Page 28 of His Haunted Duchess
Oh dear. Caroline cut her sentence short. That surely, had been awkward—if not in the phrasing, then definitely in the timing. Again, the duchess didn’t seem to notice.
“The proposal was sudden for all of us, dear, but now that we are engaged in such a path, we will see it through to the finish in good time. If you have no objections and are so inclined, I would suggest a fortnight hence at the parish church near Highcastle. Would that suit you?”
“I cannot think why not. If, of course, some conflict should arise, I will inform you directly.”
Two weeks! What a whirlwind!But of course, the date must be hurried to counter the swelling tides of scandal. There was so much to be done! Even she, with her curse weighing heavily on her, had still heard and seen other brides discuss their elaborate plans and preparations for their nuptial day. Caroline sighed.
The duchess inclined her head approvingly. “Perfect. In that case, I shall make the necessary arrangements.”
“The next item—” Esther continued, pulling a prepared paper from her handbag, “is the guest list. I assume you have people who would like to attend?”
Caroline took another sip from her teacup. She imagined walking down the length of the parish church, the duke waiting near the far end. She spilled a drop of tea onto her saucer.
Caroline looked briefly at the floor. Surely the duchess of all people had heard the sad circumstances—both real and imagined—behind her family’s demise. She cleared her throat, trying to steady her voice.
“My cousin, of course, who inherited my estate, my Aunt Olivia, who you know, and Winifred.”
“The lady’s maid?”
“Yes.” Lady Caroline blushed but otherwise maintained her composure. The duchess nodded.
“Of course, they will be added to the list. Have you no other living family? No friends or acquaintances?”
Lady Caroline paled. Her hands quivered, but she folded them neatly in her lap.
“None of which I am aware, Your Grace. I shall rely on you, if you are so inclined, to prepare the guest list as you see fit.”
Esther frowned. It was difficult to tell timidity from deference, but she felt, occasionally, in Lady Caroline’s responses, a lack of temerity. If her future daughter-in-law suffered from any fault—aside from her ghastly scars—it seemed to be the former and not the latter, which would suit a duchess poorly. She would take note and train her accordingly.
The front door slammed. Both ladies jumped like birds on branches.
Lady Olivia Dresher, Viscountess of Vaugh, stomped into the room. Her hair was pulled back beneath a riding cap, a stylish, black, velvet thing with the smallest hint of beige lace. She had apparently just returned from her ride. Esther did not, to her credit, crinkle her nose.
Lady Olivia curtsied. “Your Grace! What a surprise!”
“Indeed!” she answered. “I have come to confer with Lady Caroline about preparations for the wedding.”
“Have you?” Olivia took a seat in the wingback chair between them. “I’m certain she will be more than capable enough to make her own preparations.”
Lady Caroline smiled fondly at her aunt.
“I am very grateful for the duchess’ support, Aunt, as I have been for yours. I will have much to do and even more to learn. How lucky I am to have two such ladies as my benefactresses.”
Lady Olivia settled, somewhat less miffed. Despite herself, Esther smiled. Not that she would have admitted it out loud in any public quarter, but Lady Caroline—in the opinion she had gained during this interview—would make a fine duchess, given the appropriate time. It really was too bad about her scars—and those unfortunate stories. Something would have to be done.
“If you are prepared to begin sooner rather than later,” she suggested, “perhaps you and I may go in search of a weddinggown. It may only be two weeks away, but the modiste may yet have time to make something up before then.”
“As I have said, I am honored by your assistance, Your Grace.”
“Please, dear—call me Esther.”
CHAPTER 10
“This way, then—it’s just up this street.”
Esther strode forward, her creamy brown spencer brushing the roadway ahead of them.
It was an absolute coincidence—absolute blind coincidence—that he was going up to town that day to purchase the special marriage license. Any other reason would have sounded—and very likely would have been—absolutely frivolous. As it was, Frederic was available to escort Lady Caroline and his mother to the modiste.
