Nina Coombs Pykare by A Daring Dilemma

Author:A Daring Dilemma [Dilemma, A Daring]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

The intervening days passed in a whirlwind of activity, and the next Wednesday night found them fighting the crush at Almack’s. Licia was still battling an uncharacteristic sadness. Normally she was a bright-spirited person, even though she had so often to deal with Mama in various difficult moods.

But now, wearing a new gown only because Aunt Hortense had insisted that if Dezzie had one, she must, too, Licia felt sadly dispirited. Hanging on the duke’s every word was not that difficult for her. But every second in his company she was reminded of the illusionary character of their courtship. And to be the recipient of his present favors only made the future loss of them more painful. But she had determined to do her best for Dezzie.

And besides, she hadn’t the courage to end their arrangement before the necessary time. So she stood by his side with a smile as false as the paste diamonds some impecunious ladies were reputed to wear, nodding and chatting, while Mama kept giving her dark looks and pushing Dezzie toward the duke.

Finally, to Licia’s great relief, the Duchess of Oldenburgh and Czar Alexander arrived. Mama left off pushing Dezzie, and scurried away to meet the emperor.

Dezzie came over to her sister. “Isn’t the czar a marvelous-looking man? So straight and tall. Now that’s how a ruler ought to look. You can tell he doesn’t wear stays.” She shot Ravenworth a speaking glance but he remained silent. “Look at that bright green uniform, so military, with the gold epaulets and all.”

Ravenworth squeezed Licia’s hand. “Why, Miss Desiree. To hear you run on so, one would think you were developing a tendre for the emperor.”

Dezzie grinned at the man she had once feared. “You won’t catch me like that, your grace. My heart belongs to Lockwood. And you know it.”

Ravenworth smiled. “He’s a lucky pup. Why, if it weren’t for Licia here, I might . . .”

Dezzie’s eyes widened, and for a moment she looked almost frightened. Then she laughed. “Oh, your grace. You caught me that time. I admit it. You shouldn’t be bamming a poor girl like me. It isn’t fair.” Impulsively she touched his arm. “I do thank you for the vouchers. And for all you’re doing to help us.”

“No thanks are necessary,” his grace replied. “I am quite enjoying myself.” He smiled. “And so shall you, I believe. Look who has just arrived.”

Dezzie hurried off to greet her Lockwood, the handsome czar forgotten.

“So,” said Ravenworth. “What do you think of our famous visitor?”

Licia shrugged. She would far rather think of Ravenworth. But she could hardly tell him that, so she answered his question. “He has quite a military bearing. But his expression seems a little distant. Perhaps I am prejudiced. I do not care much for his sister, the duchess.”

“Why do you suppose that is?”

She hesitated, but it was so good to be able to talk to him, be understood. “Well, for one thing she asks such personal questions. And for another, she is always quizzing Mama about that awful bed.

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