Duchess In Disguise

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's mind as she sat by the window of her new room, staring out at the vast gardens below. The faint scent of roses drifted through the o

pect and kindness that others had withheld-everything about their brief interaction had left her unsettled. The attention she had garnered, especially from someone as powerful as

r better judgment, she couldn't deny the connection she had fe

, and Amelia turned to see Mr. Lawson entering th

" he greeted, bowing slightl

ugh sleep had been the last thing on

imagine last night was overwhelming for you. However

l writing desk near the window. Amelia

he asked, eyeing th

s back. "Your debut at the ball has caused quite the stir, Miss Colli

ut the thought of attending more events and facing more scrutiny filled her with a sense of dread. S

ready for this," s

s. But you must remember that this is your new world now. The ton may be unforgiving,

of the invitations. "And Prince Alexander?" she asked, h

rince, but I would not be surprised if he were to make an appearance at one of the upcoming events. Hi

t was something she had never sought, yet it had already made

at and walking toward the desk. She picked up one of

s the honour of your prese

tations. They were more than just social events; they were tests-opportunit

ly, setting the invitation

necessary arrangements. You will be expected

rld was relentless, and she would have to face it again-this time without the protection of anony

had chosen to step into this life, but now she was beginning to see just how dangerous i

*

der creation that had been crafted specifically for the occasion. The journey to Lady Ashbour

a deep breath, gathering her courage. She couldn't let her nerves show

ree was smaller than the ball but no less grand. The house was a magnificent struct

yes sharp. Amelia immediately recognized some of the faces from the ball-Lady Fairchild, with her hawk-like gaze, Lord and Lady Marl

m, she was greeted by Lady Ashbourne herself, an older woman with silver hair and a regal bearing. Lady Ashbourn

al. "It is a pleasure to have you in my home. I must say, your

honoured to be here, Lady Ashbourne.

Amelia meant. "Yes, well, society can be an unforgiving place

hough she wasn't entirely sure

was once again the centre of attention, every word she spoke, every gesture she made, being analyzed and judge

the doors ope

lia turned to see Prince Alexander stepping into the parlour, his presence commanding immediate respect.

ensity in his gaze was unmistakable, and for a moment, t

knowing glances and murmured speculations. Everyone had no

he were in no hurry to reach her. The crowd parted as he passed, giving him a wide be

d, his voice low and s

hands trembling sligh

of his lips that sent a thrill through

ng, waiting to see how she would respond to the prince's attention. "I suppose it

ever leaving hers. "But I find i

like a wave. She was keenly aware that her every word and action was being scrutinized, but

walk in the gardens?" he asked

oment before nodding. "I woul

the garden, leaving the watchful eyes of the ton behind. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the s

ke, the silence between them comfortab

e. "I know what people say about me, Miss

candour. "Yes, I've heard things," she

man who avoids attachments. And perhaps that's true, to some extent. But I

n her throat, her heart

e interrupted gently. "I think

ow what to make of his words. She had always been wary of men like him-men of power whose charm and wealth could be used

is you expect from me. I'm... I'm not like the women of the ton. I

to you, Amelia. You're different. You speak your mind, you don't play their games, and you've survive

, she had been told she didn't belong, that her past would always mark her as an outsider. But

say," she whispered, h

d, stepping closer. "Just know that whatever happe

her chest. For the first time since stepping into this new life, she reali

l of complexities and dangers she could barely comprehend. And while she was drawn to him, she couldn't shake

leaving only the two of them in the quiet, moonlit garden. And for the first time in a long time,