Jemima felt appalled, marriage was a sacred act. How could she face God if she mocked it? The duke took her interruption as consideration and continued,
“You need not worry about dressing and attires. You will be provided with the best gowns and jewels. Your job would be to act, and I am well aware you excel at it. In return for this, I will provide you a sufficient amount of money, enough to pay off debt, ail your aunt and spend a good few years.”
“With all due respect, Your Grace, I will have to refuse.” She informed him, keeping her composure.
“Pardon?” Norfolk thought he misheard her.
“I may be an immoral woman in society, but I will not sacrifice my values for any amount of money. Marriage is a holy act, and I will not belittle it.” Jemima told him, her voice wavering from emotion.
Norfolk felt a surge of respect for the lady in front of him. How wrong he had been to assume she’d grab this opportunity to earn money. He would not persist but would give her time to reconsider.
“I must say I am surprised and sorry to hear that, yet, I do insist that you give it some thought.”
The subject was put aside, and they finished dinner. Jemima didn’t stay long afterwards and took her leave.
“Thank you for having me, Duke Norfolk.” She said.
“Norfolk please, and the pleasure was mine, Miss Devine.” He smiled warmly, hoping he’d see her soon.
Jemima Devine left the mansion, with no intention to return.
What waited at home would force her to reconsider.
***
Norfolk thought of the enigma that was Jemima as he smoked tobacco in his room. She had refused his offer, a woman of honor. This wasn’t going to be easy, nonetheless, Norfolk knew all business propositions take time before prospering.
Chapter 3
Contemplation
J emima slammed the door behind her as she entered her house. Tears stinging her eyes, she ran to her aunt’s bed. She fell on her knees and began to sob.
“Dear Child, what’s the matter?” Aunt Lucy gasped, trying to get up.
“No Auntie, I-my heart just aches.”
“My lovely, what upsets you?” Aunt Lucy asked, unable to do much in her frail state. “It’s me, isn’t it? I am a burden that imposes itself on you.”
“Aunt Lucy! You never!” Jemima said, “I’d rather spent my life serving you, than go live with my other relatives. You are dearest to me.”
Jemima had relatives, financially stable ones. They were part of the ton but she detested the lot of them and chose to boycott them. Now she had hurt her auntie, making her think she is a burden.
“You’re too young to be held down by your poor old auntie.” Aunt Lucy said, patting her head.
“No, auntie. God is watching over us, I know it.”
“Then trust in Him, child. He gives signs you might overlook.” Aunt Lucy offered as comfort.
Jemima thought about that quietly till her auntie fell asleep. Was this God showing her a way out of poverty? She kissed her aunt lightly and went to her room. As she undressed, her thoughts flowed. Could she do this? Succumb to the need for money and sacrifice her virtue.
For her Aunt Lucy health? Yes, yes, she could.
Come morning, she would send her consent to The Duke of Norfolk. By this time next week, she’ll pose as his wife.
***
My Lord Duke,
After due consideration, I have decided to accept your offer. My only condition is that a house maid be provided to look after my dear aunt, in my absence. I accept your conditions.
Miss Jemima Devine.
Jemima sighed, as she signed her name. Was she doing the right thing? She hoped that this would go well, and she could emerge with a better life. She sealed the letter and sent it by post.
In the face of hardships, one must sacrifice.
***
Norfolk knew she’d concede. He smiled as he was handed the letter by Bingham, already knowing the contents of it. As he read the letter, a Cheshire cat smile spread on his face. His trip to Lancashire would be quite eventful now. He sent a reply, accepting her condition. He would send the finest house maid from his estate to care for her aunt. His reply asked Jemima to join him for dinner, so they could discuss the plan to the finest details.
With dinner being prepared for the night and Jemima's attendance confirmed, Norfolk retired to the drawing room for an informal visit with his friend, Lady Sophia Brereton.
Norfolk had been courting Sophia since last summer when her father Lord Brereton had made Norfolk’s acquaintance as a potential investor.
Their relationship made Sophia happy, which made her father favor Norfolk all the more. He had placed his cards very carefully. He intended to marry Sophia if her father would invest. That was far away, and that is why he couldn’t take her along to Lancashire to meet his Aunt Agatha. Taking her would make their courtship appear in the public eye and leave him vulnerable. Hence, he had approached Miss Jemima, a pawn unknown to upper society, the ton.
If careful enough, he would be able to pass this without getting caught. He had told Sophia he was busy today, yet she had persisted on meeting him and he couldn’t refuse. Now he hoped she would say farewell before Miss Devine walked in for dinner. It wasn’t something he couldn’t handle, it was very easy to fool Sophia. Regardless, he did not want to be put in such a position.
He heard the carriage draw in as he and Sophia finished their tea.
“Is someone visiting us, Norfolk dear?” Sophia asked, conveniently inviting herself to dinner if it was guests.
She never skipped an opportunity to showcase her and Norfolk’s relationship.
“Not a guest, dear. A business partner. Boring stuff, you wouldn’t enjoy.” Norfolk told her a half-truth, opening his bedroom door as a sign for her to make her departure.
“Alright, love.” She said, sickly sweet. “When will I see you, again?”
“Not for a while, I have some work to tend to before I leave for Lancashire.” Norfolk informed her, “I will meet you when I return.”
“Okay, Norfolk.” She kissed his cheek as she exited.
Jemima was already waiting in the parlor, glass of wine in hand when Norfolk entered. He saw her looking at Sophia’s carriage through the window.
“Thank you for accepting my offer.” Norfolk told her as he approached.
Ignoring his statement, she said, “You are a busy man, Your Grace.”
“Norfolk, please. And that is a very close friend, Lady Sophia Brereton.” He told her.
Deciding it was none of her business, Jemima dropped the subject altogether. Yet it made her heart uneasy. Was Norfolk a cad? Incapable of love? And why did it trouble her so much?
“I was surprised that you reconsidered.” Norfolk said, as he filled his glass with wine. “Yet, very happy.”
“I am a woman of honor, Sir. However, I’d be a fool if I let this opportunity go.” She said, sipping her wine. “I take it you’ve arranged for a house maid?”
“Yes, my housekeeper, Mrs. Nicholas, will be taking care of sending over a house maid. I assure you, she will send the best staff we have on hand.” He told her.
“Shall we discuss the trip to your Aunts estate?” Jemima asked, getting down to business. This was, after all, only that. Business.
“Ah-yes, please have a seat Miss Devine.” He said, as he sat down.
She sat and crossed her legs.
“To begin with, you and I met when I was in your town for business.” Norfolk started, “You lived in a small town, just outside of Oxfordshire. We met, fell in love and were married within a week. You moved here and are now The Duchess of Norfolk. Needless to say, you will have to behave as such.”
“I’m well aware of how to act a part, Sir.” Jemima said.
“Norfolk. You must learn to address me fondly, wives of dukes do not address them with Sir.” He told her.
“Norfolk dear, is that the case?” Jemima asked, laughing lightly.
She was an attractive woman, and it would be hard to do this without developing feelings. Norfolk smirked as he thought this; he was devoid of feelings. He was incapable of falling in love or inspiring love in anyone. He lived a proper life, with little time for such distractions.
“Precisely.” Norfolk answered, unsmiling. “You will need a new wardrobe and jewels to keep up the facade. I have arranged for Mrs. Nicholas to take you shopping.”
Jemima felt hurt, unwillingly, that he wouldn’t join her. She had forgotten it was only an act and wanted him to take her.
“I see.” Jemima said, as Bingham announced dinner.
***
The housekeeper to Norfolk’s estate, Mrs. Nicholas, was due soon. He had arranged for her to collect Jemima from her house and take her shopping for their upcoming trip. Jemima waited, dressed simply.
There was a knock on the door and she went to get it. A carriage stood right outside her entrance, and the coachmen stood next to it, holding the door open for her. She took the hand he offered and got in.
“Hello, love.” Norfolk spoke.
Jemima shrieked, not expecting him to be there. She clutched her chest, trying to calm down as she sat opposite him.
“Mrs. Nicholas is a bit under the weather, so I thought I could assist you in shopping today.” He told her, his eyes gazing outside the carriage window. He wanted to mask his desire for her and his glee at taking her instead of Mrs. Nicholas.
“I could’ve gone myself, Norfolk. I know you are a busy man.” She told him, hiding her own excitement.
“Never for my lovely bride.” He joked as the carriage turned onto the road, heading towards Jermyn Street.
Chapter 4
The Duchess
Prepares
N orfolk was surprised at how little Jemima bought. He had placed no limit, and she was free to buy as many gowns and jewels as she desired. Yet, she was a simple woman who only bought what she would need.
She was quite different from all the women he had ever met. She never spoke unnecessarily, and when she did, it was poetry. They spent half a day buying all the clothes she would need on their trip to Lancashire. After figuring out the right shoes and gloves for each piece of clothing, they entered a jewel shop. Jemima never liked ostentatious jewelry and only searched for delicate pieces.
Norfolk had remained uninterested in the shopping until this moment. Each piece Jemima tried on looked pale next to her beauty, Norfolk thought. Her soft, rosy skin had no equal.
Eventually, they bought a few earrings, bracelets and pendants.
“Shouldn’t we get a wedding ring?” Jemima muttered, reddening. “I-I mean, since we have to pretend to be married.”
“Hmm, yes Miss Devine. However, I already have arranged for that.”
Jemima wondered what it would be.
***
After shopping, they made way to Norfolk’s mansion. Jemima was going to keep the clothes and jewels there in order to avoid questions from her Aunt Lucy. She had not told her what she was about to do. Instead, she had told Aunt Lucy that she was going to the next town to do a few performances of ‘Romeo and Juliet.’
Bingham took the bags from the coachmen’s hand as Norfolk and Jemima entered the parlor. She saw Norfolk signal Mrs. Nicholas as they sat. She brought forward a small velvet pouch. Norfolk took the pouch from her, and she left the two alone.
He opened the pouch, and from within it he presented a ring to her. It was a simple gold ring. What made the ring beautiful was the gem that lay on top. It was a garnet stone.
“My mother’s wedding ring.” Norfolk said, “It would make sense for you to wear it.”
Warmth spread through Jemima’s veins, before she realized he meant it would make people believe easily.
“That would be ideal, Your Grace.” Jemima said.
Jemima Devine had always pictured her wedding. How her husband would place the ring on her finger, and she would become his.
Now she had found herself putting it on her finger. No husband at her side. The opposite of commitment.
***
It was Jemima’s last night in her own house for a while. She stayed up all night, anticipating the trip. She had started to grow accustomed to spending time with the duke. They had met several times to discuss the plan to the finest detail. Now, tomorrow they would be on way to execute it. She had high hopes for it and looked forward to spending so much time with Norfolk.
She tossed and turned. On one hand she was excited, on the other, she was nervous. Would everyone be welcoming? Or would they see through her act? Acting came naturally to Jemima, yet, she was scared for this play. She would always have to be on her guard. Any slip up would cause their secret to come out.
She soon fell asleep, praying to God to protect her.
***
They left early in the morning, in the duke’s finest carriage, made for long trips. Their belongings had been loaded in the carriage that followed behind with a lady’s maid and a valet.
Bidding goodbye to Aunt Lucy had been hard. Jemima had never been away from her, ever since her parents died and she started living with here. It was a tearful farewell, and Jemima had to gather herself, wipe her tears, and take her leave.
Now, both Norfolk and Jemima sat opposite each other. The Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, onwards to Lancashire. Both had a common motive. Make their respective aunts happy.
***
The carriage rattled as they raced through the dark night. They had been travelling since the past day, having stopped once for fresh air. Jemima had fallen asleep a while ago. Her head rested against the side of the coach. The duke smoked tobacco as he saw her sleeping. He couldn’t help but admire her courage. She was a strong woman for having come so far on her own. As she slumbered, her hair fell on her face and Norfolk longed to push it back behind her ear. The hair disturbed and she awoke to push it back.
“Wha-what?” Jemima stuttered, as she saw the duke look at her intently.
Norfolk smiled and turned his gaze away.
***
“Why did you never marry, Miss Devine? Norfolk inquired. “Surely, a woman of your appeal would receive suitors.”
“I won’t marry anyone unless I love them, Sir.” She told him.
“Alas, who would’ve thought.” Norfolk murmured into the wind.
“Indeed.” Jemima concluded, looking the other direction.
“Though she be but little, she is fierce.” Jemima could swear she heard the duke mutter.
***
On the second night of the journey, they entered Lancashire at around midnight. Not used to such long journeys, Jemima was tired and her back ached. All she wanted was to fall in bed and sleep. As the carriage stopped, Jemima felt her heart skip a beat. Would she succeed?
Aunt Agatha resided in Hambleton Hall, a huge property that had been in the Croft family for generations until she became the sole owner. Now as her old age progressed, she had signed it over to Norfolk in her will.
The Butler and the housekeeper stood to welcome them. Their belongings were taken to the back entrance as they went in. At such an age, Agatha retired earlier than everyone else. Hence, the housekeeper, Mrs. Hart, led them straight to their chambers. Jemima’s insides fluttered as she thought of sharing the room with Norfolk. She had never been with a man and felt shy.
“Here, Your Grace’s.” Mrs. Hart said, opening the door to their chambers. They went in and she followed.
“Excuse me, Mrs. Hart.” Norfolk called, as she turned to leave.
“Yes, Your Grace?” She asked, a gentle voice.
“I will require another chamber for myself.” Norfolk told her. “Bit of a snoring habit I’ve developed. Wouldn�
�t want to disturb the Duchess.”
“Of course, Sir.” Mrs. Hart said, rushing outside to prepare a separate chamber for Norfolk.
“I wouldn’t want you to be uncomfortable on my regard.” Norfolk told Jemima.
She thanked him and they bid goodnight. Come morning, they’d fall into the facade.
***
Aunt Agatha was a cheerful, old lady. She had lived life, fulfilling all her dreams. She had had all of God’s blessing. She was ready to leave the world. Her only worry was for her young nephew, Norfolk. Ever since he was a toddler, he had been attached to her. She wanted to see him settled down and taken care of. Sure, he had a line of servants to serve him but none would bring the comfort a companion would. That is why, last time Norfolk had visited her, and she had pleaded with him to find a bride, so she could die in peace knowing he had someone to love him.
Norfolk loves her and had said yes. When she received his letter last week announcing his arrival with his new bride, Agatha had been ecstatic. The manor had been cleaned, and the furniture polished. She had ordered the chef to make the finest cuisines. Agatha had also gone ahead and sent invites for a celebratory ball which she was throwing to commemorate Norfolk’s union with his wife.
She knew it would displease Norfolk, as he hated large gatherings, but she refused to back down. He had married without Agatha’s presence and this would be his way to make it up to her.
She sat in her rocking chair, waiting for Norfolk and his bride to enter. Agatha trusted his choice and knew she would be wonderful.
A light knock on the door announced their arrival.
“Come in.” Aunt Agatha said.
***
Norfolk and Jemima entered Aunt Agatha’s chamber. She had gotten weaker, Norfolk thought as he saw her. He walked towards her and bent down to kiss her cheek.
“Hello, Aunt Agatha.” He said, softly. “How are you?”
“I’m fine, dear Norfolk.” She said, reassuringly “Much better since I received your letter.”
Regency Romances Page 36