Fenella J Miller - [Duke 02] (7 page)

Scarcely five minutes passed before two chambermaid staggered in bearing trays laden with every sort of delicacy. These were placed on a convenient table then crisp white napery was spread on a second table and a chair placed ready for Anna to sit. “Good heavens, all this cannot be for me?”

“We had instructions to bring you the best supper The Green Man can provide. Cook has sent a portion of everything on the menu tonight.” The girl bobbed. “Would you be wishing us to stay and serve you, miss?”

“No, thank you, my maid will do that. However I should like hot water sent in an hour.”

“We’ll be bringing up your bath water directly, miss. It’ll be piping hot, just right for when you’re ready.”

Such luxury! She began to feel more kindly disposed towards the duke as he had made her journey as comfortable as possible. Her appetite returned and she was able to do justice to the repast. Molly assisted her into the bath in the dressing room and then returned to eat her own supper from what remained.

The next morning she was served piping hot chocolate and sweet morning rolls at half past six, at seven she was once again safely installed in the duke’s luxurious travelling carriage. As she had never journeyed to Essex there were no landmarks for her to look out for. However, in her estimation they should arrive at the village of Ingatestone by lunchtime at the latest.

Isobel said the area in which she lived was not far from the toll road so it seemed strange they were travelling in the depths of the country. Why were they obliged to stop for luncheon and then continue their journey? She banged on the roof and the small door dropped open.

“Coachman, when should we reach Ingatestone? I had no idea the journey was going to take so long.”

A disembodied voice answered. “We’ll be at our destination before dark. Remember, miss, these beasts have already travelled a fair distance these past few days. Wouldn’t do to exhaust them.”

“Of course not, how stupid of me, I did not consider this could be the reason we were taking so long to arrive.”

Dusk had fallen when the carriage slowed and then turned sharply. The blinds were once more down and by the time Molly had scrambled up and peered round she was too late to see why they had veered right in this fashion.

“It’s mighty strange, miss, but I reckon we’re travelling down somebody’s drive. This don’t look like no country lane I’ve ever been in.”

Anna shot up her fatigue forgotten. Surely not? He could not have done something so underhand. “Roll up the blinds, open the window, I wish to see where we’re going.” She hung out of the window like an urchin and was not overly surprised to see an enormous edifice, hundreds of windows glittering with candlelight, and a small army of liveried retainers gathered on the gravel turning circle waiting for them.

Westchester had royally tricked her. She was at Shalford Hall; there could be no other explanation.

“I am so looking forward to meeting Miss Hadley, she must be an exceptional young lady to have made such an impact on both my sons.”

“Mama, I must warn you she is of uncertain temper and indifferent appearance.” Ralph smiled as he saw his carriage turn into the long drive. “At last, she will be here in a few minutes. By the way, do not expect Miss Hadley to be overjoyed at being here.”

“Whatever do you mean? Why should she not be delighted to be invited to Shalford Hall?” His mother attempted to push herself out of her chair and he rushed to her side to assist.

“Unfortunately the young lady refused my invitation and I was obliged to use subterfuge in order to get her here.” Gently he slipped his arm around her waist and lifted her to her feet. He guided her to the window. “Look, our unwilling guest has realised my deception.” Miss Hadley had just appeared at the window of the carriage.

“Ralph, you’re incorrigible. Where exactly did the poor girl think she was going?”

“To some benighted village the other side of Romford, she intended to live with a friend as an unpaid servant. Whatever she isn’t, Miss Hadley is a lady and I cannot allow her to spend the next few years being mistreated.” He glanced down at his mother and saw she was smiling in a most particular way.

“I see; whatever the reasons are for her visit it will be a treat for me to have intelligent female company. I am disposed to like her already.” The Dowager Duchess of Westchester reached up and brushed his injured cheek. “However, dearest, I am at a loss to understand why you should be taking such an interest in her.”

He frowned. He had no sensible answer to that question. “Her predicament has become my concern as Rupert’s stupidity caused her to contract a meaningless marriage. It is my intention to have it annulled as soon as possible for all our sakes. It will be far easier to do this if Miss Hadley is residing here and can sign the legal papers and do whatever else is necessary.”

“Then I shall make every effort to welcome her and apologise for your high-handed behaviour. She has every right to be incensed for being tricked in this way; I pray I can persuade her to remain here.”

“She will have no choice. It is more than ten miles to the nearest coaching inn, I doubt even someone as determined as Miss Hadley would attempt to walk that distance.” He grinned at his mother’s outraged expression. “Pray, Mama, do not poker up at me. I had no option. I am relying on you to smooth matters over for me. I shall absent myself, I have no wish to be on the receiving end of another slap however much I might deserve one.” He could hear his mother laughing as he retreated to his apartment on the ground floor.

*

The carriage rocked to a standstill and immediately was surrounded by attentive footmen. Anna was escorted from the vehicle as if she was an honoured guest and not an unwelcome visitor. She expected to be greeted by Westchester but his housekeeper and butler bowed and curtsied to her when she reached the impressive front door.

“Miss Hadley, welcome to Shalford Hall. Her grace is waiting to greet you in her apartment.” The butler almost smiled. “I am Foster, at your service.”

“I should like to refresh myself before I meet her ladyship.”

“Certainly, Miss Hadley. The housekeeper, Brown, will conduct to your apartment herself. I hope your stay here will be enjoyable. Anything you want, please ask and it will be provided for you.”

Anna followed the tall, spare woman dressed in grey up the handsome oak staircase much impressed by what she saw. Not only was her host a duke but also fabulously wealthy. How odd Marianne didn’t mention this. It had come as somewhat of a shock to discover he was married as for some inexplicable reason she thought him a single man. Perhaps his dictatorial manner had made her think no sensible woman would agree to tie herself to him.

“Here we are, Miss Hadley. The mistress has allocated the green guest suite to you. You have a parlour, bedchamber, dressing room, bathing room and a separate chamber for your abigail.” The woman stepped aside and opened the door with a flourish.

Her apartment was by far the grandest accommodation Anna had ever occupied. The furnishings were of the highest quality, Sheraton or Chippendale she was sure, the curtains were sumptuous and everywhere she looked she spied another pleasing item. If she was not so cross at the duke’s deception she could be pleased to be here.

“Thank you, Brown, I’m sure I shall be most comfortable. I should like a footman to wait outside in order to conduct me to her grace. This establishment is so vast I doubt I would find her in a sennight without assistance.”

There was the odd sound of water running and Anna walked towards it. Molly was already setting out a fresh gown of dull grey twill and all the required underpinnings. “Lawks, miss, I’ve never seen the like. I have a girl to help me; she’s running you a bath in that new-fangled bathing room.”

“I’m not sure I shall have time to bathe, the duchess is waiting for me.” Anna viewed the dull garment on the bed and wished she had something more colourful. The need to remain invisible was no longer important but all her gowns had been made to disguise her shapely figure. “I should like you to redress my hair, Molly. At least I can give up this hideous arrangement even if I have nothing more flattering to wear.”

In less than half hour she was ready. She glanced into the over mantel mirror and was pleasantly surprised at the image. There was nothing she could do about the walnut juice that stained her hair an unbecoming shade of dull brown but at least, with it loosely arranged on top of her head, she looked less like a governess.

As she walked across the pretty sitting-room she heard Molly singing to herself. She couldn’t help smiling; it would be no hardship being obliged to remain here until the legal formalities were completed. Time enough then to consider her options. She must ask the duke to frank a letter to Isobel explaining the new circumstances.

A smart young man in full livery leapt to attention as she appeared. He bowed. “If you would care to follow me, Miss Hadley, I shall take you to her grace. Mr Foster says I am to be your guide until you are more familiar with Shalford Hall.”

“That is kind of Foster. If you are to be at my side I should like to know your name.”

“William, Miss Hadley.” He walked slightly to one side of her keeping his eyes politely averted.

Anna was tempted to make a few enquiries about the lady of the house but held her peace. It didn’t do to gossip with the staff. She glanced from side to side hoping to remember pictures, items of furniture, views from a window so that she might find her own way back without assistance. Instead of turning towards the handsome staircase she was led to the south side of the vast edifice towards a pair of double doors, one of which stood open.

“Here you are, miss, her ladyship is in her drawing room. Shall I announce you?”

“Good heavens, certainly not.” Anna stepped through the opening expecting to be greeted by a young woman around her own age. Her jaw dropped. She dipped in a deep curtsy. “Good afternoon, your grace. It is most kind of you to invite me to your home.”

“Forgive me, my dear, for not coming to greet you. As you can see I am somewhat infirm. Come in, I have sent for refreshments I expect you are sharp set after your long journey and it is an age until dinnertime.” Anna hurried forward and dropped onto the upright chair beside her hostess. “Also, there’s no need to pretend you are glad to be here. My reprehensible son has told me how he tricked you into coming.”

Anna liked this delightful lady already for she was quite different from either of her children.

“Actually, and I beg you not to tell Westchester this, I would much prefer to be here in such luxury and comfort than with my friend in Romford taking care of her children.”

The duchess reached out and clasped her hands. “I knew it, when Ralph told me what he’d done I was sure there was something special about you.” She smiled sweetly. “Much as I love him I am the first to admit he is not the most sociable of creatures. To have invited a complete stranger to live with us is quite unprecedented.” She paused as two parlour maids glided in and placed a delicious array of cakes, scones and patties on a side table and the tea urn and other paraphernalia on another.

“Would you like me to make the tea, my lady?” Anna would much prefer to do it than have the servants hovering in the background.

“Thank you, my dear, that would be so kind. I prefer mine without milk or sugar.”

Twenty minutes later Anna sat back, dabbing her lips on a damask napkin. “That was quite delicious, I hadn’t realised just how hungry I was. I do hope dinner is not be served until midnight, I could not eat another morsel.”

“Ralph must dine on his own tonight. Neither of us will require further sustenance after that feast.” She picked up a small brass bell and rang it vigorously. Instantly the same two girls whisked in and removed the debris. Once they were alone the duchess pursed her lips. “My dear, forgive me, but would you mind standing up and walking back and forth across the carpet?”

Surprised, but willing, Anna did as she was asked. “Would you like me to practice my curtsy whilst I’m up?”

The duchess laughed and waved her back into her seat. “No, child, but I should like you to move your chair closer if you wouldn’t mind?”

This accomplished Anna waited expectantly, intrigued by these peculiar requests. To her astonishment a delicate hand reached out and lifted a strand of hair. Her ladyship rubbed it between her fingers before sitting back.

“Exactly as I thought. Tell me, child, why do you dye your hair with walnut juice and wear such unflattering garments? From whom are you hiding?” The direct gaze demanded an honest reply.

“When my mother … when Mama was dying she told me to make myself invisible. That way my stepfather might well forget I was there and not attempt to involve me in his nefarious schemes and unpleasant house parties.”

“Well you have no need to remain unnoticed here.” She clapped her hands. “You are exactly what I need to get me back on my feet again. You shall assist
me
and I shall restore you to your natural beauty.” Her delightful tinkling laugh filled the room. “What a surprise my boys will have when they find their mama walking again and that the apparently plain Miss Hadley is a lovely young woman.”

“I fear one part of your plan is doomed to failure, ma’am. I am no beauty so you will be disappointed on that score.”

“Nonsense, my dear, under that hideous garment you have a beautiful figure. You carry yourself well. I am certain when your hair is restored to its natural colour and you are dressed in fashionable gowns you will not know yourself.”