Isabella was taken aback by his question. What exactly do you mean by intimidating?
Are people frightened of me? In other words, are people so scared of me, they won't confide in me?
My Lord it is not my place to …...
Nonsense. As governess to my children, I am sure you are well placed to answer my question.
Isabella had a sudden burst of courage. He wanted to know, she would tell him. Yes my Lord. You are an intimidating man. Sorry, I don't mean to use that word. Authoritarian would be a better word. You have an authoritarian air about you. When she looked at the Duke, she noticed her comments had hurt him.
Do you mean that, Isabella? Is that how people view me? The Duke appeared so handsome with a look of concern across his face.
Yes, my Lord, I am afraid they do.
And what do you propose I do about it? I would much prefer people to feel they can approach me and confide in me.
Perhaps it's because you lost your wife but you don't smile at people. A smile goes a long way. You appear distant and lacking in interest for others. I am sure you are none of those things. But if you smiled more often, I am sure you would find others more open to confiding in you.
Thank you, Isabella, for having the courage to tell me that.
It wasn't a question of courage my Lord. You asked me, I didn't offer the information openly.
But you could have lied, and told me I was perfect, he said, a chuckle passing his lips.
That's what I mean, my Lord. Now you are smiling. You look so much more approachable. Dashing.
I have decided to marry again, he said unexpectedly.
Isabella was aghast. Was it Lady Victoria? Harriet hadn't indicated the Duke was close to marriage. On the contrary. That will be very good for you, my Lord. I am pleased you have reached that decision. May I ask who the lucky lady is?
I have no idea.
Isabella could breathe again. That is interesting. You have decided to marry again, but you don't know to whom?
No. I have no clue. My mind is open. All I know is my sister and I are holding a ball at which I will endeavor to find a bride. How do you think the children will react to having a new mother?
I think they will need some time to adjust. After that, if the lady in question is sensitive, I am sure they will be very happy.
Yes, I thought much the same. I wish to ask you one more thing Isabella.
Yes my Lord, please do.
Would you please help me to choose what I will wear to this ball? My sister has no taste for male clothing and I have nobody else to ask. I want to find someone with the same social standing as myself. It's got to be a Duchess or Baroness. If I dress like a pauper, I will end up with someone from a different background. Such marriages never work.
Isabella glanced down at her dress. Yes my Lord, I would be delighted to help you. If my Lord will excuse me now, I need to lie down. It's been a hard day and terribly hot.
When Isabella closed the door to his study, she leaned against the wall and slowly sank down onto her haunches. So that's it. He wants a Duchess and he sees me as his valet, she thought. A large lump was developing in her throat and she felt the need to cry. She ran up to her room, slammed the door shut and banged her fists into the mattress. Her mood was not helped when she saw the Duke wandering over the lawn with Lady Victoria again.
Just before she went to bed, Isabella prayed again. Dear Lord, please forgive my shortcomings and anything I have done today which may have displeased you. I would like to ask you to look over the Duke during this difficult time. Please guide him to make choices in his life that will make him happy now, and always. Thank you Lord that my father is now in a more comfortable place. Finally Lord, and I do not ask this lightly, please help me to rid myself of the incessant feelings of misguided love I feel at this time. I am tormented by intense waves of jealousy and envy, which are burning deep through my soul. Please guide me through the next days, that I may be stronger and free of pain. Amen.
****
Isabella, perfect timing, Harriet said as she saw her friend walking down the corridor. A week to go. We need to get you some clothes. On your day off, we will go to town and buy you the most splendid gown and shoes. Not to forget a masque.
Harriet, I will go to the ball as you requested, but not to woo the Duke into something he clearly doesn't want. Do you understand me?'
The Duke doesn't know what he wants. Until we show him what a beautiful woman you are, how can he know?
Isabella was tired of Harriet's scheming, but she had decided to go along with it, that the whole business may be over with. She would go to the ball and the Duke would chose his bride. It would not be her. Harriet would give up her silly idea and then she could get on with her duties once again. She only hoped her prayers would be answered and that her feelings towards the Duke would change from ones of searing love and desire to the kind of love one has for a brother.