Ernest stepped into the study with an impassive expression on his face as he cleared his throat lightly before speaking.
“Your Grace, Her Grace called for a carriage to take her to Bluebird Hall where her family is currently residing.”
Richard remained silent.
The butler added, a little quieter this time, “There was luggage loaded in the carriage. It seems Her Grace intends to stay with them for a while.”
In the end, she did not want to stay, just like everyone else.
Dejection flooded Richard’s veins, and he refilled his glass, his hand shaking slightly as he stated, “As we learned fromthe Scandal Gazette, the Duchess can do whatever she pleases.”
ChapterNineteen
“We have arrived, Your Grace.”
Nancy peered through the carriage window, taking in the magnificent blue house that sat on a bright expanse of greenery, noting absentmindedly that her sisters had not exaggerated when they told her how marvelous their new home was.
Tiredly, she sighed and stepped out of the carriage, belatedly relieved that her family had managed to live comfortably for a while and at least something good had come out of her marriage to Richard.
“Nancy!” Anne cried happily, running down to greet her sister.
Beatrice followed closely, just as excited to see her elder sister, both of them wrapping their arms around her warmly.
Nancy exhaled, feeling as though she had made the right decision to come and see them.
“Are you all right? You look upset,” Anne noted, ever sharp and perceptive.
“Let’s take her inside first—oh my, you brought Dash with you!” Beatrice squealed, coaxing a cry from Anne once she noticed the fluffy puppy circling their feet.
Nancy nodded. “Since I told you a lot about him at the ball, I thought you would like to meet him. And he was certainly excited to meet you. Isn’t that right, Dash?”
The puppy sat back and barked in agreement, wagging his tail happily.
Anne practically screamed in awe, reaching forward to lift the puppy into her arms. “He’s so pretty!” she said, her eyes brimming with joy.
“And incredibly well-behaved,” Beatrice noted, patting his head gently. To her older sister, she smiled softly and took her hand, leading her to the house’s entrance. “Come in, Nancy. You look as though you could use a cup of tea.”
While the servants handled her luggage, Nancy sat with her sisters, listening to them regale her with tales of their days and how they had planned to go and pick flowers in a field not too far from the estate.
It brought her no small comfort how obvious it was that they knew she was upset. Still, rather than pestering her to talk about it, they simply distracted her by conversing casually.
“… and then Beatrice saw a bee and screamed.”
“I did not!” Beatrice snapped indignantly. “I just… ran.”
“While screaming.” Anne grinned cheekily.
“It does sound like you, Bea,” Nancy teased softly. “But in your defense, bees are terrifying insects.”
“See?” Beatrice stuck her tongue out at Anne with an expression of triumph. “Nancy understands?—”
The door to the drawing room burst open, and their mother walked in with a dark expression.
“What have you done?” she demanded, waving around a copy ofthe Scandal Gazette.
Nancy’s breath hitched in her chest, and she told her sisters softly, “Take Dash to play with you outside. I must speak with Mama for a moment.”
But her mother had no plans to wait until they were alone, seemingly far too angry.
