Page 87 of Song of the Caged Duchess

“My Lady!”

She blinked. “I’m sorry, Betsy. You were trying to get my attention.”

“That’s all right,” her lady’s maid chirped. Betsy was several years younger than Eugenia, which Eugenia had always liked. It made her feel a bit more comfortable to be around someone younger than herself.

Of course, she could imagine what her mother would say to that. Her mother would tell her that she should never feel intimidated around any servant, no matter what their age might be.Servants are beneath you, Eugenia,her mother would say firmly.You must remember your place, and hold those of lower status beneath you at all times.

That was easier said than done. Eugenia never seemed to see status, somehow. She just saw people. Betsy was a dear friend.

Now her lady’s maid hurried to her side. “Your mother has sent for you,” she said. “You’re to come down at once. Your betrothed is on his way here.”

“He is?” Eugenia spun back to the window just in time to see a carriage pull up. As she watched, the Duke of Hallowbinder climbed out.

My betrothed.

Her stomach gave a sickening lurch.

This was never what she had wanted.

“He’s asked to take you on a walk around the grounds,” Betsy explained.

“I certainly hope you’ll be chaperoning,” Eugenia said, feeling a shudder of dread at the idea of being left alone with her husband to be. Would he want to kiss her? She didn’t want to kiss him.

But there was no use trying to avoid the encounter altogether. Her mother would come in search of her if she didn’t go downstairs, and she would be angry besides.

“Do I look all right?” Eugenia asked. She wasn’t concerned with impressing the Duke, but if her mother thought she wasn’t making an effort, she would be very upset.

“You look lovely,” Betsy assured her.

Eugenia nodded. “Thank you,” she said, and made her way down the stairs to the foyer.

The Duke was standing there. When he saw her, he bowed.

“Lady Eugenia,” he said stiffly.

Oh, God. He sounds positively miserable.

Not for the first time, Eugenia wondered what her mother had said to him to compel him to agree to marry her. It seemed clear to her that he wasn’t that interested.

“Your Grace,” she said, wanting to be polite. “It’s a pleasure to see you.”

Her mother hovered near them, nearly vibrating with excitement. “His Grace has asked to take you for a turn about the grounds and discuss the upcoming wedding, Eugenia,” she said. “Isn’t that exciting?”

Eugenia nodded. “Betsy has agreed to come along as a chaperone,” she said.

“Oh, nonsense,” her mother said. “You won’t need a chaperone to walk on the grounds of your own home with your husband-to-be, Eugenia.”

“I’d feel more comfortable,” Eugenia said.

Her mother opened her mouth as if to object, but the Duke interjected. “If Lady Eugenia is more comfortable with a chaperone, I certainly have no objections,” he said. “Propriety is very important. Not all young ladies are willing to bend the rules before marriage. I respect that.”

“Very well, Your Grace,” Eugenia’s mother said. “It will be as you say.”

As they started out for their walk, though, her mother caught her by the arm and pulled her back.

“You listen to me, Eugenia,” she hissed. “If the Duke tries to steal a kiss, you’re to let him. I won’t have you putting him off with your awkwardness, not when we’re this close to getting what we’ve wanted. If he thinks you’re going to be cold to him as a wife, he might change his might about marrying you.”

Might he?