The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series) (22 page)

“There’s no time to get yourself in a dither, Adam,” Jewel said, then giggled as she tried to usher him out the door.

As their coach drew near Foxmore, a glow could be seen in the distance. Several footmen awaited to assist them from the carriage as it pulled up to the front entrance. Emerging from the vehicle first, Adam waved away the footman who was there to help Jewel.

Soft music filled the air with an enchanting melody, surrounding them as they climbed the white marble steps. Once they entered the foyer, a maid immediately appeared to take Jewel’s wrap.

“What a lovely cape,” the maid commented. She turned and took Adam’s greatcoat. “You have excellent taste, sir.”

Jewel saw the way the woman batted her eyelashes in a flirtatious gesture. Evidently she was another of his conquests.

Adam looked amused, but didn’t bother to answer. Instead he moved to where Jewel stood and took her by the elbow, then proceeded to the receiving line.

“It’s good to see you, ol’ chap. I see you made it home safely.” Jonathan’s enthusiasm showed as he shook Adam’s hand.

“As you can see, I’m back in one piece. And I might say I did have a successful trip. I’d like to thank you for looking after Jewel.”

“The pleasure was all mine. We’ve become good friends.” Jonathan winked playfully at her. “Tell me, Adam, did you meet Duke?”

“How could I not see one clumsy, little, flop-eared hound? But then, you knew I couldn’t miss him.”

Jonathan laughed. “I’m just about finished here. Let’s get together later. I’d like to hear about your excursion.” He then turned his attention to Jewel. “My dear, you look simply ravishing. Be sure and save me at least one dance, possibly more.”

“I will,” Jewel replied just before Adam led her into the main ballroom.

The lavishly decorated ballroom was filled with beautiful ball gowns in every imaginable color. There are just too many people! Jewel thought as she clutched Adam’s arm a little tighter. Not having a true identity was frightening among so many strangers.

As if sensing her sudden apprehension, Adam patted her hand as he led her to a small group of people and began introductions. Jewel listened, finding it difficult to contribute to the conversation. She felt as if every eye was on her, and several times she did look around only to meet someone’s quickly averted gaze.

Little did Jewel know everyone was staring at her. The women chattered among themselves, green with envy, wondering who this lovely creature with the Duke of St. Ives could be. They spoke of her beauty, and especially her clothing.

“There is not another dress in the room that can even come close to its richness,” one lady commented. “Have you noticed, the dress is the duke’s colors? What do you suppose that means?”

Colette happened to be in one of the groups when she overheard that particular comment. “It doesn’t signify a thing. As you all know, Adam will be asking for my hand in the very near future.”

“Not if he’s around that young woman very much,” commented a stiff matron with graying hair.

Another young woman joined in the conversation, “I envy you, Colette, if you do marry Lord Trent. He’s so handsome.” The young woman giggled as she stood dreamy-eyed. “Just look at him tonight. He’s dashing, and by far the best-looking man here.”

“You’re right, of course, I’m a very lucky lady. And if you will all excuse me, I think I shall go over and join him now.” Colette swept away from the group.

She stopped by the refreshments table, having grown extremely warm. Slowly, she sipped the cool champagne, remembering Adam’s last words to her. He had led her to believe that this woman she saw before her was a mere child. The girl was young, but she was in every sense a woman. Colette frowned. She had seen the way every man’s head had turned when the woman entered the room. She would have to inform the young chit just what kind of relationship she and Adam had.

The evening grew long for Adam as he kept his eyes on Jewel while appearing to pay no attention to her. At least she was by his side now. He glanced around the room for Captain Lee. Relief washed over Adam when he didn’t spot him. Good. Lee wasn’t coming. Now maybe he could relax just a bit.

But just when he did, a young dandy by the name of Charles Simmons from London approached them. Adam had noticed the young man’s gaze on Jewel from the moment she’d entered the ballroom.

“Your Grace, it’s good to see you,” Charles said. “I must beg for an introduction to your lovely niece.”

Charles couldn’t seem to take his eyes off Jewel, which Adam found a little irritating. Charles waited for the introduction. Not hearing anything, he glanced at Adam. “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” Charles added nervously.

Adam let out a disgusted sigh, trying very hard not to lose his temper and give this young buck the set-down he deserved. “The lady is not my niece,” he bit out.

“I beg your pardon, Your Grace, but Colette told me this was your niece and you wouldn’t mind my dancing with her.”

“Really?” He drew his brows together in an angry frown, not at all surprised by Charles’s explanation. “May I introduce you to Lady Jewel.”

“It’s a pleasure to greet someone with such beauty.” Charles bowed graciously.

“Thank you,” Jewel murmured, casting a glance at the crowd looking for Colette. Jewel’s stomach tightened at the mention of the woman’s name.

“Jewel, would you like some refreshments?” Adam asked.

“That would be lovely.”

Charles, seeing this as an opportunity, asked, “Would you care to dance in the meantime?” With a look at Adam’s stern face, he added quickly, “If His Grace does not mind.”

Jewel was tired of these men talking about her as if she weren’t here. She could speak for herself. “Why should he mind?” She laughed. “I’m the one that will be dancing.” She reached out and took Charles’s hand, leaving both men a little speechless.

Adam couldn’t believe her boldness. The last thing he needed was to be left standing gawking at the couple dancing. He was glad she was having a good time, but she didn’t have to dance with every man in the room. Turning, he made his way to the refreshment table.

From a less visible comer, Adam concentrated on the two young people as they moved around the room. It was hard taking his eyes off Jewel. It also appeared Charles was having the same problem. His eyes lingered once too often on her
décolletage, Adam noted as he slugged down his third brandy. He’d break Charles’s damn neck if he dared touch her!

Adam felt an arm slip through his. He looked down, and found Colette clinging to him.

“Adam, darling, you look most dashing. I had hoped to see you tonight.”

“Hello, Colette,” Adam answered.

“You should have joined us for the fox hunt this morning.” Collette paused until he gave her his attention. “You’ll never believe what happened,” she went on, relating an earlier mishap, which finally made him chuckle.

Jewel had grown warm and she was glad when the music ended and Charles moved her across the floor. She noticed a woman standing very close to Adam. She wore a vivid green satin gown with a plunging bodice that made her ample figure stand out.
So, this must be Colette.
Jewel had to admit the woman was very pretty, and Adam appeared to be enjoying himself.

As they stopped in front of Adam, he handed her a glass of wine. “I believe you will like this better than my brandy.” He winked.

Jewel smiled, noticing that Colette still clung to his arm with a very intimate gleam in her eyes.

“Adam, darling,” the woman crooned, “aren’t you going to introduce me to your little friend?”

“Yes, indeed. Jewel, I would like you to meet a friend of mine. This is Lady Colette.”

“It’s good to meet you.” Jewel nodded to the woman in front of her, noting that Colette was about three inches taller than she. Jewel returned the woman’s look, refusing to flinch at the hatred she saw there.

Colette’s smile was cold and empty as she stared back. Jewel had the distinct impression that the woman thought she was worthless and not good enough to be in this crowd.

“It’s nice you could get out and come to the party tonight,” Colette told Jewel with a sneer. “And it was especially sweet of Adam to buy such a lovely dress so you would be properly attired.” She paused before adding the final stab. Venom poured from her mouth as she attacked her victim. “I understand he found you in rags.”

Before Adam could say anything, Jewel answered Colette directly. “I quite agree, it was thoughtful of Adam to purchase a grown for me, and this necklace he gave me for Christmas, needless to say . . . leaves me speechless.” Her hand brushed the stones as she spoke. “It’s a shame, Colette, you didn’t have someone to help you pick out your dress.” Jewel batted her eyes sweetly, looking very innocent.

Adam laughed out loud, drawing quite a few stares. Just about the time Colette was ready to lunge for Jewel, he stepped between them, expertly taking Jewel by the hand, escorting her to the dance floor. “I think we should waltz, my dear.”

Adam couldn’t take his gaze off Jewel as they whirled around the room to a soft melody. Just what kind of little spitfire did he have here? “My, don’t we have a sharp tongue?”

Jewel held his stare, then laughed. “She asked for the set-down.” Jewel’s cheeks turned a deep pink.

“I believe she did,” he replied after a second’s consideration.

He pulled her closer, holding her tightly as they glided across the floor. So absorbed were they by the music that neither realized that anyone else was in the room. It was just the two of them alone.

People murmured about what a lovely couple they made, and that they seemed to waltz together as if they had been doing it all their lives. That is, all the people but one.

Colette seethed in the comer, planning how she was going to get even. Glancing at the doorway, she was surprised to see Captain Lee standing alone. She’d known Lee for a couple of years, but they usually didn’t attend the same parties. She motioned for him to come over. “What are you doing here, Henry?”

“I’ve come to get my niece.” Lee said as he eyed the room until he spotted Jewel dancing with Adam. She did look different dressed in her finery, Lee thought. Not only could Jewel supply the map he needed, but maybe he also could have a little fun on the long voyage to America. After all, the bitch did owe him something for the scar. He rubbed his index finger slowly along the red mark. But enough of that kind of thinking. He’d have to be gentle if he was going to persuade Jewel he was her long-lost uncle.

He watched Colette’s eyes widen as she said, “Your what?”

“The young lady dancing with Trent is my niece.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“Oh, but I’m quite serious,” Lee said.

“Then you’ll be taking her with you?”

“I hope to as long as His High-and-Mighty Lordship doesn’t stand in my way,” Lee sneered.

“If it will be of some help,” Colette purred, “I’ll try to keep Adam busy later.”

“Aye, that would be a big help.”

The music ended, to Adam’s disappointment. He’d enjoyed having Jewel in his arms. They walked off the dance floor, and immediately Adam spotted Captain Lee. There was no avoiding him, Adam thought. They might as well get this over with. Placing his hand in the small of Jewel’s back, he guided her over to where Lee stood.

“I see you made it, Captain.”

“Aye, I did.”

“Jewel, I would like you to meet Captain Henry Lee.” She extended her hand, which Lee took, placing a kiss there that lasted much too long. Her skin crawled. She resisted the urge to jerk free of his grasp. His cold lips caused her to shiver all over. What a strange reaction, she thought. But as she looked upon his face, she noticed a scar that ran from his ear to his mouth. She thought he had the coldest eyes she had ever seen, and for some unknown reason she didn’t like the man in the least.

“Jewel,” Adam said softly. “Captain Lee tells me you’re his niece. Do you recognize him?”

“Niece!” That was impossible. She couldn’t possibly be related to this man. Could she? “He isn’t the man in my dream,” Jewel whispered to Adam.

Captain Lee spoke up. “Darling, you’re bound to know me. I practically raised you from a little girl. Don’t you recall being on my ship? You were washed overboard. Surely you must remember.”

Jewel did recall a ship and being thrown in the water, but she couldn’t possibly be related to this man. Yet every hair on her body stood up at the sound of his voice.

“N-no, I don’t remember.”

Colette intruded. “Adam, you promised me a dance. Besides, it will give these two a chance to talk.”

Adam looked hesitantly at Jewel, and she didn’t know exactly what to say. Maybe if she talked to this man longer some sort of memory would return. She had to find out who she was before Adam left. So far, Lee didn’t tie in to any of her flashes of memory. “Yes, go ahead. I would like to talk to the captain,” Jewel finally said.

Lee tried everything to convince her they were related. She sipped her wine and listened to his prattle. Wouldn’t she know if she were related to this man? Surely she would have some intuition. Instead, all her instincts told her to beware. He was dangerous.