Page 46 of The Duke and the Enigmatic Governess
‘I fought against it. Even before I knew she was a lady of quality I felt closer to her than I have ever felt to anyone.”
“Well, you know what to do,” were the simple words his mother spoke. “Happiness is what is important in life.”
“All, my life, ever since Papa died, I’ve been trying to be the earnest, austere Duke of Clairville. I fear it has become part of my character. I spoke harsh words to Lady Audrey. Words which I cannot take back, and I suspect I caused her great hurt. I don’t believe it can be repaired.”
His mother stood and walked to the window, gazing across to the park. She saw Lady Audrey racing alongside little Sasha towards a swing seat in the rose garden. The pair were laughing and giggling together, and it filled her heart with joy to watch them.
“It may be as you say. However, I believe you will regret it for the rest of your life if you don’t try to repair things between the two of you. We have the ball within the week and what moreromantic occasion for a reconciliation.” She stopped to think for a moment, before continuing. “I believe I shall invite Lady Audrey Rowe to the ball. I can also think of an ally to support us in this matter. Leave it with me. In fact, I suggest you make yourself scarce for a few days. Go off to town with Daniel and Robert, or travel to the Hunting Lodge at Markham. I’ve always believed,” and she turned to smile brightly, “that absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
Turning away from the window, where Lady Audrey could be seen pushing Sasha on the swing, now joined by Jane and Grace, his mother walked back to him. He rose to meet her. She took his hands in hers and then held him close. “It will work out. I know it will work out. You are quite right, I was wrong to push that match with Lady Caroline. I just hoped there would be a spark between you, and she seemed so perfect in so many ways.”
“Hush Mama, you only wanted me to be happy,” he spoke in a soft, reassuring tone.
“That, Jude, is all that is important.” She moved away and smiled briskly. “Now you’ve held me up long enough. This is typical behavior of a man under the sign of Pisces, hiding your true self away. So typical.”
“Really mother, you can’t believe all that zodiac business?”
“I admit to finding it diverting, that’s all.”
“If I’m this Pisces, then what sign are you, Mama?”
“I’m the Lion of course, my summer birthday makes me Leo. I think that quite appropriate, don’t you?”
Jude laughed, wondering for a moment if there was anything in these zodiac birth signs. His mother could certainly summon the power of a lion and was always protective of her cubs.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a ball to plan,” she said, and with that she whirled out of the room, leaving him staring at a polished oak door.
Chapter 18
The next few days passed in a surprising flurry of activity. Preparations for the ball continued and Mrs. Driscoll and The dowager duchess often had their heads together, planning decorations or refreshments. On one occasion Audrey smiled as she walked through the great hall, hearing the sound of cook’s voice coming from the morning room.
“Your Grace, I might be speaking out of turn, but I’ve provided refreshments, hot dinners in fact for more balls than I remember. There have been no complaints so far. You would like the food to look like the moon and the stars this time. I can do that, but only if you let me get on and do it.”
She could not tell what the dowager duchess said in response, but the placating tone of her words was clear.
Audrey smiled. It was only because there was such a close relationship between the mistress of the house and staff, that this type of honest conversation was possible. It made Clairville into a very special place in her opinion.
She saw nothing of the duke. When Rosie told her he was away for a few days, with Mr. Young, she felt more relaxed, knowing she would not catch a glimpse of him in the distance. Every time she saw him, she felt sadness spreading throughout her body, but she knew she had to stand firm and be true to herself.
Sasha dashed up to her in excitement. “Grandmama says you must come quickly to meet the dressmaker. I’m to have a dress too, even though I’m too young to attend the ball,” she continued. Audrey smiled at the ease with which Sasha had begun to call the dowager duchess her Grandmama.
Audrey looked at the little girl, her heart filled with joy at the transformation. Sasha was bright, and chirpy, and threw herself into all opportunities. As the days passed, she grew more confident at the spinet, and the dowager duchess was now searching for a teacher, skilled in pianoforte, to continue this musical education.
For now, they spent time every afternoon playing the spinet together, often followed by an impromptu recital with Mrs. Driscoll, Rosie, and Her Grace as the audience. Sasha, a born performer, knew how to bow and accept applause, and it was a delight to see such emerging confidence.
Taking the little girl’s hand, they walked together to the morning room, where Her Grace, along with Elspeth, Beatrice, Jane, and Grace were all gathered. The sound of excited chatter had floateddown the corridor to meet them. They had passed Mrs. Driscoll on the way, and she took Audrey’s arm, pausing briefly to tell her the teapot would be ready in an hour, and to come and find her. Audrey nodded acceptance, before being pulled along by Sasha.
“Look, Miss Lettie, look at the colors,” she said as she raced into the room.
The dowager duchess looked up and nodded in greeting, while continuing to listen to her daughters talking excitedly.
“You must have that sprig muslin Bea, it suits your hair and skin tone. Don’t you think so Mama?” said Elspeth.
“Indeed, a lovely color,” responded her mother distracted.
Audrey stepped forward, taking on the society role she had trained for all her life. “That color does suit you, Miss Beatrice. Take it over there to the light by the window. I like the apricot, but wonder if a bright winter white, or a yellow moonlight shade, with a brighter sash, might match the starlight theme? Here.” Audrey pointed at a bolt of muslin on the table. “How about this one?” Beatrice picked it up and went to the window.
The dowager duchess nodded her thanks.
