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“I found His Grace. He was not what I expected.” Annabel hesitated, her thoughts lingering on the duke’s surprising kindness and the warm confidence in his manner.
Mrs. Harris bobbed her head, her eyes encouraging Annabel to continue as she chewed thoughtfully.
“He offered to marry me in Lord Saunton’s stead.”
Mrs. Harris choked on her crumbs, her eyes wide with disbelief. After a few sputtering moments, she found her voice. “The Duke of Halmesbury asked you to be his wife?”
“That is correct.”
“And what did you say?”
Annabel took a deep breath. “It is all arranged. Phili—that is, His Grace has already spoken with the baron, and we will wed on Saturday morning.”
Mrs. Harris stared at her, her expression a mixture of astonishment and pride. “What would your dear mama say to her Annabel marrying a duke? Is he a good man?”
“A wonderful man,” Annabel replied earnestly. “Intelligent, generous, and,”—her voice softened—“handsome. I believe we will have a pleasant future together.” She caught herself, realizing how fanciful she sounded, and quickly added, “He is marrying to fulfill his duty, and I am fortunate to be the one he chose. I must remember that this is a practical arrangement.”
Mrs. Harris shook her head in wonderment. “What else did he say?”
Annabel’s face brightened. “I think I can convince him to bring you on as his housekeeper.”
“Me? For a duke?” Mrs. Harris’s hand flew to her chest, her astonishment plain.
“He recently gave up his housekeeper to run a charity. The position is vacant, and he said I may help choose a replacement. I want to recommend you. We could stay together, Mrs. Harris. Mama would have been so pleased.”
Mrs. Harris looked aghast, though her hazel eyes shone with affection. “But, my girl, a duke’s household must be enormous.”
“It will be more work than Baydon Hall, but you are more than capable. Please say you will come.”
“My dear girl,” Mrs. Harris said fondly, shaking her head, “I would follow you to the ends of the earth.”
Annabel chuckled. “Father more than makes up for your indulgence. He says no often enough for two parents.”
“My girl is going to be a duchess.” Mrs. Harris sighed in amazement.
“His Grace will return Saturday morning for the wedding, so we must begin packing.”
Mrs. Harris’s brow furrowed. “Has the baron spoken to you yet?”
“Not yet. How long do you think it will take for him to inform me of my impending marriage, considering the duke has been here for over an hour?”
Mrs. Harris laughed. “He will inform you just before dinner, I’ll wager. In the meantime, I’ll sort out your trunks.”
Annabel smiled her thanks but paused as Mrs. Harris added, “Caroline wrote. She is well situated in her new position.”
Annabel’s smile faded. “Good.”
“I still do not understand why you helped her after what she did.”
Annabel’s voice softened. “I cannot hate her, Mrs. Harris. She made a terrible mistake, but she was with us for ten years. If I had cast her out, she would have had no one. Mama would have approved of my decision.”
Mrs. Harris nodded, though her expression remained troubled. “You are too forgiving, my girl.”
“Perhaps. But I would rather regret my kindness than my cruelty.”
Mrs. Harris reached over to pat her hand. “Your mother would be proud of you, Annabel.”
Annabel smiled, her thoughts turning to the duke. She had been granted a second chance, and she would not squander it. The duke had granted her a reprieve. Now some other unfortunate debutante would be left with the faithless Lord Saunton. “Please Lord, help the poor miss who takes Richard Balfour as a husband,” Annabel prayed under her breath.
