Page 58 of It's All About the Duke
That was maddening.
It was time for Marlena to get her feelings under control, and fast. The duke would have many ladies seeking his attention and favor and she shouldn’t be one of them.
Justine cleared her throat rather loudly. Obviously she’d hadn’t approved of Lady Vera’s open display of affection either.
The duke took hold of Lady Vera’s wrist and slid her arm from around his, placing it down by her side. “You know I can’t marry you because I think of you as my sister.”
“That has never bothered me,” she added with a smile most men would be more than happy to receive from a duke’s sister.
“But it would me,” he said affectionately.
“Well, I always like to try in case there is any chance you’ve changed your mind about me.” Lady Vera turned to Marlena. “I will be attending my third Season, Miss Fast, and if anyone knows gowns, parties, andgentlemen, and their way around them all, it’s me. I’ll be glad to guide you through and tell you all the gossip I know about everyone.”
Marlena was certain she must have gulped before she repeated the word, “Gossip?”
Good heavens! Did the duke, Lady Vera, and the duchess know she was Miss Truth or was she just feeling so guilty that everything they said made her feel that way?
She sought out the duke’s face. His gaze was on her, too. She took in a long, deep breath and felt better for it. The duke wasn’t one to hold his tongue. Of that she was sure. If he suspected her dual life, he wouldn’t be playing this game with her. He would just ask her about it. She was being overly suspicious for no reason. If they knew she was Miss Truth they wouldn’t be so polite to her. And right now she wished she wasn’t. It simply hadn’t been clear in her mind that she might one day meet the people she was writing about in her scandal sheet. And regret it.
“Why don’t I try explaining it a little better, Miss Fast,” the duchess said, glancing at her sister-in-law with an indulgent expression. “First, I’ll do my best to see Lady Vera doesn’t teach you anything you shouldn’t know. Since you really don’t need any lessons, nor do you have need of a chaperone because of Mrs. Abernathy, I thought having someone near your age would be best for you when deciding fabrics, patterns, and all the latest fashion of clothing. And Lady Vera will certainly know which parties you need to attend and how to get the invitations for you.”
“And I also know which gentlemen are really lookingfor a bride and which ones are merely looking,” Lady Vera then glanced at the duchess and added, “And there will be a few other things I will tell you along the way.”
“You’ll be just perfect for her,” Justine said, clasping her hands together at her waist. “We can’t thank you enough for offering to do this for her, Lady Vera.”
“Yes, Your Grace, Lady Vera, I’m delighted that both of you are so willing to help me.”
“Good,” Lady Vera answered. “We’ll start tomorrow. I’ll arrive for you and Mrs. Abernathy at half past twelve.”
“Could we please make that the day after, my lady? I’ve already made plans for tomorrow.”
“What?” Justine asked.
“I’m taking Eugenia and Veronica for a picnic in the park. I failed to mention that to you today.” Marlena turned to Lady Vera again. “Will the day after work for you?”
She smiled. “Of course. We will go to my modiste first so she can get started making your gowns. I have some wonderful colors in mind already that will go beautifully with your hair.”
Marlena reached deep and pulled up her courage. It appeared she and Lady Vera were going to be spending quite a bit of time together. She might as well get used to it. She’d brought this burden on herself by trying to help Veronica and now she’d have to find a way to accept the consequences.
Lady Vera turned her attention back to the duke, put her arm through his again, smiled, and said, “I take it we have no limits concerning your plump pockets, Your Grace.”
“I would never put those kinds of limitations on you, Lady Vera. It would do me no good anyway.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear, too,” Justine added witha broad smile. “Ah, the tea has arrived. Let’s all sit down and have some.”
Marlena looked over at the duke and saw that he was watching her. His brows drew together. Maybe he sensed her misgivings about Lady Vera. Maybe he sensed her jealousy. Maybe he felt she hadn’t been gracious enough for the help Lady Vera was going to give her.
And then for a moment or two as their gazes were locked together across the room, Marlena wondered what it would be like if he wasn’t her guardian and she wasn’t Miss Truth. Would they then be able to look at each other as they had when she’d rounded the corner of her house and looked up to see him standing on her front steps? The way they had looked at each other before she knew he was the Duke of Rathburne.
My Dear Readers,
My latest wisp of scandal will come as no surprise to any of you, unless perhaps if you have been on the Grand Tour. And then, even so, I’m assured this weekly column makes its way to France, Portugal, and many countries beyond. Though I’m told, some devoted fans refuse to read anything about their homeland while traveling so as not to disturb their entertainment and pleasure.
Today it is with abundant fanfare and much ado that I tell you the latest I’ve gleaned about the notorious rake, the Duke of Rathburne. I have it on the most privy authority that the duke was seen coming out of a ladies’ shop carrying a ribbon-and-lace-covered package! That he entered a ladies’ shop is scandalous enough, but that he walked down the street to his carriage carrying his purchase goes beyond the pale. My source tried to follow him to see where he was going with an item from an unacceptable place for a gentleman to enter, but the duke’s landau was much too fast. If anyone hears who receiveda gift from the duke, let me know. I’ll tell it right here next week.
MISS HONORA TRUTH’S WEEKLY SCANDAL SHEET
