The duchess could pass for royalty, and here Tabby was looking every bit the village girl she was. It was a wonder the duchess did not dismiss her straight away. Instead, she motioned for Tabby to join her.
“Do, sit.” The duchess moved to a gold brocade armchair, then indicated the chair across from her.
Tabby gave a small smile. “Thank you.” She moved to take the chair, her insides churning with doubt.
“Am I correct in saying that you are Miss Barkley, my midwife’s daughter?” The duchess asked, one brow arched curiously.
“Yes.” Tabby wriggled under the regal woman’s scrutiny. “My mother told me you are a kind woman.”
“I am fond of her, as well.” Her Grace smiled. “Though I confess to being rather surprised at your visit.” She angled her head slightly, studying, apprising. “Why have you come?”
Tabby swallowed hard. “Forgive my insolence in calling on you. I am well aware of our difference in station.”
Her Grace waved a dismissive hand. “Rubbish.”
Tabby gave a small smile, her anxiety dissipating in small measures. “I never would have come if it were not of the utmost importance.”
The duchess pressed her lips into a tight line, her eyes narrowing.
Tabby rushed to continue. “My mother passed away three months ago.”
“Oh, dear.” Her Grace reached for Tabby’s hand and gave a small squeeze. “I am terribly sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you,” Tabby said. She bit her lower lip as she considered how to proceed. The last thing she wished to do was blurt out her troubles, but she scarcely saw any other way. “There is more.”
The duchess’s blue gaze held warmth as she nodded. “Out with it then,” she said, her tone encouraging and soft.
“I cannot follow in Mother’s footfalls. She tried to teach me her trade, but in the end, I gave up. I do not have the stomach for midwifery. Neither was mother able to leave me with much in the way of funds.” Tabby closed her eyes to gather courage. “I need employment.”
“Then, you have come to apply for a position?” The duchess asked.
Tabby nodded. “Yes. I have no formal skills to recommend me and no prior work history, but I sure you I am adept in housework and laundry.”
The duchess smiled and gave a small nod. “I am certain you are.”
“Forgive me.” Tabby sighed. “I do not know where else to go. I have applied to every great house running adverts, but each has turned me away due to my lack of experience. I am days from starvation and have no coal—”
“Say no more.” The duchess sliced her hand through the space between them, ending the conversation. She stood and strode toward the parlor door.
Tabby’s heart sunk as she watched the duchess traverse the room. She was not going to help Tabby.
Her heart pounded as panic welled inside her. What was she to do now?
Read on!
Also by Tracy Sumner
Garrett Brothers Series
Tides of Love
Tides of Passion
Tides of Desire: A Christmas Romance
Southern Heat Series
To Seduce a Rogue
To Desire a Scoundrel: A Christmas Seduction
League of Lords Series
The Lady is Trouble
The Rake is Taken
The Duke is Wicked (coming 2021)
All books available with Kindle Unlimited!
Multi-Author Anthologies
A Scandalous Christmas
(coming November 24, 2020)
Chasing the Duke: Seventh Day of Christmas
(coming December 7, 2020)
* * *
Contemporary Romance
Multi-Author Anthology
Tangled Sheets (coming July 13, 2021)
* * *
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About Tracy Sumner
Tracy's story telling career began when she picked up a copy of LaVyrle Spencer's Vows on a college beach trip. A journalism degree and a thousand romance novels later, she decided to try her hand at writing a southern version of the perfect love story. With a great deal of luck and more than a bit of perseverance, she sold her first novel to Kensington Publishing.
When not writing sensual stories featuring complex characters and lush settings, Tracy can be found reading romance, snowboarding, watching college football and figuring out how she can get to 100 countries before she kicks. She lives in the south, but after spending a few years in NYC, considers herself a New Yorker at heart.
Tracy has been awarded the National Reader's Choice, the Write Touch and the Beacon—with finalist nominations in the HOLT Medallion, Heart of Romance, Rising Stars and Reader's Choice. Her books have been translated into German, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish. She loves hearing from readers about why she tends to pit her hero and heroine against each other from the very first page or that great romance she simply must order in five seconds on her Kindle.
Connect with Tracy:
www.tracy-sumner.com
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