by Ella Quinn
They spread out among the tables and Dorie was glad to see she had been right, it was easy to converse. She was at a table with her mother, father, Caro, Huntley, and Lord Exeter. While they waited, her mother and Caro discussed a story that could be put around about the former Lady Exeter and the girls.
“It was unfortunate that she insisted on bringing the girls to Town. It made her remarriage so much more public,” Caro opined.
“With just a little thought”—Mama’s acerbic tone made Dorie glad she was not on the receiving end of what would be said—“he could have come to Town, bought the license, and they could have wed somewhere out of the surrounding area.”
“At least they did not depart for Scotland before they wed,” Louisa Rothwell reminded them.
“That is something, I suppose.” Mama looked unconvinced. “I told her at the time that this would reflect badly on her daughters, but she refused to believe it.”
“We ’ave”—Eugénie Wivenly, her charming French accent tinging her English, waved her arm to indicate all the tables—“One viscount, one son of a viscount, one earl, three marquises, and one duke. Plus important, we have us, les dames. From what I have seen, it is the ladies who run the ton. Oui?” Raising her brows, she looked at each of them as they gathered around. “The ladies decide who is acceptable to be admitted to Almack’s, who is invited to entertainments, and who is to be barred.” Everyone nodded. “We are the ones who will tell the others that we accept Lord Exeter and his sisters.”
“Well said, Eugénie,” Charlotte Kenilworth said. “We shall let it be known that anyone who shuns those girls will no longer be invited to our entertainments.”
Dorie had never thought of it, but they were right. Ladies did rule Polite Society. That was probably one of the reasons women who married into the peerage or gentry from the merchant class, with rare exceptions, were not accepted. She could not have imagined her mother’s reaction if one of Dorie’s brothers had married someone Mama did not think was suitable.
“Do you not agree, Dorie?” Georgie said.
Dorie gave herself a shake. “I apologize. My mind was elsewhere.”
“I said that Adeline will want lobster patties when she arrives. I said I would like them as well and asked if you agreed.”
Lobster patties? How had they gone from Lord Exeter’s sister to food? Come to think of it, she was hungry. Her friends probably were as well. “Yes. Lobster patties would be wonderful.” But wait. “Where is Adeline?”
“She will be here soon.” Georgie’s answer was singularly uninformative.
The gentlemen returned followed by several footmen. There were indeed lobster patties, as well as cold meats, white soup, salad, mushroom tarts, asparagus, and poached salmon, as well as champagne, wine, lemonade, and ratafia.
When her father, brother, and Lord Exeter sat down to tea, Caro announced grandly, “We have found a solution to the problem.”
A besotted smile played around her brother’s mouth as he placed the foods she liked on her plate. “What is that, my love?”
“We ladies have decided to shun anyone who speaks badly of Exeter’s sisters.”
When Papa looked confused, Mama explained, “They will no longer be invited to our entertainments or that of our friends. I shall also speak with Lady Jersey.”
Lord Exeter placed a lobster patty on Dorie’s plate and mouthed, “Lady Jersey?”
“Almack’s.” Dorie lowered her voice to an undertone.
“That’s bad,” he whispered.
Nodding, she indicated she would like some asparagus and a tart as well. “Very.”
Caro and Mama began to discuss the ball they were planning while the rest of them discussed the bill Papa and Huntley were drafting to address the Catholic problem. Dorie was glad to see Lord Exeter had several ideas on how to garner support for the bill.
“I think we should approach Wellington. If I am not mistaken, he was responsible for allowing Catholic soldiers to worship while serving in the army.”
The conversation progressed into how they could turn public opinion when a titter from the other side of the plants caught their attention. Then a woman said, “I cannot believe Lady Rutherford would allow her young sister-in-law to consort with the Elliott girls.”
Silence fell over their fairly large group, and Lord Exeter stood. “If you will excuse me for a moment.”
Dorie reached out to stop him, but her father stayed her. “Let him go. He needs to find his power.”
It seemed strange to her that a marquis would not know how powerful he was, but she did as she was told. On the other hand, he did look rather impressive, striding off as if into battle. Which in a sense it was.
Alex had heard enough. He appreciated his friends coming to his aid, but this had to end now, and he was going to put a stop to it.
He stalked over to the table at which Lady Letitia sat with her mother and bowed. “My ladies, I understand you have taken issue with my younger sisters. Specifically, that there must be something wrong with them if my married sisters did not take them into their homes.” Lady Letitia’s mouth dropped open and her mother’s eyes bulged out. “I do not wish my sisters, who have recently suffered the abandonment of their mother and the death of their father, to be shuttled off to France with my sister Lady Bude. And if you wonder why they are not with my sister Lady Knutsford you should visit her sometime. If, that is, she can find the time to do more than greet you as she deals with three young children, a new infant, and a monkey who continually escapes and chases after a parrot. I assure you, it reminds one more of Bedlam than a home where two young ladies not yet out of the schoolroom should dwell.” He took a breath and tried to decipher how the women were taking his tirade. He could be making everything much worse. “They are sweet, well-behaved young ladies who do not deserve to have their names falsely bandied about. I trust I will not hear another derogatory word about my younger sisters from you or anyone else. For my mother, I make no excuses. What she did was wrong and cruel—”
“My lord.” Lady Letitia opened and closed her mouth, reminding him of a fish.
“What my daughter wishes to say is that we are very sorry. I had no idea the, um, situation was so complicated.”
“Yes, indeed,” Lady Letitia managed to say. “What a horrible state to which to come home. If there is anything we can do…”
“Thank you, my ladies. Good evening.” He hoped never to set eyes on them again, but that was probably asking too much. The ton was a small world.
As Alex returned to his table and Lady Dorie, he wondered if his lecture had actually done any good. If not, at least he had his friends. He was reminded of something in the statement that Lady Letitia had made that he had not understood. “Who is Lady Rutherford?”
“A friend of my sister-in-law. She too has a sixteen-year-old sister. Well, sister-in-law, not that that matters. I have arranged for Penelope to drink tea with the young lady tomorrow.”
For a moment Alex was too stunned to respond. He’d never dreamed that Lady Dorie would go to such lengths for his family. Particularly as she had shown no preference for him. “Thank you.”
“It was my pleasure.” She smiled brightly before taking a sip of champagne. “Penelope is a lovely girl and should have friends.”
If only Lady Dorie would smile at him like that for different reasons. What was he doing wrong?
CHAPTER TEN
The following morning Alex was relieved and happy to see Dorie arriving at the same time he did. Willa looked over at Titus and began to prance.
Dorie laughed as Titus bobbed his head several times. “I think they are ready for a rematch, my lord.”
“I believe you are right.” If only Alex and she got along as well as their horses did. He wished he knew how to break through the barrier she had erected between them.
They trotted along beside
each other, gradually allowing the hacks to begin cantering. Her cheeks were flushed, and a sparkle lit her eyes. She glanced at him. “Ready?” He nodded. “Go!”
Willa shot forward while Titus loped along after her, clearly satisfied to play second fiddle to the mare. In a way it reminded Alex of himself. He was always chasing Dorie, but she remained just out of reach.
She reached the tree first and turned to look at him. “Titus is making me feel guilty for winning.”
“Don’t be.” Alex patted the bay’s neck. “He clearly doesn’t care if he wins or not.” They brought the horses around and started back. What he felt guilty about was not remaining home and reading over the information on the men he’d be interviewing this morning. “Which gentleman would you recommend as my secretary?”
His whole body tightened as she pulled her bottom lip between her small white teeth and tilted her head slightly. “If I was choosing, I would pick Mr. Cunningham. He did extremely well in school and was lauded for the projects he completed properly and in a timely manner. I have seen the letters he wrote to his sister and his penmanship must be admired by everyone.”
“That is an excellent trait in a secretary.” Alex would not have to worry about the man’s writing skill or his ability to follow through on a project.
“Indeed it is.” She chuckled. “Also the Archbishop of Canterbury told my father that he regretted losing Cunningham to the secular world, but stated his opinion that he would do well at whatever he chose to do with his life.”
That was impressive. “I suppose recommendations don’t come any better than that.” They were almost back to where they usually started. “What about Mr. Wheaton?”
“He is a nice young man.” She bit down on her lip and he wanted to soothe it with a kiss. “But his desire is to travel Europe and perhaps farther.”
Alex dragged his gaze from her lips. “Do you think he would leave if given the opportunity to travel?”
“Yes.” She turned Willa around. “I think he would.”
“One more race?” He grinned at Dorie’s smile.
“One more.”
To their surprise Titus decided to exert himself and won the race.
“So much for you thinking he did not care if he won or not.” Dorie laughed.
He scowled at the horse, but patted his neck to show he wasn’t serious. “You know he did it just to make a liar out of me.”
“From what I hear, animals are famous for doing just that.” Her eyes shone gold in the morning light. “I had better return home.”
She sounded sad, but he had a feeling that it wasn’t because she was leaving him. “I had better go as well.”
Later that morning, Alex received a letter asking for his forgiveness. Wheaton had accepted a position with a gentleman who was traveling to Europe just as Dorie had warned. Alex really couldn’t blame the man. Going to Europe was far more interesting than working for him.
Precisely at eleven o’clock, Mr. Cunningham was announced. The gentleman was tall but slender with sandy blond hair and apprehensive blue eyes. He looked to be in his late twenties. He was clutching a leather paper-case as if it might run away from him.
“Please be seated.” Alex waved the man to one of the chairs in front of the desk.
Cunningham bowed. “Thank you, my lord.”
Indicating the paper-case, Alex asked, “Does that hold recommendations?”
“It does.” The other man flushed. “This is the first position for which I have interviewed that my reputation has not preceded me.”
Alex liked the man’s humble confidence. He was used to being chosen for positions. After his conversation with Dorie, he knew the endorsements would be glowing. “Tell me why you wish to be my secretary.”
Suddenly the look of unease disappeared, and he leaned forward eagerly. “I have been given to understand that you plan to be active in the House of Lords. I would like to work with a gentleman who is interested in politics.”
He was about to ask if the gentleman knew the bent of Alex’s politics, but considering who recommended Cunningham, he probably did. “You do understand that you will also be called upon to do everything from write letters on more mundane topics such as land management and answering invitations?”
“Of course, my lord.” He nodded eagerly. “I assume that you will have extensive correspondence concerning a wide range of topics.”
“And that you’ll be required to travel?” Alex wanted to make sure his secretary would last for a while.
Cunningham inclined his head. “Yes, sir.”
“Very well.” So far so good. “I would like to look at your recommendations.”
He slid the case across the desk, and Alex opened it. There were letters from two dons at Oxford, one from the clergyman, and lastly one from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Again, Alex agreed with Dorie. He didn’t think he would find a more qualified candidate. He also liked that the man was respectful but not obsequious. Not to mention that he already felt as if he were drowning under the little correspondence he already had. “Very well. I shall provide you a set of rooms here and at Longwood, my main estate. You may take your meals with the family if you choose.”
That made him smile. “Thank you, sir.”
He mentioned what he thought to be a fair salary, and Cunningham agreed. “Well, then, when can you begin?”
“If it meets with your approval, I shall move my belongings today and start work in the morning.” He flushed. “As you can see by my letters of reference, I have been planning this change for some time.”
Alex slid the letter-case back to his new employee. “What made you decide to become a personal secretary?”
Cunningham took it from the desk and placed the case on his lap. “About two years ago, a friend and colleague of mine left the clergy to become a secretary. When I spoke to him about my incompatibility with the profession my father had chosen for me, he suggested I might like this type of position.” A grin lit up the young man’s face. “I believe he will prove to be correct.”
“I’ll show you your office.” Stepping out from behind his desk, he went to the door linking his study to the smaller room. “I hope this will be sufficient.”
Cunningham entered the room and glanced around. “I believe it will suit. Does that door open to the corridor?”
“It does.”
“If you do not mind, I’ll take a look around and let myself out.”
“Not at all. I’ll see you in the morning.” Alex returned to his study, leaned back in his chair, and put his feet on the desk. He felt a little guilty about that, but it was his desk.
He mentally reviewed the list of items he must undertake and the problem of the governess rose to the top. He must do something about Miss Rivers. Aside from his knowledge she was not instructing his sisters in all they must master, there was something that bothered him about her, and he didn’t think it was her lack of deference. He wasn’t that high in the instep. Still, before he made any permanent decisions he would first speak with Lady Huntingdon. From the corner of his eye Alex noticed a letter at the side of his desk where Coyne placed the post. It was too early for the footman to have gone to the post office and returned, but there was a letter. Leaning across, he picked up the missive and opened it.
Dear Lord Exeter,
Please forgive the curtness of this letter. I shall make a long story short. My advice to you is to hire a new governess and possibly a drawing master. I shall send over a list of names as soon as I have compiled one. In the meantime, you should instruct Miss Rivers to provide you, as we discussed, with a new lesson plan that includes time for embroidery, music, and drawing.
S. H.
Alex wiped a hand down his face. Why couldn’t his mother have at least hired a governess who knew what she was doing? He pulled out a piece of foolscap, dipped his pe
n in the standish, and put the order to Miss Rivers in writing. He did not wish to argue with the lady, nor did he wish to be misunderstood. And Alex had the feeling that she was capable of both.
That accomplished, he finished the estate journals and looked at the books for the past quarter, then read the correspondence between Lady Dorie and Longwood. Apparently, Hatcher, the head tenant, had taken it upon himself, or been asked, to represent his tenants. Lady Dorie’s answers were to the point and, as far as he could see, made complete sense. She really had an excellent grasp of what the estate required. Much more so than Alex did. But again, his problem was convincing her that they would suit.
Miss Featherton’s words about a lady wanting a man to love her crept into his mind. He didn’t understand and was not at all comfortable about this new idea of love matches. When had love become essential to a marriage? And is that what Lady Dorie truly wanted? She seemed far too rational for a love match. Or did rationality have anything to do with it? He wanted to approach her father, but, as he’d thought earlier, he might be better served if he spoke with some of his married friends first. Alex sighed. Life was much simpler when he knew the answers. But, this was an area in which he was sadly lacking in knowledge, and he desperately needed advice.
* * * *
Shortly before five, Alex drove his curricle two doors down to Huntingdon House, and was pleased to not be kept waiting. Lady Dorie was as precise in being on time as she was in everything else.
“Good afternoon.” He held his arm out and she placed her small hand on it.
“Good afternoon.” She smiled at him, and he felt like puffing out his chest. “This is a lovely carriage.”
“Thank you.” He decided not to tell her it had been his father’s. After all, it was now his. Even though he wanted to lift her into the curricle and watch her reaction, he assisted her very properly into the carriage.
Alex went around to the other side of the curricle, climbed in, and took the ribbons, threading them between his fingers. He did not wish to speak of the problem he hoped he had remedied last evening. “After the recent cold, this weather is pleasant.”