“Most young ladies have also spent their entire lives preparing themselves for their debuts. I think both my sisters found the experience to be more intimidating than enjoyable, but now that they are out, there is no going back.”
Acknowledging the dilemma, Thomas set his jaw and considered Huntley’s proposal. “Three weeks, you say?”
“Four at the most,” Huntley assured him.
“Very well then,” Thomas said. “I will do it. And I will even ask Mama to help.”
A smile slipped into place on Huntley’s face. “You knew I would ask?”
“I knew you inquired about her earlier for a reason.”
Huntley’s eyebrows dipped a little. “Do you think she’ll object?”
“I cannot say.” Thomas tapped his fingers against the armrest. He looked away briefly before meeting Huntley’s gaze once more. “She has been very withdrawn these past few years, but if I can manage to convince her, it might be a welcome distraction.”
Huntley’s expression turned tragic. “How thoughtless of me,” he whispered with deep apologetic undertones. “I forgot about your sister. I—”
“Don’t.” Thomas felt his teeth clash together as he clenched his jaw. “I would rather leave Melanie out of this.”
“Coventry...”
“I am not the only one who has lost a sibling. Am I?” When Huntley expelled a tortured breath, Thomas said, “Might I suggest we speak of something else?” He waited for Huntley to nod his agreement before saying, “I will speak to Mama and let you know what she thinks by the end of the day.”
“Thank you, Coventry.” Rising, Huntley walked Thomas out toward the foyer. “I hope you will need a favor in exchange soon so I can repay your generosity.”
Thomas smiled. “We are friends, Huntley. It is my duty to help you as best as I can.” And perhaps in doing so, he would thwart the demons that chased him and find some measure of peace.
“I do hope the two of you have a lovely holiday together,” Amelia told Gabriella as she embraced her in the foyer a week later. Dressed in an elegant gown cut from lilac muslin, the duchess looked every bit the Society lady she’d been raised to be. What set her apart from the rest of thetonwas her lack of aloofness and modesty. Amelia had liked her for both of those qualities since the moment she’d first met her.
“Are you absolutely certain you and Juliette will be all right during our absence?” Gabriella asked for what had to be the tenth time. “We can still cancel our—”
“No. Absolutely not.” Amelia stepped back and met Gabriella’s pretty blue eyes. “You and my brother deserve to enjoy each other’s company somewhere far away from here where we won’t be a distraction. No need to worry, I assure you.”
Gabriella paused as though on the brink of saying something more. But whatever it was remained unsaid since Raphe entered from the street where he’d been overseeing the preparation of the carriage. “All the trunks have been loaded,” he said, picking up the beaver hat his valet had placed on the hallway table. Examining it for a second, he shook his head as if confounded by the item. “Are you ready to depart?” The hat was returned to the table midquestion, its existence seemingly forgotten by Raphe, who’d already turned his back on it.
“Yes.” With a reassuring smile directed at Amelia, Gabriella went to say goodbye to Juliette and Lady Everly, who were standing closer to the front door. The house would feel empty without them. Especially since Raphe had given his valet and his secretary leave to visit with their families during his absence.
“We’ll be back before you know it,” Raphe told Amelia. He bent his head to kiss her on the cheek. Straightening again, he met her gaze with a somber expression. “In the meantime, I hope you will take advantage of Lady Everly’s and the Dowager Duchess of Coventry’s guidance. Both ladies have a lot to teach you.”
Responding with a smile that hopefully hid her concerns, Amelia walked her brother to the door where Gabriella stood waiting. She watched as he guided her sister-in-law down the front steps and helped her into the awaiting carriage before climbing in beside her. The driver whipped the reins a moment later, and Amelia stood beside Juliette and Lady Everly, waving until the conveyance rounded a corner and vanished from sight.
“I do hope I get to go to Paris one day,” Juliette said with a wistful sigh as they returned inside. “It’s supposed to be terribly romantic.”
“So it is,” Lady Everly said. “I have no doubt the duke and duchess will enjoy it. Shall we take tea while we await Coventry’s arrival?”
“Certainly,” Amelia managed to say in spite of the tightening in her throat. Ever since her brother had told her of the agreement he’d made with Coventry a week earlier, her nerves had caused such riotous thoughts that succumbing to sleep in the evenings had proven a chore.
“I must confess I’m a little bit anxious about making the dowager duchess’s acquaintance,” Juliette said when they entered the parlor. Crossing to the bellpull, she gave it a gentle tug before joining Amelia and Lady Everly, who’d seated themselves on a sofa upholstered in silver damask silk. Juliette claimed a matching armchair, leaving the adjacent sofa vacant for their guests.
“You need not be,” Lady Everly said. “The dowager duchess is extremely pleasant and kind. Much like her son, actually, and I know you have no qualms where he is concerned.”
“Of course,” Amelia murmured while trying to ignore the sudden swing of her stomach.
Just the thought of spending an increased amount of time in his company, of him bearing witness to all of her flaws when he himself was so utterly perfect, was making her feel rather queasy.
She’d hoped to continue her lessons in etiquette and proper comportment while keeping him at a distance, the plan being he would eventually marvel at her progress the next time they happened to meet. Instead, he’d stepped out onto the terrace last Monday and found her looking a fright. The experience had been mortifying—a definite blow to her self-esteem.
“Coventry has been extraordinarily good to us.” A tiny smile formed upon Juliette’s lips to convey her appreciation. “Frankly, I cannot imagine what we would ’ave done without him.”
