Page 100 of Duchess Material

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The Duchess and Duke of Lauderdale are proud to announce the engagement of their eldest son, Lord Winston Ferguson, 32, Earl of Lauderdale, to Miss Lucy Chandler, 28, of London. The Earl graduated from The Royal College of Art with a degree in fine arts. He attended the University of Edinburgh to study broadcast journalism, graduating with an MA. He currently takes painting commissions and hosts an art podcast, Inspired Goods. Miss Chandler graduated from University College London with an BA with honours in politics and a minor concentration in public relations. She presently serves as Private Secretary to HRH the Princess of Wales.

Miss Chandler and Lord Ferguson were introduced by relatives years ago but recently reconnected, began dating, and now live together in London with their five dogs. Lord Ferguson proposed with the engagement originally given to HRH Princess Rikhild of Norway and handed down to the Earl’s grandmother, HRH Princess Sabine, Duchess of Lauderdale. The two plan to marry in the late summer in or around London, shortly after the marriage of our youngest son, Lord Gerald to his fiancée, Miss Sheena Brown. The latter couple will marry at Thirlestane Castle in Lauder, Scotland in June.

The Duchess and Duke are keenly excited for them and wish them a happy and healthy life together.

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Lucy didn’t know much about her father-in-law-to-be other than he and Gerry had never gotten on. Winston described Richard Stephens as “emotionally stunted” and a “virulent misogynist”, so Lucy was already concerned. The pair drove to Hertford, where Richard owned a country house. Richard greeted them with his wife, an uncomfortably young woman named Elisa. She appeared closer in age to Lucy than Richard and nearly the same age as Winston. Their little luncheon began with tea in the observatory.

Richard was in his late sixties but in good shape and good health. Lucy couldn’t help but note that Winston looked most like his mother, rather than his father. Somehow, this was a relief. Richard signalled from the onset he was out to embarrass his son. Lucy’s father and Richard had much in common.

“I must say we were surprised to hear you were engaged when we weren’t aware you were dating.”

Richard spoke as if trying to make Lucy feel inferior.

Winston set his tea down. “It was never a secret, but you never asked.”

Richard never called. Winston also hadn’t volunteered that information.

“Lucy, you’ve said nothing to this point, dear. Have you a voice?”

Lucy was introverted and deferential. This was her natural way of going in a new social situation when dealing with aristocratic people. She’d learned it ages ago. It suited her well. She wondered if this would soon change.

“Sorry. Just a bit nervous. Your house is lovely,” Lucy chirped.

“You’re… American?” Richard looked concerned.

“She’s British now, Dad.”

“I am. I was born in America but—”

“Well, she’s American, then.”

“She’s no more American than Cousin Vanna, Dad.”

“Does it really matter?” Lucy asked, confused by this argument.

“Well, you’re going to have children, right? They should be raised properly British.”

“Well, I don’t plan on leaving the UK. I’ve been here since I was 18.”

“You plan on having children?”

Elisa made a face. “Richard, please.”

Winston glared. “Yes.”

Lucy was relieved he quickly answered the question but felt things going south quickly.

“What about you, Miss Chandler. How do your parents feel?”

Wasn’t that a curious question? They did not know. Her family did not exactly follow obscure engagement announcements of The Duchess of Lauderdale in the Times. Lucy put it off. She and Winston figured they would call her parents this evening and tell them. She got sick thinking about it. Her mother and younger sister would be happy for them. However, her older sister would freak out, feeling her own spring wedding was now overshadowed. Her father would ruin it somehow. The idea of him drunk at their wedding was enough to make Lucy vomit.

“We’re going to tell them soon. They’re in America. My sister’s wedding is taking up a lot of time.”

“Your sister is getting married?” Elisa asked.

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