Page 22 of Duchess Needed
“I apologize for startling you,” Phoebe stated, a little taken aback by his reaction. “I merely wished to tell you that breakfast was simply wonderful. I am sorry that I was unable to attend dinner, though. I was far too tired to have any appetite and I fear that you put in a lot of effort for nothing.”
“That is not true, Your Grace. I understood that you likely did not feel interested in a meal and I had no qualms with it. But I ensured to put my all into ensuring breakfast was acceptable and it means the world to me that you came all the way here to extend your appreciation. If there is something you need – whatever you might crave at odd hours even – please, allow me to serve you.” He told her graciously.
It was quite the exaggerated reaction, but Phoebe could feel the sincerity in his words and it made her thankful that she had agreed to come and see him.
“Thank you, Liam. That was very kind of you to say. I look forward to trying your other culinary delicacies,” she replied sincerely.
The cook bowed to her and Phoebe realized she was growing somewhat accustomed to the display of formality because she did not feel the immediate urge to repeat the action.
As she left the kitchen with Maude trailing behind her, she admitted to the housekeeper,
“I am afraid I do not know the responsibilities of a duchess, but I am willing to learn all about it, as soon as possible. Would it betoo much to ask that you brief me on what is expected of the new duchess of Montford? Other than the obvious, of course.”
“Why, certainly, Your Grace,” Maude nodded sagely. “As the duchess, you are meant to paint a reliable picture to the ton and the household. Due to the prestige that comes with the title, the family is being watched closely and as such, you must portray an exceptional standard when it comes to etiquette, interion design and dress style. You must be respected, revered – and perhaps even envied – by members of the ton. To the household, you will be required to manage the overall staff and draft the household budget. You will also be expected to host grand events that might be used to foster good will and build relationships between the duke and the esteemed guests for various reasons. Essentially, you are mean to show proof of His Grace’s capability and magnanimous nature.”
It all sounded like reasonable duties of one with her title, but Phoebe could not fathom being able to carry out the latter roles that involved socializing and hosting events. She had only watched her mother put together nice dinners for special guest on a handful of occasions and was not old enough to learn much about how it was done at the time. She feared whatever attempt she made might lead to embarrassing results.
Her concerns must have shown across her expression because Maude’s gaze softened and she spoke up,
“Do not fret, Your Grace. I, and the rest of the staff as well, are here to help however you require us to. For now, you can ease into things by focusing on the household. You are the lady of thehouse, first and foremost. If there are things that are not to your liking, you can simply point it out and we will replace it with something else that suits your tastes. However you wish to run this household, we are here to serve and satisfy.”
It sounded like a simple enough place to start, so Phoebe nodded, determined to learn as quickly as possible in order not to be regarded as incompetent or useless.
“That sounds wonderful. Perhaps we should begin with that?” she proposed.
Maude nodded and gestured down the hall. “Certainly, Your Grace. Right this way.”
For the next two hours, they walked around the house, exploring the rooms Phoebe had already seen the day before. Everything had seemed so large and overwhelming the night before, and as such, she had not only been in awe of it all. Now that she was aware of her role in the house, she paid closer attention to the wallpapers, rugs and furniture.
It was also so seamlessly organized and clear, without a single hair out of place. However, it was somewhat evident that the estate lacked a woman’s touch.
The housekeeper and maids did what they could, keeping the house warm and full of light, but there were hardly flowers to brighten up the space or add a dash of colour and sweet smells in the air. Some things were also out of style and Phoebe could tell that she ha some work to do.
When she pointed out the curtains and rugs of a drawing room did not match and would have to be replaced to something that complimented both items as well as the room as a whole, the housekeeper nodded proudly as she remarked,
“You have a keen eye for detail, Your Grace. Much like the previous duchess. She was fond of this house and spent her days committed to making it a wonderful home for her family.”
“I am honoured you think so, Maude,” Phoebe blushed at the compliment. “She sounds like she was a wonderful duchess.”
“She was. Her Grace was brave and kind – effortlessly so. It was quite difficult on the duke when she passed.”
Phoebe’s steps faltered slightly and she wondered if it was all right to ask for more details. She was curious about the duke and his family, but he made her incredibly nervous and she felt as though he would not feel inclined to tell her if she were to ask directly.
“W-What happened to her?”
Maude inhaled sharply, glancing at Phoebe before she continued,
“Her husband the duke passed away suddenly and it left her and her son quite devastated. Even more so than we realized, because she fell ill shortly after and after a few years, she died as well, leaving the duke all by himself.”
It was a sad story to hear. Phoebe could only imagine what it was like for Edward to have lost one parent and then watched as the other withered away before his very eyes. When she thought of his confidence, his self-assured nature, she wondered if he had long since made peace with their departure or if it the pain and grief had turned him into who he was now.
She could clearly recall the pain that followed the loss of her own parents, how difficult it had been to do much else, besides grieve. Even breathing felt tiresome and almost pointless.
But she had taken a look at her brother and sister, and she slowly came to the realization that they needed each other to survive. Their parents would want them to live on, to push forward despite their absence.
In a way, Rowland and Anna had saved her life, as she had also saved theirs.
Edward had been all alone, though. How had he coped?
