“Do call me Maggie. And, yes, it was no small feat to transform the proprietress of a Dorset fossils shop into a duchess.” The lady sipped her tea, her eyes rueful. “But I was determined, you see, to be the duchess my husband deserved.”
Fancy understood that feeling wholeheartedly. The fact that Maggie had started off with less than noble origins and ended up a celebrated pillar of society buoyed Fancy’s hopes.
“I don’t know why you were worried, Maggie. Your husband adores you: he would have married you if you were wearing a flour sack and talking cant.” Dressed in a maroon promenade gown styledà la militaire, Tessa polished off a biscuit and addressed the rest of the group. “You should have seen the way Ransom—the Duke of Ranelagh and Somerville, that is—proposed to her. I am not one for grand romantic gestures, but even my heart went pitter-patter.”
Maggie blushed.
“We asked Maggie to come with us today, not only because we wanted the two of you to meet,” Gabby said, her blue eyes earnest, “but because we thought she could help.”
Fancy looked dubiously at the serene duchess. “That is very kind of you all, but I wouldn’t want to involve Maggie, or any of you, in what could prove to be dangerous business.”
“Dangerismy business,” Tessa said smartly. “But we’ll get to that in a moment.”
“When you told us that you wished to become a lady of fashion, we thought immediately of Maggie,” Gabby explained. “She does not just know style, shesetsit.”
“I am more than a fashion plate, you know,” Maggie said with a touch of wryness. “As you’ll recall, I’ve had my share of perilous adventures. But, yes, I would like to assist in your venture, Fancy, in any way that I can. In fact, I’m holding a smallfêtein three days and would be honored if you and Knighton would be my guests of honor.”
“Oh…thank you.” Fancy glanced at Aunt Esther, who gave a fervent nod. “We would like that.”
“Lovely,” Maggie said, beaming. “Lady Brambley, I hope you will join us. And I understand Knighton has siblings who are, ahem, newly arrived from France. They are welcome as well.”
Fancy admired Maggie’s delicacy. The duchess was implying that she knew the illegitimate status of Knight’s brothers and sisters and would still receive them. Having Maggie’s stamp of approval would no doubt give the campaign to launch Jonas and Cecily into Society a much-needed boost.
Fancy knew she had interpreted the situation correctly when Aunt Esther said with gruff gratitude, “You are very kind, Your Grace.”
After a bit more chitchat, Aunt Esther excused herself, leaving Fancy alone with her friends.
“Now that we are done with the fashionable talk,” Tessa declared, “onto more pressing matters. Fancy, do you have the note and christening gown you mentioned?”
“Yes.” Fancy retrieved the objects from a nearby table, where she’d set them earlier. “Here they are.”
They all gathered around as Tessa started with the note.
“May God watch over this babe. For her own safety, she must never return to London,”she read aloud. “Sounds to me like someone was trying to protect you, Fancy. What do you think about the handwriting?”
“The penmanship is rather unrefined,” Maggie mused. “There are not the usual flourishes that I associate with an upper class lady’s hand.”
“Maybe it was written in a hurry?” Gabby suggested. “I leave out the curlicues when I have to scribble a quick note.”
“Or it could have been written by a woman with less formal education,” Maggie said. “A servant, perhaps.”
Impressed with her friends’ observations, Fancy said, “You all make excellent points.”
“Now for the gown.” Tessa held up the silk garment, tilting her head this way and that as she studied the embroidered flower. “Flora and fauna are not my strength. I cannot tell a cornflower from a cabbage. What do you think, Gabby and Maggie?”
“Is it a rose, perhaps?” Gabby squinted at the embroidery. “I wish it wasn’t so small…”
“I have something that’ll help.” Reaching into the pocket of her skirts, Fancy took out her tinker’s friend. She found the correct handle and swiveled out a small magnifying glass.
“How clever!” Gabby exclaimed.
“And handy,” Tessa said. “Wherever did you come by such a contraption?”
“My da made it. He calls ita tinker’s friend, and I never go anywhere without it.” Fancy showed her friends the other tools and smiled at theiroohsandahsof delight. When they were done admiring, she held the magnifying glass over the embroidered flower.
“The bell-shaped petals resemble a rhododendron or azalea, I think,” Maggie said. “What do you make of those yellow specks?”
She pointed at the tiny stitches at the center of the flower.
