Page 4 of Three Rules to Wed a Duke

“You wouldn’t have to. As I said, I need the experience. You could maybe write me a letter recommending me when the time comes, though?”

“I would be honored to do it!” Frances exclaimed.

“Oh, what am I saying? Her Ladyship would never hear of it.” Sara looked so dejected that Frances’ ire rose all over again.

“Well then, we won’t tell her. It will be our secret. Besides, as she has no intention of supplying anyone to help me, and I shall have a number of events to attend this Season, I’ll need someone to help me anyway.”

“Will she not be angry with me? I cannot lose my position in her house, no matter how I wish I could help you.”

“She will never know, I assure you. And if she does, I will happily inform her that I forced you. But are you certain you don’t mind that I cannot pay you? I will never take advantage of your help.”

Frances felt horrible for having to admit it, but Sara only nodded happily.

“I understand. But ya don’t have to pay me nothin’ for it. We’ve known each other fer years. It’ll still be a good bit o’ experience for me!”

“And you have my word that once you are ready to find yourself a position, I will give you a letter to commend you and speak to your qualifications,” Frances promised her, brightening considerably. She looked sheepish for a moment, cringing though she knew she must say something. “In return, I will also help you with something you’ll most certainly need if you’re to be a lady’s maid or a lady’s companion—your reading and diction.”

“You would do that?” Sara asked softly, her eyes going wide.

“I most certainly will! And I’d be proud to help you, even if you weren’t doing me a tremendous favor in return. As you said, we’ve known each other for years, and this will be a requirement for you to seek a better position.”

Sara surprised her by throwing her arms around Frances’ neck and squeezing her tightly. It was such an unexpected gesture, but suddenly, Frances realized how she longed to be cared about by someone.

“You cannot know how much this means to me, miss,” Sara said, wiping at her eyes with the corner of her apron.

“Every evening after your work is done, we shall have our own lessons. Well, every evening that I’m at leisure to be home. Idon’t know what Lady Hutchings has already decided. But if I’m here, I will be glad to help you!”

“You will not be sorry, miss, I promise ya! I’ve already been learnin’ all about how to launder a lady’s gowns and garments, and how to style her hair. You’ll see! I know you’ll be pleased!”

“I’m certain I will. But Sara, remember… I’m not going to take advantage or get you in trouble with Lady Hutchings. I’ll be glad of your help with my hair and dressing, but I shall launder my things alongside you. I’m sure my aunt expects it.”

Sara nodded thoughtfully and thanked her once again before leaving Frances alone to inspect her room.

“Well,” Frances muttered to herself, turning in a circle and frowning, “it shan’t be difficult to keep cool this summer with the sun on the other side of the house. And with a room smaller than a larder, it shan’t be hard to keep warm in the winter if it comes to that. I shall make do, just as I’ve always done!”

CHAPTER 2

As twilight fell, the carriage pulled away from Kleeton House with Frances and her family aboard. Aunt Bridget sat beside Juliet, while Uncle Josias sat beside Frances. She did her best to wedge herself against the wall of the vehicle and not take up too much space, an old habit she had adopted from the moment she’d arrived at the Hutchings’ residence as an orphaned girl.

Across from Frances, Juliet glared daggers at her. The reason was completely lost on her, though, for the younger girl had scarcely spoken three words to Frances since her arrival.

It’s a shame, Frances thought, keeping her gaze fixed on the streets beyond the carriage as she remembered the years she’d first spent in Juliet’s company.We used to be so close when we were younger.

If she was being honest, though, Frances would have to admit that their friendship had always been very one-sided. Juliet had instantly been an awestruck companion, marveling at theslightly older girl who was to be her only playmate. It hadn’t taken long for Frances’ shine to wear off and for Juliet to take charge of their friendship. Under Aunt Bridget’s guidance, Juliet took charge of all their games and outings had been required to follow along.

Still, Frances hadn’t minded it all that much. She had someone to talk to and play with, and Juliet hadn’t been too spoiled or demanding.

Until now.

“Mother, I still don’t see why Frances has to wear my gown. I’ve only worn it to two parties, and everyone hasn’t had a chance to see it yet,” the girl grumbled.

“It’s all right, my dear. No one will recognize it for it fits her differently,” Lady Hutchings said, attempting to placate her.

That’s true, Frances thought.I’m so much taller that I shall have to squat all evening to have the hem even reach my ankles!

“But why must she show up here and take my things? Can’t she have her own gowns?”

For a moment, Frances’ heart leapt with hope. Was this Juliet’s way of ensuring that she was fashionably outfitted herself rather than relying on castoff garments?

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