by Vella, Wendy
The Duchess of Yardly was reprimanding Nathan when he arrived. Dimity stood beside the elderly woman with the dog in her arms. She did not meet his eyes.
“You and yours are reprobates. It’s time you put aside your wild ways and settled down.”
“We are not reprobates; we are high-spirited, Duchess,” Gabe heard his brother say with exaggerated politeness.
“And there is the ringleader!” The duchess jabbed her cane at Gabe as he approached.
“Duchess.” Gabe swept her a magnificent bow, which simply had a harrumph coming from her mouth.
“You found him then? Stephen, come and take the dog!” she said to a footman, who was lurking a few feet away with a terrified maid.
“Please,” Gabe added as the servant hurried to grab the little black bundle of fluff. The dog let out a fierce howl of protest as she was taken away from Walter. In turn, Walter seemed to sigh with relief.
“Don’t you be flippant with me, Raine,” the duchess said.
“It’s not flippancy, it’s manners,” he said sweetly.
“Yes, well, if you’ll excuse me.” Dimity tried to back away. Gabe grabbed her hand, holding her in place.
“How do you know Miss Brown?” the duchess demanded. “Why are you gripping her arm like that?”
“She was my sister’s piano teacher.” Gabe tightened his grip as Dimity attempted to pull free.
“You told me you worked in a seedy tavern with sailors,” the duchess said accusingly.
“She did, because she was too proud to come to us for help. I am about to rectify that,” Gabe added, surprised that Dimity had told the duchess about the tavern.
“I don’t want your help, and I told you I played piano.” She glared at the duchess, not something many people were game to do.
“And yet you’ll take it,” he added.
“Good lord, Raine, is there a woman who wants nothing from you?” The duchess crowed, delighted at the prospect. “Have your legendary charms deserted you with this one?”
“I do not have legendary charms and wish only to help Miss Brown,” he gritted out.
“She can come home with me,” the duchess said. “I need someone to be my companion. If you work out, I’ll let you stay. Come along.”
“I—ah, I beg your pardon?” Dimity said, staring at the elderly woman.
“Are you deaf, gal?”
“She will be if you keep shrieking at her, and she’s not working for you,” Gabe said. Just the thought of the beautiful free-spirited Dimity Brown being cowed by the Duchess of Yardly made him shudder. Her reputation with staff was legendary, and not in a good way.
The duchess thumped her cane. “Do you need work or don’t you?”
Dimity nodded.
“Then you may as well work for me. It can’t be any worse than working in that seedy tavern or accepting a handout from him.” She jabbed the cane at Gabe, and he had to lift his leg to avoid it connecting with his ankle.
“Someone really should have taken that from you by now.”
“I’d like to see someone try.” She gave him a feral smile. The lines on her mouth disappeared, making her look younger than she was. Although to Gabe’s knowledge, no one actually knew how old the duchess was.
“Your staff are to be commended for their bravery, Duchess,” Gabe said, needling her. He couldn’t be sure but thought the maid behind the duchess said, “Amen.”
“And, no,” he added. “She’s not working for you.”
The duchess jabbed him hard in the gut, winding him. He released Dimity to bend over and wheeze in a breath.
“Let’s go, gal.”
When he straightened, Dimity had gone, walking away from him with the Duchess of Awkward and two dogs. He started after her, but Nathan’s hand stopped him.
“She would never hurt Dimity, Gabe. And perhaps this is the answer to her problems.”
“How is going anywhere with that woman a solution for anyone?”
“Our Miss Brown is probably one of the only people I know who will stand up to that old tartar,” Nathan said.
“She should be coming home with us.”
“Why?”
“Because Abby wants us to look out for her.”
“She is being looked out for. The duchess lives in luxury, which is surely better than where you found her last night? Dimity will not allow anyone to treat her badly, Gabe.”
“Thanks for your support with the duchess,” Gabe muttered, refusing to admit that his brother may actually be right.
“My input would only have muddied the waters. Besides, that cane of hers is lethal.”
“Coward.”
“Undoubtedly.”
“I’m worried about her.” Gabe was also frustrated, annoyed, and any number of emotions and not quite sure why.
“Why? She’s now got a roof over her head and plenty of food. If it works out, then Dimity will be safe, Gabe, and she will no longer be your concern. Correction, Abby’s concern, and by association, yours.”
His brother was right, of course. He’d not heard at any time that the Duchess of Yardly had hurt anyone other than slicing them to shreds with her tongue, and Dimity could easily return that favor.
For tonight she was safe, and that was a good thing. Strange how he felt no calmer with that knowledge.
Chapter Eleven
“I really don’t think it’s a good idea for you to employ someone without references and on such little acquaintance, who owns a large dog.” Dimity felt she needed to say the words as the lumbering carriage rolled through London.
Although large, the interior needed airing, as it smelled musty. The decor was all gold and deep blue, and Dimity wondered if even the royal family travelled about in such opulence. The maid sat beside her, wedging herself into the corner so she was small. The footman had scurried up beside the driver.
“If the Earl of Raine trusts you, that is enough for me. He worships his sister and would not allow a person into the household to teach her piano without references.”
She had her there. Dimity had wanted to laugh when the duchess had jabbed Gabriel, doubling him over. But there had also been concern. She did not like to see him hurting, which was annoying, as she’d wanted to hurt him a time or two.
“But we have discussed no terms or expectations,” Dimity added. It was almost surreal. She’d been wandering through the park, desperate and homeless, and suddenly there she was, an angel in the form of a crotchety old duchess. “You have no idea if I can fit the position. And what happened to your last companion?”
The duchesses face darkened. “She wed some jackanapes.”
“How do you know he’s a jackanapes?”
“He was one of my footmen!” The cane came down with a thud.
“And instead of wishing them well, you wished them ill?”
The old lady grumbled something Dimity did not catch.
“I beg your pardon?”
“I gave them a cottage!” The cane hit the floor again.
“Well then, I’m sure if that is indeed the case, you did not dislike either of them overly.”
The old lady’s eyes narrowed as she stared at Dimity.
“I know of only a handful of people who will stand up to me. Raine and Mr. Alexander Hetherington are two.”
“And I make three?” Dimity asked politely.
For now she was warm and dry, and even Walter was warm in the carriage with her. One of her limbs may be going numb, as he was leaning on it to escape Romulus’s attention. The dog sat on her mistress’s knee and attempted to lick his face.
“Obviously you will live with me and be at my beck and call whenever I need you.” The old woman poked the maid’s ankle with her cane. “Unlike others in my employ.” The maid paled.
“I doubt you are the easiest of employers,” Dimity said, smiling at the maid, who looked about to faint. “Perhaps if you were a little more approachable and did not appear ready to dismiss them for sneezing, they may be more accomm
odating.”
The old woman barked out what Dimity thought was a laugh, but she couldn’t be entirely sure, as the carriage was pulling to a stop.
“You have the look of someone about you.” The duchess leaned closer as if to study Dimity.
“I’m not sure how’s that’s possible, Your Grace, seeing as your blood and that of the people you associate with runs blue, whereas mine is the commoners color of red.”
The maid’s eyes shot from Dimity to the duchess.
“Pfft, the blood that runs through our veins means little other than we were lucky enough to be born in a bed with fine sheets.” She dismissed Dimity’s words.
That surprised her. Dimity had thought this woman would believe only those of noble birth worthy of her time.
“Now out you get.”
They climbed out, and Dimity looked up at the residence. Nestled behind a black fence and gate was an elegant white town house. Flower beds held a bouquet of color, the sun coaxing a lovely scent from their petals. A white stone path led to the front door, and windows sparkled in the midmorning light.
“You have a nice home, Your Grace.”
“Is it?” She stopped beside Dimity and looked about her. “I suppose you are correct. One gets used to things and forgets to see them over time.”
“How lucky for one,” Dimity muttered.
“Sarcasm is considered lowering, but I’ve always enjoyed using it. Come along.” The duchess walked toward the house, safe in the knowledge that her minions would follow. Walter lifted his leg on a neatly trimmed bush before wandering into the elegant front entrance, as if it was something he did regularly. He then paced around the black and white tiles, inspecting the space with Romulus on his heels.
“My dog rarely takes to others, and yet she likes your beast.”
Dimity didn’t reply, as she too was taking in her surroundings. The entrance had soft duck-egg-blue walls trimmed with gold. A staircase swept up the side of a wall and curved with a twisted bannister and more gilding in the ironwork. It really was beautiful.
“Ah, there you are, Chibbers.”
Dimity watched an elderly man in uniform walk to greet the duchess. He seemed to glide across the floor, shoulders back and rigid in his black jacket. He had extraordinarily bushy brows and silver hair that was nearly white. His face was set in calm lines, eyes focused only on his mistress and not the large prowling dog and strange woman before him.
“Chibbers, this is Miss Dimity Brown. She will be my new companion, so see to it a room is prepared. Walter will also be living with us. He is allowed to roam.” Those sharp brown eyes turned back to Dimity. “I suppose he can be trusted with his habits?”
“He is quite the gentleman, I assure you, Your Grace. However, I’m not sure I completely agreed to becoming your companion yet. In fact, you told me I was.”
The maid, who’s name she really must learn, looked ready to faint. Chibbers turned his eyes to Dimity, and she was fairly sure there was something like a smile in them. Looking closer at his somber impression, she guessed she’d been wrong.
The duchess thumped her cane while drawing in a breath. “You have no employment or lodgings, and my guess is no money. I doubt you are in the position to quibble.”
“Oh, I always like to quibble,” Dimity said calmly. “In fact, quibbling is a favorite pastime of mine. Just ask Lord Raine.”
The duchess sucked in her cheeks, then turned. “Follow me, gal!”
She sailed up the stairs with remarkable speed for a woman carrying a cane, and Dimity followed. She was intrigued and not stupid. This could be an opportunity that would see her warm and well fed and hopefully allow her to put a few coins aside for when next her world imploded. Plus, it meant she no longer had to deal with Lord Raine, who was intent on helping her. This way, her pride stayed intact.
Everywhere her eyes fell there was elegance and beauty. Subtle touches of color and trim. Blue and gold featured strongly, along with discreet glass cabinets filled with delicate trinkets. Paintings hung in elaborate gilt frames, and the entire place was simply stunning.
“Your home is beautiful, Your Grace,” Dimity said, following the woman through a white door. She stopped just over the threshold, her eyes going to the showpiece of the room. The breath whooshed from her lungs as she studied the piano.
“It’s beautiful,” Dimity breathed, moving closer.
“Of course it’s beautiful! Only the king has one better, and perhaps that Beethoven.” She spat the name out like it tasted foul. “It’s solid oak with a Brazilian rosewood veneer.”
Dimity couldn’t help it; she had to touch. Running her fingers over the brass inlay, she thought it likely the most exquisite piano she had ever seen and wished her father stood beside her to see it.
“Sit, then, and play me something. Our interview can start with that.”
“Really?” She shot the duchess a look as she settled in a large soft chair. Romulus leapt to her knee, and Walter wandered over to rest against it.
“I never say things I don’t mean,” she said imperiously. One gnarled hand rested on Walter’s head.
Dimity needed no further urging. Taking off her coat, she lowered her bag and sat. She then lost herself in the music. The keys felt wonderful beneath her fingers, and she realized just how much she’d missed playing. The freedom of losing herself to the music. Here, nothing touched her.
Lowering her hands to her lap, she looked at the duchess when she’d finished. The woman had a small smile on her lips.
“You have a gift, Dimity.”
“Thank you. My father taught me.”
A tea tray had arrived, and Chibbers was busy pouring cups.
“How do you take your tea, Miss Brown?”
She sat beside the duchess, and they talked. Money was discussed and negotiated, as was an afternoon off, and Dimity thought that perhaps very soon she would wake up and realize this was all a dream. Was it possible that she, the woman who a day ago had been dancing on a bar in a seedy tavern, was now companion to a duchess?
She knew it would not be easy, knew the woman beside her was challenging, but she would take this position for however long it lasted.
“I will insist on you reading to me and am partial to Catullus.”
“Lovely. I shall try not to fall asleep then and infuse my voice with interest.”
“And you will be fitted for new dresses. Those rags will never do if you are to accompany me into society.” The duchess shuddered. “At least you have good manners when you use them.”
“No, really, I cannot take much more of your kindness,” Dimity drawled. But there was excitement, and the ball of dread in her chest had eased. Was this really happening to her?
“Take her to her room, Chibbers. I need to rest in the dark and quiet.”
Dimity snorted. “Is the sun burning your skin?”
The cackle followed Dimity and Walter from the room.
“You may be nervous about having a woman such as I suddenly appear in your household,” Dimity said, following the butler. “But I assure you I will not take advantage of your mistress, even though it may sound as if I could.” Dimity felt the need to clarify this matter. People often took her for something she was not simply because of her forthright speech. Her father had called it her finest trait.
“Always be true to your nature, daughter.”
She swallowed down the bitter taste. But she wasn’t his daughter, was she? In truth, she had no idea who she was.
“Miss Brown,” he opened a door and waved her inside, “there are, it seems, only two people in this household who are able to speak plainly. One of them is me; the other is now you. Welcome.”
His smile changed his entire face. His eyes went from stony to soft, and the lines around his mouth made him look like a benevolent uncle. She blinked.
“This will be your room,” he said, lowering her bag to the bed. A large bed draped in an emerald throw was where she would sleep. The walls were cream with sma
ll emerald flowers and mint green leaves. “I will have a blanket placed on the floor for Walter, as Miss Pratt, the housekeeper is prone to conniptions. Finding his hair all over the bed would not be pleasant for anyone in her vicinity.”
“I-I…” She could find no words. There was a wooden cabinet, a chair and desk, and two bedside tables. It would take her likely twenty paces to cross from one wall to the other. Dimity fell onto the bed, put her head in her hands, and wept the tears that she’d held at bay all day.
“There, there.” A hand patted her shoulder while another tucked a white handkerchief into her fist. “All will go well now, Miss Brown. Take time to gather yourself, and then come to the kitchens. We shall take tea and eat a slice of Mrs. Hamster’s splendid apple and cinnamon cake, and you shall meet the staff.”
“Th-Thank you.”
“Be warned, however, there only a few of us with a modicum of intellect. Come, Walter, I shall procure you something to eat and a romp in the gardens.” With those words, he left, closing the door softly behind him.
Chapter Twelve
“The reason for all this noise, rousing me from a pile of paperwork that keeps you all in food with a roof over your head, better be a good one,” Gabe said pushing open the parlor door. “Abby!” His joy at seeing his little sister had him striding to her. Gabe swept her into a hug and squeezed.
“Hello, big brother.” She placed a loud kiss on his cheek as he released her.
Her dark hair was elegantly styled, and her eyes bright. Happy, he thought, she was happy, and his chest eased. Although perhaps a touch pale.
“Are you well, sister?”
“Of course.” She waved his words away.
He’d known the man standing behind her was a good one, but just not if he really had the capacity to make her happy. She constantly provided Gabe with evidence that it was the case. Perhaps soon he’d believe it.
“Dillinger.” He held out a hand to his brother-in-law. As tall as Gabe, Daniel Dillinger had come from humble beginnings. His brother had made his fortune bare-knuckle fighting and by shrewd investments. Daniel too was a smart man, who ran businesses with ruthless efficiently, though not an overly emotional one. At first Gabe had feared that he would not be the right man for his sister, but one look at them and he knew his fears had been unfounded. They loved each other deeply.