Duke of Disguise (Ladies of Worth series Book 4) by Philippa Jane Keyworth

Author:Philippa Jane Keyworth [Keyworth, Philippa Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Passalande Books
Published: 2024-06-29T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY

The Comte had been looking furtively at the clock on the mantelpiece throughout dinner. Emilie and Vergelles sat alone in the dining room of Dartois’ hunting lodge and no explanation had been given as to the whereabouts of the rest of the party.

Emilie had not queried it. The burn on the back of her hand still stung and she knew better than to tempt the Comte’s anger.

Dartois’ chef was excellent. They were served several small plates of game and soup before the main course of duck à l'orange with vegetables and crisped potatoes. Emilie did not have much appetite. It had yet to return since her altercation with the Comte and whenever she was in his presence, she found all desire for food abated.

“An excellent bird,” said the Comte, attempting to engage her in conversation.

“Oui,” she replied. “Very tasty indeed.” To substantiate the statement she cut a slice from the leg on her plate and popped the succulent meat in her mouth.

“You are settled in your room? It is close to mine—should you need anything. Only one door across.”

Emilie nodded, saying nothing. It was the second time Vergelles had mentioned the proximity of their rooms. She had the distinct impression he had arranged the locations with Dartois and expected something to come from it. The thought conjured a nauseous sensation in the pit of Emilie’s stomach.

She had played her hand well, but soon she would be out of cards.

“With such an arrangement in our rooms, perhaps now is the time to—” The Comte’s speech was interrupted by the sound of voices in the hall. “Ah! I believe our guest has finally arrived.”

He rose and went to open the dining room door. The moment his back was turned Emilie breathed out in relief, trying not to guess what his next words would have been. Thankfully she was saved from her imagination by the thought of the new arrival—the Duke of Tremaine. The man of contradictions.

Emilie rose, placing her napkin on the table and smoothing her hand over her stomach, willing it to be calm. She slipped into the hallway without being noticed by the gathering of men. There were Dartois, Sebastien and two others of the Comte’s circle, all dressed as though it were the middle of winter with their cloaks and mufflers. Behind them came the Duke of Tremaine.

“Bonsoir, Vergelles,” said Dartois jovially, taking the Comte’s hand and shaking it in the way Emilie knew he disliked. “Has my chef been looking after you?”

“I’m fit to expire!” said Sebastien. “Tell me you will not make us change for dinner, Dartois?”

“I have no aversion to the suggestion. Though I expect the Comte will want us to discard our cloaks at the very least.”

“I would,” Lucien said, glancing at the others with a hint of disdain. “But this is your house, Dartois. Whatever you desire.”

“Whatever I desire?”

For a fraction of a second, Dartois’ eyes flicked over the Comte’s shoulder and looked directly into Emilie’s own. She froze, the memory of Dartois’ offer all too vivid in her mind.

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