Page 56 of Duke of Gold
“Well, in that case,” Peggy said, her voice bright and resolute, “I am much revived indeed.” Her smile grew, and she straightened her posture, glancing at her reflection with newfound confidence. She couldn’t help but think of the kiss again, her cheeks warming slightly at the memory. For the first time, she began to anticipate the future of her marriage with something akin to excitement.
“It seems the cool night air favored your slumber,” Clara said, her hands deftly securing the last pin in Peggy’s hair. The girl’s tone carried a subtle curiosity, her words touched with theunspoken question of what good fortune could have inspired such cheerfulness in her mistress.
Peggy’s lips twitched as she caught Clara’s curious gaze in the mirror. With a soft laugh, she replied, “Indeed it did. And I had the most marvelous dream.”
“In that case, I shall dress you in your best this morning, to complement Your Grace’s spirits,” Clara said brightly, her hands moving with renewed energy as she smoothed out Peggy’s bodice.
Peggy’s smile softened as she watched the girl bustle about. All was going well, she thought. But even as hope flickered brightly in her chest, a lingering shadow remained—the perception people held of Morgan. If only they could see the man she saw, the one who was more than his stoicism and guarded silences.
As Clara adjusted the folds of her dress, Peggy decided to seize the moment. “Clara,” she began, keeping her tone light, “what do the villagers truly think of Giltford? And of our marriage?”
The girl paused, her hands faltering briefly before resuming their work. “I wouldn’t presume to speak for the entire village, Your Grace,” she said hesitantly.
“Of course not,” Peggy replied with a reassuring smile. “But I would value your perspective. You are from the village, after all.”
Clara hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of the ribbon in her hand. “Well,” she began slowly, “the Duke has always been... a commanding figure. Many find him intimidating.”
Peggy tilted her head, her gaze steady. “And what of me? What do they think of this marriage?”
The girl’s reluctance was evident, but after a moment, she sighed and spoke plainly. “They pity you, Your Grace,” she admitted softly. “They think it must be a trial to be wed to someone so distant.”
Peggy’s lips pressed together as she digested this. The words sounded uncomfortably close to the sentiments Mrs. Pattons had voiced, and she couldn’t help but wonder if this was mere coincidence or if such opinions ran deep among the villagers.
But she refused to let the revelation dampen her spirits.One step at a time,she told herself firmly. She would make things work with Morgan, and she would change the way others saw him. He deserved that much.
The remainder of the morning was spent overseeing the first stages of the renovations, her hands and mind fully occupied with the lively activity of workers bustling through the house. Color swatches arrived from the furniture shop, and Peggy eagerly began sorting through the options, envisioning the transformation of each room.
Her concentration was interrupted by the butler’s appearance in the doorway. “Your Grace, Lady Aleshire has called,” he announced.
Peggy’s expression brightened. “Show her in, please.”
Moments later, Lady Aleshire entered the room, her steps brisk and her demeanor cheerful. “Oh, nothing quite like some renovations and redecorations!” she declared with evident enthusiasm, her gaze sweeping over the fabric samples and paint palettes spread across the table.
“Indeed,” Peggy agreed with a warm smile. “I could use your keen eye, Lady Aleshire. Will you lend me your expertise?”
The women were soon settled with tea, their heads bent over the array of swatches and color schemes. “This shade would be splendid for the morning room,” Lady Aleshire suggested, tapping a soft pastel green.
“And perhaps this one for the music room,” Peggy countered, holding up a richer, forest-green tone.
They compared, combined, and selected colors. It was a pleasant distraction, and for a while, Peggy allowed herself to focus entirely on the work at hand, the future of her home becoming brighter with each choice they made.
“As a matter of fact, I came bearing some news today,” Lady Aleshire said, setting her teacup down with deliberate care, her expression alight with a hint of mischief.
“I do hope you bear good tidings,” Peggy replied, tilting her head with curiosity.
“Oh, indeed I do,” Lady Aleshire said with a smile. “Mrs. Pattons has withdrawn from the charity club after her humiliation the other day.”
Peggy blinked, taken aback for only a moment before composing herself. “Well, that is solely her prerogative,” she said, shrugging lightly and lifting her own tea to her lips.
“Indeed it is,” Lady Aleshire agreed, sipping her tea with a measured grace. “And I, along with all the other women, am relieved it turned out this way.”
Peggy raised her brow in surprise, setting her cup down gently. “Relieved?” she asked, her curiosity now fully piqued.
Noticing the question written plainly on Peggy’s face, Lady Aleshire leaned forward slightly, her voice lowering just enough to signal the gravity of her words. “We were all tired of Mrs. Pattons’s hypocrisy, both in the club and in the village at large, but none of us knew how to address it directly, let alone curb her ways.”
Peggy’s brow furrowed. “I knew she was unpleasant,” she said slowly, “but I did not realize the exact extent of her behavior.”
Lady Aleshire’s eyes gleamed with a knowing look. “She had the nasty habit of carrying tales from one household to the next, spreading discord with her poisonous tongue. She’s caused numerous misunderstandings and squabbles amongst peers—some of which linger to this day.”
