The Return of the Duke by Grace Callaway

Author:Grace Callaway
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

21

THAT AFTERNOON, Fancy followed Aunt Esther into a shop on Bond Street. The establishment’s exclusivity was such that its name was not advertised. There was only a discreet sign in the window that read, “By Appointment Only.”

The sparkling plate glass windows and royal blue awning piped with gold set the tone for the elegantly spartan interior. Gleaming rosewood counters and cabinets lined the shop’s perimeter. Chairs upholstered in dark blue velvet were clustered next to small tables laid with gilt-rimmed teacups.

“Bienvenue, ladies.” A dressmaker’s assistant came to greet them with a diffident curtsy. “Madame Rousseau is finishing up with a client and will be with you shortly. Please have a seat.”

Following Aunt Esther’s lead, Fancy settled into one of the chairs, and before long they had tea and a plate of bite-sized pastries to enjoy as they waited.

Fancy peered at her surroundings with awe. “This is a grand shop, ain’t it?”

“It is an exclusive establishment.” Aunt Esther’s blue-grey eyes were stern over the rim of teacup. “Elocution and grammar lessons begin tomorrow morning, but you might as well start reforming your speech now, Francesca.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Fancy didn’t mind being corrected; as far as she was concerned, she needed all the help she could get to become a lady. “I’ll try my best to speak proper-like.”

“Properly. And don’t try, gel.” Aunt Esther sipped her tea. “Simply do it.”

“Yes, aunt.” Lowering her voice, Fancy said, “Do you think Madame Rousseau will be able to ’elp me look like a duchess?”

“Madame Rousseau is the most sought after modiste in London. Her patrons represent the crème de la crème of Society and include royalty.” Aunt Esther did not whisper. “If she cannot help you, no one can. She only accepts clients by referral, and it takes months to get a booking with her. You are only getting in because I am giving you my appointment.”

“That is kind o’ you,” Fancy said earnestly. “I appreciate everything you’re doing for me.”

Aunt Esther set down her cup. “I am not doing it for you, gel. I am doing it for the family.”

“I know. But I’m still grateful for your ’elp. And for all you’ve done for Knight.”

“What do you know about that?” the lady asked, her thin black brows arching.

“I know that you championed ’im when a cousin contested ’is legitimacy and right to the title. I know you supported ’im when you could ’ave looked the other way. And I know that you’re one o’ the few people in Knight’s life who ’as stood up for ’im,” Fancy said with trembling sincerity. “For that, you’ll ’ave my gratitude always.”

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