Free His Lordship's Chaperone by Shirley Marks

the tale fantastique .”
    “Really?” Her Grace leaned forward with interest.
“Oh, dear, and last night I had the bad fortune to attend a different affair. It
seems I have missed all the excitement. Would you be so kind as to enlighten me?”
    “It has been this way all morning. The patrons can
talk of nothing else when they come in.” Madame Suchet hesitated but after a
few moments continued. “I believe half the Town’s hopes are crushed. They say
your son has hired a chaperone for himself.”
    “Really? That silly boy.” The Duchess gasped as if
this was the first she had heard of the amazing news. “What an astonishing
story.”
    “It cannot be true. C’est impossible!”
    “I cannot say what convention Haverton has chosen
to dispense with this time. He is his own man, after all.”
    If Catherine had not known of her involvement
herself, the Duchess’ innocence would have sounded completely believable.
    “And he paraded his chaperone in front of his
gentlemen friends as he would a race horse,” Madame Suchet announced.
    Catherine gasped and met Her Grace’s concerned
gaze. It’s not what happened at all but how was she to tell the Duchess that?
    “I have also heard, from a reliable source, that he
has challenged all the ladies of England to try and ensnare him.”
    “That would be very foolish,” the Duchess
commented, feigning unconcern. “It certainly does not sound like my son.”
    “I have it on the best authority that he has taken
his most daring flirting to the dance floor.” Madame Suchet straightened and
stared wide-eyed at Catherine. “Can you imagine? For all to see!”
    And Catherine thought he was taking a break from
picking up fans.
    Madame Suchet finished her measurements and brought
out the collection of ready-made gowns she had spoken of earlier. All the gowns
were exquisite, spanning the colors of the rainbow. One was dark rose, the next
a pale yellow, then a mild green, followed by a dark blue and finally a soft
lavender. The Duchess pointed out those which she felt were appropriate,
leaving the ultimate choice up to Catherine. She had a very hard time making up
her mind until Her Grace announced that they would take them all.
    “Have the green one ready for tomorrow night,” she
requested in a tone of authority.
    Another hour was spent choosing styles from fashion
plates and the next selecting appropriate fabrics for each style.
    “I shall make sure the green gown is sent to
Waverly Hall tomorrow afternoon.”
    “Excellent,” the Duchess remarked.
    In the privacy of the coach, Catherine finally
asked, “I do not wish to be rude, Your Grace, but why
did you have my gowns sent to your home?”
    “Can you imagine the scandal that would have
followed if Madame Suchet learned that you resided at Moreland Manor?”
    “I’m afraid I had not.” Catherine caught her lower
lip between her teeth.
    “The women of the Town are not known for their
flattering praise. I think it might be best if we let your position remain a
mystery for the time being, do you not agree?”
    “I think that might be the thing to do.” Catherine
blinked. “I cannot believe everyone would be talking of such trivial matters.”
    “Trivial? You have no idea.” The Duchess did not
know how she could explain further and simply sighed. “My child, you do not
understand the workings of the ton.”

Chapter 5
    Haverton awoke to a marvelous morning after the
triumph at the Trowbridge soiree the previous evening. Last night had gone just
as he had hoped. With his chaperone by his side, he felt he could enjoy the
ball as a free man. He proceeded as he pleased, without worry of some woman
hiding around every corner to waylay him.
    A ride in the park would be just the thing to set
the right tone for this day. There would be no need for Mrs. Hayes while he was
out on horseback. He had never been accosted in the park before and did not
expect to be bothered with only a few other gentlemen riders present.
    He