by Sue Barr
“What do you think you’re doing with my daughter,” Lady Townsend demanded.
“I believe she’s attempting to compromise my son, which you well knew as you were most likely bent at the door peeking through the keyhole.”
With a gasp, Lady Townsend’s gaze flew to the second floor where his father glared at them over the railing.
“I did not peek through any keyhole. I heard my daughter cry out.”
“I’m sure that was your pre-arranged signal to come into the room and find them dishabille.”
The Duke descended the staircase while Lady Celeste scrambled to her feet and Max moved to the far side of the room.
“What are you going to do about this?” Lady Townsend sputtered in anger as her daughter burst into tears.
“What am I going to do?”
“Yes.”
“I, Madam, am going to direct my butler to remove you and your family from the premises. The hour is late, you had better attend your packing.”
He turned his back to her and moved toward the fireplace.
“You cannot. They must marry!” Lady Townsend took a step toward him, her lips tight with anger or fear, Max couldn’t be sure.
“I can and they won’t.” His father turned around. “You and your daughter set to entrap my son and are no longer welcome in my home. Leave now before I make her shame public knowledge.”
“I call your bluff, your Grace,” Lady Townsend almost crowed with pleasure. “If you made this public, they would have to marry.”
“Madam. If this became public knowledge, your family would become social pariahs. I will hold back no facts in the re-telling of the whole story as I saw and heard everything.”
Max recalled Lady Townsend angrily badgering her father after Lady Celeste ran from the room. All to no avail. His father gave her no quarter and the Townsend’s left that very night.
He’d often wondered why Celeste had attempted such a desperate venture until his father quietly advised him, some months later, she’d been seen in Scotland, heavily enceinte with child. That was when he realized how deep her treachery ran and how close she’d come to ruining his chance at happiness.
“I thought his membership was rescinded,” Nathan’s comment pulled Max out of his reverie.
“Who?” Max twisted in his seat to glance around the room.
With a nod in the direction of the entrance, Nathan murmured, “Sir Reginald Slade.”
Slade picked his way through the crowd and joined two other men, known for their outlandish bets and gaming.
“The Marquis of Dorchester brought his membership up to scratch – he said he felt sorry for his circumstances.” George murmured quietly. “If Slade would quit the gaming hells, his circumstances wouldn’t be so dire.”
“I’m surprised Dorchester would do that, considering the old boy had been sniffing around the skirts of his betrothed for the past six months.” Nathan settled back into his chair and sipped his drink.
“Anyone with eyes in in their head knew Lady Susan’s only interest lay in Lord Dorchester. Slade’s losing his touch if he thought he stood even a ghost of a chance.”
Max nodded politely as the Duke of Argyll and his ever-present shadow, Lord Alvanley passed by on their way to the gaming rooms. Immediately Slade rose to his feet and followed them.
“That’s not all Slade’s lost,” George said. “I have it on good authority his estate is mortgaged to the rafters and all his holdings are nothing but vowels in the hands of those he’s wagered against and lost.”
“How do you find these things out?” Max leaned back in his chair and assessed his brother. Like a dog with a bone, nothing remained hidden when George decided to ferret out truth. “You amaze me.”
“I may be out of the game, but I still know most of the players.”
“I for one am glad you are out of the game. It was by far too dangerous.”
Max nodded his head in agreement at Nathan’s words. George had played a very dangerous game indeed. For over five years he worked for the Crown as a spy, letting any and all believe he was a lecherous cad interested only in the next skirt he could lift. He’d played the part well, so much so even he and Nathan believed the worst of him, convinced his soul was on a perilous ride to an eternity in Hades. They’d had no clue he ruthlessly ferreted out those who would harm the King and Country, making numerous trips to Paris in disguise.
“Slade has made inquiries about Miss Darcy.”
“Miss Darcy!” Max almost choked on his brandy and a slight panic chased through his body.
“What type of inquiries, George?”
Thank heavens Nathan had the sense to ask.
“Her dowry and inheritance.”
“I must warn Darcy of Slade’s intentions.” Max murmured.
“I’d offer to carry the message, but as you know I have a young wife waiting at our new house in Mayfair. I should not even be here with you tonight.”
“I’ll have a word with him.” Max placed his snifter on the table and leved a dark look at George. “Speaking of your new house in Mayfair, remind me to punish you for stealing my under butler.”
“Fields? I did not steal him, he volunteered.”
Nathan laughed outright and Max gave him a frustrated glare. Their youngest brother shrugged his shoulders and continued to grin.
“Poppycock.” Max continued. “Fields has been at Kerr house for almost fifteen years and with Benson nearing retirement, his promotion to butler was imminent. What incentive did you offer?”
“Nothing. I find all I have to do is introduce my beautiful wife and her grace and charm has everyone eating out of her hand within the hour. They adore her.”
“Who are ‘they’?” Nathan asked and given the tone Max knew he was greatly amused.
“Well… Max might have to hire a new upstairs maid and a few footmen.”
“George!”
“Would it help if I told you Fields promised to find another capable man to fill his shoes?”
“Good butlers are extremely hard to come by. You owe me, little brother.” Max signaled the major domo to call for his carriage. “Give my newest sister a hug and say hello to all of my previous staff members who have joined you in your new home.”
“I shall, and I promise not to pilfer any more staff, although you do have a wonderful cook, and my Catherine loves her strawberry tarts…”
“No. Reconnoiter Nathan’s estate and leave mine alone.”
“I am not worried,” Nathan said with a laugh. “My staff are safely ensconced in Derbyshire, far from Catherine’s charms.”
“Your carriage is ready, your Grace.” The major domo bowed slightly and Max stood.
Even though it was not in fashion, they gave each other a brotherly hug. Max retrieved his cape and hat before proceeding out into the night, his carriage and driver waiting patiently.
“Where to, your Grace?” The driver asked.
“Home, Michael.”
Max entered the carriage, closed the door and pondered on the news George had relayed. It bothered him that Sir Reginald Slade was actively gathering information on Georgiana Darcy. This could only mean one thing. When she made her debut, Slade intended to pursue her diligently. He must advise Darcy of Slade’s financial troubles. Once Darcy had all the facts, he’d move heaven and earth to protect his sister.
Max knew that between Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam she was not in any direct danger, however, he’d also maintain a quiet vigilance at social functions. He caught himself smiling. Watching out for Miss Darcy was not a new thing. In fact, quietly observing the beautiful, talented young woman had become second nature. A fact few people were aware.
Chapter Three
“Adborough, this is a surprise.” Darcy stood and welcomed Max into his study.
“I wish it was for only a pleasant interlude, but I have come with information which needs to be dealt with quietly.”
A light frown marred Darcy’s face as he gestur
ed for Max to take a seat near the fire.
“Would you like tea or does this conversation require a more bracing drink?”
“We’ll need brandy for this.”
Darcy walked over to the table which held the port brandy and cut-glass tumblers. He’d just poured them each a glass when the door to the study opened, revealing Colonel Fitzwilliam.
“I am always amazed, Cousin, how you manage to appear whenever I’m pouring my best brandy.” Darcy pulled another glass up from the bottom tray.
“It is a skill which I have honed these many years.” Colonel Fitzwilliam advanced further in the room, a cocky grin on his face. “Adborough. ‘tis good to see you again.”
“You as well, Colonel.” Max accepted the drink from Darcy. “How goes the war? Any news from the front?”
“News comes in spits and spots,” the Colonel said as he lowered himself into one of the wingback chairs. “We’re still waiting to hear the full outcome of Wellington’s battle at Toulouse. If it was as a successful as we believe, this could be the end of the Peninsular war, for which I shall be bloody grateful.”
“Here, here,” Darcy said, raising his glass. “To the end of the war.”
“To the end of the war.”
They all toasted and quiet settled around them, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, the Colonel roused himself.
“Did I interrupt something important, or was this the night to get rip roaring drunk and tell bawdy stories all night long?”
“We didn’t get a chance to start our conversation.” Darcy set his drink down and glanced at Max. “Adborough arrived only a few minutes ago. You, however, only came to drink my port brandy. I am of the mind you hold no affection for me or my wife but covet only my wine cellar,” he teased.
“It is much more than that, Darcy. I also covet your cook.”
“At least your cousin has not absconded with members of your staff to set up his own house.” Max quipped with a laugh.
“Do tell. This sounds much more fun than my war stories.”
“It seems George pilfered a few members of my staff. He claims they are falling for the charms of his wife.”
“Never doubt the charms of a Miss Bennet,” Darcy murmured. “My household has fallen under Elizabeth’s spell and care not for any of my suggestions or worries. Everything revolves around ‘what the missus said’, or wants.”
“I don’t think you mind too much, Darce,” the Colonel said. “If that self-satisfied smile on your face is anything to go by.”
“No, I am happily situated and have no reason to complain.” Darcy settled back in his chair. “There is not one thing I can think of that would mar my happiness.”
Yes, there is one thing.
Max hated that news of Slade would break into their reminiscing and quiet idyll and was glad the Colonel was here. He’d prove himself a great asset after the untimely death of Viscount Stanhope at Pemberley.
“That brings me to the purpose of my visit.” Max set down his drink and braced his hands on his thighs. “George heard rumors of Sir Reginald Slade making inquiries about Miss Darcy.”
“Georgiana?” Both Darcy and the Colonel spoke at the same time.
“Yes, Georgiana. Unless you and Elizabeth have birthed a daughter without telling anyone,” Max teased Darcy, a grin creasing his face.
“Right. Of course, Georgiana.” Darcy placed his drink onto the side table and leaned forward. “What type of enquiries?”
“Of her dowry and value of any inheritance.”
“He must know she gets none of Pemberley, not with Elizabeth giving Darcy a healthy son.” the Colonel bit out. He stood and began to pace.
“This by itself is not earth shattering, Richard. Adborough must have good reason to bring it to our attention.”
“I do. Slade is in over his head. George laid it all out most succinctly when he told me, ‘his estate is mortgaged to the rafters and all his holdings are nothing but vowels in the hands of those he has wagered against and lost.’ You’d do well to direct your sister to avoid him at all costs.”
“Can we trust what George discovered?”
“George is not given to idle gossip, especially when it’s about friends and family. If he has concerns about Slade’s intentions, I would not brush them off lightly.”
“Is there nobody who can love Georgiana for who she is and not for money?” The Colonel flopped back into his chair. “How many fortune hunters need we fight off?”
Darcy cut a sharp glance at his cousin and Richard abruptly quit speaking, although Max was quite sure he still fumed silently. Max finished his drink and stood.
“I must be off, Darcy, Colonel. Mother has opened Kerr House to receive visitors and demanded I make an appearance and lend support to Caroline and Catherine against would be vipers.”
“Should I enlist your aid for Elizabeth and Georgiana?” Darcy asked as he rang for a footman.
“I defy anyone to slander your wife and sister. Your aunt would have them for breakfast and spit out the bones. You forget, I’ve seen Lady Matlock at work.”
“If required, the mater can be quite ferocious,” the Colonel drawled from his comfortable spot in the wingback chair. “This is why our mothers are such great friends.”
“I’ll see you out, Adborough.” Darcy stood and opened the door to the study and addressed the footman who waited. “Please get the Duke’s things and bring them to the front entryway.”
The footman nodded and hastened away.
“You don’t need to see me to the door, Darcy. I’ve been here enough times to know my way out.”
“Nonsense. I’m expecting Elizabeth and Georgiana back any moment and want to see if they’ve returned.”
“Love sick fool!” the Colonel teased.
“One day you will meet a lady who throws you for sixes, cousin, and I for one can’t wait to see you fall.”
“You’ll be a grandfather before that happens.”
“Mayhap she will be at the ball your mother is holding after the presentation at court.” Max teased. He knew Darcy’s cousin flirted with many a pretty girl but rarely singled out any for marked attention.
“Don’t remind me of the ball. I plan on hiding in the card room. By the by, Mother is thrilled you and the Duchess are attending,” Colonel Fitzwilliam called out as Max and Darcy left the room. “The only dance I shall dance with will be the first one with Georgiana, as promised and then Lizzy. None others…”
With a grin and a nod, Darcy indicated for Max to leave the study, the mutterings from his cousin fading with each step.
“I wish I hadn’t been the bearer of such news−” Max began.
“I am exceedingly glad you did apprise us of his debt. Without this knowledge, I might have thought Slade was a good candidate, being that he is knighted with a substantial estate on par with Rosings.” They walked side by side down the wide hall leading to the front of the house. “I can’t thank you enough, Adborough.”
“I think of Miss Darcy as a younger sister,” he lied smoothly. If Darcy knew where his thoughts strayed when no one was around, he’d ban him not only from their house in Mayfair, but Pemberley as well. “I wouldn’t want any harm to befall her.”
“She is a lucky girl to have so many look out for her best interests.”
They’d reached the front vestibule just as Hutchins opened the door, admitting Elizabeth and Georgiana. Max’s mouth went dry at the sight before him. Clad in a fur lined pelisse and matching bonnet, her cheeks rosy from being outside, Miss Darcy held his attention. She entered the house arm in arm with her sister-in-law, eyes bright with merriment. Everything in him wanted to scoop her up and kiss her soundly. He smiled at the thought. Wouldn’t that surprise them all?
~~~~~
“Fitzwilliam, have you come to greet us at the door?” Lizzy cried out upon seeing her husband.
Georgiana came to a complete stop when she spied the Duke of Adborough standing to one side, a footman handing him his cap
e and hat. Her heart did a traitorous leap at the sight of him, flawlessly tailored in buckskins and high-gloss top boots. His jacket did nothing to mask his broad shoulders, but rather accentuated them. However, it was the rogue lock of hair which flopped down across his forehead that melted her insides. Something his valet would see in horror and immediately apply pomade to curb. Such a shame.
When he returned her gaze, she realized she’d been staring. Immediately, she fussed with her gloves to hide her embarrassment.
“Your Grace, surely you are not leaving as soon as we have arrived,” Lizzy addressed Max. “Unless you have dire, emergent business, I implore you to stay for a cup of tea.”
“It shall be my pleasure, Mrs. Darcy.” Max handed his cape and hat back to the footman with a wry smile. “Although Mother is expecting me at Kerr House to make an appearance for Caroline and Catherine.”
Within minutes of their arrival the front entryway was filled with lady’s maids divesting them of their coats, bonnets and gloves. Lizzy quietly asked her maid to advise cook to send up tea and cake to the drawing room and Georgiana couldn’t help but admire how she’d grown into the role as lady of the house.
“We shall not keep you long and I cannot guarantee you any of the cake or biscuits as we ladies are famished,” Lizzy teased as they made their way to the drawing room and their tea arrived a few short minutes after them.
“Are we destitute yet, wife?” her brother asked Lizzy before he sat beside her.
“Not quite my darling, but I am doing my very best to make a dent in that considerable allowance you insist on giving me.” Lizzy poured the teas and handed them around. “Fortunately, I still have that lovely dress from last year and it’s not too out-dated. Madame Etienne need only make a few minor adjustments to the gown.”
“Saved from the poor house by my economical wife!” Fitz exclaimed. “Find such as woman as this, Adborough. One who cares not one jot if you have land and money.”
