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Chapter Fifteen
Aweek later, Eleanor’s father summoned her to the drawing room. To her surprise, the Duchess of Ashbourne was sitting in a chair. Her father waved for her to join him at the settee. Unsure of what to expect, Eleanor sat next to him. She had talked with the duchess after the last ball she’d gone to, and both the duchess and her father had seemed pleased with the way she’d handled things. She couldn’t imagine why they looked upset.
“Is there something wrong with my daughter?” her father asked the duchess.
The duchess shook her head. “Of course not. Lady Eleanor is a splendid lady to work with. She’s a quick learner, and she managed very well at the ball.”
“Then why hasn’t she received a single missive from a gentleman who wishes to pay her a visit?” her father demanded.
Eleanor’s face grew warm from embarrassment. While she’d been asking herself the same question, it made her feel like a failure to hear her father point it out.
“I don’t know why no one has asked to visit her,” the duchess said. “There’s no reason why she shouldn’t have a couple of gentlemen requesting to come by.”
Her father didn’t look the least bit happy with her answer, but Eleanor didn’t know what he had expected her to say. It wasn’t like the duchess could make gentlemen line up to talk to her.
“I paid you to get her some suitors,” he said. “But you haven’t fulfilled your part of the arrangement.”
The duchess gave him an understanding look. “No one can make a gentleman take an interest in a lady. I was paid to teach your daughter how to attract gentlemen, and I did that. Her dance card was so full that she barely had a moment to catch her breath. You were there. You saw how many gentlemen were trying to dance with her.”
“So why aren’t any of them sending a missive to visit her?”
She shrugged. “I can’t explain it. Every other lady I’ve instructed has had success. Perhaps you should take your daughter to another ball. I’ll watch and see if there’s something I missed last time. I’ll do this without requiring payment.”
“What good is another ball when the last one didn’t help? I’m not satisfied with the results of your lessons. I demand you to pay me back for the money I wasted.”
“Father, you can’t demand something like that,” Eleanor interrupted. “She did fulfill her part of the bargain. Maybe I’m too much of a wallflower to get any suitors.” Besides the Duke of Winnett. She resisted the urge to grimace. She’d rather not think of him. Turning to the duchess, she asked, “How long do gentlemen usually take to express an interest in courtship?”
“It depends on how anxious they are to marry, but in my experience, a week is sufficient time,” she replied.
“Ah ha!” Eleanor’s father pointed to the duchess. “Then you admit you failed. It’s been well over a week since that ball.”
“We can’t assume this is her fault. It’s possible the fault is mine,” Eleanor argued.
“Are you sure these gentlemen know where you live?” the duchess asked her father.
He seemed offended by the question. “Of course, they know where I live. I’m the Duke of Dormondton. I’m of great importance in the Ton.”
“There are a lot of people in London, Your Grace,” the duchess said. “It’s impossible to know everyone.”
“Those who matter know who I am.”
She arched an eyebrow. “I had no idea who you were until Mr. Tumilson brought you to my attention.”
“And did you know who he was?”
“No, I didn’t. But he knew who I was because of my reputation helping ladies secure husbands.”
“Well, I’d never heard of you until he mentioned you, and I circle in highly influential crowds.”
Eleanor bit her lower lip. She didn’t think he was as prominent as he thought he was. If he was, then why would he care what kind of gentleman she married? The only reason he wasn’t forcing her to marry the Duke of Winnett was because he wanted her to get a husband who could help him improve his social standing. While she knew it meant he was using her for gain in the Ton, she didn’t mind it if she could get a better suitor than the Duke of Winnett.
“Perhaps we ought to try another ball, Father,” Eleanor spoke up. “The duchess has graciously offered to attend this one without requiring payment. I’ll take better care to follow her instructions this time.” Glancing at the lady, she added, “I’ll even slip where I live into the conversation so they know to send the missives to this address.” And she would only do that with gentlemen she wanted to court her. “I’ll be subtle about it. I’ll say something about the cute dog in the townhouse next door or mention the new flowers a townhouse just down the street put out on their balcony.”
The duchess nodded. “Those would be good ways to slip where you live into the conversation. I see nothing wrong with the plan.” She directed her attention to her father. “Does that suit you?”
Her father paused for a long moment then let out a heavy sigh. “Very well. We’ll go to another ball. I don’t mind going to them, but very little actually gets accomplished there. Too many people want to dance and have a good time.”
Eleanor pretended she didn’t notice the slight exasperation on the duchess’ face. “That settles it then,” Eleanor said. “I’ll go to my bedchamber and practice everything I’ve learned. I’ll do my best not to disappoint you, Father.”
