Page 4 of The Duplicate Duke
The sound of horse hooves and carriage wheels crunched in the snow outside.“He’s here.And we haven’t had a chance to talk about what I should do if he wants to court me.”
Her mother’s lips pressed into a thin line, then she took a deep breath.“At almost twenty years, I believe that is your choice to make.If he is interested, you will give it thought and decide what path to take.I will not influence you on matters of the heart.”
Gwen snorted.“My heart has nothing to do with it.My stomach may fall madly in love with him though.”She smoothed her best linen dress, a bright green with white (a bit yellowed but almost white) lace along the square neckline, along the high waistline, and the hem.
They met Mr.Barnaby in the entrance hall.“Miss Gwendolyn, Mrs.Bernard,” he said, removing his beaver hat and giving them a sweeping bow, sending his great coat swirling about his knees.“You both look divine.”
He helped them both with their pelisses, talking about his day at the store.As they approached the carriage, Mr.Barnaby held his arm to her mother and helped her into the carriage first.Then he assisted Gwen, who sat opposite her mother.To her surprise, when the gentleman climbed in, he sat next to Mama.Gwen had thought he would sit next to her, but perhaps he was keeping with propriety.She pulled the curtain back and sat quietly looking out the window while Mama made pleasant conversation with the shopkeeper.
The streets were muddy with chunks of snow that had not quite melted yet.Gwendolyn wasn’t sure which was worse.The mud and muck that never quite came out of her hems, or the dry summers when dust filled the air and seeped through the windows and into their clothes.That’s city life, her mother would always say to either situation.
Carriages, wagons, and carts still filled State Street as they passed Cornhill Square.Mr.Barnaby deftly moved their conveyance between the others and soon turned off State onto Congress.On their right, the Exchange towered over the other buildings.Six marble pilasters guarded the front entrance, and Venetian windows lined the façade facing Congress.It was reported to be the tallest building in the country.
They made their way inside, and Gwen marveled at the extravagance.Graham had taken her and Mama to the top floor once.The glass atrium had a spectacular view of the surrounding city.The thought of her brother pinched her heart a bit, wondering for the hundredth time if he would return soon.
The meal and the conversation were superb.Gwen was certain she’d never had roasted chicken seasoned so well or cooked so perfectly.The bread and butter pudding afterwards almost made her moan with happiness.She found Mr.Barnaby to be quite entertaining when not behind the counter of the dry goods store.He teased Mama, making her blush and giggle, and continued to compliment Gwen.Though she wasn’t attracted to him at all, she did truly like the man.He was kind, had a fine sense of humor, and wasn’t stingy with his coin.
“I am thankful for the company tonight, ladies,” said Mr.Barnaby as he walked them to the door of their home.He bowed over Gwen’s hand, then turned to her mother.He cleared his throat, bowing over Mama’s hand.Did his lips touch her glove?Goodness.Had he drank too much wine at dinner?“I hope we may do this again?”
“Oui.”
“Of course,” Gwen said at the same time her mother spoke.
“A new tea arrived today that I haven’t tried yet.Might I bring some tomorrow and share it?”He glanced at Gwen and back at her mother.“Unless I’m being too forward, Mrs.Bernard?”
The next two weeks included at least a half dozen visits from Mr.Barnaby, who always seemed to have some new edible import to share with his “favorite ladies.”At first, Gwen had wondered if the store owner was vying for both of them when he gave them equal attention.But men wanted sons, and Mr.Barnaby was a bachelor with no children.So of course, he wanted a family to carry on his business.However, it boded well for the future that he got along so well with Mama.For Gwen had decided when the gentleman asked her, she would agree to marry him.He had a profitable business, was well-respected in Boston, and would provide stability and financial security.She had to think of her and Mama’s future.
Today was Sunday, and after the service, Mr.Barnaby had returned with them.Mama cooked dinner for them, a celebration for Gwen tutoring the three Miss Tetters.It was a dreary job, teaching three young girls with no interest or aptitude in the language, but the kitchen was stocked again with basic staples.
She had just finished the lessons for the following week and joined Mama and Mr.Barnaby in the parlor for an evening of cards.The two were sitting beside one other on the settee.The shopkeeper was grinning broadly, and her mother appeared flushed.As she entered the room, Mr.Barnaby stood while her mother smoothed back her thick midnight waves.
“I was just speaking to your mother about…” He glanced at Mrs.Bernard, then back at Gwen.“I wanted to ask you if you would be opposed to?—”
A knock on the door interrupted the conversation.Thankful for the reprieve, Gwen rushed to the entry hall.He was about to propose.For the love of Hercules, couldn’t the man be a tiny bit more romantic?
She answered on the second knock to find two strange men filling the doorway.Both had dark-brown hair and eyes, but one was of medium height while the other towered over his companion.Without thought, she took two steps back, hoping they were not bearers of bad news.Her stomach clenched.
“Is this about Graham?Is he hurt?Is he alive?”Panic clawed at her throat, and she squeezed her hands into tight fists, ready for the worst.
“We are presently searching for Graham Beaumaris, so I’m afraid we wouldn’t know his present condition,” said the shorter man.He sounded English.“May we speak with… your mother?”
“Who are you?”demanded Mama in a stern voice.“What do you want?”
“We have come on behalf of our client, Lord Wickton.He is searching for a possible heir to his great-uncle’s estate.The Duke of Shackerley passed recently.”
Gwen turned to her mother, noting her white face.She looked back at the men.Why were they here talking about some lord and duke, and why did their presence upset Mama so?
“Ezek—Mr.Barnaby, would you mind terribly if we ended the night early?I need to speak with these gentlemen.”Mama smiled up at him.“I believe this has to do with my departed husband.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay?”he asked, hovering over both ladies in a protective stance.“If you don’t know these men, I would be happy to remain.”
Mama placed a hand on Mr.Barnaby’s arm.“Non, we will be fine.Please call on us again this Tuesday.We thank you for such a lovely day.”
This seemed to mollify him, and Mr.Barnaby collected his coat and hat, gave the men a stern look, and left.
“Please, come in,” she said to the gentlemen.They followed the ladies into the parlor.Once they were seated, she turned to the man who seemed to be in charge.“I’m afraid you’ve caught us unawares.I-I have not told my daughter of her father’s previous life.”
Gwen’s stomach plunged with dread.Previous life?“What does that mean?”
