Chapter 6

Perched on the edge of a velvet settee, Jane tugged at the hem of her dress; a gown of soft lavender muslin, a color that complemented her fair complexion and brought a gentle warmth to her appearance.

The morning sun streamed through the grand windows of her room, casting intricate patterns on the polished wooden floor and draping the space with its glow.

She got on her feet and walked over to a standing mirror and had barely even had a second to look at her reflection when the door swung open and Sarah came barging in.

"She's here!" Sarah sprang over to stand behind her sister who was still trying to fathom this sudden entrance.

"Can you be a little bit more specific?" Jane asked, jerking as Sarah tightened a loose lace at her back.

"The dowager!" Sarah blurted, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness.

Jane's breath ceased for a moment and she swallowed. That instant, they heard the sound of neighing horses outside and looked at each other.

"Come." Sarah grabbed her hand and they both rushed to the window.

Standing side by side, their eyes were fixed on the grand event unfolding outside.

The gravel drive, bordered by manicured lawns and towering oak trees, seemed almost alive with anticipation as the dowager duchess's carriage approached. It was a stately barouche-landau, its dark blue body and polished brass fittings reflecting the late morning sun.

Clad in a formal livery of navy with silver trim, the coachman seated high on his seat handled the reins with practiced precision; a testament of years of experience.

As the carriage neared the house, he pulled the reins gently, bringing the horses to a smooth and precise halt in front of the entrance to Stonehave Manor. Two footmen, also in matching livery, quickly moved to the carriage, one opening the door while the other lowered the steps.

"It is her," Jane said softly, supposedly talking to herself but Sarah turned to her.

"Did you think I was joking?"

Jane exhaled sharply without taking her eyes off their unexpected guest. She should have been nervous like her sister, especially because it was her that the dowager was here to see. Obviously. But she was not.

"How do you do it?" Sarah's voice caught her attention and she took her eyes off the window to face her.

"Do what?" Jane squinted, puzzled by the question.

"Stay calm in times like this?" Sarah looked at her.

"She might be the dowager, Sarah, but she's still human," Jane said, her eyes crinkling at the corners with mirth.

"Yes. A very powerful one," Sarah responded, her voice laced with admiration and reverence. "I mean look at her." Her eyes were focused on the carriage.

Jane returned her gaze to the entrance just in time to witness Prudence descend from the carriage with a sort of grace that belied her age.

The dowager duchess exuded majesty; she was dressed in an elegant and rich green silk gown that was adorned with delicate black lace trim at the collar and sleeve. She wore a high waist gown and a flowing skirt.

Descending from the carriage with an air of imperiousness, her eyes scanned the assembled staff with an expression that brooked seriousness. She acknowledged the footman with a barely perceptible nod, her lips pressed into a thin line of disapproval as she took in his slight hesitation.

The bonnet that framed her face and accentuated her discerning eyes was a masterpiece made of fine straw trimmed with green satin ribbons and some silk flowers. She was glowing, exuding wealth and power.

Her gaze swept over the manor's facade and grounds, her expression unreadable but clearly appraising. Jane could almost feel the weight of that gaze, as if the dowager was silently judging everything she saw.

"What is that smell?" she asked with a grimace, her voice cutting through the morning air like a blade.

"Oh, no!" Sarah whispered to herself, a little shaken by the dowager's displeasure.

The footman, taken aback, stuttered an apology but she paid no attention to him, slightly waving her gloved hand to dismiss him from her immediate concern.

"She's even more imposing than I imagined," Sarah whispered, a mix of awe and apprehension in her voice. "I cannot believe this will be you someday." She turned to her sister.

"I will not be this formal, nor will I be so imposing," Jane replied, still gazing at the dowager whose presence seemed to have stirred up some tension in the atmosphere.

Jane thought that the footman really looked clumsy, running and asking the staff around what seemed to be giving off the odor which ironically, only the dowager herself could smell.

"I cannot…I will not," she added.

"I guess she must have said the same thing, a couple of decades ago," Sarah said to her. "Look how she turned out."

Jane knew that getting married to the Duke of Montford would come with a lot of expectations; she would need to act, dress, walk and eat in a certain way. None of this was new to her given that her father was a Viscount but it wouldn't be the same in the Dukedom of Montford. She hated to admit it, but Sarah was right.

Both sisters watched as Prudence allowed herself to be escorted up the front steps by her staff, walking with the dignity and authority befitting her station. With her head held high, her expression was serene yet commanding. As she disappeared into the manor, Jane felt a mix of trepidation and determination. Meeting Prudence would be a challenge, but one she was resolved to face with as much composure as the dowager herself displayed.

Sarah let out a soft sigh.

"Well, our guest is here. It's time to face her." She walked away.

Jane took a couple of seconds to brace herself. She was meeting with her future husband's grandmother, the cold and strict dowager whose imposing reputation she'd heard much about. She felt like she was going to war but was too brave to feel anxious or scared. The dowager was human just like her and besides, she hadn't done anything wrong.

"Jane!" Sarah called, straining the whisper. "Let's go," she added through gritted teeth.

They left the room and from the hallway, they could hear the rhythmic clicking of the dowager's grand arrival at the foyer which heightened the anxiety of the staff of Stonehave Manor.

The butler seemed to be doing a horrible job at addressing the dowager who was clearly displeased by the manner at which he was struggling to speak.

Jane put her head down, ashamed on his behalf but Sarah rushed to his rescue with a charming and welcoming smile.

"Your Grace," She stepped forward, majestic and composed in her movement.

The dowager turned to face her, her expression blank.

Sarah sketched a bow, a testament of her reverence. "Welcome to our humble home."

Jane walked to her sister and did as she had done.

"Your Grace," her voice, soft and sincere. "It's an honor to have you at Stonehave Manor."

Prudence squinted, staring blankly at them.

"I suppose you know why I am here," she said with a voice so cold and firm.

The sisters exchanged a glance.

"Which one of you is the bride-to-be?" she inquired.

For a second there, Jane forgot herself until Sarah pinched slightly.

"That would be me, Your Grace." She raised her head and looked her in the eyes with so much confidence, devoid of any sort of disrespect.

She stepped forward and halted before Jane with an intimidating look that could cripple the fainthearted. She peered deeply into Jane's eyes and the latter neither cringed nor flinched, rather, she looked right back at the dowager; unmoved by her demeanor.

The dowager's lips quirked into a deadly smirk.

"Do you have a minute? I'd like to speak with you in solitude."

"Of course, Your Grace," Jane replied, courteously.

"Excellent."

Jane led the way to the drawing room and while in motion, she looked back and saw her sister at a distance mouthing Good luck.

Jane grinned subtly at her sister's care and affection; she was the closest thing she had to a mother and Jane always respected her for that. Sarah was worried and concerned because deep down she was afraid. But she didn't have to be.

Jane was not one to be easily intimidated and she wasn't going to start now. Sarah would learn to trust her with that, but for now, the mother role was very good on her.

They got to the door and Jane ushered them in, wondering if the escorts would be staying with them during the conversation.

"Perhaps some tea, Your Grace?" she offered, prepared to wave down a servant.

The older woman raised a hand, however. "That will not be necessary, I did not come for refreshments."

This only made Jane more nervous.

The dowager duchess walked inside, scanning the room in silence as she made her way to the window, casting her eyes at her carriage outside.

"Nice view," she said, turning to look at Jane.

Did she just say something nice to me?

"Thank you, Your Grace."

"Surely, you must have seen me from up here," she said to her.

Jane was quiet, unsure of how to reply since the dowager had simply stated the obvious.

"Leave us," she declared.

Immediately, the escorts in the room, sketched a bow and excused themselves, shutting the door behind them.

Jane thought that this was the real talk and that she needed to be braver now they were left alone. But she was caught aback when the dowager let out a sigh of relief, taking off her bonnet.

"Finally," she said exhaustedly, sitting on the edge of the bed as she set the bonnet beside her. "I can be myself." She faced Jane with a warm smile.

It was strange, what had just happened and it prompted the Dowding girl to squint with a head cocked to the side. Her face was pale, aghast at the manner at which the dowager had quickly changed.

Goodness me! She actually smiled at me.

"Don't look so surprised, my dear," Prudence Grove said to her, discerning the shock in the girl's eyes. "You see, being what I am comes with a lot of responsibilities and I have to keep the attitude because it is a standard that all dowagers must uphold."

Jane was still struggling to wrap her head around what she just experienced but it was taking too long to sink in.

Ohh, Sarah would definitely lose it if she were here right now.

The dowager was a lot more beautiful with her bonnet off. For someone her age, she was still glowing and was still quite agile. She seemed nice and with what Jane had heard this past minute, the dowager was not imposing.

"Looks can be deceiving. And sometimes, they should be. I'm a dowager, I cannot let anyone forget that," she explained.

"I understand, Your Grace," Jane replied.

Prudence was quiet, observing the brave young girl. "You're wondering why I'm being free with you."

"Not really…it's more a shock," Jane said.

Prudence laughed lightly.

"You're getting married to my grandson, the Duke of Montford, which means that you'll be a duchess soon enough. Therefore, there is no point in scaring you away," she added almost immediately. "After all, Colin says that you don't scare easily and from what I can tell…he's not wrong. You are fearless."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

Jane blushed at this comment and her heart melted at the idea that Colin had not only mentioned her to his grandmother but also said nice things about her. She basked in the fact that the dowager could attest to Colin's good remark and that gladdened her heart.

Maybe this union would turn out to be great in the end especially with Prudence on her side.

"He talked about me?" She stepped forward, seeking just a fraction of what the dowager could divulge.

"He wouldn't shut up," she replied with a serene expression on her face. "Come. Sit." She tapped the space beside her.

Jane did as instructed, eager to hear what Prudence had to discuss with her. She was a lot calmer, her guard was down and she was attentive.

"It is my responsibility to guide you on this path you've chosen but contrary to what you might think…it will not be easy to be duchess."

Jane had always known this, but hearing Prudence say those words with so much solemnity, shook her subtly.

"There's a lot that comes with the mantle, a lot that follows the title," Prudence added. "Being a duchess involves a variety of responsibilities that are both an honor and a duty," she began, her voice carrying the weight of centuries-old tradition. "It is our duty to represent our noble house at various official and public events. As a duchess you will have to do things, make decisions that might not necessarily conform to your beliefs and standards. But you're obligated to do so anyway. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Your Grace." Jane nodded subtly. "I'm willing to learn, to do my best at playing this role," Jane promised, determination coloring her eyes. She was so composed and there wasn't even a glimpse of nervousness in her. "Perhaps, Your Grace, you can educate me on the things to avoid as duchess, now that I know my role."

Prudence smiled at her.

"I admire your willingness to learn, Jane. It shows how teachable you are." She sighed softly. "Anyway, it is of utmost importance that a duchess always be wary of flattery. Many will seek to curry favor with you, and not all have pure intentions. Therefore, maintaining a discerning mind at all times is quite necessary, my dear."

Jane was quiet, letting the words sink in as she nodded in affirmation.

"It can be difficult to tell genuine kindness from ulterior motives. Believe you me, when I was your age, I learned that the hard way," she added, looking at Jane.

Sounds like a story I'd love to hear.

"Thank you, Your Grace. I'll be careful," Jane promised.

Prudence exhaled sharply, changing the subject and Jane couldn't help but think that whatever story lay behind the dowager's advice to maintain a discerning mind must be hurtful.

"Now, about your wedding plans." Prudence flashed her a grin. "I hear you've been quite involved in the details."

Jane laughed lightly.

"Go on. Tell me about it," Prudence beseeched her.

"Well, I've chosen white roses for the flowers," Jane smiled. "My sister says it symbolizes purity and new beginnings."

"Your sister isn't wrong," Prudence agreed admirably.

Jane continued. "For my dress, I'm thinking of a classic design with intricate lace and a long train." She paused, contemplating her choice. "Do you think that's a bit too much?"

"No, my dear. It will be timeless and elegant." Prudence replied, impressed. "I would suggest, however, that you add a hint of color, perhaps in the embroidery. It will make your ensemble stand out without straying from elegance."

Jane thought for a moment; this was not such a bad idea. It was in fact quite insightful.

"Interesting," Jane said approvingly. "Maybe a subtle gold or silver thread in the lace?"

"Precisely," Prudence said.

"Thank you, Your Grace." Jane sketched a slight bow.

"One last thing, Jane," Prudence said to her. "As a duchess, your conduct will be scrutinized. Always remain composed and gracious, even in trying times. Your poise will earn you respect and loyalty."

"I will strive to live up to what's expected of me, Your Grace."

"I know you will."

Prudence stared at her as though she was trying to figure her out, her eyes hinting at the pride hidden within.

"You're not nervous…" she said to Jane. "I'm not surprised."

"There's no reason for me to be," she replied.

"It is needless to tell you that the faint-hearted cannot take up the role because you're not one," Prudence beamed a smile at her. "You're brave and strong, not easily intimidated— and that alone is a major characteristic of a great duchess."

Jane blushed a little. "You flatter me, Your Grace. Thank you."

Prudence was quiet for a while.

"I can think of one thing that could make you nervous."

Jane highly doubted that statement but she was open to hearing what it was…eager to find out.

"Colin's nieces," Prudence declared in a rather dramatic manner, prompting Jane to squint.

Her brows shot up in astonishment as a flicker of disbelief crossed her face.

"Oh, believe me, child, those little devils are a force to be reckoned with and if you underestimate them, they will give you hell." It sounded a lot more like a warning than an advice even though her tone was soft and smooth.

Jane laughed lightly, she could handle anything thrown at her and so those nieces of her husband-to-be should be a piece of cake. Right? Or was she being overly confident, underestimating the kids in the process?

"Believe me when I tell you; together, Louisa and Margaret Grove are a menace." She chuckled. "But in time, you'll get to understand them and know that they are not as bad as they seem."

"Looks can be deceiving, right?" Jane grinned.

"You catch on fast." She reciprocated the gesture and rose to her feet, ready to leave.

Jane did the same, humbly standing by her side.

"I believe my work here is done…for now." She picked up her bonnet and strapped it back on. "You take care, Jane."

"You too, Your Grace." She sketched a bow.

Prudence walked over to the door and stopped then turned back to face her.

"I look forward to seeing you make a family out of us all."

Just like that, Prudence disappeared and the imposing dowager took the wheel again. With a blank expression, she opened the door and stepped out, leaving Jane alone to the myriad of thoughts racing through her mind.