Chapter Five
Verina watched Tia closely as the carriage took them to Redfield, thinking her cousin looked a bit pale.
Hugo had said the estate was ten miles from Merrifield.
Merrifield was located in Norfolk, right on the border where Norfolk joined Suffolk.
Redfield was in Suffolk. It would take them about half an hour to reach their destination.
She hoped that Tia was not ill and that they would not have to turn back.
She decided to watch her cousin closely, however, and suggest they do that very thing if Tia’s color did not improve.
“I think it nice that you and His Grace met at university,” Justina said. “Especially since you had not seen one another for several years.”
“His Grace was brave to stand up to your bullies, Hugo,” Verina added. “Anytime a group of boys are in a pack, it can be dangerous.”
“The Duke of Reddington was not afraid of anyone. Or anything,” Hugo told them.
“Of course, I knew who he was. As an older boy who was athletic and frequently won academic prizes, he was someone I aspired to be like. It did shock me, though, when he came to my rescue. He very calmly told the ringleaders that I was not to be touched—or they would have to deal with him.”
“And they simply left you alone after that?” Justina asked, wide-eyed.
“That was the power of the Duke of Reddington,” Hugo told them.
“He had become a duke at an early age, yet he was mature enough to know exactly how and when to wield his power. The troublemakers who led the group of boys against me already understood the pecking order of Polite Society. No one would wish to anger a duke—because a duke could seek revenge at any time. They were smart enough to leave me alone.”
Tia snuggled against her husband. “I am glad Matthew stood up for you, my darling. And that he has become your trusted friend for all these years.”
“Yours, as well, love,” Hugo said tenderly. Then looking to Verina and Justina, he added, “Matthew danced with Tia at the Season. For a while, I thought they might be interested in one another.”
Justina made a choking sound, and Verina patted her sister on the back.
“Truly?” Justina got out.
“Hugo is exaggerating,” Tia said. “Yes, I did dance with him. After all, he was a duke. Who would not wish to dance with a charming, eligible duke? Especially one who dances as gracefully as Matthew does. But even then, I had my eyes on Hugo here.”
“I am glad you won out over the duke,” Justina declared. “His Grace seems very nice, but you are more approachable.”
Out of curiosity, Verina asked, “Was His Grace seeking a bride last Season?”
Hugo shrugged. “He said he was considering the idea. His mother, I believe, is ready for the pitter-patter of little feet at Redfield. If she is to get those grandchildren, Matthew must wed.”
“He is still a bachelor,” she mused. “I suppose he found no one to his liking, especially since you swept Tia off her feet.”
“Matthew bores easily,” admitted Hugo. “He goes to events and then is disappointed by the meaningless chitchat in ballrooms. He usually disappears into the card room at a ball. As last Season progressed, he went to fewer and fewer events.”
“He will never find a bride if he does not actively look for one,” Justina pointed out.
Verina wondered why the duke became bored so easily.
Perhaps she would ask him.
They arrived at Redfield at noon, and the duke and his mother greeted them outside.
“Please, come in and we can have our introductions inside,” the duchess said. “It is far too chilly to do so with today’s brisk wind.”
They moved toward the large house, one which was very appealing, and entered the foyer. A butler took their bonnets and reticules, but all three women chose to keep their spencers.
The duchess smiled graciously. “My son has told me of your cousins, Tia. I am delighted to meet them.”
“Mama, this is Lady Verina Fulton and her younger sister, Lady Justina.”
They both curtseyed to the duchess, who took each of their hands in hers, pressing them lightly.
“Welcome to Redfield, my dears. It is so good to have you here.” She smiled at Tia and Hugo.
“And you know I am always happy to see the two of you. Come, let us go to my parlor. It is much smaller than the drawing room and easier to heat. Ridley has a wonderful fire going for us, so we should be perfectly toasty.”
They followed their hostess, the duke bringing up the rear. Her Grace took Justina’s hand, saying, “Why don’t you sit with me, my lady?”
That left Hugo and Tia to sit on one settee, while Verina and the duke took the other.
She was a bit breathless, sitting this close to a duke.
No, sitting this close to this man. While Mama did some entertaining at Traywick Manor, none of their guests were devastatingly handsome bachelors, much less dukes.
Verina felt her heart speeding up as she caught a whiff of his cologne.
It was the same he had worn when he had come to Merrifield, a bright citrus, mixed with his own masculine scent, and she found it most appealing.
“I have sent for tea,” the duchess said. “With little cakes that our cook makes. I wanted something to warm you after your journey to Redfield, but it is not a full tea.”
“It was not a long trip, Your Grace,” Verina bravely said, not knowing if she should speak to a duchess without being specifically addressed. “And while it is crisp and cool outside, the carriage was comfortable.”
The older woman gazed at Verina a moment, nodding slightly, almost studying her. She could feel her cheeks heat.
“It is good to know that the short journey did not bother you, my lady. Tell me of your interests. I do so love to hear about others new to me.”
She swallowed, unused to having attention brought to her. “I enjoy getting outside, Your Grace. At home, I ride quite a bit and walk a great deal. I do all kinds of needlework, as well as some gardening.”
“I see.” The duchess turned her attention to Justina. “And you, my lady? What do you like to do?”
“At times, I am my sister’s shadow, Your Grace. We walk and ride together, oftentimes visiting our tenants or the sick in our village. I also enjoy sketching and painting.” Justina paused. “And I abhor needlework. I avoid it like the plague.”
The duchess grew thoughtful. “So, you see to your tenants’ needs?”
When Justina remained silent, Verina spoke up.
“We do, Your Grace. Our mother believes it is not only the Earl of Traywick who is to look after his people. Rather, it is the job of the earl’s entire family to do so.
From the time we were young, Mama took us with her when she visited tenants or even those in our local village.
Sometimes, she would merely stop by for tea and talk with our tenants.
Mama has urged us to get to know every family on our estate.
We know the parents and their children. Who has lost a tooth and who has skinned a knee.
We bring baskets of food to those who fall ill.
I have even taught a few of the children to read. ”
“That is most impressive, Lady Verina!” the duchess exclaimed.
“Not really, Your Grace. My family may own the lands where our tenants reside, but they are as an extended family to us. We celebrate their happiness with every marriage and birth. We also mourn with them in times of loss.”
The duchess gazed at Verina a long moment. “I find that very refreshing, my dear. Is this something you plan to continue once you are wed?”
“Absolutely, Your Grace. I hope my future husband will see my role as more than ornamental. While I do love to don a pretty gown and dance or sing, I want to do my part in the new family I become a member of.”
“You are quite right to think this,” the duchess said. “I wish I had been brought up to do so. When I came to Redfield, I was one of those ornamental brides you mentioned. And my shiny veneer did not last. I have never become involved with our tenants, the way my son has.”
The duchess’ frankness surprised Verina. She wondered what the previous duke had been like.
“It is never too late,” she said gently. “You might be surprised how welcoming your tenants would be if you visited them.”
The duchess pursed her lips in thought. “Perhaps you are right, Lady Verina. I will consider the matter.”
Talk turned away from her, for which Verina was grateful.
She sat quietly, listening to the others, content to be in their company.
Justina, on the other hand, was her usual, vocal self, even in the company of a duke and duchess.
Her sister freely gave her opinion about several topics.
Verina watched as the duke covered his mouth twice, coughing each time, hiding a chuckle.
The second time, she turned to him and quietly said, “Justina means well. She is a bit forward, but she is a sweet girl.”
“A very opinionated girl,” he replied.
She took offense to his tone and hissed, “My sister is intelligent, Your Grace, and not afraid to hide it.”
“Forgive me, Lady Verina. I did not mean to sound judgmental.”
“Hmph.”
She turned her attention back to the conversation, but she noticed the duchess was watching her and the duke.
Verina could not afford to alienate such a powerful person in Polite Society.
She would do her best to keep her own opinions to herself and not speak with the duke again.
His words regarding Justina had irritated her.
If anything raised her hackles, it was someone who spoke ill of her family.
It surprised her when he suddenly said, “Would you like to see Redfield, my ladies? Since you both enjoy riding, I thought we could see a bit of my estate while you are here.”
“Oh, I was enjoying hearing Lady Justina’s opinions about the war with Bonaparte,” Her Grace said. “Perhaps you could take Lady Verina out for a ride while we stay in.”
Verina looked to Justina. “Do you wish to see Redfield?”