A Solitary Duke

by Fenella J Miller

  *

  Lucy looked pointedly at his arms and he hastily removed them from her waist. She supposed it was far too late to worry about such niceties when she had already seen him as nature intended.

  ‘I closed the house in order to remove my parent from it. Then I visited a distant relative in London and arrived so early I had no option but to walk as I had no wish to kick my heels in town.’

  ‘Oh my, her grace must have been quite put out at such cavalier behaviour on your part, sir. I expect you are wondering why I believe my dog to have been abducted rather than the alternative.’

  He reached out and removed Didi’s reins from her hand and expertly backed the horse a little and then turned her so she was facing the direction that he wished to go in. This so annoyed her that she forgot to whom she was speaking.

  ‘Unhand my horse, your grace…’ She stopped mid-sentence realising how ridiculous she sounded and her irritation disappeared as quickly as it had come. ‘What I should have said is that I’ve no wish to go home until I’ve continued my investigation.’

  ‘There’s a small glade a hundred yards back. I thought it would be safer to converse there in the unlikely circumstance of another rider wishing to traverse this path at speed.’

  She had the grace to blush. ‘Then I beg your pardon, your grace, for suggesting that you could possibly believe that you had the right to dictate my actions.’ This was hardly a conciliatory remark but at the moment she was more concerned with the welfare of her beloved Sydney than she was of his sensibilities.

  His eyes narrowed and for a second she was afraid of him. Then common sense returned. He might be bad-tempered, and so high in the instep he was likely to fall from his lofty perch, but he would never hurt her of that she was quite certain.

  She held up her hand and he handed back the reins. Then, as the path was so narrow, he moved ahead leaving her to trail behind with her horse. He was right to suggest that they found somewhere safer to talk and the place he’d spoken of was ideal.

  She dropped the reins allowing the mare to graze on the lush grass whilst she explained what had happened.

  ‘I thought at first, like my father, that he had just been visiting in the neighbourhood. However, when he failed to appear by lunchtime yesterday, I became seriously worried. Never, in the four years I have owned him, has he been away so long.

  ‘I searched everywhere he had accompanied me since we arrived last week to no avail. Then fearing he had been injured and was unable to get home I enlisted the help of the outside staff.’

  He was listening intently. ‘At what point did you think something nefarious might have happened? And more to the point, why should anyone wish to steal your dog?’

  ‘He is the only wolfhound in the vicinity and therefore could be considered desirable to someone wishing to improve the stock of their hounds. I came across a Romany camp – Papa has no objection to them being on his land so they were prepared to talk to me. They told me they had heard a dog howling in the kennels of Squire Culley.’

  ‘I cannot see that to be a reason to suspect this man of having your dog. Good heavens, you’ve only been in the neighbourhood yourself for a few days. How could Culley have known about Sydney so quickly?’

  ‘My dog accompanies me when I go out but when I am indoors, he is free to roam as he pleases. As you might imagine, a dog of his size is not allowed inside the house.’

  ‘I’m beginning to see how this might have transpired. I think it quite possible this is a misunderstanding. Culley might well have mistaken your dog for a stray and decided to take him in for himself.’

  ‘If you would allow me to finish, your grace, you would understand my concerns.’ He wasn’t impressed by her sharp tone but she ignored it and continued. ‘I have sent grooms to every house in the neighbourhood with a note asking if they had seen my dog. The reply I received from Squire Culley was adamant that he hadn’t seen any dog roaming around and that if he had he would naturally bring him to me immediately. The groom who’d delivered my note also heard a dog howling and barking and was certain he recognised it as being Sydney trying to escape.’

  ‘In which case I’m at a loss to understand why Lord Stanfield did not go at once and ask to see the dog that was making such a racket.’

  ‘Papa refuses to do so. In fact, he got quite cross with me for suggesting that a gentleman could do such a thing as find my dog and then lie about it. This is why I’m riding there now and intend to investigate before anyone is up. If I call his name, Sydney will make himself known to me.’

  ‘My dear girl, you have bats in your attic. You will do no such thing. You will go home and leave this matter to me. I can assure you that this man will not deny me entry to his kennels. If your dog is there, I will reclaim him.’

  His high-handed attitude was the outside of enough. She was about to disagree quite violently but then reconsidered. He might be rather too dictatorial for her taste, but he was probably right that it would be far easier for him to reconnoitre than for her to creep about the place and hope not to be discovered.

  ‘I thank you, sir, for your kind offer and readily accept. I would offer to ride pillion on my mare but I doubt she could carry a double weight.’ She looked him up and down assessing his weight. ‘Didi is tall for a mare but she’s a thoroughbred and therefore not as sturdy as a more common horse.’

  ‘I wasn’t suggesting that you do so, my dear. Allow me to give you a leg up. Go home and allow me to take care of this for you.’

  ‘But what if I am wrong?’

  ‘I give you my word, Miss Armitage, that I shall find Sydney for you one way or another.’

  The tight band that had been around her chest since yesterday relaxed. If he said he would find her dog then she knew that he wouldn’t rest until he’d done so. She snapped her fingers and her horse ambled over to her. She grabbed the reins and offered her leg to the duke and he tossed her into the saddle.

  Some reckless impulse made her reach out and touch his face with her gloved fingers. ‘I’m so glad you were here this morning. I’m confident I’ll have my beloved dog home now that you’re looking into it for me.’

  He reached up and trapped her hand against his cheek before she could remove it. Something she didn’t recognise flashed in his eyes and a wave of heat travelled to a most unusual place. Then the moment was gone and he stepped back.

  ‘If your dog is there I’ll bring him to you personally. If he’s not, then I’ll continue the search. Either way, I’ll come to Margate Manor and keep you informed.’

  She cantered home in a happier state of mind than she had set out. To her surprise there was a stableboy alert for her arrival and she handed the mare over to him. It was scarcely light so what was he doing up so early?

  He touched his cap and grinned. ‘I reckoned you’d be up and out at dawn, miss, so I got up to wait for you. You look a mite happier than you did – have you found your wolfhound?’

  To discuss one’s business with a servant in any other household would be unheard of but here things were different. Papa treated all his employees with respect, paid them well, and because of this got their undivided loyalty and hard work.

  ‘I believe he might well be back with us later this morning. Thank you for your diligence, Peter, I appreciate it.’

  *

  Edwin vaulted over gates and jumped ditches in his effort to complete the distance at speed. His household had expected him to be away for several days and the house would be silent. Those that had formed attachments in the area, had family within a day’s travel, had been given permission to visit.

  Obviously, sufficient grooms would have stayed to take care of his horses and there would still be a skeleton staff inside to deal with his needs. The side door was, as it should be, open. He thundered up the stairs and into his apartment.

  There was always a jug of clean water waiting on the washstand and that would have to do. He was quite capable of taking care of himself when necessary. He complet
ed his ablutions in record time and was freshly garbed and on his way down again to find himself some breakfast and still the house was silent.

  He’d only visited the kitchen once but was confident he could make himself some breakfast. The range was soon hot enough to put the kettle upon it. He found the skillet and was busily slicing himself some bacon from the flitch hanging in the pantry when he was interrupted by the arrival of both the housekeeper and the butler.

  ‘Your grace, you should not be doing that yourself. We had no idea of your arrival. I apologise most humbly…’

  ‘Cut rope, Southey, as you see I’m managing perfectly well. I gave you all two days’ holiday. It is my decision to appear a day early and there’s absolutely no necessity for you to apologise.’

  Cook appeared, her mob cap askew, and curtsied. ‘Allow me to complete your breakfast preparations, your grace.’

  ‘I’ll be happy to. However, I might as well eat it in here, if you’ve no objection?’

  They were somewhat surprised by his unusual request but didn’t appear unhappy to have him in their domain. Soon he was devouring a substantial breakfast and learned that all the junior staff had gone into Margate to enjoy the delights on offer. It would seem that there were many boarding houses available for lesser folk and they had taken advantage of it being early-season.

  Replete, he drained his third cup of coffee and stood up. ‘I don’t know my plans for the remainder of the day, but continue as if I was absent. If I do wish to dine then I’ll have whatever is available. It can be served on a tray in my study.’

  Edwin was hopeful he might be invited to dine at Margate Manor. He was dressed in his finest blue jacket, immaculate neckcloth, snowy-white shirt and grey silk waistcoat. His Hessians were spotless and he was confident no one would mistake him for anything but the Duke of Rochester.

  If this Culley person had indeed stolen Sydney he would rue the day. No one interfered with those under his protection and escaped unscathed.

  Chapter Eight

  Edwin was obliged to travel in the barouche as the gig had been sent to fetch his valet and his travelling carriage wouldn’t be back from delivering his parent to the Dower House for several days. He could, of course have ridden, but wished to arrive as impressively as possible. To this end he had a driver and footman on the box in order to avoid having to knock on the door himself.

  They were still some distance from the squire’s house when he heard Sydney. How could the man have denied having the hound in his kennels when anyone within a mile away could hear him barking?

  They bowled down the drive and swung around the turning circle. He stayed where he was, ramrod straight on the seat, every inch a duke, and a very angry one at that.

  The footman hammered on the door and spoke to the butler. The door was flung open and Edwin descended from his carriage and strode across. It occurred to him belatedly that this damned thief would have no inkling that someone as illustrious as himself could possibly have any interest in a missing dog.

  If he had Edwin was certain he wouldn’t have been welcomed in with such alacrity. The footmen who’d accompanied him bowed as if to royalty and the butler did the same.

  ‘If you would care to come this way, your grace, the master and mistress are receiving in the drawing room.’

  ‘I shall wait here. Fetch Squire Culley. I have no wish to speak to anyone else.’

  Moments later a stout, red-faced, figure hurried out to speak to him. ‘Your grace, it is an honour to have you in my humble house. How can I be of assistance to you?’

  Edwin fixed the man with an icy stare. He watched the man’s colour fade. He allowed the silence to extend before answering. ‘You have Lord Stanfield’s wolfhound illegally confined in your kennels. You will release him at once. You will then write a grovelling apology for stealing him. Do I make myself clear?’

  The man’s eyes failed to meet his. ‘I have only my own hound. I recently acquired him and it is he that you can hear making such a din. He will settle to his new surroundings soon enough.’

  Edwin had instructed his driver to release the dog. He’d deliberately selected the largest of his grooms to drive the barouche and he doubted there would be any kennelman who would wish to risk being floored by his man.

  Unfortunately for the squire the front door had been left ajar. Sydney erupted into the house and hurled himself at Edwin, whining and yapping in excitement at having found a friend.

  ‘Down, Sydney, sit. I’ll speak to you later.’ The dog recognising authority when he heard it immediately subsided and sat, his huge head pressed against his thigh, gazing adoringly up at him.

  ‘You were saying, Culley? Do you wish to repeat your lies?’

  The man began to bluster. ‘I bought the dog in good faith, your grace. How could I have known he had been stolen?’

  ‘Be silent. Until now I’ve not involved myself in local affairs. But be very sure, you will regret your actions when I have done with you.’

  He nodded to the footman and strode out confident the dog would pad behind him. ‘Good lad, your mistress will be overjoyed to see you. Are you going to run beside the carriage or travel with me?’

  The driver was grinning and Edwin smiled back. ‘Well done, did you have any difficulty?’

  ‘No, your grace. When I called the dog’s name, he burst through the kennel door and there was nothing they could do about it.’

  ‘Excellent. We’ll go directly to Margate Manor.’ Sydney, one might have thought, would wish to run free after being confined for a day or more. Instead, the massive animal scrambled in and flopped in the well of the vehicle, panting and wagging his long plumy tail.

  It occurred to him as he fondled the dog’s head, that Sydney might already have been used for stud. Any puppies would belong to Lucy – he would have to make further enquiries. No rush as it took around two months gestation for a bitch to produce a litter.

  He hadn’t kept dogs since his marriage to Sarah as she had been terrified of them. When he was married a second time he would suggest that they found some smaller animals that could live inside.

  Lucy would be surprised to see him so quickly as it had been less than two hours since they were together. He expected the dog to demand to be let out as they drew near to his home but the hound was content to loll against him. Since their first meeting when the dog had bitten him, they’d become the best of friends.

  They turned through wrought iron gates and travelled along the drive to the substantial modern edifice. The Rookery was half the size and four times the age of this building. Rochester Towers, however, was vast – a veritable mausoleum of a place and he much preferred living more modestly and comfortably where he was.

  The barouche rolled gently to a halt. He leaned forward and unlatched the door allowing the dog to jump out. The front door opened and the entire Stanfield family poured out to greet the animal as if he’d been gone for months rather than a day.

  The little ones threw themselves at Sydney and he accepted their affection and rolled over so they could sit on him and smother him with kisses. Lucy rushed towards him. Was she going to run into his arms again as she had last time? If she did, then making her an offer would be so much simpler.

  ‘Your grace, you must come in at once and tell us how you persuaded that horrible man to release my dog. He looks none the worse for his incarceration. Thank you so very much for your assistance in this matter.’

  Stanfield and his lady were watching with fond expressions as their four smallest children rolled around in the dirt in a way that most parents would have found quite shocking. The more he saw of this unconventional family the better he liked them.

  ‘Rochester, thank you for reclaiming this monster.’ He repeated the invitation that his daughter had given. ‘Won’t you come in? I hope you will dine with us. We don’t dress – I don’t hold with that nonsense – so there’s no need for you to return to change.’

  *

  Lucy couldn’t stop smi
ling and the duke seemed equally happy about the situation. She hadn’t known him very long, and she wouldn’t call him a taciturn gentleman, but he was more likely to look solemn than joyful.

  He bounded up the steps, shook hands with her father, bowed to her mother and then dropped to his knees to play with the children and the dog. She felt rather left out but as only a short time ago she had had the pleasure of being held in his arms she could hardly complain if he ignored her now.

  Soon everyone, including Sydney, went inside. Mama suggested they remove themselves to the terrace at the rear of the house so the children and the dog could continue to play and the adults could converse in comfort.

  A nursemaid arrived with little Freddie and he too joined in the merriment. There were comfortable padded seats on the terrace and they took their places.

  When the duke told them what had transpired they congratulated him and thanked him in equal measure. ‘I think champagne is called for, my love, don’t you?’ Papa said jovially.

  ‘As a rule we don’t serve alcohol when the children are with us, but I think today we can make an exception.’ Mama rang the little brass bell that was always kept on the table and relayed their request. There was to be lemonade and biscuits for the children and champagne for them.

  At five o’clock her siblings were taken upstairs for nursery tea. Her parents retired to their apartment to refresh themselves before dinner. If she did the same then their guest would be left on his own and that would be the height of bad manners.

  ‘I shall be perfectly content to sit here and admire the magnificent view of the sea, my dear, if you wish to leave me unattended.’

  ‘I changed when I got back from my ride earlier. I’ve no need to do so again. Am I allowed to thank you once more for bringing Sydney back?’

  ‘No, I merely treated the man to my most disdainful look and he crumpled beneath the weight of my superiority.’