A Gift of a Duke Read online

  'No, miss, I'd not be comfortable mixing with grand folks. I'd be honoured to be your personal dresser. I'm deft with hair and such. It's a position I'd never dreamed of holding.'

  'Then my abigail you shall be in public but my friend when we're alone.'

  The lawyer reappeared and the next hour was spent signing various documents. When this was done she had been transformed from a penniless orphan to a wealthy heiress.

  'Mr Humphrey, I intend to remain in London. I would be obliged if you could recommend a suitable hotel where my where my abigail and I can reside until I have found myself somewhere permanent to reside.'

  'I believe I have the very property for you. Only yesterday another client was obliged to hand over the keys to his property for disposal owing to his massive gambling debts.'

  She wasn't sure that she wished to purchase the property once owned by a such a gentleman but she kept these opinions to herself. 'Where is this house? Tell me more about it.'

  'I'll do more than that, ma'am, I'll take you to inspect it myself immediately. If you like it then you can move in immediately. The staff are still there and would be delighted to continue in your employment, I can assure you.'

  A few hours later Mirabelle and Emma were comfortably settled in a delightful town house in Cavendish Square – perfect for her requirements. It had four bedchambers, three with a dressing room and one with its own sitting room as well. There was also adequate staff accommodation.

  'It's ever so grand, miss, I never thought to land on my feet like this. To think that this morning I was homeless and had no employment.'

  'And I was a lowly schoolteacher. Now I am settled in this delightful house and have staff to wait on me. Tomorrow we shall go in search of a seamstress and replenish our wardrobes.'

  Chapter Two

  Rordan managed to sell both horses to an inebriated gentleman who had admired them and asked if they were for sale on more than one occasion.

  'Together we've the princely sum of five hundred and twenty-five guineas, Deaclan, I believe that sufficient to set us up as wealthy gentlemen and begin our search.'

  'Good God, man, it's a fortune and will keep us for a year at least in fine style.'

  'Remember that we've to buy fresh hacks at Tattersalls, obtain good lodgings in Albemarle Street and employ valets and other servants. None of that will come cheap.'

  'I intend to supplement this money with wagers. Do you inherit membership to any clubs in Town?'

  'To White's, but none other. This is where the gentlemen of the ton congregate and where we'll make the acquaintance of those holding the most prestigious parties.'

  'It occurs to me that if we're hoping for an heiress, but not one with a pedigree, the best place to look would not be amongst the top echelons of society. We would be better mixing on the fringes where our titles would have more value.'

  'Of course, my wits are wandering. The nouveau riche won't be invited to any grand events. On the other hand, I fear it would make our objective too obvious if we only appeared away from our own strata of society.'

  'I bow to your superior knowledge, my friend. It's fortunate that we've spent so little time in London and therefore are unlikely to be recognised as the poor landless aristocrats that we are. With luck, by the time the true state of affairs is discovered we'll have already completed our objective and have found ourselves a bride.'

  Fortunately, both of them were excellent sailors and arrived none the worse for the rough crossing that had left most passengers incapacitated in their cabins. They disembarked in the busy port of Liverpool. Three days later they arrived at their freezing and less than welcoming destination.

  'I'd forgotten how grey and miserable this place is in the winter – but at least the noxious smells are less,' Deaclan said as they stood in the inn yard after a long and tiresome coach journey.

  'Our first task is to go in search of somewhere to live. The next to find ourselves a valet. I think we must manage with one between us and then we can also employ the necessary cook, maids and so on.'

  'Then why not look for a house? Obviously, we cannot afford to take one in Grosvenor or Hanover Square, what about in Berkeley or Cavendish Square – still excellent areas but not so expensive?'

  'Excellent notion. We shall book into a decent hotel and then begin our enquiries. I believe that it will be necessary to open an account in a suitable bank. We cannot keep so much blunt lying around waiting to be stolen.'

  Two days after his arrival Rordan had taken a lease on a neat little property in Cavendish Square – perhaps a little out of the most prestigious areas – but nonetheless he was satisfied with his find.

  'It's most fortuitous this place comes fully staffed. I suppose having five bedchambers, two with their own sitting room and dressing room, plus several reception rooms as well as the usual servants' offices it's necessary to employ so many.'

  'Remember, the first quarter's wages are included in the lease so you'll not have to pay them until we leave. Now we have to find ourselves two horses and a personal servant.'

  Rordan smiled wryly. 'I suspect that the former is going to be more difficult than the latter. There is a sale at Tattersalls tomorrow morning. Perhaps we'll meet a gentleman there who can recommend a suitable person.'

  'At least our outdated wardrobe is less obvious beneath our greatcoats.'

  'I've been pondering the problem of replacing our clothes. I've decided that what we have will do very well. We're Irish, no one would expect us to have had our garments made here. The cut and quality of the material is first-rate, it's just the style that might be a trifle outmoded.'

  'I agree. Better to save money where we can. We need to appear affluent coves and cannot do that without being able to spend freely on other things. I give you my word I'll not play for high stakes.'

  The following morning they discussed again the question of whether they should be buying themselves new mounts or if they should just hire a hack when they needed one.

  'We're unlikely to get anything decent for less than a hundred guineas and we really can't afford to part with that much money so early in the game,' Deaclan said gloomily.

  'I'd already decided the same thing. We can catch a hackney, hire a horse, or if needs be, walk. I think we should familiarise ourselves with the area and then make our way to White's and spend the remainder of the day there getting to know any likely gentlemen.'

  'Thank God it's not raining today. I hardly think we'll encounter anyone without impeccable credentials there. Have you come up with any scheme for inveigling invitations to events at which the daughters of cits might attend?'

  'I think strolling about Town could do the trick as all debutantes, from whatever walk of life, love to shop. Both New and Old Bond Street will be where we'll find them.'

  'What about the theatre, opera, the menagerie or Vauxhall Gardens?'

  'All of those are excellent suggestions. However, I think it unlikely that either Vauxhall or the menagerie will be popular when the weather's so bad. I'm hoping we might somehow obtain an invitation to a Christmas house party as I'm certain we would encounter half a dozen possible candidates.'

  It was unlikely that even the hardiest young lady would be out and about much before eleven o'clock which meant they had two hours to peruse the papers in front of a roaring fire in the very comfortable drawing room of his new abode.

  When they set out, beavers on their heads, wearing gloves and carrying canes they couldn't be mistaken for anything but what they were pretending to be – rich, entitled young gentlemen. Two houses down from them a lady was emerging from her own front door closely followed by her maid. It was hard to see her face as she was wearing a deep-brimmed bonnet and voluminous cloak.

  He tipped his hat and nodded in her direction and she returned the gesture. He got a glimpse of sparkling brown eyes and glorious locks the colour of autumn leaves.

  *

  Mirabelle allowed the two handsome gentlemen to stride past before continu
ing. Emma could scarcely contain herself.

  'Did you see them? I've never seen the like – I hadn't heard that any single gentlemen lived in this square.'

  'They must have moved into the vacant house yesterday. No doubt you'll know who they are, where they've come from and why they've chosen to live somewhere as modest as this, by this evening.'

  Emma giggled. 'I reckon I will, miss, we servants do love to gossip about our betters.'

  'You don't have to walk behind me; I want to be able to talk to you.'

  'A proper servant wouldn't presume, but as you insist, I'll do so. I don't know which of the two was the most handsome. I prefer a gentleman with a fair complexion and both of them were dark as ravens.'

  'I caught only a glimpse, but if I was forced to make a selection then I think I would take the taller, the more slightly built of the two. Now – enough of this nonsense – I'm determined to get half a dozen novels to read as the weather's too dismal to think about visiting anywhere else.'

  On their return, laden down with two brown paper parcels neatly tied with string, both containing exciting books to read, Mirabelle had quite forgotten about her chance encounter.

  She curled up in front of the roaring fire in a most unladylike fashion with her feet tucked under her bottom and started reading the first of her novels. An hour or so later she was roused from her reading by the arrival of her friend. From her expression she had exciting gossip to impart.

  'You'll never guess who they are, Mirabelle. The one you fancied is a duke and the other a lord. They're from Ireland mind you, so not quite as fine as a homebred aristocrat.'

  This was news indeed. 'I can only surmise from their living here that they are not as wealthy as they appear. I don't suppose that Irish aristocrats are as rich as those that live in England. I expect they are here on business as I cannot imagine why else they'd wish to be in London at the end of November.'

  Emma flopped down into an adjacent chair and clapped her hands like a child. 'I know exactly what the two of them are doing in Cavendish Square. They're on the hunt for rich brides.'

  'Good heavens! How on earth do you know that?'

  'Betty, one of the two upstairs maids, is walking out with a footman in their house. They leased it until next summer and the staff in that establishment come with it, as do ours. The two gentlemen were overheard discussing their plans.'

  Mirabelle wasn't sure if she was more shocked by the disloyalty of the duke's servants or that these aristocrats were so callously seeking a wife. No one should enter into matrimony, in her opinion, unless they had deep feelings for each other. Her dear departed parents had loved each other as much as they'd loved her and she would never settle for anything less for herself.

  'I sincerely hope that you've not mentioned anything about my circumstances below stairs.'

  'I should think not. As far as the others here are concerned, you're what you appear – a young lady of modest means come to enjoy the sights and excitements of London town.'

  'I've no wish to be pursued for my money even by a handsome duke. I've decided I should like to go to the theatre. However, as there are only two licensed theatres to select from – Covent Garden and Drury Lane – it shouldn't be hard to decide. I've no notion as to how to go about obtaining tickets or even what might be playing.'

  'The theatre at Drury Lane has just reopened. I recall it was burned down a year or so ago.'

  'I'm astonished that you know so much, and I so little, about London.'

  'I lived in Cheapside whilst you lived in the countryside in Romford. We heard everything that went on here.'

  'Then send one of the footmen to obtain places for tomorrow night. Also, you must get him to arrange for a hackney carriage to convey us in both directions. I think we must take at least one of the male servants with us. I'm not even certain it's permissible for an unescorted female to attend the theatre without ruining her reputation.'

  Emma was facing the window and had an uninterrupted view of the front door and the steps that led up to it. 'There's a footman coming here. He's got a letter in his hand.'

  'Now, I do think I know what this might be about. I remember my mama telling me about morning calls, although she never indulged in that practice herself. I think this will be a card from a lady in the square.'

  'An invitation?'

  'No, just a card with a name and address on it and a time when this person will be at home and will be receiving visitors.' Her companion was about to jump to her feet. 'No, we must wait for it to be brought in here.'

  'Then I must go. I'm your personal maid…'

  'No, not exactly. Your position is as my abigail but also as my companion. Remember, this is why I wanted you to be smartly dressed and not sleep in the attics with the others, but have your own room.'

  A few moments later the footman came in with the card on a silver-plated tray. 'Tom, isn't it?'

  'It is, ma'am. This came for you just now.'

  She picked the card up and was delighted to see that one Mrs Fortis would be at home that very day. 'Tom, I have some errands for you.'

  When he'd been dispatched, she hurried to her bedchamber to select a suitable ensemble for her very first morning call.

  'It's ever so lucky, isn't it, that a lady changed her mind and the seamstress had so many suitable gowns already made up for you to choose from.'

  'What was even more fortunate, Emma, was that they needed very little alteration to fit me perfectly. The colours are somewhat brighter than would be expected for someone of less than one and twenty, but as I've decided to add five years to my actual age, I think no one will object.'

  'The dark green twill with the matching pelisse is perfect with your colouring. You'll look a picture in that, especially as everything else matches, even down to your half-kid boots.'

  'The slippers, boots and shoes are a little large but the judicious use of crumpled cotton in the toes should be sufficient to keep them snug.'

  The second footman, Fred, accompanied them across the square to one of the three detached houses and knocked for them. She waited, her heart hammering against her ribs, her palms clammy, for the door to be opened.

  *

  Rordan wasn't a stranger to the London scene but he'd spent the past three years travelling abroad so didn't expect to be recognised. However, he was greeted like a dearest friend by a gentleman more than a little bosky despite the fact it was early afternoon.

  'If it ain't the long-lost Lord of Clonmel. Not seen you this age, where the devil have you been?' Sir Jonathan Blackstaff said as he stumbled to his feet.

  'Travelling, but I'm now the Duke of Clonmel – recently inherited.' He spoke just loud enough for those sitting in this antechamber to hear. With luck word would spread and then the invitations would pour in. An unmarried duke was a rare thing indeed and would be much sought after by the matrons seeking husbands for their daughters. He prayed that news of his financial situation hadn't preceded him.

  He introduced Deaclan and soon they were immersed in the comradery of a gentleman's club. No drinks were paid for and even the most elevated in the company appeared happy to welcome them into the group.

  By the time they left they were both in their cups but he thought a brisk walk in the chill night air would soon put them right. It was wise to be vigilant even in the better parts of Town as an unwary reveller returning late at night could well be set upon by waiting footpads.

  'That went better than I'd dared hope, my friend, it would appear that I'm the only unattached duke, albeit an Irish one, on the marriage market at the moment.'

  'That's all very well for you to gloat, as it seems that lords are commonplace this year. I'll have to hang on your coat-tails and you must pull me along with you. I'm relying on my undeniable charm and attractive features to win me my heiress. First I have to meet one, and that will be down to you, but I doubt any invitations will be sent to me unless you are included.'

  'Are you suggesting that I'm less personable than
you?'

  'I am – a duke trumps a lord in the scheme of things and even if you were bracket-faced, you'd still be favoured over me.'

  The banter and chat continued until they were safely inside. He snapped his fingers and a waiting footman hurried off to fetch them a tray of coffee and some sandwiches. The time was barely nine o'clock so he wouldn't be inconveniencing the cook by making such demands.

  When the tray was fetched upon it were also a handful of white cards. Surely invitations could not be here so soon? Deaclan had offered to pour the coffee and so tossed him the cards.

  'Good God! These are from local families inviting us to make a morning call. They must be under the mistaken impression that we have wives as gentlemen rarely attend such insipid occasions.'

  'You didn't study them close enough. They are all addressed to you personally, using your full title as well. It might be the perfect opportunity to make the acquaintance of any rich young ladies.'

  'Hold fast a minute. Wealthy families or whatever walk of life would not rent here but in Grosvenor or Hanover Square.' He tossed the cards into the fire and watched them burn. If he was to achieve his aim, buy back the estates from the bank and restore his family fortune and good name at home, then he must be ruthless in his search. Only an heiress with at least 50,000 pounds would work for him.

  'I thought we could go to the theatre tomorrow, Deaclan, as that's as good a place as any to be seen. The new Drury Lane is my choice but I'm prepared to go to Covent Garden if that's what you'd prefer.'

  'No, I don't give a damn. I hate to watch people prancing around on the stage like fools spouting stuff I can't comprehend.'

  'I'll send someone to reserve a box for us. I think this is one occasion we must be extravagant, don't you?'

  Chapter Three

  No footman bowed them in but a parlourmaid enquired politely for their names. Mirabelle and Emma followed her to the open double doors from which a babble of feminine conversation could be heard.