Meet Her Grace, the Duchess of Haverford. Eleanor Haverford is a strong and confident woman whose calm visage hides a lifetime of heartache.
Several days after her arrival in London, Sophia followed the liveried footman through the ornate splendour of Haverford House paying little attention to the treasures around her. What could Her Grace mean by the cryptic comment in her note of invitation? I have someone for you to meet and a Read more…
Eleanor, the Duchess of Haverford, looked around with interest at Miss Clemens’ Oxford Street Book Palace and Tea Rooms. Long ago, in the early miserable days of her marriage, one of Haverford’s elderly aunts had told her to always look for the silver lining. Aldridge had been born later that Read more…
The duchess took a seat by the window and gestured for Cedrica to join her. Her Grace had not been in this room since before the house party, contenting herself with daily reports and quick consultations wherever she happened to be during the day. Whoever did the bulk of the Read more…
Cedrica Grenford set her portable writing desk on the table. She had freshly prepared quills, a full bottle of ink, and neatly cut sheets of paper, each with the Haverford crest watermarked in the background. She took a deep breath and pushed her glasses farther up her nose. She was Read more…
The sun was setting on Saturday evening, and Rede was beside himself with frustration, before the Duchess of Haverford’s coach was finally seen tooling up the road to the castle. He was waiting when she entered the front door, and she greeted him with pleasure. “Rede, darling. What a lovely Read more…
This interview was written in 2015 in real time, and conducted in 1812 in book time. Eleanor, Duchess of Haverford, seldom consents to an interview. Though she lives, perforce, in the public eye—as wife to one of the most powerful men in England and mother to two of England’s most Read more…
Haverford Castle, East Kent, 1784 The Duke of Haverford did not bother with greetings or enquiries about Eleanor’s health. He flung open the door without knocking and marched into Eleanor’s sitting room, saying, “What is it, duchess? I have a great deal to do today.” Inwardly, Eleanor quailed as he Read more…
He was grinning broadly. “I never imagined… Are you sure, Mademoiselle?” He had both her hands now and was smothering them with kisses. “I cannot give you the life you have here. I could perhaps manage a small apartment. I have money saved, but it would not be what you Read more…
“Mama?” At the sound of Aldridge’s voice, Eleanor, Duchess of Haverford composed her face, smoothing the slight frown that creased her forehead and forcing a smile as she greeted this beloved guest. “My love,” she said, as he crossed to press a kiss on the hand she raised for him, Read more…
