A Duke in Time--The Widow Rules

by Janna MacGregor

  Christian walked to his side and placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder to garner his attention. “I’ll replace her lost dowry. Will that help?”

  The earl shook his head slightly as if coming out of dream. “I don’t need the money. I’ll marry her”—the earl dropped his voice—“before the babe is born.”

  Christian offered his hand, and the earl shook it.

  “I must return to Portsmouth for some urgent business,” Sykeston said.

  “She may give birth any day now.” Christian released the earl’s hand.

  “I’ll hurry.” Without another word, the earl turned and slowly walked from the room. Once he reached the marbled hallway, the tap of his cane faded slowly out of earshot.

  “He’s in a mood this evening.” Grayson’s gaze followed the earl’s slow gait. “He was off his game when he arrived. He hates these social events. I’ll leave with him.” The marquess nodded at Christian, then followed the earl.

  Christian released a breath, then relaxed his shoulders for the first time this evening.

  It was done.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Here we are.” Kat opened the door to the boutique and escorted Mr. Edwin Sherman, the Secretary to the First Lady of the Bedchamber, into Greer’s Emporium. The shop was spotless after she’d spent the morning tidying and cleaning the place herself. The windows sparkled and the linens were artfully arranged in the main showroom so he could evaluate each design that she offered.

  In his mid-thirties, thin, and rather tall, Mr. Sherman glanced around the room. “May I wander on my own for a moment or two?”

  “Please do,” Kat answered. As soon as he turned from her, she brushed her sweaty palms down her dress. They’d visited the workshop before coming here. Thank heavens for Beth. She’d had the place perfectly arranged, and Kat’s employees were working on a wide variety of projects so he could evaluate the work-in-progress. Each station featured a different product. Pillows, coverlets, and various linens were showcased. Kat had even shown him the inventory and had explained in detail how she would increase her staff and products to meet the Prince Regent’s needs. Mr. Sherman had simply nodded but offered little else. She had no idea what he’d thought of her production area.

  She forced herself to take a deep breath and evaluated the room as if she were seeing it for the first time. The room’s interior was tastefully decorated. She hadn’t skimped on choosing the finest paints and wallcoverings for the shop. She’d been fortunate when she’d come upon a furniture auction one day that wasn’t well-attended. The beautiful but worn Louis XVI bedroom furniture she’d picked up for a song. Luck was with her also when Mr. Reed and his men had the time to refinish the furniture for the secretary’s visit. The results were remarkable. Everything looked brand new.

  Even the linens themselves were exquisite. Her employees were some of the finest seamstresses in all of England. If she wasn’t awarded the contract, it wouldn’t be because of the quality of her goods.

  Mr. Sherman removed his gloves then ran his hand over a lovely linen. He picked up the edge of the coverlet, then pulled at a seam. “The stitches are tight and orderly.”

  “Thank you.” Kat reached his side and ran her hands over the matching pillows. “This is for Lady Wilder. She’s outfitting her country seat in Essex.”

  “The Marquess and Marchioness of Wilder?” he asked. Before she could answer, he took out his paper and pencil and jotted a few notes.

  “Yes.” She cleared her throat and clasped her hands behind her back, hoping to hide their shaking. “She was my very first customer, and one of the most loyal.”

  “How many bedrooms does she have?” He narrowed his green eyes.

  This was a test of her ability to satisfy all her orders. “She has nineteen. She orders a set approximately every three months when she redecorates the family quarters.” She smiled earnestly. “If you’re wondering how I will manage if I receive the contract, there’s no need. As I’ve mentioned, I have plans to hire additional employees for my orders. My current employees will be dedicated to the Prince Regent’s orders.”

  “Good.” He nodded. “Do you have a journal for your orders? Perhaps I can see that along with your bookkeeping? I need to see how financially secure you are.” He slipped the paper and pencil back into his pocket.

  “Of course. Please follow me.” Kat led the way into her private sanctum, her office. She pulled the journals from her desk then handed them to him.

  Before Mr. Sherman sat in front of her desk, he walked to the new linens Helen had ordered from her. “Who is this for?”

  “My dear friend, Lady Woodhaven. That’s Belgium lace.” She smiled as he examined the linens. They were some of the most extraordinary pieces she’d designed. “I have someone in York who supplies me.”

  “Exquisite,” he murmured with awe. He pulled out his paper and pencil and made a few more notes.

  Kat released the breath she’d been holding. It was the first truly positive comment he’d made in her presence.

  He sat down and started skimming pages in her order journal. Carefully, he closed it, then turned his attention to her bookkeeping. He perused the entries much as he’d done with the order journal. After a moment, he lifted his head and stared at her. “The Duke of Randford gave you four hundred pounds two days ago. What is it for?”

  She smiled in reassurance. “It’s a payment for services. I’m helping him create a charity, a business really, for the men that served under him in the army. Many came home without work. The duke is trying to help them establish their lives. It’s a marvelous idea, don’t you think?”

  He grunted noncommittedly as he glanced back at the bookkeeping. “What kind of business?”

  “A workshop that will refinish various antiques such as lap desks and small side tables to match my linens.” She felt a swell of pride at everything she and Christian had accomplished in the last week. “The duke is passionate about the idea and helping his men. With his commitment, I have no doubt it will be a success. I’m honored to be working with him.”

  Not only honored, but delighted. Thoughts of Christian and his regard for his men made her feel as if she were a part of something bigger. Something that helped her as much as it helped Christian’s men. It was the first time in her life after the “incident” that she could recall helping others without having to worry about her secrets. Honestly, it was the first time Katherine felt she could do anything she wanted without the world falling apart around her.

  And she had Christian to thank for getting her involved.

  “I’m sure it will be a success, but it’s also troublesome.” Mr. Sherman glanced down at the paper again. “Will you have enough time to fulfil the Prince Regent’s contract if you work for the Duke of Randford also?”

  “Yes.” She nodded decisively. “The business plans I showed you at the workshop are ready to be implemented. My friend, Miss Howell, is more than qualified to run the workshop while I handle the hiring and training of extra seamstresses and the everyday business in the boutique. My work for the duke will be coming to an end soon. But I’ll still help his shop by offering the items for sale in my emporium.”

  “Lap desks and tables,” Mr. Sherman murmured, and he jotted down several notes. “The Prince Regent loves small unique pieces.” He stood, and then for the first time in their hours together, Mr. Sherman smiled, one of satisfaction. “I appreciate your time today, Lady Meriwether.”

  “You are most welcome. Thank you for considering me.” The kindness in his voice gave her hope that the interview had gone well. “If you have any further questions, please send them to me and I’ll answer immediately.”

  He put away his pencil and paper for the last time before placing his hat on his head. “I have all the information I need. I’ll present my findings to the First Lady of the Bedchamber. A decision should be made by the Prince Regent within the next ten days or so. Good day.”

  After he exited the shop, Kat strolled to th
e bay windows that faced the London street, where a startling blue afternoon sky commanded her attention. The visit had gone as well as could be expected. She rested against the window jamb.

  The worry she thought she’d experience after Mr. Sherman left was nonexistent. She had done her best and, whatever happened, it was out of her hands. Now, all she could think about was seeing Christian again and telling him everything.

  Amazing how the passage of a few short weeks and a particular duke could change her entire world.

  * * *

  Now that Constance was confined to her room for rest, Katherine and Beth spent every evening there before bedtime. Katherine always made it her last stop before retiring. But sometimes work called her back to her study after their evening chat. Beth and Aunt Vee had started taking turns sleeping in a cot in Constance’s room so they could be of assistance if needed.

  It was remarkable how Constance kept a cheery attitude through all of this. If it had been Katherine, she would have been beside herself. She was certain she’d have suffered from boredom after the first day, but Constance took it all in stride. She kept herself entertained by reading the latest gothic novels, fashion plates, and gossip rags, all of which lay in a haphazard manner across the bedside table.

  Katherine made her way to Constance’s room. Aunt Vee sat happily by the fire, knitting away while Beth sat in a chair next to Constance’s bedside. Papers were spread all around the counterpane, one of the first projects that Kat had ever completed.

  “May I join you?” Katherine called out softly.

  “Oh, you’re here,” Constance exclaimed. “I was about to send Beth to drag you out of your study. All work and no play makes Katherine a dull girl.”

  Beth laughed at the silly poem. “Makes Jack a dull boy,” she corrected.

  “But it makes me a happy woman,” Katherine added as she sat next to Beth.

  “We’ve only known each other a short time, but I’d say you’re happy,” Constance agreed. “Certainly more so than when we first met.”

  “I second that.” Beth’s eyes flashed with merriment. Since she’d been staying at Katherine’s home and working for Kat, the change in Beth had been miraculous. She’d gone from being secretive to outgoing.

  Katherine could easily see the women staying on with her after the contract was signed. She would have enough money to take care of them for many years to come. Hopefully, the increase in business from the royal appointment would allow them all to retire in style.

  That was if Christian didn’t find her friends each a husband. Besides, she might not win the appointment. She shouldn’t get her hopes up too high, at least not yet.

  Beth tapped her finger against her chin. “Oh, I’ve seen something that makes Katherine happy besides her work.”

  Constance’s mouth tipped upward in an evil grin. “I’d say it’s not something, but someone.”

  Beth leaned forward, and in a loud playful whisper said, “Do tell.”

  Constance giggled. “I think it rhymes with Brandford, Sandford, or perhaps—”

  Aunt Vee looked up from her knitting. “Randford.”

  Heat spread from Katherine’s neck to her cheeks. “What makes you say that?”

  Constance smoothed the down coverlet in front of her. “Every time you see him, you come alive.” Her glee turned to seriousness. “I, for one, think it’s wonderful. After everything you’ve been through, you deserve some happiness.”

  Beth nodded. “I couldn’t agree more. You’ve taken us in and given us a safe place to stay while this muddle is straightened out. We all want you happy.”

  “Each of you deserve the same,” she argued. “Besides, you’re reading more into this than there really is. He’s trying to do what’s best for all of us.”

  “Of course,” Constance agreed a little too quickly with a cheeky grin. “Particularly when he comes out of your study without wearing his cravat and his hair is mussed.”

  The heat assaulted Katherine’s cheeks. “What? Why would you say that?”

  “Willa,” Beth said. “She mentioned that she’d never seen him with a hair out of place until … he left your study the other night. Makes me wonder what kind of work you two were sharing.”

  “Stop, both of you,” Katherine pleaded, holding both of her hands up and laughing. “You know that Willa likes to exaggerate.” She pointed to the bed. “What’s all that?”

  Constance let out an exasperated sigh. “I decided to go through my packet of receipts from Meri.” She pointed to the pile. “Basically, it’s a hodgepodge of purchases he made with various people. There’s no rhyme or reason to any of it, but it appears he used my dowry to finance most of it. Some are horses, mineral rights, jewelry, and even deeds. None of it is a sale between two people. There’s always a third person involved in the transaction. Meaning, he trades with person A who trades with person B. But it looks like Meri gets nothing in return. From what I’ve gathered, it’s the same with your individual receipts.” She picked up a receipt then blew a lock of hair that had fallen across her eyes. “If I can find what he received, then perhaps I can find out what happened to our dowries.”

  “You did all of that today?” Beth asked slowly, glancing at the papers before turning her gaze to Constance.

  She nodded. “I’m recording it all in this journal.”

  “Anything Beth or I can do to help?” Kat said.

  Constance shook her head. “Thank you, but no. I like to work on puzzles. Besides, you two have had a busy day. Now, tell us how your meeting went with the secretary.”

  Kat’s eyes widened as she recalled the absolutely perfect day it had been. “Mr. Sherman is a lovely man. He spent all afternoon with me.” She addressed Beth. “If it hadn’t been for you, I don’t know if I could have had everything in order. Thank you.”

  Beth placed one hand over Kat’s. “You’re very welcome. When Mr. Sherman was at the workshop, I thought him very thorough.”

  Kat nodded. “At the arcade, he inspected the finished goods. He actually looked at all the incoming orders to ensure we can handle the increase in business if we’re awarded the contract. I think it went well. Now, we wait.”

  “Oh, that’s lovely, Katherine.” Constance collected the papers into an orderly pile then pushed herself up to a sitting position and rubbed her belly. “What did he say when he left?”

  “He told me a decision would be made as soon as possible. I don’t know how I’ll be able to wait.” It was so rare for her to bare her soul to another, but with Christian and her friends, she was finding it easier and easier to share her true self with all her hopes and fears. “I’m hoping for the best. It means I can hire more women to grow my business, which will provide financial security for all of us.”

  “Whatever the decision, it’s absolutely amazing you are being considered for such a contract. We’re so proud of you.” Constance reached out her hand, and Katherine placed it in hers. “It can’t help but increase your business.”

  Beth nodded decisively. “I wager you’ll hear within the week.”

  “We shall see,” Katherine said, not wanting to let her hopes soar.

  Constance yawned and settled back into bed.

  Beth looked at Katherine. “I think that’s our cue.”

  Aunt Vee yawned in tandem with her niece, then put her knitting in her lap. “It’s my turn to stay here tonight.”

  After they all said good night, she and Beth stepped out into the hallway. Her friend stopped and placed her hand on Katherine’s arm. “We’re teasing you about the duke.”

  “I know,” Katherine said. “This must be what it’s like to have sisters.”

  Beth shrugged. “None of us knows. I have only one brother, and you and Constance are only children. But I like the way we are with one another.” Her face turned serious. “We are sisters,” she said unwaveringly.

  Katherine dipped her head in acknowledgment. “Indeed.” She reached up and pressed a kiss to Beth’s cheek. “We will alw
ays be sisters.”

  Beth smiled, and the warmth in her eyes made them brilliant like diamonds. “Then, as one sister to another, let me give you some advice.”

  Katherine nodded. “Go on.”

  “Once you hear the decision, I think you should inform Randford immediately. Not by letter, but by visiting him.” She leaned a little closer so they couldn’t be overhead. “I’m not certain what is going on between the two of you, but if there is something, then you should nurture it.”

  “There’s nothing going on between us,” Katherine protested quietly.

  “Of course there isn’t.” The disbelief in Beth’s voice was punctuated by the merriment in her eyes. “Because there’s not a single thing going on between the two of you, he deserves to hear what the outcome is.” She stretched toward the ceiling with her arms, an indication she was tired and ready for bed as well. “He’ll share in your joy.”

  “What if I’m not picked for the contract?”

  “Then let him comfort you through your disappointment. But I have an intuition—you may call it a hunch—but I believe you’ll be celebrating soon. Are you retiring for the evening?”

  “Shortly. I have a few things to finish this evening.”

  Beth nodded then turned to go to her room, murmuring something about work, Jack, a happy woman, and a certain duke.

  Katherine headed down the stairs to the main floor, where she met Willa on the landing with a tray of fresh water and towels for Constance.

  “Kat, I forgot to mention that the duke stopped by, and Lady Woodhaven sent over a note, and a royal courier left a letter for ye.” Willa’s stoic face revealed nothing. “I put both on yer desk.”

  “Did he say anything?”

  “No, indeed. Lady Woodhaven’s footman was quite tight-lipped.”

  “Willa,” Kat exclaimed.

  She smiled. “Neither was the royal courier very forthcoming.”

  “Enough teasing,” Kat growled.

  Willa raised a hand in surrender. “All right, lass. The duke said he’d call on ye tomorrow.”