Page 26 of A Duchess to Reclaim (The Devil’s Masquerade #2)

“For me? Lord Carrigan, you are too kind,” Seraphina gushed, accepting the bouquet of gorgeous blooms from the young viscount.

“It is long overdue,” Lord Carrigan replied, his tone regretful as he bowed yet again toward her. “Please, may we sit?”

“Of course you can,” Mary answered before Seraphina could agree. “Seraphina, darling, why don’t you give those to me? I shall have them placed in some water for you.”

Ever since suitors had started to arrive, Seraphina noted a vast change in her mother. She had gone from aggressively overbearing to loving and supportive- if not still very involved. With the arrival of every new suitor, the monster she feared her mother to be faded a little more. She couldn’t believe it- Rose’s plan had worked!

“Thank you, Mama,” Seraphina replied, giving the flowers to her.

“May I ask what you mean, Lord Carrigan?” She asked, turning her attention to her new suitor.

The handsome young Viscount gave her an apologetic look.

“We nobles sometimes get bored, I think, with the humdrum of London’s society. Rumors fuel our interest and give us something to talk about other than ourselves. I am ashamed to say that we made you a target.”

Seraphina’s brows rose up in surprise. Several eligible gentleman of the ton had visited her ever since Tristan’s dinner a couple of days ago, and while a few had also offered some sort of apology, none had been so eloquent or honest.

“Well…I certainly thank you for your candor, Lord Carrigan,” she replied, reaching for a stray curl to twirl nervously on her finger. “What, pray tell, changed your mind about me?”

Lord Carrigan smiled as he let out an awkward chuckle, and instead of answering her question he asked her one.

“So, Miss Kinderson, what are your interests?”

Of course he won’t answer, she sighed inwardly.

Seraphina hid her disappointment and like with all the other calls she received, she finished the rest of the visit with kindness and good manners.

“I should like to see you again,” Lord Carrigan told her as their time drew to an end. “Pray, do you have an escort for the Carter’s garden party yet? If not, I should be delighted to do so.”

“I thank you kindly for your invitation, my Lord, but that is still a few days away and I am not yet sure I-”

“She would love that, Lord Carrigan,” Mary answered for her, coming back into the room.

“Wonderful news,” Carrigan answered cheerily, not even bothering to look to Seraphina for assurance.

He then said his goodbyes, more so to Mary than Seraphina, and then left. As soon as he was gone, Seraphina plopped unceremoniously down on the couch, confused as to why she was feeling the way she was. She and her mother had both wanted nothing more than to be able to gain the approval and attention of the eligible noblemen. Now that she had it though, she found them all surprisingly lackluster. And after the way they had treated her before, she could not bring herself to believe the kindness they were now showering upon her was true.

“Sit up straight, Seraphina,” Mary chastised. “Just because your visitors are gone does not mean you can act like a ragamuffin.”

“Sorry, Mama,” Seraphina apologized, immediately adjusting her posture. “I just did not realize hosting could be so exhausting.”

“I shall go have the cook prepare you some coffee,” Mary replied, smiling brightly. “I have no idea what you did at Lord Briarwood’s dinner party, but it was clearly a success. I have no doubt that there will be a few more suitors turning up at our door.”

“Today?” Seraphina asked, grimacing as she glanced at the clock. “Is it not growing a little late to receive calls?”

Mary gave her daughter a hard look, and in a dry tone replied, “After two years of receiving no callers at all, surely you can extend yourself another hour or so, Seraphina.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Seraphina replied softly, blushing.

“Pardon me, Madam,” Eugene, their new butler announced as he came into the room, “But there is another suitor here to call on Miss Seraphina.”

“Marvelous!” Mary gushed, clapping her hands together. “Send him in, Eugene.”

“Get up,” she then hissed, even as Seraphina was already getting to her feet. “I shall go get you your coffee.”

She waited until her mother rounded the corner before Seraphina let out a sigh, straightened her gown, and looked upon the entryway with a bright, if not forced smile. However, it dropped immediately into a look of surprise when of all people, her dance partner from the other night walked in, holding a small, prettily wrapped parcel.

“You,” she gasped, a rush of excitement going through her.

“And you,” he replied, bowing his head as he smirked.

“You are really a nobleman?” Seraphina asked. She could not believe it!

The man let out a chuckle, the sound of which she quite liked.

“I told you I was the Duke of Merrivale,” he replied with a smirk, “It was you that decided not to believe me.”

Seraphina felt the color drain from her face and her legs begin to wobble as she mentally went through the moment they had first met. She had assumed, even after Theo’s explanation, that someone had simply played a trick on her.

“You…but, you are rumored to never leave Merrivale,” she stuttered.

The Duke shrugged casually.

“It was time to make my way back to London. I was not so inclined to the idea at first, but now I am finding it beneficial.”

“Oh. Ohhhh, my heaven’s, Your Grace, I am so sorry,” Seraphina burst out, going into a deep curtsey, “The way I talked to you- the way I forced you to dance, it was so rude of me! I cannot imagine what you must think of me!”

To her surprise, the Duke chuckled, and held out the prettily wrapped box to her.

“No one can force me into anything,” he said confidently. “I agreed because I thought that you were rather bold and curious, and that I should like to get to know you better. Here. This is for you. After your outstanding show of dancing skills I assumed your plan would work and you would be showered in bouquets. I thought you might enjoy something a little different.”

Blushing deeply, Seraphina reached out and accepted the present. As she opened it up, the warm, delicious smell of chocolate greeted her, and she smiled. There in two little neat rows were four chocolates shaped like daisies. Coincidentally, her favorite flower.

“These look incredible,” she said with a smile, reaching into the box to delicately brush the tops of them.

“My sister says they are quite delicious,” Hugo replied, a half-smile forming on his face. “She would eat her weight in them if she could, I would imagine.”

Seraphina joined him in a soft laugh, and carefully sat the box down on a nearby table.

Her humor faded as she recalled the severe warning from her mother. She was not to entertain anyone with a trace of reputation.

“I thank you for the gift, Your Grace, and for your kindness,” she told him, growing uncomfortable. She hated being rude as much as she hated someone being rude to her.

“But, my mother is quite adamant about my courting requirements. I am not very well versed in your reputation, but I hear you are prone to isolation in Merrivale. I am sure you have your reasons, but I am only allowed to consider gentlemen who are regularly a part of the London ton.”

She expected him to be offended, but he chuckled, and slid his hands into his pockets.

I see,” he mused. “We wouldn’t want to disobey your mother now, would we?”

Seraphina frowned, not appreciating his condescending tone.

“Are you making fun of me, Your Grace?” She asked, crossing her arms. “Well in that case I am certainly not interested now.”

“You have fire within you,” Hugo chuckled, shaking his head. “I quite like that.”

“Do not presume to know me,” she snapped back, “You don’t have a single idea of what I have within me.”

He then bowed to her formally, and when he rose again, his expression was most remorseful.

“Apologies, dear lady,” he said humbly. “Allow me a small conversation to sate my curiosity, and I promise you I will go.”

Seraphina narrowed her eyes at him and for a moment said nothing.

“Don’t you think it’s the least you do after using me as a pawn to gain your suitors?” He asked, his brow cocked.

Seraphina sighed, knowing that she owed him that much.

“Very well,” she agreed, “But please be brief.”

“About the dinner, Miss Seraphina,” Hugo went on, taking a step closer to her.

“Yes,” she sighed, blushing all over again, “I am once more so sorry for the play I forced you into.”

“I was going to say I have never had a woman approach me so boldly,” he said quickly. “Or so willing to converse with me. Let alone dance with me. I quite liked it.”

Seraphina felt a curious stir move within her as he said so, and watched as a warmth touched his deep green eyes.

“Yes,” she agreed, shifting on her feet as warmth coursed through her, “I have been told that you have quite the reputation.”

“So you have heard of it?” He asked. “And you are still before me and not having your butler lead me out?”

“Well I see no fangs or horns to speak of,” she remarked, looking him and down, “So already most of what I have heard is proven untrue.”

He chuckled.

“Your courage is nothing short of impressive.”

Seraphina felt the urge to squirm, unused to such compliments.

“Courage,” she laughed, “You mean my desperation to gain interest from the men of society.”

“I would like to speak more of that,” Hugo answered quickly. “A friend of mine shared only a little information about you. I would very much like to learn more.”

Seraphina looked at him, surprised, and as she met his eyes, her feet suddenly rooted to the floor, and she found herself unable to look away. There were scars on his face, yes, but they were not what had her so transfixed. It was his eyes. So green. So…sage in wisdom. As if he had lived a thousand years and had seen far too much.

“I already know that you are fearless. Is that what has these London men so intimidated?”

She laughed, to her own surprise, and looked away, feeling herself blushing.

“I would certainly not say that,” she replied, “My mother at times says I am simple-minded. Sometimes I believe she is right.”

“I do not believe that for a moment,” the Duke replied readily. “Though I am curious as to why you would.”

Seraphina shrugged, noting how relaxed she felt. No tension coiled in her stomach. No stiffness in her limbs. She suddenly smiled at the thought of it. Relaxed was not a sensation she felt often. Or at all, really. And to feel it was…nice.

She almost told him as such, but she stopped herself. What did it matter? After all their time together would end definitively after this conversation.

“I suppose instead of hardening myself to the ways of the ton, I continue to try to change it,” she confessed, pushing her other thoughts away. “I do not believe it serves anyone to be hateful, even when at times it seems warranted.”

Hugo smiled again, and she caught a glow begin in his eyes.

“As I said earlier. Fearless.”

Seraphina blushed harder as she tried to fight her own smile. But she knew she should not be flattered so easily. She needed to learn more about him.

“Your Grace. You mentioned your reputation earlier,” she noted, her tone gentle, “I have not heard specifics. Tell me, what makes it so horrible?”

An almost sad look briefly marred the man’s face as he glanced away.

“I suppose we would have gotten to that sooner or later,” he said begrudgingly.

A gasp filled the room before he could continue, and they tore their eyes from another to look toward the sound. Seraphina’s mood shifted the moment she saw the look on her mother's face.

“Mama,” she stammered, raising her trembling hand toward Hugo as he took two large steps away from her, “This is-”

“I know who you are, Your Grace,” Mary said icily, cutting her off. “I had been warned that you had returned to London and what you might look like.”

Seraphina balked at her mother’s ill manners, but Hugo seemed unaffected by her tone, and bowed toward her.

“A pleasure to meet you, My Lady,” He replied politely, “If I may state, I am-”

“I said that I am aware of who you are, Your Grace,” Mary said harshly, “and it is far too late for Seraphina to be receiving any more calls.”

Seraphina’s face turned crimson, this time out of embarrassment for her mother’s rudeness. But the Duke did not balk in the least, and instead somehow drew taller.

“Then you are aware that I do not take kindly to discourtesy,” he replied, his tone eerily soft as he stared directly into Mary’s eyes.

Shocked at his confidence, Seraphina looked in horror from the Duke to her mother, wondering who was going to win the silent battle raging between them.

Hugo then turned to her, and bowed.

“It is growing late,” he acknowledged. “I shall call on you again, at a more appropriate time. I just wanted to stop by and introduce myself properly.”

“Th-thank you, Your Grace,” Seraphina rasped as he took her hand.

“You will not be visiting again,” Mary replied harshly, sitting the cup of coffee down with a thunk, making it spill over the edges.

Hugo turned his gaze back to her mother, and Seraphina began to feel a sense of thrilling danger emanate through the air.

“Remember who you are speaking to, Ms. Kinderson,” he warned.

Snapping back to herself at his tone, Seraphina decided that despite her interest in him, it was indeed time for him to leave. She despised such intimidation, even toward someone who potentially deserved it.

“I shall walk you out, Your Grace,” she insisted, waving toward the door.

“That would be most kind, thank you,” he replied.

Mary shot daggers at her, but kept her lips pressed tightly closed as the two of them left the sitting room.

“Your Grace, I am so-”

“You really must stop apologizing so much,” Hugo said softly as they walked.

“You did not let me finish,” she went on, which earned her another amused glance from him.

“I apologize for my mother's rudeness, but I also apologize for wasting your time. I do not take such talk well, and whatever business you had in mind by coming here, consider it concluded.”

They stopped as they reached the front door, looking at her as if impressed.

“The fire in you is most compelling, Miss Seraphina,” he praised.

“And your sweet words will no longer work,” she retorted.

Hugo’s wolfish grin sent a shock of strange excitement up her spine, and suddenly, she fought the urge to smile.

“I will go,” he agreed, “But I first I want to leave you with something to contemplate.”

“And what on earth could that be?” She replied testily, though she felt a surge of combative playfulness.

What an effect this man had on her!

“Marry me.”

Seraphina took a step back. He was jesting. Surely!

As if reading her face, he smirked and said, “You said as much at Tristan’s dinner, did you not? If only I were a real noble, I believe your words were. Well I am real, and I believe we could help one another. You need a rich husband. I need a wife that is not afraid of me.”

“I- why would you want to marry me, Your Grace?” She asked. “We barely know another, and if your reputation is as bad as my mother makes it seem, there will be no consent from my parents to accept.”

Hugo’s smile was slow to form, reminding of her a large, black wolf encroaching slowly on an innocent white sheep. For the first time, she felt intimidated by his presence- and yet still utterly drawn to it.

“Stop that,” she insisted, “Furthermore I do not like how you spoke to my mother. I know she was rude to you first, but did not have to intimidate her so.”

“You are unlike any woman I have ever met,” he said, his voice dipping low as he took a step toward her.

He reached out, slowly, as if giving her a moment to step away if she wanted, and then his fingertips caressed her cheek.

“You grow too bold, Your Grace,” she attempted to say in warning.

“I am simply trying to match my boldness to yours.”

His seductive tone dampened her fighting spirit, and she did not move away despite knowing that she should.

“I… do not like to be touched,” he confessed, stroking his fingers almost lovingly over her soft flesh. “Yet when you reached for me the other night, it was as if I could not wait to feel more of you.”

“Your Grace, you barely know me and it is most untoward of you to speak to me so intimately!” She scolded.

And yet her heart fluttered with excitement; her flesh itched with anticipation under his touch.

Hugo let out a low, single chuckle as his fingertips traveled downward. Seraphina sighed softly at the gentle touch, and stood frozen as they grazed down to her throat.

“Stop that,” she whispered.

“Your heart is beating so fast, little lamb,” he rasped, “But I can tell it is not out of fear. Do you know how rare that is?”

Seraphina shook her head, unable to look away.

“I am not afraid of you either,” he went on, his fingers lacing softly over the column of her neck.

“I am…I am not even a true lady, Your Grace,” Seraphina whispered.

“No,” he mused. His fingers tightened around her throat, but only for a moment, and then he let her go. He opened the door, turning back to her just as he was about to step outside.

“Something tells me you are something much, much more valuable than that.”