Page 25 of The Lady Who Said No to the Duke
‘Yes, my lady.His man came over to ask me this morning.Good hands, he’s got.’He slapped his hat back on his head and strode off to the stable yard muttering something that sounded like, ‘Only to be expected.’Which made no sense to Thea.
She shrugged and hastened to finish her chicken soup and rolls so they could be on their way as soon as the men had refreshed themselves.
* * *
The church clocks were striking eight as Lady Holme’s carriage finally drew to a halt in front of the house on Chesterfield Street and Jim jumped down to ply the knocker.
The door opened to reveal Drage, directing two footmen to take the baggage, and he came down to help Thea descend instead of sending a footman, a great condescension on the part of a butler who normally would only stir himself for the Countess herself.
She turned to thank Baggott and the grooms, who were being directed to the mews, and the familiar battered carriage came past at a walk.All she could see of the occupant was one hand resting on the edges of the open window, a glint of gold as the light from thetorchierestouched the old signet that Hal wore on his left hand, the engraving so rubbed it was impossible to read.
Then it was past and the driver whipped the horses up so it rattled away, around the corner into Curzon Street and out of sight.
Thea put back her shoulders, fixed a smile on her lips and greeted Drage and the footmen.‘Good evening.It is good to be home.This is Jennie, who has been taking care of me.She will be staying for a few nights.Please find her a nice room to herself.’
Then there was no putting it off any longer.Chin up, she sailed through the front door and turned into the drawing room.
They were both waiting for her, Mama on the sofa, her father with one foot on the fender.Of course, Mama and Papa would never cause a scene in the hall in front of the servants.
Thea closed the door behind her and dropped a curtsey.‘Mama, Papa.Good evening.’Her stomach felt as though an entire nest of ants had taken up residence there, but she managed a smile.
‘Thea.’Mama at least produced a thin smile in return.
Her father merely frowned at her, then pronounced, ‘Dinner will be served very shortly.We will discuss this business tomorrow.’
No.Deal with this now or be powerless for ever.
‘There is no need, Papa.I am sorry I upset and worried you both,’ Thea said.‘My time with Godmama has givenme the opportunity to think about things more calmly.I will do as you say and receive the Duke of Leamington when he calls.’
Not that I am promising to accept him, even if he continues to offer for me after I have had my say.
She waited, doing her best to appear obedient and dutiful.It appeared to be effective because Mama was looking faintly surprised and relieved and her father’s frown had disappeared.
‘Hrumph.’He was trying to look forbidding still, but the deep grooves between his brows had vanished.‘I am glad to see that you have come to your senses and realised your good fortune, my girl.Now go and change.Your brothers are joining us for dinner tonight.’
‘All of them?’Piers was seventeen, Clarence fifteen, Basil ten and Ernest six.Normally only Piers was permitted—or instructed—to eat his dinner with his parents.
‘Certainly not,’ Mama said.‘Piers and Clarence, of course.’
Thea bobbed another curtsey on the principle that one could never overdo respectful behaviour and made her escape.
Upstairs she found Jennie confronted by Maunday.
‘I am Lady Thea’s maid.’
‘You?A chit from the country?’
Normally Thea was looked after by one of the maids, cowering under the eye of Maunday and too nervous to utter a word.
‘Certainly,’ Thea said, entering the room and making an instant decision.‘Jennie has been most efficient.I am hoping she will stay on as my lady’s maid but, of course, she must make up her own mind about that.’
Jennie’s eyes widened with surprise and she stared atThea, open-mouthed.Clearly her words had simply been defiance in the face of Maunday’s sneers.Then she confirmed Thea’s good opinion of her by composing her expression and saying politely, ‘Thank you, my lady.I am very pleased to accept the position.’
‘There you are, Maunday, no need for you to trouble yourself.Thank you for offering your assistance.’Thea stood away from the door in clear invitation for the woman to leave.
‘My lady,’ she said stiffly and swept out.
‘She will be on her way to tell Mama that I have employed a maid without permission, but never fear, when she sees how well you do my hair you will be allowed to remain.If you are sure, that is.Won’t you be homesick?And I suppose I should ask Lady Holme before poaching her staff.’
