Epilogue

Montagu House, London August 1894

“T hanks for the buns and the use of the hall,” Dowager Duchess Louisa said irreverently to her daughter, the Duchess of Buccleuch.

“Montagu House is rather grand,” her daughter and namesake Louisa Jane declared as she glanced about the magnificent, top-lit central salon where the historic levee was being held. “Are you ready to retire, Mother?”

“From the present company, yes. Would you ask young Maud to bring me the letters from Queen Victoria and Prince Edward, darling?”

Lu, with admiring eyes, watched her daughter cross the salon. James, our daughter Louisa Jane is undoubtedly the beauty of the family. ’Tis little wonder she caught the attention of a duke. You promised me more girls than boys, and somehow managed to keep your pledge.

Maud, and her cousin whose name had escaped Lu, brought her the royal letters of congratulations. “Would you like me to help you upstairs, Your Grace?”

“Under no circumstances. I shall ascend the grand staircase alone. I certainly don’t need the aid of halflings like you two.” Then she took pity on her great-granddaughters.

“You were wondering earlier how many lovers I’d had. Let’s see . . . there was a baron, a viscount, an earl, a marquis, oh, and a duke. I mustn’t forget the Irish Duke.” Lady Lu smiled her secret smile. They aren’t to know they are all the same man.

Her descendants watched in reverence as Dowager Duchess Louisa ascended the grand staircase, wafting her crimson ostrich feather fan.

When she reached the top, she turned and smiled. I’m ready for my bed. She was eager to fall asleep, so that James could visit her in her dreams and whisper in her ear, “ I love you, Lu. ”