Page 5 of The Duke's Pet

Chapter Two

Jemima felt bereftas Emily turned to leave the room—bereft and scared and out of her depth as she embarked on this new path.

But then a sudden commotion in the corridor had Emily backing up. A man, suited and booted with a white cravat and holding an envelope strode in.

“And who are you?” Madam said, puffing up her chest.

“Special envoy to the Duke of Hillcrest Court.”

Jemima looked at Emily, who’d slunk back in, clearly curious.

Emily downturned her mouth and shrugged.

Hillcrest Court was an estate to the west of York with imposing stone walls all around its land and an owner who was rarely seen.

“The Duke of Hillcrest,” Madam said. “Whatever does he want with my establishment?”

“He has sent a sealed letter, to be opened by you, madam of The Rose and Thorns.”

“This is most unusual.” She held out her hand. “Let me see.”

He stepped farther in, glanced at Jemima then handed a folded sheet of paper with a red stamped seal to Madam.

Madam opened it.

As her eyes scanned the words, Jemima felt a tug of jealousy. Madam could read. It was something she longed to be able to do. Unable to spare her from the farm, her parents had kept her at home most school days. There’d been work to do, food to put on the table.

“Well, well, well, there’s a turn up for the books.” Madam shook her head and blew out a breath.

“What is it?” Emily asked.

“He wants a woman to—”

The deliveryman cleared his throat and shifted from one foot to the other. He held up his palm.

“Whatever is the matter with you?” Madam directed at him.

“Perhaps I should wait outside. Letter was sealed for a reason. The duke doesn’t want gossip, he was quite specific about that so the less I know, the less I can reveal.”

Emily laughed and stepped closer to him. She ran her hand over his collar. “Why, you are a delicate soul.”

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