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longer a de Villiers. She was the Duchess of Westhampton, one of an
honored line of noble Her mind went back to the last Duchess, the Duke's
mother, that mysterious figure. She had kept a smile on her lips while her
portrait was being painted, the picture that hung in the library of
Westhampton. But she had been so unhappy that she had eventually run
away.
To take her mind off Westhampton, where so soon Ashe would have to
return, she tried to think again of the odious Lord Winterstoke. He was a
man that she disliked instinctively. Everything about him seemed to sneer
at her-and his bold eyes and way of looking her up and down frightened
her.
His words to her when she had had that final reluctant dance with him had
been ominous. He had more or less been threatening her with
blackmail-the threat that he would reveal all about that kiss between her
and the Duke.
Well, she would not be blackmailed. She did not care about her reputation.
She had nothing to lose now. Now that she had discovered that she had
fallen in love with the Duke, nothing else mattered.
Nothing else? There was a matter of dignity. Her plans had gone entirely
awry. She had hoped for revenge, hoped that the Duke would fall in love
with her, so that she could punish him for his loveless marriage to her.
How silly, how utterly ridiculous had been the result. Instead of gaining
her revenge, she had fallen helplessly and hopelessly in love, while the
Duke remained carefree, only thinking of her as yet another woman to be
pursued in Search of amorous pleasure. She had lost her heart. She had no
heart to lose. It had all gone badly and irrevocably wrong.
She turned for home. What can I do now?" the words escaped her lips. If
she stayed in London, it would mean further heartbreak not for the Duke
but for herself. If she returned to the country that would mean the end of all
her hopes. Either way she had nothing to expect from the Duke except the
careless expression of his lust.
Perhaps . . . things will change . . . Perhaps his lust will change into love.
She knew she was trying to deceive herself. All her actions at deceiving the
Duke, but instead they had duped her own heart. She had deceived her own
heart. She was the author of her own unhappiness.
Perhaps I can run away entirely, just disappear from the face of the earth.
Lady Lancaster would like that. So perhaps would the Duke. He would be
free of his boring wife in the country.
Would he miss the young girl who had caught his eye in; London? A little,
perhaps. But there would be other women to take his mind off the stranger
on whom he had bestowed a careless kiss. There would be opera dancers
and singers.
She just could not decide what to do. I must talk to Emily, she thought. It
was the measure of her own distress of mind. Usually it was Emily who
asked advice of Clorinda. I only wish Monsieur Lafayette had been in
London still. He might have been able to help me.
Bravely she straightened up her slender form, and stepped out a little
faster. The summer day had clouded slightly and it looked as if a shower
was threatening. The occupants of the Park all seemed to be hurrying home
to their work, or backs to their place of business. It was time for her to be
back too. She let herself quietly into the front door, and slipped upstairs.
The walk in the Park had not been wasted. It had brought back some of her
old resilience.
* * *
By the time Betty brought her the morning chocolate, she was pleased to
see some color in the cheeks of her little Duchess. She had worried that she
might find her pale and distressed. Instead, Clorinda was sitting up in bed
with determined cheerfulness.
I want you to pack up my things for me, Betty, she said. Lay out my old
traveling cloak, and also the dress I wore to arrive in London.
Are we leaving so soon?" asked the astonished maid after a pause.
It is high time I returned, said Clorinda with an assumption of good
spirits. I have enjoyed my time in London. I have bought a new wardrobe
and learned about London society. There is nothing more for me to do
here.
But I thought, Your Grace . . . The girl s voice trailed off. She was
embarrassed for her mistress. She did not want to hurt her with further
questions, and yet she wanted to know more.
It was a silly idea, Betty, said Clorinda frankly. She managed to speak
without a tremor. I think it is time now that I returned to Westhampton,
and made myself into a dutiful wife. After all I have had a fine holiday in
London.
The maid looked disappointed with her answer for a while, but she soon
forgot her preoccupation in brushing the wonderful red-gold hair and
binding it with a green ribbon. Your Grace looks lovely," she said warmly
and comfortingly.
Downstairs Clorinda was amazed to discover that Lord Winterstoke had
already arrived. He and Emily were making stilted conversation about the
ball at Carlton House. I told Lord Winterstoke that I did not know when
you would be down, said Emily in an embarrassed voice, but he insisted
on remaining.
I am astonished to find His Lordship here so early, said Clorinda without
any pleasure in her voice. Emily looked at her shrewdly.
In pursuit of your charming company, it is no .hardship to rise early, said
Lord Winterstoke in a tone which Clorinda instantly recognized was one of
gallantry mixed with an undercurrent of scarcely veiled threat.
Turning to Emily he went on rudely, Madam, I wish to talk to Miss de
Vere alone. She may or may not have confided in you about the events of
last night. If not, I can assure you that it is necessary she should have some
words in private with me.
Emily looked alarmed and confused. She knew nothing of this. I have not
told Mrs. Wilioughby about last night, said Clorinda quietly. I have not
yet had time or opportunity to do so. But, Emily dear, Lord Winterstoke is
right. I must have words with him privately. I know it is improper, but it is
important.
Very well, was all that Emily said. I shall be next door in the green
room, if you need me, she added significantly.
Does your friend think that the ardor of my passion means instant rape?"
asked Lord Winterstoke disagreeably as Emily left the room. I am not so
foolish, my dear, though were we still in the dark alleyways of Vauxhall
Gardens I couldn t speak for my behavior. You are so lovely, you know.
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