Page 1 of The One With the Rogue Duke

Chapter 1

Verity

1817 England

My Dearest Cousin Verity,

Upon my nomination, I hear you have been accepted to join the Widows’ League. Even though my time with them was short, I can’t tell you the relief I felt in knowing I had their support should I need it. It is indeed a challenge to be a young widow, especially for a woman as independent as yourself. But I trust that having the league to lean upon will be a great source of reassurance for you.

You will receive word from Lady Wyndam, one of the founding widows, to ensure you have what you need.

All my love,

Audra

“It’s chaos, my lady, pure chaos,” Pym announced without moving his jaw. If one didn’t know him better, he bore a blank look, but Verity did know him better, and could see the flicker of perturbation in his right eyebrow. “Your sister and her husband have arrived a full day early. The housekeeper has fallen ill. Two of the maids have—” he cleared his throat “—fallen. Injured their ankles and a shoulder, if I’m correct.”

At her raised brow, he expounded upon the matter. “A strapping new stablehand caught their—Ah, yes. Of course. The details are not necessary. Moving on. More pressing issues include: the peonies we had delivered are wilted. The napkins are off white. The shipment of your preferred wine hasn’t arrived, and we found a mouse in one of the guest bedrooms. Oh, and there’s an issue with the horses.”

“This is not chaos, Pym. Please refrain from hyperbolizing. This is merely the happenings before a great house party.” She clapped her hands together and rattled off instructions. “Prepare the rose room for Prudence and Soren. Be sure to put a copy of Pride and Prejudice on her night table along with the Memoirs of Emma Courtney. I just finished reading it and think she’ll enjoy it. Find out who the housekeeper’s cousin is, Lancely I believe her name is, and have her fill in. Have the physician come to see the two maids. Ensure they get ample rest. Discuss the situation with the stablehand to reach a conclusion. This will not happen again.” She narrowed her eyes at Pym and raised her index finger in the air before continuing. “Put the peonies in water overnight. If they’re not revived in an hour, go through our hothouse before more guests arrive. Regarding the napkins, light fewer candles for dinner. As for wine, go to Kisswick village—yes, I know it’s a bit further than Hamsted, but they carry the Trevelyan Claret Reserve and the Saint-Antoine Noir. Purchase them. For one hour let a cat loose in the wing where you found the mouse. I’ll check in on the horses myself.”

“Certainly, my lady.” Pym swept out of the room leaving Verity to follow in his wake.

Throwing open the parlor doors, Verity waltzed in—interrupting what appeared to be a moment between husband and wife if she were to put stock into the fact that her sister’s cheeks were flushed scarlett, which she didn’t—and exclaimed, “Prudence, darling. So good of you to come.”

Prudence rolled her lips and touched her cheeks, “Erm…yes, of course. Sorry we’re early. You know I like to be on time, but the roads were surprisingly clear. And well, we’re here.”

“Nonsense. I’m delighted you’re here.” She gave her sister a small embrace and offered Soren her hand.

“Verity,” Soren murmured.

“Yes, yes. Soren be a dear. Would you please take a look at the cheroots in that box?”

“I don’t smoke—”

“Yes. Well…I still need a moment with Prudence.”

With a shrug, he made his way to the box and lifted the lid.

“Now,” Prudence sat on the settee, patting a spot next to her, “I must ask. Are you ready for this house party, sister?”

Regally, Verity lowered herself to the warmed space. “Of course. I’m disappointed that our eldest sister, Fidelia, is unable to attend, but her husband does keep her rather busy.”

“Busy is one word for it…” Pru mumbled in reply and then shook herself out of whatever it was she was going to say and instead repeated, “And you’re sure you’re ready?”

“This house party is going to be fabulous. Just like all my previous ones.”

“Right…but, erm…it’s not exactly like all your other ones, is it?”

In impatience, Verity narrowed her eyes at her sister. “What are you saying, Pru?”

“This is the last house party you’ll ever throw—”

“—Might be the last house party I ever host.”

“Yes. Right. Well…”

Soren strode over. “Do you have a plan, Verity?”