Duchess by Chance(84)

“I need you to do this for me, love. No questions or arguments. There is too much at stake.”



Nodding, Eva hurried inside just as Molly appeared.

“Your Grace, I was just about to tidy up.”

“Pl-please, Molly, don’t ask any questions just help me change quickly.”

“Tis lucky we have a spare,” the maid said, noting the ripped bodice. She instantly whisked the dress over Eva’s head and then went to collect the other one. This one was emerald green although the style was not dissimilar to the last. It was scalloped around the hem with silver thread and had a silver underskirt. Slipping on a clean pair of white gloves, Eva noted her hands still trembled. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at the white slippers Molly was slipping onto her feet. Had she not come up here to change earlier, none of the events she had just witnessed would have happened.

“You are ready now, your Grace.” Molly helped her to stand.

“Thank you.”

Simon was waiting outside and took her arm as she walked through the door and silently they returned to the ball.

“I will stay with you until he returns, Eva.”

They slipped into the ballroom and then followed the flow of people into the supper room. Forcing a smile onto her face, she unclenched her fingers on Simon’s sleeve and let him lead her to the buffet table.

“Eva! I have looked everywhere for you.”

“Hello, Claire. I-I had an accident in my dress and was forced to change.”

Claire looked from Eva’s fearful gaze to Simon’s anxious one but said nothing. Instead she said, “I shall get you both something to eat if you will find seats for us, Simon.”

Simon found Eva’s grandmother and her friends and lowered her into a chair beside them. He then stood behind her chair, resting one hand on her shoulder.

“Is all well, Granddaughter?”

“If you would be so kind as to not ask any questions, your Grace,” Simon said in a voice only she could hear. “We have had an incident that the duke would rather keep between ourselves. Therefore, I would ask that you keep the duchess at your side until he returns.”

The Dowager Duchess looked at Simon and her granddaughter, then she nodded and started to talk, including both Simon and Eva in the conversation. If both chose not to add much, it went unnoticed.

Before long, Claire returned, moving to Simon’s side. Eva heard her begin to question him. Her tone was gentle, unlike the other times they had conversed. No one commented on the duchess’s pale face or shadowed eyes. They all just stayed close to her side, listening as the Dowager Duchess and her elderly friends talked endlessly of amusing stories from their past.



When Daniel walked into the ballroom, he was once again the immaculately attired Duke of Stratton. His arm had been cleaned, stitched and bandaged and stung like the devil beneath his jacket. His eyes swept the room but could not find his wife. Prowling around, he finally felt his body relax as he saw Eva’s head beside Claire’s. Simon stood at her back and his grandmother to her right. His heart eased at the scene; they had formed a circle around his duchess, protecting her. Nudging Simon aside, he moved into position behind her. Placing one hand on her shoulder, he caressed the soft skin.

“I hope you are not telling stories of my youthful indiscretions, Grandmother.” He felt the shudder that ran through Eva at his words and tightened his fingers on her. He stood there for a while, talking and stroking her skin until she slowly relaxed.#p#分页标题#e#

“Come, Duchess, it is time for our second waltz.” He took her hand in his. “Thank you,” he then said to each of the people who had cared for her while he could not.

“It’s all right now, love,” he whispered as she gripped his fingers tight. “I am here, Eva, with you,” he added soothingly, dancing her slowly down the room. “Look at me, love,” he coaxed.

“I was scared I would lose you.”

Daniel felt her despair like a fist to his stomach as she looked up at him. The blue depths were wide with remembered terror. He had vowed to keep her safe from those who would hurt her, and again he had failed. “You will never lose me, Eva.”

Lowering her eyes, she kept them trained on his necktie for the rest of the dance.

For the remainder of the evening, Daniel watched Eva closely. Her smile was brittle as she danced and chatted and he knew her well enough now to see the turmoil hidden deep inside.

“We will leave soon, love,” Daniel whispered in her ear as he stood at her side. Her only response was a quick nod. Finally, an hour later, the guests started to depart.