Page 19 of The Artisan and the Duke
Gregory interrupted, “She’s never really been to the London season.”
“That’s right,” Fredrick chimed in. “Yes, she was just telling me this afternoon about how her father worked his way up in the colonies.”
Jules stared at Fredrick who gave her a wink. Lady St Claire nodded eagerly, “Really? I haven’t heard much of her backstory aside from her mother briefly telling me about her studying through an apprenticeship.”
The Duke agreed, “Yes, she did. She even got promoted through the ranks if I’m not mistaken?” Gregory looked over at Jules for confirmation.
Jules laughed. “Yes. When I finally stopped working in the trade, I had made it to Junior Artisan.”
“That’s fascinating,” Lady St Claire said with feeling. “Your father was a mason as well, child?”
Gregory nodded, and Jules said, “Yes, he was.”
Fredrick smiled and added, “He was a master of his trade from what I have heard.”
Lady St Claire gave Jules an approving look. “Your mother seemed a lovely woman. Was she a mason as well?”
“No,” Jules said with a chuckle. “My mother has always been a seamstress.”
Lady St Claire thought for a moment. “Someone is going to have to vouch for her. Perhaps you can get Dowager Stewart to sponsor her,” the woman said simply.
“So, you aren’t buying the wealthy merchant routine?” Fredrick asked, not the least bit put out.
Lady St Claire smiled at her son. “I have travelled this world a long time, Fred. You will notice that I do not stumble over the bumps anymore,” Lady St Claire said with a smile.
Jules frowned. “What does sponsor mean?” She looked over at the Duke.
Gregory cleared his throat. “It’s just a way of verifying your identity. So, that you are more easily accepted into society,” Gregory explained.
“Wait, so are we going to lie about who I am?” Jules asked incredulously.
Lady St Claire said logically, “If Fred had been right, and you had been from the colonies, then it would be a fine story. All we really need is for someone else to say that you are indeed the daughter of a once-wealthy merchant who is now marrying Gregory to pay off her debts. That is sort of what is happening, isn’t it?”
Jules’ mouth fell open. She spun on the Duke and sneered at the man, “Was this your plan all along? Offer assistance at the price of my virtue? Why not just trade in the streets? Why go through the elaborate hoax?”
Lady St Claire shook her head. “Young lady, your language is most offensive.” Jules grew quiet at the woman’s voice, and Lady St Claire continued, “The hoax is for everyone’s protection. If word were to get out that this was some seedy deal as you describe it, then we would very well become pariahs, and you might very well lose any chance you have of a viable way to ensure the safety of your family.”
The Duke tapped the table. “As awful as you may be thinking of me, just know that this betrothal does not have to end at an altar. If we so choose, we can break the betrothal and go our separate ways, but in the meantime, it keeps you protected by the rules of society,” Gregory said to mollify Jules’ flaring pride.
“Very well,” Jules said softly. “I can see that I have little to no say in this matter. I feel truly a part of feminine society now.”
Lady St Claire, to Jules’ surprise, gave the young woman a smile.
***
Jules sat in her room. She had a little writing desk to one side, and she sat at the desk contemplating the world outside of her window. The newspapers had carried news of Marcus’ body being found, so apparently the Duke’s tip had worked.
The longer she stayed inside the gilded world of the St Claire family, the further away from everything before seemed. Jules could almost imagine it as a dream if only her life now did not seem like a nightmare. Even though the Duke had promised to let her out of the betrothal, the man had not stated what would happen to her family if she refused to marry him.
Why had she ever trusted the nobleman? Even the man’s brother, whom she had thought trustworthy, seemed oblivious to the distress that she was under.
There was a timid knock on the door before Sherry poked her head in. “Excuse me, Miss,” the maid said with a smile. “I was just coming to bring in fresh water to your room.” The maid paused as she looked at Jules closer. “Is there something the matter?”
“Pretty much everything,” Jules said dejectedly. She drew herself up and shook her head. “I need to get out of here,” she said with determination. “Do you still have the clothes I arrived in or similar garb that might fit?”
Sherry nodded. “Oh, yes, Ma’am. I washed them and put them back in your dresser. You’ll find your clothes folded neatly,” Sherry said helpfully before her faced dipped into a worried frown. “You aren’t really leaving, are you?”
“I just need to,” Jules said then added, “just for a bit. It’ll be our secret, won’t it?”
