by Joyce Alec
Her little speech in the chaise must have made the duke think about his and Edmund's situation. Edmund knew it had stayed with him as he planned to seek the duke's guidance on his estate. He had noticed how more agreeable the duke had been since her arrival. He had heard the duke chuckle as he played pontoon with her and she had won. It wasn't something he had heard since his great aunt's passing.
There, Alice stood before him now, resplendent for an evening on the town. She smiled at him, and he felt he could do anything if she was by his side. He had never been in love before, but surely this was it, he told himself.
Jarvis helped him with his cap and hat, as he gave the duke's regrets, and wished them a pleasant time.
"This is rather nice," Edmund said as the door of the carriage closed, "some people I know will be there, and you can make their acquaintance. If you are feeling up to it, we could perhaps go for a late supper following the show."
He felt so nervous asking her that he couldn't bring himself to look directly at her.
"That would be very pleasant, thank you, my lord."
Alice was feeling good. She felt for sure that someone was bound to know her, although it would mean leaving the duke and the marquess. She felt so at home in their company.
As they were a little late, they were shown directly to their seats. Alice looked around hoping that someone would look familiar to her, but as the players arrived on stage, she became mesmerized by the actors. She gasped with awe as the story was unveiled and Edmund was amazed at the effect the play was having on her. Usually, attendance was to see and be seen with very little attention given to the performance. She really was like a child, fascinated by the charm of the theater.
At the intermission, they mingled in the foyer making polite conversation. Unaware of the commotion they were causing, Edmund continued to introduce Alice as Miss Faith. Gossip had been rife since their ride in Hyde Park, and the mystery of exactly who was Edmund's lady friend had taken society by storm. Bosley approached them. He was very curious about the woman. Where had Edmund found her?
"We meet again, Miss Faith," he took her hand and kissed it as he bowed. She could feel herself blushing as she curtsied.
"Muddy, we're going to Madigans after. Bring Miss Faith. I didn't catch your last name…" Bosley was interrupted by the gong signaling the start of the second half of the play.
Edmund didn't want Bosley anywhere near Alice. He wasn't quite sure why he felt this way. After all, he and Bosley were lifelong friends, but Bosley had a way of sullying anything that Edmund found first. It had started when Edmund wanted a pony. Bosley's father had purchased the pony instead. When Edmund got a dog, Bosley claimed the dog had bitten him and Edmund never saw the dog again. It was curious how Edmund never noticed how Bosley took what he wanted until now. It was done so subtly that he found he berated himself for thinking such a thing when Bosley always included him on his trips.
Edmund had lost his heart to a young girl. They were just teenagers at the time and Bosley promised to intercede on his behalf. Edmund was quite boring when compared with Bosley, who was very dynamic in his personality. Edmund never stood a chance while Bosley was around. Whatever he wanted, Bosley was sure to take it from him. Bosley wasn't good enough for Miss Faith. Edmund decided they would have to avoid Bosley.
"I do not think it wise to go for supper. I am sure we can get something at home," he whispered to Alice.
"If you feel that is best," Alice said. Her head was quite sore after meeting so many people, and she searched her mind for recognition, but there was nothing.
A messenger came to Edmund, and he excused himself.
"My lord, His Grace, the Duke of Donningford, has taken ill. Your presence is required immediately. We can send the young lady home. It might best if you left immediately," the man said solemnly.
Edmund was torn. He needed to go to the duke. It would be a pity to disturb Miss Faith's enjoyment of the play. She wasn't family and it may not do well to stress her.
"Very well. She is to be brought to the duke's immediately after the performance," Edmund gave the man money to ensure his instructions would be carried out and left the theater, feeling guilty about leaving Alice unattended.
He failed to notice Bosley lurking in the shadows, and once Edmund was gone, Bosley gave the man some money and he slipped into the theater to watch Alice, who didn't seem to notice Edmund was gone. As the curtain fell, Alice dried her eyes. She had found the performance played with her emotions and as she turned to speak to Edmund, only then realized he was missing.
She looked around, but all she saw were the theater goers milling out. She felt very lonely, even though she wasn't alone. It was the strangest sensation, and not one she had felt before, despite not knowing who she was.
"Miss Faith. Muddy gives his apologies. He was called away and asked me to see you home. I thought if you were up for it, we might go to Madigans for a light supper." Bosley was very polite as he spoke.
While feeling unsure about him, Alice had no option but to agree to take his arm. She had no money, and in fact, only had a vague awareness of where the duke's home was. She didn't know why Bosley bothered her, but they would be among others so how bad could it be. It must have been very important for Edmund to leave her by herself.
"I thought we were going with others," she asked when they seemed to be alone.
"They've gone on. We can walk from here if you do not mind. I have to say, I'm rather intrigued by you, Miss Faith. I do feel there is something familiar about you, but cannot quite put my finger on it. Where do you come from? Muddy never gave me your family name."
"Why do you call him Muddy?"
"It's a nickname; that's all. Also, he can be a stick in the mud sometimes, so I feel it rather suits him," Bosley snorted.
"I thought you too were supposed to be friends. It doesn't sound very nice to talk about Lord Cholmosley in that way," Alice was annoyed.
"Forget about him. Who are you Miss Faith?"
Part of her didn't want to answer him.
"I don't know who I am. I had an accident and cannot remember."
Bosley smirked.
"Isn't that interesting? You have absolutely no idea of who you are. Then we must make you attend Almack's next week. That's where the real party is, and anyone who is anyone will be there. I'll help Muddy find you a home. Ah, here we are," Bosley opened the door of a grubby little place.
Alice felt unwell as the smells hit her. They seemed familiar, but how could they, she asked herself. She asked Bosley to take her home, but he ignored her, saying he wanted to show her a good time that Edmund would never be inclined to do.
As the drinks flowed, Alice could only watch as the elite became more raucous. She hated being there. Bosley was getting too familiar with her.
"Do you think you're too good for me, Miss Faith, or whatever your name is? Are you sure we haven't met before?"
She blinked as the smell of alcohol hit her face and she closed her eyes, praying that the Lord would save her. She didn't want to be here at all. Bosley was getting annoyed with her for not drinking, and in his mind, not allowing herself to have fun. Why was she so boring? Had she already spent too much time with Edmund?
"I had to teach him how to drink and have a good time. Why aren't you having a good time?" he said as he spilled his drink on her. He took out his handkerchief to wipe Alice's dress. She felt so afraid, so unsure of what to do.
Suddenly Bosley was pulled away from her.
"Give me your hand, Miss Faith. I'll take you home," Edmund reached out and she gladly took his hand as he pulled her towards him. She felt faint. Too much had gone on and she collapsed as her legs went from under her.
Edmund scooped her up in his arms.
"Bosley, never contact me again. How could you?" Edmund shouted as he left Madigans.
Alice came to in the carriage.
"What happened? My lord, what happened?" she cried out.
She was so afraid, so unl
ike the day of the accident.
"That Bosley. I'll never have anything to do with him again. He didn't try to hurt you in any way, did he? I will have him dealt with, you know," Edmund sounded angry. He was riled up. He was afraid for what might have happened to her under his watch, and he couldn't bear it if anything had happened to her.
"You just rest and I'll tell you when we get home. His Grace will want details, and it will save you telling it again. Plus, I have my part of the story to reveal."
Edmund fell silent, but he heard Alice crying. She was so distraught. He couldn't get the image from his mind, walking into Madigans and seeing Bosley overpowering her. He could never let Edmund have anything for himself. Bosley just had to interfere and destroy all that was good.
Rather than back down, as was his norm, he had an attitude of power that caused the other party-goers to stand back out of his way as he pulled Bosley away from Alice. Her frightened face, seeing her cowering, looking so lost and alone, she had brought out another side of Edmund.
When Edmund had arrived rather abruptly at the duke's, he was in a tizzy. Jarvis was perplexed at the marquess's ranting about the Duke being ill, and when the duke appeared, Edmund had come to his senses. It was a ruse. The only one he knew capable of such behavior was Bosley. He had dashed out of the house again, much to the duke's annoyance. With the theater closed, he had made his way to Madigans, and sure enough, found the scene.
Jarvis opened the door as the carriage arrived, and much like the scene of the Alice's arrival, Edmund insisted on carrying her through to the drawing room.
The duke bellowed as he left his study to enter the drawing room demanding answers.
Edmund revealed his side of the story and Alice told him what had happened next.
Unbeknownst to her, Alice had helped Edmund stand up to a man who had controlled him for far too long. The duke had noticed this, too. He had always disliked Bosley, even when he was just a boy. There was something devious about him, but the duke had to admit, he liked this side of Edmund.
5
Bosley stood by the fire, furious at the night's events. His friends had laughed at him when Edmund left with the young woman. He had never been so humiliated in his life. He was the one who laughed at others. Who did Edmund think he was to behave like that towards him? He would pay for his behavior, and so would this woman masquerading as Faith. He now knew exactly who she was, but now he had to ensure Edmund's social annihilation.
He laughed at his plan. It would be marvelous, and it was sure to put Edmund and the duke in their place. Who did they think they were to lord over him?
Bosley was glad he hadn't recognized Faith immediately. It was only when Edmund carried her away that he remembered who she was.
This was an excellent plan. He would extend an invitation to a particular young lady to accompany him to Almack's. The lady's maid of the Countess who organized the vouchers was rather sweet on Bosley, and he knew that the duke had been in touch requesting vouchers.
No one was going to get away with making a fool of him. Satisfied that his plan couldn't fail, Bosley went to bed.
Edmund and Alice had no idea of what was in store for them but for now, they were both recovering from their traumatic night.
"Jarvis, send for the doctor. Miss Faith is quite the peculiar color. It's a wonder it didn't jerk her memory back into place," the duke said.
Alice was shivering despite being covered in blankets. The doctor checked on her, but there was nothing physically wrong with her. He gave her a sleeping draught so that she could recover by morning.
The duke and Edmund spoke.
"It's a dastardly business, Edmund. I shall attend Almack's with you and Faith. By Jove, we'd better find her family. It's a big responsibility caring for her. I just cannot fathom how no one is looking for her."
Edmund agreed with the duke. It was high time that Alice was reunited with her family. Only then he could he ask permission to court her. Edmund's mind was made up. He wanted to marry her. Only a man in love could behave as Edmund had done. He had the strength of ten lions; he had been ready to pounce on Bosley.
The ton loved gossip, and without knowing her background, stories abounded that she was a French aristocrat, or a Russian tsarina, smuggled into London to escape death. Yet other rumors were circulating that she was, in fact, a nobody who had inveigled her way into the duke's home. Her presence made them notice the otherwise invisible Edmund, and Bosley didn't like that fact. He was the star of their group, and he wasn't looking for anyone to take his title as leader of their pack.
The following morning, Alice was hesitant about leaving the house, and the duke didn't force her. He encouraged her to sit with him. He sensed she didn't want to be alone and she was pleasant company. She was quiet when he needed to work, as she took reading some of the books in his library.
"You remind me of my dear wife. She used to sit there and read while I worked. I've missed that," the duke smiled kindly at her.
"Your Grace is very kind to compare me to the duchess. I have seen her portraits; she was a very beautiful woman," Alice said.
"They really do not do her justice at all. She was beautiful on the inside and out." The duke looked away.
Alice was sure he had shed a tear.
"Tell me, my dear, how do you feel about Edmund?"
The question unnerved her.
"Both you and he have taken great care of me," she said diplomatically.
"Yes, but how do you feel about him?"
"I feel safe when he is close by. Being alone in Lord Bosley's company unnerved me. A feeling I have never felt with Lord Cholmosley. It was quite peculiar. I feel safe with the marquess…" she paused.
"I am glad to hear that. Edmund is anxious that we find your family. He wishes to propose to you, but he must ask your father's permission. He has grown as a man in the short time you have been here. I would be very much in favor of such a match, if you were in agreement, Miss Faith."
"But Your Grace, I do not know if I am promised to another."
Alice wasn't sure she wanted to commit herself to any agreements.
"I didn't think of that. We shall see."
It saddened Alice to think no one was looking for her. The same thought had struck the duke and the marquess when they allowed that thought to rise. She should have been found by now. While many descended on London, the community was still quite small, and word would have spread by now if one of them was missing. There was an intrigue here, but the duke, who considered himself a great study of people, knew there was no presence of malice on Alice's part. She really didn't remember who she was.
But someone was looking for Alice, although not very successfully. Betty had convinced Jim to take her to their local police station, but the police weren't interested in looking for a disgraced lady's maid. Instead, Betty went to each police station and hospital she came across to see if any unidentified bodies were in their presence. She was assuming the worst. It was the only explanation.
Betty went to see Mrs. Dempsey to tell her what had happened. Mrs. Dempsey was shocked. It would be so out of character for someone like Alice to up and disappear. She was a gracious young woman. They came to the same conclusion. She must be dead. They didn't realize that someone was eavesdropping on the conversation and relishing every word. Connie couldn't contain her snicker. That uppity Alice had got her what she deserved.
"Who is there?" Mrs. Dempsey called out as Connie revealed herself.
"It's you. What are you doing here? What is that on your face?" Mrs. Dempsey looked back at Betty as she spoke and rolled her eyes at the get up of Connie.
"I'm meeting my gentleman friend," Connie said haughtily.
"Some gentleman!" Mrs. Dempsey guffawed.
"He's a real gent. You're just jealous because you're so old. What are you looking at?" Connie directed at Betty who was smiling at Mrs. Dempsey's comments.
"I used to be like you Connie, remember, thinking the "gents" would actuall
y be interested in a maid. But you'll learn. Trust me."
Connie marched out. Her excitement at hearing of Alice's possible demise had faded by being teased by these two crones. She left, looking forward to meeting her fancy man.
"He's certainly turning her head, whoever he is. She's usually quite loud about the wealth of the men she sees, but she's keeping quiet on this one. I'm wondering if it's the same man as last year when we came here for the Season." Mrs. Dempsey said as she made tea for Betty.
"The Season isn't just for the young ladies we look after. I wasn't without having my head turned. She'll learn she's just a toy to be cast away when wife material catches their eyes. Those men don't marry maids."
Betty knew too well what it was like for a pretty girl to have her world turned upside down by a gentleman who would promise everything, but give nothing.
Jim had mended her broken heart, and they were happy together. They could do with more, but at least what they had was theirs. No one to boss them around. Jim had been the carriage driver for the Guildfords. But he couldn't stay feeling downtrodden. He wanted to make his own way in the world. What he really wanted was to have his own farm. But for now, it was just a dream. Betty loved him for it.
As Connie turned the corner, she saw her man standing there, waiting for her. She cheered up when she saw him and ran towards him.
"My pretty little thing, no need to run. Did you bring the jewels?" he asked, although Connie felt a little put out by his interest in the stolen Bankwell jewels, rather than her.
"Here they are," Connie said as she handed the handkerchief to the man.
"Good. Here's your cut. Tell me, Connie. What was the name of Lady Jane's lady's maid?"
Connie was sick of Alice's name.
"What's it to you? I hear she's dead. No one knows. Ain't you interested in me no more?" Connie tried to be coy.
"I've got no time today, Connie. But I'll see you soon, no doubt."
He walked away leaving her standing there alone.
"Bosley, you come back here. That ain't no way to treat a lady," she shouted at him.