Page 5 of The Forbidden Duke

Though simple, Lady Satterfield’s statement stoked a long-dormant fire in Nora’s soul. So few people cast any fault on the gentleman, preferring instead to lay all of the blame at Nora’s feet. Was it possible she empathized with Nora’s plight? “I’ve changed since then.”

Obtaining acceptance, finding a husband, securing a place in Society—all that had seemed critically important. She had none of that, and yet she couldn’t say she was completely unhappy. She had her garden, her books, and something most women didn’t: relative freedom. Rather, she’dhadthose things.

The warmth returned to Lady Satterfield’s gaze. “I can see that, dear. You comport yourself very well. I don’t care what happened in the past. I only care what happens now. I am looking for a companion who will accompany me shopping, assist with correspondence and other secretarial-type matters, and provide companionship. Does this interest you?”

Nora had already formed a quick opinion of the countess—she liked her. How could she not when she was the first person to show Nora such compassion? Being this woman’s companion would not be a hardship by any measure. “Yes, I should like that very much. I’m an excellent writer. My mother always praised my early handwriting. It’s likely why I worked hard to improve my skill.”

“How long ago did you lose your mother, dear?”

Nora’s chest tightened very briefly. The pain had lessened over the years, but in some ways, that bothered Nora. She didn’t miss her mother as much as she used to, and that felt wrong somehow. “It’s been twenty years.”

“I’m so sorry you lost her at such a young age. I had my own mother until just a few years ago.” She smiled fleetingly. “I still miss her, but she had a lovely life.”

The butler arrived with the tea then, setting the tray on a table between them. Nora asked how Lady Satterfield liked her tea, then set about preparing their cups accordingly.

“You are quite adept,” Lady Satterfield said. “Tell me, why are you seeking employment?” She picked up her cup and sipped her tea.

Nora smoothed her skirt over her knees, even though the outmoded fabric was lying perfectly flat. She hated admitting the embarrassing truth, but again preferred to be candid. “My father is moving to Dorset at the end of the month and will no longer have space for me.”

Lady Satterfield’s lips pursed into a slight frown. “What a pity. I can’t say that recommends him, in my opinion.”

Nora appreciated the countess’s support, but also couldn’t help but feel like a charity case.

“And what have you been doing these past nine years?” Lady Satterfield asked.

“Reading, mostly. I also enjoy working in the garden.” She was going to miss that. She’d cultivated a healthy display of flowers and shrubbery. She was most proud of the roses.

“Have you been happy? That is, if not for the change in your circumstances, would you have continued on as you were?”

Nora had difficulty understanding why this woman was inquiring after her happiness. No one beyond Jo had ever cared. “I expect so. My sister hoped that I would marry eventually.”

Lady Satterfield took another sip of her tea. “Is that what you wanted?”

Once, when she’d been a young lady, fresh in London, she’d nurtured dreams of marriage and children. But after her fall from grace, she’d lost all expectation of such a future, regardless of her sister’s determination to have faith. “Originally, but I have no such aspirations now. I shall be quite content to serve as your lady’s companion. That is, if you decide to hire me.” Nora felt color rise in her cheeks. She didn’t wish to be presumptuous.

“I most certainly do,” Lady Satterfield said. “Can you move in immediately?”

Nora couldn’t speak for a moment. “I’m…overwhelmed by your faith in me.”

“You possess a lovely spirit as well as resilience and intelligence. I am not at all concerned you will repeat the mistakes of your past.”

Joy and relief merged, and Nora couldn’t contain her smile. “I shan’t.”

“Excellent. We shall need to move quickly since my ball is in just a few days, and you will need to attend, of course.” Her gaze dropped to Nora’s horribly outdated traveling costume. “I gather you’ll need a new wardrobe?”

Nora winced. “I’m afraid I haven’t needed fashionable clothing in recent years.”

“That’s quite all right, dear. I am rather inspired by this project—not to say you’re a project, but I daresay you are.”

Nora couldn’t possibly be irritated with the woman’s assessment, not when her gray eyes were sparkling with infectious enthusiasm. “It is my good fortune to be your project. Thank you ever so much for this opportunity.”

“Excellent. After tea, we shall embark on our first shopping trip. I’ll have Harley send for your things.” Lady Satterfield shook her head, smiling. “But I’m getting ahead of myself. I’ll show you upstairs to your room and give you a thorough tour of the house. We have an extensive library downstairs—you did say you like to read, didn’t you?”

Everything was happening so fast, but then that was good, wasn’t it? Nora had needed a new situation and quickly at that. Now she had one.

She would be companion to a kind and generous countess. She would have a new wardrobe and access to a fabulous library. So she would never be married or have a family of her own.

That was fine, since she’d abandoned that dream long ago.

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