Page 6 of A Duke in Autumn

She longed to be able to speak of them, to voice her actual opinion of fashion. Dare she do so, here? Lady Annet was a chance acquaintance, who lived a day’s travel at least from Upper Nettlefold, where Eugenia’s home was. And she was a person who considered improprietous things fun. If anyone would understand, and not reveal her secret to society, surely, Lady Annet was that person.

She swallowed again, and licked her lips.

“Neither do I understand it. So much more is possible. The design of gowns is an infinite thing – so many possibilities, so much that can be done. And yet we are constrained to so limited a choice.”

Lady Annet regarded her in surprise.

“Lady Eugenia, do I detect the faintest touch of rebellion in your words? Is this something where you might dare to be naughty?”

Eugenia felt the blush rise in her cheeks, but spoke, her words coming out in a rush.

“Yes! But only so far as my sketching of designs goes. I cannot imagine ever having my ideas made, or wearing them – for they are, I confess, much, much more daring than anything a respectable young lady should wear.”

“You sketch designs for gowns? You must show me! I cannot imagine how you might do so – I am not clever enough to imagine new designs like that – I simply admire the fashion plates in the magazines. You will show me, won’t you?”

An odd warmth filled Eugenia. She had just confessed to doing something inappropriate, and, rather than being castigated for it, Lady Annet admired her ability. It was a very strange sensation.

“I… maybe. If you visit me, perhaps I can show you, without Mother noticing.”

“I will definitely do so – I can’t wait to see your designs!”

“Thank you. But… do not put too much store in this – you may well be disappointed.”

“I very much doubt that – as far as I can see, you do everything that you allow yourself to do, as perfectly as you possibly can – so I suspect that this will be no different.”

Eugenia looked at her, and hoped that Lady Annet was not going to be, in truth, disappointed – for her faith in Eugenia’s ability was something Eugenia valued enormously.

“What a delightful scene!”

Both Eugenia and Lady Annet twisted around at the sound of the voice, their faces filled with shock. Eugenia knew that voice, and her cheeks were heated instantly, no doubt so reddened by her embarrassment that she resembled an over-ripe apple.

The Duke of Oakthorpe stood in the clearing, just where the path from the picnic site entered it, his face wreathed in a smile, and his eyes full of mischievous delight. Of all people who might have chanced upon them, why did it have to be him?

“Your Grace! Please, turn away. You should not…”

“I should not be admiring your shapely calves and ankles, or your delicate feet in the water? Propriety would dictate that I should not, you are right. But I am, and lovely shapely legs they are. If boots were not so damnably difficult to take off, I could easily be tempted to join you.”

Eugenia’s mind reeled in shock. He still stood there, watching. He had just complimented her scandalously revealed legs, and had even suggested… She had not thought that her cheeks were capable of greater heat, but it seemed that they were.

“Please, turn away…”

“Have I scandalised you, Lady Eugenia? I do apologise if I have. But I cannot regret coming upon such a lovely sight. Especially as I would never have suspected that you would do such a thing… a thing which is not perfectly well behaved… can it be that the lady beside you has led you astray?”

Eugenia glared at him. he was mocking her! Laughing at her discomposure again, and teasing her. It was insupportable! Yet… the warmth in his voice when he spoke sent heat through her entire body – that a gentleman considered her legs ‘lovely’… he was right – this situation was very, very far from her usual perfect comportment.

“I pray you, Your Grace, have the courtesy to turn aside, that I might restore myself to a respectable state. I would prefer that you forget that you ever saw this.”

He hesitated a moment, then gave a tiny mocking bow, and turned to face away from them. But he did not leave the clearing, as both women lifted their feet from the water, and hurriedly donned stockings and shoes. He spoke softly again, still turned away.

“Lady Eugenia, you ask too much. I can turn aside like this, as you requested, but I cannot, ever, forget what I have seen.”

She shivered. What did he mean by that? Was he implying… she did not know, but her mouth was suddenly dry, and her heart beat faster. Once they both stood, restored to respectability, with their skirts smoothed down, Lady Annet broke the silence which had fallen.

“Your Grace, you may turn around now. We are respectable again.”

He turned, and his eyes met Eugenia’s, full of warmth, even though he spoke to both of them.

“I can only lament the need for respectability, no matter how inappropriate of me that is. But, now that it is achieved, may I escort you back to the picnic, and join you to partake of the refreshments? I feel the need of interesting conversation. I must admit that I fled the picnic area to avoid a certain young lady’s… hopeful attention… shall I say.”