Page 56 of Dancing with an Enigmatic Duke
“Then you must put all this worry aside. You will spoil your own happiness by overthinking it.” Jasmine gave the nod as if to make her own point. “My mother always said that a happy heart belongs to those of a simple mind.”
Emmeline was not sure if Jasmine’s mother had meant that as a particularly nice statement, but it made her smile all the same. “I know I should not worry so and that things will work out. But I cannot help it. I am my mother’s daughter and worrying is what we Callum ladies do best.”
“Maybe that’s what bothers you,” Jasmine said. At Emmeline’s furrowed brow she explained. “You don’t have your mother beside you to talk you through this like most young ladies. Perhaps if you had a maternal hand to guide you, then your worries would fade? Have you thought about speaking with Lord Torrington’s mother? She is soon to be your family after all.”
Her words were wise ones, but it tore at Emmeline’s heart so savagely that she had to look away from Jasmine lest the girl see the guilt in her eyes. “No. I could never bother her with this. It is silly nonsense.”
“If you say so, Miss. But you can always talk to me, or perhaps Miss Durant.”
Emmeline turned to look at Jasmine in time to see the woman frown as she spoke Francesca’s name. She leaned her head to the side. “You and Francesca do not get along very well, do you?”
Jasmine hurriedly rose to her feet, all pink cheeks and swishing of skirts. “I didn’t mean any harm. I know that you hold her in esteem.”
“Do relax, Jasmine.” Emmeline rose with her and put her hands on the maid’s shoulders. “Please, do not feel embarrassed. Lady Durant can be quite stern in her views, but I have already told you that I want you to do things as you would and not hold yourself to her standards.”
Jasmine took a deep breath and whispered, “She is just unsatisfied with her lot in life, Miss. I find that she likes to take it out on those she considers below her station.”
“I have had so much on my mind that I did not notice how she behaved to the rest of the household,” Emmeline replied softly. “It is I who should apologise, Jasmine. I feel as if I have done a wrong by raising her above her station.”
Jasmine shook her head. “You have done no wrong. Some women are dissatisfied no matter what, and no one holds that against you.”
“Should I speak with her?” Emmeline very much wanted to ensure that the rest of the household was not enduring any punishment from her companion, as she felt personally responsible no matter what Jasmine had said.
With a sigh, Jasmine shook her head again. “I fear that might make it worse. You will be married before long and she will hopefully be on her way elsewhere.”
“What of you then?” Emmeline asked as she smoothed her dress.
Jasmine’s mouth curved down in a frown as her brow furrowed. “I am afraid I don’t understand, Miss.”
“What shall you be doing? Shall you stay on with me as my lady’s maid?”
Jasmine seemed to ponder the question. She reached over and scooped up the towels as if doing the action made her more comfortable. “You have a lady’s maid already, do you not?”
“I have Caeley, yes.” Emmeline turned and inspected her reflection to see if she had done herself a disservice with her time on the floor. “But she will need time to be with her baby and she is in Scotland. I could use a lady’s maid for here in London as well.”
Jasmine leaned forward and whispered, “Do you think that Lord Pentworth will not keep me on then?”
“Oh, I am certain he would. But if I can steal you away, then I would be delighted to do so.” Emmeline turned and gave the maid a bright smile.
Jasmine took the towel and placed it on a table near the door. “I would be honoured to stay in your service, Miss”
“I feel better knowing that I will know at least someone in my new household.” Emmeline turned her eyes back to the mirror and deemed herself no worse for the wear.
Jasmine’s voice spoke softly behind Emmeline and she could see the woman come to stand behind her. “I wish I could make you less nervous. Perhaps after the party, things will settle for you, Miss.”
“I certainly hope that they will. I should make an appearance in the garden. After all, that is where I am supposed to be.”
“Do you need anything, Miss?”
“No. You have been quite helpful.” Emmeline had already turned towards the door when it flew open. Both women were startled by the sudden intrusion.
Francesca blinked at them. “Forgive me, Lady Callum. I was coming to fetch Jasmine.”
“Oh.” Jasmine clasped her hands to her face. “I forgot. I was to bring Miss Durant her tea!”
Francesca narrowed her eyes at Jasmine, but before she could speak Emmeline put her hand over her heart. “Forgive me for keeping her. We had a situation that she has been helping me with.”
“A situation?” Francesca spoke as if she were highly suspicious.
