by Joyce Alec
"Good thing you aren't a lady then. Ta-ta, my pretty, it's been a blast," Bosley waved without looking back.
Connie threw a tantrum. Who did he think he was? She was going to get back at him. Thinking he could use her and then just leave her. No, no one made a fool of Connie Lakes and got away with it. She fumed as she watched him disappear.
As Bosley walked away, he thought about how he was going to get back at Edmund. He was going to relish in his revenge. He needed to dispose of the jewels first. Connie was becoming a liability. Pity though, he thought, she had a propensity for theft and having other people take the fall. Still, he couldn't have her falling in love with him. This was a business arrangement.
Bosley laughed as he returned to his carriage. With his plans in place, his trip to Almack's was sure to go down in history.
6
The duke was happy to see that that Alice had recovered from recent events. The day at home had proved to be the tonic she needed. She was chatty at breakfast, telling him about the play, and he loved watching how she spoke. His beloved wife had been an admirer of the theater. He, himself, found such things tedious to endure. Alice's recount took him back to another time in his life.
He had closed himself off after his wife had died. Her illness had been so short. And although he wasn't sure he ever wanted to let her go, she had been in so much pain, that it was a relief to her at the end to join the Lord. She was everything to him, and without her, he felt part of him was missing.
This young woman had brought an old man back to life again. It seemed the house was a home again with her presence. He watched her face light up as she enthused about going to Almack's.
"Yes, my dear, I am sure you will have a wonderful time. I must say. I'm rather glad that ghastly business has not failed to dampen your spirit," the duke said.
"I have decided it is not good to dwell on it. I am sure he had his reasons, and I can only think he is jealous of the marquess, who has now found himself in your good favor. I am fortunate that it was Edmund who knocked me down that fateful day rather than the Earl of Bosley," she furrowed her brow as she spoke.
Alice was excited at the prospect of going to Almack's. She told the duke how Edmund told her that as it was the place to be seen, so she was surely going to meet someone who would recognize her. The thought filled her with mixed emotions. She was happy with the duke and Edmund. It was strange to her not to have a sense of missing family.
"You shall need a new gown, my dear. Please choose from my wife's and Jarvis will arrange for a seamstress to visit," the duke told her as he gestured to Jarvis to ensure it was done.
His kindness made Alice feel a little emotional. All this talk of family made her wonder if her papa was as gracious and pleasant as the duke. She prayed that he was. She didn't relish the prospect of leaving such a calm place for something different.
"Now you run along, my dear. There is much work to be done. I shall see you later for dinner."
The duke, Edmund and Alice found themselves busy for the day and didn't meet until their pre-dinner drinks. Edmund was sanguine; it was a side of him the duke liked. At least something good had come Bosley's antics, a more mature Edmund. Nothing the duke could say would ever have had the same effect.
Alice was quiet during dinner. She was tired after being fitted for her gown, but she didn't want to spoil the surprise of her choice of dress. She had underestimated the effects of not knowing who she was and she had to stifle a yawn.
As the duke and Edmund sipped on their brandy, he asked Edmund if any more had been heard from Bosley.
"No, Your Grace, he has not made any contact with me, nor have I seen him on my daily constitutionals in Hyde Park. I must admit I was surprised by his actions. I suppose he was always like that, but I just never noticed. It's as though I see the world so differently. My concern for Miss Faith superseded any feelings of friendship I had for Bosley. He was so underhanded. I would never have believed him possible of such ungentlemanly behavior."
Edmund looked into his glass as he swirled its contents. Miss Faith was an enigma to him, and he wanted so much to make her his wife. He was more certain than ever. Who was she? He wasn't sure he cared whether she was titled or not. She was the most beautiful and unaffected person he had ever met. As though reading his mind, the duke interrupted Edmund's thoughts.
"She is certainly a mystery, but have faith that you will soon be able to marry, Edmund. I am glad she has made you more sensible. You need a good woman like that. At the very least, you see how destructive Bosley is, and you are no longer under his spell. For that, I am grateful. I long had my reservations that you would be capable of becoming sensible, but you are now a man," the duke watched Edmund, who smiled at the compliment.
"I never thought a woman would want to make a man wish to change. I feel Miss Faith deserves me to be my very best and I want to make her proud of me. I wish to return home tomorrow. Mama's jewels would be just the thing for Miss Faith's first Almack's. I want everyone to be dazzled by her. I do not wish her to know, Your Grace."
"Certainly, you must do what is right. I will explain your absence as a business necessity. I will keep the young lady entertained. There's an exhibition I'd like to visit at the Royal Academy. I wouldn't normally bother, as you well know, but I shall go with Miss Faith, as she reminds me of my dear wife and…"
The duke looked up misty-eyed at the portrait of his wife that hung above the mantle.
"Yes, Edmund, a good woman will make you want to move mountains. She asks for nothing, but you do everything to be your best self. That is a rare woman, indeed, in my experience. See you when you get back from your estate. Jarvis, I'm ready to go to bed now."
The following morning, the duke took Alice along Hyde Park. He had no doubt that gossip was rife about Bosley's botched attempt to bring her name into disrepute. Being by her side, the duke ensured that she had his full support. Although none of this was on Alice's mind.
She was the perfect companion for the exhibition, and she made observations that made the duke forget at times that she wasn't his duchess. It was uncanny, he told himself, and he couldn't help but feel thirty years younger. In fact, at times he felt he was a young man again courting his bride. In her short time in the house, he had already lost the use of his walking stick. He moved more freely than he had in years. He had allowed himself to age prematurely in his grief but now Alice gave him a reason to be sprightly. She was the tonic he needed.
Alice had missed Edmund's presence for the day. It seemed odd to her that he would leave without a word. The duke explained he had been called away on business. She hoped he wasn't upset by Bosley's shenanigans, although his absence afforded her the opportunity to spend some time alone with the duke. She wanted to ask him what would become of her if no one claimed her, but each time she opened her mouth to ask, she changed her mind. She didn't want her time to end.
The evening of the dance had arrived and Alice was feeling very nervous. She didn't know why but something was different. Alice put her necklace in her reticle, somehow she felt better having it with her, but she was reluctant to wear it with such an outfit. In fact, she hadn't worn it at all since her arrival, choosing instead to keep it on her person. She was dressed as beautifully as ever, and when the duke and Edmund saw her, she couldn't help but smile at their reactions. Their jaws seemed to drop as they took in the vision before them.
"You look beautiful, Miss Faith but there is something missing," Edmund said mischievously as he produced a jewelry box from behind his back. He opened it up and presented Alice with the most dazzling diamond necklace and earrings she had ever seen.
"Are you quite sure, my lord, they look fit for a queen," Alice whispered as she realized they were for her.
"You will be my queen some day. These were my mother's. It would give me great pleasure to see you wear them. They were designed to dazzle, as were you," Edmund blushed as he spoke.
The duke tried to contain a snicker as he watched
two young people in love, one more flushed than the other. He couldn't be more proud if either were actually his own child.
Embarrassment abated, the couple left the duke alone.
"I hope you have a wonderful time with me, Miss Faith, but I must admit, I am rather hoping no one recognizes you. I know it is selfish, but I do not want this to end," Edmund said.
"I understand what you mean. I am rather afraid my life will be rather dull. But we'll see what happens. I am so happy with the duke, but I grow concerned in case my parents are fretting about me."
Alice frowned. Why had she no feeling when it came to family? Now wasn't the time to for a philosophical debate on her lack of emotions.
"Why the frown, Miss Faith? Did I say something to cause you distress?" Edmund sounded apprehensive.
"No, you have been a wonderful companion. Now, tell me about this place again."
Edmund was afraid he had rather built her hopes up, when in fact, Almack's was really just a place to be seen, especially as the vouchers were hard to get. It was too late to change his mind now; they had arrived.
7
The music wafted to Alice's ears. Her heart began to beat faster and faster and as they walked through to the dance floor. Sensory overload made her feel quite emotional. Tonight was possibly going to change her life.
There was so much noise, with excited talking over the music and the groups of young people milling about. Edmund and Alice looked so handsome as a couple. The discussions stopped and it was as if all eyes turned upon them. Edmund, for once, didn't mind being the center of attention, for he knew it was Alice that drew the attention.
"I must say, my lord, I feel like a queen," Alice said.
She was beginning to feel self-conscious, but the moment passed as attention moved to the next young ladies making their entrance. Edmund looked around and saw some friendly faces, but he wasn't ready to mingle as they deposited their capes. He didn't see Bosley smirking in the corner. In fact, he didn't expect Bosley to attend at all.
For now, he was content to lead his lady to the dance floor, and his eyes never left hers as they spun around.
"I'll let you be happy for a few dances, old friend. No one can ever say I didn't give you a sporting chance. My whole scheme still needs some more players to arrive before the show can commence," Bosley said to himself.
He had always been a jealous sort. He took what he wanted, when he wanted. If people didn't do as he said, he found a way to make them pay, and poor Edmund was his next victim. There had been rumors circulating about the altercation between Edmund and Bosley, and Bosley didn't like what he had overheard, especially when someone said, "…at last, someone had stood up to him."
Commentary sided with Edmund, but tonight's show would end that for sure. Before the night ended, Edmund's place in society would be tarnished. His name would never be mentioned without Bosley's plan in tow. Bosley was feeling very chuffed with himself. It was going to be a magnificent evening.
"Here she is now," he brightened up as he saw his guest arrive, but timing was everything, as he led the young lady away before she could give the game away. Another pawn in Bosley's game.
As the music stopped, Edmund escorted Alice from the dance floor to mingle with the crowd. After all, they were in pursuit of someone who would know Alice. It pained him to do this, but if he wished to marry her, he could only do so with her father's permission.
His friends were courteous, and Edmund asked for their help in seeking Alice's family. There were new faces in the crowd tonight, and therefore, possible one of them would know Alice. She felt anxious as she scanned the room for any familiar face. But no visage registered with her as she looked around. Who am I, he asked herself.
Suddenly, there was a hush that ran through the crowd. So much so, that it caused the music to drop. Bosley was garnering attention as he ushered his guest through. His face lit up, the feeling was more magnificent than he had anticipated, as he made his way to Edmund and Alice.
"Cholmosley, I have found someone who may know our mystery guest," he called out as he saw how Edmund and Alice turned at the sound of his voice.
Everyone gathered was intrigued by the mysterious beauty, especially as no one had seemed to be missing any one. Alice looked at the young woman on Bosley's arm, but again, the young woman didn't look familiar to her at all. However, it was plain to all there that the young woman knew who Alice was.
"Alice Sinclair, what are you doing here? And dressed like that?" Lady Jane admonished Alice. "My lord, it pains me to see my former lady's maid trying to pass herself off as a Lady," Lady Jane Guildford declared to all and sundry.
"I beg your pardon, your what?" Alice gasped.
Bosley's moment had arrived.
"May I present Lady Jane Guildford. Lady Jane, this is the Marquess of Cholmosley, whose great uncle is the Duke of Donningford. This young lady was found by the marquess, but appears to have lost her memory," Bosley was in his element.
"This is Alice Sinclair, my lady's maid until recently, when she stole some jewelry from our family."
The onlookers gasped.
"My lord, there must be some mistake, I have never seen…I can't remember…is it possible?" Alice became breathless as she turned to look at Edmund who was so pale as he tried to take in the news. His beloved was in service.
"How did she come by you, my lord? We dismissed her some weeks ago," Lady Jane looked at Alice.
"It was an accident, and she suffered a head wound…but your lady's maid?" Edmund looked from Jane to Alice. He didn't know what to say or what to do.
"My dear friend, she had obviously tried to trick you into marrying her. But I have saved you," Bosley said.
Alice couldn't bear it. The snickering had already started, and she saw the smugness on Bosley's face. She was feeling overwhelmed as her body began to go into shock. She wasn't a lady at all. She served these people. She wasn't one of them.
She turned towards the door and began to make her way out of the room. She couldn't take it anymore. She couldn't take the judgment.
"I don't think so," Bosley held his hands out for her jewelry. What was it about him that annoyed her so? He could have come to them quietly, but no, he needed a spectacle. Alice felt like a common thief as she removed the jewelry and handed it over before she ran out of the door. She just took a moment to look back at Edmund. He was so crestfallen, and she watched as the ton moved in around him, offering him condolences on being deceived by Alice.
She ran as fast as her delicate shoes would allow. She couldn't believe it, of all the things she thought possible for herself, being a maid was not one she considered. Did she even have a family? Why couldn't she remember anything? Or was it all just a ruse, a set-up by Bosley to disgrace Edmund?
Alice just kept going. She had no idea of where she was headed, but she couldn't stop herself. Her shoes were slippery on the cobblestone walkway, and Alice lost her footing as she fell to the ground banging her head.
"Ouch!" Alice touched her head, and as she looked at her hand, saw there was blood. How long had she been lying on the street? What on earth was she wearing?
If her head hurt before, it was now ready to explode as all her memories came flooding back and the recent events. She was an orphan. Without anyone to care for her except for Betty. She would go to Betty's until she could figure out what to do. It pained her to think of the upset she had caused Edmund and no doubt the duke had already heard about what happened. She hoped they would forgive her and understand that she never intended to deceive them.
Where did Betty live? She had to get her bearings as she set off in search of the one place that would give her shelter for the night.
Betty had continued to worry about Alice. The police weren't interested in looking for a disgraced maid, and therefore, there was no option for Betty except to imagine the worst. She had gone to the morgue day after day in case Alice's body turned up. The dark streets of London were no place for a sheltered woman like
Alice. She didn't know whether to be relieved or not when Alice's body wasn't there. Although she hadn't known her very long, it seemed peculiar for her just to disappear like that.
She didn't sleep much, and that night was no exception, as she sat by the burning embers of her fire. Jim was sound asleep, judging by his snoring, as Betty's thoughts were on Alice. A tapping on the door broke her thoughts. She thought about waking Jim, but usually, men would bang on the door rather than just tap. Could it be Alice coming back to her? She ran to the door and opened it.
"Yes, m'lady," she said.
"Betty, it's me, Alice."
"Get in here. You look so fancy. Where have you been?"
Alice was shivering and no wonder, wearing just her ball gown, as Betty fetched a blanket for her. Alice seemed different to her. It took her a few moments to recognize her, but as Alice let her hair down, and washed off her make-up, Betty could see it was her.
"I've been so worried, Alice. I tell you that every day I expected to identify your body. You must tell me what happened. Are you bleeding? Where is that blood coming from? You must get changed and tell me what happened."
Between her sips of broth and her tears, Alice managed to tell Betty what had happened.
"That Lady Jane was always a little jealous of you from what I read in my letters. It doesn't do when the maid outshines the mistress. Loyalty works both ways. It must have been awful for you. I think you should sell the dress you're wearing. You'll get a good price for it."
"No, Betty, I cannot have the duke and Edmund think badly of me. Well, no more harshly than they do now. This belonged to the duke's wife and must be returned. I never gave the bracelet back; it must go, too. Promise me you'll take them to the duke for me. They were so good to me, Betty. I thought Edmund was even going to propose."
Alice broke down in tears, and Betty offered her a hug. Alice had a gotten a glimpse of a life she would never be part of, but Betty didn't think now was the time to tell Alice this. She was hurt enough as it was. The toffs were going to think she planned it, and Betty's mind was that Alice should keep what she had, but it wasn't her place to decide for Alice. She would do as Alice asked, but not before washing out the markings from Alice's fall.