FInd Me A Wife: Prologue

Hey guys. I can't release New York either. It's under consideration. If rejected, I'll put it up. If not............you can read it in print.

This story is a series. Starts with the Duke. then his brother, then the triplets. I hope you enjoy it!

Lord Conroy, Duke of Dunnely sat in his study, faced by his younger brother Lord Middleton.

"Matthew, what am I to do, I have no idea, how to raise children ! I had no idea that along with father's estates, I also inherited guardianship of three girls!"

The Earl couldn't help but laugh at his brother's expression,"Comes with being the Duke. I'm so glad I inherited my Uncle's title instead of father's. I may be several ranks lower than you, but at least I don't have to raise three girls! But how'd you become their guardian anyway Cedric?"

Draining his brandy, The Duke answered,"Their father, Lord Kent, was one of father's best friends remember. His first wife had died of consumption. They said, he never got over her. It was only recently, that he married the vicar's daughter. They had triplets. Dear God, and they died in a curricle accident. Father held their guardianship, and now it has been passed on to me."

Matthew studied his brother with an appalled expression on his face,"So, now, you're responsible for three girls. Three brats? God. The eternal bachelor plunged into parenthood!"

The Duke frowned deeply as his brother went into whoops at his predicament.

True, he was a stoic bachelor, he had no intention of settling down soon. These three girls would cramp his life.
But somewhere deep down, he already felt responsible for them. He'd lost his own mother when they were young, and their father had never remarried. They'd had a special bond with his father, but they had both felt the emptiness caused by his mother's death. And recently having lost his own father, his heart went out to the little girls who'd lost both their parents within three months of being born.

Matthew sobered up as he observed his brother's serious countenance.
"Ced, whatever decision you take, you do know, that I'll support you. . . ."
"They'll stay here at Dunnely. I'll hire nannies, governesses, whatever they need. . . . ."

Matthew nodded,"I'm putting my reputation as a rake at stake by saying this, but you've made the right decision. Kids need family. Do you want me to ask Aunt Ellen to help with the staff?"

Cedric observed his friend, then broke into a smile and teased in a silly tone,"You're a real soft one aren't you?"

Matthew shrugged," We have three cousin sisters Ced. We're both domesticated."

"You're as skittish as the new mares Lord Middleton bought," admonished silver haired Martha, the housekeeper, who'd also been the Duke's nursemaid.

"Martha. We're expecting the arrival of three girls. Baby girls. We're both confirmed rakes. We're allowed some skittishness," said Matthew with a wounded look on his face.

Chuckling, Martha withdrew from the drawing room with the tea things.

The sound of a carriage set the two young men running to the front hall.

A stern silver haired matron in a grey gown stood and observed the newly hired nursery maids as they carried in the precious cargo.

"At least we can count on the good lasy to care for the girls, Ced. She'll know what to do," muttered Matthew as the two brothers neared the tiny mob in the hall.

Before the Duke could reply, the lady turned on him and shot off," Your Grace, I am Amelia Baker. I was in Lord Kent's employ as governess to Lady Audrey, Lady Adelaide and Lady Andrea."

The Duke saw her mouth open as if she meant to continue, but he inserted smoothly," It is indeed a pleasure to meet you madam .Perhaps we should adjourn to the drawing room for some tea."

Slightly mollified she said, "Thank you, but perhaps the girls could be taken to the nursery,they've had an ardourous journey."

The Duke was pleased to note that under her tough exterior, she truly did seem to care about the children's well being.

"Of course. Mrs.Hayes will take care of it."

Martha immediately guided the nursemaids and the footmen borne down by luggage to the nursey.

No sooner were the three of them seated in the drawing room with cups of tea in their hands, Mrs. Baker launched into speech," Your grace, I had a contract of three months with Lord Kent, which ends as of today."

The Duke looked up in surprise, "That should not be a problem Mrs. Baker, we shall simply extend it."

The good lady shook her head, "I'm afraid not, Your Grace. You see, the terms were such, because at the end of three months, I would regain possession of my cottage and retire. Hence, you shall have to find a replacement."

The Duke looked at Matthew, his eyes widening in growing horror.

Matthew spoke, "Ma'am, perhaps you could be encouraged to stay for a while longer,"

Mrs. Baker shook her head decisively,"I'm afraid not My Lord. You see, my son and his wife have settled in the same village. I am looking forward to spending my time there with family."

The Duke interjected urgently," But perhaps you might be persuaded. I'd be willing to increase your salary. . . . . . ."

Amelia Baker bristled with indignation," Sir, my services are no longer available. If you butler will be so kind as to show me out, I have a train to catch."

The two clueless men watched her receding back with comical expressions of awe mingled with growing foreboding.

Matthew articulated, "We're doomed."