Page 13 of Unmask Me My Love (The Matchmaker’s Ball #3)

The cut crystal chandeliers threw beams of light down from high above the excited throng of people waiting to see her as Gabriella walked into Lady Ulley’s ballroom a scant week since the Duke of Rother had acknowledged her as his daughter and Hal had proposed.

Heart beating with excitement and dread, Gabriella leaned a little more on Hal’s arm than she normally would have, but it was très étrange to now be the lady wearing the beautiful gown and not merely the maid who had constructed it. She glanced down at the green silk dress she’d created during the week while trying to keep her nerves at bay. Surprisingly, she’d found sewing now calmed her, kept her focused and less likely to brood about whether the ton would accept her as the illegitimate daughter of a duke.

On-dits had run wild during the past week, and Gabriella suspected the reason Lady Ulley’s townhouse was full to bursting was because everyone wished to see the Frenchwoman the most eligible Duke of Rother had married out of hand less than a week ago. The very next afternoon after her mother’s appearance, the duke had called on them at Lord Ivor’s townhouse and gone down on one knee, formally asking her mother to be his wife. When Maman had immediately said yes, he’d pulled a special license from his pocket and spirited her off to the nearest church that very day.

Gabriella might’ve been scandalized—if he wished to marry her mother, he should have taken his time and courted her properly—however, her mother’s glowing face when she told Gabriella the news of the betrothal and her radiant smile as she spoke her vows to the duke had stilled any protest Gabriella could’ve made. Maman had waited eighteen long years to be with the man she loved. What need was there for her to wait longer?

Unfortunately, her father’s impetuous attitude toward his own wedding had not extended itself to hers and Hal’s.

To the contrary, when Hal had immediately asked for her hand in marriage, Papa, as he’d asked her to call him, had remained adamant that she and Hal must wait for the banns to be read so that he would not lose the daughter he’d just gained. Even though Gabriella could understand that, it didn’t make it any easier for her and Hal to remain circumspect in their meetings with one another, especially when each time they met they were drawn to one another as though he was the south pole of a magnet, and she his absolute north. The past week had been a frustrating series of longing looks and heavy sighs.

“There he is, Rother.” Hal nodded toward a tall, striking gentleman who bore quite a resemblance to Hal, especially around the eyes and nose. “You promised to perform the introduction.”

Papa turned from whispering something in Maman’s ear that had made her cheeks quite pink and brought his quizzing glass up to his eye. He looked the Duke of Brixham up and down then dropped the glass monocle and nodded. “Very well, Halford. Although I do not see what all the rush is about.”

“You seemed more than rushed to marry Madame d’Aventure,” Hal grumbled, so low only Gabriella could hear him, thank goodness.

Frowning, she tugged sharply on his sleeve and shook her head. “Hush, mon cher . Do not offend Papa. He has only grudgingly given his consent for our marriage.”

“Well, my father hasn’t given consent at all, and I insist we remedy that tout suite .” He smiled down at her, but his eyes were serious. The past days had been a whirlwind of excitement for Gabriella but a trial for her beloved. “We still must have his blessing, or you will be marrying little more than a pauper until my father dies.”

“Have faith, mon c?ur . My papa will make his wishes known à ton père . He will not deny me my happiness.” Gabriella returned Hal’s stare until his face softened.

“You have great faith in your father, my love.” He chuckled softly. “I only hope you have as much in me.”

“Have I not done so almost since the moment we met?” Gabriella stiffened. The Duke of Brixham was almost upon them.

“Brixham, well met.” Papa sounded jovial; however, Gabriella had learned in the short time she’d known him that her father was a master at cloaking his true feelings.

Hal’s papa was a very imposing man, with Hal’s height, broad shoulders, and dark brown eyes, though they had none of her betrothed’s warmth. No wonder Hal was concerned about his father’s acceptance of Gabriella. She began to think Hal had not exaggerated his worries over receiving the man’s blessing.

“Good evening, Rother.” The Duke of Brixham glanced from Maman to Gabriella, his face impassive.

Gabriella began to shake, as though she’d just emerged from an icy pond.

Hal squeezed her arm, giving her strength when she most needed it. She could undergo anyone’s scrutiny with Hal by her side.

Papa smiled broadly and turned to Maman. “My dear, may I introduce the Duke of Brixham? He is the Marquess of Halford’s father.” He shot a challenging look at the duke. “This is my wife, the Duchess of Rother.”

“ Je suis ravi de vous rencontrer, Votre Grace .” Maman sank in a deep curtsey. “We have all become most fond of votre fils, le marquis .”

“Delighted to meet you, Duchess.” Brixham bowed, his gaze leaping back and forth from Maman to Hal to Gabriella herself.

Her heart began to beat with the frantic fluttering of a hummingbird’s wings.

His eyes finally came to rest on Gabriella. “May I ask to be presented to this enchanting young lady, Rother?”

“Of course.” Her father motioned Gabriella to him. “Gabriella, may I introduce the Duke of Brixham? He is, as you know, Lord Halford’s father.” Papa’s stern gaze rested on the duke. “This is Gabriella Veronique d’Aventure, my daughter.”

Gabriella curtsied, her heart in her throat. If the duke didn’t approve of her, her marriage to Hal would be so much more difficult. “I am very pleased to meet you at last, Your Grace.”

“As am I, Miss d’Aventure.” His sharp gaze took her in, and Gabriella had to school herself not to tremble. What was the man thinking? Mon Dieu . Would he be appeased because Papa had acknowledged her? Would that be enough for him to approve her marriage to Hal? “You are a credit to your parents.” He turned to her father. “I’ll call around tomorrow afternoon if that’s convenient for you, Rother? So we can get on with the settlements.”

Gabriella released her breath and sent a hopeful glace to Hal, who looked stunned.

“Would two o’clock suit you?” Papa moved closer to the duke.

“Admirably.” Brixham nodded. “I imagine you will be making a formal acknowledgement of Miss d’Aventure soon?”

“We will be attending entertainments throughout the rest of the Season, so the ton will learn of it gradually.”

“Do you think that wise, Rother?” Hal’s father frowned at Papa. “Wouldn’t one grand announcement be better for all concerned?”

“Do you wish me to put it in The Times , Brixham?” Papa’s mouth settled into a firm, thin line. He turned to Maman. “If you will excuse me, my dear? Brixham and I need a moment to talk.”

“Of course, mon cher .” Maman smiled tranquilly. “You must do what is best for dear Gabriella.”

The two dukes immediately headed toward the doorway, already deep in their conversation.

As soon as her father had gone, Gabriella hurried back to Hal’s side. “This is a good thing, is it not, mon c?ur ?”

“Amazingly good, my love.” He took her arm and wound it through his. “I would not have believed my father would capitulate so easily.” He gazed down at her, the warmth in his eyes making her tingle. “I think he fell in love with you at first sight. Like father, like son.”

“I must agree with Hal, Gabriella.” Her mother came to join them, her eyes sparkling with merriment. “Between your father’s acknowledgement of you and your own loveliness, I think the duke has been bewitched.”

“I am afraid he may be stubborn in his demands for the marriage settlements and dowry.” Hal sighed. “Unfortunately, the circumstances of your birth will give him the advantage in bargaining, my dear.”

Gabriella’s heart sank. Would her father agree to such demands? “Has Papa discussed this with you, Maman? Will he agree to provide me with a generous enough dowry, do you think?”

“Do not fret, ma petite .” Maman’s smile eased Gabriella’s fears. “Your papa has said he will agree to almost any amount in order to give you what your heart desires.”

“Oh, Maman.” Tears pricking her eyes, Gabriella hugged her mother, uncaring if everyone saw. “He is truly the best Papa, n’est-ce pas ?”

“He is, ma cherie . He truly is.” Maman stepped away from her and lifted her head until she looked into her eyes. “But now you must pay attention to your betrothed. You do not wish him to feel neglected, do you.”

“Of course not.” Wiping her eyes with her handkerchief, Gabriella turned back to Hal with a broad smile. “I would never do that.” She held out her hand to Hal. “Shall we dance, mon amour ? I wish to fly all around the room to proclaim my utter joy.”

“Your wish is my command, sweetheart.” Hal smiled broadly and took her arm once more. “Do you think the next dance might be a waltz?”

“You love the waltz, n’est-ce pas ? I think you would dance every dance if they would play all waltzes.” Gabriella giggled as he led her to the dance floor.

“If it meant I could hold you in my arms like this all night, I absolutely would.” He grinned and grasped her hand and waist just before the orchestra commenced with a lilting tune. Hal started them off briskly, and Gabriella had to concentrate to keep up with his eccentric pace.

“ Mon cher , you do understand the beginning of the waltz is performed in three-quarter time?” she managed to say as they swooped across the floor.

“Of course I do, my dear.” Hal continued to turn them as their hands came up to form an arch over top of them. “I am merely getting my ‘waltzing legs,’ much as one has to get their sea legs, don’t you know. I don’t believe I’ve danced enough recently.” He gazed at her with hungry eyes. “I’ve been waiting for the perfect partner all my life. And now I have found her, thank God.” Hal dropped his voice. “I may not be able to let you go after tonight. Can your father be persuaded, do you think, to our marriage taking place sooner than three weeks?”

Sighing, Gabriella kept a careful watch on where they were going, as her beloved currently had eyes only for her. “I fear not, mon amour . Papa is adamant that I remain in his house until the day he has appointed.” She cast her gaze down, not wanting him to see the distress in her face. “And although I, too, am impatient to be your wife, I also wish to be his daughter for just a little while longer.”

“I suspected as much, my love.” Hal’s voice had taken on a tender note. “And I do understand the duke wishing to make up for the lost years. Regrettably, I’ve never been the most patient of men, although I suppose I will have to acquire that virtue with the speed of a Derby champion.”

The music came to an end, for which Gabriella was rather glad. Waltzing with Hal was a challenge, to be sure. “Shall we return to Maman?” She peered around the room, searching for her mother. “I don’t wish for her to be alone so long if Papa had not returned to her. She knows no one in English society yet.”

“Of course, my dear.” Hal started them back toward the front of the ballroom, when they were stopped dead by a shrill shriek behind them.

“Gabriella! Gabriella, is that you? What on earth are you doing here ?”

The sound of that sickening voice sent a shiver of dread coursing down Gabriella’s back. She looked up at Hal to find his face pinched as if he had heard the jarring notes of an instrument dreadfully out of tune. As one, they turned to find Lady Chalgrove standing there, her eyes wide and wild, her lips in a snarl.

“Lady Chalgrove, how lovely to see you again.” Hal’s smile threatened to turn into outright laughter. “It has been much too long.”

Wanting to sink through the floor to hide herself, Gabriella held onto Hal’s arm as though it were her only lifeline in a maelstrom.

“Indeed, my lord.” She cut her gaze to Hal, her eyes snapping. “I would say it was not long enough given the circumstances of our last meeting.” Then she shifted her attention back to Gabriella, outright hatred in her face. “I see you are still enamored of my maid, although how you managed to smuggle her into this assembly I do not know. Lady Ulley will feel herself ill-used when she finds her guest is consorting with one of the servants.”

“Miss d’Aventure has not been a servant since she left your service, Lady Chalgrove. A day that will forever be celebrated as her day of independence.” Hal still spoke jovially, although Gabriella detected an undertone of contempt. “And I believe if you ask Lady Ulley, you will find that Miss d’Aventure is a most welcome guest this evening.”

“I sincerely doubt that, my lord.” Lady Chalgrove continued to glare at Gabriella, as if willing her to flee the ballroom.

If Hal hadn’t had her arm anchored firmly in his, she might have done so. Of all the people she could have seen tonight, Lady Chalgrove was absolutely the last one she would have chosen.

“Lady Ulley would scarcely allow a lady’s maid to enter her house and pretend to be a person of quality,” Lady Chalgrove continued, her lips pursed in disgust.

“I assure you, my lady, that Miss d’Aventure is a person of quality.” Hal beamed down at her and squeezed her hand. “In fact, I will make you privy to a secret,” he leaned toward the odious woman, “that shortly Miss d’Aventure will become my wife and the Marchioness of Halford.”

Lady Chalgrove’s face drained of color, her hand going to her throat as if she might be choking. “That cannot be true! Your father would never allow such a mesalliance , Lord Halford.”

“Oh, but I assure you he will, Lady Chalgrove.”

Gabriella jumped at the voice of her father. Papa and Maman had come upon them on silent feet.

“My lord.” Lady Chalgrove smiled at her father, a simper in her voice. “Do you have knowledge of this scandalous marriage Lord Halford is proposing between himself and a lady’s maid?”

“Indeed, madame, I have intimate knowledge of it.” Papa’s face had changed until he reminded Gabriella of the gargoyles on the cathedral of Notre Dame.

“Why would that be, Duke?” Taken aback, Lady Chalgrove frowned. “I do not recall that you are related to Lord Halford or the Duke of Brixham.”

“No, but I am related to Miss d’Aventure.” Her father sent her a smile that lit up his face. His pride in her was so obvious her heart hurt in her chest. “As father of the bride-to-be.”

“What?” The single word was all but a whisper, as though Lady Chalgrove’s stays had been too tightly laced.

“Miss d’Aventure is my daughter, madame. A fact that the entire ton will be aware of hereafter. I acknowledge that she is my offspring, and as such the Duke of Brixham is delighted to welcome her into his family.”

“That makes it absolutely official, my love,” Hal whispered to her. “My father will not dare renege on the betrothal now it has become common knowledge.”

“Or will as soon as Lady Chalgrove spreads it about.” Gabriella sighed. “She will make it seem that you are marrying far below your station, mon amour . Do you mind very much what the ton says about us?”

“I have never cared before this, sweetheart.” Hal grinned down at her. “Why would it bother me now?”

“But this is outrageous, Duke.” Lady Chalgrove had apparently regained the power of speech. “You never once even intimated you had a daughter.” She stared at Gabriella, her dislike emanating like waves of an icy fog. “Would you have kept her a secret until after you married?”

“As her mother kept the secret from me for eighteen years, I may be forgiven by the ton for being ignorant of my responsibility. That, however, has now been remedied.” He drew Maman out from behind Hal, where she’d been standing unobtrusively, and turned to her. “My dear, may I present to you Lady Chalgrove, an acquaintance of mine, and the woman who was our daughter’s employer for a time.”

Lady Chalgrove’s mouth dropped open, her face varying from stark white to fiery red. Finally, she drew in a breath, her face falling into harsh lines. “You are Gabriella’s mother?”

“Yes, my lady.” Maman’s voice was even, although the look she gave Lady Chalgrove would have sent Gabriella scurrying out of the room had it been leveled at her. She knew that look oh, so well, and the consequences that followed it were never pleasant.

“And my wife, Lady Chalgrove.” Papa’s smile was just as menacing as Maman’s voice. “May I present the Duchess of Rother?”

That Lady Chalgrove did not fall down in a faint did the woman credit as far as Gabriella was concerned. She would give the devil her due. But she could not pretend that she didn’t delight in the look of horror on the woman’s face.

Her former employer looked from Papa to Maman to Gabriella, and finally to Hal, who grinned broadly. “Surprise, my lady.”

Lady Chalgrove’s chest heaved as she tried to pull enough breath into her body. It was never pleasant having the wind knocked out of your sails. At last, the lady threw back her shoulders, sent scathing looks to all of them, then turned on her heel and stalked toward the ballroom entryway.

“I suppose the cat is out of the bag now, Duke.” Hal’s grin had widened.

“It would seem so.” Papa nodded toward Lady Chalgrove, who had stopped to join a cluster of ladies talking near the doorway. She leaned toward them, shot a malevolent look toward the four of them then bent her head and began speaking animatedly.

“Under these circumstances, Duke, I think it would be prudent for my marriage to Gabriella to proceed without delay.” Hal took her arm again, more possessively than before. “That way Gabriella will have the protection of both your name and mine.”

Papa raised an eyebrow at Hal. “I seriously doubt the lady will seek to have Gabriella physically harmed. Her spite will go no further than putting about something to besmirch her name or mine. That I will take care of first thing tomorrow.” Papa chuckled. “What Lady Chalgrove may not have realized—nor you either, Halford—is that when I married Veronique, I gained guardianship over Gabriella. And as her guardian, I have the legal right to fight for her if anyone tries to sully her or her family’s good name.” Papa’s gaze came to rest once more on Hal. “A valiant effort, Halford, but the wedding will proceed at the appointed time, now in two weeks.”

He took Maman’s arm and led her to the dance floor.

Gabriella laughed softly at the forlorn look on Hal’s face. “Do not fret, mon cher . The time will pass quickly.”

Hal gave her a rueful smirk and shook his head. “If you were a gambling lady, my dear, I wouldn’t take that bet for any sum.” He took her arm and steered her toward the dance floor as well. “The next two weeks are going to be everlasting.”

Something about the glint in his eyes, however, told Gabriella that Hal was going to try his best to find a way to make their marriage occur sooner rather than later.