The Orphan and the Duke Read online

  “Exactly. Now you know what this season is going to be about. I know you won’t be at most of the events I will be invited to attend, but otherwise, you will be available when I need a chaperone. If you fail me in this, I will make sure my father punishes you in some way.”

  Before Amelia could react, Susan was on her feet and out of the room.

  Amelia swallowed the last of her breakfast. It was a bite that went down as if she were eating crumpled up parchment. After she followed the morsel with a gulp of tea, she stood on shaky legs and returned to the kitchen to see if her uncle had finished with the day’s papers. More determined than before, she knew she had to escape. It was vital.

  Sadly, the papers weren’t in the kitchen when Amelia arrived, so she had to retreat to the parlor without them.

  Almost as soon as she took a seat and picked up her embroidery, Susan came in with Amelia’s hat in hand. She held it out to her. “Put this on. Time to go.”

  “Let me get my reticule and gloves.”

  “You should already have them. I told you to be ready.”

  Chastised and with nothing to do but obey, Amelia dashed up the stairs to her room to retrieve her items.

  The carriage ride passed nicely enough since the sun was out. They’d taken the open top conveyance, and Susan made sure she had a smile on her face at all times. Only Amelia knew the expression was false as her cousin commented on everyone they passed on the way to the park. Most of her words weren’t kind, but Amelia was happy she didn’t need to respond.

  Finally arriving at their destination, they were handed down by the carriage driver. Susan immediately hooked her arm into the crook of Amelia’s elbow. “We should take a walk down near the water to see how the ducks are getting along.”

  Amelia had no choice. She had to do as directed or risk Susan’s wrath.

  As they reached the banks of the river, Amelia spied Jane and her husband walking with a few other people. Hope rose in her heart that Susan would want to spend a little time with her sister, thereby freeing her to enjoy the sunshine herself. A little peace was hard to come by, and she sure needed it.

  “Come along. There’s Jane.” Susan pulled Amelia along the path.

  Once the sisters had greeted each other, Amelia was able to slip aside and amuse herself by following behind the group. She hung back as they all chatted gaily.

  It was clear that no one really wanted her there, but since she didn’t relish being with them either, she took advantage of the rare time alone.

  Amelia watched the birds flying overhead as well as a few pecking around for grubs. The warm air on her shoulders gave her permission to let her shawl fall down to her elbows. It was a lovely morning. She wished it could go on forever. Knowing it would be short lived made the day even more enjoyable.

  Amelia knew her current outing would be one she would revisit over and over in her mind when she was being berated by her family. She had a handful of such memories. I shall remember today forever.

  “Well, if ever. Look here, Jonquil, if it’s not Miss Amelia Mandeville.”

  Turning around at the mention of her name, Amelia was startled to see the two girls from the mantua maker’s shop strolling arm in arm ahead of the Duke of Darnley.

  They came to a stop as they arrived at her side.

  “How are you this fine day, Miss Mandeville?” The duke bowed and tipped his hat.

  “I’m doing well, Your Grace. Thank you for asking.”

  “Are those your friends?” Saffron asked as she indicated the group walking ahead.

  “Not really. Two of them are my cousins.”

  “And cousins aren’t friends?” Jonquil asked.

  “Not really. Not in my family.” Amelia wanted to bite her tongue as soon as the words slipped out. Why would I share such an intimate detail with these strangers?

  “I’m very sorry to hear that. It seems very sad. We don’t see our cousins that often, but we always get along when we do.” Jonquil reached a hand out as if to touch Amelia’s but moved it back at the last second, as if realizing it wasn’t appropriate.

  “That’s true. In fact, I think we need to find time to see them soon, don’t we, Basil?” the second sister said.

  “If that’s what you and Jonquil want, Saffron, I will arrange it.”

  Saffron smiled up at the duke then turned to address Amelia. “It’s nice to see you again, but I see your friends—I mean, cousins—have noticed you’ve fallen behind and are gesturing for you to join them.”

  “Before you go, have you given any thought to my offer to hire you to assist with my sisters’ coming out and presentation at court?” the duke asked.

  “I don’t see how I can, sir. I have my cousin to tend to.” Amelia ducked her head, anxious to move away before Susan was able to say something embarrassing.

  “If I could arrange it with your aunt or uncle, for a few days a week, would you consider it?”

  “Yes, I think so. It would be nice to get out once in a while.” Amelia hoped she wouldn’t seem too eager. If I can get away from my own life for a little while each week and build some acquaintances, maybe I can live on my own someday. The offer was a gift, but she was afraid it would disappear in a trice.

  “I will call on them then if I have your permission.”

  “You have my permission, but I really must rejoin my group now.” She curtsied and turned to leave.

  “See you soon, Miss Mandeville,” Lady Saffron called after her.

  Amelia hoped her cousins hadn’t heard the comment. She didn’t hold out much hope that her aunt and uncle would allow her to help the man. They were too used to having her at their home to serve as the companion to their daughter. It will be interesting to see how they react to a duke.

  Amelia wished she knew which would appeal more to their parsimonious natures: having an unpaid companion for their child versus making a duke of the realm happy.

  Chapter 3

  Two days passed with Amelia’s anxiety growing each time someone came to the front door. It seemed there were more visitors to her uncle’s home than there had ever been, but she was aware that could have been because she was so concerned about the reaction when the duke did eventually call. Surely the number of times the butler has answered the door is normal and I am overreacting. The Duke of Darnley never came by, so her nervousness was for naught.

  Susan asked Amelia on numerous occasions what had happened at the park. All Amelia told her was the duke and his sisters saw her and stopped to exchange greetings. This didn’t seem to satisfy Susan, but when she stuck to the same story each time she was asked, her cousin finally stopped asking.

  Late in the afternoon of the third day, the knock Amelia was waiting for came. Could it be the duke at last? She happened to be passing through the foyer at the time. It wasn’t the first occasion in those days for her to be in that area. She’d been there so often, she had almost set up camp as if she were a soldier on campaign.

  When the butler answered the door, a man dressed in blue livery with gold trim bowed and handed him a note. “Please deliver this to your master.”

  Once his errand was complete, the man turned on his heel and returned to the carriage waiting in the street for him.

  Amelia craned her neck to see what kind of markings were on the carriage, but she couldn’t quite make them out. All she could see was that it was gold and there appeared to be a large coronet at the top. Then she laughed. I wouldn’t even know the Duke of Darnley’s insignia by sight unless it spelled out his name. She hoped it was his because that would mean he’d summoned her uncle after all. If it wasn’t, she had no idea who else it could be nor what she would do.

  With her stomach in knots, she followed the butler into the hallway as he made his way down the corridor to deliver the note to her uncle. “Bra
nson, who is that from?” Amelia asked.

  “I’m sorry, Miss Amelia. It’s for your uncle.”

  “I know, but I’m curious. Whose insignia was on that carriage?”

  “The Duke of Darnley.” The butler sounded a bit shocked, and for him, that meant he really was stunned. The man didn’t usually show any emotion. There was a hint of excitement in his voice as well.

  Hopefully this letter is the summons I’ve been awaiting. It would be a wonderful thing if it were. What other reason would the duke contact my uncle unless he was serious about what he proposed in the park?

  She left the hallway and retreated to her room, hands shaking.

  When no news came before dinner, Amelia’s hopes were dashed. She dressed for the meal in the best gown she owned. It was one of Jane’s castoffs she had only been able to wear a handful of times since she had been putting on weight since marrying. It was made of an exquisite fabric. Amelia felt like part of the haut ton in the gown.

  Arriving downstairs to a dining room buzzing with conversation and the sound of silverware clanging on china, Amelia took her seat. She glanced at her aunt and uncle. “What is happening, Uncle Henry? Everyone seems excited.”

  “The Duke of Darnley has sent a note asking for an audience with me on the morrow. It can only mean one thing.”

  “What do you think it means?” Amelia asked.

  “Don’t you see, Amelia? The duke wants to ask for my hand in marriage,” Susan said, as she preened and patted her hair intricately woven with blue ribbons. “Isn’t it marvelous?”

  Before she could stop herself, Amelia blurted out the first thing that came to her mind. “Why would you think such a thing? You’ve seen him one time.”

  “No. I’ve seen him twice. You forget the park the other day. I must have really made a mark on his heart, for he is moving swiftly in his courtship.”

  “What courtship? He didn’t speak to you then. He and his sisters greeted me. You were far along the path.”

  “But don’t you see? He was merely greeting you because he was looking for me. I must have made a real impression on him at the shop that day if he already wants to declare himself.” Susan simpered as the soup was served. “I have to decide what to wear. Oh, how I wish he would’ve given more notice of his intention to call. I could use a new gown.” She turned to her mother. “Can you believe your daughter is going to be a duchess? That she’s making such a good match even before her first ball?”

  Amelia was close to fainting at their suppositions. This is horrible. The duke has no intention of proposing to Susan. He would be appalled at the supposition. Surely he won’t want to hire me after the rest of the family makes fools of themselves in front of him. Amelia could barely catch her breath. She was sure she would choke since there was a large knot in the middle of her throat that refused to move.

  All Amelia wanted to do was place her head on the table and moan in agony. But she wasn’t afforded this luxury. Her aunt and cousin spent the entire meal planning Susan’s wedding as well as the clothing she would need. Surely Uncle Henry isn’t as naïve as Aunt Elizabeth and Susan and is only going along with their conversation to keep listening to their arguments. Whatever his feelings, he didn’t open his mouth as the discussion progressed.

  Things worsened as the evening wore on with Susan even planning what color flowers she would have in the chapel as well as what she would serve for the wedding breakfast. When they left her uncle alone with his port, Amelia sat in her regular chair in the parlor and picked up her embroidery hoop. She’d been working on a series of spring flowers she liked and hoped to complete the most recent one to add to her growing collection. Susan snatched the hoop from Amelia’s hands, almost making Amelia poke herself with the needle. “What are you doing? I was working on that.”

  “Don’t you see? That is irrelevant now. You need to help me start on some new linens with my new initials. Your work is so much neater than mine, so you’ll have to do them all, you know.”

  “I am not going to stop my own work to start on something like that. You don’t even know the reason for the duke’s visit. He could have some other purpose entirely in wanting to speak to Uncle.” Amelia was too frightened to tell them she knew the real reason for the summons. Because they were secure in the knowledge they were right, she feared for her safety once they learned the truth. She was not going to let that happen when she was alone with the two of them.

  “How dare you defy me? You will do as I say. I am going to be the Duchess of Darnley, and I am not going to give you a place in my home unless you do exactly as I tell you. Do you want to spend the rest of your life here with my parents? Do you think they even want you around? You serve no purpose other than to do our bidding. My mother has said many times that you are useful only for your sewing skills and you eat more than your value.”

  Amelia gaped at her cousin. She had never seen her behave more viciously. And she wasn’t even finished being unkind.

  “My mother and father have spent a lot of money feeding and clothing you over the years. Without them, you would be in the workhouse or maybe even dead somewhere in a gutter. Do you think we like having you around? You owe us a debt, and you have to pay it with your work. I need you to embroider the linen for me, and by God, you will do it.”

  Not able to withstand any more of Susan’s vitriol, Amelia leapt to her feet and darted out of the room, almost bumping into her uncle.

  Wiping the tears from her eyes, she ran up the stairs to her room and flung herself onto her bed. Despite her sobbing, she tried to devise a plan. If I had anywhere to go, I would pack a bag—a bag that doesn’t belong to me with clothes that don’t belong to me—and disappear this very night. Tomorrow will be even worse. I just know it.

  Once it became clear the duke was not calling to offer Susan the title of duchess, Amelia was sure her life would be even more difficult.

  Taking no comfort from any of the thoughts racing through her mind about how much worse things could get, Amelia stood and retrieved her reticule from the top of her dresser.

  Making her way back to the bed and sitting down, she pulled out the only piece of property that was well and truly hers. Tied to a ribbon and hidden inside the lining, the treasure was held tightly until Amelia dozed off.

  The Duke of Darnley arrived promptly for his appointment with Mr. Mandeville. In his pre-duke life, he would’ve been extremely late—if he’d kept the appointment at all. And of course, had the man whom he’d always think of as the true duke still been alive, there would be no need of the task at all.

  Basil knew if his father had found himself in the position he was in, he’d never have deigned to call on the man himself. He would’ve sent a summons and required Mandeville to present himself at the ducal townhouse.

  The current duke had no desire to maintain such formality. He felt it was already awkward enough with all the bowing and scraping; he didn’t want to give himself airs.

  Thus he found himself at the door of Mr. Mandeville, uncle of the young lady he hoped to employ. He straightened his cravat, took a deep breath, and lifted the knocker. Before it made contact with the metal plate, the portal opened.

  The butler invited him in and led him to a room to the left of the entryway. The parlor was nicely decorated in several shades of blue, though there were too many different fabrics for the place to be pleasing to the eye. As he looked around, he shuddered slightly at the mixture of a navy and gold striped settee beside a pale blue and white checked chair. The pillows on each were covered in butterflies. He presumed Amelia’s aunt deemed that enough to make them match. Basil removed his hat and gloves and handed them to the help before glancing further about the area. He noted a pile of embroidery on the chair closest to the fire and wondered if the lady of the house knew it had been left behind. He thought of how his mother would have never entertained
a visitor with such an item carelessly on display. Then he realized he was being ungracious and tried to ignore the offending hoop and piece of fabric.

  “I’ll show Mr. Mandeville in. Please be seated, Your Grace.”

  Basil nodded but didn’t take a seat. He walked over to the fireplace and inspected the figurines, touching a couple of them with his index finger.

  “Good morning, Your Grace. I’m so humbled that you came to call.”

  Basil turned to face a man who appeared to be in his mid to late forties. The man had ruddy cheeks and a nose that showed he liked his liquor a little too much. Mandeville indicated the two settees facing each other with a low table between them. “Please, be seated. May I bring you some refreshment?”

  “Oh, no thank you. I won’t take that much of your time.”

  “Really? Your business with me isn’t going to be long enough to require a small gesture of hospitality?”

  “When you put it that way, then yes, I will take a small sip of something.” Basil tilted his head to the side. He wasn’t in the mood to have a right visit with the man. He merely wanted to conduct his business and be on his way, but he knew that would be ungentlemanly, so he braced himself for the social niceties that would have to be observed.

  Mandeville called for the butler and ordered a tray to be brought.

  In the hallway, Basil noticed the young lady whom his sisters had confronted at the mantua maker’s shop. She was peering in the door as if Basil were on exhibit like one of the wild animals at Vauxhall Gardens.

  When she caught Basil looking at her, she flushed a shade that almost matched her father’s countenance.

  Puzzled by the presence of the girl, he turned to her father. “I’m here to talk with you about a proposition—”