Marriage, children, taking her place as one of the upper ten thousand. Grimacing slightly, she clenched her teeth at the thought of having to attend interminable teas, functions of a charitable nature and nights at the theatre where the only topics discussed were who had taken a new mistress.
No, no and no, she vowed silently. That will not be me.
The pace of the carriage slowed and she blinked as the familiar streets of London appeared. They were home already.
“You’ve been quiet,” remarked her Uncle as he straightened himself. “Is all well?”
“Just thinking,” she smiled. “I’m happy, Uncle Colly. Thank you.” She leaned over and dropped a kiss on his cheek, surprising him.
“What’s that for?”
“Just for being you.”
“Oh. Well.” He looked a bit disconcerted and as the carriage drew to a standstill, he busied himself with the door.
“Goodness. Isn’t that Ivy?” Prudence stared at the figure emerging from the front door of Hartsmere House.
“What?” The Duke glanced up. “Yes. Yes, I think it is.” He stepped out, muttering to himself.
Prudence swore she heard him curse.
“Miss Siddington. What luck.” His hearty tones were slightly out of character, and Prudence couldn’t help but wonder at it, especially when Ivy’s eyes widened and a quick look of shock crossed her face.
“Oh, good afternoon, your Grace.” She laughed a little. “I’d quite forgotten that you were not due to return today.”
The Duke shrugged. “We cut our visit short.” He cleared his throat. “I am guessing you were leaving that book you spoke of when last we met?”
“Oh, er, yes. Yes indeed. The…er…book.” She darted a look at Prudence. “Will you both be attending the Wednesday Club this evening?”
Prudence allowed herself to be handed out of the carriage by the footman who had rushed out as soon as they arrived. “I’ll be there, Ivy. I am glad we’re back in time. Not sure about you, though, Uncle? Will you be able to join us?”
The Duke seemed to have difficulty dragging his gaze from Ivy, but finally turned to his niece. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss it.”
Hiding her amusement, Prudence simply smiled. “Lovely.”
“I’ll see you both there, then. Good day to you.” Ivy dipped a curtsey to the Duke, waved at Prudence, and hurried off as if all the bats from Hell were after her.
Prudence managed not to giggle. She walked sedately to her Uncle and took his arm as they mounted the steps of Hartsmere House. “Well, won’t this evening be delightful?”
She glanced up at his face, noticing his even features schooled to expressionless perfection. “Indeed.” His answer was also noncommittal.
Prudence kept her chuckles to herself until she had reached her room. Then she gave up and let loose the laughter.
Something was going on between Ivy and her Uncle.
All she had to do was find out what and perhaps help it along.
Chapter Four
“He was, without question, one of the most charming and handsome men I’ve ever come across.” Ivy kept her voice low as she told her friends about her morning’s excursion to the O’Malley’s. They were tucked into a small alcove, watching the dancing at the Wednesday Club’s evening event.
“Really?” Judith’s eyes widened.
“Oh yes,” Ivy fanned herself. “And such an elegant flirt. It took me several minutes to realise he was actually flirting, not just being delightful.”
“I wouldn’t mind meeting him,” mused Lydia with a little grin.
“I was thinking that too,” added Rose. “But I didn’t want to say it out loud, because that might be construed as being disloyal to Miles.”
“It’s only us,” shrugged Lydia, “but I do understand your dilemma.”
“Anyway,” continued Ivy, “he was quite a help with the whole garden and fountain plan. I think it will look lovely, and they can have it done in a week. Which works perfectly, since I understand from his Grace that they’re off again at the weekend, back to Maidenbrooke Castle. Some sort of annual family gathering. Prudence didn’t look too thrilled, but she’s got a good heart and she understands familial obligations.”
“So it will be done by the time they return?”
“I hope so.” Ivy answered Judith’s question. “I now have the run of Hartsmere House, so the staff will know what’s going on. As long as it’s a surprise for Prudence—that’s really all that matters to the Duke. I just have to keep it all as confidential as possible.”
“He is quite kind beneath that icy exterior, isn’t he?” said Rose.
“He’s not in the least bit icy, you know. That’s all a facade.” Ivy rushed to his defence. “He has to be careful around people. He’s a Duke and the things he might say could very easily be taken amiss, or used for someone else’s gain.”
She shook her head. “I can’t imagine what it must be like to have to watch every word one says, or every gesture, lest it be misunderstood. He really bears up under it all exceedingly well.” She missed the quick glance that flashed between her three friends.
“He is lucky to have your support, dear,” said Lydia maternally, patting Ivy’s arm. “As does Prudence. Any thoughts on her possible marriage?”
Before Ivy could answer, Maud Sydenham crossed the room. “Girls. Help.”
“What?” Lydia and the others rose rapidly.
“The Streatfords.”
“Oh Lord.” Ivy groaned. “I’ve heard of them. Her, at least. And her son—according to Prudence—is, and I quote, an utter nincompoop. There may be designs on Prudence as a possible bride.”
“Young Prudence got it right on the nose,” sighed Maud. “I might need some assistance in dealing with her Ladyship.”
Lydia gathered her skirts. “Shall we drown her in the punch? Drive a violin bow into her left ear? Command us, O General. We shalt do thy bidding.”
“I have pins in my reticule…” Ivy looked thoughtful.
Lady Maud chuckled. “Nothing so
