The Orphan and the Duke (15 page)

“That won’t work. She knows only about Aunt Caroline as a close relative. Our only cousins are more distant.” Basil was disappointed the idea wasn’t feasible.

“Then we say it’s a childhood friend who has no money, and we are inviting her to the ball.” Saffron placed her napkin on the table. “That will surely work.”

“I’m concerned she’ll think we’re being cruel asking her to be measured for someone else’s gown when she can’t have one for herself. I don’t think this idea is going to be something we can do.” Basil stood. “After we finish here, come along to my study, and one of you can write a note saying I’ve gone to my boxing club. Hopefully, she will be able to accompany you to the mantua makers, and I’ll come by while you’re there.”

“But how will we get her a gown?”

“Maybe the seamstress can figure her measurements from looking at her. I’m sure they’ve made a number of gowns that way.”

“My goodness, Basil. Have you thought about what you would do if your tailor tried to sell you a garment he hadn’t measured you for?” Saffron laughed.

“That’s true, but I
am
doing my best here to get you what you want. Miss Amelia at your ball and in an appropriate gown. All without offending her.”

“Basil’s right, Saffron. Let’s see if that will work. We can certainly ask.”

When breakfast was over, they all rose and made their way to Basil’s study.

Once inside the room, Jonquil led the way to Basil’s desk and picked up a pen. She held it out to her sister. “You have better handwriting than I do. You write it.”

Saffron stepped over, pushed Archimedes out of Basil’s chair, and sat. “Why is our cat always in here with you, Basil? If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was your pet, not ours.”

“The creature seems to like it in here.” Basil shrugged then grinned as a thought came to him. “Maybe because it’s so quiet in here. Not like in your area of the house.”

“I think you quite like his company and are afraid to mention it.” Saffron dipped the pen and wrote on the piece of paper in front of her. “We’ve all heard the way you growl and mumble in here when you’re working on your accounts. I’m sure Archimedes doesn’t like all that noise.”

Basil realized she was right about one thing.
Somehow that blasted mouser has made himself indispensable to me. The animal seems to be able to ease some of my anxiety about being the duke. Who knew a seven-pound ball of fur could work such a miracle?

Deciding not to arm his sisters with that information, Basil remained silent while Saffron finished the letter.

Once the note was on its way, Jonquil and Saffron dressed to ride to the Mandeville home. Basil hoped Amelia would come alone to the mantua makers, leaving her odious cousin at home.

The sisters waited forty minutes after the letter was delivered before taking the carriage to call on Amelia. As they drove away, Basil thought about Amelia’s assistance with his ledgers.
She is truly a remarkable young lady. It is a wonder she hasn’t turned out as odious as her cousin. Her resilience is remarkable. Not only is she sweet and unaffected, but she genuinely seems to care about people.

As he dwelled on thoughts of Amelia, the truth hit him in the chest so hard he took a couple of steps backward as if a sparring partner had landed a blow to his chest. His head began to spin.
What am I going to do? God forgive me.
Basil had fallen in love with the quiet, unassuming blonde with the freckles.

Leaning the palm of his hand on the bricks of his house, Basil tried to regain his equilibrium.
When did this happen? What am I going to do about it? True, I have no parents to forbid a match, but what kind of position would I be putting her in if I did propose?

Pushing the thought down like he often did when he didn’t want to make any decisions, he opened the front door and went back inside.

Swinton came over to where Basil stood. “Are you all right, my lord? Are you too ill to take the phaeton to meet Lady Jonquil and Lady Saffron?”

“No, no. I’m fine. I got a little overheated out there.”

“Would your lordship desire something to drink?”

“No need. I will be on my way.” Basil stepped aside so the butler could reopen the door.

Trying to act naturally and not concern Swinton further, Basil climbed into his phaeton. Picking up the reins, he clicked his tongue for his horses to move forward.

When he arrived at the stables near the dressmaker’s, he pulled in, tossed the reins to the young lad on duty, and asked him to water his horses while he was gone. Basil took a deep breath as he turned the corner and spotted his own larger carriage in front of the building.
Is Amelia with them?

Surprised by how easily she’d become just Amelia to him, he said a quick prayer that he wouldn’t slip and call her that. He was sure he’d scare her away if he took liberties
.

Entering the dress shop, his heart leapt in his chest as soon as he saw her standing to the side of a wall of fabrics. His newly discovered feelings stirred within him. He focused on settling his nerves.
No need to terrify the young lady.

He glanced around for Saffron and Jonquil.
They must be in the back
.

“Good morning, Miss Mandeville.” Basil stepped up beside her, proud that his voice sounded normal.

She leapt a little. “You startled me. Jonquil and Saffron said you were boxing this morning.”

“May I confess a great sin to you?” He smiled.
I can’t believe it took me this long to realize she is perfect—the lady of my heart.

“Oh, I’m not sure a duke should be confessing his sins to such as me, sir.”

“You’re the perfect one to confess this one to, as I believe you will be most appreciative of it.”

“I can’t think of one sin I would appreciate.” Her eyes twinkled in the dim light. She was obviously enjoying his teasing. That made him happy.

“You would really like this one, I believe.”

“Please tell me. I’m so intrigued to hear what sin a duke would commit that would have my approval.”

He leaned in close to her ear, close enough he could sense her heartbeat and smell the lemon verbena she wore. He soaked that in for a moment of pure joy. “We lied in that note to get you out of your uncle’s house without your cousin.”

She moved her head and stared at him for a long time, long enough for him to worry she was going to be angry.

When he decided to apologize, a smile lit her face. “I’m sure my uncle would be furious if he found out, but maybe he won’t learn the truth. If not, I’m delighted. If so, I would be afraid . . . very afraid.”

“I wish I could help you get out of the situation you’re in. Your family is not kind, and it’s quite noticeable.” He was testing her to see how eager she was to get free.

“They aren’t the best, but they have given me a roof over my head for a long time. Besides, you
are
helping me. I’m not sure if you recall, but I asked you to provide me with some references to other families to aid their daughters in preparing for their presentations and seasons. I would like to try to make a living doing something of that nature. When Susan marries, I’m afraid I will no longer be needed at my uncle’s house, and it would be better than being a governess.”

“I
do
remember, and I think it’s a good idea. You worked miracles with my sisters, and I will tell everyone I know.” Basil nodded at the fabrics along the wall. “But look here. Help me decide on a color for a surprise for them.”

“What kind of surprise?”

“They’re back there being measured and choosing new gowns, but I’m going to have another made for each of them that they don’t know about.”

“You’re really trying to make amends, aren’t you? But aren’t you afraid you will spoil them?”

“I plan to set these aside for the next time they get upset. I’ll be ready then.”

“You confuse me sometimes.” Amelia smiled.

“In what way?”

“There are times you seem so serious, and then sometimes you jest. When you do that, it’s a bit disconcerting.”

“I don’t mean to confuse you, but speaking of confused, please help me with the fabric choice. I don’t know which is nicest.”

Amelia felt some of the various cloths, and Basil paid close attention to the ones she spent the most time with. Finally, she said, “I think this one in pink or green would be nice. Maybe pink for one sister and green for the other.”

“Very good choice. I like them both.” Basil knew then he would have her a dress made in each color. He quite wanted to spoil her. “What about ribbons?”

They walked to another area of the shop and chose ribbons to match. As they found the second one, Jonquil and Saffron came from behind the curtain.

“Basil, now that you’re here, we want to go to the café like we did the last time. May we?” Jonquil asked.

“Why not? It’s a lovely day to be in the sunshine, and what better company than my three favorite ladies?” Basil waved to the door. “If you will wait outside, I’ll settle up here and be out as soon as I’m finished.”

Saffron seemed to take the hint that he wanted to order Amelia’s gown as her face lit up with a sly smile. She led the others outside.

Basil quickly made arrangements with the owner of the shop who told him she’d already spoken to Saffron and eyed Amelia as the lady waited for the others. She was sure she could make a gown that would fit perfectly. He showed the owner the two fabrics and ordered both gowns.

Once out in the street, Basil held his arm out to Amelia. “May I?”

She flushed and tucked her arm in his.
How I wish I could declare my love for the world to see.

They walked down the street to the café, with Jonquil and Saffron ahead of them.

As soon as they entered, Basil wanted to immediately turn and leave.
It is like a pit of vipers in there.
Vonda was sitting at a table with Cecil Longthorne. If Basil didn’t dislike them both so much, he might have been happy to see them together, but as it was, he couldn’t help but think they might be plotting something together that might involve him, his sisters, or his estate.

Heaven knows they could be planning anything since they are so much alike—not concerned about anyone but themselves and not caring at all who gets hurt as they try to achieve their goals.

Chapter 14

The next morning at breakfast, Amelia’s uncle raged again as he read the papers. Rather than let his wife and daughter read the column, he threw it across the table at Amelia. “What do you have to say to this?”

Her stomach clenched as she picked up the sheet and read the gossip tidbit.

The same peer of the realm who dragged his family member off a dance floor recently is now courting someone unsuitable as a bride. They were spotted again yesterday at the same café they’ve been to before. How did this woman ensnare one of the wealthiest men in the kingdom? One who does not have parents who would deny a match
?

“I have nothing to say. This has nothing to do with me.” Amelia willed her voice not to shake as she answered her uncle.

“It’s a lie, Father. I saw her reading a note from him one day.” Susan smirked across the table at Amelia.

Wondering when she could have seen such a thing as she kept the note with her only real possession, Amelia surmised her cousin had been spying on her.

She decided it was better to say nothing in response to the accusation.

“Bring me the letter. I demand to see it,” her uncle bellowed.

Amelia shook her head. She was not going to show it to him. Where she got the nerve to deny him the letter, she had no idea. It was one of the only things that was hers and hers alone, and she wouldn’t give it up easily.

“You will bring it to me. We already know the man to be a liar, and as of yesterday, he has clearly made his young sisters a part of his plan to use you and toss you away. What man asks his sisters to write a false letter to get a formerly respectable young lady out of her home and into his clutches? If he was with you at a café, he couldn’t have been boxing as the note indicated.”

“It wasn’t like that, Uncle. I’ve not been ‘in his clutches.’ He merely sent his sisters to invite me to accompany them to the café without Susan.”

“And that is exactly what your uncle means. Are you really that naïve, Amelia? The man is trying to distance you from your family so he can have illicit relations with you, and you are excusing him? I can hardly believe it.” Her aunt glared at her.

“Why not, Mama? Her mother clearly did the same thing with my uncle. How else would she even be here? You’ve always said children act like their parents. I bet she’s the one trying to seduce the duke. Maybe that’s the only way she knows to make sure he chooses her instead of me. After all, he’d have to offer marriage for me, but not for her.”

Amelia’s temper finally snapped. “Will you kindly stop spouting such nonsense? The Duke of Darnley is never going to ask for your hand in any way much less in marriage. The man abhors you. He actually calls you my odious cousin. You earned that all by yourself with your nasty comments and demanding attitude. I had nothing to do with it.”

Susan gasped and turned puce as she spluttered for words.

“Even if the Duke offered for her now, she wouldn’t be able to marry the man who debauched her cousin and caused a scandal.” Amelia’s uncle shoved his chair back and stood. “And I am making another demand to see the correspondence the man sent.
Now.
Go and get it. All of it. Any letters the man has sent to you.”

“But, Father, the man is a duke. Of course I would wed him if he asked.” Susan still insisted she had a chance with the man.
I might feel sorry for Susan, if it wasn’t so ludicrous
.

“No, you would not. It’s time to find another duke to set your sights on, Susan. Now stop interfering with your father’s discussion with Amelia.” Her aunt stood as well. “I believe your uncle asked you to get the letters. I suggest you do so immediately.”

Amelia rose from her seat with every intention of making her way to her room and locking herself in until her uncle calmed down. She had her reticule with her, and the letter was in the lining. Having no doubt her uncle would misinterpret the apology the duke had written as proof of what he was accused of, she knew she couldn’t let him read it.

Not sure how to proceed, her feet seemed stuck to the carpet.
Can I make it up the stairs, or will he catch me before I can get to my room? And even if I get there
—she remembered—
he has a key
.

“Are you going to stand there all day, or are you going to bring me the letters?” Her uncle took a step toward her.

“I respect you, Uncle, and in return, I’m asking you to give me the respect I think I’ve earned by being a diligent member of this household for the last fifteen years. Please allow me to keep my correspondence private.”

“I will not. I am convinced this man has wronged my family by defiling you, and I will absolutely see this letter he sent to you.” Her uncle’s face was a frightening shade of red.
Will he fall down in a fit of some sort?

“Can’t you see my husband has your best interests at heart, Amelia?” her aunt asked.

“No, I’m sorry, Aunt, I cannot. It seems to me he’s more than willing to believe the worst of me and is more concerned about the Mandeville name than the wishes and desires of his own niece.”

“Wishes and desires?” Her uncle, more enraged than Amelia had ever seen him, yelled loud enough to shake the plates on the table. “Let’s talk about
my
wishes and desires.”

Amelia recoiled from the venom. From somewhere inside her terror-filled brain, she noticed her aunt and cousin moving out of the room as if they didn’t want to call attention to themselves. She couldn’t blame them. Being the subject of the man’s wrath was alarming enough on a regular day, but this was something else altogether.

Stepping backward to escape his wrath before he struck her, she slammed her spine into the doorjamb.

He followed her step for step, and when she hit the wall, his large hand reached out, grabbed her hair, and dragged her out of the room and into the foyer.

Tears of pain blinded her to what he was doing, and the way he held her head prevented her from seeing where they were going.

“Please,” she whispered.

“Please nothing, girl.” He kept his grip on her hair and moved farther away from the dining room.

“Open the door, Branson.”

The butler obeyed the master of the house, and Amelia could feel the breeze coming inside.

Her uncle flung her around as if she were made of straw, and when she landed on the porch, he said, “This is no longer your home. Go and see what your duke can offer you now or live on the streets. I do not care. Don’t ever darken my door again. Be gone with you. I’ve done my duty by my brother long enough and at great cost to me. And you repay my kindness with this disrespectful behavior. I never want to see you again.”

With that, he slammed the door in her face.

Stunned by the turn of events, Amelia sat on the porch, hoping her uncle would come to his senses and allow her to return.

After a time, the front door opened. Hopeful that she’d be asked back inside, she glanced up.

The butler stood in the opening. “I’m truly sorry, Miss Amelia, but Mr. Mandeville says you must leave. He’s instructed me to have you arrested if you don’t leave in the next three minutes.”

“How could he do that?”

“He says he can since he’s no longer willing to be your guardian. I wish I could help you, but I cannot.” Branson leaned in and whispered, “Go around to the side yard. The scullery maid has a package with a bit of food from Cook. That is all we can manage.”

“Thank you for that.” Amelia was still in a state of disbelief.
Have I really been reduced to taking stolen scraps of food from a scullery maid? A maid who now has more than I do?

“We always liked you, miss. A kind heart in a hard home.”

“Branson!” Amelia’s uncle’s voice shouted from inside.

“Sorry miss. I must return.” He stepped in and closed the door.

Amelia had no idea where to go but knew she didn’t want to end up in a cell, so she went to the side of the house to receive the parcel of food and then wandered down the street. Her head ached where her uncle pulled her hair, and she hobbled a bit from the pain her back.

She refused to go to the duke. She figured he was probably upset about the item in the paper. She remembered how he drank the day of the last entry, and she didn’t want to burden him further.
Why go from one place where I am barely tolerated to one where I would cause an even greater scandal? He does owe me wages, but I can send for those when I’ve found a place to stay.

Amelia knew if she stayed the duke would probably feel compelled to ask for her hand, and the gossip would be even worse. She didn’t want to bring that on the Staunton family.

Grateful that she’d had the strap of her reticule around her wrist while at breakfast—and also that she’d had one last good meal—Amelia pulled out the one item of property she had that belonged to her mother. She wondered if she could sell it for enough money to find some shelter. She wished she’d thought to put the coins Doctor Martin had given her in her reticule, but she’d hidden them in her wardrobe as she was always afraid they’d jingle in her bag.

She pulled out her prized possession as she walked and wondered how much it was worth and if it was real gold. It was her only link to her mother, but she didn’t know if it had any true value.

After wandering the streets for hours, Amelia found herself near Hyde Park. She sat on a bench and ate a bit of the food Cook had given her, not much because she didn’t know how long it would take her to find work.

Thinking that over, she decided to try to find a paper that someone had tossed away to see if there were any ads for a maid or some other role she could fill.
I have my embroidery talents as well. Maybe I can find a dressmaker to work with, not the place the duke takes his sisters to, but another one.

With a plan decided, it was time to find shelter for the night. She recalled her aunt and Susan talking about a church somewhere that offered assistance to the people on the street, but she couldn’t think of which one or where it might be.

Afraid to wrinkle her clothing too much and be unpresentable when applying for work, Amelia sat for a long time. Dusk settled in as the shopkeepers came out to close their doors. The few gas lights were lit, and the air cooled as the sun set.

The trees took on eerie shapes, and their shadows made her think of highwaymen and danger. Shivering even though it was warm, Amelia knew she was well on the way to collapsing, not just physically but spiritually as well. She’d never been on her own before, and she’d certainly never slept outside.

Making the decision to walk the streets all night but in a more populated area, Amelia stood and strolled out of the park.

Full dark came upon her as she came to a street crossing.

Three men approached her. “What have we got here, Mort?” one of them said.

Another spat on the sidewalk. “Looks like a real honey to me. I say we teach her a lesson about being out on the streets alone.”

“Yeah. I know a private place round ‘bout here. You grab one arm, George, and I’ll grab the other. Mort can follow behind in case she tries to ‘scape.”

While they debated, Amelia took advantage of their discussion to turn on her heel and run as fast as she could. She kept running until she couldn’t take another breath.

Basil didn’t read the paper that morning. He dashed out of the house without stopping for breakfast as he was late for his boxing match with Myles Cuthbert.

When he arrived, he changed into his boxing clothes and joined Cuthbert in the ring. They sparred for a while until they worked up a sweat.

Once they’d gone a few rounds, Cuthbert called for a rest. When they were seated, he said, “I say, are you so aggressive this morning because of that gossip in the papers?”

“What gossip? I haven’t read today’s papers. I slept too late and only got up when I did because my sisters’ cat came and jumped on my face.”

“Then I must tell you, someone clearly wants to make you the subject of a scandal.”

“What did it say?”

“That you’ve been seen in the company of an unsuitable young lady and that, even though your parents would assuredly not approve, you will continue to pursue her.”

“Oh, dear God. I need to get going. Her uncle will probably beat her if he’s seen it.” Basil jumped up and moved quickly to the dressing area.

Cuthbert followed behind him. “Really? You think Miss Mandeville’s uncle will strike her?”

“I have no doubt. Her family is a nest of vipers. In fact, the day I met the man, he accused me of wanting to bring her to my home to debauch her.”

“And what did you say to that?”

“I let my fist do the talking. Think what he may of me, I couldn’t tolerate him disrespecting his niece in that way.”

“I’m coming with you.”

They both changed quickly in silence. As soon as they were ready, Basil said, “There’s no need in you getting involved. The scandal could hit you as well.”

“If we’re going to be friends, Darnley, I’m going to be there when you need me. Scandal or not.”

“All right. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. If that man has laid a hand on her, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

“All the more reason to have me there.” Cuthbert led the way out and to his carriage. “Let’s take mine. That way, if you bruise your knuckles, I can see you home.”

Basil shook his head. “I’m afraid that’s exactly what will happen.” He sent his own carriage home and climbed into Cuthbert’s.

Taking longer than Basil wanted, the coachman eventually stopped the vehicle in front of the Mandeville home.

“Do you want me to step out first? I’m sure they won’t recognize my conveyance as they would yours with your seal on the door,” Cuthbert asked.

“I don’t think it will matter. I’m going in that house, invited or not.”