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The dowager duchess wore black, a color that suited her, and over a light breakfast she read the duke’s obituary in The Times, which was long on compliments, while being short on acco
mplishments. However, there was one sentence that brought a smile to her face: The thirteenth Duke of Hertford died peacefully in his sleep.
34
VIRGINIA HAD GIVEN considerable thought to how she should conduct herself during the next few days. Once the family had gone their separate ways after the funeral, she intended to make some fairly radical changes at Castle Hertford.
The fourteenth duke was the first member of the family to arrive, and Virginia was standing on the top step waiting to greet him. As he walked up the steps, she gave a slight curtsey, to acknowledge the new order.
“Virginia, what a sad occasion for all of us,” said Clarence. “But it’s at least a comfort for me to know that you were by his side to the last.”
“It’s so kind of you to say so, Clarence. What a blessed relief it is that my dear Perry suffered no pain when he passed away.”
“Yes, I was relieved to hear that Papa died peacefully in his sleep. Let’s be thankful for small mercies.”
“I hope it won’t be too long before I join him,” said Virginia, “because, like Queen Victoria, I will mourn my dear husband until the day I die.” The butler and two footmen appeared and began to unload the car. “I’ve put you in your old room for the time being,” said Virginia. “But of course I will move out to the Dower House, just as soon as my dear Perry has been buried.”
“There’s no hurry,” said Clarence. “I’ll be returning to my regiment after the funeral, and in any case we’re going to have to rely on you to keep things ticking over in my absence.”
“I’ll be happy to do whatever I can. Why don’t we discuss what you have in mind once you’ve unpacked and had something to eat?”
The duke was a few minutes late for lunch, and apologized, explaining that several people had telephoned, requesting to see him urgently.
Virginia could only wonder who had called, but satisfied herself with saying, “I thought we should hold the funeral on Thursday, but only if that meets with your approval.”
“I’m happy to abide by your wishes,” said the duke. “Perhaps you could also give some thought to the order of service, and suggest who you think should be invited to the reception afterward?”
“I’ve already begun working on a list. I’ll let you have it later today.”
“Thank you, Virginia. I knew I could rely on you. I have some meetings to attend this afternoon, so I hope you’ll be around when Alice arrives.”
“Of course. And when are you expecting Camilla and her family?”
“Later this evening, but as I’ll be in Father’s study—”
“Your study,” said Virginia quietly.
“It may take me a little time to get used to that. Would you be kind enough to let me know when Alice arrives?”
* * *
Virginia was working on the list of guests she wanted to attend the private reception following the funeral, as well as those she didn’t, when a taxi drew up outside the castle and Alice stepped out. Once again, she took her place at the top of the steps.
“Poor Virginia,” were Alice’s first words as she greeted her. “How are you bearing up?”
“Not well. But everyone’s been so kind and understanding, which has been a great comfort.”
“Of course they have,” said Alice. “After all, you were his rock and soulmate.”
“It’s so kind of you to say so,” said Virginia, as she led Alice up the staircase to the guest bedroom she had chosen for her. “I’ll let Clarence know you’re here.”
She strolled downstairs and went into the duke’s study without knocking, to find Clarence deep in conversation with Mr. Moxton, the estate manager. Both men immediately stood as she entered.
“You asked me to let you know when Alice arrived. I’ve put her in the Carlyle Room. I hope you’ll be able to join us for tea in about half an hour.”
“That may not be possible,” said the duke, giving her a curt nod, clearly not pleased to have been interrupted, which Virginia found somewhat disconcerting. She left without another word and retreated to the drawing room, where Montgomery, Perry’s old Labrador, sat up and began wagging his tail. She took a seat near the open door, which allowed her to keep an eye on the comings and goings in the corridor outside. She intended to have a word with Clarence about replacing Moxton in the not-too-distant future.
The next person to enter the duke’s study was the butler, who didn’t come out for another forty minutes. He then disappeared below stairs, only to return a few moments later accompanied by the cook, who Virginia couldn’t recall ever seeing on the ground floor.
