Jillian Chantal

This week’s Tuesday Tales word prompt is pen. I’m still working on my regency story with no title. I’ve made a lot of progress and it’s going well. Remember, this is not edited. Check out the other tales here.

Amelia couldn’t believe the scene that just took place. What had gotten into the duke to toss Miss Van Eizenga out like that? He’d been so polite to her every time the woman opened her mouth even as she was spewing venom. What made him finally lose his temper was a mystery.

True, he’d told her while they danced—that marvelous dance that inflamed her blood being held so close to the man—that Miss Von Eizenga didn’t love him but merely wanted the title but maybe the lady’s inappropriate declaration was what set him into a rage.

“You needed to do that a long time ago, Basil,” Lady Jonquil said.

“No. I should have been able to control myself when it came to it. I know how much Miss Von Eizenga annoys me and I needed to make more effort to maintain calm.”

“Never mind her. She’s gone and I want to waltz,” Lady Saffron said.

“I hate to interrupt but I need to return to my uncle’s house. They don’t know where I am since I didn’t leave a note.” The panic hit Amelia out of nowhere. It suddenly occurred to her that she’d not taken the time to pen a letter nor did she inform the butler where she was going.

Trying not to show how upset she was, Amelia looked at the duke and addressed him, “Could you spare the carriage? I hate to ask but it’s a long walk.”

“Of course you may use the carriage. I’ll walk down with you and order it.” The duke turned to his sisters. “I’ll be back as soon as I see Miss Mandeville off and we’ll finish the lesson.”

“Hurry then,” Lady Jonquil said. “Remember, I get to be first.”

“Be sure to return. We have one more day until the presentation and need one more practice.” Lady Saffron waved as Amelia and the duke left the room.

On the way down the stairs, Amelia said, “I won’t be able to come and assist Lady Saffron and Lady Jonquil in getting ready for their presentation. I’ll be too busy with my cousin.”

“I’m only sorry you won’t be able to attend after all you’ve done to get them prepared.”

“Did you solve the issue of who is to be their sponsor?”

“Actually, I think I have. I have a friend who is married to the daughter of a duke and he was going to ask her if she would act as such. I haven’t heard from him and confess if I don’t by today, I shall have to contact my aunt. The Lord Chamberlain must receive that information by tomorrow.”

“Your aunt wasn’t your first choice?” Amelia wanted to bite her tongue. Why did she keep asking him inappropriate questions? She knew protocol better than she seemed to behave when the man was around.

“Oh no. To tell the truth and let a skeleton out of the closet, she is a horrible old hag. My sisters are quite terrified of her and for that matter, so am I.”

“Surely, you tease.” Confused as he sounded serious but the words were not a kind way to describe a relative, Amelia glanced up out of the corner of her eye to see what he meant. And then the truth hit her. This was a perfect way to describe her own aunt.

“Sadly, Miss Mandeville, I do not. She’s a vicious lady and we would all be happy never to see the woman again.”

“Then I sincerely hope your friend’s wife comes through for you.”

“You and me both.”