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Page 30 of A Wife for the Beast (Scandals and Second Chances #6)

The gilt-edged card that arrived with the morning post bore the unmistakable seal of the Royal Household.

Its cream-colored perfection gleaming against the silver salver as though it possessed some inherent luminescence designed to emphasize its extraordinary importance.

Evangeline examined the direction with growing curiosity, noting the precise hand and elaborate script that marked it as a communication of considerable significance, though nothing in her previous experience had prepared her to recognize the full implications of such distinguished correspondence.

"Your Grace," Higgins announced with the sort of ceremonial gravity that suggested he understood the magnitude of what he was presenting, "this arrived by special messenger from London. The gentleman indicated that an immediate response would be anticipated."

Lucian accepted the card with movements that appeared casual to the casual observer, yet Evangeline detected a subtle tension in his shoulders that suggested he recognized the import of whatever information had prompted such formal delivery.

His expression remained carefully neutral as he broke the elaborate seal, though she noticed that his knuckles had whitened slightly where they gripped the expensive paper.

The silence that followed his perusal of the contents stretched long enough to cause her considerable anxiety about the nature of the communication and its potential implications for their carefully ordered existence at Ravenshollow.

When he finally looked up from the elegant script, his scarred features bore an expression of such grim resignation that she felt her stomach clench with anticipatory dread.

"What is it?" she asked with the sort of direct inquiry that their relationship had taught her was more effective than polite circumlocution. "You appear as though you have received notification of some impending catastrophe."

"In a manner of speaking, I have," he replied with bitter humor that did nothing to ease her growing concern.

"We have been commanded to attend the London Season.

Her Majesty has expressed particular interest in making the acquaintance of the new Duchess of Ravenshollow, and such royal curiosity is not a matter that admits of refusal or delay. "

The information struck Evangeline with such force that for a moment she could not formulate any coherent response beyond shocked comprehension of what such a summons would entail.

London, the most fashionable and critical society in England, populated by individuals whose opinions could make or break reputations with devastating efficiency.

The very thought of subjecting herself to such scrutiny filled her with a mixture of terror and excitement that left her momentarily breathless.

"The Season," she repeated faintly, her mind already racing through the implications of such an obligation.

"But surely we are hardly prepared for such an undertaking.

I possess no wardrobe suitable for London society, no knowledge of the proper protocols, no connections among the fashionable world. "

"All of which can be remedied with sufficient application and expense," Lucian replied with the sort of practical resignation that suggested he had already begun planning for the inevitable.

"The question is not whether we are prepared, but rather how quickly we can become so.

Royal commands do not accommodate personal convenience or preferences. "

"And are you prepared to face London society after so many years of retirement from such obligations?"

The question hung between them with particular weight, for they both understood that his return to the fashionable world would subject him to exactly the sort of scrutiny and potential cruelty that his withdrawal to Yorkshire had been designed to avoid.

The scars that marked him as different would be examined with far more sophisticated malice in London than they had encountered even during their challenging debut at the Thornley Assembly.

"Prepared or not, I have little choice in the matter," he said with characteristic stoicism. "A duke's obligations extend beyond his personal comfort, and royal interest in one's domestic arrangements cannot be politely declined."

"Then we shall face whatever challenges London presents," Evangeline declared with more confidence than she felt. "Together, as we have faced everything else that circumstances have demanded of us."

The word 'together' seemed to affect him more powerfully than she had anticipated, his dark eyes studying her face with the sort of intense attention that had become familiar since their growing intimacy had begun to dissolve the formal barriers between them.

"You are quite certain of your willingness to subject yourself to such an ordeal? London society can be remarkably cruel to those they perceive as outsiders or upstarts."

"I am quite certain that I have no intention of allowing fear to prevent me from fulfilling my obligations as your duchess. If Her Majesty wishes to meet me, then I shall endeavour to prove worthy of both her interest and your name."

The determination in her voice seemed to provide him with some measure of reassurance, though she could see that the prospect of returning to the social world that had once embraced him filled him with considerable apprehension.

The man who had been considered one of London's most eligible bachelors before the war would now face that same society as a scarred recluse whose appearance might well inspire pity or revulsion rather than admiration.

"Very well," he said finally, his tone carrying the sort of resolution that suggested he had accepted the inevitable and was prepared to make the best of circumstances beyond his control.

"We shall depart for London within the fortnight.

That should provide sufficient time to assemble appropriate wardrobes and prepare ourselves for whatever reception awaits us. "

The days that followed passed in a whirlwind of activity that transformed the quiet routine of Ravenshollow Manor into something resembling military preparations for a campaign of uncertain outcome.

Seamstresses arrived from York and Leeds to assess Evangeline's requirements for a London appropriate wardrobe, their measuring tapes and fabric samples gradually accumulating into an impressive arsenal designed to ensure her success in the most demanding social arena in England.

"The key to London success," Lucian informed her during one of their strategy sessions in the library, "lies in understanding that appearance and manner often matter more than substance or character.

You must present yourself with such confidence and elegance that no one dares to question your right to the position you occupy. "

"How remarkably cynical," she observed with amusement at his worldly assessment of fashionable society. "Though I suppose such knowledge comes from extensive personal experience with the ton's particular requirements?"

"Indeed it does. I was once considered quite accomplished at navigating such treacherous waters, though that expertise was acquired before circumstances altered my relationship with polite society."

The reference to his success before the war reminded them both of how much his life had changed since those days when his presence at social gatherings had been sought after rather than endured.

Yet as she watched him coach her in the subtle protocols that governed London interactions, Evangeline found herself catching glimpses of the charming, confident man he must have been, before injury and disillusionment had taught him to expect rejection rather than welcome.

"Tell me about your London house," she requested during one of their planning sessions. "I should like to know what to expect when we arrive in Mayfair."

"Ravenshollow House has been in our family for three generations," he replied with obvious pride that seemed to transcend his current circumstances.

"It overlooks Berkeley Square and is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in London.

You will find it considerably more opulent than our Yorkshire establishment, though perhaps less comfortable in its way. "

"And the servants? Will they be prepared for our arrival after so many years of the house standing empty?"

"The house has never stood entirely empty—a skeleton staff has maintained it in readiness for family occupation. However, I have sent word that full service should be restored immediately, and I suspect we shall find everything in excellent order upon our arrival."

The prospect of presiding over a London establishment filled Evangeline with a mixture of excitement and trepidation that intensified as their departure date approached.

She had mastered the management of Ravenshollow Manor's domestic arrangements, but London would present challenges of an entirely different magnitude, requiring skills she had never had occasion to develop.

***

Their journey to London proved to be considerably more elaborate than anything in Evangeline's previous experience, conducted in the Duke's magnificent traveling coach with an entourage that included personal servants, baggage wagons, and a small army of grooms and outriders that proclaimed their importance to every observer along the route.

Wellington had been granted the privilege of accompanying them, much to his obvious delight, and his presence provided a comforting reminder of their Yorkshire home even as they ventured into unknown territory.

"Are you nervous?" Lucian inquired as their coach entered the outskirts of London and the familiar landmarks of the metropolis began to appear through the windows.