Page 54 of A Deal for the Duke’s Virgin

Cold dread curled through Thalia’s gut. “Oh?”

“Nothing terrible, you needn’t fret. But pressing, I would say.”

Nodding tightly, Thalia followed her stepmother out of her bedroom and down the hall to Augusta’s private parlor. Inside, a tea tray waited. This meeting had clearly been planned.

Augusta carefully shut the door and gestured for Thalia to take a seat. For a moment, there was only the pleasant sound of tea being poured.

“Now, I am not your real mama,” Augusta began carefully, “but I have always done my best to act as such. I want the best for you, Thalia.”

“I know.”

“Then I imagine you already know what this conversation is about.”

Thalia took a sip of her tea. It burned the tip of her tongue. Served her right for her impatience, really.

“I really couldn’t say.”

Augusta nodded. “Mabel told me that the Duke of Thornhill arrived unexpectedly at your picnic yesterday. Apparently, there was a scene.”

“Oh, yes. Miss Hartridge also arrived. She dislikes me intensely.”

“Miss Hartridge does not concern me. Thalia, my dear, you must know that meeting gentlemen in such an informal setting is always a cause for concern. Doing it without my consent or your brother’s is doubly dangerous.”

Color flooded Thalia’s face. She set her teacup down with a clatter. “I did not plan to meet the Duke, Augusta. You must believe me, his appearance was quite a shock to me.”

Augusta eyed her for a moment, then nodded slowly. “If you say it was not planned, then I believe you. But I should warn you that your brother does not.”

The dread in Thalia’s gut grew.

If Jonathan thinks I am using the treat days as an excuse to meet men without his consent, he will put a stop to them.

Swallowing, she thought of all the things her brother might do to prevent her. He would start by withholding her allowance, of course. Next, he would inform the servants that anyone helping her or offering her food to take would be dismissed. Few of them would risk it, and Thalia could never allow them to try. He could also inform the footmen and the butler that she was not to leave the house unaccompanied by him.

And they would be forced to obey, all of them. Any servant who was caught disobeying would be dismissed, and a new, more obedient servant would be brought in to replace them.

She could sneak out, of course, but where would that leave her? An unaccompanied young woman with no money and no resources. She’d be worse than useless to the orphans.

Jonathan had less power over Augusta, of course. He would occasionally take her advice, even. But when it came to his sister, his power was just about absolute.

Only for a month more.

“He… he doesn’t know, does he?”

“Naturally not,” Augusta said firmly. “Mabel is not enough of a fool to tell him. I have no intention of getting you into trouble with your brother, not unless I think your reputation or even you are in danger. But these surprise meetings with the Duke must stop. Mabel told me that she believed he had come to you on purpose?”

“I believe so.”

“Well, you must tread carefully, my dear. Men like the Duke are thoroughly dangerous and rather thoughtless. They ruin women’s reputations on a whim, and you might find yourself in quite a predicament. Have a care, my love.”

“I… I am being careful. But I am not sure that the Duke is quite as cruel as is commonly thought.”

Augusta lifted an eyebrow, sipping her own tea. “Oh?”

Thalia reddened, glancing away. “He… he brought a bag of marbles. For the children. He somehow contrived it that they all won the marbles from him. They enjoyed the game immensely, of course, and he was so… so kind. I did not believe him capable of such kindness.”

“I would not have thought so, either,” Augusta answered thoughtfully. “Well, I do not mean to say that the man is pure evil, but you know his reputation. He is the very last man in London that anyone would consider amenable to marriage. But I shall be frank with you, Thalia. I have noticed that he pays special attention to you. He seems… fond of you. And aside from this improper meeting in the park, he has behaved well.”

Thalia bit her lip.