Page 81 of Three Rules to Wed a Duke

“I don’t wish to hear it. We’ve spent years trying to fool everyone into thinking we were something we’re not, and we very nearly lost our daughter because of it. Juliet, I am happy for you. There, I said it! Your husband seems to be a man of highest quality and I know you will both be ecstatic together. Frances, I am not too proud to accept your generous offer of help if you are still willing to give it, but please know this: we are completely undeserving and unworthy of your kindness. We were wrong, and we let our pride and our desire to be something we’re not cause you great misery. The only reason I can still stand to hold my head upproudly is because I know that our deviousness resulted in a sound education for you. Our scheming led to your happiness, and that of our daughter. And that is the only reason I can live with myself.”

Frances watched her aunt in silence, pondering the woman’s unexpected confession. She glanced at her uncle, who was at least shamed into holding his tongue, if not actually as repentant. Frances nodded, then stood up. She pushed back her chair and came around the table, then opened her arms wide to her aunt.

“I forgive you for everything. You’ve made it right, for both me and for Juliet,” she said before leaning in and embracing the woman.

Lady Hutchings stiffened briefly, as though unsure of how to respond to such a gesture. Within seconds, her rigid posture dissolved and she returned Frances’ embrace.

“Thank you,” she whispered tearfully, the two words thick with feeling. “I do not deserve your forgiveness, but I am grateful beyond measure to have it.”

Frances smiled, letting the woman’s love heal the hardest parts of her heart. She’d longed for this sort of familial love since the day she’d lost her parents. She’d sought to replace it with friendships and learning and even a marriage of her own, but there was something about having her aunt accept her and shower her with devotion that filled in the missing pieces.

“But this still doesn’t explain how this social climber intends to support my daughter!” Lord Hutchings said gruffly.

“I would wager it will be in his new position,” Anthony said, emerging from the house and striding across the terrace. Frances beamed at him, knowing of the plan they’d concealed from Juliet and Thomas.

“Oh? What position is that?” Lady Hutchings asked, an air of hopeful interest about her.

“If he should accept the position, Mr. Bailey is to be my new steward,” Anthony explained.

Juliet and Thomas exchanged astonished looks. Frances came over to stand beside Anthony, and he wound his arm around her.

“Do you mean it?” Thomas asked, rising to his feet and addressing Anthony.

“I most certainly do. I intend to restore my country estate to its rightful, former glory, and I plan to invest in the area surrounding it. From my understanding, it was once a quite prosperous farming region, though most of the families have moved on to find work in the city. I think we can restore both the houses and the villages, and find eager farmers to take up residence. But it will require someone with a good mind and a knowledge of trades, one who understands how to buy and sell goods.”

“I… I don’t know what to say,” Thomas said softly.

“Say thank you, we accept!” Juliet insisted happily.

“Wait, my daughter is leaving for the countryside? After she’s only just been returned to me again?” the viscountess asked, sounding mournful and looking somewhat distraught.

“Yes, Mother. Remember, you were quite willing to permit Lord Rowland to take me away, were you not?” Juliet challenged kindly. “Besides, I’m certain we will require lots of help from someone who knows about how to appoint a magnificent house. You’ll simply have to come stay with us and help supervise the restoration.”

Lady Hutchings smiled gratefully, reaching for Juliet and pulling Thomas into her arms as well.

“And Lord Hutchings? I’m certain I will not know everything I need to know in order to succeed. It would be wonderful to have your help in running things and restoring the farms,” Thomas suggested.

Lord Hutchings didn’t reply for a quite some time. He kept his attention on his hands folded in front of him, looking as though he was ignoring Thomas’ request. Finally, he cleared his throat and answered.

“I’m certain you can’t do it without my help. I suppose it would be hateful of me to keep you from succeeding.”

Frances arched an eyebrow at her uncle. He looked up at her and sighed.

“I’d be glad to help,” he finally muttered, only beginning to smile when Juliet squealed and darted forward, throwing her arms around his neck. She kissed his cheek, and Frances noticed a distinct glistening in his eyes.

“Now, can we finally sit down and enjoy our tea?” she asked.

“There is one more person we’re waiting on,” Anthony said. He turned to the house and Frances followed his gaze.

A footman approached first, carrying a large chair with ample stuffing and placing it at the table. Behind him, Miss O’Reilly and Mrs. Barrett walked slowly, helping Abigail to her chair. Everyone remained quiet, awed by the sight of the girl and her first excursion out of the house in years.

“So, this is what they call the outdoors, is it?” she teased as she took her seat. “I can’t say that I see what all the fuss is about.”

Abigail couldn’t keep a straight face for much longer, and her laughter was smothered by Juliet’s embrace. Frances was at her side next, leaning down to kiss her quickly. She looked over to Anthony, whose happiness and pride were evident on his face.

“You did that, didn’t you?” Frances asked softly when she came to stand beside him again.

“I might have put the idea in her head, but it was all Abigail’s doing,” he promised.

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