Page 28 of Duke of Gold
“That is all for today, girls,” Mrs. Hallewell called over her shoulder to the chambermaids within the gallery. Her sharp gaze never left Peggy’s, as though daring her to push further. “We shall clean the music room next.” The maids scurried out quickly, their arms laden with cloths and buckets, darting glances at Peggy as they passed.
Mrs. Hallewell then turned back and, without ceremony, bolted the grand oak doors behind them with an air of finality that left no room for argument. Peggy’s brow furrowed at the blatant message. She was not wanted here. Yet, she couldn’t resist asking, “Isn’t that the portrait gallery?”
Mrs. Hallewell’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “Do you know about the charity in the village, Your Grace?” she asked, her voice calm yet deliberate, as though the gallery and all its mysteries were now a thing of no importance.
Peggy blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation. “Charity?” she echoed, her curiosity effectively redirected.
“Yes,” Mrs. Hallewell replied smoothly, already stepping away from the bolted doors. Peggy, drawn in by this new thread of conversation, found herself trailing after the woman.
As they walked, Mrs. Hallewell began to explain. The women of the village held a charity club, she said, one that extended its work across the estate and even to neighboring villages. They raised funds, distributed aid, and provided support where it was needed most.
“My, that is quite some noble work,” Peggy said, her initial wariness melting into genuine admiration. The idea of meaningful activity, of purpose, appealed to her in ways she hadn’t realized she craved until now.
“As a matter of fact,” Mrs. Hallewell continued smoothly, “they hold meetings every Monday and Friday. Perhaps Your Grace would care to attend tomorrow’s meeting? It would give you a chance to see the work firsthand before next Monday.”
“Oh, I would love that,” Peggy replied, her spirits lifting at the prospect. She could already imagine herself immersed in the kind of society she’d envisioned—one with purpose, connection, and perhaps a chance to make a difference.
Peggy stepped down from the carriage, her pale green day frock swishing lightly as she adjusted the folds. The parish building stood quaint and unassuming before her, ivy climbing one side and narrow windows reflecting the morning sun. She straightened her bonnet and, with quickened steps, made herway toward the entrance, eager to meet the women and learn more about their charitable work.
Inside, she found a modest room filled with simple chairs and a tea service on a well-worn table. The quiet conversation halted as all eyes turned toward her. The small group of women—country matrons and one elegantly dressed lady—regarded her with surprise.
“I beg all your pardons,” Peggy began with a smile, inclining her head in apology. “I should have sent word of my interest and planned visit beforehand.”
The well-dressed woman was the first to recover. She rose gracefully, gesturing to an empty chair with a gracious nod. “Think nothing of it, Your Grace. Please, do sit. I am Lady Aleshire, the baronet’s wife.”
Peggy accepted the seat with a soft murmur of thanks, her hands smoothing her skirts as she settled herself. Despite their outward courtesy, she sensed a ripple of apprehension among the women—a shared unease cloaked in polite smiles. Their curiosity, however, was far less subtle.
Lady Aleshire reclaimed her place at the head of the group, her bearing calm and confident. It was clear to Peggy that this woman had long presided over their gatherings. She admired her poise and decided at once that she would not undermine Lady Aleshire’s authority, despite her own higher station.No, I will learn from her instead,Peggy resolved.
As tea was poured and the women began to explain their work, Peggy found herself thoroughly impressed. They spoke of their committee’s efforts to raise funds for various causes, recounting their successes with pride.
“Last year, we held a confectioners’ festival and competition,” Lady Aleshire said, her voice steady and sure. “All the proceeds went toward constructing a new ward for the foundling home hospital.”
Peggy’s expression brightened. “How remarkable,” she said warmly. “What you’ve accomplished is truly inspiring.”
The tension in the room eased with time, the women growing more comfortable in Peggy’s presence. Invitations to future meetings followed, and Peggy beamed as she accepted. “I will be delighted to join you all again.”
The conversation turned to lighter topics, and soon they were chatting over tea about life in the countryside. Peggy listened with interest, feeling herself growing more at ease among them. But then a Mrs. Pattons broke the delicate balance with an unexpected remark.
“I must say, we received quite the shock when we heard there was a new Duchess of Giltford,” Mrs. Pattons declared, her voice carrying an unfiltered enthusiasm. “And we certainly weren’t expecting you to take aninterest in the village or its affairs.”
“Whyever would I not?” Peggy asked pleasantly, though she couldn’t help but note the peculiar phrasing.
“Why, after the Giltford tragedy and how reclusive the Duke became , naturally, we would have no expectations,” Mrs. Pattons replied matter-of-factly.
Peggy’s smile faltered as confusion flickered across her face. “Tragedy?” she echoed, glancing between the women for answers.
Lady Aleshire’s expression tightened, and she reached over to pinch Mrs. Pattons discreetly. The latter cleared her throat, suddenly sheepish. “My apologies, Your Grace. I should not have brought up such an unpleasant subject at a moment like this. It is not my place...”
The room fell into an awkward silence as the subject was abruptly dropped. Peggy forced a smile as the conversation moved on, but her mind remained consumed with the cryptic mention of tragedy. Questions swarmed her thoughts, each one more pressing than the last.
She sipped her tea, nodding at appropriate moments, but her focus remained elsewhere.What tragedy? What happened that left Giltford so... haunted?
As the afternoon wound to a close, the ladies began to gather their belongings, their chatter easing into a lull. Lady Aleshire turned to Peggy with a gracious smile.
“Your Grace, it has been a pleasure to have you with us today,” she said warmly. “I do hope you might consider joining us again for our next meeting.”
Mrs. Pattons chimed in, her earlier awkwardness replaced by an eager smile. “Indeed, Your Grace. We meet every Monday and Friday without fail. Your presence would be most welcome.”
