The Daughter of A Duke

The Duke and Duchess of Havenshire were known as one of the wealthiest families in England. Only the royals were above them in class and they were well respected. Duke Henry Bradshaw had much to look forward to in his life but when his wife, Lady Anne Bradshaw, gets sick during her first pregnancy, his life changes. She delivered early and found she was to have twins. One girl, Nicole, and a boy, James. Much to the Duke's displeasure, the boy did not survive. After the Duchess was given the news that she could not conceive again, she felt like she had let the Duke down. Henry assured his wife that he loved her still and they had a beautiful baby girl. With her dark brown wisps of hair and honey-colored eyes, she was a perfect vision. Henry knew he would make it work as she had been promised to Count Ravenport's son. The boy was now only three but was encouraged to visit his baby bride anytime. Francis thought it interesting that he had a bride already. Over the years, however, he began to be bitter about it and stopped seeing her.

Nicole grew up a spoiled but very welled loved girl. All the servants loved her and her parents devoted all of their time to her. Even though she was promised before birth, her mother assured her if she did find love, they would break things with the Count. She was happy in knowing this but she never laid eyes on Francis that she could recall. She hoped to see him before the wedding at least and maybe get to know him. She remained most of the time in the county at the Havenshire estate that would be part of her dowry. Her husband would inherit everything, the title, the lands, and everything else that came with the position. That was something that was kept silent. She traveled occasionally with her best friend and her family to London. Her mother hated London so her father gave her leave to go. The Lord and Lady Peterson were not the wealthiest on their own but Lady Cathrine was an heiress to a large fortune and so people considered them money. Nicole and their daughter, Marie, were close friends and the Duke liked her having a friend of less wealth to give her a perspective of humbleness. 

As Nicole got older, Henry and Anne began to worry as she started showing a rebellious streak. A wild child in the making and they didn't know how to tame her. As Henry often saw his daughter as perfect, he refused to change anything about her. She learned how to shoot a bow, a pistol, and to use swords. She learned how to ride a horse and swim and often climbed trees alongside Marie. He decided to let the wild-side burn itself out. She was only thirteen and had some time to be just herself. She focused on her studies as well, reading, writing, mathematics, the sciences, and often was curious about the stars. She was an intelligent child but also a beautiful child. She had long curly brown hair with evenly tanned skin and honey brown eyes that melted a person's heart just looking at them. She had a laugh that would make anyone laugh and it lit up the whole room. Other boys tried their hardest to hear it from her, but most had no luck. Most knew she was promised but it was also well known that she could pick her own husband. 

This news reached Francis. At fifteen, he didn't much care for his child bride and hoped she found someone else. He would never admit that he secretly hoped no one caught her eye. In five years, she would be his wife. Though she had not seen him since she was a toddler, he made visits just to see her. He was amused by her wild streak and couldn't look away from her. She would make a wonderful Countess and he was sure he could make her happy. She rejected all her offers even at thirteen. He wondered what things would be like when she turned sixteen and started going to the balls she would surely be invited to. He wanted her for himself but would never admit that.

Nicole often stayed with Marie and her family at their London townhouse and she was sure to act as the proper young lady in public to make her parents proud. She held up the Bradshaw name with pride and grace. While she was in London, she was invited to luncheons and outdoor picnics, and such events. While she was home, she had visitors and friends come but she mostly spent her day with Marie.

As the years passed, however, she and Marie grew closer but looked so much different. Marie saw Nicole as her friend but others tried to get in between saying Nicole needed to hang out with her own class and asked Marie if she ever felt threatened to be around Nicole. Being the Duke's daughter was hard enough and Marie knew that. Nicole was her friend and she knew her better than anyone. No matter what anyone said, she'd never leave Nicole just because of who she was. Nicole was grateful for Marie and they truly were the best of friends. 

When she turned sixteen, she was invited to London with Marie. This time, her parents came with her. She didn't question it due to her coming out even though she was promised. Marie was excited to be staying in the mansion with her. What they didn't know was due to the dresses for Marie and everything to find her a good match, Lord Peterson could not afford to keep the townhouse. To keep everyone from gossiping or even finding out, no one thought it strange that they were staying with the Duke. Henry and Thomas were the only two who knew. Cathrine had no clue and he didn't want to touch her money to pay for it. She was dipping into the inheritance for Marie. Unfortunately, Cathrine and Anne ended finding out. Cathrine was afraid they would have to go back to the estate or sell it to keep up appearances long enough to find Marie a match. Anne and Henry offered their help, but they refused. Marie and Nicole listened in and they hatched a plan. 

The next day, Thomas saw the girls walk into the office with Henry. He hated having to separate them and didn't know how to tell them. What he didn't know was that they were telling Henry of their plan. For a while, Henry had struggled to find a reliable bookkeeper to keep track of all the estates that he could trust. Cathrine confirmed when Marie said that Thomas was the best records keeper for a courthouse before he married. Henry knew how to help and only hoped it would work.

After lunch, Henry put the girls' plan to work. He called Thomas into the office.

"The girls have gone out to do dress fittings. I need your help with something."

"Anything, Henry."

"Do you know of a good book or records keeper? I caught the last one stealing from the estates. I need someone I can trust to keep up with the three estates and two townhouses. Not to mention the offshore companies as well. Do you know of anyone?"

"Well, Henry, not a lot of people know this, but I was the records keeper for his Majesty's Court."

"Really?"

"Yes. I left due to marrying Cathrine."

"Well, then it's settled. You are hired. When can you start."

"No, Henry, I couldn't."

"Listen. You need the money and I need the help. We are friends, Thomas. Everyone knows the trouble I've had with record keepers. No one will think anything of it, like now."

"Henry, I don't know how to thank you."

"I can trust you not to steal. That's enough."

"Thank you, Henry."

They talked more business and sent word to have the records and books sent to the mansion to be looked over. Everything seemed to be going perfectly and now the girls had their first ball coming up. Things were about to change and Marie and Nicole were about to be the belles at the ball. The friends just agreed not to compete. Since Nicole was promised, she couldn't actively participate as Marie would. She would dance but not encourage anyone. Even though it was common knowledge that she could pick her own husband, she couldn't very well mess up an agreement her father made so long ago. She would help Marie as much as possible but she didn't think she would need it. Marie was petite with slightly tanned skin. She had bright blonde hair and deep blue sapphire eyes. She was beautiful all on her own and sometimes Nicole was envious of her beauty. The two standing side by side were any man or boy's undoing. Tonight's ball would prove that as they walked in together and all heads turned towards them. Marie wore a soft pink gown with overlaying lace and gloves that reached her elbows. Her hair was done up with pins and ribbon and she wore a sapphire necklace and earrings to compliment her eyes. Nicole wore a lilac dress with white gloves that came past her elbows. She wore matching shoes and her hair was curled and pinned behind her ears to shape her face. She wore a diamond necklace and studded earrings that made the honey color of her eyes stand out. Before they both knew it, their dance cards were full for the night. They became excited as every ball seem to be this way. Everyone begged for their attention, but what Nicole didn't know was that even trying, she made an enemy. Rebecca Sanford was the daughter of Viscount Sanford. She thought it unfair and cruel that Nicole would even show up.

"You are already promised. Do you disrespect your family that much by being here or just tempting men to do what they want with you since you can never marry any of them?"

"Rebecca, I may be promised, but like everyone, including you, knows if I find another, I no longer have to marry Francis. I've never even seen Francis."

"The shame you bring to the Bradshaw name is unbelievable."

Maire came over and grabbed Nicole's hand before her temper got out of hand. Later that night, she asked her mother if she did bring shame and even when both her parents confirmed that no shame was ever brought to the Bradshaw name, Nicole refused to go to another ball. Marie was upset and would confront Rebecca again if given the chance. No one would disrespect Nicole like that again and she would make sure of it.