Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

" Y our Grace!"

The viscount boomed, his voice brimming with an enthusiasm that seemed to grate on the dowager duchess's nerves, if her pinched face was anything to go by.

Lucy had watched in painful apprehension, a nervous tremor running down the length of her spine at the sight of the carriage. It finally drew to a halt at the Hatcher residence and images of the dowager duchess assaulted her mind. Her Grace's spontaneous visit, a mere few hours after her letter had been received, felt more like an impending storm than a social call.

Lucy straightened her simple muslin gown. The Dowager Duchess of Northwick, her future mother-in-law . What was she like? She was renowned amongst the ton for her severe propriety. In fact, during her heydays, many believed the duchess more ruthless and formidable than her husband, the late duke.

Taking a deep breath, Lucy braced herself. The arrival of the dowager duchess was announced in booming tones by the footman, and soon, a tall, slender figure swept into the drawing room. Modesty, despite her advancing years, held herself with an air of icy regality. Her gaze, sharp as a hawk's, swept across the room, taking in the Hatcher family with barely disguised disapproval.

The Viscount and Viscountess of Pemberton huddled together on a small sofa, their faces creased with worry. Augustus rose to greet Modesty with a warm smile, a sharp contrast to the composed indifference on the dowager duchess's face. Patience, despite the occasion, wore a vibrant green tea gown, a color that clashed with the muted tones of the drawing room.

"Such a delightful surprise! Please, do come in." Augustus carried on, oblivious to the suddenly strained atmosphere. Lucy did not miss the older lady's not-so-subtle scrutiny of her mother. Patience, also not missing it and noticing Modesty's frown at her attire, offered a hesitant smile.

"Your Grace, it is an honor to welcome you into our home. I must say, this might be the first time our home would host first the duke, and now, the Dowager Duchess of Northwick, all within a full day. Would you care for some tea?"

Of course. What a monstrosity to behold! So unbefitting of the next Duchess of Northwick. What was Duncan thinking, marrying into such a family? Oh, the horror! The shame! The streets of London would go agog with such insanity. The Duke of Northwick marrying into such peasantry!

And tea? What in the heavens was that?! And what on God's green earth was she doing here? It was all Duncan's fault. Oh, she could feel a swoon coming. This was no place for a lady of her status to be.

"Thank you, but I fear chamomile is a touch too… bohemian for my constitution," Modesty said, her voice clipped. "If only this visit had been more of will than duty."

Patience's smile faltered slightly, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Forgive me, Your Grace. ‘Tis only that it is a touch soothing."

"Certainly. I understand it is a staple among the lower folk." Clearly. Modesty noticed a young chit standing in the corner with a little boy, no doubt, the youngest in the family.

"Now, where is the girl to whom my son is to be wed?" Modesty continued, her voice devoid of warmth. Her eyes wandered for a brief moment before settling on… her. She just knew. And the disappointment hung heavy in her eyes.

"Your Grace," she answered in a hushed tone, "it is I."

With a glance to Lord and Lady Pemberton, Modesty made a slight wave. "I would like to address your girl as regards her roles and what is expected of her now that it is inevitable that she is to be married to my son," Modesty sniffed. She still couldn't accept that Duncan was hell-bent on marrying the girl. She tried not to think about it, but it kept her up at night.

"Oh," Patience muttered and then turned to Lucy, "Is that okay with you, dear?"

Dear Lord, Modesty thought in alarm, seeking her permission? The family was worse than she thought.

"Yes, Mama," Lucy replied meekly. She did not fail to notice the similarly shocked expression on the dowager duchess's face as it had earlier been on her son, the duke.

The viscount and viscountess excused themselves and went about ushering the younger children out of the drawing room, only to be interrupted by the dowager duchess.

"Oh, there is no need to leave on my account," Modesty offered, her tone of voice leaving little room for arguments. "Please, you are all welcome to stay. I only wish to educate the young lady and shall be on my way."

Lord and Lady Pemberton shared a worried glance, but none could refuse the dowager duchess. "As you wish, Your Grace." Patience replied, forcing a smile onto her cheeks.

"I wish it so," Modesty said sternly.

Oh dear, Lucy's thoughts flew in different directions. This was bound to be bad. She felt Caroline's gaze and looked at her sister, acknowledging the strength in her eyes. It was all she could do to avoid fleeing the room altogether.

Modesty cleared her throat, her gaze settling on Lucy with an intensity that made her skin prickle. "There is much to learn, young lady," she began, her voice laced with condescension. "As Duchess of Northwick, your life will be a far cry from the… informality… you are accustomed to," the dowager duchess sniffed as if offended by Lucy's very sight.

Lucy bristled internally. "Of course, Your Grace," she replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I understand the importance of my duties."

Modesty leaned forward, her voice taking on a more instructive tone. "We shall talk about the household first, Lucy. ‘Tis a vast operation, with dozens of staff members who all have their specific roles. Most of what you have learned here would be useless. Nevertheless, there are expectations to be met. Unfortunately, the standard has been set so low. You will do well not to lower it any further. Is that understood?"

Lucy's fingertips dug deeper into her dress, the strain on her fingers causing them to shine a bright pink. Her mind wandered in all directions. Was this how her life was to be? Forced to a condescending, prideful woman of a mother-in-law. And married to an insufferable man who had all but promised to be closed to her both in mind and body? Not that she yearned for his touch on her skin or his kiss on her lips… Focus, Lucy!

The duke had made it clear that it was a mere marriage of convenience, a union born from a mistake too dear to simply brush away. And from all indications, the dowager duchess had no intention of letting her displeasure go unnoticed.

Oh, how she wished a miracle could happen where the dowager duchess stepped on her dress. How amusing it would be to see her take a tumble.

"There's Mr. Higgins, the head butler, who oversees the entire staff and ensures the smooth running of the household. Then there's Mrs. Davies, the housekeeper, who manages the day-to-day chores and ensures the house is clean and comfortable. We have footmen who attend to the guests' needs, scullery maids who clean the kitchen and wash dishes, and a whole team of others who keep everything running like clockwork.

"So, I'll be responsible for overseeing all of them?"

"Precisely," Modesty replied. "It is not like I stuttered now, did I?"

"No, you didn't, Your Grace," Lucy sniffed.

"You will ensure they perform their duties efficiently. That would entail managing the household budget, ordering supplies, handling any staff grievances that may arise, and scheduling leave."

"Sounds like a lot to manage," Lucy admitted, a hint of nervousness creeping into her voice.

Modesty offered a curt nod. "It is. But a good duchess has a firm grasp on her household." Lucy did not miss the double meaning behind the lady's words. "You will need to be organized, fair, and a good judge of character."

Lucy straightened her shoulders, determined to meet the challenge. "I am a quick learner, Your Grace."

"We have yet to see that. The Elkins have maintained their name and stature in society for generations. And I intend for it to remain untainted any more than it already has." Modesty cautioned.

Just then, Stephen stumbled from the chair he'd been sitting on whilst playing with his toys. Caroline reached him first, checking for bruises on his knees and elbows. Within moments, Patience had all but pulled him from the ground and placed him on a stool at the same time searching for bruises and cuts.

"You naughty scoundrel. I have warned you to stop being rough, but you never listen. You exhaust me, child." Caroline huffed to which everyone except the dowager duchess laughed at. It seemed the little incident had caused them so much worry they had forgotten about their guest.

Lucy, however, did not forget. And for a moment, she saw what looked like disgust and…was that a hint of sadness written on the dowager duchess's face? But it was gone in the blink of an eye, to be replaced by her usual condescending demeanor. Lucy must have imagined it.

Once again, Lucy was reminded of her family's status and how little the family she was soon to join thought of them. With that look, there was no doubt that the dowager duchess thought them lowly to behave in such a manner.

"After you are wedded to my son, you must relinquish such sordid behaviors and act as required by your station." Modesty advised.

But Lucy had had enough of the dowager duchess's snide remarks. "Of course, Your Grace. I will ensure to close my heart and mind, and never do anything to cause even the littlest bit of laughter." Lucy replied with a faint bow.

Modesty regarded Lucy for a moment and then slowly rose to her feet. "I have seen what I came to see, and I have said what I can. I shall take my leave, but shall say one more thing," she drew closer to Lucy.

"Whether or not you and your family have managed to entrap my son, I will uncover in due time. You counted on his honor to make him do the right thing. My only advice to you therefore is to remember your station, girl, and from whence you came. For he might be the Duke of Northwick, but I am his mother. And I shall not sit back and watch you all hang on to him for a lifeline."

Lucy stilled, her blood turning to ice. Patience, who had by now noticed the tension in the drawing room rushed to their side. "Is anything the matter, Your Grace?" Patience asked and then turned to Lucy hoping for any sign at all. Bless her mother.

"I believe all to be well, Lady Pemberton." Modesty replied and began to walk towards the door. "Oh, and lest I forget, the archbishop has graciously agreed to officiate the wedding ceremony two days from today. It shall be a small and quiet event. Good day Lady Pemberton, Miss Hatcher, and have a lovely evening."

Lucy stormed up the stairs, the dowager duchess's words echoing in her ears. Each cutting remark felt like a fresh wound. Reaching the sanctuary of her chambers, she slammed the door shut with a bang, the sound barely registering over the roar in her ears. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision.

Collapsing onto her bedding and pillows, she buried her face in her hands, sobs racking her entire frame. This was not the future she had envisioned. This marriage, born of necessity, felt like a prison sentence. A life devoid of love, of laughter, replaced by cold formality and a constant battle to maintain appearances.

A small voice startled her. "Lucy?"

Lucy quickly wiped her tears at the sound of Caroline's voice, forcing a shaky smile. "Just a bit of dust in my eye, that's all," she called back, her voice thick with tears.

"Are you all right?" Caroline asked, stepping into the room.

Lucy sniffled, trying to maintain the facade. "Everything is fine, truly. I am only a bit overwhelmed."

Her brows furrowed as she marched right up to Lucy. "Don't even try to lie to me, Lucy Hatcher. The duke's mother… her words… they hurt you, didn't they?"

The dam broke. Lucy threw her arms around Caroline, burying her face in her sister's shoulder as she let out a torrent of tears. Caroline held her sister tightly, her small hand stroking Lucy's hair in a comforting rhythm. "I'm so sorry, sister," she murmured softly.

When the storm of tears subsided, Lucy pulled back, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. Shame burned in her eyes. "I'll be fine, sister."

Caroline met her gaze, a fierce glint in her eyes. "You deserve better, Lucy, so much better. This duke, with his fancy title, doesn't deserve you."

"But what choice do I have?" Lucy cried, her voice cracking. "This is the only way to save our family."

Caroline's lips formed a determined line. "There has to be another way. We'll figure something out, together. But you can't throw your happiness away for this… this sham of a marriage."

Lucy took a deep breath, trying to find a sliver of hope amidst the despair. But there was none.

"Oh, Caroline, I wish I could," Lucy cried harder, "I have no choice. We are doomed if I don't do this. All of us! This is our only hope." Stephen, his face streaked with dirt, peeked in.

"What is the matter? Are you two all right?" A voice sounded at the door.

Caroline sighed. "This is girl talk, Stephen. You wouldn't understand."

But Stephen, for once, wouldn't be dismissed. He marched into the room, his small chest puffed out with determination. "I may not be a man," he declared, "but you don't look happy. Just know I'm here for you if you need me, Lucy. Always."

Lucy's heart swelled, her chest nearly bursting from emotions as she drew him in for a hug. "My little brother is all grown up. Thank you, Stephen," she whispered, touched by his unwavering support. "That means the world to me."

Stephen, satisfied that his presence was needed, nodded curtly and scurried out of the room, leaving his sisters alone. Caroline settled back onto the bed, her eyes fixed on Lucy.

"All right, he's gone. You can tell me what the matter is."

Lucy hesitated. She knew there was a spark, something so forbidden that had ignited within her. Could she confide in her younger sister? She didn't even know how she felt. But seeing the genuine concern in her sister's eyes, she decided honesty was the best policy.

"It is not just the wedding, Caroline," Lucy confessed, her voice barely a whisper. "It is… it is him."

Caroline's eyebrows shot up. "Him? The duke?"

Lucy nodded, a blush creeping up her cheeks at the thought of him . "The dowager duchess… she made it very clear they believe we're entrapping him." There was a loud silence for a few seconds until the absurdity of it all hit Caroline, and a laugh escaped her lips.

"Entrapping him? You? Lucy, you wouldn't know how to entrap a fly, let alone a duke," Caroline finished, her laughter softening into a warm smile.

Lucy couldn't help but smile back, a flicker of amusement chasing away the gloom. "Perhaps not," she admitted. "But still, the idea that they see us in such a light…"

"It's infuriating, I know," Caroline interjected. "But honestly, Lucy, who cares what they think? They are a bunch of pompous aristocrats who wouldn't recognize genuine affection if it bit them in the…"

Caroline's voice trailed off, a playful glint in her eyes. Lucy knew exactly what her sister was about to say, and a blush crept back up her cheeks.

"Don't even think about finishing that sentence, Caroline," Lucy warned, though a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

There was a brief moment of silence where both sisters simply stared, both aware that nothing they could do or say would change what was to come. And with a sigh of defeat, Lucy accepted that the dowager duchess was within her rights to imagine the worst.

It was neither inconceivable nor far-fetched to think that all of this was an elaborate plan to save her family's name. But how was Lucy to prove her innocence when all the facts lined up conveniently to point the other way?

Lucy turned to find Caroline deep in thought, and she smiled sadly. It would do her good to ponder over what already was. If there was a misconception about her family and values, it was up to her to prove everyone wrong. Most especially the dowager duchess and that damned duke!