Lady Langford, Eugenia’s mother, strolled in and agreed to play for Cynthia, who sang her romantic ballads with heartfelt sentiment.
Eugenia at once realized the reasons for Edmund’s lie. It must have been to prevent his ex-benefactress’ daughter from taking to song. Eugenia had remembered Cynthia’s vocal ability as above average but that may have been because her accompanist, Herr Mueller, a superb musician, improved her singing.
Penelope joined Cynthia for the next several songs and their soprano voices blended in a pleasant mélange. Eugenia caught Edmund studying her while the music filled the room. His expression was almost puzzling.
The Duke and Duchess of Rothford looked on as Eugenia’s father, Lord Langford, strolled in, feeling quite jolly indeed. He was the proud father-in-law, and had perhaps a touch too much port, as he added his full, rich baritone to the two lovely young ladies’ melody. Then Eugenia’s mother, from the keyboard, joined the trio with her soprano trill for the grand finale of the evening.
Chapter 11
In the days that followed dinner with her parents, Eugenia did not hear the sound of Edmund’s sweet voice nor any of his kind words. She must have done something utterly horrible. Eugenia was quite certain that she had driven Edmund to abandon her.
And worst of all, she felt she must have done the unthinkable and hurt his feelings terribly when he had been all things kind and considerate.
Aunt Rose has been so kind as to keep her company but Eugenia dreaded what would happen when her aunt took her leave. For without doubt, Eugenia would be completely alone and miserable.
Eugenia had come to discover that she did not care a fig for the elegant townhouse, the Rothford jewels, or her new position in Society. What she did care about was sharing Edmund’s company. She had hoped to see him that morning but met Aunt Rose in the breakfast room instead.
“What is it, my dear?” the elderly woman asked her niece. Aunt Rose must have read the disappointment written across Eugenia’s face.
“He’s not here,” Eugenia exclaimed, dismayed by her discovery. “I was hoping to see Edmund this morning.” She knew tonight they were to attend Lady Jersey’s ball and she would definitely see him by then. Still, the thought of spending another day without seeing him was nearly too much to bear.
“He’s off attending the Prince’s levee,” Aunt Rose informed her.
“How fortunate for him.” It was an honor bestowed upon a select few.
“Come sit down, dear.” Aunt Rose motioned to the seat next to her. “I can see you are troubled.”
“Oh, Auntie, what am I to do?” Eugenia sank onto the dining room chair and began to cry.
“About your husband?”
“Yes, Edmund.” She blotted the tears from her face.
“Matters of the heart are often difficult, Eugenia. Was it only months ago you thought you were in love with his brother, Thomas?”
Eugenia stopped crying and sniffed. It was a horrid thing to say. She couldn’t see Aunt Rose’s face through her blur of tears. But of course her aunt couldn’t know about what really had happened. Or could she?
“Well,” Eugenia tried to explain. “I only thought I was in love with Thomas but I have since discovered that I had loved Edmund all along.”
“Ah, then it is a good thing you married Edmund and not Thomas, is it not?” She smiled up at her niece as if she already knew the truth. “I would imagine it might prove difficult to set things right again.”
Eugenia stiffened, probably visibly.
“You are lucky in that respect, my dear. I see how your husband looks at you. He is certainly a man in love.” She took up her tea.
“Do you really think so?” Eugenia blotted the last of the moisture from her face.
“I have no doubt. All you need do is let him know your true feelings and I’m certain he will run to you and never leave your side.” Aunt Rose sipped from her cup. “I see that as the only option or you might very well lose him.”
“Lose him?” The words shocked Eugenia. She had not thought it would come to that. She had asked him to end their marriage and he could have agreed, but to keep her as wife then all but abandon her made no sense.
“It is a question of declaring your love. If he does not know you share his affection, he may do as you ask and give you the annulment you so desperately want.”
Eugenia no longer wished for an annulment. She only recently realized that without her darling Edmund, she was not truly happy.
“You are very dear to me and I must say Edmund appears more than amiable. However unorthodox your marriage, it appears you have made a most fortunate match.”
“Oh, Auntie, I believe I have behaved abominably to him. I have been nothing but difficult and contrary,” Eugenia admitted. And saying it out loud somehow made her feel worse about her deeds. “I have blamed him for anything and everything that has dissatisfied me.”
“Do you believe you were wrong to do so?”
“Yes,” Eugenia answered with a sigh.
“It is early in your marriage yet. There is always an adjustment period … and as long as you both understand your affection for each other, things will work themselves out.” She took Eugenia’s hand into hers. “You have told him of your affection, have you not?”
“But Auntie, that is so … unladylike.”
“And you have never behaved unladylike before?” Aunt Rose regarded her niece from the corner of her eye.
Eugenia had hoped she hadn’t seen or heard of those instances. But now she could see she had been clearly mistaken.
“You’re a duchess, Genie!” Aunt Rose reprimanded her in a stern tone. “You have a position in Society. Do not allow your husband to ignore you!”
“Edmund does not ignore me—completely,” she said in weak protest. It had been the truth up until this last week. “He’s very considerate and attentive … when we are together in public.”
Aunt Rose leveled a stern gaze at her niece. One that pinned Eugenia’s back to her chair and held her immobile for a good minute.
“If he were so attentive, he’d be here spreading jam on your morning toast instead of sitting at Carlton House watching the Prince Regent have his whiskers scraped.”
Eugenia hated to admit it but Aunt Rose had never been more correct.
Edmund had not returned to 17 Hanover Square by 6 that evening. Eugenia had waited for hours, hoping for his arrival. She climbed the stairs and heard muffled noises coming from the room next to hers … his room. The drag of drawers being drawn opened and firmly closed could be heard though the wall.
Eugenia’s heart leaped when she realized it was him. Edmund had returned home. She hadn’t thought their confrontation would come this soon but she would not pass up the opportunity. She would take her aunt’s advice and tell him she loved him and insist they remain married.
Opening the adjoining doors to their rooms, she was shocked to find not Edmund, but his valet, Travers.
“What are you doing?” she asked. Eugenia took in the stack of shirts and folded waistcoats the valet had removed from the clothespress.
“His Grace has sent for his evening clothes. He is dining at the club and plans to meet you at Lady Jersey’s. I would have informed Your Grace as soon as I had carried out His Grace’s request.”
“No, it’s all right, Travers.” But it wasn’t all right. Eugenia felt heartbroken.
Travers finished gathering what he needed and left, leaving her alone, standing between the rooms.
Her room was bright and cheerful with flowered wallpaper in pastel colors. In contrast, Edmund’s room had damask drapes, two huge oil paintings, and dark paneling. Carved furniture lined the walls while a heavy four-poster bed occupied the center of the enormous room. It looked so much like him, dark and intimidating, a man she understood very little.
Eugenia was very mindful that tonight every little action the new Duke and Duchess of Rothford made would be watched and scrutinized. She would demonstrate, not only to th
e guests, but to Edmund that she had completely accepted, and would embrace, her new position.
She chose from the selection of the Rothford jewels carefully. Nothing too ostentatious. A simple diamond necklace and matching earbobs to adorn the blue beaded dress she had chosen to wear. Eugenia considered that her first step. Now for the second.
In light of Edmund’s absence, Aunt Rose accompanied her to Lady Jersey’s. Her aunt’s presence, and support, meant more to Eugenia than she could ever say. Once she arrived, Eugenia would find a way … somehow … in a secluded corner of the ballroom, out on the dance floor, she wasn’t sure where but before this night was over, she would find a way to confess that she, the Duchess of Rothford, was in love with her duke.
Lady Jersey welcomed Aunt Rose and Eugenia in the art room. “Mrs. Templeton, it has been an age!”
“Has it been, really? I thought it only this last Season,” Aunt Rose expressed with sigh. “And with me is—”
“My duchess—” Edmund’s familiar voice interceded and he stepped between them. “May I make known to you Lady Jersey. This is my wife, Eugenia, Duchess of Rothford.”
Lady Jersey gasped and dipped into a bow. “Your Grace, it is an exceptional honor.”
Eugenia felt stiff and perhaps a bit awkward to be greeted in such a way. “How do you do, Lady Jersey?”
What struck Eugenia the most odd was how Edmund acted toward her. Not as if he were glad to see her and not as though he had not seen her in nearly two days. He had completely ignored the days’ separation as if he cared not a fig for her.
Eugenia was introduced to the other fashionable members of Society. It was not too soon until she began to believe in the importance of her new role as duchess herself. And all of it made easier when Edmund stood by her side.
Aunt Rose whispered to Eugenia that she was off to the card room. That may have been true, she was exceedingly fond of cards, but this time Eugenia suspected her aunt wanted to leave her alone with Edmund.
Alone—with the two hundred other guests.
She and Edmund continued down to the large room until they came upon the gallery, brightly lit with oil lamps mounted along the walls, where the dancing took place.
Soon after their arrival, Lady Jersey singled Eugenia for conversation. Edmund excused himself to have a word with a gentleman across the room.
“When Thomas Mallick was Duke of Rothford,” Lady Jersey began, “there was not one young lady who could hold his attention. Now, with Edmund’s return, no one has even had a chance to see him before you two were married.”
Eugenia stared at Edmund. She knew how a young female would be attracted to him. Not his wealth or title, but him as a man.
At first glance, he appeared tall, dark, and quite handsome. Upon inspecting his dress one noticed his pristine, intricately tied cravat and his gold threaded waistcoat were finished off with a magnificently tailored Weston coat stretching across his broad shoulders and tapering down to his trim waist. His knee breeches covered his shapely legs and dark satin pumps finished off his evening dress.
After all, he was her husband. Those women had a right to be envious. He was kind, thoughtful, and, if she would have given him half a chance, no doubt he would prove loving.
Edmund turned, caught sight of his wife’s close inspection, and winked.
A rotation of guests left Eugenia to stand with Mrs. Penshurst, Penelope, and her parents, Lord and Lady Coddington. Moments later, Edmund crossed the room to join them.
“It is so very odd,” Mrs. Penshurst went on. “Somehow I thought you married Thomas Mallick.” She checked Eugenia’s face for a reaction. “Well, that can’t be, of course. If you’re the duchess, you must be married to Edmund here.” She thumped her folded fan on the breast of his coat and gave a giddy trill of contrived laughter. “It only stands to reason, doesn’t it?”
“Exactly how long have you been back, Your Grace?” Lady Coddington inquired.
An unfettered smile spread across Edmund’s face. “Long enough to find my duchess.” He sent Eugenia an adoring glance.
“Stole her right from under Thomas’ nose, didn’t you? Along with his title, I might add,” Lord Coddington blustered and nearly choked while laughing.
“Shouldn’t speak ill of the dead, Coddington,” Lady Coddington scolded. “It was horrible, wasn’t it? Of course, I heard your brother died in a terrible accident, soon after you married, was it not, Your Grace?”
“I don’t think the details should be repeated. It’s not meant for a lady’s ear.” Edmund should have been in deep mourning but with his extended absence and somewhat questionable marriage, Society seemed to turn a blind eye to his recent family tragedy.
“My, oh my!” Lady Coddington nearly burst at the suggestive nature of the news.
From this point Eugenia found the way Lady Coddington carried on to be abominable. She tried every ploy, technique, and bribe to pry those details out of Edmund. When that didn’t work, she turned to Eugenia.
“You were there, weren’t you, dear? It must have been horrid, simply horrid!” She brought the tip of her closed fan to her lips to cover her apparent shock.
“Mother, please!” Penelope squealed.
“I’m sorry to disturb you, ladies. My wife has promised me this set.” Edmund ushered Eugenia away from the gathering to the dance floor.
My wife … Eugenia adored the sound of those words. The way he said them filled her with such pride and longing. She did not know how much longer she could wait to tell him of her true feelings, of the great affection she held for him.
Edmund led her to the dance floor for a waltz. His strong hand around her waist held her near. She warmed as he drew her close. Eugenia wanted to feel that delicious tingle he’d always sent through her when he held her near.
“Closer, my dear,” he whispered.
Eugenia’s heart fluttered madly, he wanted to be as close to her just as she did to him.
“I wish to speak to you.”
Talk? He only wanted to talk to her?
“And I do not want to be overheard.”
Disappointed, Eugenia leaned toward him and felt his warm breath against her cheek.
“I do not wish to encourage talk of Franz or events of Thomas’ demise.”
“How can we possibly avoid it?” Eugenia thought it only natural for others to be curious. “Cynthia and Penelope have told me Franz’s interpretation of our elopement. How you abducted me, and—”
“I never said it was me. Franz told them it was Rothford.” A brief look of confusion crossed his face. “They must have assumed that …”
“I suppose I cannot blame you for their embellishments to your tale.” Eugenia understood that it was, after all, a matter of interpretation.
“Thank you. I appreciate not having that last bit set in my plate.” There was a bright spark in his dark eyes and he smiled.
It seemed as if it had been an age since he had smiled at her. Grateful that she could rely on him to hold her as they danced, Eugenia felt her arms and knees weaken as she melted in his arms. It felt wonderful.
Eugenia was just about to tell him, right there on the dance floor before everyone, what a fool she had been and how much she loved him.
Then the music stopped and he released her. Eugenia staggered out of his arms, her legs were barely strong enough to keep her from collapsing.
“Shall we get some refreshment, my dear? You look absolutely flushed.”
She could well imagine. Edmund headed off to find the lemonade. Eugenia dropped her fan open, cooling herself, pleased that they had progressed to speaking terms.
What could she manage in a roomful of people? Then Eugenia considered a moment and thought … Why not take a page from Aunt Rose’s book and simply leave because it was the very thing she wished to do?
A few minutes later, Edmund returned to Eugenia’s side with a glass. She sipped the lemonade then suggested in the sweetest tone she could manage, “Don’t you think we should
be leaving?”
“If that is what you wish, my dear,” he answered. “Why don’t you collect your aunt and we’ll be off. I’ll accompany the two of you home before heading out for the clubs.” He raised her gloved hand to his lips, without even kissing it, and sauntered off to make arrangements for their departure.
Off to the clubs! Eugenia grew angrier and angrier by the minute. She strode into the card room and up to the table where her aunt sat.
“Are you ready to go home, Auntie?” Her aunt’s presence in the carriage would ensure His Grace’s safety in Eugenia’s temper. She would not be tempted to throttle her husband during their long journey home.
“No, no, my dear, you go on ahead. A game of Whist is about to begin. I can manage a ride home.” She waved her niece away with an ace of diamonds.
Of all the times Aunt Rose decided to stay, it would have to be this night. Then it occurred to Eugenia that her aunt’s success in Society must have been knowing when to remain and when to leave early.
Eugenia stepped outside the card room and spotted Edmund loitering about the foyer. She snapped her fan shut in outrage. She would tolerate his ignoring her no longer.
She loved him, loved him desperately, and still had not managed to tell him. Once they arrived home he would leave her to be alone again.
They would not depart from this residence until Eugenia had her say. She caught up with him at the front door before he retrieved his outerwear and tapped him smartly on the shoulder with her closed fan.
“I must speak to you, Your Grace.” She kept her address formal, indicating the seriousness of her intent.
He motioned for her to step down the hallway where they stepped into a small parlor. Edmund momentarily lagged behind and spoke to a footman.
Inside the room, a fire burned in the hearth, directing Eugenia’s path. In fact, she found herself pacing the floor, spinning her fan around her wrist. Not only had she nearly worn out her satin slippers, she may have ruined the carpet beneath her feet as well.
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