It's a long story, I'll tell you about it sometime. Will you show us around the farm, please? Jepson nodded and motioned them to follow him.
After their excursion, Victoria retired to her room to rest. Far from resting, her mind was churning. What she'd seen had been idyllic, and beyond anything she had seen before. She knew if the Duke would see his way to giving her the estate back, she would remain there for the rest of her days, quite happily.
Her thoughts turned to the Duke. He was handsome, and she was taken with him. It could be a perfect alliance, she thought.
At six, Rosie knocked on the door. She'd come to dress Victoria for dinner.
Miss Victoria, I have brought two dresses for you to try. They used to belong to Mr. Edward's grandmother. She put them on the bed. They are very fine evening gowns, and I am sure you are the same size as she was.
Rosie, how considerate of you. I'm afraid I have never worn anything this grand before; perhaps you will help me?
Rosie bathed and dressed Victoria in a silver gown made of the finest silk satin in pastel green. When Victoria looked in the mirror, she was shocked to she almost all her bosom protruding from the low square neckline. Mary, I can't wear.....
Miss Victoria I have seen the way Mr. Edward looks at you. If you want to impress him, I urge you to wear this dress.
But it's far too low,Victoria complained.
If a Duchess saw fit to wear it, I'm sure it is fine, Rosie said wisely.
Victoria accepted her argument and turned her attention to her hair. When they were finished, Victoria looked magnificent. Her dress flowed elegantly to the floor, covering her silver shoes. Rosie had managed to find a necklace of pearls and a bracelet. The piece de resistance was her hair. It seemed Rosie was a master hairdresser, for Victoria's hair was curled to perfection in tiny ringlets down the side of her face.
On the way down the grand staircase, Victoria suddenly remembered the mill. This was her second day off, and if she didn't return soon, she would be cast out of her home. But strangely she didn't care. Rosie had noticed it, and she had noticed it. The Duke wanted her, and she was sure nothing would come in their way.
When she entered the library for pre-dinner drinks, Edward almost dropped his glass. He'd told his mother about Victoria and the story behind her visit, and she'd been eager to meet the young lady. Edward's mother smiled and nodded to her son approvingly.
Victoria, it is quite improper, but I fear we have no alternative, the Dowager Duchess began. It has been splendid to meet you and now that dinner is finished, I would like to retire, but that would leave you alone with my son. Perhaps I should escort you to your room.
Edward quickly intervened. I would like to talk to Victoria for a few moments mother. I will ask Rosie to see her to bed.
His mother wasn't much of one for the English stiff upper lip, and she nodded in agreement. When she was gone, Roberts came and cleared the table. He left some brandy and brought tea for Victoria.
Edward cleared his throat as if he was preparing to address the Queen. Victoria, dear Victoria. I have been thinking about the estate and indeed about you. Victoria daren't lift her tea cup fearing her tremoring hand would spill some over her borrowed dress. You are a very beautiful woman, and I am enormously taken with you. I have been able to think of nothing else but you, since the moment you walked into this house. He looked at her trying to gauge what her reaction mighty be, but her expression remained passive. It would be proper for me to ask your father if I may approach you, but your poor father is no longer with us, and I am unable to do so. Victoria, I would like to know if you would be amenable to the idea of becoming my wife.
Victoria was stunned. So soon? Was it too early? She felt something for him, but did she love him? Did she love him like she knew her mother had loved her father?
Before she had a chance to say anything, he spoke again. If we were to marry, you could manage the estate.
Victoria could not believe what she was hearing. Was it not your intention to hand it back to me as the rightful owner? You led me to believe you would, she asked.
I wouldn't need to hand it back to you if we were joined.
Victoria exploded. She stood up and threw her teacup into the fireplace. If that's what you think, then you can keep the estate, you're welcome to it. Marry me and make me the manager, indeed, she scoffed. I can see you're not better than that father of yours. He was dishonorable and dishonest, and your are worse because you are taking advantage of a lady's delicate situation.
Who is it? the innkeeper shouted. I'm coming, stop hammering on the door. He unbolted the door and looked outside. He was surprised to see a young woman carrying a travel bag. It's awfully late for you to be out alone, miss.
Can you please give me a room for the night, Victoria asked.