A Duke by Any Other Name by Grace Burrowes Page 0,110
given this a great deal of thought,” Elspeth said, rising. “While I have dithered and fretted and pondered. What would I do without your example, my lady?”
Elspeth would waste her time sewing button eyes onto worn little bears destined for the ash heap. “You are a comfort to me too, Elspeth. Heaven knows a rural life would be tedious but for good friends and worthy projects.”
They arranged the baskets in a row, the better to display the neighborhood’s generosity, and left the church arm in arm.
Chapter Seventeen
Althea allowed herself a cautious sense of relief, though the ball wasn’t until tomorrow. All but one of the invitations had been accepted, Quinn and Jane were planning to stand with her in the receiving line, and Monsieur Henri was in transports to be cooking for an event worthy of his talents.
Now, to put the finishing touches on her ensemble.
“That is an unusual choice,” Jane said, running her fingers down the sleeve of a bronze silk evening gown. “Neither a debutante’s pastels nor the bold impression a brighter hue would make. Gold will go well with this shade, and perhaps rubies? Emeralds would work too.”
“Amber,” Althea said. “I have a necklace and earbobs of amber in gold settings.”
Jane gave the dress a final caress and closed the door to Althea’s wardrobe. “Quinn insisted on bringing my sapphires north, in case we encountered any formal occasions. I would be happy to lend you the entire set.”
Jane had thus far been content to be a guest at Lynley Vale. She hadn’t asked to see tomorrow’s menu, hadn’t countermanded Althea’s decision to decorate with spring flowers rather than the more expensive—and cloying—hothouse lilies. She had, in fact, seemed content to rest from the journey and enjoy the company of her husband and children.
“No precious jewels,” Althea said. “They will outshine the finery of my guests, and that would be ungracious.”
Jane leaned back against the wardrobe and aimed a considering gaze at Althea. The duchess was tall and sturdy, and when she chose to wear her consequence, the effect was majestic. She was also a mother to three little girls and inconveniently perceptive.
“Outshining your neighbors would be a tactical blunder, you mean. When did you grow so shrewd, Althea? That’s why you’re decorating with garden flowers instead of a fortune in lilies, why you forbid Monsieur his more exotic flights.”
Althea opened the wardrobe on the other side of her dressing closet. “Those choices are also less expensive and more colorful. I’ll wear this shawl and my gold slippers.” She held out a length of shimmery copper silk patterned with subtle rose and jade hues. Her slippers were embroidered in the same colors.
“An excellent, understated, and unexpected ensemble,” Jane said, exiting the dressing closet, “in which you will outshine them all with your good taste. What of your corsage?”
“A wrist corsage of gardenias.”
Jane continued on through the bedroom and into the corridor, pausing at the top of the main staircase. “In that silk dress, with touches of gold and amber catching the candlelight, and the scent of gardenias wafting about your person, you will have three proposals before the supper waltz.”
Jane was trying to fortify Althea’s confidence, which was both pointless and dear. “I sent an invitation to Rothhaven. He has not accepted. Every bachelor in the shire could propose and I’d turn them down for one waltz with the duke.”
Who wasn’t a duke, not truly. Nathaniel was something more precious than a mere title, and Althea’s heart ached for him.
“So that’s it.” Jane proceeded down the steps, Althea’s admission apparently solving some mystery. “Then Quinn needn’t do anything but smile pleasantly and stand up with the wallflowers.”
“He will open the dancing with the ranking lady in the shire.” Lady Phoebe, very likely, which would leave Jane dancing with Lord Ellenbrook.
Assuming Nathaniel didn’t show up at the last minute. He hadn’t sent regrets, hadn’t even replied to Althea’s invitation, which made his position all too clear.
Somebody rapped on the front door just as Althea reached the bottom step. She opened the door instead of waiting for Strensall to do the honors.
“Vicar Sorenson, good day.”
The vicar wore riding attire well, though his smile was a bit anxious. “My lady, greetings. I apologize for calling on what I know must be a busy day, but I was hoping you could spare me a moment of your time.”
Jane watched this exchange rather than discreetly withdraw while murmuring about being needed in the nursery.
“Do come in,” Althea said, “and allow me to perform