeth were standing. He could not hear their words, but saw that what was clearly good-hearted banter was being exchanged before Rose accepted his elbow and the two made their way to the dance floor.
Watching them, Alex questioned his own sanity. It was foolish beyond belief for him to torture himself by standing there watching them when there was no possibility of him ever being able to partner her in a dance. But there was a degree of pleasure in the watching as well. She danced with such graceful, economical movements. It revealed something about her that even while dancing she clearly wanted to be in control. She had always been a managing little thing, even as a child, but it would seem that the loss of her brother had made that tendency a bit more extreme. Some might find it charming, he thought, but not him, he reminded himself once more. Finally he turned away, unable to stand the unbearable burden of sadness that pressed upon him for all that they had lost.
With purpose he turned on his heel and strode further from the dance floor. Finally, he spotted his quarry.
“Lord Austen, what a pleasure to see you this evening.” Alex hoped his words sounded much more sincere outside of his head than they did inside.
“Your Grace.” Lord Austen's obsequious tone made Alex grit his teeth, but he managed to keep a smile on his face by sheer effort of will. “It is entirely my pleasure to see you, Your Grace. Are you having a good time? Have you seen my lovely daughter? I am certain she would be delighted to dance with you, Your Grace.”
“I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing Lady Anne this evening, my lord. I meant to ask you, I have not seen you in the House of Lords very recently. Is all well with you? You used to be so active in the running of our country.”
“Oh yes, Your Grace, how good of you to notice. I dearly love being involved with our nation's governance, of course, Your Grace, but I have been so very busy with overseeing my dear daughter's first Season, you see.”
Alex smiled at Lord Austen. “I always thought the Season was to complement Parliament, not the other way around.”
Lord Austen began to look uncomfortable; perhaps he was embarrassed by Alex's observation. Alex could see his eyes start to dart around as though he were wishing for a rescue from some quarter. Alex hoped his smile did not look quite as predatorial as it felt.
“I am sure it must be a huge responsibility to have your daughter debuting at her first Season, especially since she does not have a mother. Of course, no doubt your late wife's sister is of great assistance in such a delicate matter as this.”
“Oh yes, the earl and countess have been lovely. They have been most generous hosts. My dear Anne is lucky to have them in her life.” Alex watched in fascination as the other man mustered up his composure and appeared a trifle more conniving. “Her connections will make my daughter a remarkably good wife to some fortunate nobleman.”
Alex smiled in reply. “No doubt. You will have to be most vigilant to make sure she finds someone who truly appreciates her and all she has to offer.”
“That is exactly the truth of the matter and why I have to miss so many sessions, Your Grace. One's only child is a precious thing and I must take the most care of her that is possible. There are always others who will be able to do as good a job as I ever could in the House of Lords, to be sure.”
Alex had to agree with the man about others doing a better job but did not think it seemly to do so verbally, so he merely offered a bland smile. Lord Austen must have taken this for encouragement.
“I do believe my darling daughter would make a lovely duchess, your grace.”
“Perhaps she would, my lord. There are a few dukes looking about for wives this Season if you can believe the gossips. I happen to not be searching for one myself as I am of the opinion that I should wait until I have everything in the duchy in order as I would like it. Taking over my father's properties and titles has been a bigger challenge than I had expected.”
“Of course, of course,” Lord Austen murmured, trying to sound sympathetic, but Alex distrusted the calculated gleam that had taken root in the other man's eyes. The duke feared he had just given added motivation to the scheme against him. But then he reassured himself that he would prefer an attack, the more open the better, rather than waiting around wondering about it. He was not surprised when he heard an oily voice from behind him.
“Well, well, well. What a surprise to see you talking with the Duke of Wrentham.”
Alex had to work hard to keep the sneer from his face as he turned to greet Sir Jason Broderick.
“Sir Broderick.” It was not in him to lie any further by saying it was a pleasure to see him. He merely bowed his head slightly in greeting.
“Good evening, Your Grace. Lord Austen, how good to see you. I trust you are well. Are you gentlemen enjoying the ball so far?”
“I have yet to spend any time on the dance floor, which I should really give some attention to. I was enjoying a little visit with Lord Austen here.” Alex kept his explanation short and opened the way to make his escape.
“Oh yes, Sir Broderick,
I am having a fine time this evening. My lovely daughter is off with her aunt; no doubt she is busy dancing. His Grace and I were merely catching up on news from the House of Lords.”
“Ah yes, the House of Lords. Is there anything of import going on in the House these days, your grace?”
“Nothing that need concern anybody overly. There have been some lively debates over a few issues, but nothing that we cannot handle. Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me.”
Alex made good his escape, managing not to allow his sigh of relief to be audible. He felt as though he needed to bathe after being in the presence of Sir Broderick. That man put him in mind of some sort of sneaky creature, such as a weasel or a minx, stalking his prey. He certainly had no intention of being anyone's dupe.
As he had been talking with what he was beginning to seriously consider were his enemies, he had been keeping half an eye upon Rosie and her progress through the room. Having the advantage of height meant he was able to observe the goings on of the ballroom more easily than others. He was glad to see she appeared to be having a good time.
****
It had taken Rose a few tense seconds to overcome that moment with Alex where their eyes had met. It had felt like such a significant experience, but she hastened to shove it to the corner recesses of her mind. She could not have significant experiences with a Wrentham, she reminded herself, blinking furiously.
“Is all well with you?”
Rose could hear the sincere concern in Elizabeth's voice and strove to control her features. “Of course, is this not a lovely ballroom? I absolutely adore the size of it and the darling alcoves, such as the one which the orchestra is occupying.”
The Duke Conspiracy Page 10