“And what is your name? You seem to be the adventurer of the family.”
She curtseyed again. “I am Miss Grace. And they haven’t allowed me to see the castle yet. I’ve not been at all, you see.”
“Ah, and now you’ve seen an opportunity present itself?”
“Yes, Your Grace.” Her smile was impish and proud. And Gerald decided he quite liked her.
His eyes returned to the first woman who spoke, Miss Standish. She held a hand out, indicating they move into the house. “Would you like to come in, refresh yourself and we can talk about the details of visiting such a place?”
“Such a place? Well, certainly. I would enjoy some tea and a rest in the cool of your front room.” He followed them into the house. “And I’ve not been introduced to all of you.”
When they were situated in a small but bright and cheery front room, Miss Standish did the honors of introductions to all four of her sisters. “Miss Charity, Miss Lucy, Miss Kate, Miss Grace, and of course, myself, Miss June Standish.”
“And you are the relations of my departed cousin, relation to the Earl of Anglesey.”
“We are.”
“And he’s not kept the castle in good repair.”
“I’m afraid not, nor his estate, nor his affairs.” Miss Kate muttered.
Gerald laughed. “Not too pleased with his handing you off in a will are you?”
A dark curly haired brunette dipped her head. “Forgive me, but would you be?”
Although the eldest shushed her, Gerald didn’t imagine he’d be pleased, at all. “Well, let’s see what we can do to make your lives a bit more enjoyable shall we?”
They seemed more pleased at that.
“And to begin, Miss Grace, I must go see this castle. You are welcome to join me, naturally.”
“Oh if we must.” Miss Standish winked at her younger sister, and Gerald decided he quite liked her as well.
“I’m full of curiosity to see why the place can be so loathsome. It has been in the hands of royal dukes for generations. It’s quite a venerable past.”
“Hmm.” Was all the response he could muster from her.
They loaded into the carriage and were pressed for space, but none complained. “I’m certain one thing that might help every one of you would be more opportunities to attend events of the season. Surely Brighton offers much of a season, especially when Prinny is here.”
They didn’t respond which he found odd. Didn’t every young lady long for a season, to flaunt her pretty self and find a husband? He’d determined this the most practical and helpful manner in which to aid these tenants.
As they drew closer to the castle, he lifted the fabric blocking the window and gazed at its massive size. “It’s the largest home I’ve seen in many years.”
They pulled up to the front, and as they all exited, he let the footman hand them down while he made his way slowly through the courtyard. They’d pulled in to a drive that was surrounded by half the castle. The walls towered up around him. After many minutes, some semblance of staff began to appear. Most seemed disheveled, all seemed uncaring. He’d have to fix that first of all. But he couldn’t be putting too much money into the place, not unless he imagined some sort of return.
At great length, an older woman approached. When she curtseyed in front of them and looked like she might topple over, he suspected her being greatly in her cups. “Please show us to the main living area of the house, a sitting room or the like?”
She nodded and wobbled so much as she tried to walk in a straight line, that he said, “Oh, never mind, would you mind just pointing us in the correct direction?”
They moved together, weaving through old and drafty hallways, poorly lit rooms, everything covered in dirt and dust, until at last they found a cheery room with a fire, ancient tapestries lining the walls, sunlight shining in through larger windows.
“Ah, at last.” He smiled.
They all took a seat. The youngest stood again rather rapidly. “Would anyone mind if I explored?”
“Yes.” All her sisters answered at once.
She sat in a very slow and dejected manner which Gerald again found amusing.
When at last a maid entered the room, Gerald stood. “Would you please assemble all the staff?”
Her eyes widened but she nodded, curtseyed and left, her feet walking just slower than a run.
Gerald and Miss Standish worked together, interviewing the staff, talking about what areas needed work, in what ways the castle was livable, and by the end of his time there, he felt very much more positive about the whole of it. The other sisters had long been dismissed to take their own tour of the castle with a footman and maid in the midst of the interviews, and at last he and Miss Standish sat together, both keeping their thoughts to themselves.
“I must take my leave within the hour. But I have a favor to ask of you?” The longer he knew this woman, the more he respected her and all she was doing with her own sisters. Apparently they’d no parents left in the world, and no real family.
“Certainly. I’m grateful for all you’re willing to do for the castle.”
“Perhaps we can make it a livable situation, perhaps not. The cottage is cozy at any rate.”
“Yes, very cozy.” Her tone was never bitter, but Gerald got the impression she wished for more, and that their burden might be greater than she let on. He’d have his steward look into their finances and expenses once he returned.
“I have a situation here in a cottage close to you.”
Her wrinkled nose made him smile. “You know, you look just like my best friend. You’d enjoy him…” His mouth lifted in a smile larger than he had planned but he kept the rest of his thoughts to himself.
“At any rate, we’ve recently relocated my fiancé to a cottage near you.” He told her all the details of his and Lady Rochester’s arrangements. He was open and honest and when he’d finished, she said, “And now you are forever engaged?”
“It appears so.”
She pressed her lips together obviously not saying some thought or other that was pressing on her mouth to be freed.
“Every now and then, could you look into her situation? If you don’t wish to visit, because we aren’t sure how she will respond to her new solitary life, at least ask the servants to check in with theirs? I will alert them that you are a trusted household.”
She nodded. “Of course. We’ll pay a visit straight away.”
“For that I thank you.”
The other sisters arrived, and their group left the castle with plans to hire a new housekeeper, add to the staff, and begin work on the main living areas. When Gerald dropped the women off at their cottage with promises of more and better things to come, he felt quite good about the manner in which he would be leaving things. And he wondered suddenly if Miss Amelia would agree.
He settled back into his carriage seat and thought of her. Their last meeting had intrigued him. He’d felt the tiniest spark of interest, a hint of attraction, and a great amount of respect. If he must marry again, why could he not choose someone who he got on well with?
His chest tightened. But of course he couldn’t marry Miss Amelia. His mother would begin an apoplexy the likes of which no one had seen. Had she not warned him against such a thing, called it a Marguerite or something. He closed his eyes, imagining Miss Amelia’s face. Well, he could at least try to find someone like her, someone who could comfort and guide him through many lonely days ahead. Up until this moment, tender thoughts of any other woman had felt surely to be a betrayal to his beloved Camilla. But now, since he’d met his son, he knew his heart was opening to the possibility of a happy life, and the more he thought about it, the more he suspected that Camilla would approve.
12
All the dresses had come back from the modiste. All the countless pieces of clothing that Amelia had no idea were essential parts of a lady’s costume had filled her room at home and her new room at her grandparents’ house. She’d had one vi
sit with a dance instructor, and he found her so proficient no more were needed. Amelia was grateful for his tips on the typical country dance sets the ladies chose. He rehearsed with her different forms of the Quadrille and refreshed her knowledge of the Waltz. Her grandmother reviewed forms of address for different people of title and found her wonderfully prepared and knowledgeable. “I would expect nothing less of you with such a mother.”
Amelia beamed with pride in her mother. And all at once, all those years of lessons seemed to be precious time and knowledge. Amelia stood with her grandmother’s favorite dress flowing down all around her as though all of those years were in preparation for this moment. It was lavender. The bright white lace lined the bottom, the sleeves and added embellishment to the ribbon around her waist. And Amelia loved it. Mostly because one of her mother’s dresses in her trunk was the same shade of lavender.
“You look lovely. You’re going to send everyone into fits, trying to meet you.”
Amelia laughed. “Well, I don’t know if I want them in fits.”
“I do.”
Amelia laughed again. She had no idea that her at first stern grandmother could be such a delight.
“If they aren’t in fits, I’ll be shocked and amazed.” Her grandfather winked and entered, holding out his hands.
She placed her own in his palms. “Grandfather.”
“You look lovely.”
“Thank you. This is all so incredible. I didn’t fancy myself much of a dreamer, but I admit I have never been more excited.”
“Excellent. We are perhaps even more excited to finally share our granddaughter with all our friends.”
“I hope I do you justice.”
“My dear, we couldn’t be prouder.”
The warmth that spread at their declaration made Amelia so happy and filled her with much needed confidence. She was excited for new introductions, for the opportunity to make her way among the peerage who she so often served, but more than anything, she hoped that a certain duke would be present. She didn’t dare ask her grandparents. How silly for her to even imagine she’d be a notable person in the duke’s life. But even if she could just see him, she would be partly satisfied. If he could see her, dressed like she belonged in his world, she would be even more satisfied and perhaps, if he turned to look twice, she’d have satisfied all her secret wishes.
They climbed into the carriage, and Amelia tried very hard not to fidget. Her grandmother seemed to have no trouble at all sitting still.
“Years of practice.”
“Pardon?”
“I can see you are so full of energy it wants to burst out of you. You will not believe it, but I feel the same.”
Her stately frame appeared to be in the perfect state of repose. “Try it.”
Amelia studied her. “I’m not sure I can accomplish such a thing.” But she imitated her grandmother’s exact pose, stared off into space, and let her air out slowly.
“There, you’ve done it.”
“Have I?” She whispered. “I even feel more relaxed, a thing I thought impossible.”
‘The two of you look as though you will become statues long before we arrive.” Her grandfather chuckled.
Amelia grinned at them both. “I believe I can do this.”
“Now, remember what we are telling everyone.”
“Yes, the truth. You have just discovered me after all these years.”
“I wish we could say simply that you have been away, and leave it at that.”
“Except most of these ladies have at least seen me in the shop. Whether or not they recognize me as the same person is yet to be seen. But if even one of them does…”
“Say no more. We are owning up to the truth before they can. ” Her grandmother waved her hand. “All shall be well. We’ve some important people who support you as well as one of the Patronesses who is, I admit, mostly curious and caught up in the romance of your situation.”
“Romance?”
“The romance she imagines is sure to come.”
“Hmm.”
They stepped out of the carriage and made their way into a grand home, climbed the stairs and were soon standing at the entrance to a ball room, decorated in flowers and all manner of candles. Amelia stood regally, ready to be announced.
She watched the swirling dancers grateful she was not the most finely dressed woman in the room. Though earlier, as soon as she saw her dress, she’d thought that surely she would be, having never seen anything so fine. But knowing that attention would be drawn in other directions made her feel better immediately.
As soon as she and the Baron and his wife were announced, several groups of people came forward at once. And the Baron was introducing his granddaughter to all and sundry. Amelia felt immediately lost in a sea of faces she was meant to remember. But soon a man asked her for the next dance which was just beginning and whisked her off to the floor.
He bowed. “I am sorry to pull you away so soon from all those that would meet you.”
“Oh, I’m grateful. I don’t know if I’ll remember even three of their names.”
“I myself have a difficulty remembering names.”
“Oh, good, I mean, it’s not good you forget names, just that I feel better knowing someone else shares my weakness.” She winced. “Not that yours is a weakness.”
He started to laugh. “You are amusing. You act as though this is your first ball.”
“Oh, well—”
Their dance began and she was spared the burden of concocting something witty to say. She watched the first couple to remind herself what must be done, and then she and her partner circled the others, circled each other and then returned to their place in line. She studied the face of her partner, Lord Herring. He was certainly handsome. And a titled lord of some kind. Before she met the Duke she might have been completely tongue tied, worse than she was, because of the man’s status in life. But now, she compared the two and found this new lord wanting. His eyes didn’t hold hers with burning sincerity. His hair was not as brilliant or thick. His nose rather small. She shook her head, laughing at her own ridiculous thoughts. As if a nose is a measure of a man.
Her gaze travelled around the room, while her partner danced across from her and just before it was her turn, her eyes caught the duke’s.
She sucked in a breath and almost missed her steps, knowing he was watching. What would he think? Was he astonished to see a shopkeeper here at the ball? Did he notice her finery? She performed the steps with exactness and energy.
Lord Herring nodded. “You’re quite the proficient.”
“Thank you.” The smile she gifted him was in hopes that the duke would see. They continued on, making small talk about everything from the latest gossip of which she even knew a little from the conversations at the tea shop, to the weather, to the upcoming activities of the week. She thought a dance had never lasted as long as this one when it finally ended and they clapped in gratitude. Lord Herring would have escorted her from the floor, but as she lifted her fingers to rest on his arm, the duke swept in and reached for her hand. He held hers firmly in his own and bowed over her hand. “Miss Amelia. It is a pleasure to see you again. I believe I have this dance?”
“Oh, well.”
He lead her away. And the music for the waltz began.
“Was this meant to be a waltz?” She had checked the order and the music, hoping to prepare. “And honestly, you did not have this dance.”
“I requested a change.” He smirked. “And whoever I’ve stolen you away from will be all the more anxious to gain your attention again when we’re through.” He held himself almost regally. The power from his broad shoulders, his raised chin, the fire dancing in his eyes was intoxicating. She tried to maintain a certain level of respectability but inside she thought she might at last really and truly swoon.
She raised her eyebrows. “You wanted to dance a waltz with me?”
His eyes shown with what looked like possible interest, but then he s
aid. “I assumed this the simplest manner in which to have a private conversation. I’ve asked for the longest waltz ever made.”
She laughed, partly disappointed, but also put well and truly at ease by his returning to their usual manner together.
“I have news. But first, I must tell you. You look amazing. Beautiful. And I must know. How are you here?”
She tipped her head to the Baron and his wife who were standing at attention watching their every move. “Have you met my grandparents?”
His face filled with a happy sort of delight. “Lord Smithson?”
“Yes, the very one.”
“Why he’s the most revered fellow. Most here hold him in the highest regard.”
“I’m pleased to hear it. I’ve recently become reacquainted with them, and they wished that I attend.”
“And now the desire to know you has increased tenfold. For I sense a rather involved story.”
“Yes, well, come by the tea shop any time. Or you may come calling at my grandparents’ home.” She hoped to remind him she had no pretense. Though she knew if she went to the tea shop, it would be to visit her father, or as a customer only.
He shook his head. “I don’t believe I’ve ever had a conversation that will be a unique as this one is bound to be. “So, I have to tell you the details of my week past.”
“What has happened?” She was happy to see more energy in his face, more excitement to live.
“I have sent Lady Rochester to live in a cottage by herself.”
“So it’s been done.” Her voice came out overly loud, and she glanced around to see most of the room was already overly interested in her waltz with the duke. She tried to ignore them.
“Her brother went with me. It is the best thing. After the fuss she made out on the street, the family was considering bedlam.”
“Oh my, oh dear.”
“Yes, and I’m particularly pleased because as you know, I should have listened to you in the first place but since I didn’t I was rather tied to her in marriage. And when I met my son.” He tipped his head back. “It’s been so long I didn’t tell you. I met. My. Son.” His eyes shone with moisture now and she couldn’t breathe for the beautiful image of a father in love with his son.
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