Isabella went to her room. As she lay on her bed and wiped away her tears, she wondered what on earth had possessed her not to tell the Duke about her father. Of course the Duke was right. It did reflect badly on him, the children and the household. She had been inconsiderate and she would try to make amends. The worst of it was, the Duke now had a low opinion of her. She would speak to Harriet and get her to drop the ludicrous idea of inviting her to the ball.
She picked up 'Sense and Sensibility' and took comfort in Mr. Willoughby. It was July, and this day had been exceptionally warm. The room was stuffy. After a while she got up and opened the window. The window was huge, stretching from thigh level, right up to the ceiling. As she was pulling the lower half of the window up, she saw the Duke walking across the lawn. His dogs were busily running in and out of the flower beds looking for rabbits. To her horror, a young lady was walking next to the Duke, holding onto his arm. Isabella strained her eyes and tried to see if she knew the young lady, she didn't. Isabella spent the evening wondering who the woman was, and what interest the Duke had in her.
****
''Harriet,'' Isabella exclaimed as she saw her walking past the open door of the tutorial room. ''I need to speak to you.''
Harriet stopped. They continued their conversation in the corridor, out of earshot of the children.
''What on earth's the matter? The way you shouted my name, I thought the world was coming to an end,'' Harriet said.
''You can't do it.''
''Do what?''
''You can't invite me to the ball,'' Isabella whispered.
''Isabella, my dear friend, you will come to the ball. I insist on it.''
''I won't. I have decided. I spoke to your brother yesterday and I have upset him terribly. Your plan is scuppered. There is no chance the Duke will look at me now. Although he wouldn't have looked at me anyway. Your scheme was insane right from the start, and now I'm putting an end to it.''
''Do you mean you offended him, by not telling him your father is in prison?''
''Oh, heavens. You know as well. Please believe me, I am so sorry. I know I have offended your family, and the household. If I could change the situation I would.''
''Isabella, you are silly. I am not in the slightest worried for myself or the household.''
''But the Duke told me he was disappointed in me.''
''The Duke often says things he doesn't mean. He has to deal with lots of people every day. He's just made a mistake, that's all. When he sees you at the ball in front of him, he will fall head over heels in love with you. Trust me.''
''He is already in love with another woman.'' Isabella cringed at her careless remark. She had no idea who the woman on the Duke's arm had been, and she certainly couldn't ascertain whether they were in love or not.
''What are you talking about?''
''Yesterday evening, I saw your brother walking arm in arm with another woman.''
''Ah, yes. Lady Victoria. She's the daughter of Lord and Lady Somerset. Awfully rich and well to do. My brother seems to like her and she has been here a couple of times. But she isn't a patch on you. You will see, I am right. Now go back to the children and stop fretting.''
''I admire your confidence in me, I really do. But I will not go to the ball. I will not embarrass the Duke with my presence.''
Isabella turned around and went back to the children. Their beaming faces made her feel better, but she was upset that Harriet seemed intent on putting her in an intolerable situation.
****
Isabella changed into her best dress, a white muslin affair with a high neckline. The edges were adorned with Egyptian ornamentation. Isabella didn't particularly care for the ringlets that most women seemed to choose. She parted her dark hair in the middle and let it hang naturally.
When she was ready, she descended the grand staircase and walked to the Duke's study. The door was open and she saw the Duke stroking one of his Spaniels.
''My Lord,'' she said softly so as not to shock him.
''Come in,'' he said, as his eyes fixed on her breasts. It was the first time he had seen her display any flesh, whatsoever. ''You wanted to see me? Harriet told me.''
''Yes, my Lord. I want to say thank you.''
''For what?''
''For having my father moved. I have had word from him, and he has told me his bronchitis is much improved. He is in a less hostile establishment in Norfolk. I believe the country air will be more sympathetic to his condition. Thank you very much for arranging it. I appreciate it more than you could ever know.''
''I am pleased he is improved.''
''One more thing, my Lord. You asked me to tell you the sum of my father’s debts.''
''Ah, yes. Just a minute, I'll write it down. Go ahead.''
''I am ashamed to mention the figure, my Lord. It is an astronomical amount.''
''Perhaps it is. However, you shouldn't let that prevent you from telling me.''
''Three thousand pounds.'' Isabella dropped her eyes to her lap in shame.
''That is indeed a vast sum. Not insurmountable but nonetheless a large sum. Thank you for telling me. How are the children coming along?''
''Very well my Lord. I have every faith in them. They will all have bright futures.''
''Tell me Isabella.” The Duke leant forward. “Please do not think me intrusive, but where is your mother while your father is in prison?''