Page 12 of Duchess Needed
At first she had thought she would help the newspaper with cleaning or some other menial tasks, but Mr. Lambert asked if she had any sort of skills that could contribute directly to the newspaper. She recalled that she loved to draw since she was a child and mentioned it.
In no time, he had given her the role of an illustrator of sorts, tasked with creating funny or thought-provoking caricatures that were featured in the newspaper. He was truly kind to her the whole time and it has been quite a relief to have been able to contribute to the Anna’s debut.
That way, they did not need to make a big dent in the family’s finances, and her efforts were discreet, so Rowland did not notice – which was what she preferred because she did not want him to worry.
“These are the next ideas we would like to be drawn. It is going to be featured much later than your usual ones. Will that be all right with you?” Mr. Lambert questioned as he handed her a piece of paper with a few sentences scribbled on it.
“Well… I will be rather occupied soon, so this is actually much more ideal. It will give me some time to put my affairs in order in time to refocus my efforts as on the work.” She nodded, tucking the paper into her bag.
“Wonderful. And here is this week’s pay.”
She collected her payment, expressing her gratitude profusely, ever stunned by the kindness she had received from this single person. He had not only given her work, but he had helped her hide her identity in the process and she appreciated all the assistance he had rendered to her thus far.
“It would be remiss of me not to reward your talents, Miss Danvers. Keep up the good work and get home safe,” he nodded with a smile.
“Thank you sir. I bid you good day,” she bowed slightly and pulled her hood up, slipping out of the office moments later.
CHAPTER FIVE
“Iam not certain it is wise to be seen with you in public – given the fact that people are still talking about that very strange duke who had publicly advertised his desire to be in a marriage of convenience.”
Edward chuckled as they stepped into the gentleman’s club they regularly frequented, settling down at their usual table of choice.
“The advertisement has been pulled from the papers already. Do not act as though it is such a far-fetched concept. I am sure you have witnessed stranger things,” he remarked to his friend.
Thomas Wetherby, the duke of Ravencroft sighed deeply, shooting Edward a look of accusation.
“Perhaps I am just tired of encountering all sorts of strange things in association to you. Do you know just how consistent you are for me to have seen the advertisement and simply knownat a glance that you had something to do with it?” Thomas queried.
Edward waved a waiter over, replying as the man approached the table.
“I'd like to see it as a good sign that you are familiar with my form of chaos, but we are not here to speak about my matters. I asked you here to express my gratitude for your assistance with the scandal involving the future sister-in-law.”
To the waiter he instructed, “Your finest bottle of scotch please, and two glasses.”
“Right away, Your Grace,” the waiter bowed and left quickly.
“It was nothing, really. I'd say it gave me a sense of accomplishment to have been of assistance on that front. It is truly horrible, what that man did to that girl. What will you do about him?” Thomas asked, straightening up as their drink arrived.
“Well, my bride-to-be only wanted me to deal with the rumours about her sister. And you have taken care of the spreading of those malicious words, so that is handled. However, I feel inclined to punish the lout. Perhaps I will give him a few more days to relish in the thought that he has gotten away with his sins. And then, when he least expects it, reckoning shall knock at his door step,” Edward mused casually, as he poured the scotch into the glasses and offered on to his friend.
Thomas accepted it and kept it raised until Edward held his up as well in a silent toast.
“How magnanimous of you. This woman you’ve chosen seems rather special, given how you are willing to go through such lengths on her behalf. I am as surprised about the choice to advertise your search for a wife, as I am impressed that it actually yielded results. Jane and I were prepared to watch you become a laughing stock – or rather I was. She was hoping that a decent woman would understand your plight and take pity on you,” Thomas snorted before he emptied half his glass in one mouthful.
“Ah, how kind of her. Remind me to send her some flowers later in the week.”
“You will do no such thing. Buy flowers for your own wife,” Thomas grumbled with a glare.
Edward chuckled, still impressed by how possessive Thomas had grown. It was a wonder to think about now, whenever he recalled how averse his friend had been when he had first gotten married. And now, the very same man who had been prepared to hide away from her only a year ago could not gather his bearings if they were not in the same room for longer than a few hours.
It made Edward thankful and glad that his friend had found the peace he deserved.
“Perhaps I will,” he mumbled to himself, wondering how Phoebe would react if he did so.
She put a lot of effort into appearing impassive and unfeeling but he had learned too soon how to fluster her and the expression she had worn was doomed to haunt him for a long time.
They had only met twice and he could tell already that she was full of surprises, and he felt more confident in his choice as the moments passed. Watching her interact with her brother had been further proof the maturity he had perceived in her. It was rare to see men who would value the opinions of others, much less from a woman, but her brother had listened to her carefully and had ultimately left the decision up to her.
