Page 53 of Manufacturing a Duchess

“Your Grace,” said Calum, giving a short bow, which Alec returned. “I am Calum Ambleside. I serve as Mr. Hardcastle’s factotum at the manufactory. Please, come in.”

And so, Alec entered a factory for the first time. He expected it to be dark and dreary, but the ceilings were high with plenty of windows and natural light. People passed to and fro in front of and around the looms, occasionally feeding thread and all manner of things which he did not understand. There were no children present. A few older youths swept the floors to try and keep some of the fluff under control.

The noise prevented any sort of discussion of what was going on, so Mr. Ambleside simply took the Duke on a quick circuit before leading him into the office, where Mr. Hardcastle had already availed himself of a seat and was thumbing through a ledger.

“Stephen has already been by and reviewed the accounts, Mr. Hardcastle,” jumped in Mr. Ambleside. He seemed to catch himself and looked abashed and concluded more quietly. “Most pleased with the story that they told.”

“Stephen?” inquired Alec.

“My former apprentice,” stated Mr. Ambleside. “Away at school but is home for a while and could not resist coming by to ensure everything was operating according to plan.”

Mr. Hardcastle’s frown was there and gone so quickly, Alec doubted he had seen it. The older gentleman gave a wry smile and shook his head, but his eyes looked wary. “Sounds like Stephen,” was all he said. “I know you have missed the assistance from that quarter.”

Alec had noticed a young man exiting the office as they had entered the building. “Oh, I think I saw him leave the office as we were coming in. I wish he had stayed to introduce himself.”

“Another time, perhaps another time,” said Mr. Ambleside. “I don’t expect we shall see Stephen a great deal more on this visit. Yes, I rather think Stephen is needed at home.”

“I should say so,” interjected Mr. Hardcastle. Clearly changing the subject, he turned to Alec. “Well, sir? What do you think of your first glimpse of a proper factory?”

“I confess I do not understand all I have seen,” replied Alec. “But I do know this. As my years in His Majesty’s Army showed me, organization and efficiency are paramount for any type of success. And this is clearly a well-ordered enterprise. Everyone looks healthy and as if they know what they are about. It is clean. The light through the windows is an excellent part of the structural planning. I am impressed, Mr. Hardcastle, though not necessarily more enlightened. As per our earlier conversation.”

“Well, sir,” returned Mr. Hardcastle, “I am happy to repeat this is not an insurmountable obstacle. There may be a solution at our fingertips. Come, we must get back to the house. I am sure I have some hosting duties to attend to, with the rest of the party. And on our ride back, you must tell me some more about your daughter. I know Aurora is very fond of her.”

Forty-Three

Seeing as she had retreated to her room the other night, when Aurora and Alec finally met again, it was over the breakfast table the next day. It was a largely silent meal. Aurora looked bleary around the eyes, as if she had not slept well. But Alec noted she was able to smile quietly at him, and the shared silence was companionable.

He let Aurora lead the morning’s conversation, even if it was to be a comfortable silence. He was at sixes and sevens himself as he reflected back to all that had taken place over these past few days, including his first visit to the manufactory, and feeling entirely out of his element and inadequate to the business situation he was heading into. So, he found it soothing simply to sit there with her, listening to her breathe and watching her twirl a curl at her temple around her finger as she stared blankly at the toasted bread she was nibbling on.

After a strong cup of tea, he watched her eyes come into focus, and he could see she felt ready to attempt conversation. “How is Marjorie this morning? Did she sleep well? I so hope she did,” she asked.

“I looked in on her before I came downstairs, and she was only now waking up. She seems a bit subdued as yet, but a day spent clambering through the attics again helped yesterday. Yes, I believe she slept.”

“Good. I plan to look in on my parents first thing this morning to see how they are recovering. I had not realized how poorly my father was doing. I hope recent events have not set him back. And after⁠—”

Alec watched her take a moment, then continue as if she had come to a decision.

“With your permission, I wondered if I might take Marjorie on a good, long walk,” she said.

Alec gave her a grateful smile. “I think she would appreciate that. She quite hero worships you, you know. I believe she now thinks you might slay dragons. I am not entirely sure where that relegates me. You, however, are firmly in the ascendant.”

The corners of Aurora’s mouth turned up in a cross between a smile and a look of slight chagrin. “I do not believe anyone will ever dispel your place as the Greatest Hero of All Time.”

“Oh, that would be Wellington.”

“I stand corrected.” Aurora relaxed into a laugh. “I am honored to have her regard. She is a very special little girl. I see a great deal of promise in her. And, if you do not see this as too presumptuous, I find I have come to love her already. How much, I did not know until the other day.”

Alec did not say anything further, as he found himself suddenly unable to speak. All he could do was reach out to clasp Aurora’s hand and hold it silently, gently caressing her fingers. Finally, he managed, “Thank you. We have been alone for so long. I just, well—thank you.”

Aurora directed a soft look his way and returned the pressure of his hand. They sat there for another moment, saying nothing further, and then resumed eating the last portions of their meal.

Alec pushed back his chair, “My plan for this morning had been to consult further with your father so we could conclude our negotiations for our marriage contract. Perhaps that is better postponed for another day. In which case, I believe it would do me good to go for a ride. Clear my head, gather my thoughts.”

Aurora nodded. “I think that sounds an excellent plan. Shall we see each other again over luncheon? Perhaps another picnic, this time on the grounds? Would Marjorie enjoy that?”

“She would indeed.”

“Then it is settled. Have a wonderful ride, Alec.”