Page 24 of The Duke Meets His Match

“My gown is perfectly proper,” Susan said.

“It was perfectly proper a decade ago when it was in style, young lady. And I daresay you’ve taken care of your clothing over the years—the wear and tear hardly show.”

“Thank you for that, at least,” Susan said, unable to hold back a chuckle.

The chuckle got Lady Walmsley’s hackles up. “You do not give yourselfenough credit for the natural beauty God has bestowed upon you in abundance,” she declared, pointing her finger repeatedly in Susan’s direction, “and I intend to remedy that.”

“So you have said,” Susan replied.

“It baffles me that someone as lovely and gifted as yourself was not snatchedup the minute you appeared on the scene at your come-out,” Lady Walmsleysaid. “I have only known you for two days, and I am already greatly impressed.”

Susan was touched. “Thank you, Lady Walms—”

“AndI am taking you to the hairdressers on Monday, my dear,” LadyWalmsley interrupted. “You have the most ... well, to put it frankly, you havethe mosthairI have ever seen on one person’s head in all my lifetime! And I am not young, so that is saying quite a lot.”

Susan patted her head defensively, even though she’d chosen to wear a cap over her hair today. It had allowed her to braid her hair severely and put it out of sight. “You make me sound like a long-wool sheep,” she exclaimed.

“Oh, no, no, no,” Lady Walmsley replied. “Not at all! I’m terribly sorry if that is what you inferred from my words. No, with a little trim here and there, I think you may be surprised at what you discover your hair can do. Oh, yes, I can picture it now. And then we can get rid of that nasty cap for good. You are neither a spinster nor an old matron.”

“Very well,” Susan said. “I shall accede to your wishes in this matter—outof adventure and curiosity if for no other reason.” She leaned toward LadyWalmsley and patted her arm. “But Ibegyou,” she said in a low but intensevoice. “Pleasemay we speak of something else? I would much rather learn aboutyouthan talk of these things. Does that agree with you?”

Lady Walmsley smiled, her dear, wrinkled face aglow. “Youarea dear, Miss Jennings. So bright and strong and yet so modest. I doubt there is anything in my life of much interest that will amuse you, but if you’re willing to listen ...”

“Oh, indeed, Lady Walmsley! I am much interested in learning of my kind patroness. And you must call me Susan.”

***

Susan spent a delightful afternoon with Lady Walmsley, listening to the stories of her youth, her courtship with her now-deceased husband, and theevents that had led to the discovery that Lady Halford was her great-niece.Susan had been thoroughly enchanted.

Eventually, however, the dear lady yawned, covering her mouth with herhand. “Oh my!” she sighed afterward. “I can barely keep my eyes open. I believe I shall leave you for a while and allow myself a little nap.”

“I completely understand,” Susan replied. She had set her needlework asidelong ago, too engrossed in Lady Walmsley’s stories to do anything but listen.

“I hate to leave you on your own,” Lady Walmsley said. “You are free, of course, to visit any room, find a book, play the pianoforte, walk in the garden.”

Susan leaned forward and laid her hand atop Lady Walmsley’s. “You needn’t worry about me; I am perfectly comfortable on my own, and you have made me feel more than welcome here.”

“You are such a dear girl,” Lady Walmsley said, squeezing Susan’s hand. She rose from her chair.

No sooner had she done so than there was a discreet knock on the dayroom door.

“Yes?” Lady Walmsley called out.

Foster slid into the room. “There is a caller for Miss Jennings,” he said.

“Ooh! Madame Veronique’s first delivery has arrived!” Lady Walmsley exclaimed. “Perhaps I shall forego the nap after all.”

“You are fatigued, my lady?” Foster asked, seeming to entirely forget hisreason for interrupting them. “You must assuredly rest, then. Allow me to assist you up the stairs to your—”

“I believe I am quite revived by this news, Foster,” Lady Walmsley said,giving him a firm look. “I shall rest after I see what delights Madame Veronique has sent to Susan.”

Susan smiled to herself. She was getting the distinct impression that Foster had more than just a soft spot for his employer—

“The caller is not Madame Veronique, my lady, or anyone from her shop,” Foster said, apparently remembering his original reason for being here.

“The only person who would call upon me is James,” Susan assured Lady Walmsley. “You may enjoy your nap after all.”

“Very well.” Lady Walmsley nodded and turned toward the stairway. “You will give my fondest regards to him, and I shall make up for my absence the next time—”

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