Chapter 5

 

 

“Natalie, where have you been?” Elinore's whine cut through the room as Natalie entered the small parlor. “I have had servants searching for you.”

 

“What did you need? I was in the garden reading.” Just then, Natalie remembered that she left her book in the grove, by the tree she'd been leaning against. Her encounter with the duke had left her disconcerted. Now she would have to go back out and retrieve it.

 

“Reading? How boring. I wanted to tell you about the duke. He's even more handsome in person than I have ever heard tale of. His eyes are the bluest, blue I have ever seen.” As her cousin droned on, Natalie nodded when appropriate, but otherwise didn't pay any attention. She didn't need Elinore to tell her how handsome the duke was. She had first hand knowledge. A knowledge she never would have thought she'd have.

 

“What do you think I should do to win his heart?” Elinore looked expectedly at her cousin, serious concern on her pretty face. It took Natalie a moment to realize that a question was asked, so she simply looked as if she was giving it consideration and waited for her cousin to start her monologue once again. It didn't take long.

 

“With this many other girls, I should wear my most flattering clothing. The ice blue silk tonight for dinner, do you not think?”

 

Natalie nodded and smiled and her cousin began anew. Natalie wouldn't be invited to dinner, but would received a tray in her room. She wouldn't be invited to any of the soirées or events that were planned during the week long stay. Her only purpose was to be around to listen to her vacuous cousin drone on about nothing. It was a bleak life, but Natalie had no choice. Her father's death had left her with no one, except her aunt and cousin.

 

Before the melancholy of her memories could beset her, the Duke of Sutherland walked into the small parlor. He had a delightful, roguish smile on his face and came to stand beside Natalie and Elinore. Bowing his head, Miles looked from one girl to the other. The differences were night and day. While Elinore was fair, with blond hair and green eyes, Natalie was darker, with brown hair and blue eyes. Elinore gave Miles her full attention, while Natalie looked to her lap, trying desperately to blend into the settee.

 

“Good day, ladies. Lady Elinore, I do not believe I have had the pleasure to meet your friend.”

 

Clearly taken back, Elinore stuttered, “Uh... your grace. Uh... this is my cousin, Miss Tibbets. My mother and I took her in after her father died last year. She is my companion.” Elinore smiled. Not only was she getting some one-on-one time with the duke, but she made herself look charitable in the process.

 

Natalie could feel the blush creeping up her face. It was bad enough having to be a companion to such a vapid, conceited tart, but now the duke would feel sorry for her. Pity was one thing that Natalie despised above anything else.

 

Keeping her eyes averted, she was shocked when she felt her hand being drawn up. Looking up, Natalie saw that the duke had claimed her hand and was placing a gentle kiss on the backs of her fingers. Speechless, she couldn't even summon words of greeting.

 

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Tibbets. I hope you feel welcome in my home. I look forward to dining with you this evening.”

 

Before she could make an excuse for her absence, Elinore spoke up. “Oh, your grace, that is too kind, but Miss Tibbets prefers to eat her meals in her room.”

 

“Nonsense. I insist that she join us at dinner. I'm sure you have fine table manners, so there is no reason for you to miss out on the conversation. I expect to see both of you at dinner this evening.” Although said in a kind tone, the meaning behind the words was obvious. Natalie was to eat with everyone else. And she couldn't be more thrilled.