“Oh, I do know of him,” Eleanor said. “I’ve been to Nightingale Manor.”
“Really? I’ve never seen you there, and I’ve been many times.”
“Well, I’ve only been once,” Eleanor said. “And it was several weeks ago. I was at his masquerade ball.”
Immediately, she regretted having said this. It seemed highly unlikely that Lady Hannah would tell Eleanor’s parents what she’d said, but it was certainly possible that she would tellher own parents. And if she did that, it might come up in conversation with Eleanor’s parents. She never should have said anything about it at all—but she had felt she needed to saysomethingin response to Lady Hannah’s arrogance.
“Ah,” Lady Hannah said. “It makes sense, then, that I don’t recall seeing you—although I admit I’m still a little surprised. What about when all the masks came off at midnight? You’d think I would have noticed you then.”
Eleanor shrugged, not wishing to explain that she had left before midnight. “I guess you didn’t see me.”
“No, I certainly didn’t. I think I would have remembered you. I have a rather keen memory for faces. And, you know, I don’t think I can remember ever having seen you before. I attend every social event, and most of them arenotmasquerades, but I don’t think I’ve seen your face at any of them.”
“Perhaps not.” In fact, Eleanor was sure Lady Hannah wouldn’t have seen her before—when could she have? But she certainly wasn’t about to try to explain why she never attended any social functions. That would make her look. Foolish, and she didn’t want to give Lady Hannah something to make fun of her about all week. Also, and much more to the point, if Lady Hannah knew that her parents had banned her from attending parties, she would wonder how Eleanor had managed to go to a masquerade. She might come to the conclusion that Eleanor was lying, which would be embarrassing, but she might also conclude that Eleanor was telling the truth and realize that she must have snuck out against her parents’ wishes—and for her torealize that would be even worse, for Eleanor was sure that she would find a way to use it against her.
“Well, you’ve certainly missed out,” Lady Hannah said. “It’s been a very exciting season—plenty of parties that no one would want to miss, if they had the choice presented to them. I don’t know why you didn’t attend, Lady Eleanor, but I know that I would never have allowed myself to be absent from those sorts of events. You miss so many opportunities by staying home all the time!”
Eleanor hummed noncommittally.
“For example, I’m sure I wouldn’t be marrying the duke if I didn’t take care to present myself to him at every opportunity. You see, he’s a bit…well, to tell you the truth, I think he’s shy.” She smiled benevolently. “He never seems to wish to dance.”
“No?” Eleanor wondered about that. Surely if the duke was the kind of gentleman who avoided social setting and didn’t enjoy dancing, he wouldn’t have thrown a masquerade ball at all. That didn’t add up to her. But perhaps she was mistaken. After all, if Lady Hannah was going to marry the duke, she must surely know him best.
But then, why would he be shy about dancing with her?
“I suppose you have no plans for marriage,” Lady Hannah said. “Since you so rarely attend social functions, it’s hard to see how you could have made any arrangements.”
“My father is making my arrangements for me,” Eleanor said vaguely.
“I see. Well, you know, technically my parents made my arrangements as well. They selected the duke for me. But I know that my charm and looks have been an essential factor in winning him over. After all, a duke cannot be married to just anyone. He’s got to find the perfect duchess. The Duke of Nightingale needs to see me in all kinds of social settings in order to trust that I am the perfect match for him.”
“I’m sure he must be very pleased with you,” Eleanor said. She was now heartily wishing that she hadn’t offered Lady Hannah a tour. She was beginning to find her insufferable. “This is your bedroom, by the way.”
Lady Hannah peered inside. “It’s very small, isn’t it?”
“Well, the larger rooms are occupied by other people.”
“I suppose it will have to do,” Lady Hannah sighed. “I can’t wait until I’m the Duchess of Nightingale and am able to host parties at Nightingale Manor! I’ll make sure that my guests always have the very finest accommodations.”
“I’m sure your guests will enjoy that,” Eleanor said. “Meanwhile, you can have your servants speak to our staff about anything you might need. They’re prepared to help you, no matter what your needs may be.”
“I’m sure your staff is very good,” Lady Hannah said. “Thank you, Lady Eleanor. I believe we’ll conclude the tour there—if you don’t mind, I’d like to take some time and settle in before the festivities begin.”
“I don’t mind a bit,” Eleanor said. In fact, she was glad to be rid of Lady Hannah, and she hoped she wouldn’t be expected to turn this into a friendship that would last the entire week. “Do let us know if you need anything. I’ll leave you to relax now.”
She let herself out of the room and headed for the library. At least, by volunteering to show Lady Hannah around, she had bought herself a little bit of free time in which no one would expect her to be downstairs greeting guests. She would be able to get away, even if only for a short time, and have a few moments of peace.
She made her way into the library and closed the door behind her, hoping fervently that she would not be looked for. Maybe she could even manage to take enough time to herself to read the next chapter of the book she had been enjoying. She didn’t imagine she would have much time for that while her sister’s guests were here, but every stolen moment would be a treasure.
She found the book on the shelf and sat down in the library’s most comfortable chair.
It wasn’t likely that she’d be able to stay here long, she thought. Other guests would be wanting tours, and eventually someone would come to the library. The moment they did, she would be found out. She wondered if she dared stay here long enough tolet someone catch her, or if she ought to flee before that time came so that her parents would never find out she had lingered here.
Best that they not know. It would be so easy for them to find things to chastise her for this week, and she didn’t want to give them anything else to dig into. One chapter, and then she would hurry back downstairs and take her place with her family. They need never know that she had stolen a moment to herself. It was one more thing her parents would never understand.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
“This week will be the perfect opportunity for you and Lady Hannah to get to know each other better,” Nicholas’ mother said as the two of them approached Crestley Manor by carriage.
