A Cinderella for the Duke

by Abby Ayles

  * * *

  “So now you are finding the area here most exhilarating,” Rowland assumed for her. “And have you been to visit your brother at all, since he would be so close? Or did he also choose to stay in town as your parents have?”

  * * *

  “He is actually in the Colonies right now, or I suppose what use to be the Colonies, with his new wife.”

  * * *

  “Really,” the Duke said his eyes sparked with interest. “I have yet to see that land. Pray tell, what does your brother think of it?”

  * * *

  “He is very much of the adventurous mentality, much like yourself, Your Grace. He and his wife went to oversee some property my father had acquired there before his death. In the course of the trip Abigail had a boy, and so they are choosing to stay until he is strong enough for the travel.”

  * * *

  “His wife went with him?” The Duke said with surprise.

  * * *

  “I know it might have been a little unorthodox, but they were newlywed at the time of the trip and quite unwilling to separate from one another. Plus, Abigail is just as high spirited as my brother. I believe if Colton had tried to go without her, she would have snuck on the ship anyway,” Lady Louisa added with a fond smile.

  * * *

  “You seem to have great affection for Lord Gilchrist.

  * * *

  You two must have been very close growing up,” Rowland said with a bit of longing for the companionship of a sibling in his younger years.

  * * *

  “Yes, we were always very close. Colton was sort of a protector of mine growing up. I couldn’t be happier for him of course, and I do love Abigail dearly as well. It is hard to see one marry and separate themselves from their family to create one of their own.”

  * * *

  Lady Louisa was overcome with sadness at that moment as she thought about her brother and how long it had been since she received a letter from him. She knew that change was always inevitable in life, but still, it didn’t make the process any less painful.

  * * *

  “Well, you still have yet to expose your great talent. For you must have one as all ladies seem to,” Rowland said sense her sadness at the thought of her brother and wanting to take her feelings away from the unhappiness.

  * * *

  “Perhaps I am one of the few that has no great talent, as one had yet to come to mind,” Lady Louisa said modestly.

  * * *

  “For a surety, it is your seamstress ability,” Miss Elisabeth joined in.

  * * *

  She spoke with admiration for Lady Louisa, but Lady Louisa knew that there was no sincerity behind it.

  * * *

  “For truly since she has been here she had done wonders with clothing repairs and embellishments. She is quite diligent at her work as well. One could say she was just as hard working as one of our maids.”

  * * *

  There was the slight that Lady Louisa knew would come. Miss Elisabeth announced that her skills in life were that of a serving class and nothing more.

  * * *

  “I could see how such skills could be a very useful talent,” Rowland countered feeling a sudden strong need to protect the lady.

  * * *

  “I only mean to be useful when I can. I don’t believe I am any better than most ladies.”

  * * *

  “Oh do speak of the garden that you and Miss Mary have been working at so well these past weeks,” Colonel Jasper chimed in. “Miss Mary informed me earlier that you both have been out there every day tending to its needs.”

  * * *

  “I feel that I have learned more from Miss Mary, in that respect, as it is a new skill to me,” Lady Louisa countered. “I have found great interest in reading books on medicinal plants, and Miss Mary has shown me the way to put that reading to practice.”

  * * *

  “And what plans do you have for your medicinal garden then?” the Duke asked both Lady Louisa and Miss Mary, “when all your hard work comes to fruition, of course.”

  * * *

  Both ladies looked at each other neither one having actually thought about that point.

  * * *

  “I am afraid we are not entirely sure, Your Grace, as I suspect this is new territory for the both of us,” Miss Mary replied.

  * * *

  “Well, then I must introduce you to Mrs. Vance. She is my cook, and I know is very knowledgeable about such things.”

  * * *

  “Oh, I know of Mrs. Vance, though I have never met her myself,” Miss Mary continued. “Bess has spoken of her on occasion to me. She must have been a midwife of a sort in the village before coming into your employment, Your Grace.”

  * * *

  “Yes,” Rowland agreed. “She is such a wonderful lady and has told me often that she struggles to keep up with those she helps now that she is so far away and kept busy here.”

  * * *

  “I am sure we both,” Lady Louisa said looking down to Miss Mary, “would be happy to assist her and her patients in any way we could.”

  * * *

  “I know Mrs. Vance would greatly appreciate that, and I am rather indebted to her so any way to lighten her labor I am encouraged to do.”

  * * *

  “Indebted how, Your Grace,” Miss Hendrickson said not liking that she had no input in the conversation for some time.

  * * *

  “Well, I had trouble at first acclimating to the country when first arriving and wasn’t very well. She seemed to know all the right medicines necessary to get me back on my feet. That is how I learned in the first place of her unique skill set.”

  * * *

  “I find it is such an admirable career for a working woman, Your Grace,” Miss Hendrickson continued. “How providential you had her here in your house when needed.”

  * * *

  “Surely it is important knowledge for any and all,” Miss Mary interjected. “For we will all take ill some times or know someone who will be in need of such aid. I dare say it is a life skill all should learn.”

  * * *

  Miss Hendrickson shot a sideway dagger at her sister for the contradiction. It was a momentary lap in her place, and Miss Mary quickly corrected it by leaving the conversation.

  * * *

  Lady Louisa seethed in the fact that her young cousin who had so much in her and to say, was always being bullied by her mother and sister to tote the line that they insisted must be played.

  * * *

  It was also clear to Rowland that the train of conversation had displeased Lady Hendrickson and her oldest daughter. Most likely because it was not in praise of Miss Hendrickson, herself. He reminded himself that he was here to begin relations with the miss and that only this should be his sole focus.

  * * *

  “Miss. Hendrickson, please do tell me what songs you had in mind to play for us tonight?” he said to return the conversation back to a dull topic where no real discussion could be made, or opinions surfaced.

  Chapter 17

  “Doesn’t she sing beautifully,” Lady Hendrickson whispered to Rowland as they sat in the drawing room.

  * * *

  He was actually surprised to see it dust free and ready for them. He didn’t think he had entered this room once since arriving at Bassen Park.

  * * *

  “Yes, it is very relaxing,” Rowland said for lack of a better word.

  * * *

  He had listened to Miss Hendrickson impress him with her piano skills for the last twenty minutes. Though she did play fine and sang well, it was all very slow and boring to him. Plus, being after such a filling meal, he was slightly struggling to keep his eyes open. Rowland looked at the other guests sitting and listening. He caught his uncle yawning and smiled inwardly that at least he wasn’t the only one being bored. His eyes fell on Lady Louisa then who sat next to Jasper in her golden dress. She was smiling at something Jasper had just
told her before she passed it along to Miss Mary.

  * * *

  He instead wished he knew what they were saying. He felt so detached from the others and really exhausted trying to please Miss Hendrickson and say the words that she wanted to hear.

  * * *

  “I was so glad that your friend, Colonel Jasper, wrote to

  * * *

  Louisa and personally invited her tonight,” Lady Hendrickson whispered to Rowland noticing his distraction from her daughter.

  * * *

  “He did what?” Rowland asked surprised.

  * * *

  After the rake convinced me that Lady Louisa would not want to come anymore than he, Jasper wrote to her and insisted she did. For what possible reason?

  * * *

  “Yes, I believe he has been turned to her. I am sure he wanted to make sure that she knew she was included in the invitation so that he wouldn’t miss a chance to get to know her better.”

  * * *

  “What? No, forgive me, but I don’t think that is correct,”

  * * *

  Rowland began. How was he to tell her that Jasper had already informed Rowland of his desire to get to know Miss Mary better?

  * * *

  “Don’t worry, Your Grace, I made sure to encourage such affection to Lady Louisa,” Lady Hendrickson tried to assure the Duke. She no doubt thought his negative remark was on account of Jasper’s lower status.

  * * *

  “I assured Louisa she would be lucky to have such a man. I know we are all new acquaintances, but I can already see that Your Grace, has impeccable taste in friends. And after all, I am sure it is realistically her only chance. She should take what she can,” Lady Hendrickson added with a sly gossipy tone to her voice.

  * * *

  “And just think,” she continued before he was able to respond, “it will give more opportunity for us to all meet together again and again. I know Your Grace can agree that this evening has already been most enjoyable.”

  * * *

  “Yes, of course,” Rowland agreed without any heart behind it.

  * * *

  He wasn’t sure what irritated him more, that Jasper had gone behind his back and insisted the one Lady he rather not see be here this night, or the fact that Lady Hendrickson had just systematically insulted that lady. If she spoke like this to him, he could only imagine what he said to her in person.

  * * *

  Again he felt the strong desire to protect Lady Louisa from the harsh conditions of her aunt's house.

  * * *

  Later that night as things were finally winding down, Rowland thought he might get some relief from the constant pretend interest he had in Miss Hendrickson when his uncle approached him.

  * * *

  “I find her a very promising prospect,” Mr. Vaughan said. “I can also tell she is most willing. I suspect if you proposed here on the spot you would be married in a fortnight,” he said with a jolly smile on his aged face.

  * * *

  “I don’t doubt your theory, but I can assure you that no proposal will be happening tonight or any other night.”

  * * *

  “Why ever not? She is a perfect specimen. She will serve our purpose well.”

  * * *

  “Forgive me, uncle, but I am not yet settled on the fact of a spouse serving a purpose well and nothing more. I would like to also have at least some admiration for the lady.”

  * * *

  “Miss Hendrickson has many admirable qualities,” Mr. Vaughan retorted.

  * * *

  “Yes, I am aware. I have heard of nothing else all the night long,” Rowland said half under his breath. The scolding look from his uncle told him it wasn’t quiet enough.

  * * *

  “I know you are insistent on this matter, very insistent in fact.”

  * * *

  “I only said I would withhold your inheritance until you married because I wanted to give you incentive.”

  * * *

  “And because my parents’ will states I don’t become of age until thirty you can do so.”

  * * *

  “Look, I understand you are a bit reluctant to take on a wife. It is necessary for you, unfortunately. I wouldn’t be doing your parents justice if I didn’t do all that I thought they would want me to do on your behalf.”

  * * *

  “I just think I need more time Uncle. I want to find someone that I can feel compatible with.”

  * * *

  Though Rowland said this, it wasn’t the truth. In truth he wanted someone who was willing to accept the marriage and let him go his own way. He had originally thought that Miss Hendrickson would be the one. She seemed so desperate to marry his title at all cost. A night with her, however drastically changed things. She was so self-centered, he didn’t think he could stand being in a room with her much longer let alone produce an heir with her.

  * * *

  Both men stopped their conversation when they saw Lady Louisa making her way towards them. Its continuation would have to wait for a more private setting.

  * * *

  “Forgive me for interrupting. I wonder if I might have your permission to ask a footman to show me to Mrs. Vance. I hoped to set up a time to perhaps learn from her when she is not otherwise engaged.”

  * * *

  “I will be happy to take you to her myself,” the Duke said glad to remove himself from the conversation with his uncle.

  * * *

  “Oh, that is not necessary,” Lady Louisa waved off not wanting to be any more of a bother to the Duke. After all, had they not agreed that they would not be in each other’s company when it could be helped? Surely this fell into that realm.

  * * *

  “I insist,” he said with a smile letting out her arm for Lady Louisa to take.

  * * *

  She hesitated for just a moment before taking it. They walked silently out of the room and down the hall with all eyes on them. Lady Louisa felt scandalized and had a feeling she would pay for this later from her aunt.

  * * *

  “Sorry, but I just needed to get out of there and get some fresher air,” the Duke said in a hushed whisper when they were out the still open doors. “Fredrick, Lady Louisa was wondering if she might have an audience with Mrs. Vance if she isn’t terribly busy.”

  * * *

  “I am sure that Mrs. Vance would be more than happy to, Your Grace. Shall I have her meet you in the breakfast room?” Fredrick asked with the astute air of a seasoned butler.

  * * *

  “That sounds perfect,” I will escort Lady Louisa there now.

  * * *

  He walked her silently across the hall and through another door. It was easy to see why this was called the breakfast room. It had large windows with floor length curtains drawn back. Out in the darkness Lady Louisa could just make out the rose bushes she had seen coming in. She expected it was a beautiful view every morning.

  * * *

  He walked Lady Louisa over to sit on a sofa while a footman came in simultaneously to light candelabras around the room.

  * * *

  “I feel you are going through too much trouble for me, Your Grace,” Lady Louisa said a little uneasy.

  * * *

  “Nonsense, I would have taken any opportunity to leave that drawing room in truth.”

  * * *

  She looked up at the Duke who had yet to take a seat. He did look very irritated from this angle.

  * * *

  “It didn’t seem like you were not enjoying yourself,” Lady Louisa said in honesty.

  * * *

  “Yes, I suppose its all that false representation of myself that I apparently am so good at and you detest so vehemently.”

  * * *

  “I don’t detest you,” Lady Louisa said.

  * * *