Duchess by Chance (21 page)

“Excellent. I will expect you at eleven a.m. tomorrow - and be prompt,” her grandmother barked. “We have much to organize.”

“Yes, your Grace,” Eva felt her newfound confidence erode.

“Where is your wife?” Simon enquired as Daniel approached him.
 

“She is with my grandmother and Ladies Dunbar and Fairlie.”

“Dear God, what were you thinking? Those three will eat her whole without pausing to draw breath. For shame, Daniel, this is her first social engagement and you cast her to the wolves.” Standing on his toes, Simon looked for Eva.

“I’m fairly sure I should be insulted over that statement about my grandmother, Kelkirk. You have no need to fear for Eva - they will let no harm befall her,” he added defensively. After all, what could possibly happen in a crowded ballroom? Hell, now he was starting to get nervous.

“Those three could have interrogated for Wellington, Daniel. I have suffered their tactics often. Give me Napoleon any day.”
 

“Christ what was I thinking?” Daniel started retracing his steps.
 

“For pities sake run!”

Daniel ignored his friend’s words, but his feet did not slow until he heard the twinkle of Eva’s laughter. That was a good sign, surely?
 

“Where are our refreshments, Duke?”

“A servant will bring them shortly.” Daniel held out his hand to Eva, who instantly took hold of it and allowed him to pull her to her feet. “Come, we will dance. Ladies,” he added, acknowledging the three elderly women who were watching him avidly.

“Are you all right, Eva?”

“Yes thank you, Simon.” Eva smiled as Simon walked past with a pretty lady on his arm.

“He took me to task for leaving you with my grandmother and her cronies,” Daniel said.

“I did feel like the last man on a sinking ship for a moment there.”

“But you are stronger than you realize, Duchess, and I think it is only you who is not aware of that fact yet.”

Was she? Eva thought that perhaps he was right. Looking around her, she became aware of just where she was and what she was doing.
 

“I’m waltzing in a ballroom.”
 

“So you are, Duchess, and you dance very well for someone who has not had much practice.” Daniel gently led her through a turn that she managed without tripping over his feet.
 

“Yes - ” she gave him a shy smile “ - I do.” Eva looked up at him and even though they were surrounded by hundreds of people, she was aware of only him. His intent grey eyes were focused on her also. “Thank you.”

He understood that the thank you was for so much more than the waltz.

“The pleasure is all mine.” Daniel’s eyes were on her lips. Eva could almost feel his kiss. She longed to rise to her toes and press her mouth to his.

“You’re beautiful,” he said, sounding as if the admission was causing him pain.

“So are you.”

He snorted. “Men are not beautiful, Duchess. Handsome, yes, even pleasing, but beautiful, no.”

“The music has finished, your Graces.”

“Eva looked into the smiling face of the lady who was walking past them with her partner.

“Thank you, Lady Tilbury.”

“Is something wrong, Daniel?” Eva questioned as she noted he was now scowling.
 

“Come, Duchess.” He did not answer her question, instead grabbing her hand and towing her from the dance floor. They did not stop until Claire stood before them.
 

 
“Good evening, Daniel, Eva.”

“I shall leave my wife in your hands, Claire.”

“You’re leaving?” Eva hadn’t meant her words to sound desperate, but the thought of being in this room filled with strangers, without him at her side, was daunting.

“I will return for the second waltz, Duchess.”

“Of course.” Eva straightened her shoulders. “I shall be fine here with Claire.” That sounded better, stronger, as if she was in control and not quaking with nerves inside.

He gave her a last, intent look before walking way.

“You look beautiful, Eva.” Claire took her hands, holding them wide. “It is a far cry from the dress I first saw you in.”

“‘Not quite the thing’, I believe you said.” Eva remembered that day clearly, because after Claire left, she had been attacked by Gilbert Huxley. Was he here? She hoped not.
 

Thinking of Lord Huxley brought her father to mind. How could she have given him Daniel’s grandfather’s ring? Dear Lord, what would her husband think of her if ever he found out? It had been desperation that had made her hand it to Bartholomew. She’d had nothing else to give at such short notice. If pushed by Daniel to hand it back, she could say she had lost it or it had slipped off her finger. She hated betraying him now, when they seemed to be bridging the gaps that had kept them distant from each other, yet she had to if she was to keep both he and Reggie safe.

CHAPTER TEN

“Two of the most beautiful woman in the room and standing together. I am blessed, indeed.”

“Simon, how are you this evening?” Eva placed her hand in his as he joined them. He looked handsome with his silver hair and black evening jacket.

“Very well, your Grace. Good evening, Miss Belmont,” he added.

“Lord Kelkirk.” Claire sank into a curtsy with great reluctance.

“Will you dance with me soon, Eva?”

“I would love to.”

“And you, Miss Belmont, would you dance with me also?”

“My card is full, Lord Kelkirk.”

Eva watched his mouth draw into a thin line before he relaxed once more. “I shall return for you shortly, Eva.”
 

“That man is insufferably rude,” Claire snapped, glaring at Lord Kelkirk’s retreating back.

“Simon? Surely not. I think he is one of kindest gentleman I know,” Eva stated. “Not that I know many gentlemen, but he has always been so lovely to me, Claire.”

Claire didn’t speak straight away, her eyes on Simon’s retreating back. She looked pretty in soft apple blossom, her hair pinned into place with tiny diamond pins that sparkled as they caught the candlelight. “I am sorry, Eva. It is just that I…he seems to annoy me for some reason that I cannot identify.”

Eva thought she knew why Simon annoyed Claire but was not about to enlighten her friend. In time, they would work it out for themselves.

“We can’t like everyone we meet and I am sure one day you and Simon will be friends.”
 

Claire made a scoffing sound but said nothing further.
     

“The Dowager Duchess has informed me that I must host a ball which she will hold at her home,” Eva said, changing the subject. “I am to present myself there promptly at eleven a.m. tomorrow to discuss the preparations.”

“Did she, by God. Old tarter. Still…” Claire chewed her lip thoughtfully. “She is right - you do need to launch yourself into society, and hosting your own ball will be just the event to assure your name sits on all the right lips. And as much as I do not relish spending time in the dowager’s company, Eva, for you I will offer any support you need.” Claire looked like she had swallowed something vile.

“She is really not all that bad. In fact she and the ladies Fairlie and Dunbar were rather sweet when I sat with them earlier.”

“Sweet!” Claire shuddered.
 

“Now, brace yourself, my friend. You are about to dance until your feet are weary.” 
      “Pardon?” Confused, Eva looked at Claire.

“You are the new Duchess of Stratton, the latest curiosity, and now they will want to get to know you.”
 

“They?”

“Them.” Claire nodded toward the throng of people.

“Surely not all of them?” Eva said, only half joking.

“Not all, but quite a few and here comes your first.”

Eva watched as a tall, elegantly dressed man made his way toward her.

      “And I am to accept all these requests to dance?”  
      “Yes.” Claire smiled at the man as he stopped before them. “Lord Culliver, how do you do this evening?” 
      “Very well, Miss Belmont.” Lord Culliver bowed before them. “I wonder if you would be so kind as to introduce me to the Duchess of Stratton.”

Eva looked confused as the man spoke to Claire and not her when it was she he wanted to meet.

“Your Grace, allow me to introduce Lord Culliver to you.” Claire turned to face Eva, as Lord Culliver did.

“How do you do, your Grace? May I have the honor of this dance?”

Claire nodded and then widened her eyes, which Eva thought meant she was supposed to return the greeting.

“Good evening, Lord Culliver, and thank you, I would love to dance.”
 

Placing the tips of her fingers on his sleeve, she nodded to Claire and then they made their way to the dance floor. The music started and taking a deep breath, she searched her memory for the steps to the Cotillion. It did not take long to master the dance and soon Eva was enjoying herself. It was unsettling at first to be holding hands with complete strangers and yet they thought nothing of it; therefore, neither would she.
 

“Had I known that a delicate flower such as yourself was secreted away in the country, your Grace, I would have moved heaven and earth to reach you before the duke.”

Eva smiled to Lord Culliver as they joined hands once again. “Thank you, my lord.”

When the dance finished, he returned her to Claire, where another awaited her introduction and so the night went. Eva soon realized there was not much to learn about social chitchat. You answered with a thank you and a name when complimented and usually the recipient was happy to take up the reins and talk about either himself or the latest piece of gossip. She didn’t like the leering or touching and in some cases the foul-smelling breath, but for the most part, she coped. Many made pointed suggestions about her rushed marriage to Daniel but those she avoided with a smile or a murmur.
 

She saw Daniel dancing with other women and refused to acknowledge that the sharp pain inside her was jealousy. These people had been part of his world for a long time and unlike her, he was comfortable in this setting. Occasionally, he caught her eye and tilted his head but he did not come near her again.

“Well, I declare the first social outing for the Duchess of Stratton a huge success,” Claire said when Eva returned from yet another dance.
 

Too tired to say anything, Eva just nodded and slipped into the seat beside her. How did these people dance for so many hours every night?
 

“There is hardly a man present who has not approached you, Eva.”
 

Eva’s feet throbbed as she looked around her. Surely it was well past midnight and time to go home? “And I must do this again soon?”
 

“Yes. Possibly tomorrow night, depending on what invitations Daniel has accepted.”

Eva groaned as she slumped into the uncomfortable chair. She would never survive the remainder of the season.
 

“My dear Berengaria.”

Both she and Claire stiffened as Gilbert Huxley approached. His smile was a mere curl of the lips and his smooth looks, to her mind, made him appear reptilian.
 

“Lord Huxley. Good evening.” Eva stood and took Claire’s arm as she did the same.

“I did not realize you knew the Duchess of Stratton, Lord Huxley.” Claire’s tone could have frozen the Thames.

“Berengaria and I are old friends, Miss Belmont, aren’t we, my dear?”

His words made their association sound intimate and Eva prayed no one else heard them.

“Lord Huxley is an acquaintance of my father’s, Claire.” His eyes narrowed as she clarified their relationship.
 

      
“I am friend to all the Winchcombs, Miss Belmont. An acquaintance of long standing, you understand. And to that point, Berengaria, how are you enjoying your first foray into our ranks?” 
      “As a duchess, I have, of course, been welcomed with open arms, which should not surprise you, Lord Huxley, considering who my husband is.”

Claire squeezed her arm in support but remained silent. Perhaps she sensed the tension between Eva and Lord Huxley.

“Yes, you have undergone quite the transition from country maid to duchess, Berengaria.”

Eva withstood his eyes raking over her body.

“And now we shall dance for old time’s sake.” He held his hand toward her and Eva fought the urge to slap it aside.

“I had thought to sit this one out, Lord Huxley. I fear my feet are not yet accustomed to such vigorous exercise.” Eva did not want Daniel to see her talking or dancing with Lord Huxley, especially when he had expressly told her not to in the carriage on the way here.