But Mrs. O’Malley was shaking her head. “You leave that to me, Miss Woodchurch.”
Hattie smiled gratefully. “That’s very kind, but—”
“Trust me.” She put her hands on Hattie’s shoulders and turned back to her work. “Come round tomorrow, and you’ll see.”
Hattie thought she’d come round tomorrow and see something much like what was in her mother’s wardrobe. But she promised she would return the next day.
When she’d finished her work for Mrs. O’Malley, Hattie carried on to Grosvenor Square. Teo was not in his study, but he’d left some things for her to decipher and to write. She was in the middle of writing a reply to a letter when she heard the door open. She turned, smiling, expecting Teo.
It was not Teo. It was his mother. She strolled into the study and looked around the room before allowing her gaze to settle on Hattie. “My son has gone to Harrington Hall today. Were you not informed?”
Hattie gained her feet and curtsied. “Good afternoon, your grace. No, I wasn’t aware.”
“Hmm,” she said, and her gaze flicked over Hattie as if she suspected her of something. She then moved a little deeper into the study. “I wouldn’t think your services would be required if the viscount is not present.”
“Ah...he left three letters to respond to.”
The duchess took another step closer, and her eyes narrowed. “Who are your people, if I may?”
Hattie blinked. “My people?”
“Your parents,” the duchess said impatiently.
Why did the duchess want to know? The question made Hattie anxious. “Hugh and Theodora Woodchurch.”
The duchess frowned. “I’ve not heard of them.”
“I would think not,” Hattie agreed.
The duchess looked her over again. Hattie couldn’t fathom why the woman was looking at her like she was. As if she thought Hattie was up to no good.
But she turned and started for the door without another word. At the open door, she paused and looked back at Hattie. “You best be about finding someone else to write letters for, Miss Woodchurch. My son will be leaving London very soon and will have no need of your services.”
The tone with which she saidservicesmade Hattie’s skin heat. It sounded untoward. But Hattie couldn’t help herself. “He’s leaving?”
“Of course. I expect he will leave soon after the ball. Are you surprised, Miss Woodchurch? Did you think he’d be here always, needing letters written?”
“No, I—”
“Because he is the duke of Santiava. Asovereignduke. Not a man sitting at a desk dictating letters.” And with that, the duchess walked out of the study.
Hattie waited until she was certain she was gone before she turned and sank into her chair. She pressed a hand to her heart, it was beating so wildly. Not because the duchess had been so terribly rude. But because he was leaving soon.
HATTIERETURNEDTOMrs. O’Malley’s shop the next day, as promised. Mrs. O’Malley grinned when she came in, and wiped her hands on her apron. “I knew you’d come.”
“I said I would,” Hattie replied, and smiled. She really had no intention of attending the Abbott ball. She didn’t belong there, and she didn’t care to see Teo courting Flora. But when his mother had said he was leaving... Well, Hattie had changed her mind.
“Come with me,” Mrs. O’Malley said. “Molly, darling, you’ll keep an eye on things here, won’t you?” she called to one of her daughters, then took Hattie by the hand and pulled her into the small office in the back where Hattie usually worked. And there, hanging on a cooling rack, was a dark green dress over a pale gold petticoat with what looked like a daring neckline. The petticoat was ruffled, and a velvet band wrapped around the waist. Hattie was awed by it. “Oh my. It’sbeautiful.”
“Isn’t it?” Mrs. O’Malley went to the gown and removed it. There was another gown behind it, black and white.
“Mrs. O’Malley! Wherever did you get them?” Hattie exclaimed as she ran her hand over the green velvet.
“My sister. She married Mr. Colin Pearce, who serves on the King’s Bench. There was a time they were invited to every drawing room. But she’s had two children in quick succession, and she’s gotten fat.” She laughed. “She and Mr. Pearce do not attend balls as they once did. She sent three gowns, in fact—two evening and one day.” She lifted the black-and-white one to reveal a deep sea-blue gown with a pale blue petticoat peeking out beneath. Hattie stared at them in shock.
“She has made a gift of them to you.”
“No!” Hattie exclaimed. “I can’t possibly accept such a generous gift.”
