An Unexpected Gentleman by Laura Beers

Author:Laura Beers [Beers, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2019-01-30T16:00:00+00:00

Dressed in a beautiful gown with roses embroidered along the square neckline, Amelia watched out the carriage window as they approached the townhouse belonging to the Duke of Albany. At the top of the long drive was a massive estate with white columns framing the exterior of the home. “This is considered a townhouse?”

“This is the duke and duchess’ primary residence, but they do spend time at their country homes during the fall and winter months,” Aunt Nellie informed them.

“Where I live, a townhouse is very different,” Amelia remarked, keeping her eyes on the line of carriages still waiting to be unloaded.

Peyton laughed as she ran her hands down her silver gown. “We should just move into that townhouse. After all, I doubt the duke would even know we were there.”

“Now, girls,” Nellie said, drawing back their attention, “I have a wonderful surprise for you.”

After a long, drawn-out moment, it became clear that Aunt Nellie wasn’t going to say anything more, so Amelia asked, “Can you tell us what it is?”

“You will see,” Aunt Nellie replied with a secretive smile.

The carriage jerked to a stop, and a footman opened the door, extending his hand towards them. Amelia placed her gloved hand into his and stepped down onto a stone pathway that led up to the largest set of red doors that she had ever seen.

As she approached the entry, two uniformed footmen pushed open the red doors, and she walked into a magical ballroom. There was something to be said for stepping back into such an elegant era. The large rectangular room was lit with hundreds of flickering candles set in ornate chandeliers hanging low from the ceiling. Gold paper lined the walls, and a beautifully chalked mural was drawn onto the center of the dance floor.

Despite being hated because of her American heritage, Amelia did not seem to mind being there as much as she thought she would. To be in this ballroom was a moment she knew she would treasure. She took a step forward towards the crowd but was stopped by Aunt Nellie’s hand on her arm.

“First, I must introduce you to someone,” she instructed, leading her and Peyton towards a small hall off the ballroom.

Once Aunt Nellie arrived at the door, she knocked and pushed it open. They were greeted by the sight of a lovely older woman with faded brown hair, dressed in a mauve-colored gown and draped with jewels, including a large tiara crowning her head.

Once the door was closed behind them, the woman directed her next question towards Aunt Nellie. “Are these the girls you were telling me about?”

“They are,” Aunt Nellie answered. “Your Grace, the Duchess of Albany, may I present Miss Peyton Turner and Miss Amelia Wright?”

“Your Grace,” they both murmured in unison, dipping into low curtsies.

The duchess rose and walked closer to inspect them, her eyes roaming their faces and clothing. In one hand, she held a fan that she tapped into the palm of her other hand.

“Aunt Nellie, they are exquisite.

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