“Yes, allow me to introduce to you my wife.” He said proudly as Jemima came forward. “Aunt Agatha, this is my bride, Mrs. Jemima Croft, Duchess of Norfolk.”
Jemima did a curtesy before speaking,
“Hello, Lady Hambleton. How do you do?”
“Aunt Agatha to you, dear.” Agatha told her, ushering her forward.
Jemima went forward and took Aunt Agatha’s hands in hers.
“Aunt Agatha.” Jemima said, smiling.
“I like her, Norrie.” Aunt Agatha told him, her eyes crinkling.
“Norfolk, auntie!” He told her, embarrassed to be called that in front of Jemima.
“Norrie?” Jemima questioned, as both her and Aunt Agatha laughed, making the Duke of Norfolk blush. Somehow, it made his heart warm. Miss Devine was a fine young lady.
***
“He always wet his bed when he was three.” Aunt Agatha told Jemima, through uncontrolled laughs. “Did it to upset his nanny, he did.”
“Aunt Agatha!” Norfolk said sternly, unable to keep the smile off his face.
It pleased him to see her laughing so freely. She looked healthier. Aunt Agatha had taken to Jemima very well, and now both women were inseparable, rather at the duke’s expense. Aunt Agatha had taken it upon herself to fill in Jemima with his childhood stories no matter how embarrassing they might be.
They were sitting in the parlor, sipping tea after dinner.
“Always had a bit of a mischievous side, this one.” Aunt Agatha continued. “Would always worry his parents. He was their only child you see, and they wanted him to be responsible enough to take on the title. They passed too soon.” She said as tears fell and she wiped them away.
“Hush, auntie.” Norfolk sat next to her, taking her hand.
“It would’ve made your parents proud. You, like this.” She told him, looking at Jemima.
“I hope so, auntie.” He said.
Jemima felt guilty for lying to Aunt Agatha. She was a very nice old lady. Feeling ashamed, Jemima withdrew her gaze, tears entering.
“Oh silly me, making the poor girl tear up.” Aunt Agatha said, wiping her tears lightly. “I have such great news to share with the two of you.”
“News?” Norfolk asked, confused.
“In order to celebrate your wedding to our beautiful Jemima, I have arranged for a ball to take place this Friday.”
A ball? Jemima was not prepared to face so many people. The plan had only involved Aunt Agatha and those few who were in the manor. She saw fear cross Norfolk’s eyes, as he too thought the same thing.
“That’s highly unnecessary, Aunt Agatha.” He told his Aunt.
“You had your wedding without me, I won’t let you stop this.” She told him, lightly scolding.
He knew her mind was made up and he couldn’t change it. Jemima and Norfolk would have to lie a lot to make their marriage seem true. Both looked at each other as the nerves kicked in.
Oh Aunt Agatha, what have you done?
Chapter 5
The Hard Part
A s Aunt Agatha busied herself in preparation, Jemima and Norfolk spent time alone. A day before the ball, Norfolk requested for Jemima’s company on an evening walk. The wind was chilly, and Jemima wrapped her shawl tightly around her.
“We can go back, if you’d like? Norfolk asked her, not wanting her to get fevered.
“No, it’s lovely outside.” Jemima closed her eyes and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly.
The site of her, standing as she was, warmed Norfolk’s heart. He was a lucky man, to have such a beautiful bride.
Wait.
Norfolk chastised himself for thinking that. This was not real, it was an act. She was not his wife, and it was only business.
Still, the thought of having her companionship tugged at his heart. He was beginning to grow accustomed to her presence. It would be difficult to depart. He respected her a lot. Was this feeling love?
He remembered Romeo’s lines as he gazed at her,
Out of her favor where I am in love.
He was in love.
***
Jemima opened her eyes and smelled the flowers around her. Norfolk had invited her for a walk to keep up the pretense, yet she felt exhilarated to be with him. Slowly but gradually she had started growing fond of the duke. It saddened her, knowing she’d have to go back to her house soon and all contact with Norfolk would end.
Nonetheless, she was strong and she would survive this. She saw the duke staring at her, as he had been a lot these days, and blushed. Her insides melted, wondering if he was admiring her. She was so lucky, to have such an amazing groom.
Wait.
She chastised herself for thinking this, remembering her favorite lines from the play she had recently performed. The play that brought The Duke of Norfolk into her life.
Out of her favor where I am in love.
Jemima knew that the duke would never see her as his equal but she also knew love has no bounds, and her heart had flown into Norfolk’s embrace.
***
They came back as the sun set and went in to settle for dinner. No one would mistake Aunt Agatha for an elderly sick woman if they saw her now. She was going a bit over board with planning the ball, Norfolk thought. Yet, he couldn’t find it in his heart to stop her. He had deprived her of a wedding and could do this for her, at least.
They sat at the dinner table. Aunt Agatha had asked her chef to prepare small portions of the cuisine that would be served at the ball, so they could taste and approve it.
“Wonderful idea, Norfolk.” Aunt Agatha started. “Giving your mother’s ring to our bride.”
“I knew it would be what you would want.” He told her fondly.
“Dear, that stone is of great sentimental value.” She told Jemima, “My brother, Norfolk’s father, had himself acquired the stone to present to his bride. It is a symbol of faithfulness and constancy. Symbol of the commitment you two have made to each other.”
Jemima felt her throat close up, and tears well. She detested lying to Aunt Agatha, especially about something so sacred. Jemima questioned why God would put her in such a situation. She was making a mockery out of marriage, the union of two souls.
Norfolk wanted to see his aunt happy, however, he felt unsure now. If she were to find out, he would be hurting her more than anything. More than her illness. Both Jemima and Norfolk contemplated this silently, their only answer to Agatha was a small smile.
***
The night of the ball arrived as carriage after carriage halted outside Hambleton Hall. Aunt Agatha had sent out an invitation to all the influential people in Lancashire. Women in pretty ball gowns descended, with their partners in equally handsome attire. The men would lead the women to the dressing room and move on to drop their hats and coats in the gentlemen’s dressing room. They would then proceed to enter the hall where the dance was being held.
Norfolk and Jemima were nervous for tonight as everyone would be asking them questions about their marriage. They were to be announced after all the guests had been entered, and the ladies had been given their programs. Jemima was wearing the emerald colored ball gown she and Norfolk had purchased back in London. She paired it with a delicate pair of earrings and wore her wedding ring. Her pretend wedding ring. The house maid had helped her pin up her hair and put rouge on her face. She looked like an angel as she came down the stairs from her room, taking Norfolk’s arm.
“You look beautiful, Miss Devine.” He told her, honesty ringing in his voice.
“Thank you.” She blushed crimson at his compliment.
Norfolk wore a black super-fine dress coat, a pair of well-fitting pants and a white vest.
They made their way to the entrance of the hall where the ball was being held. Jemima took his arm, as a wife would, and they entered as the whole party turned to look towards them. They were welcomed with warm smiles and many congratulations.
Aunt Agatha had out done herself. Every bare part of the hall was cove
red with floral arrangements and the hall was lit with many candles.
Norfolk led Jemima onto the dance floor as they would be starting the ball, encouraging the rest to join. The floor managers gave the orchestra the signal to commence, and music flooded the room as Norfolk led Jemima into a waltz.
Jemima felt shy, being this close to him.
“You’re as red as a tomato, Duchess.” Norfolk smirked.
Jemima blushed deeper, noticing his flirtatious tone. Was this the same duke who had been so serious and distant in London? Jemima figured it was all an act to make the people around them believe. She sobered at this and tried to focus on her acting.
As the first musical number finished, all pairs bowed to each other before switching partners. Norfolk and Jemima went to mingle with the guests. Jemima noticed how Norfolk talked to the pretty ladies around them. It made her envious and she would look the other way.
They were approached by an elderly gentleman, and next to him was a beautiful and elegant lady of the same age. Jemima assumed her to be his wife.
“Ah- Lord and Lady Wimbledon.” Norfolk shook hands with the gentlemen. “Allow me to introduce my bride, Duchess of Norfolk.” He gestured toward Jemima who curtsied.
“Duchess.” Lord Wimbledon tipped his head.
“Many congratulations on the wedding, Your Grace’s.” Lady Wimbledon wished them.
“Thank you and thank you for joining us tonight.” Jemima told them sincerely, playing her part perfectly.
“You and The Duke have known each other for a long time?” Lady Wimbledon inquired.
“Uh- yes. No.” Jemima stuttered, unable to figure out what lie to say.
“The Duchess and I met when I visited her town last summer, for business.” Norfolk answered smoothly, saving Jemima.
Jemima threw him a grateful smile. This was going to be a long night.
***
Norfolk and Jemima regretted not going through the details of their false story better. Everyone present was eager to know about their story and how Jemima had been able to persuade the duke to settle down.
One would stumble and the other would try cover it up. They were quite enjoying themselves as it was very amusing. Jemima was seeing a new side to Norfolk as he allowed himself to enjoy the ball. Ever since they had met, she had only seen him in his somber mood, rarely acting his age. It made her happy to see him unwind and act his age around the people that knew him well.
They met many of his acquaintances and some his close friends. One friend that Norfolk introduced her to, had known him far longer than others.
“I was very surprised to hear that our dear Norfolk had finally settled down.” Norfolk’s friend, Lord Hampton, told Jemima. “Quite hurt to not be invited, though.”
Norfolk had wandered off to check on Aunt Agatha, worrying about her exerting herself too much. Jemima was left to converse with Hampton.
“His Grace really wanted you all to be there. It was a very small affair, we wanted something simple.” She told him, used to the story they had conjured. “My mother was unwell, and we had to arrange a ceremony on short notice before she passed.”
“I’m so very sorry to hear that, Duchess Norfolk.” He told her, giving his condolence. “But I am so very happy for you, both. Believe me, you are very good for him. The love in his eyes is very evident.”
Jemima blushed, yet knew it could not be true. It was an act after all.
***
Norfolk searched through the guests until he found his aunt, sitting on a chair, admiring her work.
“Thank you for such an extraordinary night, Aunt Agatha.” Norfolk told her sincerely. “The Duchess and I are very grateful.”
“She’s a spectacular young lady, Norrie.” She told him. “I see how she loves you, sincerely. It is the same as you feel for her.”
Norfolk was bemused. Surely, his aunt was mistaken. Jemima was a good actress, of course she could make people believe she loved him.
Chapter 6
An Old Woman’s Intuition
A s the ball wrapped up and the carriages left the estate with the guests, both Norfolk and Jemima exhaled. They had pulled off the act astonishingly well.
Tired from the night, Jemima and Norfolk retired to their respective chambers. Both undressed and lay down, the events of the night on their mind. Norfolk thought of what his aunt had said, and how he wished for it to be true. In pretending to be husband and wife, The Duke of Norfolk had fallen in love with the exquisite being that was Miss Jemima Devine. He wondered if she could ever feel the same way for him and longed for it to happen. He would wait, like a respectable gentleman, for her to show if she felt the same way. If she did, he would propose to her.
Jemima, too, thought how perfectly the night had gone. She had never been to a ball, and this was a perfect first experience. Her dance with the duke had her mesmerized as she relived it in her memory. She couldn’t help but think about what Lord Hampton had said to her. Could it be true? Did the duke love her the way she loved him? Hope blossomed in her heart but was soon shattered. Of course he wouldn’t love her, she was not part of the ton. He was not interested in her apart from his own personal gain. She was only a pawn in his game to trick his aunt. For some reason, she couldn’t accept this though. Norfolk had been different around her recently, he paid more attention and they had many enjoyable conversations.
Jemima folded her hands in prayer and Norfolk puffed tobacco. The other being the only thing on their mind.
***
Aunt Agatha thanked God for giving her dear Norrie such a caring wife. It was hard to ignore how much he had changed ever since Jemima had entered his life. He laughed freely and allowed himself to enjoy. It warmed the old lady’s heart to see their love blossom. A love that was evident in their eyes.
She had kept her promise to her brother. Now that Norfolk had settled down, she could entrust Jemima with the responsibility of looking after him and this estate as the Duchess. Aunt Agatha ran her hands over the velvet pouch in her hands as she waited for Jemima to arrive. It was only right to give this heirloom to the Duchess now.
There was a light knock on the door, and the lady’s maid went to open the door.
“M ’lady. It is the Duchess.” She informed Aunt Agatha.
Aunt Agatha nodded, ushering Jemima inside.
“That will be all, Monique.” Aunt Agatha told the maid, signaling her to leave.
Jemima walked towards the seating and sat.
“You asked for me, Aunt Agatha?” Jemima asked.
“I have something to give to you. I have held onto it far too long for my sister-in-law, the late Duchess.”
From the velvet pouch, Aunt Agatha took out a hair comb. It was simple yet beautiful, encrusted with pearls and frosted gold leaves. Jemima was awestruck as Aunt Agatha passed it to her, unable to speak.
“Your mother-in-law had left me with the responsibility to find her Norfolk a suitable bride, and to hand this to her.” Aunt Agatha said, tears in her eyes. “Time has come for me to pass this on to you, dear. And along with it, the responsibility of the estate and Norrie, for you truly do care for him. And he, for you.”
Jemima felt ashamed of herself for lying to Aunt Agatha. She took the pin from her and thanked her. They made small talk, and soon Jemima took her leave, pin in hand, to find the duke.
She found him walking in the garden, a book in hand. She walked to him, her pace fast.
“We must stop this, it has gotten out of hand.” Jemima said, her voice upset.
Norfolk noticed the pin in her hand and understood the problem. He knew it wouldn’t be long before his aunt would hand over the heirlooms and the estate to his bride, The Duchess of Norfolk.
“Don’t be alarmed, this is only tradition.” Norfolk told her, reassuringly.
“Tradition? We mock traditions if we continue to lie about this.” Jemima told him, her voice rising. She had forgotten it was the duke in front of her. She only saw a liar. Like herself.
“Miss Devine! Lower your voice.” Norfolk said, chuckling.
Jemima was furious that he could laugh about this.
“You wouldn’t be laughing if you had enough moral conduct to find yourself a wife rather than buy one.” She snapped.
Too soon she realized what she had blurted. The duke stood frozen in front of her, and she turned around and ran to her chamber.
***
Jemima had been crying nonstop ever since she had entered her room. She hated herself for falling in love with such a heartless man, she hated herself for lying to Aunt Agatha. And most of all, she hated herself for embarrassingly saying what she did to the duke.
She heard someone enter the room, and she got up wiping her eyes.
“Sorry for the intrusion, but I require my bride’s assistance.” She heard the duke say.
Jemima felt herself blush, she didn’t want him to think she was weak. She wiped her tears and arranged her position to a more suitable one.
“Yes, Sir?” She asked.
“I have given thought to what you said to me in the garden.” He started. “It has occurred to me that you may be right. I do not wish to cause my dear Aunt heart failure if she were to see through this lie.”
Jemima felt furious that he laughed while saying this. How could he joke about this? She regretted thinking he was a changed man. She wanted to calm down before she said anything and let him continue.
“Perhaps I should have you sent back to London.” He smirked. He was in a very playful mood.
“Perhaps you should.” Jemima answered, her heart dropping.
“What will I do without my beautiful beloved, though? All alone in Lancashire.” He said, walking towards Jemima.
Jemima felt her heart soar as she heard this, no matter how hard she tried to ignore it. The duke took her in his arms, and as he opened his mouth to declare his love, a knock interrupted him.
“Enter.” The duke said, disengaging from the position they were in.
The Hambleton Hall Butler, Newton, entered.
“Your Grace, My Lady.” He greeted, “A messenger boy has arrived from London with a message for you, Sir. He says it is very urgent.”
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