relationship is not close enough to preclude the possibility of a match, Hester. Though I do not as a rule approve of marriage between cousins, you are far enough removed for it to be thought allowable. However, I should be sorry if you married Mr Knighton.’
‘Would you, ma’am?’ Hester was surprised, for her godmother had often tried to persuade her to think of marriage. ‘Why?’
‘I dare say he is a decent gentleman, but I believe you could do better, my love—if you wished.’
‘As you know, I have no intention of it,’ Hester replied. ‘If Mr Knighton asked, I should refuse him; I hope he will not, for it might sour our friendship.’
‘Yes, that would be a pity,’ her godmother said. ‘Well, I dare say he may think better of it. He must know that you are devoted to the duke and your mama.’
‘Yes, I am certain he does,’ Hester replied, but for some reason she felt an icy tingle at the nape of her neck. ‘It would be most uncomfortable if he were to ask me, as I should certainly say no.’
‘Perhaps he won’t,’ Lady Ireland said. ‘I have been thinking that I should like to give you a little gift, Hester. Would you like the opal-and-diamond brooch that my husband gave me when we first married—or would you prefer the pearl bangle my mother gave me when I was sixteen?’
‘You should not consider parting with either of them,’ Hester told her. ‘I have no need of gifts, ma’am.’
‘You do not have much in the way of jewels,’ Lady Ireland said. ‘I think I shall give them both to you—and do not say no, for it would distress me. I like to give presents, and you are dearer to me than anyone these days.’
‘You are so kind to me!’ Hester went to kiss her. ‘I am sure that I have done nothing to deserve such wonderful gifts.’
‘Please do not be embarrassed. I had not meant to say anything, but Mr Knighton…well, he annoyed me. You are my heir, Hester. I have left small bequests to others, but you will inherit my estate. I am not outrageously rich, but you know that I have a very comfortable life—and you will too. I have said nothing about an allowance before this, for you live under the duke’s roof, but if the worst should happen, I shall see to it that both your mother and you are comfortable.’
‘You will make me cry,’ Hester said, her eyes stinging at this further proof of her godmother’s generosity. ‘I can only thank you sincerely on behalf of my mother and myself.’
‘You will say nothing to her,’ Lady Ireland said. ‘Indeed, I should have said nothing to you for the moment, but Mr Knighton made me aware that you might be anxious.’
‘Grandfather has already set up small trust funds for us both,’ Hester said. ‘He wished he might have given us more, but the entail prevents it and it is only what he has saved from his income that he may give freely. However, Papa left Mama a little money. In this instance, I mean my own father.’
‘Yes…’ Lady Ireland frowned. ‘It surprises me that you were not left more, Hester. I would have thought Sir Peter would have made more provision for his only child.’
‘If he did, I have heard nothing of it,’ Hester said and shook her head. ‘I do not think we shall starve, dearest Godmother. You must not worry about me.’
‘Oh, I do not,’ Lady Ireland said. ‘I am certain you could marry if you chose, my love—and to someone far more deserving than Mr Knighton.’
Hester made no reply. She was surprised that her godmother should make her dislike of him so plain. She had never spoken of him in this manner before and it was a little strange that she should do so now.
‘Well, we may be wrong in assuming that he intends to make me an offer, ma’am. I think I shall go upstairs and change as you have guests coming this evening, and I need to make certain that Anna has packed my trunk.’
‘Yes, I shall go up myself after I have written a letter,’ Lady Ireland said, smiling at her. ‘Tell the duke that I shall be pleased to come and stay for his ball if he invites me.’
‘Oh, I am certain he will,’ Hester said and went out.
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