The Reluctant Duke by G.L. Snodgrass

Author:G.L. Snodgrass
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Purple Herb
Published: 2015-10-29T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Gwen scoured her little room for any forgotten items. It was surprising how few things she owned. Her heart was breaking. He was letting her go. In fact, pushing her out the door. She had thought that last night had meant something to him, maybe as much as it had meant to her. She was a silly, silly girl to think that she told herself.

A slight knock at the door startled her. Lady Elizabeth stood in the hall holding a beautiful deep blue ball gown. Gwen’s favorite fabric from the modeste’s. Her heart fell a little further with another stab to her happiness. Elizabeth had selected the fabric, eliminating any chance Gwen would ever have at wearing such perfection.

Lizzy stepped inside her room and held out the ball gown.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I had the modeste make this for you. It was such a perfect color for you. I knew an opportunity would present itself. Please tell me you’re not angry with me.”

The former housekeeper was overwhelmed with emotion. Her eyes misted up at the sweet gesture of the young girl. She had recognized the secret desire of her heart and had found a way to make it come true. Reaching out, she took the gorgeous gown from the girl and then gave her a hug in thanks.

“It such a wonderful dress. Oh, Lady Elizabeth, I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

“You must call me Lizzy now, you are to be my aunt’s companion, a member of the family for all practical purposes. Please.” The young woman pleaded.

Gwen was taken aback. Everything was changing so fast. Her emotions were being tossed around like a wind chime in a storm. She had to fight to hold back her tears. She hugged Lizzy and nodded her acceptance, unable to voice her thanks.

Lizzy took a deep breath and smiled at her friend’s happiness.

“I can’t wait until Thomas sees you in that dress,” she said. Gwen’s eyes shot up to look at the other girl’s face. Had he said something to her? Did everyone know what they had done? Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of him.

She followed Lizzy out the door and up the stairs to meet Aunt Celeste in the entryway waiting for her new companion. Aunt Celeste eyed the dress and then Lizzy, her brow rising in question.

Lizzy smiled and said, “I had it made for Gwen, I knew we would need it eventually.”

“Yes, well, it will be perfect for tomorrow’s gathering at Lady Pendleton’s. Don’t you think so Thomas?”

Gwen had not seen him standing by the parlor door. She was surprised that she could be in the same room and not be aware of his presence. She must surely be overwhelmed with everything that was going on.

He looked at the dress and then at Gwen, lighting up her world with a smile that melted her heart.

“We are off Thomas; I will have the bills sent to you,” Aunt Celeste said as she pulled on her gloves.

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