Page 16 of The Duke’s Scandal (Bluestocking Book Club #5)
“I have heard something more, though it is again only a rumor.” Miss Sherwood winced as Isobella looked at her sharply.
“An acquaintance of mine informed me this morning that there are those who say that the Duke of Exeter has no fortune whatsoever! That he lives in poverty but pretends only to have wealth.” She wrinkled her nose.
“I do not know where such stories come from, and I certainly do not think that it is true. It is only something that I have heard.”
Isobella looked at each bluestocking in turn but saw no belief of this shining in their eyes. They knew well enough the difficulties that society could place upon them all, understood the pain that came with whispers and rumors being believed.
“It is a strange tale to tell about the Duke of Exeter,” Miss Trentworth mused. “Why should someone say that he has no fortune?”
“I could not say,” Isobella replied, aware that she was the one who best knew the Duke of Exeter.
“He does not flaunt his wealth but nor does he give the impression that he has any difficulty financially. It is not as though he is seeking out young ladies with vast dowries!” Because most certainly, whilst my dowry is more than satisfactory, it is not enormous by any means.
She bit her lip. He did wish to call on me.
That must say something, at least… unless I have misjudged that also.
Silence filled the room for a few moments, only for a knock to break it. Lady Rosalyn called for the servant to enter.
“Lady Isobella, there is a note for you.” The footman came towards Isobella directly and handed her the note, making Isobella’s stomach twist with worry.
Had something happened with her brother?
Was it Louisa? Opening the note, she read the few short lines quickly…
and her mouth dropped open in astonishment.
Silence came from the other bluestockings as Isobella read the few lines again, a quiet exclamation coming from her as she took in what was being asked.
“We are all terribly eager to hear what it is that you have there, Isobella.” Lady Amelia was the first to speak, a dash of color in her face. “I hope nothing is wrong?”
Isobella shook her head, folding up the note. “It is from the Duke of Exeter,” she said, as her friends responded with astonishment. “He came to see if I was at the house, but was informed that I had come here. Such was his desire to speak with me that he sent a note.”
“To speak with you?” Lady Amelia’s eyes rounded. “Goodness, he is very eager indeed, is he not?”
Isobella looked down at the folded note.
“It is not only I that he seeks to speak with,” she said, taking in a deep breath and then releasing it again, setting her shoulders back as she looked around at her friends.
“He begs to talk with me about what happened last evening at the ball, about what is being said of him. Thereafter, he says, he hopes that we will all help him work out this mystery so that he might restore his reputation.”
“Then he states he is innocent,” Miss Sherwood murmured as hope filled Isobella’s heart, making her aware of just how much these rumors about him had affected her. “He must believe that there is more to this than we can understand.”
Isobella nodded. “Indeed.”
“Then you will speak to him?”
There was not even the smallest hesitation. “Yes, of course I shall.”
Lady Amelia’s eyes caught hers, and Isobella, feeling a flush of warmth begin to rise up all over again, only lifted her shoulders and let them fall.
She could not explain to her friend all that she felt at the present moment, not when the others did not know of her confusion, doubt, and now, relief…
and especially when she did not fully understand it herself!
An urgency flooded her, but she stayed where she was, unwilling to show her friends just how much the Duke’s note had impacted her.
To rise now and to hurry off to see him would bring many a lifted eyebrow, and Isobella did not want that.
“Is he not waiting for you?” Lady Amelia’s question made the heat in Isobella’s chest grow. “If you wish, I can join you? I have my maid and you have yours, so there would be nothing improper about it.”
“Though you could not be seen entering the Duke’s townhouse,” Lady Rosalyn said, quickly. “That will bring yet more rumors, I am sure.”
Isobella hesitated, aware of the desire within her to have this conversation as quickly as she could, while at the same time, heeding the warning from Lady Rosalyn.
“I think I shall write to him and suggest a meeting,” she said, slowly, thinking through what she might say.
“It would have to be at a place and a time when the ton would not be about, when they would not see.”
“Meaning they could not whisper,” Miss Sherwood added, as Isobella nodded. “Then why do you not suggest a carriage ride? Perhaps in the early morning?”
“Or in the afternoon? Lord Waverley and I could take a carriage ride, and you could both join us? I could have Lord Waverley stop for him first, and you could meet us in your own carriage somewhere a little less populated.” Miss Trentworth bit her lip.
“It would take some planning, but it could be done. ”
This sounded a little clandestine, but given the situation and the care Isobella knew she would have to take, it was a wise suggestion. “Yes, it would be the best course of action.”
Miss Trentworth nodded. “Then why do you not write to the Duke now? That way, the plan will have been made and you will both be a little more at ease.”
Wondering if her concern and curiosity was written into her expression, Isobella rose and made her way to the writing desk, choosing to do precisely as Miss Trentworth had suggested. It would ease her mind although she was fully aware that her curiosity would linger.
It will not be too long until we can speak, she wrote, finishing her letter. I do hope that this suggestion is agreeable to you. If there is truth to be found, Your Grace, then the bluestocking book club will find it. I can assure you of that.