The season was coming to an end and London was emptying out. The Chadwick's house party was a welcome final entertainment for the end of the season. Missy's stomach felt in odd knots about it. It was doubling as an engagement party and people would be watching her. She didn't want to admit that knowing lady Rogers was there was her biggest problem.
She hadn't previously viewed the beautiful lady as competition till she'd began to see the duke as more than a too proper villain. She could still feel that kiss on her lips. She could still feel the soft, urgent press of Luke's mouth on hers , the feel of his body molded against hers. His hands on her breast and underneath her gown. She could still feel everything so clearly as if it hadn't been nearly a week since that day . She hadn't told anybody about that encounter. It was theirs and theirs alone . If being with the duke in the confines of their bedroom could be like that all the time then she was actually looking forward to marrying him .
She was attracted to him like she'd never been attracted to another man. There was something in his green eyed gaze that set her on fire. She actually felt giddy thinking about all the ways she could rile him up , throw apart his carefully cultivated facade , release the passion inside of him.
"are you going to tell me what has you smiling like that?" Eunice looked at her suspiciously. She waved her hand dismissively "it's nothing . Just making some plans"
"do these plans involve his grace?"
"yes"
"Missy-"
"I know . I know. I ought to be wary of him. I will be okay" more than okay. She planned to do some secret exploring at Chadwick estate. An exploration that involved finding safe routes to Luke's Chambers. She thought about Luke turning her away. She didn't know anything about seducing a man. She needed the right instruments. She knew exactly where she could get them.
" Eunice. I will be right back" she kicked on her shoes.
"where are you going? We leave in an hour and half"
"I will be back in an hour" she threw on her shawl and raced off. She took a hansom cab to Madame Domoraux's dress making shop. The woman looked at her with sparkling eyes when she rushed in .
"I need to seduce a man" she blurted out .
The tiny woman's eyes sparkled in delight then she clasped her hands together. "I know exactly what you need ma chere" she chuckled "come"
Missandrei followed her to the back where the woman snapped at one of her girls in French. The dark haired slight girl raced around then back with some fabric hanging off her arm . Madame carefully pulled out one from the pile. Missy's eyes went wide as she held it up. It was a sheet night dress made of smooth silk that felt like running water over her palm. The hands were tiny black straps . The bodice dipping so dangerously low. Madame handed her the wrap which was quite useless as it was just as sheer. The thought of the Duke seeing her in this get up made her blush fiercely.
"I will take it. How much?" she said in a strangled voice .
Madame giggled like a girl "no worries girl. I have a feeling the duke is going to order more of this" she winked .
Missandrei's face heated up. If all goes according to plan. Missandrei thought.
"the thought of that man falling to his knees before you is all the payment i need" Madame said " don't fail me girl"
"I won't" Missandrei promised as she raced back home . The thought of Luke falling to his knees was when he saw her was one she found out she rather liked.
The countess and her daughter's took one carriage , the other carriage was occupied by Missandrei, Eunice and the other two lady's maids. Missandrei's luggage consisted of one trunk and a small valise . The countess and her daughter's seemed to have packed up for a permanent stay . Eunice spent the whole journey with her nose in a book while the other girls gossipped.
Missy was too nervous to do anything except stare idly through the passing countryside and bounce her legs in nervous anticipation and boredom"you will be okay Missy. Deep breaths"
"Do you think Lady Rogers will try to win Luke back" she whispered to Eunice because she didn't trust the sharp eyed gossips with anything she had to say.
"I don't know"
Her legs jerked again in agitation.
"I'd sleep if I were you" Eunice advised "I made this tea slightly tipped with sleeping medicine" she handed her the flask
"what if-"
"you will wake up in three hours. I promise"
Missandrei took a full gulp of the slightly bitter tea. Before she could hand Eunice back the flask she was falling into sleep. Slightly tipped indeed!
A handful of minutes before Chadwick estate came into view , Missandrei woke up feeling sore and stiff. She hated long carriage rides . She was just glad chadwick estate wasn't one of those grand houses that sat at the Scottish border. She looked out her window at the bountiful of trees and lush grass dotting the surrounding hills. It was beautiful. If she had a home like this, she'd never venture into the noisy, stiff aired drung that was London. She was glad she had brought Thunder along amidst Eunice's complaints. The thought of riding him through the fields and forests held so much appeal. She could escape into the wild for hours . She was nearly drooling but when the estate came into view , her jaw dropped open and she was definitely drooling. It was a large rectangular structure with four stories and white walls. It was so large she could barely see to the ends. She stepped out of the carriage and noticed the grounds for the first time. A stone walkway with a big duchal symbol engraved into the ground. A huge fountain sat square in the middle . She could hardly notice the carriages lining the path and the alighting mass. This place was beautiful and soon it would be her home.
"Close your mouth girl" the countess snapped looking terribly affronted. The duke was at the doorway to greet his guests, his mother some steps away. When his eyes met hers , a brief flicker of something shone in his eyes before disappearing. He kissed her palm and lingered a second longer than he was ought .
"Your home is beautiful" she said .
His eyes searched hers, found her honest and then he gave a slight smile. Looking proud "thank you"
The duchess announced that they would be shown to their rooms and let to relax. Dinner would be served in two hours. The room was so luxuriant and beautiful. The matress and pillows so soft , the bedsheets ,coverlet and curtains done with gold threading.
"I can't believe you will be mistress of all this" Eunice exclaimed "it's so impressive and intimidating"
"I think I'm more nervous than before. How I do wish you could sleep in here with me"
"You can't be nervous. Show no weakness or you will be picked apart by the ton. You have your weapons cocked and ready"
"what weapons?"
"Friendship with the duke and a claim . Beautiful dresses and a brain" she said "You can't do anything wrong Missandrei. Everyone will be watching for you to fail"
"You are not helping"
"I'm preparing you. One wrong move and the duchess will have a reason to hate you . Right now she only actively dislikes you. It would be much better if you spoke as little as possible. You tend to say shocking things. Just talk about the weather. That's a safe topic .and quit looking like you just saw a three headed horse"
"I feel nauseous"
Eunice frowned "if you are in a dangerous corner when you don't know what to say , give a small smile. And turn away. It's very superior and condescending"
"how do you know all these?"
"I read and i see what happens around me . I also don't spend all my time riding horses, playing with dogs , shooting at targets and sneaking into brothels , houses of decandence and taverns"
Missy glared at her "I feel so inadequate"
Eunice snorted "you are just feeling that now?"
Missy sank down into the bed and groaned . She was worse than inadequate. She was useless in this. She knew the duchess would be watching her with eagle eyes and she didn't want to embarrass Luke. He'd surely hate that. She felt like running into the wild and staying there. But instead she sat up and took deep breaths. She was the smartest person she knew.
She could do this.
She could be a perfect lady for the whole one week. She'd giggle and gasp if need be. Henry believed in her. Jon had wished her luck . Madame Domoraux was counting on her. Who was she to fail all these people.