The Duchess's Diary by Allison Lane

Author:Allison Lane [Lane, Allison]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: Regency Historical
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 2007-05-20T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Dead! My God, why could it not be me? Richard is too young…

Duchess of Westfield, upon the duke’s death July 1, 1787

When they returned home, Faith headed upstairs while John went to his office. She was glad it had its own entrance, for it meant none of his employees saw her. The servants knew she was there, of course, but it was in their best interests to be discreet – if others discovered that he was hosting an unchaperoned lady, the blemish on his reputation would diminish his staff’s standing as well.

That would not suffice for long, of course. The neighbors might spot her at any time. A man in John’s position could not afford a rakish reputation, so she must find other quarters. And she must do it soon. Chester’s slander should sweep society by tomorrow at the latest. People would then watch John closely, hoping to catch him in some scandal. With Bernard’s example staring him in the face, John could hardly insist it wouldn’t hurt. Bernard had already spent thirty years paying for Chester’s pique.

John was still being stubborn about it, though. On the walk back from Portland House, she’d pointed out his danger, but he’d dismissed her fears. Again. How could a man who kept myriad details at the forefront of his mind be so ignorant about the world in which he lived?

“Chester’s influence is not as widespread as he claims,” John had insisted. “Yes, he tarnished Bernard, but few people knew the man.”

“Few people know you, either. Not well. And Bernard’s father was an earl, so he had plenty of connections. But society is quick to condemn and slow to forgive. They turned their backs on Bernard, despite that he was one of them. Chester will make it seem that you are using me to better your position. That is something society won’t tolerate. I’ve always known that any attempt to use the duke’s family would see me ostracized, for they are well above me.”

“Who is Bernard’s father?” he’d asked.

“The Earl of Wallingham.”

John nodded. “That explains it. The man is an insufferable prig who likely refused to let Bernard say a word in his own defense. And you exaggerate the gap between you and the duke. Do not assume that Lady Catherine represents London society, my dear. Her arrogance has little to do with her rank. Many rational people exist, even in the aristocracy.”

“What has that to do with anything?”

“You might be gentry-born, Faith. But the only aristocrats you know are the duke’s poor relations. Every one of them is an outcast for one reason or another. None of them are typical of the aristocracy.”

She’d protested, of course. She’d read hundreds of letters to and from lords and ladies. Many referred to scandals and passed judgment on various misdeeds. If she didn’t know what society thought, no one did.

But no argument would sway him.

“You will come to a bad end,” she’d finally snapped. “I swear you are more arrogant than the most pompous duke.”

“I am not arrogant.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.