Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

" I wish you didn't have to go, Grace," Harmony said, slumping against the pillows on Grace's bed.

"She doesn't have to go, Harmony. Grace is privileged to go," Patience said. "And you will have a splendid time with cousin Susan, won't you, Grace?"

Grace looked up from her open trunks. As the eldest of seven girls, she enjoyed conversing with each of her sisters. "I plan to have a wonderful time at cousin Susan's, but I shall miss you both terribly."

"I wish I could come too," Harmony said. "How come cousin Susan only extended the invitation to you and not to all of us?"

"You're not out of the school room yet, Harmony," Patience answered. "Besides this isn't just any visit, it's a house party ."

"I still don't see why I can't come or why you need to go at Christmas time. It won't be the same without you here at home."

Grace laid a pale blue dress into her trunk. It was the nicest dress she had that she hadn't already given to her twin sisters, Felicity and Faith. When the gown was stowed, Grace went around to the other side of the bed and sat next to Harmony. She put an arm around each of her sisters in turn. "I am going to miss all of you, Harmony. But you're going to have a good time here, and I will be back soon."

"A month isn't very soon," Patience said. At fourteen, she was only two years older than Harmony who was the youngest in the family.

"I promise I will bring you back all of the stories of my time away."

Harmony smiled, a lightness coming back into her eyes.

"Don't forget to take note of what's fashionable," Charity said, coming into the room. "I should very much like to know what is in style before the Season begins." Charity was nineteen, and the middle of the seven sisters.

"It is not as if you are going to London right now," Hope said, following her sister into Grace's bedroom. Hope was seventeen.

"I shall do my best to remember everything," Grace said. "And I expect that you will tell me about all of the things I'm missing here. I want to know about the Christmas ball, and anything else that you attend."

Grace's four sisters who were in the room nodded eagerly at the assignment .

Charity went over to the wardrobe, pulling out a cream-colored dress with delicate beadwork on the bodice. "Aren't you going to take this one? It's your favorite."

Grace looked at the gown. Frayed edges on the hem showed just how much the gown had been loved over the last couple of years. It hadn't been a priority to fix the gown, or have it repaired. She smiled at her sister. "I think I will leave that one this time."

"I think you should take it," Charity said, moving towards Grace's trunks as if she had settled the matter herself. "No one looks handsomer than you when you're wearing this gown."

"You look like an angel in it," Harmony said approvingly.

Grace smiled at her sisters, then nodded. "Very well, I will pack that one as well." She accepted the gown from Charity, arranging it in the trunk.

"And what about this one?" Charity asked, holding up yet another gown.

Grace shook her head. "I believe I have enough already." The rest of the gowns in the wardrobe were similar to the ones Charity had just insisted she take. They were practically worn through. The rest of her dresses, which had still been in good repair, had been handed down to her twin sisters just younger than her.

A knock sounded on Grace's bedroom door. "Come in," she said.

Her mother stepped into her room, surveying the scene before her. "Girls, will you each go finish the preparations we talked about? And Hope, will you fetch Felicity and Faith?" Every daughter in the room curtsied and left the room. Once Grace's sisters left the room, her mom spoke again, "How are your preparations coming along? Mrs. Mead and her daughters should be arriving soon."

Grace peered through her curtains to view the front drive. The sun filtered through a cloudy sky. It would be a beautiful day to travel. "I'm nearly ready."

"Did your sisters help you or just distract you?" Her mother smiled at her, showing she was not the least concerned about it.

"They were helpful. I was just thinking through what I need," she said, glancing once more to her open wardrobe at the old dresses. "I don't suppose I could borrow back the gowns I've given to Felicity and Faith?"

Her mother's face fell, sadness washing over her. "I'm sorry, Grace, but they have Christmas parties that they will also be attending this year, and you know that they are in a much better position than you …" Her mother cut off what she'd been about to say, and only shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry, my dear."

Grace nodded, putting on a brave face for her mother. "It is quite all right, Mama. Do not fret." She and her cousin, Susan, were of similar size. Perhaps Susan would let her borrow something a little more suitable to a ball than what she had, but she didn't voice her thoughts aloud.

"I do have a small gift I would like to give you," her mama said, opening a small cloth in her hand and pulling out a small silver comb with blue and green jewels encrusted into the top. She handed it to Grace. "I know it isn't much, still it would be beautiful in your hair."

Grace stared at the beautiful piece that she'd admired so often in her mother's light brown hair. Her mother had said that it had brought her good luck when she was younger, and Grace could scarcely count the days on one hand when she hadn't seen her mother wear it. Her mother wore it on formal occasions and informal ones; to church and to balls; in the house and out in the garden.

Grace turned over the beautiful comb, feeling each ridge and swirl under her fingertips. "Oh, Mama! This is your precious good luck charm. I could never take that from you." A lump formed in Grace's throat as she held the comb in her hand, but held it out to her mother.

Her mother pushed Grace's hands back, folding her fingers around Grace's. "Grace, this has brought me luck all of my life, but I want you to have it. Wear it at the house party."

"Thank you, Mama. I shall pack it carefully and keep it safe." She placed it into her trunk.

Her mother immediately took it out and put it in Grace's light brown hair. "Make sure you wear it, Grace. A treasure is of no value if it isn't used," her mother said.

Grace nodded, noticing how similar she looked to her mother, especially with the comb adorning her own light brown hair. "I will, Mama. "

"Your father wishes to bid you farewell before you leave," her mother said softly. "He's waiting for you in his study. I will see that your trunk gets out of the house safely."

Grace hugged her mother. "Thank you, Mama. I am so excited about this house party."

Her mother nodded. "I'm sorry that it's not a Season, like the rest of your friends had several years ago."

Grace cringed at the reminder that almost all of the friends her age had had a Season before they were twenty, had each found handsome, wealthy men to marry, and were all comfortably settled—some with more than one child now. Grace was now almost twenty-four, and thanks to her age had felt that she'd been on the shelf for at least a year, if not longer.

Her focus this past year had been on teaching her younger sisters proper manners, as her twin sisters would be introduced to Society this Season, thanks to the kindness of one of their relations. Grace, however, was "past her prime" for a London Season, and sponsoring three daughters instead of two, was out of the question.

Grace didn't resent her sisters their opportunity to go enjoy a London Season at the age of twenty-one. She'd even given them her best gowns. It was still the right choice, even though she wished she had something less plain to wear to her cousin's house party. It would be fine. She would manage.

And she would be able to enjoy the company of her cousin while her sisters did all of their preparations for their Season. They'd only be there for the Little Season, but still there was much to prepare, and Grace wondered how her parents were able to scrape together the funds to make such an endeavor possible, when it had never been possible for her.

She knocked on her father's study door. She heard her father's muffled voice say, "Come in," and she entered the study.

Her father sat behind his desk, a ledger in front of him as always, and a few books stacked on the side of his desk next to a candle. The room was small but cheery. There was a bookcase which held several beloved volumes tucked into one corner of the room.

"Good morning, Grace. Today is your big day. Are you finished packing?" her father asked.

"Yes, I am. Mama is seeing to the trunks right now," Grace said. A lump formed in her throat as she took in this room. She was going to miss being at home with her family.

Her father nodded. "Very good. I will be brief as Mrs. Mead should be here soon. We do not want to keep them waiting, do we?"

"Of course not. It is very kind of her to give me a ride to my cousin's house," she answered.

"It is very kind of her, and very fortunate for us that her travel plans coincide with your cousin's house party. I do not think we would be able to spare the carriage for such a long journey in the middle of winter."

"Do not concern yourself about that. I am grateful that I can bring Honey along. I should miss my morning rides if I didn't have her with me."

Her father nodded distractedly. He looked down at his desk, littered in paper. He closed the ledger and moved a few sheets aside, revealing the actual grain of the wooden desk. "My dear Grace, I have a delicate subject to broach with you."

Grace raised an eyebrow. In one sentence he'd said that he would be brief and in the other he wanted to discuss a delicate subject. Somehow those two didn't seem to go together. "What is it, Papa?" Was something wrong?

"Your sisters are going to London for the Season," her father began.

Grace knew what he was about to say. And she could respond with grace and poise. "Papa, you do not have to apologize for that. I know our family situation, and that a London Season was never possible for me. Mama and I already talked about that. I promise I hold no ill-will against either of you, or my sisters. I am happy for them, and I look forward to hearing about their adventures. Please do not trouble yourself about that."

Her father tapped a folded piece of paper against his desk, but his features softened. "Yes, well … I am of course glad to hear that, Grace. You've always been one we can count on for stability in your feelings. Your grace is a blessing to both me and your mother, I hope you know that."

"Thank you, Papa," Grace said. "But I am confused. If that was not the delicate subject you wish to discuss with me, then what is it?"

Her father slumped back into his chair, the weight that appeared on his shoulders making him appear almost a decade older than he actually was. "Only that, the funding from our relatives is not enough to provide both of your sisters with the London Season that they've been anticipating. I do not know how to break the news to them. They may be more hurt by Society than helped if they go and are forced to settle for less material goods while they are there."

"They will not go without each other. They have scarcely been separated from each other's company for more than a few hours at a time, if that."

Her father nodded. "I had hoped that our family situation would have improved by now, but it hasn't."

Grace read between the lines of what her father wasn't saying. He meant that he had expected her to have married by this point, and that her marriage might have brought the family up from their current level of poverty. They weren't so poor. They had enough for their needs, and that was usually enough. But sending two daughters for a London Season was twice the expense. Grace had no doubt that her sisters would make smart matches. They were both very beautiful, and with the connection of their relatives in London, they should be afforded invitations to the best dinner parties and balls. That is, if they were able to sustain the material lifestyle, that her father was currently in doubt about.

Grace swallowed. "How can I help, Papa?"

He shook his head. "There is one way, but I feel very uncomfortable asking it of you."

Grace took in a long, slow breath. He would ask for her dowry money. It wasn't much, she knew it wasn't, but if her sisters were anticipating accepting proposals of marriage during their London Season, then she'd sacrifice for the family. "You may ask, Papa, and I will happily agree to any terms. You know I would. I love my sisters and you and mama so much. I'm happy to do it."

Her father rose from his chair and embraced her. "You are a good girl, Grace."

"My dowry is theirs," she said with conviction. "I do not mind." She already knew that she was on the shelf, that she would only continue to be a burden to her family, and this was the best way that she could help at the moment.

Her father blinked. "My dear, Grace, you do not need to do that."

"Of course, I do, Papa. It is the only way I can help my sisters." She held her head up. Embracing the life of spinsterhood would take some getting used to, she knew that. But she was going to officially enter this new phase of life with the grace that her parents had admired in her since the day she was born.

"Grace, there is another way." Her father held out the folded paper to her. "You've been given an offer of marriage."

Grace's eyes widened, her fingers trembling as she accepted the piece of paper. "Who has thought to ask after my hand?"

Her father looked uncomfortable. "The Earl of Ipswich. He is a widower, you know. And he was recently inquiring about women who are … older and still of marriageable age. He plans to return from Spain in the spring."

Grace opened the note and read it, ice filling her insides. She swallowed hard. "Papa, you cannot be serious. I should much rather give my dowry to my sisters than to be wed to the earl. He is likely twice my age, with children nearly as old as I am."

Her father winced. "I know that it is far from ideal. But he is wealthy and has been traveling the continent for some time. He has a library, and artifacts from all around the world. And because he is a widower, he is not looking for a dowry."

Grace narrowed her eyes. "Plenty of widowers still expect a dowry."

"The Earl does not. He is simply looking for a companion."

"Papa, I do not want to marry him," Grace said firmly.

He gave her a sad smile, then let out a sigh as he nodded. "I can understand that."

"But this letter says that he has already chosen to marry me, how can that be? "

"Several families gave news to the earl. Your name came up among others of eligible women. And he has asked for your hand specifically."

Grace drew in a breath. "Papa, I do not like the thought of an arranged marriage. I never have."

"I know you haven't. But think of your sisters. It is most difficult to have the eldest in a family unmarried, resigned to spinsterhood. This will hurt their chances."

Grace could feel tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "I do not mean to hurt their chances."

Her father patted her arm. "I know you do not. And I have tried to not lay the burden of this at your feet. Your mother and I have tried to recover since making those bad investments." He pushed the ledger further from his arm. "We thought we were doing you and your sisters a favor by giving so much to the lenders. We never considered that we might end up with nothing to show for it."

Grace nodded, sympathizing with her father. Her parents had done the best they could with the information they'd had when it came to investing, but it hadn't been enough. And in so many ways she'd felt the brunt of their ever-lowering status as she tried to keep things as normal and unaffected as possible for the rest of her sisters. She'd always done that, and she knew that she would do it again, no matter the cost to herself. Her mind whirled around, trying to make sense of everything. "Papa, is it simply the draw of me being married generally that has led you to the earl? Or is there another reason you wish me to marry him specifically?"

Her father's smile was sad. "He does not expect a dowry. The amount of financial burden that alone alleviates is tremendous. But he also has a desire to marry someone older—and he has agreed to help fund all of your sisters' London Seasons. That is no small thing."

"Indeed it is no small thing." Grace let out a breath. A marriage of convenience to a man twice her age. A loveless match. But a very lucrative match for the rest of her family. Would such a match be better than a life of spinsterhood? Whatever her life situation was, there was truth to the fact that not living under her parents' roof would lessen at least the day-to-day expenses that they spent on her. Add to it the fact that this man did not want a dowry, also eased the financial burdens on her parents.

Her father watched her, not speaking.

Grace closed her eyes for a moment, centering her thoughts. She took a deep breath, resolve for her family filling her. When she opened her eyes and found her father still studying her, she was able to give him a genuine smile. "Spend my dowry on my sisters, or increase their dowry with the sum you would have given for mine."

Her father's eyes widened. "You'll do it?"

She nodded. "I will marry him in the spring when he returns from Spain, if I have not already improved my situation somehow."

"What do you mean?" he asked .

"I mean, perhaps I have more motivation to make my own match at Susan's house party. I shall make sure that the terms of such an arrangement are made to equal this offer, or I shall accept the earl's proposal."

Her father hugged her tightly. "Oh, Grace. How blessed we are to have such a dutiful daughter as our eldest."

Grace nodded. "I will do what I need to for my sisters and my family. Don't worry, Papa. I shall not accept less for you."

The rumbling of carriage wheels sounded outside the study window. Her father pulled open the curtains. "It looks like your carriage is here."

"I shall go down and say goodbye to everyone," she said, giving her father one last hug.

"You're wearing your mother's comb," he said wistfully. He nodded with approval.

"She gave it to me with the hopes it would bring me luck during my travels."

He smiled. "She was wearing that the day I met her."

"I know. That's why she thinks it's lucky. And I would have to agree. You are both perfectly suited for each other."

"Take care of that comb. I shall miss it, not seeing it in your mother's hair every day," he said.

Grace reached up, about to take it out to give it to her father. She didn't want him to be sad while she was gone.

"No, no. Grace, keep it in your hair. She gave it to you," he said lovingly .

"Thank you, Papa." She lifted up on her toes and gave her father a small kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you , Grace."

Grace stepped out onto the gravel drive of Cherrywood Manor. Her family surrounded her to say their goodbyes. She said goodbye to her parents first, and then each of her sisters in turn.

"I shall miss you so much," Harmony said. She turned away after giving Grace a quick hug and rubbed her eyes.

"I will miss you too, Harmony."

Patience and Hope brought a small basket forward. "These are for you for your journey," Hope said.

"We packed all of your favorites," Patience added. "And I added in extra jam."

Grace gave them both a hug. "You are both so wonderful. Thank you."

Charity had a small bundle that she gave to Grace. "Extra paper for you so that you will remember to write down what everyone is wearing and when."

Grace smiled at her sister. "I won't forget," she said, and gave Charity a hug.

"What are we going to do without you?" Felicity said.

"It will not be the same without you," Faith said .

"I shall see you before you go to London, will I not?" Grace said. "We shall not be apart long."

Felicity and Faith looked at each other. "We may leave early for London," they both said in unison.

Grace gave them an extra hug. "Then I shall wait to hear how London is, if I do not see you again before you leave."

Soon the trunk was loaded, and Grace tucked her basket and package close to her side. She gave Harmony a final hug. None of her sisters had any idea what she was about to do for all of them.

Her father's words about marriage sunk deep into her. Her sisters huddled together, waving their hands in farewell next to her parents. She waved back, sending up a silent prayer that both Harmony and Patience wouldn't despair for too long while she was away.

Grace's heart squeezed. She loved them all so much. And when she thought of all the ways she'd be helping alleviate her family's financial distress by marrying for convenience, she knew she would do it. She would marry the earl, if she didn't receive a proposal of marriage at the house party.

After a final glance at Cherrywood Manor, and a farewell wave to her family, Grace ascended into the carriage, and sat facing rearward between Mrs. Mead's two younger daughters. They were eleven and fourteen. Grace talked with them, listening to Mrs. Mead give advice and guidance to all of her children, including the one who sat next to her in the forward-facing seat. Grace opened the basket her sisters had packed for her, and shared the sweets and rolls. Inside Grace found a note from her sisters. She opened it and noted the distinct writing styles of each of her sisters as she read the note. She smiled as she finished the encouraging note, and her heart filled again with love for her family as she tucked it safely into her reticule.

After a few hours the conversation around her died down, and she was left to her own thoughts while Mrs. Mead dozed and the girls looked out the windows.

Grace opened her reticule and took out a letter from her cousin. It was the letter with all of the invited guests on the list, and a little about each one of them. She read through the list, wondering which, if any, of these gentlemen would be a better financial match for her family than the Earl of Ipswich.

There was a Baron in attendance, as well as a Viscount. There were several wealthy gentlemen with no titles. And then toward the end she saw the Duke of Norfolk mentioned. The duke was one of Susan's closest neighbors. Susan had mentioned him on several occasions, especially when his wife had passed away a few years previous. Grace scanned the note again, but there was no mention of a Duchess of Norfolk, so she knew he'd not remarried. Susan had also written and said there were complications in the guest list and that she would provide more details when Grace arrived. Perhaps there were more attending the house party than Susan had mentioned .

Grace circled the Duke of Norfolk's name with her finger. He was a widower. Would he also consider the prospect of marrying someone without a dowry? Surely, the title of duke would be more impressive than a mere earl to her family, and his wealth would certainly provide just as much if not more to her sisters than the earl would. Susan had mentioned that all of the eligible gentlemen attending the house party were of a reasonable age to be considered for marriage, with the exception of two older gentlemen and two older women invited to help chaperone the events.

Grace folded the letter back into her reticule, trying to recall all of the details about the Duke of Norfolk that she'd heard over the years. She'd remembered that Susan had said he was a superior dancer. And, she herself, was an expert in her own right. Perhaps, because he was a widower, she'd have a chance with him. Perhaps he would be a better match for her than an old earl who spent his time abroad, with children not too much younger than she.

She tilted her head back against the carriage and let the bumps of the road soothe her. By the time she reached her cousin's house in a few days, she'd make sure she had a plan to win the duke. He would propose before the house party finished, and after banns had been read, they could easily be married soon after Epiphany.

Everything would go perfectly. She was going to win him, because he was the one that could rival the earl's offer. No other would do. Grace Campbell—the Duchess of Norfolk, had a nice ring to it. She giggled like a school girl who practiced how other surnames sounded with her Christian name. She didn't know the duke's surname. She'd have to find that out first.

Grace was resolved. She would find a way to marry the duke, save her family, and help provide everything that they needed, so they could choose who they married. She would sacrifice for her family, no matter what the personal cost. She would be happy knowing that her sisters could marry for love because of her. She was being a blessing to them and their future happiness, and alleviating a large burden from her parents.

Grace leaned her head against the back of the carriage, her thoughts swirling around everything she hoped the Duke of Norfolk would be. The more she thought of him, the more she approved of him, over the Earl of Ipswich.