by Abby Ayles
Antoinette felt goosebumps rise on her skin when she heard the knock at the door. Why could she not calm her excitable nature? She was sure that a walk in the garden would ease her, but after only a couple of hours indoors she was already full of energy.
She took a deep breath and fought to retain her composure as she walked downstairs. Duke Godwin and her father were standing and talking in front of the fireplace, but both heads turned when she walked in. Her father smiled proudly, and yet she could see a faint hint of sadness in his eyes too, upon seeing his daughter dressed as a full lady. Duke Godwin's eyebrows raised and he drew a sharp breath upon seeing her much more finely and carefully dressed up, in much lighter, tighter, more fashionable clothes than at the wedding.
“I did not know Antoinette had a more elegant twin,” Duke Godwin joked.
Antoinette was not sure whether to be flattered that he had noticed her efforts, or insulted that he considered her usual attire less elegant. Did that mean he considered her inelegant? She dismissed the thought and curtsied. “Good afternoon, Duke Godwin. I am ready.”
“Excellent,” Duke Godwin replied. “Shall we go?”
“Go?” Antoinette asked.
“I thought your father would have mentioned. We are touring a local market. They have all manner of wonderful handmade trinkets and delectable goods, and they are sure to be producing some Christmas fare by now,” he explained.
“That is a little unorthodox,” Antoinette replied, glancing at her father.
“You will be escorted,” her father replied, in a tone which suggested that he trusted and valued the Duke enough to give him this option.
“Besides, I simply cannot stand to be cooped up indoors all day,” Duke Godwin said. “Indoors is where all the formalities take place. The letters, the meetings... The outdoors is the complete opposite, and a fantastic opportunity to replenish my mental faculties in preparation for the next day.”
Antoinette felt her heart leap a little again. A kindred spirit! Could this man be any more perfect? “I too prefer to be outside,” she replied.
Duke Godwin raised an eyebrow. “Not very ladylike, is it? Should you not want to be indoors, with the children, tending the hearth?” For a moment Antoinette wondered whether he was teasing her again. But his voice and expression said he was definitely quite serious.
“With all due respect, Your Grace, I would prefer to be outdoors, with the children, perhaps gathering flowers or shopping,” Antoinette explained.
“Oh, I should hope you would keep yourself too busy for such frivolities,” he replied.
“Then why invite me to the market at all?” Antoinette asked.
“Because I wish to go,” Duke Godwin said.
At first Antoinette was irked. But she knew she needed to make an effort. Reminding herself that he was of a different world to hers, and would think and act differently, she simply smiled and nodded before they said their goodbyes and departed for the market.
Duke Godwin was the polar opposite of Mr. Perry, who, along with her frustration at the Duke, slowly left her mind over the course of the afternoon. He was just so busy, and loud, and proud. Naturally, to a woman so full of life as Antoinette both of them seemed a little shy and reserved. However only Mr. Perry seemed too shy, whereas Duke Godwin's shyness was simply endearing.
Antoinette enjoyed their walk amidst the market stalls, where hints of Christmas had already begun to appear amidst the Autumnal fare.
“It is always so lovely when the first mistletoe and nativities are brought out, is it not?” she asked Duke Godwin.
Duke Godwin nodded in agreement. “Indeed it is. It tells me that the season is truly beginning.” He suddenly stopped in front of a stall. Antoinette stopped also and looked at the wares. It was top to bottom displaying nothing but beautiful purses. “Come now, let's get into the Christmas spirit,” Duke Godwin insisted. “Pick a bag, any you like, and it shall be my gift to you for today.”
Antoinette was not quite sure what to do. On the one hand, she had never been offered anything by anyone but her own family before. But, on the other hand, she knew that Duke Godwin was a very wealthy man, and suspected that it would be insulting to turn down a gift from him.
“I suppose I could do with a new purse,” she said, forcing herself to select just the one from the stall. They were all so beautiful! So well made! Each one its own work of art, each one worth owning.
But Duke Godwin could see her eyes wandering up and down. “Nonsense. Pick as many as you like. The Good Lord knows I can afford the whole stall.”
Antoinette blushed. “Well, in that case...”
She could not finish. Her eyes widened and she let out a shriek as she spotted an out of control coach, the horse foamed at the mouth and charged down the road, barely missing the next stall over. It barreled straight towards them.
Chapter 5
Antoinette felt her heart almost stop as the horse continued charging, knocking people out of the way and stepping on a man's arm, its cart swinging dangerously from side to side.
And yet before it could reach her she was swept up off her feet and placed on a shelf in the stall. It was all so sudden she hardly had time to take it in. From her impromptu perch she watched, wide-eyed and shaking, as Duke Godwin then proceeded to reach for the horse's reins and pull to the side. The horse slowed, but attempted to buck, then to rear. A small child who had not managed to get out of the horse's way curled up on the floor, hands over his head, face scrunched up.
Duke Godwin pulled the reins harshly, forcing the horse's great front hooves to change their path, narrowly missing the boy. A man swept in and picked up the child, carrying him out of harm's way. Meanwhile, Duke Godwin held fast onto the reins of the less panicked, but still nervous horse, as he took out a hunting knife and... slashed the harness which held the horse to the cart.
Free, the horse bucked once again. Duke Godwin dropped his knife and began patting the horse's neck and side, pulling hard down with the reins to prevent the horse from attempting to rear, shushing it gently. As the horse's rearing and bucking efforts reduced into twitches, Duke Godwin began to lead it, up and down, in circles, in the cleared space on the road. Much to the fascination of onlookers, Duke Godwin's approach slowly worked and this anxious, dangerous beast became placid.
Eventually, Duke Godwin drew the pacing to a halt and the horse stopped beside him, snorted, and looked around. Its ears stood up proud, but it did not resist as a couple of men walked up to it and affixed its blinkers and hay bag.
As soon as the cart had been firmly re-attached to the horse, there was the sound of clapping from the crowd, nervous at first, should the horse spook again, but growing into a true cascade of applause, loud and fast as rain on windowpanes.
Antoinette was not sure whether she was about to faint, cry, or kiss Duke Godwin, the hero of the hour. She decided it was best to begin by unassumingly sliding down from the bag stall and making sure her skirts were still about her ankles.
And yet... it was undeniable that Duke Godwin had just proven himself. As he turned and looked for her, he smiled and she grinned back at him. Walking up to her he looked her up and down. “Not even a scratch, thank goodness,” he remarked.
“I cannot say the same for yourself,” Antoinette replied, looking the Duke up and down. The reins had cut his hand, and his clothes were dirty from the dust and mud the horse kicked up. There was a rip in his coat and shirt, and a fairly large bruise appearing on the skin underneath. “I suppose it is to be expected that a hero would take a little battering,” she concluded. “Come, let us go home immediately. You need your wounds tending to, and some fresh clothes.”
He shook his head. “First things first... What purses do you want?”
“But you're injured!” Antoinette exclaimed.
“And I promised you a purse,” Duke Godwin replied with a chuckle.
Antoinette blushed. “Well, if you insist, I shall have...” She scanned the stall and her eyes landed
on two which she had been comparing until the horse had arrived charging. “That one, and that one,” she replied.
“Very well,” Duke Godwin said, grinning and walking up to the stall. “Good sir, may I have those two purses over there? The blue one, and the one with the floral pattern.”
“For you, Sir? They're free,” replied the man behind the stall. “Had you not been there my entire stall would have been knocked into the mud by the horse. Not to mention the damage it may have dealt to my person.”
Duke Godwin shook his head. “Very kind of you, but I can afford it. And you need to make a living.”
The cordwainer nodded. “That I do. If you are sure, I shall accept your money.”
“I am most certain,” replied Duke Godwin, placing the coins in the man's hand and moving to take the two purses he had bought Antoinette. He halted in his tracks. “I am terribly sorry, but you shall have to carry them yourself. I do not wish to get blood on your new bags.”
Antoinette shook her head. “It is still bleeding? Come here.” She took out a handkerchief and folded it over into a crude bandage, using one side to wipe the dirt from his cut, then turning it over and tying it around his hand so that the clean side faced the wound. “It will do until we are home,” she replied with a slight smile.
“Miss Byrd,” Duke Godwin said in a hushed voice.
“Yes, Your Grace?” she replied.
“You may release my hand now,” he said with a smile.
Antoinette blushed fiercely and let go of Duke Godwin's hand. “I am so sorry!” she exclaimed. “I did not mean to, I just... I simply was...”
“You talk too much.” Duke Godwin's smile did not leave his face as he passed her first one, then the other purse to carry.
“Will I receive nothing but criticism?” Antoinette said without thinking.
Duke Godwin chuckled. “Well, you did a nice job on the bandage.”
She knew he was still teasing her, but somehow it made her heart soar to see him so carefree, so proud... He was everything she had dreamed of as she read those romantic tales about princes and princesses. “Come, let's go home,” she said, lifting her hand.
Duke Godwin offered his arm and she slipped her dainty, gloved fingers around it as they marched back up the lane, towards home.
Once back, Antoinette could not hold back on the thrilling rescue her suitor had performed. As soon as a servant was washing Duke Godwin's wound and Lady Byrd was sitting beside the three of them to listen, Antoinette told her mother all about the event.
“I had seen nothing like it before in my life,” Antoinette concluded. “It was like he was a hero out of a Greek epic.”
“You flatter me, Miss Byrd, you really do,” Duke Godwin replied.
“Not at all!” Antoinette insisted. “There are plenty of witnesses to your heroics and I am sure all will agree you went above and beyond what the typical man can do.”
Duke Godwin smiled. “I do my best.”
“Now, you simply must stay for dinner,” Lady Byrd replied. “After the eventful afternoon you both had, I am sure you will need to replenish your strength.”
“After all that excitement? I could hardly eat a thing,” replied Antoinette.
“Well, you must try,” said her mother sternly.
“I assume that if I say I am too busy to stay for dinner you will ignore my pleas and usher me into the dining room?” Duke Godwin joked.
“Perhaps,” replied Lady Byrd, “though I doubt a grown man such as yourself would heed my maternal warnings.”
“Nonsense, every man needs a mother, Lady Byrd,” Duke Godwin replied. “I shall dine with you tonight, but I must depart immediately after.”
At dinner it was easy for Antoinette to see the strong rapport Duke Godwin had with her parents. They conversed, laughed, and seemed as though they truly belonged together, as a family. It made her heart beat as hard as ever to see how well-rounded this man was. He really belonged in a fairytale. She barely touched her food, instead staring at him and pondering in what other ways he may be perfect.
After dinner she saw him leave and then made her excuses to go upstairs and digest. Exhilarated, Antoinette collapsed onto her bed and stared at the ceiling. This day had been everything she had hoped for in courtship. Well, except perhaps for almost getting trampled to death by a horse. But such heroics, such a good nature, such generosity and humility... And to boot he was a great fit for her parents regarding temperament, and a handsome and wealthy Duke. What more could a girl ask for?
Duke Godwin... this man was definitely the one to marry.
Antoinette was deeply disappointed to hear that not only was Duke Godwin away for the week, but that due to a little confusion the post that should have been delivered to them was redirected to their old summer house, and may take some time to recover. What is more, her father was away on business, her mother had come down with the flu and needed rest, Mary was still busy, and the weather had been dreadful for two days.
Sitting in the library, watching the rain splash against the window panes, Antoinette sighed melodramatically. She detested not being able to socialize. Being shut up indoors was one thing, but having absolutely nobody to speak to was some sort of torture to her. She had even attempted to make conversation with the servants. But for some reason there were fewer servants than usual about the house, and those she had seen were all busy stoking fires, tending to her mother, and addressing a leak in the kitchen.
Antoinette picked her book back up and stared at the words on the pages without reading them. She put the book back down, sighed again, and all but slammed her forehead into the window sill. This was far too boring. She wished one of her siblings were there to keep her company. Or for a puppy. Or a cat. Anything would be nice.
She resolved to visit her mother and demand a pet cat to keep her company. It was the least that she would accept.
Entering the room, she saw that there was one maid watching over her mother, one tidying the room, and another one standing by in case she were needed. They all curtsied and bid her a good morning before resuming their work.
Antoinette sat down in the chair beside her mother's bed. “You look much better,” she said.
“And yet the doctor says it will be a week before the worst of this dreadful flu is over,” Lady Byrd replied. “Is the house being managed well in my absence?”
Antoinette nodded. “The housekeeper is doing a fantastic job, I barely need to direct her. Other than that leak in the kitchen, but we are pretty certain a brick will need replacing once the rain has passed.”
Lady Byrd nodded. “That is good to hear. I am sure the brick can be handled in good time.”
“And mother, I have been meaning to ask you-”
Antoinette was interrupted by a knock at the door.
“Come in,” said Lady Byrd quietly, “I am decent.”
It was a young messenger, soaked from head to toe. “Forgive my appearance, however there was nobody to deliver the letter to your quarters after I was let in.” He bowed deeply. “This is an urgent letter from the Duke of Hamilton,” he continued, still standing in the doorway and presenting an envelope to the maid who had walked up to him.
“Thank you very much,” Lady Byrd replied. “Annie, be a dear and make sure that this young man gets a warm dry towel and a change of clothes.”
“Of course Madam,” the maid replied, handing Lady Byrd the letter before escorting the messenger out.
“Urgent news?” Antoinette said, peering at the letter as her mother opened it. “Oh, I hope it is nothing too serious.”
Lady Byrd's expression as she read the letter turned from concern to humoured. “Nothing serious whatsoever,” she replied with a slight giggle. “He is holding a charity ball, to raise money to buy presents for ill children this Christmas. He says he could very well do it himself, but that he loves an excuse for a ball, and he believes it is a great opportunity for all his friends to show a little generosity and thoughtfulness before they b
egin to indulge in the usual revelry.”
Antoinette laughed a bit too. “Why did they say it was urgent, then?”
“Because the ball is tomorrow night, and he was concerned that people may not see the letter until too late otherwise,” Lady Byrd replied.
“Tomorrow night?” Antoinette replied. “Whatever shall I wear and—Oh,” she concluded, looking to her mother. “I... On second thoughts I am not too interested in going. Balls are overrated.”
Lady Byrd sighed. “It's true, you would have nobody to accompany you at such short notice... But I suppose I can make an exception so long as you are escorted by a trustworthy and capable servant, and return no later than seven.”
Antoinette felt a sense of trepidation during the carriage journey to the manor. It would be the first time she would see any building from Duke Godwin's estate, not to mention the first time she attended a party unescorted by her parents. She had a lump in her throat and her heart was pounding hard in her chest.
She may be a social person, but, if anything, that made her predicament worse. She was headed to an unfamiliar environment, full of unfamiliar people, where she would greatly wish to talk and dance and make merry... but how could she if she did not know anyone? She knew that her best bet would be to find Duke Godwin and stay close to him. That way she would eventually be introduced to a few people, and enjoy plenty of freedom to mingle.
As her carriage pulled up into the courtyard, the magnificence of the manor took her breath away. It towered over the grounds like a giant, its bright lights making it glimmer in contrast to the dark and rainy gardens. Antoinette, worried she would ruin her shoes, quickly made her way up the stairs and towards that beacon of light, her maid following close behind her.
As soon as she stepped up to the open door, she realized she would have her work cut out for her if she were to find Duke Godwin. The crowd was as thick as a busy London shopping street, very still, and everyone there seemed to be someone. The clothes were extravagant, the décor was magnificent, and the air was full of the rich aroma of various foods, though Antoinette could not even see where the food had been laid out. The quiet conversation of several hundred people added up to a mild roar, like an ocean in the distance.
