Page 2 of An Inconvenient Duke

British Embassy

Hôtel de Charost, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré

Paris, France

Dear General,

Your appreciation is more than enough. Please do not feel obligated to call on us, as I know how busy your homecoming will surely be. I wish you the best with your new endeavors. Please give my love to Claudia and Penelope.

Yours in friendship—

Danielle Williams

April 1816

To the Honorable Danielle Williams

No. 2 Bedford Square, Mayfair

London

Dear Miss Williams,

I have returned home but discovered unsettling information regarding my sister Elise. I must insist on meeting with you. Please reply with the best day and time for me to call upon you.

Marcus Braddock

April 1816

To the General His Grace the Duke of Hampton

Charlton Place, Park Lane

London

Dear Duke,

While I wish to congratulate you on your new title, I must decline your offer to receive you. Elise was my dearest friend—in truth, more like a sister. To speak of her death will only refresh our shared grief and remind us of all that we have lost when your return should be met with joy. I could not bear it and wish to grieve for her in peace. Please understand.

Sincerely,

Danielle Williams

May 1816

To the Right Honorable the Viscountess Bromley

& the Honorable Danielle Williams

No. 2 Bedford Square

Mayfair, London

You are cordially invited to attend a birthday celebration in honor of the General His Grace the Duke of Hampton, on Saturday, May 5, at 8 p.m. Please send your acceptance to Miss Braddock, Charlton Place, Park Lane, London.

And the handwritten note tucked inside with the invitation…

Danielle, please attend. The party will not be the same without you. And to be honest, I will need your support to survive the evening. You know how Marcus can be at events like this. That it is for his own birthday will most likely make him all the worse. And Pippa misses you as much as I do.