True to Miss Ellis’ words, the crowd soon thinned out when they entered into the exclusive neighborhood where the echelons of Society dwelt. This time, the drab buildings were replaced with elegant townhouses. Money was not an issue for the aristocracy but the limited space might prove to be a headache for the architect.
“One wonders how they all managed to squeeze into such a tiny space without driving themselves mad,” Trixie muttered.
Miss Ellis laughed quietly. “Fear not, Lady Beatrice. There are parks that we can visit for a breath of fresh air.”
“I figured as much,” the young Rowley sister nodded. She looked out of the window again and sighed. “Even Ranhold House seems bigger than these houses. Claire, what do you think?”
“Ranhold House was built without much concern for space,” her older sister replied with a tight smile. “Here in the city, it would not matter much if you were exceedingly wealthy. Land is still a valuable commodity and, following that, space.”
“Lady Claire is absolutely correct,” the governess agreed. “If you want a larger home, then you need to buy the space for it.”
As the carriage came to a halt in front of one of the largest townhouses in the area, Trixie could not help but exclaim in delight. The Slade townhouse even featured mews, where the horses and carriages were kept for the use of the Duke and his sister.
“Make sure that your bonnet is in place before you alight the carriage,” Claire reminded her sister, knowing the younger Rowley’s tendency to bounce out of particularly long carriage rides.
Trixie allowed Miss Ellis to fix her bonnet and her gown for her before she emerged from the carriage, her steps sure and strong as she took in the London air.
“I dare say that His Grace must be extremely wealthy, for this is one of the largest townhouses in the area,” she whispered to Claire, who followed her in coming out of the carriage.
Claire looked up at the grand townhouse with its cream facade and large windows that allowed for plenty of natural light to fill the rooms.
The architect must have been a genius to be able to utilize the small space so very well.
“Welcome to our townhouse!” Lady Suzanna announced with a grand flourish. “Good afternoon, Marley!” she greeted the butler. “We have guests.”
“It is our honor, Lady Suzanna,” the butler replied with a practiced bow. “I have had the staff prepare for your arrival.”
“Thank you so much, Marley,” the duke’s sister smiled affectionately at their loyal butler. “By the way, this is Lady Claire,” she gestured towards Claire, “and her sister, Lady Beatrice.”
“You can just call me Trixie,” the younger Rowley sister piped up. “Beatrice sounds so…so…old.”
“Lady Trixie, it is our pleasure to be able to serve you,” Marley said, with a twinkle in his eye. “His Grace specifically asked that you be given a room with a good view.”
Her eyes lit up. “Really?”
“I would never dream of lying to my lady.”
“What about you, Claire? Are you not curious about your accommodations?” Oliver asked the older sister with a teasing hint in his voice.
Claire smiled at him and inclined her head a little. “I am certain that whatever His Grace chose would be more than enough for my needs.”
“Very well then, let us all proceed inside,” Lady Suzanna declared. “We cannot stand around in the street all day.”
“I have taken the liberty to have tea prepared for your arrival, my lady,” the butler told her. “It will be served in the drawing room, as you instructed.”
Lady Suzanna smiled. “Very good, Marley. Shall we?”
Claire and Trixie followed her as she went into the house, with His Grace trailing behind them, his hands clasped behind him, a small smile tilting his lips.
* * *
No sooner had the ladies settled in and began to enjoy their afternoon tea in the drawing room, when Marley announced the arrival of one Madame Woolworth and her assistants.
“My dear sister, there truly is no doubt about your efficiency in matters that require the spending of my money,” the duke remarked with a wry smile over his teacup.
His sister merely laughed and replied, “Well, if I were to dress so shabbily, then within the next two hours, word will have spread of your dire straits and nobody would willingly do business with you.”
“So even the matter of clothing can affect business?” Trixie asked in astonishment.
