Page 37 of A Virgin for the Rakish Duke

Harriet touched the spot on her neck where the bee had stung her. The memory of that moment still sent shivers down her spine. She dismissed it from her thoughts.

The morning was bright, and the street she walked was bustling. She had never seen such a busy place, so full of life. She had no idea what London street she was on, only that she was heading approximately south, in the direction of the river.

After waking that morning, she had felt much refreshed and entirely recovered. Leaving the room, she had found Jeremy asleep in an armchair in the hallway outside, a blanket draped over him.

That had given her pause.

He had waited with her and ensured no possible scandal by sleeping outside in what must be an uncomfortable position. Shehad resolved to repay his kindness by waking him and thanking him. But as she had approached, the look of calm peace on his sleeping face was such that she could not bring herself to disturb him.

I will wait until he wakes, then. He saved my life, it is the least I can do,she had thought to herself. But at the end of the hallway, there had been a window, looking out over Harley Street towards Cavendish Square. And the sight of that river of people had intoxicated her.

A little wander will not hurt. Just to explore for a while. I will return eventually and find Jeremy having breakfast with the doctor, and all will be well.

She smiled as she walked, nodding amiably at gentlemen who doffed their hats to her. Passing through a maze of narrow streets, she eventually emerged onto a broad avenue that seemed filled with shops of every size, shape, and color. A sign attached to the side of a building proclaimed Oxford Street.

Ralph would never countenance allowing me to wander the streets of London alone. He would have apoplexy to see me now. But it feels wonderful to be free...

“There you are. I was worried,” Jeremy's voice came suddenly from behind her.

Harriet jumped, whirling to see him stepping out of a side street. She laughed at her own fright.

“Your Grace. I did not wish to wake you, but could not resist the pull of such a metropolis. I have never in my life been to London before, let alone by myself. It is simply wonderful!”

Jeremy looked around critically with a raised eyebrow. “It is a place like any other. Larger than most, I suppose.”

He stepped to her side, offering his arm dutifully, but Harriet skipped ahead of him, not yet willing to give up her freedom and be guided by a man. Jeremy caught up with her in a handful of long-legged strides, reaching for her elbow once more. She slipped away again with a teasing smile, before darting across the road, dodging around carriages and earning shouts of anger from the drivers.

Glancing over her shoulder, she caught Jeremy watching her. His face was taut, eyes narrowed in what looked like frustration—though she thought she saw the faint pull of a smile at his mouth. It made her grin in return. She slowed, waiting for him to find a gap in the traffic.

But Jeremy wasn’t looking at her anymore. His gaze had shifted up the street, his expression tightening into alarm. He looked back at her once, then turned and strode away, hand raised as if hailing someone.

Following his line of sight, Harriet saw Ralph walking toward them with a woman on his arm. Her breath caught. Panic flared as she scanned for cover before he could turn and fix his eyes on her. Jeremy was calling out to him now, drawing his full attention. Ralph raised a hand in reply, then turned to speak tohis companion—a movement that angled his head in Harriet’s direction. One upward glance and he would see her.

A carriage drew to a stop opposite, cutting her from view. Elderly matrons began to descend with the help of footmen. They wouldn’t delay long. Harriet’s gaze darted around. Behind her loomed a dressmaker’s shop. She dashed for its door, glancing back just as she reached it.

She could see Ralph through the two windows of the carriage. His image was hazy in the two separate panes of glass, but she could see for certain it was him. For one, horrifying moment, the distorted glass gave the illusion he was staring right back at her. She fled into the shop, closing the door behind her.

Did he see me? If so, the game is up. He will be over here like a shot, and I will be locked up in my rooms for the rest of the year. Please, Lord, let him not have seen me...

“Welcome to Mrs. Painter’s dressmaking,” said a woman with bright yellow hair and a pale, powdered face with a beauty spot painted on one cheek. Her dress was yellow silk, extravagant and expensive-looking.

“We have the finest cloths and silks, and my seamstresses can create a dress suitable for a Royal ball. What is your pleasure, milady?”

Harriet gaped at her for a moment, not knowing what to say. She had no notion of what to ask for—even if she had the moneyto pay, which she didn't. Fashion had never been something she needed to consider.

“I am… in need of a new dress,” she managed finally, casting a look back over her shoulder.

The carriage had moved on, and she could see Ralph engaged in conversation with Jeremy across the street.

I am too close to this window. He may still be able to see me.

“Perhaps a material from over there?” she suggested quickly, pointing to shelves at the rear of the shop.

“Ah, a young lady of refined taste. That is my finest silk and satin. Maria Fitzherbert herself made her selection from those bolts only days ago.”

She waited as though the name should mean something to Harriet. It did not, but she exclaimed anyway, pretending it did. She let Mrs. Painter guide her towards the silks and begin showing her lengths of material, expounding on the color and texture.

Oh Lord, how am I to extricate myself from this situation without making myself look an utter fool? I cannot stay here too long, simply looking. Surely this woman will not allow that. And if I step outside, I will face the wrath of Ralph!