Page 100 of A Cinderella to Redeem the Earl

‘And that would be?’

He grinned triumphantly, revealing a mouth full of broken teeth. ‘Send them to America.’

Damian’s face revealed nothing of his thoughts. ‘I see.’

‘Well? Will it serve?’

‘What about the coal?’ The calm in Damian’s voice was so cold it made Pamela shiver.

The Duke waved a dismissive hand. ‘Coal? Who said anything about coal?’

‘I sent a man north to take a look at the land after you approached me in Hyde Park. He says the locals believe there is a seam of coal that runs from your pit right under my land.’

‘Not such a fool after all,’ the Duke muttered and took another swig of his tea.

‘The price you offered for the land is a pittance and I will not sell.’

‘It won’t do you any good. Your access to the sea is blocked. If you mine it, I’ll not give you permission to cross my land.’

‘Then I suppose I will have to go around it.’ While Damian sounded calm enough, Pamela had the sense he was furious with the old fellow for trying to dupe him.

The Duke gave a nasty chuckle. ‘Then you will lose more than ye gain. That land is not worth a penny more than I offered. I bid you good day, young fellow. When you are ready to talk business, you may send word to my man of affairs.’

The Duke snatched up his walking stick and rose to his feet.

Pamela got up to ring the bell.

‘No need, Mrs Clark,’ Damian said with a grim smile. ‘I will show the Duke out myself.’

Pamela watched the two men leave. All that animosity over a little bit of coal. She had not been able to help feeling pleased that Damian had not wanted to dispossess the people who lived on his land. But now it seemed that he was holding out for a better offer, since, as far as she could tell, Damian cared for no one but himself, given the way he was behaving towards Mr Long.

‘There,’ Susan said, putting the finishing touches on the glossy black wig Pamela had chosen for the evening. This one fell long and straight down her back. ‘Is it to your satisfaction?’

‘It looks lovely. Thank you.’ If only she felt more confident that no one would see through her disguise. To her eyes it looked patently false.

Still everyone would be wearing wigs and masks and other forms of disguises this evening so she would not stand out.

‘It is I who should be thanking you,’ Susan said. ‘Without your help, I would never have even dreamed of becoming a ladies’ maid. I am very grateful for everything.’

Pamela had written her an outstanding reference letter and Susan had already landed another position, starting after Pamela and Damian’s planned departure.

‘It is nothing that you do not deserve,’ Pamela said.

‘I just wish I could continue working for you. I will miss you.’

They had become friends long before Susan had become her maid.

‘Once I am settled you must come to visit me when you have some time off. Promise me.’

‘Oh, I will. You will send me your address the moment you know it.’

Pamela’s stomach sank a little. She had no idea where she might end up next. ‘Of course I will, but give me yours now so I can reach you.’

Susan wrote out her address on a piece of paper and tucked it into Pamela’s jewellery box.

‘Time for us to get you into your dress,’ Susan said. She picked up the gown laid over the bed and stroked the silky gold material. ‘Queen of Egypt. You will make a fine queen.’

They both laughed.