“There should have been provision for you in the marriage settlement,” Ellie said. “A widow’s jointure. Did you read it?”
Tess nodded. “Oh, I’d forgotten about that. Yes, I think I get lifetime use of the dower house.”
“It’s not actually on fire, by the way,” Daisy grinned. “We just said that to get you out of here.”
“I gathered that.”
“You should get financial support, as well,” Ellie pressed. “Like rent from some of the duke’s properties. The standard percentage is usually a third of the estate, but even if you only get a fraction of the duchy’s income, you’ll still be better off than with your father.”
Tess nodded as hope blossomed anew. “There was definitely something about rent in there, but I don’t remember the particulars. I was too disgusted with my father to pay much attention.”
Ellie gave a satisfied smile. “It’s going to be all right. The duchy earns more than enough to support you. Youdeservethis, Tess. You said your vows. It’s the duke’s misfortune that he didn’t live long enough to enjoy it.”
Daisy wrinkled her nose—a sure sign that she was thinking.
“Even if the marriage doesn’t have to have been consummated, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to let everyone assume the duke bedded you.” She held up her hand to stave off Tess’s instinctive protest. “It will buy you some extra time before you have to deal with the next duke, because the executors will have to wait a few months to make sure you’re not carrying an heir. When it becomes clear you’re not, they’ll go and find whoever’s in line to inherit.”
“That’s not a terrible idea,” Ellie agreed.
“Infact,” Daisy continued, warming to her theme, “you could always try to get pregnant, quick, and tell everyone it’s the duke’s. That would really cement your position.”
Tess gasped, half amused, half appalled by her friend’s flippant suggestion. “I’m not against having children someday, but I’m notthatdesperate! And besides, how would I even go about it? Pounce on the first drunkard I see outside the Dog and Duck and beg him to make love to me?”
“You wouldn’t have to beg anyone.” Daisy sent her a playful grin. “They’d be lining up and thanking their lucky stars. But men in their cups aren’t known for giving the best performance, so to speak. You’d be better hiring a professional.”
Tess frowned. “A professionalman? What do you mean?”
“A male whore,” Daisy said, matter-of-factly. “I’ve heard people talking about them at my father’s parties.”
Officially, Daisy’s father was the dissolute Duke of Dalkeith, but it was an open secret in thetonthat her real sire was an Italian count with whom her mother had conducted a torrid, and very public, affair.
“I know they exist, too,” Ellie nodded sagely. “Male prostitutes, that is. My father called one as a witness in a case he prosecuted last year. I read about it in his notes.”
Tess threw up her hands. “I’m not hiring a man to lie with me. That’s ridiculous. Not to mentionexpensive. At least, I expect it would be.”
Daisy shrugged. “It was just a thought.” She pulled back the bedcovers and gestured to Tess. “Come on, get in. We’ll stay with you tonight. We’ll leave before dawn so we’re not seen.”
“Won’t you be missed at Hollyfield?”
Daisy’s father owned the neighboring estate, on the far side of the village.
Daisy snorted. “Unlikely. Father’s hosting a hunting party, which means everyone will be foxed. He thinks Ellie and I are both safely tucked up in bed. We won’t be expected down before breakfast, at the earliest.”
“How did you get here?”
“We left our horses in that empty cottage by the spinney. Then we sneaked in through the tradesman’s entrance while the staff were having dinner. They were all gossiping about you, of course.”
Tess made a face. “They probably think I’m a scheming harpy who only married the duke for his money.”
“They do indeed. Because there’s nootherreason anyone would have married him. It’s not like he was young, handsome, or even charming.”
“Perhaps that’s why Fate’s giving you this second chance,” Ellie mused.
A glowing excitement swirled in Tess’s chest as the reality of her situation finally began to sink in. For the first time in her life, she didn’t have to answer to anyone.
English law usually decreed that a woman passed directly from her father’s control to that of a husband. They were little better than chattel, powerless to exert any authority over their own lives or finances.
But Fate had granted her an astonishing reprieve. Widowhood, combined with a modest income, would mean blissful independence. A chance todosomething with her life. Something interesting. Something worthwhile.
