I Loved the Duke in Silence for Years. My Final Act? Choosing His Rival. 🤫💔 | DramaBox

Added: 2026-06-01

[00:00:00]Easily with my father's friend.

[00:00:01]>> Indeed.

[00:00:03]And this friendship is the very reason I feel compelled to offer marriage.

[00:00:07]>> [music] >> The accounts are complete.

[00:00:10]He left you with nothing.

[00:00:14]You are far too delicate for the wild life of London society. It doesn't suit you.

[00:00:20]Come back to Bilbury with me as my wife and I'll make sure you're well cared for.

[00:00:26]>> Mr. Beasley, you forget yourself.

[00:00:30]Get off [laughter] me.

[00:00:31]>> Scream if you will, but you'll only cause a scandal. They won't believe my account, of course, and your marriage prospects will be finished.

[00:00:41]>> He's right.

[00:00:43]I can't be found like this.

[00:00:46]>> Miss Bishop, I >> Your Grace, I'm quite all right. Mr. Beasley was just showing me the accounts of father's books.

[00:00:56]Now he's finished, he will be leaving.

[00:00:57]>> No, I won't let him get away with it that easily. Your Grace, this girl is destitute.

[00:01:02]I offered [snorts] her marriage out of duty to her father and this is my thanks? The only thing she has to offer is what is BETWEEN HER LEGS.

[00:01:12]MY TOOTH.

[00:01:14]>> UH MORE PRESSING concern ought be how you'll practice law without the rest of them.

[00:01:18]>> You're crazy. You're crazy for a worthless country girl.

[00:01:23]>> [laughter] >> Your Grace, >> That you were endangered under my roof is unforgivable.

[00:01:33]You will retire this evening. The guests will understand.

[00:01:36]>> No.

[00:01:38]I will attend. Mr. Beasley's right.

[00:01:41]My father left me with nothing.

[00:01:43]I must quickly secure a husband before it's too late.

[00:01:58]>> Miss >> [music] >> you you keep glancing out the window.

[00:02:03]Shall I take you horse riding sometime?

[00:02:06]>> I would like that very much, Mr. Sorley.

[00:02:09]>> [music] >> You're too kind.

[00:02:14]>> Duke seems rather intent on you this evening.

[00:02:17]>> [laughter] >> He is merely ensuring I do [music] not mistake my dessert fork for my fish fork.

[00:02:24]>> [snorts] [music] >> Miss Bishop, you are the most [music] enchanting woman I have met in some time.

[00:02:37]I greatly enjoyed our evening.

[00:02:41]>> [music] >> Good night, Mr. Sorley.

[00:02:52]>> Good night, Miss Bishop.

[00:02:56]>> This needs to stop.

[00:02:58]>> What exactly needs stopping, Your Grace?

[00:03:00]>> First Mr. Beasley and then Mr. Sorley.

[00:03:03]I refuse to stand around and watch you encourage these unremarkable men with such gold.

[00:03:07]>> Courage?

[00:03:09]How dare you suggest I did anything untoward?

[00:03:11]>> Then what do you call hanging on Sorley's every word?

[00:03:15]You spent the entire evening flirting with him.

[00:03:17]>> It wasn't flirting.

[00:03:19]>> I understand you feel you must secure a match, Miss Bishop.

[00:03:22]>> Please.

[00:03:23]>> But I am your guardian and you are my ward.

[00:03:25]>> I'm not your ward.

[00:03:26]>> You will not appear like some common Sorley is not a suitable match.

[00:03:34]It is widely known that he requires a wife with a substantial dowry. He cannot afford to marry for attraction alone.

[00:03:39]>> What would you suggest I do?

[00:03:41]Turn to Mr. Beasley? Perhaps he's a more suitable choice. He was my father's friend.

[00:03:46]>> That man has ulterior motives. I'm certain of it.

[00:03:49]>> Is it impossible a man might just wish to marry me.

[00:03:53]>> I'm only trying to protect you.

[00:03:55]>> I don't need your protection. I want a future.

[00:04:02]>> Daisy, tell Thomas >> I'd first like to send for my solicitor.

[00:04:06]I want an inquiry into Mr. Beasley's affairs.

[00:04:22]>> You quarreled with the Duke.

[00:04:23]>> He must think me utterly worthless.

[00:04:27]>> [sighs] >> Don't be silly. Watching you charm Mr. Sorley clearly vexed him.

[00:04:34]He is a man after all.

[00:04:37]>> Do not tease me, Lady Gresham.

[00:04:39]>> It's the truth. Direct those same charms at him and you'll see that I'm right.

[00:04:46]>> Charm the Duke?

[00:04:47]>> Mhm.

[00:04:48]>> You can't be serious. Everyone knows he seeks a lady of equal station.

[00:04:53]Someone like Lady Maryann.

[00:04:55]>> He's not a suitable match for me.

[00:04:57]>> Exactly. The stakes are low, no feelings involved. It's the perfect chance to practice your skills.

[00:05:10]>> [music] >> Do your grace.

[00:05:28]>> [music] >> You were upset when we parted last night.

[00:05:39]I don't want any ill feelings between us.

[00:05:43]>> [clears throat] >> It's to be clear, I am not suggesting you lack allure.

[00:05:49]You are attractive.

[00:05:53]And my concern rests with solely he's too frivolous.

[00:05:56]And Beasley's motives are undoubtedly suspicious.

[00:06:00]I've already set in crazy motion.

[00:06:02]>> Very well, Grace.

[00:06:04]I appreciate your concern.

[00:06:07]>> Well, then if that's settled.

[00:06:12]>> Direct [clears throat] those same charms at him and you'll see that I'm right.

[00:06:17]>> Your Grace.

[00:06:18]Wait.

[00:06:19]If you're at leisure, might we talk a little longer?

[00:06:24]Perhaps have some tea?

[00:06:28]>> [music] >> Um.

[00:06:37]Do you Are you fond of poetry? [music] >> What a foolish question.

[00:06:46]He avoids [music] sentimental pursuits at all costs.

[00:06:49]>> I'm not.

[00:06:51]Why?

[00:06:52]>> No reason.

[00:07:06]>> Think Felicity. Ask about something he won't find trivial.

[00:07:10]>> Do you >> What are you tempting, Miss Bishop?

[00:07:20]>> Attempting? [music] I was merely trying to sustain our conversation.

[00:07:26]>> Because it looks like you're trying to flirt with me.

[00:07:31]>> You have no right. This was my father's house.

[00:07:34]>> Calm down, Miss Sharma.

[00:07:36]>> Grace.

[00:07:37]Felicity.

[00:07:38]>> Ah.

[00:07:38]Mr. Beasley, [music] you handled all of father's affairs. Show them the accounts. He had no outstanding debts.

[00:07:43]>> How >> wish that were true, but this gentleman has several notes bearing your father's signature. [music] God rest him.

[00:07:50]>> He said there was money put away.

[00:07:52]A dowry.

[00:07:54]He promised [music] I'd always be taken care of.

[00:08:01]>> Grace ruined, 18 and destitute, cast from her own home. What's left for her?

[00:08:07][music] Governess work if she's lucky, or she'll take to the streets and become a fallen woman.

[00:08:13]>> [laughter] >> My dear, this is a very real possibility.

[00:08:22]Unless you [music] wish to find yourself reduced to the streets, you must secure a husband, and quickly. Your dear father would wish you settled as well. [music] >> What man will take a wife without a dowry or connections? [music] >> As your father's solicitor, I have long held your interest close to heart. It makes me a perfect candidate to be your >> Lord Ashford, what's that crest on the door? It belongs to the Duke of Mandrake. Some say he's richer than the king.

[00:09:01]>> [music] [music] >> Heaven help me, what handsome man.

[00:09:20]Imagine catching his attention. A girl would be set for life. What possible business could he have here in Bathbury?

[00:09:31]Is he looking at me?

[00:09:33]That terribly handsome duke.

[00:09:36]What I >> [music] [music] [music] >> Clearly just a bumbling country girl.

[00:09:59]>> Your grace, I'm terribly sorry.

[00:10:02]>> Miss Felicity Bishop, I presume.

[00:10:06]Now, your cousin, the Earl of Shepley, has asked me to act as your temporary guardian.

[00:10:11]>> My guardian?

[00:10:14]>> My principal duty will be to shepherd a suitable marriage for you before season ends.

[00:10:19]>> A marriage for for me?

[00:10:23]>> Is that all you have?

[00:10:27]We depart for London presently.

[00:10:30]>> Your grace, please wait.

[00:10:36]While I appreciate your sponsorship, I've only just learned of my father's considerable debts.

[00:10:43]I'm left with no means nor a proper dowry.

[00:10:47]>> Uh your grace, if I may, as the late Mr. Bishop's solicitor, I must point out that Felicity would indeed be a laughing stock in London.

[00:10:56]What respectable gentleman would propose to a penniless ignorant >> I don't recall asking for your assessment, sir.

[00:11:05]Furthermore, you will not speak of Miss Bishop in such a disrespectful manner again.

[00:11:11]Understood?

[00:11:13]>> Why, yes, your grace.

[00:11:15]Yet I >> Your sole task will be to prepare a complete account of Mr. Bishop's assets and bring it to me in London for review.

[00:11:24]Miss Bishop.

[00:11:38]>> [music] >> Your cousins were truthful about her beauty.

[00:11:42]As so about her lack of refinement.

[00:11:54]Lord Babington and Lady Mary were already in Yorkshire when they heard of your father's passing.

[00:12:01]I believe he requested that they see you settled with a husband.

[00:12:13]>> [music] >> Thank you.

[00:12:18]>> [music] >> You'll make allowances, Miss Bishop.

[00:12:21]But the season waits for no one.

[00:12:23]Grief is a luxury you cannot afford if you hope to secure a match.

[00:12:27]>> I don't understand.

[00:12:29]Marriage is about affection, surely. If someone loves me.

[00:12:32]>> Love?

[00:12:34]Affection?

[00:12:36]Those are childish pursuits.

[00:12:38]What matters is a proper household, a respectable name.

[00:12:41]Sentiment is merely a trifle.

[00:12:44]>> I must disagree.

[00:12:46]My parents loved each other.

[00:12:47]>> How fortunate for them.

[00:12:48]>> [music] >> You, however, will follow my instructions.

[00:12:52]You'll be married by season's end.

[00:13:01]>> An unfeeling tyrant.

[00:13:03]Is he made of stone? [music] >> Your Grace, you must be Miss Bishop.

[00:13:25]>> My aunt, Lady Gretna, will oversee your preparation for the season.

[00:13:30]She will tutor and chaperone you as needed.

[00:13:33]>> Don't worry, we'll tackle it together.

[00:13:36]But first, you must be hungry.

[00:13:44]>> [music] >> Just arrived and already utterly defeated by the silverware.

[00:14:09]>> [music] [music] [music] >> Miss Bishop, one does not clean one's fingers thus.

[00:14:42]>> [snorts] >> And one employs the correct implement.

[00:14:50]>> [clears throat] >> Of course.

[00:14:55]Because one's very fate hangs on which fork one uses.

[00:15:02]Um Yes, your grace, I understand.

[00:15:05]>> Well, well, someone who can actually move that stone face.

[00:15:10]>> I shall be attending Mr. Turner's ball in 3 days, Miss Bishop.

[00:15:14]>> Ah, I see.

[00:15:19]>> [snorts] >> A proper young lady would remark how agreeable it will be to see me there.

[00:15:24]>> No, I was invited.

[00:15:27]Oh.

[00:15:29]Well, I shall be sure not to embarrass you with any errant forks.

[00:15:34]>> Clumsy, yes.

[00:15:36]But she has a sharp tongue on her.

[00:15:40]Uh Lady Gretta, it appears that Miss Bishop will need to devote herself to the next 3 days of learning how to conduct herself in polite society.

[00:15:50]>> Of course, I shall see to it.

[00:16:07]I find Miss Bishop's spirit rather refreshing.

[00:16:12]>> Do you?

[00:16:14]>> When her cousin, Lady Marion, returns from Yorkshire, I know you mean to court her. She's wealthy, well-connected, perfect duchess material.

[00:16:25]But perhaps you ought to consider someone that keeps you on your toes.

[00:16:33]Someone like Miss Bishop.

[00:16:37]>> I assure you, Aunt Gretta, that's the last thing I need.

[00:16:42]>> We'll see, nephew. We'll see.

[00:16:47]Take your saucer and bring it up to your body. [music] Take a hold of the handle with three fingers and take just a small sip.

[00:16:57]>> [music] >> You know, I've never met a man so composed.

[00:17:12]Does His Grace ever [music] allow himself to smile? Or does he fear a crease on his face more than a wrinkle on his coat?

[00:17:18]>> [laughter] >> And what remedy would you prescribe, Miss Bishop?

[00:17:28]>> [clears throat] >> It appears impropriety is contagious.

[00:17:34]Shall we begin your lessons, and Greta?

[00:17:37]>> Certainly, your grace.

[00:17:40]Come, my dear.

[00:17:51]Shoulders [music] back.

[00:17:54]Collarbone lifted.

[00:17:57]The book shall not fall.

[00:17:59]Now, walk.

[00:18:04]>> [music] [music] >> Hands by your sides, Miss Bishop.

[00:18:18]>> [music] >> And back.

[00:18:27]You carry the book.

[00:18:29]It does not carry you.

[00:18:32]You are a lady, not a pedestal. [music] And give me your hand.

[00:18:45]So, >> [music] >> proper curtsy.

[00:19:09]>> My, my. Usually it takes weeks for a couple to find such rhythm. We are not a couple.

[00:19:18]>> This idea is absurd.

[00:19:21]Miss Bishop and I could not be more unsuited.

[00:19:24]>> I fear we are of two entirely different species, Your Grace.

[00:19:32]>> Very well, ladies.

[00:19:34]I have business to attend to.

[00:19:37]I shall see you at the Modiste this afternoon.

[00:19:50]>> [music] [music] >> Oh, such quality. [music] Nothing this fine would ever reach Milbury.

[00:20:07]Oh, what a practical choice. Is this what they wear in the country? I bet it hides the dirt well.

[00:20:13]Kind of you to concern yourself with my wardrobe, madam. Oh, my dear, I'm not concerned. I was just thinking of how it would make a charming dress for my lady's maid.

[00:20:24]>> Miss Bishop was looking at that first.

[00:20:28]Isn't your policy first come, first served, Madame Lucy?

[00:20:32]>> Of course, Lady Gretta, but Lady Clementine just put in an order for three new frocks for the season. It's a very large order.

[00:20:41]If I may, this fabric might be a bit too costly for a young lady of her circumstances anyway.

[00:20:48]>> A fair point, Madame Lucy. I have often thought that people without means shouldn't even be allowed in the shops like this. I mean, who's going to want this fabric after it's been manhandled by your grubby hands?

[00:21:01]And who's going to want to pay for it once you ruined it?

[00:21:04]>> I will.

[00:21:08]>> Your Grace, I did not know you were coming.

[00:21:12]>> Whatever Miss Bishop desires, I shall settle the account.

[00:21:17]Was that in question?

[00:21:22]I hope you found what you wanted.

[00:21:24]>> [music] >> My ward, Miss Bishop, needs a full wardrobe in 3 days.

[00:21:34]Use your finest fabric, [music] anything she desires, and send me the bill.

[00:21:39]I trust you understand the urgency of the commission.

[00:21:42]>> Of course.

[00:21:44]My lady, forgive [music] me. I just remembered this silk was set aside for a very important order.

[00:21:55]Now, Miss Bishop, [music] let's get your measurements. That fabric will make a beautiful evening gown.

[00:22:02]>> Your grace, [music] this is far too generous.

[00:22:05]>> It is my duty as your guardian.

[00:22:12]>> [music] >> Your hands betray your nerves, my dear.

[00:22:28]>> The ball is tonight, and I feel woefully unready.

[00:22:32]>> It's only chatting, my dear. Your charms will naturally draw the gentlemen in.

[00:22:37]>> Shall it?

[00:22:39]I sure hope it do not drive them away.

[00:22:41]My tongue could be dreadfully unregarding.

[00:22:44]>> [sighs] >> Words may fail, but there are other ways to hold a gentleman's interest.

[00:22:59]>> Punctuality, it seems, is too much to ask.

[00:23:02]>> Our apologies, your grace.

[00:23:06]But I wanted to see what the week >> [music] [music] [music] >> Good god.

[00:23:35]>> Seconds.

[00:23:37]Yes, you're going well.

[00:23:42]It's okay. You just got another drink in you.

[00:23:48]>> His grace, the Duke of Mandrake.

[00:23:54]>> It is the Duke.

[00:23:57]Tonight, his grace will notice me. I am in my prime.

[00:24:03]>> Lady Gretta.

[00:24:07]Miss Bishop.

[00:24:08]>> [snorts] >> Good heavens. Who's that?

[00:24:15]>> Look at her.

[00:24:17]Who is that beauty?

[00:24:23]>> Demetrius.

[00:24:25]Mr. Solely.

[00:24:36]>> We are in the free now, my dear.

[00:24:38]Remember our lessons.

[00:24:42]>> I don't believe I've had the pleasure, Miss Bishop.

[00:24:46]>> Um I've uh I've just arrived from the countryside.

[00:24:50][music] >> Oh, now I recall. She's Lady Marion's poor relation.

[00:24:56]Beauty, alas, is no substitute for fortune.

[00:25:00]>> [laughter] >> Gentlemen, might one of you be seeking a partner for the next dance?

[00:25:09]>> He [snorts] does.

[00:25:10]>> I do not.

[00:25:13]>> Oh.

[00:25:14]>> Poor girl.

[00:25:15]>> Don't you >> The hens have packed and the have fled. Excuse me.

[00:25:26]>> Miss Bishop.

[00:25:29]>> Your Grace.

[00:25:32]>> Would you afford me the pleasure of your first dance?

[00:25:35]>> [music] [music] >> Am I dreaming?

[00:25:48]The Duke has asked her.

[00:25:51]>> [music] >> Your Grace.

[00:25:58]You must introduce us.

[00:26:02]>> Mr. Solely.

[00:26:04]Miss Bishop.

[00:26:06]Cousin to the Earl of Shepley and her sister, Lady Maureen.

[00:26:11]Miss Bishop, I cannot believe I'm only now making your acquaintance. Have you Have you been in London long?

[00:26:17]>> Sir, it's only been a few days.

[00:26:20]What do I say now?

[00:26:22]>> The secret to conversing with a man is simple.

[00:26:26]Just pretend you find him as fascinating as he finds himself.

[00:26:33]>> Uh do you enjoy riding, Mr. Solely?

[00:26:35]>> I Yes.

[00:26:38]I do.

[00:26:40]>> Uh do you read?

[00:26:42]>> My, my, it is warm in here. I dare say Miss Bishop's in need of a refreshment.

[00:26:47]>> Am I?

[00:26:49]>> Might I fetch you a lemonade, Miss Bishop?

[00:26:53]>> That would be most kind.

[00:27:00]>> Shall we, [music] Miss Bishop?

[00:27:09]>> [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Everyone's watching us.

[00:27:52]>> Let them.

[00:27:54]They're merely envious that you're in the arms of the Duke.

[00:28:00]You're doing well, Miss Bishop.

[00:28:02]In fact, I dare say that you are more composed than usual.

[00:28:05]>> Thank you, Your Grace. Lady Greta offered her final counsel before we departed.

[00:28:10]>> And pray, what tale did she advise?

[00:28:14]>> If you want a gentleman's full attention, let your gaze linger to his lips.

[00:28:23]>> She said to She said to look at your >> [music] [music] >> This Bishop.

[00:29:12]>> Your grace.

[00:29:13]Forgive me.

[00:29:16]>> What were you imagining just then?

[00:29:19]Staring at my lips.

[00:29:20]>> I wasn't. I was I was simply Why was I just fantasizing about kissing him?

[00:29:27]>> Perhaps you were hoping I would kiss you.

[00:29:30]>> I beg your pardon.

[00:29:32]>> [sighs and panting] >> To say such thing.

[00:29:35]>> [gasps] [panting] >> I could never >> Bishop.

[00:29:42]Who is it then?

[00:29:50]Well, well.

[00:29:52]>> The desperate ones always find a way to climb above their station.

[00:29:56]I do feel quite faint as well.

[00:29:59]>> [laughter] [gasps] >> Someone fetch the smelling salts.

[00:30:13]>> This Bishop.

[00:30:15]Can you hear me?

[00:30:18]>> My, my. Algo certainly made truly a spectacular debut.

[00:30:22]>> At present we should be more concerned for her well being.

[00:30:26]This was a mistake. She wasn't ready for tonight.

[00:30:28]>> Mandrake.

[00:30:30]Calm down.

[00:30:38]>> [music] >> Don't scroll away.

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