Page 35 of His Duchess of Scandal
Mrs. Nightgale paused. “Secret or not, it is not mine to reveal the details, but it is my role to warn you against going in there.”
Hermia was curious, but she filed any questions away for later. She didn’t have the energy.
“I see. Thank you. And why not the gallery?”
“His Grace rarely ventures in there. I am certain he will take you himself, should he wish to. We have the gardens and lake for your use, and His Grace has allowed visitors, but requests that all visitors be approved by him first. You may eat breakfast in your chambers, for His Grace does not often eat in the breakfast hall. The same goes for dinner.”
“His Grace and Lady Phoebe do not eat together as a family?”
Hermia found herself peering at doors as she passed them, wanting to open every single one to explore her new home. Every new corner only expanded the house, and she wondered when she would get to her chambers.
“It is rare,” Mrs. Nightgale replied. “You may choose for yourself, and I will have His Grace and Lady Phoebe informed accordingly so they may decide for themselves if they wish to join you. However, tonight, you will dine in your rooms, as His Grace has work to do.”
“What about Lady Phoebe?”
“She will dine in her chambers.”
Hermia slowed her pace right as Mrs. Nightgale stopped ahead.
She frowned and shook her head. “That does not sound right.”
“It is the way,” Mrs. Nightgale declared, as if it were so simple or fair. A hint of sympathy flickered across her face at the look Hermia gave her.
“Well, I would like to change that,” Hermia insisted. “I had a conversation with the little girl, and she is perfectly pleasant. She has a lot of pent-up energy, and I cannot, in good conscience, accept the thought of her eating alone. Have my dinner sent to her room; I will dine with her.”
Mrs. Nightgale looked at her as though she were delusional, but Hermia stood her ground. She did not care if the child was a prankster or even if she had caused a great deal of damage to her reputation. No child should be left alone.
“Very well,” Mrs. Nightgale finally agreed. “Before I arrange that, let me introduce you to Anna, your lady’s maid.”
Hermia knocked on the door to Phoebe’s room and entered.
The sight of the little girl sitting alone at a small dining table that had been set up for her dredged up old memories. Her heart clenched in sorrow.
She smiled at Miss Tarnen, who returned her smile the same way Mrs. Nightgale had—as if they thought it was upsetting that the Duke’s daughter often ate alone.
“Good evening,” Hermia greeted. Phoebe looked up, gasping. “I thought we could dine together. I’ve brought my dinner with me.”
She motioned for the footman behind her to enter and set down her tray opposite Phoebe.
“Would that be all right with you?” she asked.
“Of course!” Phoebe almost jumped out of her seat with excitement.
Hermia fought back a wide smile as she looked at the governess. “May we have some time alone?”
“Indeed,” Miss Tarnen replied. “Just call for me if you need anything.”
Her eyes flickered between Hermia and Phoebe as if she anticipated something being needed, but then she curtsied her way out of the chamber, leaving Hermia to take a seat at the small dining table.
“I am ever so happy you have come, Duchess,” Phoebe began. “I have not dined with anybody but my governess in a long time, and she does not really eat with me. She tells me stories while I eat, though. Will you tell me stories?”
“I will tell you anything you wish, Lady Phoebe.” Hermia picked up her cutlery. “Anything you wish.”
“Then…” Phoebe bit her lip in thought. “Can I ask you to simply call mePhoebe? Papa told me that it is too informal, but titles sound stuffy.”
Hermia had to suppress a smile.
What a headstrong little girl, so sure of what she liked and didn’t like. How had nobody noticed that she communicated very clearly? Hermia could not understand why everybody was ready to call her troublesome.
