“Good morning, Wernham.”
“Good morning, your Grace. I have put Mr Winchcomb in the rosewood parlor.”
“Thank you and please send a note to the Dowager Duchess of Stratton to say that I will be on time for my eleven a.m. appointment this morning.” Eva then took a deep breath and followed the butler. He opened the door and she lifted her chin and walked inside.
“There she is,” her father said, climbing to his feet and coming toward her. “My daughter, at last we are again reunited.”
“What do you want, Father?” Eva took a step to the side as he reached for her. “Surely you have not come for more money so soon?” This last she whispered so Wernham did not hear.
“Is that any way to greet your dear papa?” Spencer Winchcomb did not look happy at her words. “Dismiss your servant, child, and come and sit with me,” he coaxed.
“I have instructions to stay with the duchess when she has visitors, sir, especially male visitors,” Wernham added and Eva wondered if her husband had made that decision after last night and her dance with Huxley. Moving to stand beside the door they had just entered, the butler nodded to her and she knew there was no possible way she would be able to move him, even if she wanted to.
“I am no visitor,” Winchcomb roared. “I am her father!”
“You will not speak to my staff that way, Father. They are not yours to dictate to.” Eva was still standing although her knees were quaking.
“Have you forgotten our discussion so soon, Daughter?”
Eva watched her father struggle to control his temper and then followed him as he moved to the rear of the room out of Wernham’s hearing. A muscle had begun to tick in his neck and had they been alone, he would have struck her and she did not rule out the possibility that he would when next they met.
“Why have you come here, Father?”
“I have merely come to see if the duke is looking after my little girl,” he said through his teeth. “And to remind her where her duty lies.”
So that was it. This was just a visit to intimidate her in her own home. His show of strength to let her know there was nowhere she was safe.
“Lord Huxley was not happy with your behavior last night and urged me to pay you a visit to remind you where your loyalties lie.”
This man had tormented her and Reggie most of their lives, and he dared to question her behavior.
“I will do as you say, Father, because the consequences are not worth the risk of disobeying you. However, I will not allow you inside this house again, nor will I allow your revolting friend to torment me.”
His lips curled as he grabbed her hand and squeezed it hard.
“We have plans for you, daughter, plans for your future. So we can wait, but in the meantime you will supply us with the funds to continue living like gentlemen.”
He pinched her cheek and then he walked from the room, whistling.
“I will show your father to the door, your Grace.”
“Thank you, Wernham, and I would ask you not to inform my husband of Mr Winchcomb’s visit.” Sinking into the nearest chair, Eve then put her head in her hands and tried to think. How was she to escape both her father and Lord Huxley’s clutches?
CHAPTER ELEVEN
“The carriage has arrived, your Grace, and Molly is ready to accompany you,” Wernham said, re-entering the room a short while later.
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Eva spent the short trip to the Dowager Duchess’s townhouse wondering when her father would strike next and trying to work out what he meant by future plans for her. He could blackmail her into giving him money but what else did he have in mind? Pushing the thoughts aside, she focused on the upcoming interview. Like her husband, the Dowager Duchess had her own brand of intimidation and she would need her wits about her.
London was bustling as usual, and Eva realized she was growing accustomed to the strange sights and smells as the carriage rolled through the city streets.
“Mr. Wernham has asked me to stay by your side, your Grace,” Molly said, looking determined yet frightened by the prospect.
“That will not be necessary, Molly - the Dowager Duchess will not harm me.”
“As to that, your Grace, Mr Wernham says that she can terrify most people into a fit of hysteria.”
“Surely not. She is but one old lady, Molly, and my husband’s grandmother. I am sure there is nothing to worry about.” Eva could tell the maid wasn’t convinced, yet she held her tongue, and by the time they arrived, Eva’s already taunt nerves were stretched tighter.
She were shown into a small parlor. The walls were dark, the furniture large and austere. She searched for a few lace covers or pretty flowers but could find none.