Isabella, on the other hand was treated with disdain by the servants. She was just a governess, a woman of high standing, forced to work because her family had failed. Isabella got up from her desk, walked to the window seat and sat down next to Harriet.
''My dear, listen to this idea. You will love it, I am sure. We're going to have a ball, a Masquerade Ball.''
''What fun,'' Isabella said without meaning it.
''Oh, I do hope so. Listen to me carefully. You and I are friends. I know my brother frowns upon our friendship, but he is just a fuddy-duddy.” Harriet placed her hand on Isabella’s. “You know my brother has been desperately lonely since the death of his wife. Her passing left him devastated, as you know. But she died five years ago. He thinks it is time to find a new wife. That's why I am going to help organize a ball. We will invite hundreds of eligible women and he can take his pick.''
Isabella suddenly felt faint. She was going to lose her beloved Duke to another woman. ''Splendid, yes. The Duke deserves to be happy. Now I really must.....''
''Not so fast. I haven't told you the best bit yet.'' Harriet was a master plotter. Usually, Isabella loved hearing about her schemes, but she had been shattered by the news that she was planning to marry the Duke off. She had lost all interest in discussing the matter further.
''I want you to come to the ball as well.''
Isabella turned bright red. ''It is not my place to question the judgment of the Duke's sister. However, I really don't think that is a good idea. What should I do at the ball? I won't know anybody, and I am really not the kind of woman who enjoys dancing with strange men.''
''Strange men? You won't need to dance with strange men? You my dear, will win the hand of my brother.''
''What?'' Isabella spluttered. ''Now I really am questioning your judgment. In all my twenty two years on this planet, that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Quite preposterous.''
''No, it is not.” Harriet shook her head. “You are the most beautiful woman I know. I have a hundred lady friends and it is you, whose looks I admire most. Look at you, you are perfect. You are as tall as I am, and your figure is so slight, the next breath of air would knock you down. Your eyes are a magnificent sea blue. They would make any man fall at your feet. Your dark hair makes you look seductive. Your bust fills any gown to perfection, and your bottom is almost invisible. I have no idea why you dress like a frumpy old woman, but I will change that. When you go to the ball, you will turn heads and make my brother want you more than he has ever wanted anyone.''
''Harriet, please stop. If you continue with this ridiculous idea, I am afraid I will have to terminate our friendship. I am embarrassed by the notion that your brother would be interested in me. He plainly will not be. Now I have work to do.''
''You are wrong, dear Isabella. I want you to go to the ball. It will be our secret, the Duke is to know nothing of it.''
''Please, do not do this. There isn't a man on this earth I respect more than the Duke. He has all the attributes any woman yearns for. He is handsome, polite, witty and charming. Do not make a fool of him by trying to marry him off to me.''
''You are in love with him, aren't you. I can tell by the way you speak of him. Splendid, that makes it all the easier. I know you two would be so happy together. It simply has to work.''
''Harriet please, you are causing me more pain than I can bear. I beg you, give up this idea.''
****
''Edith, how was your lunch? Where are the boys?'' Isabella asked her eldest charge.
At seven years old, Edith was already an accomplished piano player, and fluent in French. Isabella took great pride in teaching Edith. She could see herself in the young girl. Edith was keen to learn but lacked confidence, just as Isabella had.
''Boys, hello,” Isabella’s said as they stomped into the room. “I have some lovely things for us to do this afternoon. Edith you are going to look at the subjunctive tense with me, and boys, I want you to draw. We will start with a drawing of your home.''
''I see you are busy, Isabella,'' the Duke said. He was standing in the doorway. She looked across at him and felt her heart rate increase.
''Yes, my Lord. I'm teaching Edith the subjunctive tense and the boys are drawing a picture of the castle. Can I be of help to you?'' Isabella tried not to stare at him but it was impossible. He was simply the most gorgeous man she had ever set her eyes upon. He was over six feet tall and broad in the shoulder. He had a presence that filled any room and made people take notice of him. When he looked at her with his emerald green eyes, he made her feel like a giggly little girl. She loved his dark hair and the way it flopped over every time he tilted his head.
''Can you please come to my study after Nanny has taken the children this evening? There is something I would like to talk to you about.''