Rough and Rugged: A Meet Me In Milwaukee Charity Anthology

Chapter Five

Betsy begs me to be present when her grandmother arrives. The Dowager Countess of Broadmoor is an imposing figure in Society and the absolute ruler of her family of several sons and married daughters, including her fourth born, Mr. Preston, our vicar.

“Grandmama is coming to see the new duke. She will decide if she wishes to arrange his marriage to one of my cousins, either Lady Regina or Lady Caroline. She will consider only the two daughters of her eldest son, the present earl. The rest of us granddaughters are ineligible, in her opinion.”

“Lady Broadmoor thinks she can dictate her terms, snap her fingers, and the couple will be wed?” I ask. “Even if his property is derelict and almost worthless?”

Betsy shrugs. “She knows all about that. She knew the old duke when he was in his prime. This is Grandmama’s opportunity to be a brilliant matchmaker.”

Once she settles in a chair and holds a cup of tea, the Dowager Countess of Broadmoor directs the vicarage, shrinking the figures of her son and his wife. She makes a striking impression, dressed in a gown fashionable in the last century, set off by her silvery hair piled high, for all the world resembling a powdered wig. Her long rope of pearls gleams in the folds of ebony satin. Lady Broadmoor announces her views as if she sits upon a throne. “The new Duke of Aberfeld has a great deal to make up for in the foolishness of his uncle, his predecessor,” she declares. “For the last decades, he did nothing but damage his holdings, as is well known among the ton. The new duke needs a duchess who can organize his life, provide him with heirs, and reestablish the family’s prominence in Society.”

Her opinion, if followed by Philip, would certainly eliminate me.

After listening to her steady stream of views on every matter imaginable, I am relieved she approves of Betsy’s future plans for marrying my brother, however grudging her words. “That is probably the best she can do, having been brought up in this backwater neighborhood.”

How seriously will Philip listen to her?

The next morning, Betsy and I station ourselves in the corridor outside the drawing room while the countess is talking with the duke. Philip came reluctantly. He’d known her a long time; not well, but as a family friend. We were sent away from the room, but remained close by to listen. The dowager’s voice is loud, as if she is hard of hearing.

“I say, Duke,” Lady Broadmoor begins. “You are a young man thrust into a new position. Your battleground skill must be replaced by new abilities. The primary goal must be to reestablish your family’s future after the careless lack of responsibility shown by your uncle. I knew him well and found him a stain on your pedigree and a withered leaf on your family tree.”

If Philip replies, we cannot hear it.

She resumes her soliloquy. “As the new Duke of Aberfeld, you must make up for the failings of your uncle. You need a duchess to provide you with heirs and rebuild your family’s prominence in Society. Very important for her to have brilliant bloodlines, as my family does. She must have been raised in a household and among persons who have shaped her conduct to the highest levels of competence.”

I listen more closely.

“Not just any gel should marry a duke,” concludes Lady Broadmoor.

Philip’s response doesn’t pierce the door. However, I know he is eager to repair his family’s reputation, as well as the condition of the estate, so he might be paying attention to her.

When I speak to him later, he is unyielding.” Who tells me the requirements for my wife? Why should I listen to that old bat?”

I realize I am beyond my depth. No matter how I lust after Philip, I do not possess what it takes to be a duchess. How could I be in charge of the household and social obligations of a member of the highest rank in the nobility? I have no accomplishments; I never learned tunes on the fortepiano or to sing more than a nursery song. I do not sketch or paint in watercolours, nor do I wish to learn about flowers beyond enjoying their beauty and scents.

He says he loves me. But that is not a proposal of marriage, is it?