Chapter 9

Chapter 9

"Your Grace?"

Charlotte looked up from her translation, her quill poised in the air. A week had passed since her wedding, and she had settled in as much as she could, given her circumstances. The dowager duchess did not return, deciding to move into one of the family homes near her parents, and she wasn't sure what Lord Henry was doing. She had vaguely heard he had a townhouse and was likely there, which made sense because the location was central to all his favorite activities.

"Yes, Mrs. Clarkson?" she replied, raising an eyebrow.

"May I have a moment of your time?" the housekeeper asked. "I wish to discuss something with you."

Charlotte had kept her distance from all the servants except Sally. She was the only accommodating one and was friendly. Although she had told herself she would take charge of the servants just as her mother would expect, she decided against it.

It just seemed like too much trouble, especially after her outburst several nights ago. If they did not like her before, they certainly disapproved of her after yelling at their master. Charlotte didn't regret giving him a piece of her mind, but she could have done it in a more discreet manner.

Mrs. Clarkson cleared her throat a little, reminding Charlotte she had not responded to her yet.

"Yes, I have a moment," she said. "What did you wish to discuss?"

"I usually plan the week's meals with His Grace's mother, but that task has fallen to you," the housekeeper said. "I wish to know if there is anything specific you would like this week. I am doing the weekly shopping tomorrow and would like to compile the various lists today."

Charlotte was surprised the woman had come to her with this matter. She was certain that since she had been there longer and knew what William liked, she would choose what was best for him. Perhaps it was silly to think that way when Charlotte was the mistress of the house, but she was happier avoiding everyone who upset her. William included.

"Very well," Charlotte replied. "Please, sit down."

"Thank you," Mrs. Clarkson said, perching on the end of an armchair. "Is there anything particular you would like?"

"What does His Grace usually eat?" she asked. "I know he prefers simple fare."

"His Grace does prefer simple fare, but we usually have more elaborate meals," the housekeeper replied. "The dowager duchess preferred them."

Charlotte briefly gnawed on her lower lip, torn between going the simple route or asking for what she liked. She shouldn't care what her husband wanted because he was only a husband in name, but everything around her belonged to him. She didn't really have a right to do as she pleased because she wasn't a wife, in truth. She was just taking up room and space because of a few vows and a signed piece of paper that claimed her husband owned her.

"We should do a mixture," she decided. "We cannot only cater to His Grace's preferences because the dowager duchess or Lord Henry are bound to come and visit. Also, we must make allowances for other visitors like my family or friends of His Grace."

Mrs. Clarkson nodded. "Very good," she said. "Have you given any thought to what you prefer? Templeton has given us some information, but I'd like to be aware of all your preferences."

Charlotte raised a dubious eyebrow. Mrs. Clarkson wasn't remotely concerned about her, so wishing to know her preferences seemed odd.

"Well, I'm not a fussy person," she said. "Everything you have served has been delicious—my compliments to the kitchen."

Mrs. Clarkson smiled slightly. "I am sure they would appreciate the compliment," she said. "They were not certain if their new mistress was pleased with their efforts."

Charlotte wanted to laugh. Considering how they treated her when she wanted to see the kitchen, she didn't think they would care about what she thought.

"I would not have wished to see the kitchen on my second day if I was not impressed," she pointed out. "Unfortunately, I did not receive the tour I had hoped. But no matter, I explored the rest of the house."

Two spots of color appeared on the housekeeper's cheeks. "I am more than happy to give you that tour if you still wish it, Your Grace," she said.

"No, there is no longer a need," Charlotte replied. It was too little too late. "I think keep to your usual list but leave room for small changes. You run this household well, and I do not see a need to interfere with that. However, should I like to change something for a good reason, I will let you know."

"Very good, Your Grace," said Mrs. Clarkson, quickly rising to her feet when the dowager duchess walked into the parlor, surprising them.

She had not said anything about coming to visit. Charlotte didn't mind visitors, but she preferred to be given notice.

"Charlotte, dear," the dowager duchess said, holding her arms out for an embrace. "How are you, my dear?"

Charlotte stood up, briefly kissing her mother-in-law's cheeks. "I am well, Mother," she replied. "How are you?"

"Never better," the dowager duchess said. "I see you're doing the weekly shopping list."

"Yes, we're just about done," Charlotte informed her.

"Oh, then perhaps you can bring us a tea tray, Mrs. Clarkson," the dowager duchess asked. "Make sure to add my favorite sweetmeats. I suppose you still need to purchase fresh fruit?"

"We still have some fresh fruit, Your Grace," Mrs. Clarkson replied. "I will add it to the tea tray."

The dowager duchess nodded. "Very good," she said. "Now, run along and get my tea. I am parched."

Mrs. Clarkson curtsied and left, looking rather stiff. Charlotte smiled inwardly, somewhat satisfied by the exchange. Perhaps the housekeeper would rethink how she had been treating Charlotte in the light of the dowager duchess's demanding ways.

"So, tell me, how are you settling in?" her mother-in-law asked. "I am sorry I did not come to see you sooner, but I needed to settle into my new home. It is much easier to visit my sickly parents. It's within walking distance, so I can see them daily."

"That is helpful," Charlotte agreed.

"Yes, it certainly is," her mother-in-law said, nodding. "Now, tell me how you and William are coming along. I understand it must be challenging getting to know someone after getting married, but I think it's best. It forces you to find things in common, which makes for a stronger marriage."

That was the silliest thing Charlotte had ever heard. Granted, she had agreed to the ridiculous arrangement, but she had not known how terrible it would be.

"Did you get to know your husband after your wedding?" Charlotte asked.

"No, I already knew my husband," her mother-in-law revealed. "I met him during my first Season, but of course, he was already married then. I did not know that two years later, I would be happily married."

"So, you have not experienced meeting your husband for the first time on your wedding day?" Charlotte asked.

The dowager duchess's smile dropped slightly. "Well, no," she said. "But has it not worked out splendidly? William is a good man, and one couldn't ask for a better husband. You are very fortunate."

Charlotte said nothing because she was worried about what she would say. She most certainly did not feel fortunate, and she was confident her husband hated her. They had not said more than ten words to each other all week. "Good day" and "Good evening" were the beginning and end of their conversations.

"So, tell me, will I hear the pitter-patter of little feet in the near future?" her mother-in-law asked.

"Pitter patter of little feet?" Charlotte asked. "I'm afraid I do not understand."

The dowager duchess laughed. "Grandchildren, dear," she said. "I understand you are innocent in the ways of the world, but you are a married woman, and you have been for a week. Surely you have learned a thing or two?"

Charlotte blushed—she couldn't help it. She had not known much about consummating a marriage beyond sleeping in the same bed and kissing, but she had overheard some of the maids discussing their intimate activities two days ago, and now she understood the fuss behind her mother and Templeton not wishing to be frank with her.

"Oh, do not be embarrassed, dear," her mother-in-law said, reaching over to pat her hand. "You are a woman now and should be used to it."

Oh, if only she knew the truth. The dowager duchess would likely be horrified to learn her stepson had not shown any interest in her daughter-in-law. There would be no grandchildren in the near future, if ever.

"Do you like children?" Charlotte asked.

"I do, but I was only able to have one," the dowager duchess replied, her green eyes showing a hint of sadness. "However, I am keen to become a grandmother."

Well, unless Lord Henry married someone soon, she would likely not become a grandmother. Charlotte had to wonder what would happen if William could not produce an heir.

"Does Lord Henry want children?" she asked, trying to steer the conversation away from her lack of a relationship with William.

"Oh, we've never discussed such things," the dowager duchess said, waving her hand dismissively. "To be honest, I would rather he not think about marriage or children for a long time." She shifted a little closer to Charlotte as though she wished to whisper a secret. "I cannot allow Henry to inherit the dukedom by default. I love my son, but he would make a terrible duke. Unfortunately, he has had his eye on the dukedom for years despite all my best efforts to steer him elsewhere."

Charlotte's eyebrows lifted, startled by her mother-in-law's confession. Most mothers would want their own children to inherit everything, but she was surprisingly aware of her son's shortcomings. She wasn't the usual kind of stepmother.

"William has always been such a lovely and respectful boy," her mother-in-law continued. "He didn't have the best relationship with his father, although I tried my best to repair it. They were very much alike, you see. Poor William always tried his best to please his father, but my husband wasn't the kind of man to show affection. Well, he was softer with Henry, but only because he was a sickly child."

Charlotte listened intently, beginning to understand her husband's lack of emotion, although he had no qualms with showing anger and annoyance. It seemed it was all he knew because that was what he was accustomed to, which was sad. Perhaps she needed to understand him a little better, but that still didn't excuse his behavior toward her.

"So," the dowager duchess continued, "it would be best if you had children now. One boy is enough, but you always need a spare. I'm not fond of the concept of a spare because my son would be seen as a spare, but I suppose I understand the need for one."

"It's understandable," Charlotte agreed.

"Although I would love granddaughters," her mother-in-law revealed. "I have always wanted a little girl. Do you think it would be too much if I expected two grandsons and three granddaughters from you?"

"Erm..." said Charlotte, uncertain of what to say.

She was taken aback by the questions and didn't know how to react. Thankfully, Mrs. Clarkson returned with the tea tray, putting an end to her mother-in-law's questions. Their conversation moved onto social engagements and what was expected of Charlotte as the duchess. However, she couldn't stop thinking about the topic of children, William's childhood, and Lord Henry's wish to take over the dukedom. It was quite a bit to process, especially when she had only been married for a week.

"You should host your first tea party soon," her mother-in-law said, tapping her spoon against her cup. "I have a list of women you should invite. Of course, you can invite your friends as well, but the women I have in mind will enhance your social status."

Charlotte enjoyed tea parties, but she had a feeling she wouldn't like the sort her mother-in-law had in mind. Being a duchess certainly wasn't the fairy tale she had expected it to be.