Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(67)

“My duties as your butler were given to me by His Grace along with a Lord Wilson Sutton. Your father has deferred to Lord Sutton in all things. I am to report to Lord Sutton regularly and give him an accounting of the goings on in the household.”

Minton waited for the onslaught but did not yet hear it. The heir’s face was red, and his eyes twitched, but he said nothing.

Minton continued to stand straight, unwavering. “You have servants, a cook, and her assistant, a household maid, someone to attend to your wash, and you have me.”

“What?” Henry was on his feet and moved toward Minton. His guards moved to stand between them.

Henry looked at each of them and sat. “Minton, why such a small group of servants,” he said, his hands balled into fists.

“If, My Lord, you wish additional servants, tell me the type of servant you require, and I will send a request to Lord Sutton.”

Henry leaned back in his chair and gave a short laugh.

“I am to make sure you have two guards with you at all times, twenty-four hours per day. I took the liberty of moving a small bed into your bedchamber for the guard assigned overnight duty. Another guard will sleep across the bedchamber door.

“Lord Sutton has installed bars on each window in the house, upstairs and down. After a search found there were no passages inside the walls of the house, no passageways needed to be blocked. Your father generously built an area on the roof for you to use at your leisure and to get fresh air.

“He will provide any food to your liking and any books that may interest you. All clothing you need will be provided.”

Henry was gritting his teeth. He said in a low growl, “Is that all, Minton?”

“Almost, My Lord.”

“Then, do go on Minton.”

“The house has been removed of all shop objects or items that could be used as weapons. The servants will rotate through from the main house every fortnight to minimize the possibility of one not following her orders and lapsing for your benefit. I believe that is all, but if I have overlooked anything, I will let you know, My Lord.”

“How kind of you. Thank you, Minton.”

Minton bowed, “My Lord.” He walked out of the parlour by the two men guarding Henry and smiled. After all the years of verbal abuse, it felt good to be the one to deliver the news. No less than four had volunteered.

*****

Penelope received a letter from Edgewood written by Wilson Sutton. It was an upbeat letter about the dower house changes. He assured Penelope there would never be a problem with Henry again. He invited her to see for herself. She was welcomed to Edgewood any time.

Penelope smiled but would not take up Wilson’s offer. She was far too busy in London. The season was about to begin, and she was holding teas for mothers and daughters concerned the daughters’ looks or manners would hamper their search for a gentleman.

Penelope didn’t know how word spread, but it did. There was a waiting list for having tea with her. The girls and mothers had disadvantages, and Penelope knew she could help.

Penelope met with three mothers and daughters at a time, just as she did before her season. She started by getting to know the girls and their problems.

She told them her issues as an underdog. “As you can plainly see, I have a large scar going down the left side of my face. It was the first thing everyone saw. Gentlemen were drawn to the girls I stood next to then felt obliged to dance with me. Once, a gentleman asked me to dance so he could practice dancing.

“It got so bad that Mother asked another more seasoned mother if there were other ways to meet gentlemen. We can go to that later.”

“A gentleman I had met years ago saw me, danced with me, and is now my husband. It was dumb luck, really. Both of us being in the same room. But you cannot count on dumb luck, so we need do more than walk.

“It is universally known that anyone, man or woman, enjoys talking about themselves, telling you about themselves.

“Let’s brainstorm. You must come up with openings with the goal of having a gentleman talk to you about himself. Putting the gentleman at ease is also paramount.”

Penelope’s teas would go along in that vein until she gave them four or five tips. She would speak specifically to certain elements like crooked teeth or bad acne.

Gentlemen, of course, might be imperfect and as such be more welcome to a lady also imperfect. They were more apt to see beyond the physical beauty of a woman. And, Penelope found, they were very kind and appreciative.

Nash would sometimes come in and introduce himself like Avery had done to her tea group long ago. Nash charmed them. When Edward happened to be with Nash, and he was introduced around, the room would be abuzz with whispers.

Nash was nice to meet, but Edward wasn’t married.

Penelope found it novel when the first wedding invitation came in but soon realized all ‘her girls’ invited her to their weddings. Nash groaned, but Penelope never let them miss a wedding. She was so proud of each girl that defied the odds and found her match. She kept her wedding invitations in a basket in her parlour. New girls would come to Penelope and see the basket full of invitations, and their eyes would widen.

At the wedding party, she and Nash would waltz, and she could hear the whispers, “She’s the one who gives the teas. See her scar?”

She whispered to Nash, “They are looking at you. Shall I turn and tell them all you’re mine?”