Ghost & Lady Alice by Marion Chesney

Author:Marion Chesney [Chesney, Marion]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, SciFi/Fantasy
ISBN: 9780449216989
Google: k8QWAAAACAAJ
Amazon: 0449216985
Barnesnoble: 0449216985
Goodreads: 3554380
Publisher: Fawcett
Published: 1982-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

SIX

Late that evening, Miss Fadden sat in Alice's drawing room in a state of silent rapture. If she had not been so overwhelmed, so ecstatic over her shot silk ball gown and her new coiffure, she would have noticed something odd in her mistress's behavior.

Alice was nervously pacing up and down the room, dreading the Duke's arrival and longing for it at the same time. Had that kiss meant nothing to him? Of course it hadn't, she told herself severely. He was a philanderer and, by all accounts, had been one when he was alive. But would he notice her new ball gown of silver net worn over a silk slip of palest rose? Would he notice her black curls à la Grecque? Oh, horrid thought! Perhaps he would not come at all!

All at once she became aware that little Miss Fadden had arisen and was dropping a deep curtsy—so deep that she sank lower and lower onto the carpet.

“Uncle Gervase!” cried Alice, turning instinctively toward the fireplace. And there he was, in full evening dress, his jewels blazing in the candlelight. Did his eyes hold a new warmth as he looked at her?

Alice moved gracefully toward him, the silver gauze of her overdress floating out from her slim body. “I am so glad to see you,” she said, trying to read the expression in his eyes.

He made as if to take her hand and then his blue eyes took on a mocking look. “My child,” he said, “how charmingly you look. But I fear we should assist Miss Fadden.”

Alice looked around and found that Miss Fadden had been unable to rise out of her curtsy and was lying on the carpet. With a sharp feeling of impatience at her companion's ill-timed gaucherie, Alice rushed forward and assisted that lady to her feet.

“Thank you, my lady,” babbled Miss Fadden in great confusion. “What a bad beginning! What you must think of me. I shall try again...”

“No, don't!” cried Alice and the Duke in unison, but Miss Fadden was already sinking down. There was a sharp, embarrassing cracking sound from her knees, but somehow, with many grimaces, she managed to heave her small body upright. “There!” she cried triumphantly.

The Duke looked at her doubtfully and then said, “Miss Fadden. Pray excuse us. I wish to have a word in private with my niece.”

Miss Fadden moved slowly to the door, her shoulders bent.

“Madam!” said the Duke, looking at her drooping figure impatiently. “Had my niece any doubts as to your suitability, I am sure she would not have engaged you. You are being sent from the room so that I may discuss some matters which do not concern you or anything about you.”

Miss Fadden gave him a relieved smile and tiptoed out, closing the double doors behind her.

The Duke waited, his head cocked to one side, listening. At last he turned to Alice.

“What is it you wish to discuss?” she asked nervously.

“Why, your companion, of course. Miss Fadden. I fear she is not at all suitable.

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