Page 25 of A Duchess to Reclaim (The Devil’s Masquerade #2)

CHAPTER 2

“A melia, Rose!” Seraphina let out a breath of relief as she saw her friends.

Tonight was the night she would change her fate. After they’d left the ball the other evening, her mother had grown more adamant about setting a trap to gain her a husband. The more she spoke of it, the less worry she felt about Theo’s new—if strange—plan to find her a suitor.

“Ah, Seraphina, there you are,” Amelia answered happily, she and Rose each looping an arm through hers.

“Theo told me of your plan,” Rose whispered at Seraphina’s side. “I think it is fabulous. Simply fabulous.”

“It will only be fabulous if it works,” Seraphina muttered, throwing a nervous look around the room.

“When is everyone else going to be here?” She asked. “Where is Theo?”

She had so many more questions. Was the actor handsome? Would others recognize him? Was he good enough to fill this role? Was he going to be kind? All the men of the ton seemed to have a cruel edge to them. Would he pretend to be cruel as well?

“Theo has taken over the duties of coordinating the dinner,” Amelia explained, “We most likely will not see her until it is time to eat. As for everyone else, it turns out Tristan kept the guest list quite exclusive. There are only a dozen or so other guests.”

Seraphina’s anxiety spiked. Not only was Theo not going to be there to walk her through the plan, but the lack of witnesses meant that little interest would be stirred when their plan unfolded.

“Worry not, all it takes is one person to see you dancing with the proclaimed Duke and the news will spread,” Amelia insisted, noticing her friend’s uncertain look. “You can do this! Theo explained the plan to you, yes?”

Seraphina nodded.

“I convinced my mother I could handle this soiree alone, so she will not be here to interfere. And I am to meet the ‘Duke of Merrivale’ on the patio outside the library. We will introduce ourselves, briefly go over the plan, and then I shall go around the house so that the others may see me walk in alone,” she explained.

Her mind flashed to the small map Theo had drawn of Tristan’s house. Before dinner was announced, she was to meet Theo’s friend Rowley, the actor that would play the part of the Duke there, have a brief discussion of the plan, then part ways until it was time to dance. It was simple…only, it did not feel that way at all.

“The others will start to arrive in twenty minutes or so,” Amelia whispered, she and Rosalind letting go of her arms. “Time to put it all together.”

“Remember you can do this!” Rose said supportively, giving her a push toward the hallway.

She looked over her shoulder at her friends, still nervous about the plan. But she was greeted with two bright, supportive smiles, and both of them were giving shooing motions with their hands. Amelia was right. She was running out of time. It was now or never.

Taking a deep breath, she turned back toward the hallway, and with quick steps, made her way toward the library. She only stopped once at the mirror hanging close to the door, and gave herself a quick inspection.

Her aquamarine gown was well-fitted, as were the white elbow-length gloves she wore. The simple blue gemstone she wore at her neck complimented her eyes, and her swept up chocolate curls dangled gracefully around her clear-complected face. She pinched her cheeks quickly, adding some color, and forced on a smile.

The library inside the bachelor’s home was surprisingly vast, but she found the doors to the patio open, the sheer, pale blue curtains blowing in the warm wind. Through the wavering fabric, she saw the outline of a man. Her heart jumped as she saw him; knowing that there was no turning back now.

Raising her small chin higher, Seraphina squared her shoulders, and approached.

He was taller than she expected, and his muscular stature, wrapped in fine clothes, was hard to miss. Even with his back facing her, she could feel a sort of strength and mystery exude from him. Well done, Theo, she thought, Perhaps this will work after all.

“Pardon me, sir,” she called cheerfully, “Are you waiting for me?”

The man turned around slowly as he took his hands from his pockets, and she nearly gasped as she saw his face. He had a rugged handsomeness beneath his head of black hair. Chiseled cheekbones and a jawline so hard it could have cut glass. There were scars, yet they seemed to only enhance his handsome features.

His eyes, though, were what made her lose her thoughts for a moment. Green. Not light green, like Theo’s, but dark and woodsy. His eyes—his entire appearance—reminded her of the tall pines that grew in the countryside. He was dressed as a noble, yes, but he could have played the part of handsome woodsman far better, she was sure of it.

He looked at her with quiet contemplation as he began to rub his palms together- a habit she herself had used herself at times to calm her nerves. She supposed he had a right to be as nervous as she. It was, after all, a crime for a commoner to pretend to be a noble. Even for their little ruse. There was great risk to them both.

“It is all right,” she told him assuredly, taking a timid step toward him. “I am nervous as well. However if we play our parts correctly, no one will be the wiser.”

His right black brow rose in curiosity, but he did not speak or move toward her.

“Shall we go over the plan?” She asked, then let out a nervous laugh. “Of course we should. The other guests will be arriving soon, and we need to be sure we are not somehow seen together out here. So I am not sure all of what Theo has told you. Some light conversation would be helpful, but I suppose not necessary, before it is time for the dancing portion of the evening. And then when the music starts, you are to ask me for a dance. However, it must be in front of everyone. At least half of the dinner party must see you doing this so that the rumors can spread.”

She paused, giving him a moment to agree, but he only continued to look at her with that intense stare. Letting out a sigh, she pushed away the growing annoyance for his silence, and went on.

“You are to be like any other nobleman. Polite. Courteous. Actually, I have yet to meet a gentleman that shows such traits, but in this role I insist that you do so. I am told you are an excellent actor, so I assume you know all the current dances?”

“My Lady,” the man said, his deep voice catching her off guard.

Ah! He does speak, she thought, feeling a wave of relief. For a moment she feared the whole scene was going to be played mute.

“Yes, that is kind, but I am not officially a lady. Miss Seraphina will do just fine,” she corrected him.

“Miss Seraphina,” he stated, still giving her that same confused frown, “I believe you have me mistaken for someone else. My name is Hugo Fenwick, Duke of Merrivale.”

“Of course, of course you are,” Seraphina agreed, smiling wide. “Goodness, there is that talent Theo spoke of. I see you have already stepped into your role, which is very wise.”

From beyond, she heard the faint voices, and knew that their time had run out.

“I am so thankful that you are helping me with this,” she told him, reaching out to squeeze his hand. Immediately she felt him somehow grow even more still, but the touch was brief, and she quickly let go as she took a quick look around.

“I should depart. The others are starting to arrive,” Seraphina whispered, moving toward the steps. “Allow me to go first, if you do not mind. Just do not dawdle here too long, all right? It would not do to have you “arrive” too late. You need to be seen, yes, but gossip about any bad habits will only deter our plan.”

“Miss Seraphina, are you sure that you-” He began to say, but Seraphina was already on the path toward the front door.

“Do not worry,” she whispered, feeling her confidence grow, “We can do this!”

* * *

“Hugo! There you are,” Tristan greeted as he stepped out of the library. “You weren’t hiding in there, were you?”

“I was just gathering myself for a moment,” Hugo retorted with a frown. “Pulling myself out of isolation is harder than I expected.”

Tristan’s smile faltered for a moment, and he nodded.

“I suppose it would be,” his friend admonished. “But never fear. You’ll find your feet as soon as you start talking with the others.”

“Actually, I did just talk to someone,” Hugo replied, an amused smile tugging at his lips.

“Oh, really? Whom?” Tristan asked.

“A most curious young woman,” Hugo said, glancing back at the library. “It was odd. She spoke to me as if she knew me. As if she knew she would find me out there.”

To his surprise, he felt the urge to smile.

“She was quite insistent on knowing me, actually.”

“You are sure it wasn’t an… ‘old friend?’ Tristan asked.

The way his friend looked at him, Hugo knew he was worried about his reputation being brought up; the one thing that would make him leave the party. And if such a woman was there, there was sure to be talk.

“No,” Hugo laughed, “It has been quite a while since I had any ‘old friends’. It was before…” His voice trailed off as flashes of blood and splitting flesh marred his mind.

“Anyway,” he forced on, refusing to dip back into the past, “She was, in fact, quite kind. Refreshingly forthright.”

Tristan looked at him with both amusement and relief.

“And, pray tell, who is this woman you speak of?” He asked.

Before Hugo could answer, the two of them heard Theodosia’s voice at the end of the hall, calling for her brother.

“Ah, duty calls,” Tristan sighed, clinking his glass against Hugo’s. “You will tell me about it later, yes? ”

Hugo nodded as his friend turned and hurried toward his sister. Behind his back, he shook out the hand that Seraphina had squeezed. Her touch did not trigger the fear that he was used to, but still, it was strange.

“My, my, a new face,” a gentleman said, drawing Hugo from his thoughts.

He turned and saw a slightly younger gentleman approaching his left.

“We rarely have those among the ton,” the man went on. “Tell me, mysterious stranger, who might you be?”

Hugo felt his insecurities suddenly tuck themselves deep within his mind, and he drew in a breath as he stood taller and reached for the man’s hand with confidence.

“Hugo Fenwick, Duke of Merrivale,” he answered with an air of authority. “And you are?”

The man’s confident smile slipped. His left eye twitched. His hand did not rise to shake Hugo’s.

“Hugo- You are- good heavens, you are-”

“Duke of Merrivale,” Hugo repeated, not backing down from the handshake, “And I assure you I am only a monster across a desk or in the bank. Now tell me, who are you?”

The frightened look on the man’s face remained, but only for the briefest of seconds before he let out a breath, reached for Hugo’s hand with a smile.

“What an introduction, Your Grace,” he praised. “I am Chancy Howard. I deal in the diamond trades in Africa and have the pleasure of working with many of fine London gentlemen. Please, though, call me Chance. I do despise my given name.”

Knowing all too well how that felt, Hugo agreed.

“I had heard word you were coming back to town,” Chance went on, “The turnaround of the Merrivale property is legendary.”

“Now that is a rumor I will allow, as it is true,” Hugo chuckled.

“Come, Your Grace,” Chance urged, “Allow me to introduce you to some others. I am most curious to speak with you regarding some trade, as I am sure they will be too.”

Hugo gave Chance a curt nod, and as he was introduced to some other gentlemen- some noble, some merchants- he received similar looks as Chance’s when his name was given. His confidence and air of authority rose over them, however, and soon, just like Chance, they were talking with him not of the rumors, but of management and investments.

I have forgotten this, he mused to himself as he carried on the conversation, part of his mind wandering back to his bout of solitude. I had forgotten how easy it is to take control of these people. To make them do what I want.

At one point, Hugo looked up from his conversation and saw Tristan and his sister chatting excitedly with the woman who had approached him on the patio. A flicker of feeling, one he could not identify, traveled through them as Tristan smiled widely down at the woman.

Suddenly he lost interest in the talk of money, and focused on the new sight.

“Excuse me a moment, gentlemen,” he said, taking a step away from the group.

“I cannot believe that was him!” One whispered.

“Frightening face, but brilliant mind,” another added.

“Do you think he is as brutal as the rumors state?”

Hugo rolled his eyes as he heard their gossip, but paid it no mind. At least they did not say it to his face.

A growling threat would bring the conversation to an immediate stop, but instead, he took another step toward Tristan and the woman.

“Why, Seraphina,” He heard Tristan muse, taking her hand and giving her a spin, “You are somehow lovelier without the shadow of your mother. Tell me, how did you manage to convince her to come alone?”

“It was sheer luck,” the woman giggled, then leaned up to whisper something in Tristan’s ear.

Hugo watched as Tristan’s smile grew wider, and to his surprise, he felt a flicker of possessiveness from within. It startled him. He barely knew the woman.

“Luck, indeed,” Tristan chuckled as he pulled away. “Well enjoy your moment of freedom, would you, and keep my sister from preaching her blue-stocking politics too much, yes? I do not want her scaring my guests away.”

“I do not preach, brother,” Theo replied curtly, throwing him an annoyed glance, “I educate.”

Tristan laughed as he patted his sister’s shoulder, then moved away to greet his other guests. As he did so, both Theo and her friend took a look around the room. Seraphina’s eyes landed on him, and he watched her aquamarine irises glitter with excitement as she gave him a knowing but furtive nod.

“How goes it, old man?” Tristan teased, appearing at Hugo’s side.

“Better than expected,” Hugo replied, his gaze still locked with Seraphina as his mouth formed a sly grin.

“You were right, Tristan,” he went on, “This party was a good idea.”

* * *

“Which one is he?” Amelia whispered.

Seraphina looked up from her dessert. It looked delicious, as did the rest of the meal, but she was so nervous she had barely touched a thing. At the table, she had hoped that she would be seated by Theo, but was not entirely disappointed when she found herself with Amelia to her right, Rose to her left, and Ophelia directly across from them.

“The one sitting by Tristan’s left,” Seraphina whispered, turning her gaze toward him. Again, he was glancing at her. He looked amused, as if they shared a secret. Yet, something told her it was not the one she thought they thought it was.

“He is quite handsome,” Ophelia mused, throwing him a furtive glance. “Not particularly by London’s standards, but still rather good-looking.”

“Did the talk go well?” Rose whispered.

Seraphina shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

“I suppose so. He did not say much, to be honest, but he did state with quite a lot of confidence who he was to play.”

“Do not worry,” Amelia whispered, squeezing Seraphina’s fingers under the table, “It will work.”

“Friends,” Tristan announced, rising from his seat at the head of the table, “Thank you all once more for joining me in my small celebration. If we are all finished, let us all grab a drink and make our way to the parlor. My darling sister has agreed to provide some merry music on the piano for dancing and socializing.”

A round of polite applause rose in the air as everyone stood, and Seraphina felt a new wave of nerves hit her stomach as she got to her feet with everyone else. Whether she was ready or not, it was time to pull off the act of a lifetime.

* * *

“Are you ready, Your Grace?”

Hugo turned toward the woman Tristan had called Seraphina earlier. He’d been courteous on the patio, but why was she acting as if they were on the best of terms already? Had he met her before at Merrivale?

“Miss Kinderson, I apologize, but do we know each other?” He asked.

The beautiful woman laughed loudly, startling him and those around them as they turned to the sound with curious eyes.

“Oh, Your Grace, you are so amusing!” Seraphina sighed, shaking her head as if he had said something silly.

He glanced toward the curious onlookers then back at her, his brows drawing higher.

“Are you well, Miss Kinderson?” He asked under his breath.

He watched Seraphina’s cheeks grow red, but the smile he knew was forced grew wider.

“Quite well, Your Grace,” she replied, then more loudly she added “I am ready for the dance you requested earlier.”

Confused but vastly intrigued by Seraphina’s boldness, Hugo reached for her, bowed, and led her to the middle of the dance floor. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but he very much wanted to find out what this bold woman was up to.

It had been ages since he had danced. Well over a decade ago, when his mother was still alive. But the woman’s steps were light and easy to lead. Soon, like an old habit he’d thought he had forgotten, he found the steps to match her, and moved her in time with the piano.

S trange, he thought to himself, I am actually enjoying this.

“You are lovely dancer,” Seraphina praised, after he sent her into a twirl and gathered her back up again. “Theo said you were skilled but this is more than I expected.”

“I am glad you are enjoying it,” Hugo replied in a low voice, “Though I am still confused as to how we know each other.”

“We do not, in truth, but Theo told me all about you.”

“Oh?” He asked, thinking it was regarding his reputation. If so, her willingness to be around was only that much more interesting.

“Pray tell,” he urged. “I am always curious as to what the latest rumors are.”

He wasn’t. At least, not usually.

“That you were the perfect man for the job,” she replied, paying him another pleased smile, “And I must say, I agree.”

Hugo chuckled, not expecting that answer at all. What job was she speaking of?

“Perfect, you say?” He mused.

“Indeed,” she agreed.

Seraphina nodded toward the woman playing the piano as they danced, and as Hugo followed her line of sight, he saw Theo’s eyes grow wide. Her fingers kept perfect time on the keys, but her head turned to follow them as though she had seen a ghost.

“I believe she is trying to tell you something now,” he murmured on a turn.

Seraphina glanced once more toward Theo, who was indeed mouthing something.

“I am sure she is just praising your acting skills,” Seraphina replied, “They really are quite exemplary. My father does not give me much spending money, but I assure you, all of this week’s allowance shall be going to your brilliant act.”

Amusement filled him as he continued to lead her through the dance, now knowing for sure that some sort of game was afoot. He just had to figure out its rules.

“Is that so?” He mused, turning her again with an elaborate move. “Well I am humbled that you think so.”

She giggled, genuinely this time, and the sound made his lips twitch into a smile.

“Did you study acting as a child?” She asked, “Or were you born naturally with the gift of pretending to be others?”

“I suppose it came naturally,” he played along, “And what of you? Do you like to act?”

“It is not my favorite pastime,” she whispered, her brows drawing together for an instant. “But I must do what is necessary. My mother is…quite forceful with her ideas of me.”

“And what are these forceful ideas?” He asked.

Seraphina glanced around, as if making sure the other dancers were far enough off not to hear, then pressed herself closer. The soft warmth of her figure immediately sent a shot of arousal through him- a strange and rare circumstance. He liked this woman close.

“She will force a scandal if I do not marry in good standing soon,” Seraphina whispered to him.

He picked the faint tone of terror in her soft voice.

“That is not something you want?” He asked, “Even if it did lead to a suitable marriage?”

“Not in the slightest,” Seraphina answered, lines of tension springing up on her forehead. “I am not as foolish as to believe I shall have a love match, but that does not mean I am willing to trick someone into marrying me. But…if I made myself more desirable somehow. Say, by having a handsome noble dance with me, then perhaps such extravagant measures won’t be forced on me.”

“Ah.” He understood now, and smiled at the plot.

“You are a clever lady, then. But do you think dancing will solve everything?”

“No, silly,” she laughed softly, “But dancing leads to conversation. Conversation leads to interest, and hopefully the urge to call on me, despite my reputation. If my mother sees that I can meet potential husband’s this way, she will not force me to take more drastic measures.”

“And you think I am the man that will help?” He asked. “I must say, this is quite the bold plan, Miss Seraphina.”

More questions popped into Hugo’s head as they continued to dance. Who was this woman? What was her reputation? Surely it could not be as bad as his.

“Bold or desperate,” she laughed, looking warmly up to his eyes, “I am not sure. “But I am thankful you are here.”

“Well, I suppose I am happy to help,” he stated, pulling her close. She fit against him like one puzzle piece into the next, though no puzzle ever had those delicate curves or that alluring warmth.

“However, a lady like you should not need to go to such lengths. You are as beautiful as you are elegant. Your sense of humor is quite refreshing, and you seem most kind. Not the type of kindness propped up by stiff, societal manners, but genuinely kind. That is rare.”

Seraphina smiled at him as another blush rose in her cheeks.

“You are not being paid to flatter me, Your Grace,” she replied, “Though I cannot say it is not appreciated.”

“What else do you appreciate?” He asked, his comfort growing. “Do tell as I am most curious.”

“Seraphina,” a voice whispered.

“I was hoping you would be kind,” she went to him, obviously not hearing her name being called, “But you have gone above and beyond. You have no idea how nice it is to hear a man speak to me without condescension. How I wish you truly were a noble. Then perhaps I could convince you to marry me instead.”

“And what if I were?” Hugo asked, pulling her even closer than before. “Would you accept my proposal?”

Seraphina blushed deeply, but did not push him away. The warmth, the softness of her body pressed to his sent shots of rare-felt desire from his own, and he was damned if his heart didn’t falter a beat when her hand squeezed his arm almost fondly.

“If only, Your Grace,” she whispered. “But alas, we cannot play pretend forever.”

“Seraphina!” The voice whispered more loudly. Hugo ignored it, knowing the dance was about to end.

“Well then I will say this. You deserve a man that speaks to you kindly and treats you as such,” he told her as the song ended.

He bowed deeply, and brushed a kiss along her knuckles as he whispered, “I pray that you find him.”

* * *

“Seraphina, a word, please,” Theo whispered hurriedly, appearing at her side as The Duke walked away.

She watched him for a moment, touched by his words, then became distracted by the looks of approval being given by her peers. Her confidence radiating within her, she gripped her friend’s hand and pulled her toward the empty hallway.

“Did you see that?” She whispered excitedly to Theo. “It worked! Your plan actually worked!”

“Seraphina,” Theo repeated, her voice strained as she looked on at her with worry, “Who was that man?”

Seraphina’s brows dipped in confusion.

“What do you mean?” She asked, “That was your actor friend, Rowley. Or, the Duke of Merrivale, if we are keeping up with the ruse.”

Worry spiked through Seraphina as her friend rigorously shook her head.

“Seraphina, I am not sure who that man was, but he was certainly not Rowley. Did you not get my message earlier in the day? He will not be able to make it into town until the Carter’s garden party next Tuesday.”

“No,” Seraphina said slowly, shaking her head, “No, you must know him. He was sitting right across from you!”

“My brother only said he was a friend,” Theo replied quickly. “He did not mention a name and he did not seem apt to talk, so I did not ask!”

“So then,” Seraphina wondered aloud, walking a few steps back toward the open room. She peered around, looking for the man who had helped make her plan such a success. He was nowhere to be found. Neither was the young woman he had been with.

She peered back at Theo, more confused than ever.

“Who was the man that I danced with?”