“It is my home, my library,” she replied, incredulous now. “And I asked first, in any case. Therefore, you ought to answer me first as well.” Her tone told him she’d brook no argument and he shrugged, raising his shoulders and letting his arms drop.
“Very well. I like to hide away in libraries. I do not much care for the crowds downstairs and I have no desire to dance or be pushed into a dance. I prefer to wait until everyone has had a few drinks and the conversation flows easier without pressure. Besides, your father has a most excellent library that I am rather fond of. Now, your turn,” he said and raised his eyebrows, waiting for her reply.
“I was looking for my sister, as you might be able to comprehend, given I called you a Duchess,” she replied and Leonard smiled at her.
“Point well made. Well, I am not the Duchess of Wells, as has been established. In fact, one of the reasons I escaped to the library was that I arrived before Kenneth and thus sought to hide myself away,” he said. This seemed to puzzle her and she pursed her lips.
“They are not here yet? Kenneth and Joanna?”
“No, not that I saw. I left word with your butler to tell Kenneth where I am so that he can find me when he arrives and he has not. Thus, I argue that your sister is not here either since they seem to be attached at the hip no matter where they go,” he replied.
Just then, a voice sounded outside and Sally frowned as she looked at the door.
“Lady Sally? Duchess? Your mother is looking for you.” The voice faded again then and Sally exhaled.
“It is Lady Millstone, my mother’s friend,” she said quietly. “My mother seeks to have my sister Rosy and Lady Millstone’s son united and it seems she now seeks me as well. And Joanna.” The last part came out with a hint of confusion though Leonard did not understand why.
“Well, you had better make your escape before she finds you. It was good to see you, Lady Sally,” he said and bowed, and she likewise curtsied before turning.
Alas, she made it only two steps before another shout escaped her, this one accompanied by a ripping sound followed by a gasp. Leonard blinked and watched in shock as a fashion calamity unfolded before him. The intricate braided straps that held up her gown had somehow become detached, causing the front of her dress to fall forward.
Sally caught it just as it slipped and pressed it against her chest as her face drained of color. Leonard quickly closed his eyes so as not to embarrass her further.
“Pon rep, this silly gown,” she muttered, and he heard her move before him, feeling the light movement as she turned. She grunted and gasped, apparently trying to affix her gown again when he opened one eye partially, peering at her. She was struggling it was easy to see. The dress, while striking, appeared to take some effort to close up.
“Your Grace!” She called when she saw him looking at her and he raised his hands, now opening his other eyes as well.
“I am only looking to see if I can help. You seem to have a predicament on your hands.” He meant this quite literally because one of the issues seemed to be that she had to hold the front up with one hand while looking to close the dress again with the other.
A two-person job, no doubt.
“I do, Rosy helped me close it earlier,” she said miserably while fiddling with her hands for something behind her. Then, she raised her head at him. His eyes met Sally’s, and without missing a beat, he stepped forward, for it was clear she needed assistance.
“May I?”
Her nod was almost imperceptible, a silent plea for aid in the midst of her mortification.
“Turn around, Lady Sally,” Leonard’s said, ensuring his voice was both soothing and commanding. As she did, he stepped closer to her, the lemon scent from earlier unmistakable in the air now. She complied, though he saw her cheeks which had grown pale were now aflame with embarrassment. The room seemed to pulse as Leonard delicately worked to disentangle the straps. His fingers brushed against her soft exposed skin and an involuntary shiver ran down his spine. This was silly, he knew it. He should not be feeling any sort of excitement at this situation. Shaking his head, he chased away the thoughts clouding his attention and focused on the task at hand.
Lady Sally bit her lip as Leonard fumbled with the intricate knot of her gown, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. The awkwardness of the situation hung in the air, and to diffuse the tension, Leonard offered a lopsided grin.
“Well, this is where having a sister would have come in handy. I might have been able to practice and would not take such a long time.”
She let out a nervous laugh in reply. “It was difficult for me and Rosy earlier as well. I suppose I ought not to have selected such a challenging gown.”
“It suits you very well, I will say that,” he said through gritted teeth as he looked at the closed loop. It wasn’t right. There was no traction and if she let go, the front of her gown would slip. “I have to undo it again, I am sorry. It isn’t right.”
“Very well,” she said thought the strain remained in her voice.
Time seemed to pass impossibly slow as he undid the straps again, retrying them with care. As Leonard finally neared success in retying the gown, the subtle click of approaching footsteps interrupted them. A gasp followed, and both of them looked up to find Lady Millstone standing there, her eyes wide with shock but a glint of amusement beneath the surface.
“Lady Sally!” The woman’s voice boomed and Leonard was certain all of London could hear her. His hands remained frozen in place, one piece of rope still in hand while he stood behind Sally.
This looks most incriminating, there’s no way around that.
“Lady Millstone, this is not at all ….” Sally started but the woman shook her head and departed, one hand clutching her pearl necklace. “Faith, what are we going to do?” Sally muttered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment when she looked back at him. “We need to explain before she spreads tales like wildfire.”
Leonard knew this was very possible, but he had to maintain his composure for the sake of Sally. “Do not fret. I’ll make sure it’s understood that this was a completely innocent mishap.”
