A Most Improper Duchess by Alanna Lucas
Chapter Three
The new day brought with it all sorts of new experiences. After receiving a dozen gentleman callers—albeit none who caught their fancy—the Grace sisters turned their attention to preparations for their afternoon salon. When they were in the country, some of the happiest, most pleasant afternoons spent were in the presence of friends, talking about their favorite diversions, playing games, and listening to music. They hoped to bring a little of that joy into their aunt’s home.
Before too long, the parlor was filled with ladies from the finest families of the ton. However, the sisters quickly learned that just because someone belonged to a prestigious family did not mean they were good or kind individuals.
“I want to thank you for inviting me. It is such a pleasure to be included,” Miss Samuels said with a warm, bright smile.
“I assure you the pleasure is all ours,” Alexandra reassured her as she glanced from one sister to another. “I must admit, we have an ulterior—”
“We hope you won’t mind singing for us?” Theodora interrupted, practically begging. “I can accompany you on the pianoforte.” Her youngest sister would always gravitate to those who shared her passion for music.
“I would be most honored.”
Once the guests had all assembled in the music room, Miss Samuels took her position next to the pianoforte. Theodora’s fingers swept across the keys, creating a lovely sound, but as soon as Miss Samuels began to sing, the room quieted, all those present mesmerized by the sweet melody that she caressed from her lips.
Like so many ladies of the ton, Alexandra and her sisters were accomplished in the usual diversions. But few attained such a level of perfection as Miss Samuels. As the song came to an end, everyone stood and offered applause and praise.
“Miss Samuels has such a lovely voice,” Miss Newman commented to Alexandra. “Such a pity her dowry is so paltry.”
“Someone’s worth does not lie in the amount of money they have in their purse but in—”
“That is easy for you to say.” Miss Newman’s harsh retort disrupted the gaiety around them.
Alexandra was stunned. “And what exactly does that mean?” she challenged.
“Money is not a concern for you. You and your sisters want for nothing. You’re beautiful and accomplished, well-liked and admired, and have not a care in the world.”
Alexandra opened her mouth to speak, but Evelina spoke first. “Life is not perfect for us either. We have had our share of heartache. But we choose to be happy, to find joy amongst ourselves and others.”
It was not a secret how long their mother, and then father, had suffered through illness, but some of these chits could only see what was on the surface. Despite their pleasant outward appearances, some of those present truly had the ugliest of souls. And yet, they would be regarded with esteem because of rank, title, and wealth. Would their marriages be any happier than those without funds or title?
“So you say,” Miss Newman huffed in an unladylike fashion.
“I do say. And if you cannot grasp that, then I suggest you take your leave.” Theodora and Alexandra moved closer to their sister. No one would treat the Grace sisters thusly. They would not tolerate one of their own being degraded in such a way, nor any of their friends. This conversation would likely cause some gossip, but each sister knew the others agreed that taking a stand for friends was worth whatever consequence may come their way.
Miss Newman scanned the room, then with another huff, turned her nose upward and stormed out. A few other ladies followed her almost in a panic, as if they had to choose sides. Alexandra suspected the lady and cronies in question would try to spread some vile gossip, but it was nothing they could not deal with. They had not done anything wrong. They could not help the station to which they’d been born, just as Miss Samuels had had no control over hers. But what they could help—somewhat at least—were the friends they kept.
All were subdued for several minutes, absorbing what had just occurred, when Miss Samuels turned to the sisters. “Thank you for coming to my defense. I know my family doesn’t have much to offer in the way of a dowry, and it has been seen as a deficit by many, but I do hope you are correct.”
“Any gentleman would be lucky to have you a wife. Never underestimate your worth.”
Alexandra knew she would do everything within her reach to aid Miss Samuels in finding a love match and that, without a doubt, her sisters would assist too.
Despite Miss Newman’s sourness, the afternoon was a success. Alexandra sensed that those who remained would become true friends. Regardless, she and her sisters would exercise caution in the future. One could never be too careful in situations such as these. They still had to find their own matches, and attracting the notice of the gossips most certainly would not do.
Once their guests had left, the sisters retreated upstairs to their private parlor. It was one of their favorite rooms in the house. It was where they could talk without censure and just be themselves.
“Who do you think will suit Miss Samuels?” Evelina questioned. “I am determined to help her find a match.”
“It must be a gentleman not in need of money, who has an interest in music and—”
“What about Lord Jacobs?” An excited gasp burst from Theodora. “Or . . . or Mr. Fuller! I happened to overhear Lady Lamden mention his skills with the violin at the musicale, and he is on Aunt Imogene’s list.”
“Did someone mention my name?” Aunt Imogene said as she entered the room. Her overly innocent countenance suggested she was up to something.
“We were just discussing prospects for Miss Samuels and thought Mr. Fuller would be perfect a match.”
“He is quite musically inclined.” Their aunt paused for a moment as if recalling all the gentleman’s attributes. “Yes, I believe you’re quite right. He is not in need of money, so her lack of fortune is not a hindrance, and they would make a lovely pair. And I know he will be attending Lady Kirkwood’s dinner party tonight.”
“Now all we have to do is come up with a plan.” Evelina clasped her hands together as if already plotting.
A moment later, two footmen carrying a large trunk with fanciful scrollwork along the sides entered the room. “Just put it near the sofa. Thank you.” Aunt Imogene turned to the girls. “I have a surprise for you. The last time your mother was in London, she mentioned that she thought you girls might enjoy seeing this,” she said as the footmen set the trunk down. She opened the lid, revealing numerous decorative boxes in varying sizes and dozens of neatly folded letters.
Evelina removed and opened the letter on top. “It’s a love letter from Father. It’s dated the year before he and Mother married.”
“I never understood why your mother wanted it kept here instead of in her own home, but here we are,” Aunt Imogene started. “I will leave you to enjoy your parents’ courtship.” She ended with a wink, then left the room.
Alexandra had an inkling as to why her mother hadn’t wanted something so personal, so clearly special, to remain at their country house. During her lengthy illness, she’d often commented on how sad she would be to leave the family legacy in the hands of Harold and his wife. Mother had never cared for her son’s choice of bride, believing that Rachel was more interested in the title than being part of the family. She’d proven that time and time again with her insincere actions and forceful dictations. And of course, their brother had completely changed upon his marriage. Everyone had taken note. Mother was probably worried Rachel would simply throw it all away without a second thought.
Theodora took another letter from the trunk and unfolded it. “Oh, it’s another love letter from Father. It’s so beautifully written.” She held it to her chest. “Do you think we will ever find a love like theirs?”
“I certainly hope so,” Evelina said as she went to Theodora and gave her sister a hug. “I certainly hope so.”
Alexandra glanced to the clock on the mantel. “I suppose we will have to wait until tomorrow to discover what treasures awaits us.”
“Couldn’t we make some excuse and stay in instead?” Theodora questioned as she looked down at the dozens and dozens of letters still remaining. Alexandra would have enjoyed nothing more than staying in with her sisters, exploring the contents of the trunk together. For as long as she could remember, they’d always enjoyed looking at family treasures, especially letters. It made them feel so connected to loved ones no longer with them. They had kept their grandmother’s correspondences to and from her sisters, which were always great fun to read.
“It wouldn’t be polite, and besides Mr. Fuller is to be in attendance, and we need to determine if he is suitable for Miss Samuels,” Alexandra said as a sense of good washed over her at the prospect of aiding a friend.
“Very well. At least we have something to look forward to if the evening is boring,” Evelina added.
Several hours later, Alexandra could hardly call the Dowager Viscountess Lady Kirkwood’s dinner party boring. With a sister seated on either side of her, along with all the other guests in the drawing room, she listened to an unfortunate scene unfold in the hallway.
“Where are you going?” Lady Kirkwood was demanding in barely hushed tones that could be heard by those seated nearest the drawing room entry.
“Out.”
“We have guests and—”
“You have guests, Mother. I have other obligations this evening.”
Alexandra could not see the exchange between mother and son happening in the corridor, but, by the sound of it, neither was pleased with the other.
“And by obligations, are you referring to your mistress?” The pain in Lady Kirkwood’s voice echoed into the drawing room.
Those around the sisters stilled and waited for the next words to be spoken. Thankfully, Lord Kirkwood saved his mother from further distress by ceasing the argument and storming down the corridor, the stomp of his shoes on the marble creating a firm cadence.
Moments later, as if nothing untoward had occurred just feet away, Lady Kirkwood reentered the room. Although she smiled politely, embarrassment lined her features.
Much to the credit of everyone present, no one commented on what had just taken place or the recent absence of their hostess. Soon more guests arrived, unfortunately including some confirmed gossips like Lady Jerome and her daughter, but also Niall and some other friends.
“Oh look,” Alexandra said as she motioned toward the door. “Martha is a guest this evening. I must go and greet her.”
She’d last seen her dear friend two years ago in the country, when Martha was visiting her grandparents who lived nearby. It was just before Martha’s first Season, and her parents had been determined their eldest of five daughters would be married by its end. Alexandra had always suspected that Martha was nervous about her prospects. She was rather tall for a woman and often complained that she looked more like a lad, but when Mr. Hadfield offered for her, it seemed her insecurities vanished, or at least that was what Alexandra had gathered from her friend’s letters.
“It is so pleasant to see you after all this time, Martha,” Alexandra embraced her friend as she entered the drawing room. “You look wonderful!”
“It has been far too long,” Martha said with her usual sweet smile.
“Married life certainly agrees with you.”
“Thank . . . ” A soft shuddered cry escaped her lips as she turned away from the other guests.
“Oh my, whatever is the matter?” Alexandra whispered as she rubbed a gentle hand on her friend’s back. She had never seen Martha so distraught—nor so quickly. She surveyed her options for retreat and settled on the small terrace, then guided her friend away from gossiping tongues.
Once away from the other guests, Martha began to divulge her woes. “I can’t keep it in any longer! Married life is . . . horrible. I had no idea what . . .” Her words died off, leaving Alexandra wondering whatever had happened.
She took Martha’s hands within her own and tried to coax her friend to speak. “Perhaps if you tell me what’s the matter, I can help.”
“And how are you supposed to help when you’re not married and do not understand the ways of the bedroom?” Martha cried. “It’s not at all pleasant and . . .” Her words died as she buried her face into her hands.
“Whatever is the matter?” Evelina said as she rushed onto the terrace, with their youngest sister on her heels.
“We saw you rush from the room,” Theodora added with concern.
Alexandra looked to her sisters and shrugged her shoulders. She didn’t understand what had brought on such a state of hysterics in Martha. “So, the problem at hand is your husband? Has he mistreated you?” She felt her anger rising at the thought of anyone mistreating Martha.
They stared at Martha waiting for her to explain.
Martha shook her head. “It does concern Mr. Hadfield, but he has not misused me. I think . . . I think he doesn’t find me . . .” She nodded her head this way and that. “. . . Interesting enough,” she whispered. Even the dim light could not hide the fierce shade of red staining her cheeks.
Alexandra leaned in and, keeping her voice low, questioned, “What do you mean, interesting enough?”
Martha let out a loud huff, then even more dramatically exclaimed, “He rarely comes to my bed. I may be quite naïve, but I do understand that men like . . .” She pressed her lips together as she bobbed her head, clearly waiting for Alexandra to comprehend her meaning.
Finally realizing what Martha meant, Theodora began to say rather loudly, “Oh, do you mean, sexual inter—”
“Don’t say it out loud!” The look on Martha’s face was one of utter humiliation. “We should not . . . I should not have said anything. You mustn’t say anything to anyone.” And with that, their friend scurried back into the drawing room.
And therein lay the problem. It was a forbidden topic, even amongst friends. How were women supposed to learn and navigate through such a subject if they could not discuss matters? Not openly with strangers, of course, but it should be something that could be talked of amongst the closest of acquaintances. Alexandra and her sisters were certainly not prepared for the intimacies of married life, and up until this point, she had not contemplated them. She’d just assumed men and women married, set up a house, and the rest fell into place. But what was the rest?
“What was all that—” Theodora started on a whisper.
“Not here,” Alexandra halted the question as they rejoined the others. Numerous eyes were on them and the last thing they needed was to draw extra attention to Martha or stir any more trouble for themselves so soon after the incident with Miss Newman.
Theodora and Evelina went to join their great-aunt, while Alexandra kept near to the terrace entrance. Her mind was reeling with all sorts of questions about what her friend had and had not disclosed. She felt for Martha. Unhappy marriages were not uncommon, but who was to blame? What was the key to a happy union?
“Is anything the matter?” Niall’s concerned voice brought her back to the strange evening she was currently experiencing.
A deep sigh reverberated through her body. “No. Just pondering the complexities of humans.”
The spot between Niall’s brows crinkled with confusion. He pushed the spectacles further up his nose. “The complexities of humans? It sounds like a rather interesting topic,” he teased.
“More vexing than interesting.”
“How so?” he prompted.
How could she answer when she still hadn’t formulated all her questions or found any answers? Perhaps Niall could come to her aid? A deep longing pressed against her chest, and she yearned for those carefree days with him when they had taken long walks and talked for hours about whatever crossed their minds. Before she could respond, dinner was announced.
“I suppose we will have to continue this stimulating discussion later.” Niall winked then joined his mother and sister as the other guests gathered for the procession into the dining hall.
Parading into the dining hall had always struck Alexandra as unnecessary, but she supposed it did keep guests in a neat and tidy formation. She was pleased to be paired with Mr. Fuller. It would give her the perfect opportunity to discover his character and interests. On the surface, he was handsome with a pleasant, calm countenance. His two front teeth were slightly crooked, but his smile most sincere. Yes, she suspected he would do nicely for Miss Samuels.
As they entered the grand dining hall, she was impressed by the sheer size and layout of the elegant table. The dormant du milieu at the center of the table was most striking with its overflowing cornucopia of fruits and flowers arranged in such a way that it looked like a still life painting which belonged in a gallery.
Once seated, the conversation with Mr. Fuller flowed most naturally. He was a very pleasant fellow indeed. Her instincts were confirmed.
“My aunt informed me that you are quite proficient at the violin.”
The gentleman’s warm brown eyes lit up with the mention of the instrument. “Playing the violin is a passion of mine. I recently acquired one made by Jacob Stainer. He was one of most sought-after luthiers of his time. Even Mozart had one of his violins.” He smiled brightly, then offered, “I apologize, Miss Grace, I am rambling. I could speak all day of music.”
“That’s quite all right. I know a young lady of the same persuasion.”
“Really?” Interest laced the single word as he offered her ragout of celery, the spicy scent of cloves tickling her nose as he placed a serving on her plate.
“Miss Samuels is accomplished on the harp and has one of the most beautiful singing voices I’ve ever heard.” With each word of praise she spoke, his eyes widened with interest. She was very pleased with the turn of events. With nonchalance she added, “Miss Samuels will be joining my sisters and me at Lady Turner’s garden party.”
The seed was planted.
Alexandra felt Evelina’s gaze from across the table. She met her sister’s gaze, which pleaded for assistance. Clearly, she was not enjoying the company of the gentleman beside her. She’d never met Mr. Robertson, but she had a feeling she was going to learn much about him from Evelina.
After the meal concluded, the ladies adjourned to the drawing room while most of the men stayed to consume their brandies. Alexandra noted that Niall, Mr. Fuller, and a couple of other gentlemen departed the company of the rowdier men. She wondered where they were off to and what they would discuss. Knowing Niall, it would center on the new landscaping designs he had been working on. She inwardly chuckled. Niall was certainly passionate about creating a beautiful outlook. Quite often, he would share his thoughts and ideas, all of which she found most stimulating.
Alexandra and Theodora followed the herd of feathered plumes while a still very agitated Evelina excused herself to the ladies retiring room. Alexandra was certain to get an earful later in the evening. Even Martha had departed early, complaining of a megrim, but Alexandra suspected her friend was still out of sorts after what had happened earlier in the evening.
With the men preoccupied, unintellectual conversation surrounding mundane topics was the order of the evening. It seemed that women of the ton could only converse about the weather, the latest fashions, and entertainments. The sisters learned that most of the ladies present were of the opinion that the newest on dits were the most fascinating diversions this Season.
And as if to make their point, some of the older grande dames, led by the Dowager Duchess of Blackburn and Lady Jerome, seemed intrigued by what had happened with Martha on the terrace. Clearly her tears had not gone unnoticed. It appeared that no one was safe. Oh, how Alexandra detested these rumormongers!
At the very least, she and her sisters were not mentioned. Now all they had to do was survive the rest of the evening.