Page 59 of Wicked Is the Duke
"Come, I should introduce you to some of the ladies," the countess said. "Are you here for the summer? I only ask because so few endure town in the heat."
Anna shook her head. "No, we're headed for my husband's estates in the north. We're planning on leaving next week."
"We have an estate outside of York but rarely visit. We prefer the coast."
"Blackmont thought it a good idea to take me to both at least once."
The countess smiled. "I see. He's probably right. You need to visit at least once in case you need to spend time there. It's also a good idea so you may observe how the staff, even a skeleton staff, keeps the house up."
"I'll have to keep that in mind," Anna replied.
"Has he notified staff and his estate manager he's planning to visit?"
"I'm sure he has, or will, though since he makes a yearly visit, the staff will probably already have everything in order."
"Possibly. Just keep your eyes open, and make sure you meet with the housekeeper."
Anna nodded politely as they neared a group of women. She drew in a deep breath, wondering if she would be accepted into the greater group. The countess guided her on.
"Don't worry. They won't bite. At least I don't think they will," she whispered. "The Duchess of Northumberland might though. Take what she says with a grain of salt. Pay no mind if she snubs you. It's her way of accepting you."
"Interesting," Anna replied.
"She's a delightful woman once you get past her gruff exterior."
"I'll keep that in mind."
The older woman tapped her cane to the floor as they neared, making it obvious to everyone that she was the senior member of their small group. The duchess obviously enjoyed the power her position wielded. She imagined at one time the duchess was a stunning young woman. Her beauty had far from faded. Her hair, now streaked with shades of gray, was gracefully arranged on top of her head.
"I see you have found the new Duchess of Blackmont, Countess."
"Yes, Your Grace."
Introductions were made. The group consisted of four other women, the duchess not included. Anna could feel all eyes searing through her. She wondered if she were a mere curiosity or if they simply wanted to get to know her.
"Ladies, this is the young lady who stole the Duke of Blackmont right out from under Lady Caroline's nose," the older woman said with a sniff.
Right then, Anna knew they were judging her. Lady Caroline was obviously a friend.
"I can assure you I did not steal the duke from anyone. He was quite unattached when I met him," Anna replied.
The duchess shook her head. "That's not the way Lady Caroline tells it."
Anna decided she wasn't going to back down to this woman or any other. She'd had her fill with Lady Caroline's lies and deceit. It was time to set the story straight, though she wondered how many would believe her.
"Yet Lady Caroline quickly got over my husband's decision. I understand she married the Earl of Carlisle after ruining herself by running off with the man. He ruined her, and her father forced the marriage. If her father hadn't done what he did, I imagine the earl would have forced her to further disgrace."
No one, not even the duchess, spoke a word. They all waited for the duchess's reply.
The older woman again tapped her cane on the floor and gazed at Anna. "I like you, Your Grace. It's refreshing to hear a woman defend herself, or her husband, with such vigor. Blackmont did well in choosing you."
Anna nodded. "Thank you, Your Grace."
The duchess patted the empty chair next to hers. "Please call me Violet. Everyone else does."
She sat down next to the duchess, and as she did, she noticed the countess smiling at her. Evidently, she was now an accepted member of whatever this small group was all about. She had passed their test.
"Are you staying in town for the summer?" Violet inquired.
