Duke In Disguise (The Stafford Sisters Book 1)

by G. L. Snodgrass

  “Her Ladyship,” the footman continued, “also sent along these, in hope that you might find some use for them. If not, no bother.”

  Bending, he lifted the bundle up to shake out four dresses.

  Lydia gasped, Isobel, squealed with delight. Ann remained frozen. In shock, unable to believe what she was seeing. Perfectly good gowns. Not too fancy. Although, the cobalt blue seemed particularly nice.

  “I don’t know,” Aunt Ester said as she shook her head. “It seems wrong to accept charity.”

  Lydia frowned deeply as she retrieved a forest green gown from Jack’s hands and turned on her aunt. “We live in someone else’s house. He gives us an allowance. Isn’t that the definition of charity. Of course, we can accept these.”

  Ann had to hide a smile. Aunt Ester couldn’t have pried that dress from Lydia’s hands with an iron bar.

  “Thank you,” Ann said to the footman. “And please tell Her Ladyship how much we appreciate her kindness.”

  The footman nodded as he stepped onto the trail to return to his normal duties.

  Ann held up the deep blue dress and slowly shook her head. Something didn’t seem right. How did the new Countess even know of their existence let alone enough to send them such fine dresses? And since when did things work out for the Stafford sisters?

  No, something wasn’t right.

  Of course, that did not stop them from accepting the gifts and spending the next two days making adjustments.

  Isobel’s dress was hemmed up to the right length and a strip of lace added to the collar. Lydia’s was let out just a little at the bottom and her cobalt dress, while the right length, had to be let out at the chest.

  As she held it up to look at one more time, she could only sigh. Would Daniel be there? she wondered. Oh, how she wished he could see her in this dress.

  And if he wasn’t, would she ever see him again? The thought sent a crashing sadness through her. No, she told herself. He was a wondering explorer. She should be realistic. Even if he did remain, he would never take on the responsibility of caring for her and her sisters.

  In addition, if he did, they would no longer be allowed to remain in this house. They would now be his responsibility, not the Earl’s. No, she had to accept the way of the world and stamp down the hope that kept trying to build inside of her.

  Once she hung her dress up, she gathered her shawl and found her two sisters in the front room, each working on their dress. She bent over Isobel’s shoulder and closely examined the needlework. Isobel paused and looked up at her, obviously afraid to have her work found wanting.

  Ann studied it with a critical eye, then smiled and nodded.

  Isobel let out a long breath and smiled back, it was obvious that she had been terrified of having to do it all over again.

  “I am going out,” Ann said as she pulled on her shawl. “The woodsman has offered to trade us firewood for the winter for a couple of bottles of Witch Hazel. And I need more.”

  While what she was saying was true. The woodsman had made such an offer. That was not the reason she was going out. She had to be honest, at least with herself. She was going out in hopes of seeing Daniel again.

  It had been three days since the storm and she had not seen him. Her soul felt empty and lost. The desire to see his smile was almost overpowering. Or even his frown. She didn’t care, not as long as she was able to look upon that handsome face of his.

  Neither Aunt Ester, nor her two sisters even raised their heads from their work. Ann laughed to herself. She could have announced that she was departing on a trip to the wilds of America and they wouldn’t have noticed.

  Of course, when she reached the orchard he was not there. Stepping over the ditch he had dug, she twirled. Why would he be? She asked herself. It was not as if he haunted the orchard. Loitering in hope that she would walk by. Don’t be ridiculous, she told herself, smiling at the idea of Daniel acting like a lovesick puppy.

  No, the way he stood, the way he talked, every aspect of his being told her he was the type of man not to be cowed by a woman. Perhaps no one. What was it he said? He was the servant of no master. How many men could truly say that?

  But deep down. She knew it was true. He recognized no man as his better. How was that possible?

  Sighing with disappointment, she turned away from the orchard in search of more Witch Hazel. The bush by the Cedar tree had been harvested to the very brink. She needed another source.

  The deep pine smell washed over her as she made her way deeper into the forest. A sense of rightness filled her. This was home, her home. She knew where to find the things they needed. Food, medicine, herbs for cooking. All they needed. Or at least, most of what they needed. The chickens and the Earl’s small allowance made up for the rest.

  As she walked, her mind naturally turned to Daniel. Who was he and why so mysterious? The idea of going to the Inn kept pushing at her, perhaps he was there. And if not, maybe someone could tell her about him.

  No, she thought as she pushed the idea away. She couldn’t. People would talk. Or worse, he would discover that she had been snooping around asking questions about him. No. That could not happen. One of the few things she knew for a fact. Men did not like being spied on.

  Sighing heavily, she turned off the trail as her eyes scanned the forest.

  What if he never returned? The thought wouldn’t leave her alone.

  “And what if he does?” she said aloud to a squirrel watching her pass.

  She laughed at herself. But the question remained, what if he did come back? What then? He had said that the future was not his. A blunt statement that could mean only one thing. He could not marry. So that was off the table.

  So, what, then?

  She couldn’t come up with an answer. All she knew was that she wanted to see him again.

  After she had gathered the things she needed, both the Witch Hazel and some fiddlehead ferns, she started for home. A sadness filled her, but at least she had the dance to think about. That was something? Wasn’t it?

  Not really, she realized. Not if she could not share it with Daniel. Suddenly, so much seemed without value unless she could share it with Daniel.

  Chapter Nine

  The day of the dance broke clear and cool. Perfect. The last good day of autumn, she thought as she took down her dress and examined it once again.

  Each of them had tried on their dresses last night. She had looked over each one, pulling and tugging to make sure the seams would hold. Evaluating the additions and subtractions. Yes, they would do. In fact, they were beautiful.

  “I can’t believe we are really going,” Lydia said as she came up behind her.

  Ann smiled, “Yes, well, you’re going to second-guess things by the end of the day. We need to heat water for four baths.”

  Lydia cringed.

  Ann laughed, there was always a cost.

  After a quick breakfast, the day became a whirl of activity as the small tub was placed in the center of the kitchen and the metal pails were filled with water and placed by the kitchen fire.

  Isobel was first. Again, Ann examined her when she was done, pulling her ears aside to make sure she had washed behind them.

  “I’m not a little girl,” Isobel said as she pulled away from her. “I know how to wash.”

  Ann laughed, “True, but old habits die hard.”

  By the time all four had bathed, a good part of the day was gone. Ann had to rush to fix her hair, all the while, checking to make sure Isobel and Lydia were on track.

  At last, it was time. A nervous energy filled each of them. Even Aunt Ester was smiling like a young girl. There was something about a dance, people, fun. It just made a person want to giggle, Ann thought as she closed the door behind them.

  The sun was just setting, there would be more than enough light to reach the manor. Although they would need a torch for the trip home if they were to avoid falling in a ditch or tumbling over a root.

  Would Daniel be there? Her heart
ached, she had not seen him since the storm. Each day she had returned to the orchard and each day she had found it empty.

  Had he left forever? Something told her that he hadn’t. He would have come and said goodbye. Perhaps his business had taken longer than he had planned.

  Again, she wondered if he would be there tonight. Perhaps as a footman. Oh, how she hoped so.

  “No running, Isobel,” Ann called out to try and stop the bubbling energy threatening to erupt in her little sister. “For tonight at least, try to act like a lady and not a farmhand.”

  Isobel sighed heavily, obviously annoyed at her sister’s demands.

  “I mean it, no discussions about horses, or cows, or even barn cats.”

  The young girl frowned, “What else is there to talk about?”

  “Men,” Lydia said with a smile.

  Ann could only shake her head.

  Once they had passed through the orchard and were almost to the long drive leading up to the main house, Ann pulled the group to a halt.

  “Why are we stopping?” Isobel asked as she bounced from foot to foot.

  “Because,” Ann said as she pulled her shawl from her shoulders. “I want to make sure your shoes are clean, your hair in place and most of all, to torment you.”

  “You do that every day,” Isobel said as she pulled her hem up so that Ann could wipe at her feet.

  Ann ignored her remark then checked Lydia’s and even Aunt Ester’s shoes. After the shoes, she examined each woman’s dress. Making sure one last time that everything was as it should be. Once she was satisfied, she took a deep breath and then let it out slowly.

  “Remember, we are guests. Not only here tonight. But in our own home. Please. Please do nothing to upset the Earl. Or his mother, or their friends, or the Vicar. I mean it, please remember. So much depends upon this.”

  Both Lydia and Isobel nodded. They understood.

  She was about to admonish them again when she forced herself to hold her tongue. They were good girls. They would do the best they could. She would ask no more.

  “Very well then. Shall we go?” she said then halted. “Or of course, we could always return home. After all, it is only a party. Of no real significance.”

  Lydia rolled her eyes. “If you don’t hurry, I am leaving you here.”

  Ann laughed as she turned and led the way to the main house.

  A short line had formed at the front door. Ann’s stomach twisted itself into a tight knot. So many things might happen over the next few hours. They would be judged by the new Earl. Daniel might be there. Her sisters would be attending their first dance. So many things.

  As they reached the front door, Jack the footman who had delivered them their invitations smiled at them, then whispered something to the butler next to him.

  “Miss Ester Brown,” the Butler announced in a loud voice. Ann’s aunt stepped forward and curtsied to a young man. Ann watched her closely, a worry gnawing at her insides. Would her aunt slip back into a confused state or would she remain stable for the night?

  “Miss Ann Stafford,” the Butler announced. Her stomach tightened up even more as she stepped in and dropped to a deep curtsy. Looking up she was surprised to see that the Earl was younger than she had anticipated. Tall, straight-backed, good looking.

  His eyes narrowed as he studied her for a long moment, then took her hand to lift her up. Suddenly, he smiled. Not in a leering way, more in the way a person smiled when they had solved a puzzle.

  “Miss Stafford,” the Earl said, “it is so nice to finally meet you. Perhaps you will save me a dance later. I so wish to learn more about you. And your family of course.”

  Ann stopped herself from frowning. There was something in his eyes that spoke of curiosity. More than simply wanting to know about his tenants.

  “Of course, My Lord,” she said.

  He smiled and then Ann found herself passed onto the Countess Brookenham, the Earl’s mother. She dipped into a curtsy again and was pleased to find the woman smiling at her in welcome.

  “Miss Stafford,” the older woman said.

  “My Lady, thank you so much for the invitation and the gift of our gowns. It was most kind.”

  The older woman smiled and nodded slightly. “Please enjoy yourself tonight.”

  Ann felt as if the world was moving too fast. All she wanted to do was slow things down. To make sure she didn’t do anything wrong. But before she could think of something to say. Her sisters were announced and presented, forcing her to step aside.

  She watched as first Lydia and then Isobel performed perfect curtsies. Both of them stood up straight, their heads erect. As if they had been born to this world. A sense of pride washed through her. They had worked all week on this and the girls had pulled it off spectacularly.

  Once they were done, she glanced at His Lordship and found him looking at her with a secret smile. As if he knew something she didn’t. Shaking off the sense of dread that threatened her, she gathered up her family and led them to the ballroom.

  With each step, her head twisted back and forth taking in the manor and all of its marvelous aspects. The beautiful pictures on the walls. The chandelier with a hundred candles, the finely carved sconces with even more candles.

  They would use more candles tonight, she realized than her family would use in three years.

  The fine woodwork, how everything shined and sparkled. Like a fairy’s dream, she thought. Even the smell of apple cider and bee’s wax seemed to add to the specialness.

  “Isn’t it lovely?” Lydia whispered as they turned into the ballroom. All of them froze for a quick moment as they were engulfed in a dozen conversations. Men and women dressed in their finest clothes. A quartet of musicians in the corner were tuning their instruments. And again, more candles.

  Ann quickly recalculated and determine it was six year’s worth of candles that would be used that night.

  Once she had adjusted to the sights and sounds, she quickly scanned the room for any sign of Daniel. Paying special attention to the footmen.

  No, she realized with a deep sadness. He was not there. Before depression could overtake her, however, she was pulled in a dozen different directions by friends and acquaintances from the village. The Vicar, the councilmen, and their wives. A few of the more prosperous farmers. Everyone knew everyone, she thought until she saw a separate group of people in the far corner.

  Immediately, her eyes registered the quality of their clothes and the way they looked at everyone else. These people were friends of the Earl’s she realized. That made them aristocracy perhaps even nobility. As she watched them, her gaze locked with a young, dark-haired woman about her own age.

  A small spark of hope rose inside of her until she saw the way the woman looked at her. As if she were looking at something the cat had drug in from the barn. Ann’s stomach turned over. One simple look and she realized she didn’t belong there. She would never belong in this world.

  Almost immediately, she smiled as she realized she didn’t care. A relief filled her as she came to understand that she was perfectly happy living with her sisters in a small cottage in the forest. A sense of gratitude filled her. One simple look of disdain from some unknown woman had clarified her thoughts.

  Before she could examine this new realization, Lord Brookenham stepped into the room and welcomed everyone again. Then with a nod to the musicians, the dancing began.

  For the next hour, Ann allowed herself to have fun. She danced, watched as her sisters enjoyed themselves. Lydia, of course, was in seventh heaven. Isobel was fine until she found herself dancing a reel with His Lordship.

  Something she said made him throw his head back and laugh. Isobel turned a bright shade of red, but she was able to finish the dance, then offer a quick curtsy before escaping faster than a trapped rabbit.

  Ann could only shake her head. After they were done, she pulled her sister aside and asked, “What did you say to the Earl?”

  Isobel blushed and shrugged her sh
oulders. “I just said that he danced very well for an Earl.”

  Ann’s slumped in on herself. That was so Isobel. Thankfully, if the Earl was laughing then he wasn’t upset and therefore less likely to turn them out.

  Standing alone to the side, she watched the dancers twist back and forth in a complex weave. She caught sight of the young dark-haired woman. A Lady Clarice, she had learned. Out from London. Daughter to Lady Gresham, a friend of His Lordship’s mother.

  Was she hoping to marry her off to the Earl? she wondered. Oh great, one more thing to worry about. If he took a wife. Would she demand the cottage be emptied? Would this fear never end?

  No, she realized. It would not.

  Oh, Daniel, where are you? she wondered with a sadness deep inside of her. He would understand without her even having to explain it. Was he alright? Was he safe? These and a dozen other worries flowed through her mind.

  As she fought to hide her growing sadness, Jack the footman approached and bent at the waist as he held out a silver tray with a folded note on it.

  “Miss Ann,” he said with a smile.

  Ann took the note and thanked him as she turned slightly to catch the candlelight.

  **MEET ME IN THE GARDEN** D.

  Chapter Ten

  Ann’s heart jumped. It could mean nothing else. He had returned. Daniel. And he wanted to see her.

  Instantly, she found herself twisting her way through the crowd to reach the large French doors that led out into the garden.

  Without thinking, she slipped through a door out onto the veranda. The cool night air was refreshing as she scanned across the garden, desperately looking for him. A large harvest moon hung above the horizon and torches had been set out strategically, casting shadows and creating hidden pockets of darkness.

  Where was he? Biting her lip, she danced down the steps and onto the path.