It was wasteful to spend time thinking of this, something that had been buried in the past. Jemima turned back towards the estate, towards her new life.
Chapter 10
Confrontation
J emima made her way to the staff kitchen as lunch was about to be served. She would be meeting the girls after lunch to proceed with their lessons. Her walk had left her musing over the past and she had little appetite. She had a few bites of the stew and nibbled on the bread. When she was finished, she quickly sipped on tea to shake off the mental state she had fallen into.
After lunch, Jemima walked towards the main house to the parlor where the girls would be waiting. She could hear chatter and laughter from next to the door, the girls giggling incessantly. She knocked on the door and entered. The guest was sitting with his back towards Jemima as she proceeded to call out the girls.
“Ah, Miss Devine.” Lady Smith said, “Come on, girls. Time to go for lessons.”
The guest turned his head sharply as he heard Lady Smith address someone behind him. A gasp escaped Jemima’s mouth, and she quickly composed herself. The guest was none other than the love of her life, The Duke of Norfolk.
***
Before Norfolk could get up and go towards Jemima, she quickly led the girls outside and closed the door behind her. It would be inappropriate for the Duke to get up mid-conversation and follow the governess. Hence, out of polite interest Norfolk resumed his conversation with the Smiths, while his mind wandered onto what Jemima was doing here.
After waking up from his accident, he had tried to look for her. He had been too late, and she had already left her house in London, with no one aware where she had gone. From what he had heard, Sophia had arrived at Hambleton Hall after his accident to inform Aunt Agatha and Jemima of what had happened. He had been hurt when he heard that Jemima had left without a hint of care for him.
He had shut down his feelings, understanding that it was only a business transaction for her. He would’ve appreciated if she had stayed for Aunt Agatha’s sake, as the two had gotten quite close. But he knew, their deal was only to pretend to be husband and wife, and to look after his aunt in his absence.
To make Aunt Agatha continue to believe, he had asked his staff to forge a letter stating Jemima had left so quickly so she could be next to Norfolk as he was healing. Sophia had informed Aunt Agatha of the accident, and his letter confirmed it.
Sophia had been a generous friend, opting to stay with Aunt Agatha as he recovered from his injuries. He was quite surprised she had made the trip to Hambleton Hall after his accident, even though he had told her they could no longer continue their friendship as his heart belonged to Jemima. She had been happy for him.
No matter that he looked like a love-struck fool when Jemima left without a second glance. He had been grieving ever since and had come to Rye when it became too much, to get away from the city. And there she was, Jemima, in front of him. Fate was cruel, he had to watch the reason his heart hurt, as he tried to repair it.
Norfolk wanted an explanation though. The Jemima he had gotten to know was not one to run. He would meet her in the evening, draw her away towards the garden and talk. He would offer her the money that remained with him from their deal, and that would be the end of it. In the morning, he would excuse himself and return to London.
***
Norfolk waited for the girls to return from their lessons, signaling him to leave. They returned after two hours, as the sun was about to set, accompanied by their governess. Time had only made her beauty grow, Norfolk thought, as she came in. Jemima left when the girls settled down, giving a brief report to their parents.
Norfolk waited a minute and then took his leave. He walked out slowly, with his cane as a support and looked around for Jemima. He saw her heading towards the garden.
Perfect, Norfolk thought.
***
Jemima was baffled. She had not expected the Duke of Norfolk to be the long-awaited guest. It had left her heart weeping to see him again, all the resolve she had built had broken down with one look at him. Mrs. King had told her that the guest had been in an accident recently, and now Jemima felt scared. Had Norfolk been hurt? Been in grave peril? She wanted nothing more than to run to him and kiss him and thank God for saving his life.
It had been hard to focus on the lesson as all she wanted was to confront the Duke for why he would use her like this. She thought better of it, knowing she was not in a place to do so. He was a Duke and it would be uncivil for her to confront him.
Hence, she was walking out towards the garden to prevent herself from going to him. She walked without looking back and soon she found herself far away from the estate. She looked behind her and saw the estate far behind. A figure was approaching her, rather slowly. It took for them to take a few more steps before Jemima realized it was the Duke. He walked with a cane, his leg injured. She turned around, ignoring the pang in her heart, and continued walking. She was not interested in talking to him.
Chapter 11
Forgiveness
N orfolk tried to walk faster as Jemima started walking away from him. Did she really not care for him at all? He felt hurt that she could be so crass. He called after her,
“Miss Devine!”
Jemima halted, her manners winning. She felt annoyance at the Duke and turned around.
“Oh, Sir. Sorry, I didn’t see you.” She said, smiling.
Norfolk rolled his eyes at this and walked up to her.
“I’m sure.” He said, giving her the benefit of the doubt. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
“Of course, you wouldn’t expect a woman like me to make an honest living right, Sir?” She said, her voice dripping with scorn.
Norfolk took a step back at her tone.
“No, I expect everything wonderful from a woman of your talent and strength.” He said honestly.
Jemima wasn’t fooled, knowing how he truly felt. She turned around and continued walking.
“Miss Devine!” Norfolk said, hurt that she had become so cold towards him. “I want to talk to you.”
“No, Sir. I do not wish to speak to you. We had a brief interference in each other’s life for convenience but that has long passed, and I wish for it to stay in the past. Where it belongs.” She said, anger apparent. “I make an honest living for myself, and I will not allow you to jeopardize it.”
“I sincerely don’t want to. I only wish to pay you the remainder of your money.”
“Ha! That’s all that matters to you, isn’t it?” Jemima said, forgetting all manners. She did not care that the Duke stood in front of her. She only saw the culprit that crushed her heart. “I do not want anything to do with your money, Norfolk.”
Norfolk felt angry too. How could she be upset with him? She was the one who decided to leave. She had been the one to abandon him.
“You have quite the gall to accuse me of caring for money only. I could accuse you of having no regard for people’s feelings. You left without a notice.”
“Oh, why does it matter? Hadn’t you sent your bride there to inform me about your wedding? What use was it for me to stay after that?”
“Pardon me? My bride?”
“Yes, isn’t that why you left? To go and finalize your marriage to Lady Brereton? Please, let it be. I have no part in this.”
Saying this, Jemima turned back towards the estate. Norfolk grabbed onto her arm and pulled her back towards him.
“Norfolk!” Jemima said, trying to free herself. She felt angry but couldn’t help blushing being this close to him.
“You foolish girl! The letter I had received stated that Lord Brereton was expecting us to finalize our deal within the week, and then to announce my marriage to his daughter. I did not wish to marry her, and that is why I made the trip to London. To inform him. My heart belongs to someone else. You. However, on the way, I got into an accident. They took me to London, and that is where I told Sophia the truth. She offered to visit you and Aunt Agatha t
o inform about my health. And all I heard back from her was that you had fled when you learned about my accident, wanting no part in this.”
Saying this, he let go of her and walked back to the estate. Jemima stood dumbstruck as she saw his figure retreating. She had been a fool to believe Sophia and not wait to hear from Norfolk himself. It had been a mistake to flee. He believed she didn’t care for him.
He loved her. He had said his heart belonged to her. And what had she done? Accused him of caring for money. Abandoned him while he suffered through his injuries. How could she fix this? Shaking off the guilt, Jemima ran after the Duke. She would not lose him again. He had to know her side of the story.
“Norfolk!” She screamed, not caring how inappropriate it was.
Norfolk turned around just as Jemima threw her arms around his neck.
“Miss Devine!” Norfolk stuttered, feeling shy at her audacious embrace.
“Jemima. It’s Jemima, and I love you.”
Norfolk threw his cane and wrapped his arms around her, spinning her around. He lost balance, and they fell on the grass, laughing like children.
“Why did you leave then?” He asked, sobering up.
“Sophia told me you were to be married, and that I had no business being there. I had no idea she would fabricate the truth. I had no idea that you had been in an accident.”
“I assure you, I never intended to marry her. It was you who captured my heart.” He told her earnestly, “I should’ve sent a letter and not Sophia. I apologize.”
“Poor Aunt Agatha. Oh she must detest me!” Jemima said, as she helped Norfolk up on his feet.
“No need to worry, Sophia told her the truth about my accident and had the decency to not reveal your identity. She informed her you left in a hurry to reach me. When I was told you had left, I sent a letter to confirm the false story to Aunt Agatha.”
“So she doesn’t know we lied? Or I ran?”
“Not a hint.”
“Your Grace! I am sorry for leaving, I was hurt. It broke my heart to hear the story from her.”
“Norfolk.”
“What?”
“Call me Norfolk.”
“Norfolk.” Jemima said while blushing and hid her face in his chest.
Hearing his name from her mouth made his heart feel warm. They stood like this for a long time, in each other’s embrace. Jemima couldn’t believe it. He loved her. Norfolk couldn’t believe she reciprocated.
“Come back with me, my love.” Norfolk said, “I want to marry you. Will you marry me, Jemima Devine?”
Jemima could only mutter one word through the tears,
“Yes.”
As the sun set, they made their way back to the manor to prepare for departure. Jemima looked forward to telling the girls that she had found love after all.
Chapter 12
New beginnings
T he Smiths were very happy for the new couple. They were sad to see Jemima leaving, but wished her all the best in life. Eleanor and Eliza were ecstatic to see their dear governess find her happily ever after. Upon Jemima’s request, the girls would be bride’s maids in her wedding ceremony.
The ceremony was approaching in two weeks, and Jemima and Norfolk were making a trip to Hambleton Hall before that. They knew it would be better to reveal the truth to Aunt Agatha. They knew she would be hurt at first but once she knew they had truly fallen in love, she would forgive them. They would bring her along to London to attend the ceremony.
Jemima was nervous to meet Aunt Agatha and afraid to see her reaction. Norfolk, however, was cheerful and knew all would go well.
“Don’t stress, my love. It’s going to be fine.” He said, smiling.
“Oh, Norfolk. What if she wants nothing to do with us?” Jemima asked, terrified at the prospect.
“I assure you she will be upset at first and then overjoyed for us.”
Jemima really hoped he was right.
***
They knocked on her door and went in.
After the initial greetings and fussing over Norfolk’s health, the three settled into conversation. Norfolk spoke,
“We have news to share with you, Aunt Agatha.” Norfolk told her, as Jemima looked down.
“You’re having a child!” Aunt Agatha squealed, making Jemima blush.
Norfolk turned red and mumbled,
“No. We are getting married.” He told her, looking anywhere but at her.
“Oh, Norrie dear, don’t be silly. You’re already married.”
It was then that Norfolk told her the story. She listened calmly, smiling when he told her that they were truly in love now and were to be married. Jemima was perplexed at how little of a reaction Aunt Agatha gave. After Norfolk concluded his story, both apologized to her profusely and asked for her blessing. Her laugh startled them as she said,
“Children these days, I tell you! It takes a plot line as such and schemes for them to realize how they feel.” She said, “Of course you have my blessing!”
Everything was perfect now. Jemima felt saddened that her dear Aunt Lucy could not be here for her happily ever after.
***
The wedding ceremony was being performed at St. George’s Church in Mayfair. It was a small, private affair as Jemima and Norfolk preferred, surrounded by their close acquaintances. Jemima wore a white muslin dress, with a long, net veil. She had worn the hair pin that Aunt Agatha had given to her.
Jemima felt the knot in her stomach grow as Eleanor and Eliza proceeded to walk in to the church. Jemima would soon follow and get married. She felt conscious about how she looked. When it was time for her to walk, she looked down focusing on not tripping over her dress. In her hands she carried a small flower bouquet of white lilies.
She took a deep breath and looked up. From the aisles, all the guests smiled at her. She saved Norfolk for last and when her gaze found him, her heart fell at peace. Norfolk stood waiting for her, looking handsome in his black tuxedo. His smile stroked her heart, and she walked to him.
They were married in a simple ceremony, Norfolk’s ‘I do’ ringing through the hall, and Jemima’s softly spoken through her tears. They were husband and wife. Each other’s equal half, for better or worse. In sickness and health. For richer, for poorer. To love and to cherish, till death do them apart.
***
That night before their marriage was consummated, Jemima prayed to God.
I thank you God, for Your righteousness and Your bounty. Lord, I was alone except for Your company and guidance. You have brought me a life that I had never envisioned. Happiness that I had lost hope for. Thank You for bestowing it on me. I am stepping into my new life tonight. Please, look after me.
As Jemima finished her prayer, Norfolk entered into their chamber.
“Amen.” Jemima concluded, looking at her beautiful husband.
Epilogue
N orfolk smiled, looking at his beautiful wife playing with their daughter, Lucy. Her pregnant belly made her look even more beautiful. Norfolk thanked his lucky stars for leading him to Smith House six years ago. It had led him to find Jemima, his true love.
Jemima had taken to being a Duchess beautifully and was held in high regard by all. She was humble and soft spoken, not obnoxious as the ton was perceived to be.
Lucy came to her father and pulled on his pants for his attention. At only four, Lucy was a smart child with a good manner.
“Papa, look.” She said in her soft voice, showing him a flower. “Mama gave to me.”
Norfolk smiled, picking up his daughter in his arms.
“Very pretty, like you.”
“Like mama.” She said and struggled out of his lap running to her mother.
Jemima walked towards them slowly, careful not to rush with her belly swollen. She held Lucy’s hand, and both settled down with Norfolk for tea.
“How are you feeling, love?” Norfolk asked her, he was always worried about her health.
“I’m fine, dear.” She said consolingly.
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Norfolk relaxed, letting his wife and daughter chatter about the day’s events. He paid attention to each detail and laughed when the girls did. But his mind wandered to how lucky he had been. He looked at his daughter, who would go on to become as strong as her mother. He looked towards Jemima, his wife, The Duchess of Norfolk. All was well.
*** The End ***
fleeing from
the duke
Regency Romance
Grace Fletcher
Chapter 1
The Duchess
Disappears
“Do you have to go out?”
Robert Mayes, Duke of Manchester, sighed as he shrugged into his overcoat.
“I’m afraid so. It’s not something I can avoid. My presence is needed.” He turned to his wife, his pained expression softening, “Will you be all right on your own?”
“I won’t be alone.”
“You know what I mean.” Manchester kissed her softly and stroked her back. “You haven’t been very well lately, and I don’t like being away from you.”
Evangeline Mayes, Duchess of Manchester, grinned and tapped her husband’s nose with her finger.
“I swear you were a chicken in a former life.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re fussing around me like a mother hen.” Evangeline kissed her husband, Manchester’s arms tightening around her. Then she stepped back before Manchester forgot his duties and refused to leave. “Go, darling, before you’re late.”
Manchester sighed and pulled his wife back, kissing her forehead.
“I’ll tuck you in later.” He whispered.
Evangeline smiled. She was happiest the most when she fell asleep being held by her husband of three months.
“I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Regency Romances Page 39
