“This is good to hear,” the Duchess murmured, petting the adoring head of one of the hounds who had approached and put its massive head in her lap.
Claire considered the statement. “Your Grace, I beg your pardon, but it seems that you are familiar with Madame Kingston’s name?”
“Indeed, I am. She is my cousin, after all.” Claire’s jaw dropped, and she had to remind herself that was an impolite gesture. She glanced down at the lace on the table cloth and studied the intricate pattern. Life’s surprises certainly did yield some interesting patterns.
“I know what you might be thinking. Why haven’t I done for her what Lady Catherine has done for you? In truth, I tried to help her. But Agnes Kingston was always a proud woman, as are all of the Kingston’s. When she was caught in an illicit affair, it ruined her, and she was cast out of her father’s house. They weren’t nearly as influential as my own father, of course. The two brothers fell out a long time ago. I know it is hard to fathom given her lack of education, but it is the truth.”
Claire’s mind was still reeling at the revelation to consider why the Duchess might be telling her these things. When she next spoke, Claire asked, “Your Grace, why are you telling me of this?”
“I am telling you this because you have reached her in ways that I never could. She was once my dearest childhood friend. It is good that she has taken women under her wing to help them, but I fear no one can help her. I would appreciate a missive informing me of her state of welfare when you do see her, and I have no doubt you will figure out a way.”
Claire nodded almost immediately. If this meant the Duchess was willing to help her and Christopher, it was hardly a price to pay for all of the charity she had been given the last few weeks. Plus it would allow her the opportunity to see Madame Kingston again soon. “Of course, your Grace. Is there a message you wish me to give to her?”
“When next you see her, tell her that Lily misses her Annie.” Claire nodded, not needing to press as to what it meant. It was sure to mean something to Madame Kingston. It was strange that she was called anything other than Madame Kingston at some point, but she supposed she had never given it much thought.
“I will, your Grace.”
“You’d best return to the Marquess. I’m sure he is assuming I have fed you to my hounds. I expect the two of you to attend my Yuletide Ball, of course.” The Duchess smiled. Claire rose and curtseyed, overjoyed about seeing the Duchess in a new light.
“Thank you, your Grace. We would be honored to attend.”
After the Duchess left, Claire practically ran to Christopher, who was waiting for her patiently. He smiled at her look of excitement as they were escorted to the carriage.
“I must say, I am curious what the Duchess could have possibly have said that would have you in such a fine state.” Christopher leaned down and kissed her.
“It’s raining,” she murmured into his lips.
“Yes, it does that often in England. What has that got to do with the Duchess?”
Claire smiled up at him. “We need to return home and seek the comfort of our safe spot and I will tell you.”
“Our safe spot?”
She playfully nudged his arm, “yes, snuggled in bed together and confiding in one another.”
Christopher tossed his head back and laughed. “I think that is a fine idea. Do you think it’s possible that we could stay there forever with one another?”
“We could try. I can think of nothing I would rather be doing with the man I love.”
Claire kissed Christopher again as the carriage made haste to bring them back home and into each other’s arms once more.
*****
THE END
About the Author
Madeline St. James is an author from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Fascinated with the intricacies and elobarate customs of the Regency period, she spends her spare time researching and writing wholesome stories.
The colonial charm of Wilkes-Barre turned her into a history buff, where she began studying the US revolutionary war. She became obsessed with the finer details of olde European and American culture.
Madeline’s stories allow her to re-create these moments in time and express herself through a unique, rigid world.
While this historical period only represents a blimp in human existence, she hopes her work will allow this beautiful time to live on forever.
Her dream is to one day travel to Ireland and England where she can explore castles and re-live the scenes of her novels.
She’s always open to chat and discuss historical/wholesome romance, so don’t hesitate to reach out
Where to Read More From Madeline St.James & Get Free Books
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Table of Contents
Fated by the Marquess
About the Author
Where to Read More From Madeline St.James & Get Free Books
Fated by the Marquess: Clean Regency Romance (A Rogue's Courtship Book 3) Page 9