“What does she want?” James growled.
“Her Grace did not bring me into her confidence, my lord. I know nothing other than that I am to fetch Miss Harrow,” Reed replied in that dry tone.
“I’ll come,” she whispered, putting a hand on James’ arm.
James stiffened, his eyes still locked on the butler. “How much did you hear?”
Reed had the good sense to look confused. “I heard and saw nothing, my lord. Ought I to have heard something?”
Rosalie felt the tension flickering between the two men. Was Reed loyal to James…or the duchess?
James’ shoulders relaxed slightly. “When my mother is finished with Miss Harrow, inform me at once.”
“Of course, my lord.” Reed moved to open the main door of the library.
She raised a brow in silent question, and James replied with a curt nod. He would find her after and assure all was well. She turned following Reed out the door, leaving James standing alone in the dark library.
Rosalie let herself be led to the drawing room. The duchess was seated in the center of the room, surrounded by a cortège of high society ladies in their plumed feathers and diamonds. Rosalie dropped into a curtsy.
“Miss Harrow, there you are,” said the duchess. “I heard you were taken ill while dancing. Are you quite recovered?”
“Yes, Your Grace,” she murmured, her cheeks warming as she felt all the women’s eyes on her, measuring her, judging her.
“Well then, come meet my friends,” the Duchess directed.
The lady seated next to the duchess pursed her lips and stood, making room for Rosalie. The ladies resumed their gossip, sharing the latest news from Town. Rosalie listened quietly, a forced smile on her lips. All the while, Reed watched quietly from the doorway, one eye on her. She shifted uncomfortably. What might he say as soon as she was gone?
“Are you a distant cousin then, Miss Harrow?” one of the ladies asked. “I know so few Harrows. I’m finding it difficult to place you.”
“I am unrelated to Her Grace,” Rosalie replied, chancing a look at the duchess. They hadn’t made their plans public yet. In fact, Rosalie had yet to formally agree. If Burke and James were going to be this impossible, she may have to decline. Nothing would be worse than living in a house with them if they were determined to bully her.
“Miss Harrow is the daughter of an old friend,” the duchess provided. “I’ve decided to take her on as my ward. She’s been indispensable to me as I planned for tonight.”
Rosalie stilled.
“What an honor to be so singled out,” said the Duchess of Somerset with a smile.
“Yes, Your Grace,” Rosalie murmured, feeling a shiver of indignation lick down her spine. The duchess was forcing her hand.
No, she’s vouching for you, giving you status, daring the others to question your right to be here.
But still…Rosalie had not yet said she wanted the duchess to claim her.
“Harriet, you never said a word about it when you were last in Town,” the Duchess of Somerset added.
“Our friendship has only recently blossomed,” the duchess replied. “But, given the changes we anticipate in the house, she will be a godsend.”
The ladies twittered for a few more minutes, trying to make the duchess reveal her secrets, but she remained tight-lipped. At last, she turned to Rosalie. “If you’re fully recovered, you may go. Join the frivolity.”
Rosalie bobbed her head and stood, desperate to get away. She chanced a look at Reed as she passed. She prayed he would respect James’ wish and stay silent. Otherwise, her dreams of Alcott might be over before they even began.
The grand gallery was crowded with people. Rosalie’s eye quickly caught sight of the Renleys. Agatha and Colin chatted with a few acquaintances and Renley stood just beyond, his back turned to her. She breathed a sigh of relief. Of the three gentlemen, perhaps Renley understood her best. He didn’t judge her for desiring love without obligation. She needed his comfort now. She moved towards him, already thinking of some excuse to lure him away. She would tell him everything and seek his advice. He would know what to do.
As he turned, her steps faltered. He was already deep in conversation with a beautiful woman with soft brown hair and fair eyes. She wore a fashionable gown and her neck glittered with diamonds. A plume of ostrich feathers added height to her hair. Rosalie watched as Renley leaned in close to say something in the lady’s ear. The lady blushed and raised a hand to whisper something back. His smile spread.
Rosalie blinked and turned away, heart racing. Why should she be surprised other women might show an interest in him? He was desperately handsome, with a bright naval career ahead of him. He was a fine prize for any lady. That lady just wasn’t going to be her. The afternoon they shared was beyond wonderful, but she knew Renley wanted more. He wanted marriage and commitment and a love of his own. She would never hold him back from that future.
She turned a little half circle, feeling decidedly adrift in this sea of sparkling faces. She moved back towards the ballroom. Maybe Madeline could help restore her serenity. Just as she was about to enter the room, movement caught her eye. A tall, dark handsome man with broad shoulders stood half in the shadows. Rosalie would know that silhouette anywhere.
Burke.
He is in love with you, came James’ voice. You are his redemption.
She slipped through the crowd. She had to speak to him. The duchess may have announced it to all her friends already, but Rosalie refused to stay in this house if it would hurt Burke to do so. Was he moving away? Was he arguing with someone?
She stopped in her tracks. Burke wasn’t alone either. He stood in his handsome evening clothes, dark hair falling across his forehead, with his hands on the shoulders of a lady. Not just any lady…
“Oh god…” Rosalie watched in horror as Elizabeth Swindon pressed forward, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed Burke square on the lips.
