Lucy nodded. “It’s a long story, but Aunt Selina gave it to me as a test. My only opportunity. If I succeeded, she would take me on properly and teach me everything she knows.”
“And success...” Dorothy said carefully, “... means?”
“Finding him a suitable wife,” Lucy replied. “Within two weeks.”
Dorothy went very still.
“That is only the beginning of the complication,” Lucy added quickly. “What transpired after my arrival at the estate is a tale far too long for tonight. I promise I will tell you everything, every absurd, mortifying detail, another time. For now, all you must know is that I have been granted a fortnight. Nothing more.”
Dorothy’s lips parted. “What happens if the fortnight elapses?”
Lucy did not answer at once. She drew a slow breath, fingers tightening around the porcelain teacup she had scarcely touched since sitting down.
“He said,” Lucy replied carefully, “that if I fail to find him a suitable wife within two weeks, I shall become that wife instead.”
The effect was immediate. Dorothy rose to her feet so abruptly the chair scraped against the floor. “Of course, he did,” she exclaimed, throwing her hands into the air. “Of course, this is how the Duke of Langridge would conduct himself, and of course, this is how you would find yourself entangled in it.”
“Dorothy—”
“No,” Dorothy cut in, pacing now. “Do not interrupt me. This is entirely typical of you, Lucy Crampton. Entirely.” She turned sharply, eyes flashing. “You have an astonishing talent for placing yourself in the very center of catastrophe and then insisting, with great conviction, that it will all resolve itself.”
Lucy straightened. “That is hardly fair.”
“Is it not?” Dorothy demanded. “Shall I remind you? First there was Cecilia, my sister. Your cousin.” She paused pointedly. “Forcing her into a situation so compromising that the family nearly fainted in unison. A duke trapped, a reputation dangling by a thread, and you—” she gestured sharply. “—standing in the middle of it all with the calmness of someone arranging flowers.”
Lucy winced. “That turned out well. It was years ago.”
“That is not the point,” Dorothy snapped. “The point is that it could just as easily have destroyed her and you... and half the family.”
“But it didn’t,” Lucy insisted. “Cecilia found her happiness. She is married to a man who adores her. If anything, that should prove I am capable?—”
“It proves,” Dorothy interrupted, “that fortune has so far been indulgent with you.”
She exhaled sharply and resumed her pacing. “After that, you frightened away every eligible gentleman your mama put before you. You argued, questioned, challenged, and corrected. Suitors fled in terror. Your mama was driven to such desperation she sent you to live with Aunt Selina in hopes solitude might tame you.”
Lucy lowered her gaze, though her jaw set stubbornly.
“Now,” Dorothy continued, voice dropping slightly, “you have somehow arrived at a duke’s estate, under his roof, with an ultimatum hanging over your head that would make even the boldest woman pause.”
She stopped directly before Lucy. “You are always running headlong into danger, convinced it is purpose. But I am beginning to fear you do not pause long enough to ask yourself what you truly want.”
Silence stretched between them.
Lucy rose slowly to her feet. “I know it looks reckless,” she said.
“It is reckless,” Dorothy said. “I know you, Lucy. You do not wish to marry. What would you do if that is the only option before you, given that you have agreed to it? He is a powerful man. You cannot break your promise.”
“It won’t come to that,” Lucy assured her. “I know it looks as though I am forever chasing one scheme after another. But this is not a whim, Dorothy. This is the first thing that has felt like it belonged to me.”
Dorothy’s expression softened, though worry still lingered in her eyes.
“I want to learn this craft,” Lucy continued. “I want to make something of myself that is not measured by anyone. Aunt Selina finally gave me a chance. I cannot turn back now.”
“What about the Duke?” Dorothy asked gently. “If he means what he says? Would it be such a terrible idea to marry him? We would be close. We would see each other more often. Your mama would be happy.”
Lucy shook her head vigorously. “Marriage isn’t in the books for me anymore, Dorothy. I don’t want that life. Certainly, not with someone like Rowan Clawridge.”
Dorothy pressed a hand to her chest, exasperated, yet concerned. “Lucy, you must promise me something. You are not to do anything reckless. Nothing rash, do you hear me?”
