“You're not nervous…” she said to Jane. “I'm not surprised.”
“There's no reason for me to be,” she replied.
“It is needless to tell you that the faint-hearted cannot take up the role because you're not one,” Prudence beamed a smile at her. “You're brave and strong, not easily intimidated— and that alone is a major characteristic of a great duchess.”
Jane blushed a little. “You flatter me, Your Grace. Thank you.”
Prudence was quiet for a while.
“I can think of one thing that could make you nervous.”
Jane highly doubted that statement but she was open to hearing what it was…eager to find out.
“Colin's nieces,” Prudence declared in a rather dramatic manner, prompting Jane to squint.
Her brows shot up in astonishment as a flicker of disbelief crossed her face.
“Oh, believe me, child, those little devils are a force to be reckoned with and if you underestimate them, theywillgive you hell.” It sounded a lot more like a warning than an advice even though her tone was soft and smooth.
Jane laughed lightly, she could handle anything thrown at her and so those nieces of her husband-to-be should be a piece of cake. Right? Or was she being overly confident, underestimating the kids in the process?
“Believe me when I tell you; together, Louisa and Margaret Grove are a menace.” She chuckled. “But in time, you'll get to understand them and know that they are not as bad as they seem.”
“Looks can be deceiving, right?” Jane grinned.
“You catch on fast.” She reciprocated the gesture and rose to her feet, ready to leave.
Jane did the same, humbly standing by her side.
“I believe my work here is done…for now.” She picked up her bonnet and strapped it back on. “You take care, Jane.”
“You too, Your Grace.” She sketched a bow.
Prudence walked over to the door and stopped then turned back to face her.
“I look forward to seeing you make a family out of us all.”
Just like that, Prudence disappeared and the imposing dowager took the wheel again. With a blank expression, she opened the door and stepped out, leaving Jane alone to the myriad of thoughts racing through her mind.
