“Stop staring like that,” Helen whispered.
“Sorry.” Just a few minutes in the castle, and Mother and Helen had become two executioners.
They talked in hushed tones, but she overheard the wordsperfectionanddemurea few times. Frightening. Speaking of which, she hoped the castle was haunted. A ghost would cheer up the chilly atmosphere.
“Your room, Lady Montrose.” Mrs. Stamell opened the door to a wide room. “The earl’s room is on the left while your daughters have the rooms next to yours.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Stamell.” Mother gave them a pointed look. “Refresh yourselves and have some rest, girls. I’ll see you later.”
Father bussed Helen and Isabella on their cheeks before going to his room.
Isabella’s room was so big and wide that her voice echoed off the walls. She jumped on the four-poster bed, and Helen followed her, instead of going to her bedroom. They tumbled backwards in a heap of clothes and pillows, laughing.
“I understand your excitement. This room is amazing,” Isabella said, lying next to Helen.
“I knew you would love this place.” Helen spread her arms and touched the brocade curtains. “It’s like a fairy tale. A duke, a castle, and more luxuries than I’ve ever imagined.”
Isabella propped herself up on an elbow. “Do you want to marry a man you’ve never met?”
“I met him briefly years ago when I went to the opera with Mother. Anthony and his brother, Patrick, were there. Their parents were still alive. The duke is…serious.”
“Is that all? One brief encounter, and you’re happy to marry him?”
Helen tugged at the golden tassel of the rope holding the curtain. “He’s a duke, you ninny, and not just a duke, but a duke of an ancient family. Of course, I’m happy to marry him.”
“What does he look like? Is he handsome?”
“I remember his dark Sandhurst uniform and intense green eyes. He was so grave and scary I barely spoke to him. Alas, he isn’t handsome. Quite rough to be honest. Patrick, instead, is a fine and handsome gentleman, and he didn’t stop chatting. He’s very charming.”
“Serious and scary. Not the adjectives I would want for my husband.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m so happy.” Helen sighed, staring at the blue canopy and not sounding happy at all. “I’ve studied so hard to become a proper lady. Years of dance lessons, languages, and music. Now I could be a duchess!” Her black eyes gleamed. “Be part of this prestigious family. I can’t believe I’m going to be the eighteenth Duchess of Gloucester. And I’m absolutely ready.” She gripped Isabella’s hand. “This is what I want, what I’ve always wanted.”
“What mother has always wanted.”
“No. I mean, yes, but…I want it, too. Yes, I do. You talk so much about changing society and giving women more power, but there’s nothing more powerful than a duchess. Well, aside from the queen. I’ll be the most powerful woman in the kingdom after Her Majesty. What can be better?”
“A husband you love?”
Helen shrugged. “As long as he isn’t despicable, I’m happy.”
“You don’t sound happy.”
Helen hesitated before speaking. “Let’s say that once I’m married, Mother will stop forcing me to play the piano and study languages. That would make me happy.”
Isabella slid off the bed. “Well, Your Grace, I wish you all the happiness you deserve.” She kissed her sister’s cheek. “As for me, I want to take a walk and explore the grounds. Do you want to come with me?”
Helen scrunched up her face. “I’d rather listen to Father and his friends talk about cricket. I have no intention of soiling my boots with mud or getting too much sun. I don’t want to sweat, and there are too many insects out there. And Lawson should be here soon to help me get dressed.”
“Well, I’m going. I need to stretch out my legs.”
“Don’t get lost and don’t be late for dinner. You need to get ready, too.”
“I won’t be late. I’ll take just a quick walk.”
“Don’t do anything odd.”
“Fine!” She rolled her eyes. “Oh, Helen?” She paused at the door.
“Yes?”
“If you marry the duke, I won’t need to meet the queen, will I?”
Helen laughed.
