A Most Improper Duchess by Alanna Lucas

Chapter Seven

Three days had passed since Alexandra had enlisted the aid of Miss Raine. She hadn’t wanted to divulge her entire scheme and so only informed the other woman that she was gathering information to see if there was a connection between all their findings. It was a partial truth. She was collecting information, but she wanted to keep the part about dressing up as a man a secret.

Evelina managed to procure gentlemen’s attire for them from a trunk that had belonged to their brother and been forgotten at their aunt’s house. It didn’t matter if Alexandra was slightly out of fashion. And they had managed to alter the clothing slightly, so it wasn’t too big. She was planning to be inconspicuous regardless, and she needn’t worry about breaking her promise to Niall—because she hadn’t promised she wouldn’t wear breeches in Town, only that she knew it would be improper to be seen in them. She would simply conceal her identity and that would solve that problem.

This evening she would visit a gaming hell that Miss Raine had discovered in her eavesdropping that also hosted beautiful women, presumably the ones that men made into mistresses. The sisters agreed that, after dinner, they would slip out together, each dressed in male attire. Evelina and Theodora were to keep watch outside the building while Alexandra would sneak in and take a look around then leave unnoticed a half hour later.

“Remember the plan,” Evelina said as they approached the address late that evening after being delivered around the corner from their destination by a hack. The driver, thankfully, had not been a curious sort. “Stay in the shadows, don’t talk to anyone, and meet back here in thirty minutes.”

“Don’t tarry longer. It’s rather chilly out tonight,” Theodora said as she pulled Papa’s coat closer about her.

“Don’t worry, I won’t be long.”

Alexandra was just starting to leave when her youngest sister halted her. “Your hair is slipping.” She stepped in and tucked Alexandra’s soft curls further into the hat and pulled it down lower, securing them in place. “Now you’re ready,” she whispered with nervous excitement.

Alexandra sauntered off the way she’d been practicing all afternoon. It simply would not do to glide into a gaming hell when she was dressed as a man and wanting keep her identity a secret. Someone would be certain to notice. Perhaps she should have reconsidered. There were any number of things that could go wrong.

No, don’t think about those.

She stayed to the rear of a group of rowdy young men, following in behind them. Adrenaline rushed through her veins as the first obstacle was tackled. Just as Theodora had reminded her, she kept moving, making a circuit around the room, trying to blend in with those around her and not attract any notice. Her shoulders sagged. There wasn’t anything unexpected happening here. Men were gambling and drinking while attractive women enticed them.

Laughter from a far corner caught her attention. Lord Dougherty was clearly in his cups and quite oblivious to those around him. He slapped his hand on the bottom of a passing serving girl then pulled her onto his lap, whispering into her ear. A few minutes later, the woman edged away, took his hand, and led him to a dark hallway.

Alexandra was curious about where they were going. What happened down that corridor? Who else was there? Questions swirled in her head, but common sense won and she stayed in the main room, watching the rest of the crowd. She would have to pepper Niall with more questions the next time she saw him. Well, without revealing where she’d been, that was for certain.

She wished she could get closer and listen to conversations, discover why the man playing cards kept tapping the table excessively, or why the woman with the ample bosom was leaning so close to . . . oh no, Lord Redford. And he was clearly not in his cups.

Not only was Lord Redford quite perceptive, but she’d also danced with him at various events and had even been partnered with him for dinner at Lady Lamden’s earlier in the week. He was sure to recognize her if he came close.

Stay calm.

She took in a deep breath and slowly retreated the same way she’d come in. It felt as if it was taking an hour to reach the exit instead of just a few minutes. Thankfully, her flight went unnoticed, and she slipped outside without being detected.

Her sisters were waiting in a darkened area just beyond the house. Neither of them spoke as she rejoined them, and then they hurriedly caught another hack to take them back home. Only once they were in their rooms did Alexandra divulge what she’d seen.

“There was nothing shocking, nothing out of the ordinary. Men were drinking too much, gambling too much, and talking loudly. Except for Lord Dougherty disappearing down a dark corridor with a woman, it all seemed like any other event, just rowdier.”

“Did you happen to discover what was down the corridor?” Theodora asked.

“No. I didn’t want to chance being discovered.” Although the evening had not been successful, she would not give up. There had to be other ways to glean information and aid their cause.

“Perhaps that is where our answers lie.” Evelina stated, clearly not satisfied with the outcome of tonight’s experiment either.

“Down a dark corridor?”

“No, yes, only part.” Alexandra then clarified, “Behind closed doors.”

And I know just who to ask.

*

The next morningbrought with it ample sunshine and the opportunity to take a stroll at Vauxhall Gardens. Aunt Imogene had a prior engagement, but was insistent that the sisters enjoy the fine day, just as long as they took a maid with them.

Almost as soon as they arrived, Alexandra was pleased to spy Niall with his sister strolling along the Grand Walk. And, importantly, they were without the dowager duchess. She turned and whispered to her sisters, “Distract Naomi while I speak with Niall.”

Evelina and Theodora gave each other a peculiar look, which she would have to ask them about later. First, she needed a moment alone with Niall so she could ask another question.

“Good morning, Your Grace, Lady Naomi,” Theodora called out with more exuberance than truly necessary.

Naomi rushed to their side, instantly engaging in conversation with her sister. Now was Alexandra’s opportunity to speak with Niall.

“I was hoping to see you today.” Niall smiled warmly with her words. She’d never noticed what a lovely smile he had. Stop that!

“Why do I get the impression you want something?”

“Can’t a friend comment on wanting to see another friend, Your Grace?”

“They most certainly can, Alex. But my suspicion still stands.”

She was enjoying the playful banter. Whenever Niall was near, she felt more relaxed, as if she could be herself. That was quickly becoming a rarity and was the reason why getting answers was so important. She didn’t want to lose who she was or what she enjoyed when she finally found a husband. She wanted what she had with Niall, only more.

“All right, you win. I do have another question.” She didn’t know if he would agree to answer another query, but it was worth a try.

He let out a long sigh and looked heavenward. A moment later, much to her surprise, he met her gaze. “What is it?”

She wasted no time in asking. “What happens behind closed doors? Between a man and woman at, let’s say . . . a club or gaming hell, for example?”

His eyes narrowed, searching hers. “Please tell me you haven’t done anything reckless.”

Alexandra glanced to where her sisters were still conversing with Naomi. She lowered her voice, “My reputation is fully intact if that is what is concerning you.”

“You are incorrigible.”

“I will take that as a compliment,” she said with a wide smile. “Now will you answer my question?”

He shook his head, clearly contemplating what to do. When he finally spoke, his voice was low. She strained to hear his response. “The men who engage in activities at those places are not looking for meaningful relationships. They are seeking pleasure, pure and simple.”

She swallowed hard, wanting to know exactly what he meant by pleasure. Her parents had clearly shared passion. Heat crept up her body as improper thoughts flooded her mind and more questions formed on her lips. “But what—”

“Alexandra, you need to stop this before your reputation suffers or worse.” His stance brooked no argument. “You should be concentrating on enjoying the Season, finding a husband. This cannot continue.”

She assumed this meant their recent conversations. Is that what Niall truly expected her to do? To just find a husband, move away from him, to never see each other except in Town? Would they no longer be friends? Her heart constricted with the thought that their friendship might be over, that his life, his heart, would belong to another, that he would share those intimacies with Lady Nerissa.

She could not shake the image of Niall and Lady Nerissa together, embracing, touching. Her stomach burned as pain shot up her chest. She needed to get away, to find quiet solitude. She sucked in a deep breath to steady her nerves.

“Thank you for your assistance, Your Grace. I will not bother you any further.” She rushed from his side to rejoin her sisters. She needed to leave now. “I should like to return home.”

She didn’t have to look at either Evelina or Theodora to know that they were staring at her with gaping mouths. She would not discuss her feelings, especially because at this moment they weren’t clear to her. What had just happened? She’d never been at odds with Niall before, never felt the need to flee from him.

What had started out as a lovely day had quickly soured.

*

Days had passedand still Alexandra had not discovered all the answers she needed. Worse, she had not seen Niall at any of the functions she’d attended since they’d met at Vauxhall. Why couldn’t she stop thinking about him and their last meeting? She couldn’t very well march up to his door and demand he speak with her. She couldn’t even send a note without raising suspicion. What was wrong with her? She was upset and didn’t know what to do about it.

Her great-aunt’s solution to Alexandra’s low spirits was to attend a ball hosted by the elusive Lord Grimsby. Perhaps that was exactly what she needed, a frivolous evening of entertainment to distract her mind from Niall, her dilemma, and her questions.

The evening would serve more than one purpose. Alexandra and her sisters had decided to play matchmaker again. They had each noticed that Naomi seemed to have formed an attachment to Mr. Norley at Lady Turner’s garden party. He was a very pleasant gentleman, although he wasn’t titled. Such things didn’t bother them, but Alexandra suspected that the Dowager Duchess of Blackburn would not share their sentiments.

Tonight, they were to set at least one of their plans into motion.

The crush was quite intense, delaying their arrival. By the time they entered the grand ballroom, the dancing was well underway, the card room was overflowing with excited guests, and the refreshment hall was full of gossiping mamas.

No sooner had they entered the ballroom than Mr. Norley approached. He cut a fine figure in beige breeches and a dark brown coat. From what the sisters had learned, not only was Mr. Norley’s family highly regarded but he received four thousand pounds a year and had a lovely estate near Bath.

“May I have the pleasure of the next dance, Miss Theodora?” Mr. Norley asked then offered a simple bow.

“I would be most pleased, Mr. Norley.” As they strolled away, Alexandra heard her youngest sister inquire, “Are you familiar with Lady Naomi?” She inwardly laughed. Her sister had gone straight to the task at hand. She suspected that if it were up to Theodora, she would have the pair announcing their engagement tonight and the banns published tomorrow.

She watched as both her sisters engaged in the lively dance. She was pleased they were enjoying themselves. This was how it ought to be, especially after so much heartache. It was what their parents would have wanted. If only she could escape her feelings and just enjoy the moment, too.

Once the dance ended, Mr. Norley returned Theodora to their party, while Evelina was engaged for the next dance by Mr. Greenford. The sisters had heard rumors that he was in need of funds. If anyone could uncover further information, it would be Evelina.

With Theodora deep in conversation with Aunt Imogene, Alexandra took the opportunity to take in her surroundings. This ballroom wasn’t like any other she’d been in previously. The walls were paneled in mahogany with elegantly elaborate wall sconces placed every few feet. The grand chandelier overhead sparkled against the dark paneled ceiling. Oddly, however, the room lacked flowers adorning the vast space or any other feminine adornment. This was clearly a man’s house. And she couldn’t help but notice that the room lacked mirrors to reflect the candlelight. Tittle-tattle had circulated about Town regarding Lord Grimsby, but she’d yet to be introduced to him. She wondered if any of it was true?

“Who is that?” Theodora questioned as she elbowed Alexandra in an attempt to get her attention. “Over there, in the shadows?”

Alexandra glanced over to where a tall, lone, masked figure stood in the darkest corner of the ballroom, where no candles had been lit. She opened her mouth to state that she didn’t know, when Aunt Imogene explained. “That is Lord Grimsby, the Earl of Grimsby.” She tsked several times before continuing. “Such a tragic story.”

Theodora pulled her gaze from the earl and glanced at their great-aunt. “What happened?” she whispered with curiosity. Trust her youngest sister to be sympathetic to a distressing tale. Ever since their parents’ illnesses, it had been thus.

Aunt Imogene leaned in and told them in an undertone, “Nearly twelve years ago, there was a terrible fire at Grimsby Hall. Lord Grimsby rescued his mother and younger sister and a servant from the blaze, but when he tried to rescue his brother and father, he was injured by falling debris. That is why he wears a mask, keeps to the shadows, and avoids society. Some call him the Phantom of Grimsby Hall.”

“What is he doing in London and hosting a ball if he wants to avoid society?” Alexandra wanted to know more but settled on the most obvious question.

“To find a suitable match for his cousin and heir, Mr. Eastwick. Lord Grimsby has vowed to never marry but wants to ensure the earldom is secure.” Aunt Imogene eyed the sisters. “Perhaps one of you would suit Mr. Eastwick. He is quite handsome, and with what he stands to inherit—”

“I have no intention of marrying just because a gentleman is handsome or wealthy,” Theodora argued then put a hand to her chest. “What matters most is what’s on the inside, in his heart. Is he a good man? A caring man?”

Just then, Mr. Greenford ushered Evelina back to their little party. His body was rigid, his mouth pursed tight, and his eyes narrow and full of annoyance. He made a formal bow, then left without a word.

“What happened on the dance floor?”

“Mr. Greenford was far too interested in boasting about the size of his estate and how much he spent on renovations, rather than in a simple conversation about poetry. He couldn’t even name a poet, let alone recite a poem! And, what is it with men boasting about the size of their estates?” She crossed her arms. “Also I think I insulted his intelligence.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because he murmured under his breath that no dowry was worth enduring such an interrogation. He is without a doubt the dullest man I have ever encountered.”

The Season was progressing at a rapid pace and none of the sisters were even remotely close to making a match; not one gentleman had caught their eye. The marriage mart was becoming a dull, never-ending game of trying to discover a gentleman’s true character, and the last thing Alexandra wanted was for her—or her sisters—to fall victim to a fortune hunter or endure a loveless, passionless marriage.

Worse still was her trouble with Niall. She longed for the friendship and easy, carefree conversations they’d shared when they were in the country. In Town, there were too many restrictions, too many unknowns. And she was becoming consumed by her quest for knowledge of the opposite sex, which she knew vexed him. Yet, no matter how hard she and her sisters tried, they could not acquire the answers they sought, with or without his help.

Across the room, she noticed Niall, standing as usual against a column. He was so different at these events, so uncomfortable. Guilt streaked through her. She should go and apologize for her earlier behavior. It had been unfair to put him in the position of having to explain things that ought to be reserved for a mother.

She was just about to make her way to him when Miss Raine brushed past her side, handing her a note. Now was definitely not the time or place to read it, so she tucked it away in her reticule. Hopefully, it contained information that they wanted.

*

Niall’s pulse quickenedas he spotted Alexandra coming his way. It had been days—but felt like months—since they had last spoken. He regretted his firm tone, but he could not have those sorts of conversations with her.

It was killing him being this close to her, and yet, there was nothing he could do, nothing he could say—well, at least not the words he wanted to declare. Being promised to Lady Nerissa since he was a lad had never bothered him more. He realized now just how much he’d come to care for and desire Alexandra.

Truth be told, he’d never thought about a love match for himself. His parents had not had one, and his two married sisters had not done so for love, both too consumed with title and status to worry over it. They seemed content enough, but Niall didn’t want simply content. He wanted passion and desire. He wanted Alexandra.

“May I have a word with you?” Alexandra asked. Then she quickly added, “Don’t worry, no more questions.” She offered a small, lopsided smile.

He desperately wanted to talk to her too. He offered his arm, and they walked in the direction of the veranda. Numerous couples had gathered there, viewing the illuminated gardens below. He chose a secluded corner with the hope that their conversation would not be overheard. With all the chatter swirling around them, it would be rather difficult for eavesdroppers, but he was not going to take the chance regardless.

“I wanted to—,” she started, just as he said, “I want to apologize.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, Niall,” she said with sincerity. “I should have never asked those things of you.”

“And I should not have been angry with you.” He pushed his spectacles further up his nose, inhaling deeply. “I was trying to maintain the utmost decorum, and in the process I hurt you.”

“Do you never want to throw decorum to the wind and just do what you desire?”

He struggled with his words. At that moment, all he wanted to do was toss duty over the balustrade, pull her into his embrace, and kiss her. It was a nice fantasy but he could never allow it to happen.

“What I desire is never a possibility. Duty seems to always reign superior in my world.”

She stared at him intently for long seconds before turning her gaze to the gardens beyond. On a breathy whisper, she said, “It’s a lovely night.”

Words disappeared from his mind. He’d been friends with her practically their whole lives and had never had an issue talking with her until now. What was he supposed to say?

Agree with her, you dolt.

She shifted her gaze, her lovely blue eyes meeting his. They sparkled like stars in the clear night sky. “You’re awfully silent. What are you thinking about?”

How was it possible that he could not form two coherent words? Heat radiated between them. Did she feel it too?

Finally, he found a word. “You.” Of course, it was not the word he should have spoken.

She didn’t break the gaze but stared at him as if she were only just truly seeing him.

Quickly clearing his throat, he spoke the first reasonable lie he could think of. “Your marriage prospects, of course. Has any gentleman caught your eye this Season?”

“No. And I truly do not care for being in Town. I miss the countryside and the long walks, and reading by the fire, and . . .”

“The peace.”

“And friendship.” She held his gaze.

“You will always have it.”

“Thank you, Your Grace,” she said with sincerity.

“Alex, I—”

“Niall,” Theodora said as she rushed onto the veranda. “Your mother is looking for you. Naomi is crying and creating quite a scene.”

“Duty calls.”

Would it ever cease to call, to dictate, to infiltrate every aspect of his life until all that was left was . . . duty?

*

Duty.

Alexandra was coming to detest that single word. It was tearing her dearest friend away from her, creating a distance that was breaking her heart. Oh, why did things have to change?

Niall rushed back into the ballroom, leaving Alexandra and Theodora alone. She pushed her worries to the back of her mind and focused on the current issue. “What is the matter with Naomi?”

“The dowager duchess caught her sipping lemonade.”

“Of all the scandalous acts,” Alexandra chuckled.

“With Mr. Norley!” Theodora lowered her voice to a mere whisper. “She was quite vocal about the gentleman’s lack of title and how no daughter of a duke would ever associate with such riffraff.”

“She is quite frightening in her opinions.”

“That is an understatement.” Theodora shook her head and took in a deep breath, then turned her attention to Alexandra. “And what was going on between you and Niall just now?”

“Just an apology.”

Theodora raised a quizzical brow. “An apology?” she questioned as if not believing the explanation.

“Yes, for what happened at Lady Turner’s garden party. Now, if you are finished with the interrogation, I think it is time to rejoin the party.” Alexandra’s desire to not discuss Niall outweighed the fib she’d just told. Besides, soon it wouldn’t matter anyway. He would be engaged to Lady Nerissa, and their friendship would change even more. She didn’t want to lose him, their relationship. But, though he had assured her tonight that she wouldn’t, she couldn’t help but fear it. Sadness pounded against her heart, demanding attention as hot tears stung the corner of her eyes.

Don’t cry, not here, not now.

Theodora took her hand and held it gently within her own as if sensing some of her inner turmoil. “We’d best get back inside.”

Alexandra blinked away her tears, swallowed the hard lump in her throat, took in a deep breath, and set about pretending nothing had happened. It was how she’d been dealing with things as of late anyway. She feared that one day, very soon, she would explode from all the suppressed emotions that were trying to demand her attention.

No sooner had she reentered the ballroom than Lord Redford asked for her hand for the next set. The dance was pleasant, the music excellent, her partner one of the most sought-after men in attendance, and yet all she could think about was Niall. She knew she shouldn’t, but his words, or rather that single word and then his quick retraction, had caught her off guard. This was Niall, one of her best friends. This was Niall, who had always been there for her. This was Niall . . .

He was intelligent and well-read, serious and shy, and so handsome. And he was promised to another, so she should not be thinking about him in that way. But now the thought had crept into her head, and she couldn’t seem to stop it. She was being silly. There had been nothing to what he said. They were just friends. She was feeling emotional and thinking too much.

And just like that, the dance had ended and she had rejoined with her sisters and aunt. Had she performed the steps correctly? Had Lord Redford noticed how distracted she was? Oh, why could she not stop thinking about Niall?

He is your friend, and it is perfectly acceptable to think about friends, she reasoned unconvincingly. Thankfully the arrival of Miss Ashton and Lady Dorothy gave her a much-needed distraction.

“We saw you dancing with Lord Redford and just had to discover what he’s like!” Miss Ashton exclaimed with the excitement of a wide-eyed miss. “He is quite handsome.”

“He is very particular who he dances with. You’re quite fortunate.”

Lord Redford was handsome, but she didn’t feel anything. “He is pleasant and a good dancer, but it is difficult to get to know gentlemen at these events.” Her reply was simple and honest.

Was Lord Redford like so many other men of the ton, only interested in social standing and an heir, or would he be a husband in the full meaning of the word? And how would she know? All she really knew about him was that he spent time in gaming hells.

She was feeling all at sea and more than a little confused. Thankfully, her sisters and aunt didn’t mind leaving, and no one seemed to notice their early departure, still too consumed as they were with the scene the Dowager Duchess of Blackburn had created a short time ago.

Once in the quiet of their rooms, the sisters recounted the evening’s adventures.

“I saw Miss Raine rush up to you and then just as quickly leave. What was all that about?” Theodora asked.

Alexandra had completely forgotten about the note their friend had slipped into her hand. Reaching for her reticule, she retrieved the tightly folded paper. “Miss Raine writes that she overheard her brother and Lord Redford discussing an upcoming masque two days hence. Hosted by the famous courtesan Claudine de Beauregard.”

This was the opportunity they’d been looking for. Surely, she would discover answers to her questions there. Her instinct warned that it was not a good idea to attend for fear of being discovered, but it was likely her last and best chance to delve into a forbidden part of society.