Chapter 1 The Invitation #2
Katrina wrinkled her nose. “The Mad Dog duke? But he’s already been engaged seven times!”
“Hush, Katrina,” Marcella snapped. “Can you imagine what life would be like as a duchess? Either of you girls would be lucky to wed a Blackwood. A duke is still a duke.”
The room fell silent as Marcella read over the invitation, her brow arched and a scheming glint in her eye.
“Why do they call him the Mad Dog?” Heather chanced a question.
“Because he’s utterly mental,” Katrina giggled.
Marcella hushed her daughters with a firm stare, then went back to inspecting the letter, as though it held some sort of secret code.
Celise cleared her throat. “Am I to attend the ball as well?”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, girl,” Marcella snarled before Lord Dhastel could reply. “By some wretched twist of fate, it appears Blackwood’s steward dug up your name from the Dhastel family’s records. It’s a fluke. Of course the invitation isn’t meant for you.”
“Now now, Marcella, this is a happy occasion,” Lord Dhastel murmured with a gentle frown. “Let us not risk offending His Grace. Celise was named in the letter, so she should attend the ball. Just . . .” he waved his hand in the air. “Make sure she has something appropriate to wear.”
“Something not stained with horse drool,” Heather whispered to Katrina, and the two girls sniggered.
Marcella looked furious at her husband’s request. A tantrum flitted across her face like a silent black cloud. Then she composed herself. She sat back in her chair and regarded Celise with a scrutinizing eye. A smirk perched upon her pointed, hawklike face.
“I suppose we can dig up a dress from last season’s closet. You may attend, Celise, if only to hold Katrina’s drink while she dances with the duke.”
“Yes, my lady,” Celise murmured, feeling numb.
Her stepmother continued, “Be grateful, child. You’ll be in the company of war heroes and the Forsynthian elite. This party is far above the grasp of an ignorant, dimlit girl like yourself.”
Lord Dhastel didn’t seem bothered by his wife’s snide remarks. He reached down to scratch his favorite wolfhound behind the ears. The dog sighed and leaned against his leg. Celise watched through a tangle of raspberry hair.
Her father continued in his stately manner, “I shall post our reply today. It’s been some time since I visited the Blackwood estate.
This is a good business opportunity. Old Blackwood has ties to the military.
He might be interested in our latest stock of Hellions.
I’ll have to bring a catalogue. This last generation has a more natural amble—much easier to ride. ”
“You always think of your horses first,” Marcella said with a coy smile.
“I will ask after Blackwood’s wife, Estoria, and the reason behind this ball.
I want to know what Her Grace plans for her eldest son.
If this is about finding a bride, we must be prepared.
I wonder if Lady Verabon has any tidbits to share—she and Her Grace are close.
” She placed an elegant hand against her chin in thought.
“Our book club meets tomorrow. I’m sure the ball will be a popular topic of conversation.
” Then, with a rustle of skirts, Marcella leaned forward and smiled at Heather and Katrina.
“Now, girls, the most exciting part—it’s time to order new dresses! ”
Katrina squealed, while Heather clapped her hands.
Lord Dhastel winced. A bit gruff, he said, “Within reason, my dear.”
“For this event, we must spare no expense, my love,” Marcella gushed, as though her husband were a naive lad.
“Our daughters must be dressed in the latest fashion! It will make all the difference. If Katrina is to become a duchess, she must look the part. I wonder if the duchess Estoria has a favorite color. I would guess emerald green, but that’s the Blackwood’s house color and a bit too on the nose.
Come, girls, let’s retire to the sitting room, and we’ll review my latest copy of The Modern Lady’s Wishlist.”
Katrina and Heather leapt to their feet, bowed to their father, then skipped from the room hand-in-hand, chatting excitedly all the way. Celise thought they looked like a pair of prancing show ponies, ready for their big debut at the circus.
A bit slower and much quieter, she rose to her feet and began to follow her stepsisters out of the Great Hall. She kept her shoulders hunched. She hoped, if she left quickly enough, her stepmother would forget about her. But Marcella wasn’t finished.
With a drawling tone, the lady called, “Don’t wander off, Celise.
I will send the maids to your quarters this evening to take your measurements.
A few of Katrina’s dresses from last season should suit you.
But first, immediately, I insist you take a bath.
If we use enough soap, we should get the horse smell off of you. ”
Celise stumbled, turned and bowed to her stepmother, then to her father, even though he wasn’t looking at her. Then she left the Great Hall.