The Duchess and the Dreamer

by Jenny Frame

  She would be allowing herself to become involved in a project just like Isadora’s. Clementine always promised herself she would never get involved in something like that, especially if it involved Rosebrook. Then there was the fact of working for Evan, because that was the reality of what the job would be, despite Evan’s protestations to the contrary. She half suspected Evan had offered her this role because Evan knew she was struggling to get work contracts.

  Clementine was independent and never wanted to be beholden to anyone, but part of her knew that Evan would never use that power over her. She appeared kind, and sincere, despite having her head in the clouds.

  Then there was the little detail of feeling her stomach flip like a twelve-year-old girl’s whenever she was in Evan’s company, and this job would mean even more time in her company. But what would win out? Her heart or her head?

  “Clem?”

  Clementine was shaken from her deep thought by Kay. “Sorry? What did you say?”

  “We’re all ready. Casper is packing the car.”

  Clementine got up. “Sorry, I was miles away. Let’s go, then.” She followed Kay out to her car and Casper held the door open for her. “Thanks, Casper.”

  “See you later, ladies.”

  “Remember to pick up the boys, Casper.”

  “I will.”

  Kay turned on the engine and said, “Any news on the car yet?”

  “No, it needs a bit of work done to it.”

  In fact the garage was giving her time to decide whether to do the repairs or scrap the car. It was going to cost a fortune.

  “You know you can use our car anytime. Are you going to see your mum tonight?” Kay asked.

  “Yes, thanks, Kay. I don’t know what I’d do without you and Casper.”

  “You do plenty for everyone, Clem.” Kay started to drive the short distance to the outer edge of the village where the Tuckers lived. “So have you decided yet?”

  “What about?”

  “You know, Evan’s offer. Is that what you were thinking about so deeply in the kitchen?”

  Clementine rested her elbow on the window and leaned her head against her hand. “Mmm. Yes, I’ve thought about little else. It’s impossible but—”

  “You know, Clem, I understand your reluctance and your difficulty trusting an outsider, a townie, with your village—”

  “It’s not my village, Kay. You know that.”

  “Maybe technically, but in your heart, and in the heart of every resident in Rosebrook, it’s yours,” Kay said.

  “What’s your take on it, then?” Clementine asked.

  “I like Evan—you know that. She’s trustworthy, I think, but we don’t really know her. But the way I see it is this—it’s going to happen whether you or we like it or not. This is Evan’s land, and she seems determined to make her vision happen.”

  Clementine turned to look at Kay. “What are you saying?”

  “Well, wouldn’t you rather be on the inside, driving the agenda, influencing her and the rebuilding of this village, than outside watching it happen?”

  Clementine hadn’t thought if it that way. If she was the chairwoman of the trust, she would hold influence, and if she led the team of architects, even more. It made complete sense.

  “If you can’t beat them, join them, kind of thing?” Clementine said.

  “Exactly, and the villagers would be happier knowing you are working on the project, plus you can’t deny having a regular job would help with the dowager duchess’s expenses.”

  That was very true. She was already behind in her monthly fees. Luckily the nursing home staff were very accommodating due to the title. It was good for something, at least.

  They were just about to turn into the Tuckers’ driveway, and Clementine said, “Yes, maybe I should swallow my pride and accept—” She stopped midsentence when she saw two work vans already in the driveway, and Evan and an associate standing by the vans.

  “What are they doing?” Clementine said with annoyance. “They shouldn’t be bothering the ladies.” Clementine got out of the car quickly and marched over to where Evan was standing. “What the hell are you doing?”

  Evan took off her sunglasses, smiled, and tipped her imaginary hat to Clementine. “Good morning, Your Graceship, m’lady. I don’t think you’ve met my environmental consultant Archie before?”

  “Pleased to meet you, Your Grace,” Archie said.

  “Hello,” Clementine said quickly and turned her fire back to Evan. “Again, I’ll ask you, what the hell are you doing?”

  Archie looked uncomfortable and excused herself before walking off.

  “There’s no need to be excited, Clem,” Evan said.

  This infuriated Clementine all the more. “I’m not excited. I’m annoyed that you are bothering Agatha and Ada. These women are very important to us.”

  Evan put her hand on her chest. It was then that Clementine noticed Evan’s latest tie and handkerchief combo had poodles on them. It looked so sweet, but then Clementine remembered she was mad at her.

  “I would never bother them,” Evan said. “I’m here to help. I’m donating two electric mobility scooters to them, so they can get out and about again.”

  Clementine wasn’t expecting that answer. “Oh, did you ask if they wanted them?”

  “Yes, we had a cup of tea and a good chat about it all, and they both were excited by the idea.”

  “So what are these two vans and workmen about?” Clementine asked.

  “Well, to make things easier for them, the scooters are better outside, so we’ve had to erect a waterproof hut at the side of the cottage, and my electricians are putting in the necessary wiring and sockets for charging.”

  “Oh,” was all Clementine could say.

  “Have I allayed all your fears?” Evan said.

  Clementine was confused. This was a really kind gesture, if it was what the twins wanted, but was Evan just trying to buy favour?

  “Why did you want to do this?” Clementine asked.

  “One, because it gives me pleasure to help others, and two, I’m doing what I pledged to do, start my rebuilding from the ground up, and I think getting two wonderful ladies back out and about their home village is a good start.”

  Damn. Why did she have to be so bloody kind?

  “Is everything all right?” Clementine turned around sharply when she heard Kay’s voice behind her.

  Clementine sighed. “Yes, Evan has donated two mobility scooters to the twins.”

  “Oh, my goodness. That’s so kind, Evan,” Kay said.

  Evan smiled and said, “They’ll be zipping around the village in no time.”

  That thought made Clementine slightly worried. “Let’s get the food inside, Kay.”

  Evan followed them over to Kay’s car. “What is it you do for them?”

  Kay answered for them. “We meal-prep dinners for the twins every week, and then all they have to do is put the meals in the microwave.”

  “That’s really kind. Here, let me carry the bags in for you, ladies,” Evan said.

  Before Clementine could object, Evan had gathered the bags and set off with them.

  “Scrummy, isn’t she?” Kay said.

  Clementine’s body answered yes with a shiver, but she said nothing.

  * * *

  “Excellent, Agatha,” Evan said.

  The Tucker twins were learning to use their new scooters with mixed success. Agatha took to it straight away, but Ada was having more difficultly.

  “Evan,” Ada said, “it keeps stopping and starting.”

  “Just try squeezing the accelerator gently, but not too hard.”

  Ada tried again and set off at a snail’s pace. Kay walked along with her, leaving Evan with Clementine.

  “You know this could end in disaster,” Clementine said.

  “Or it could give two lovely older ladies a chance to get out and about in the fresh air again. Think positive.”

  “It’s not in my make-up.
I thought you’d be in London all weekend.”

  “Watch out, Your Grace.” Agatha zoomed past them.

  Evan clapped for Agatha as she went past. “Go, Ms. Tucker. No, I want to spend my weekend down here. I love it, apart from the house being a bit quiet.”

  Clementine watched as Ada’s scooter stuttered again. “Is Archie going to move down here too?”

  “No, she’s strictly a townie, so she insists. She’s more of an exclusive restaurant and wine bar type than a relaxing country weekend type.”

  Archie and Evan seemed so different, but their friendship and working relationship appeared to work.

  Out of the blue, Evan said, “Would you like to come to dinner tonight?”

  Clementine’s impulse was to say no, but she couldn’t help remembering Evan describing the house as lonely. What did she have to do anyway?

  “If you like,” Clementine said.

  “Really?” Evan said with surprise. She probably was expecting a no.

  “Yes, why not?”

  Evan was full of smiles. “That’s fantastic. You remember I’m vegan? You don’t mind eating vegan food?”

  “Fine with me. I love my vegetables. I don’t eat a great deal of meat anyway,” Clementine replied.

  “I hope you’ll enjoy it.”

  “I’m sure I—” Clementine stopped midsentence as Agatha’s scooter shot off at top speed into the wall.

  They ran over to assess the damage. Agatha was fine, and very apologetic.

  “I’m so sorry, I got the brake and the accelerator mixed up.”

  Evan whispered to Clementine. “Maybe you were right. I think they need some more lessons before hitting the road.”

  “Yes, I think that would be wise.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Evan stood in her dressing room, putting the finishing touches to her hair. She loved having this wooden panelled room for dressing, something she didn’t have at her flat in London. The agent who gave her the details on the house had listed this room as the duke’s bedroom and dressing room.

  Clearly in the past the duke and duchess preferred having separate rooms. She couldn’t imagine sleeping separately from her wife. She was too demonstrative and tactile for that.

  She combed her hair one time before declaring it perfect, then sprayed on some of her favourite cologne and popped on her suit jacket, today a grey tweed. To accessorize, she decided to go full-on Evan Fox, with her fox bow tie, pin, and handkerchief.

  Evan held out her hands and grinned. “I’m rocking this country look.” She checked her watch. “Six fifty-five, not long now.”

  Then she rubbed her hands nervously. She had been nervous all day. Worrying about what Clementine would think of the house refurb, worrying about saying something stupid and making a fool of herself, and of course worrying whether Clementine would like the vegan meal she had made.

  Earlier this afternoon she had prepared her pulled barbecue mushroom dish that she was going to serve with tacos and toppings. Now all she had to do was to heat it and bring the dish together.

  Evan wandered into the main bedroom and over to the bedroom window. Her stomach flipped when she saw Clementine enter the gates at the bottom of the driveway. “She’s here.” Clementine was wearing a light blue summer dress that blew in the early evening breeze. “You are so beautiful, Clem.”

  Evan didn’t know if she’d ever have the chance to say that to her face, but just voicing it helped at the moment. Tonight could go one of two ways. Clementine could accept the job she offered, not be horrified by her house refurb, and become closer to her, or she could detest the house, refuse the job, walk out, and any possibility of becoming Mrs. Fox would be no more.

  Evan straightened her bow tie. “No pressure, then.”

  She hurried out of the bedroom and down the stairs. She could have taken the lift, but it was too slow for her. Maybe she could install a fireman’s pole? That would be efficient and fun.

  Just as she reached the bottom, the doorbell rang, and her heart started to pound. “Shit.”

  Evan remembered she hadn’t put on any music. She pulled her phone from her pocket and opened her music app. She chose her Happy Mello playlist, and the music was soon playing throughout the house on her Bluetooth speakers.

  The doorbell rang again. “Shit.” She put her hand on the doorknob and said, “Just be cool, okay?”

  Evan took a breath and opened the door. Clem took her breath away. Clem had put her dark blond hair up into a loose chignon, and even this far away, Evan could smell her floral perfume. She inhaled it and a fire was lit in her body.

  “Evan?”

  Evan realized she hadn’t greeted her guest but instead stared at her while her mind went all sorts of hot places.

  “I’m sorry. Good evening. You look radiant, Clem.”

  “Thank you. Am I too early?”

  “No, no, just right on time. I thought I’d show you what I’ve done to the medieval banqueting hall, before we look at the house. Is that okay?”

  “Of course.”

  Clementine was glad in a way that they were delaying the tour of the house. It had been an uncomfortable experience walking up the driveway and ringing the bell to her own family home. She thought of the many times she had played out here in the driveway, on her bike or her toy car, and now she was a guest. It hurt somewhere deep inside her.

  She fell into step beside Evan and inhaled her cologne. It was gorgeous and made her head swim.

  Don’t do this, Clementine warned herself. But how could she control the way her body felt around Evan? There was something about her, like a magnetic energy pulling her towards Evan. Maybe it’s just because she has your house? Yes, that was it.

  Happy with that explanation, Clementine turned to look at Evan, who had been unusually quiet.

  “Have you done much to the banqueting hall, then?” Clementine asked.

  “You mean have I messed it up? I hope you won’t think that. I tried to keep things as original as possible, whilst making it a functioning office space.”

  They arrived at the building and Evan pulled open the door. She bowed extravagantly and said, “This way, m’lady.”

  Clementine couldn’t stop herself from chuckling at Evan’s silliness. What she found when she walked through the door surprised her, and it was a nice surprise.

  The medieval stone walls were showing and simply restored and the beams on the ceiling were looking great as well. The only change was the floor, which had been covered over with a sympathetic new wooden flooring.

  As for the office side of things, there were desks, some screens on the wall, but nothing outrageous.

  “Well?” Evan said. “What do you think?”

  “It’s quite a surprise,” Clementine said, taking in everything.

  Evan sat on the edge of her desk and folded her arms. “Is that a bad surprise?”

  “No,” Clementine smiled, “quite the contrary. The refurb has been done really sympathetically.”

  The look of relief on Evan’s face was palpable. She really did care about her opinion and doing the right thing.

  “That’s so good to hear. What were you imagining?” Evan asked.

  “I don’t quite know, but loud colours, and I didn’t expect you to keep the original walls exposed.”

  “I’m not a philistine, you know,” Evan joked. “I tried to keep it tasteful. My London office is a bit different.”

  “How so?” Clementine asked.

  Evan stood up from her desk and rubbed the back of her head bashfully. “Eh, there might be a few train tracks around the walls, and a trampoline, amongst other things.”

  Clementine burst out laughing. “You’ve really reined yourself in here, then?”

  “Yeah, I’ve made an effort.” Evan stepped closer and her tone became more serious. “I didn’t want to ruin the history of this place, ruin what your family have built.”

  Clementine looked into Evan’s blue eyes and felt the unmistakable urge to
caress her cheek, but she stopped herself at the last moment and walked away from her. “This was just used as a storage room in my time. I used to play in here as a child with my friends.”

  “There is one mystery about this place—maybe you can explain?” Evan said.

  “What?”

  When Evan walked to the corner of the room, Clementine knew what she was heading for. The new flooring Evan had put down hadn’t covered a square of old oak floor with a handle on it.

  “You didn’t cover it over?”

  Evan crouched down and lifted up the small, discreet trapdoor. “No, I thought it must be important. What is it?”

  Clementine leaned over and looked down the claustrophobic space that disappeared into darkness.

  “It’s a priest’s hole.”

  Evan looked up at her with confusion writ all over her face. “A what hole?”

  “A priest’s hole. Quite a few old country estates have them. During the sixteenth century, Catholics were persecuted under Queen Elizabeth I. Gangs of priest hunters were sent out to arrest, torture, and kill any priests they found. So wealthy Catholic families had these hiding places built, so they could hide the priest who tended their spiritual needs when the priest hunters came.”

  “Good God,” Evan said, “you mean someone actually went down there?”

  “Oh yes, it was either that or suffer horrendously if they were caught. The family that owned the medieval castle that stood here in the sixteenth century were Catholics. They lost their land eventually when they were found out to be still practising.”

  “Wow, you really are a fount of knowledge,” Evan said as she stood up.

  “Not really, I just know my family history. It’s in my blood and was drummed into me as a child. In fact they say a priest was actually sealed in this hole as a punishment. His spirit is meant to walk the land, moaning and screaming.”

  Evan let the lid of the trapdoor fall in fright. “Really? Not the best place for an office.”

  Clementine laughed. “It’s only a story. So you and your team work in here?”

  “Yes, me, Archie, and four on my admin team. They don’t start till Monday. This would be where your desk would be if you took me up on the offer to be chairperson.”