'I wasn't aware that you own a vehicle of that sort. Is this another secret you have been keeping from me?'
'Do you refuse to let me take the Sinclair carriage?'
'I do indeed. You will remain here until after the wedding and then I will make suitable arrangements for your journey. The name of this estate if you please?'
'Selby Manor, it is adjacent to Ouston Moor, some thirty miles from Newcastle. It was gifted to me by my grandmother.'
'Travelling that far will take a week or more and involve several overnight stops. I will send someone tomorrow and they can reserve your accommodation at suitable hostelries. They can also ensure that the house is fit for habitation. Is it occupied?'
He had deliberately kept his tone even and kept talking about details in the hope that she would recover her temper and change her mind. Alas, this was not the case.
'That is none of your concern. All you need to know, sir, is that you will regret sending me away. I intend to speak to Captain Marchand tomorrow on the subject of your man. You can be very sure the marshals will know exactly where to look.'
'You're prepared to cause the death of a good man in order to spite me? I cannot believe what I'm hearing. Sarah and Amanda will be horrified and you might well find yourself permanently estranged from them.'
'They have no need of me now. I have given the best part of my life to raising my children and in future I shall consider only what is best for me.' She swept past him, stalked through the doors and vanished upstairs.
He could see no way of preventing her from revealing the truth about Patrick. He must go at once to the Dower House and warn him to leave immediately.
'Richard, I heard raised voices and my mother almost pushed me down the stairs in her hurry to get past. Was she gambling again?'
'Unfortunately, my love, that was exactly what she was doing. Our guests refused to play and I went in to speak to her and mishandled it badly. She will reveal our secret tomorrow and is then determined to move to her own estate in Northumbria.'
'Don't look so perturbed, my dear, she'll calm down by the morning and all this will be forgotten. She has the most fearsome temper but when she recovers, she bears no grudges.'
'I sincerely hope you're right. Did you know that she had her own property and income?'
'I did not. I cannot think why she has never mentioned it to us as it would come to me on her death.'
'I think I will pre-empt her revelation and speak to Marchand myself. He's a reasonable fellow, maybe we can come to some arrangement.'
'Sarah's sleeping peacefully now, the laudanum has worked. Shall we take a stroll in the garden before we retire? I love to hear the nightingales singing.'
One of the things he adored about his beloved was that she couldn't give a fig if her slippers were ruined by the dew or if the hem of her gown became wet. She would have made an excellent officer's wife and been able to follow the drum in a way that few gently bred ladies could.
She had her skirt in one hand and the other was looped through his arm. It was cool outside and he guided her towards the steps that led into the rose garden. The heady perfume from the blooms drifted up to them and he was about to remark on it when two shapes loomed from the darkness.
'Tarnation take it, gentlemen, you startled us. I didn't know you were prowling about outside.'
'I beg your pardon, your grace, Lady Amanda. We thought to enjoy the nightingales before retiring.'
Richard laughed. 'I need to speak to you both and was in fact going to come in search of you later. There's a couple of stone benches over there we can use.' They immediately understood this was an order rather than a suggestion.
'I'll go in…'
'No, sweetheart, sit with me. There's nothing I can say or do that I don't wish you to know about.'
Her soft peal of laughter made him want to snatch her from the ground and make love to her.
'Good heavens, your grace, you've left yourself open to all sorts of complications once we are wed.'
He pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head hoping this wasn't seen in the dark. The moon was waning and only the reflected light from the candles still burning in the drawing room was providing illumination.
'I'm quite certain that you've guessed that Sergeant Major Riley is Mr Patrick O’Riley. He has left the neighbourhood and has no intention of returning until after his five years are up.'
'Thank you for being honest and saving us a deal of aggravation. I assume you have a proposition,' the captain replied.
'I do. I intend to write several letters, including one to Wellington himself. I would like you to deliver them for me. All the recipients are in Portugal which I'm sure is where you'd rather be.' This wasn't what he'd originally planned but he thought it a scheme more likely to succeed.
'And how will this be of benefit to us, your grace?'
'I intend to provide sufficient funds for both of you to transfer to an active regiment. My former brigade commander, Colonel Jackson, is always looking for likely officers and will take you on my recommendation.'
The young man didn't appear shocked at his blatant bribery. 'I take it that the other letters are to those in a position to stop the general from entrapping Riley.'
'I knew at once that you're an intelligent fellow. I suggest that you hang around here for a sennight. Send your private to London with a letter saying that you're hopeful of making an arrest. This will keep him out of the way for a week.'
'Excellent. Then Robinson and I can take a packet to Corunna and go in search of your commanding officer. I would have done it without the bribe, your grace, but I'm not going to refuse your offer of funds.'
'Good man. I warn you that you'll be accosted in the morning by the dowager as she and I are at daggers drawn.'
He stood up and drew Amanda with him. 'Come, my love, we'll continue our stroll. I bid you good night, gentlemen.'
'Your grace, is it possible that Lady Sarah will be able to join us before I depart? I would really like to apologise in person for causing her accident.'
'Don't be a dolt, sir. She followed you, and fell when you were nowhere near. It will be better if she remains where she is until we're certain of the extent of her injury. However, in a day or two I have no objection if you wish to visit her in her sitting room as long as Lady Amanda and Miss Westley are present.'
Amanda stiffened beside him and he knew she disapproved of his offer. She waited until they were away from the other two before expressing her displeasure.
'Have you run mad, Richard? My sister is halfway to falling in love with that man and the last thing she needs is to have him visit her. It will end in disaster.'
He silenced her with a kiss and a satisfactory few minutes later he raised his head. 'I think he would make an ideal husband for her. She would enjoy gallivanting across the Peninsula after him, don't you think?' He waited for the explosion trying hard not to laugh. As always, she surprised him.
'You're a nincompoop to think I would fall for that. I'm not remaining outside to bandy words with you, your grace. You can continue your walk on your own.'
She was several yards away before he reacted and he could hear her laughing in the darkness as she ran inside.
*
Sarah was carried gently to the daybed in her sitting room by Richard. 'You must give me your word that you'll not leave this bed unless it is to relieve yourself. I'll carry you to the commode.'
'You’ll do no such thing. How can you mention something so indelicate?' She was pink from toes to crown at his remark.
He grinned, quite unrepentant. 'I'm a rough soldier, remember, my dear. I've no regard for silly sensibilities. If you don't wish me to do it then I'll send up a footman.'
The idea of that was even worse. 'I can hop…'
'Dammit, Sarah, I don't think you understand the possible seriousness of your injury. If it's broken, and you wish to heal without permanent damage, you must remain where you are. I've sent for a physician from Lo
ndon that I know is competent. However, until he does come you will do as I say.'
'I promise. I'm sorry if I'm causing you unnecessary worry.'
He spun a chair and sat. 'I take it you haven't heard about your mother?'
She was aghast at his tale and he was surprised that Amanda hadn't already informed her of the drama. 'All this on top of your problems with Mr O’Riley. I can only apologise again…'
'Nonsense, my dear. None of this is your fault – apart from hurting your ankle, of course.' He left the chair by the chaise longue and strolled out with a casual wave. He really was a most disturbing gentleman and she was glad that he was not going to be her husband.
Amanda arrived along with her breakfast tray. 'I gather that Richard has told you about the confrontation with Mama. Did he tell you that he's given the captain permission to visit later?'
'I don't wish to see him. It's hard to credit that our parent is prepared to abandon us because Richard won't allow her to gamble for money.'
'I'm hoping that she'll reconsider but even if she does, I've a nasty suspicion Richard won't forgive her so easily this time. By the way, did he tell you about his plans for the captain and Mr O’Riley?'
When her sister had finished explaining Sarah wasn't sure if she was concerned or impressed. 'All I can say is that I'm almost glad I'm confined to my apartment and not part of all this excitement. Please make sure that I have no unwanted visitors.'
'I'll do that. Mama can't depart until Richard has ensured her estate in Northumbria is fit for occupation. He's also having accommodation reserved for her long journey. I'm sure she'll be up to see you sometime today, or would you class her as an unwanted visitor too?'
'Certainly not. I was upset that she didn't visit last night. She's as contrary as a weathervane and I scarcely know who she is any more. I am sharp-set and that food set out on the table beside me is making my mouth water. Are you joining me or are you eating downstairs?'
The day dragged by and even a visit from her younger sibling, Beth, and Miss Westley did little to alleviate the boredom. Mama had yet to put in an appearance and she was beginning to think that her mother might well depart without speaking to her. Fortunately, she was only obliged to ask for Richard's assistance once during the day.
The following morning she was almost tempted to hop as her ankle scarcely hurt at all but decided against it. Then to her delight he appeared at the door of her bedchamber wheeling a somewhat dilapidated bath chair.
'Your carriage awaits, my lady. It might look ancient but it works perfectly well. I want to see if you can transfer yourself to it with your maid's assistance and without putting stress on your injury.'
She was fully dressed and lying on her bed as to do this hadn't involved putting her foot down. The peculiar contraption was a few inches lower than her bed but between Mary and herself they accomplished the task easily.
'Excellent. My services are no longer required. The doctor should be here later today and we'll know more then.' He paused at the door, his expression serious. 'Has your mother been to see you?'
'No, I do wish she would come as I might be able to persuade her to reconsider her decision.'
'I've not seen her since the other night as she's remained in her apartment and refuses to speak to either Amanda or me.'
'Then she didn't carry out her threat to reveal our secret?'
'She wrote a letter and had her companion deliver it.'
Sarah looked away not wishing him to see how this information distressed her. Richard would never forgive a betrayal of that magnitude and neither would her sister.
Then he was crouching down beside her. 'Sweetheart, don't cry. Whatever she does, whatever she says, she will always be your mother and because of that I'll always forgive her behaviour.'
'Thank you. I just wish I could be sure that Amanda will be as magnanimous as you.'
'Whatever her feelings she too would do nothing to cause you distress. Are you quite sure you don't want a visit from the dashing young captain? He's desperate to see for himself that you're in no pain.'
'If I didn't know you better, Richard, I would think that you were attempting to throw us together. I've no interest in him. I told you a few months ago that I've no intention of becoming romantically involved with any gentleman for a year or two.'
'I'm doing no such thing, my dear, I just thought seeing a different face might make the time go faster. I know how you hate to be cooped up inside.' He smiled down at her. 'A little light flirtation would take your mind off everything.'
'Flirting isn't a skill I have. I don't know how to do it. I'm not like my sister, who wore us to a frazzle by the time she was allowed on her feet after her riding accident three years ago, and my incarceration will not perturb me overmuch.'
Then she remembered something her mother had said and her spirits lifted a little. 'At least now I won't be obliged to fend off the unwanted suitors that my mother told me she has invited to your wedding.'
He said something extremely impolite. 'This is the first I've heard of it. I'll deal with it immediately. I give you my word you'll not be importuned at our wedding celebrations.'
*
Paul wasn't accustomed to idleness. He was a soldier and expected to be busy. The enlisted man had departed for London with the letter for Horse Guards so there was nothing more he could do until the duke gave him leave to head for Dover and catch a ship to Portugal.
His uniform was uncomfortably hot and he had nothing with which to replace it. He was wandering disconsolately around the garden when Lady Amanda appeared on the terrace and beckoned him over. He had no idea what had happened to Robinson as he hadn't seen him since they broke their fast an hour or so ago.
'Captain, you're approximately the same height and build as both this duke and the previous one.'
He nodded, uncertain as to why this information should be relevant to him.
'I've had a footman put out a selection of garments that I think will serve you well until you leave. Unfortunately, I've nothing that will fit your ensign so he'll have to suffer from the heat.'
'That's very thoughtful of you, my lady, but I'm obliged to remain in uniform however much I might wish to divest myself of this heavy jacket.'
'Fiddlesticks to that! Who is there here to see you? I've spoken to his grace and he was most insistent that you were comfortable. I think he has some tasks for you to do. Your arrival means that his man of business is necessarily elsewhere.'
Paul laughed. 'This is all highly irregular, but then so is what we've planned. Thank you, my lady, I should be delighted to change from my uniform and also to do anything I can to assist the duke.'
The breeches were slightly loose and a trifle long but not enough to bother him. The shirts were by their very nature loose fitting so that was no problem at all. The three topcoats were a better fit as his shoulders were as broad as the original owner. The fact that the sleeves were, like the breeches, a bit long was no impediment.
He sent the liveried servants away as he had no use for a valet. He preferred to do for himself. When he strolled downstairs a while later, he was a new man, but was still unsure if he was breaking the rules of etiquette by wearing the clothes of a deceased duke.
'Excellent, they fit you almost as well as they did me. I abhor writing, my scrawl's almost indecipherable. Do you have a fair hand?'
'I do, your grace, I had it thrashed into me as a boy.'
'Then I'll dictate and you shall be my scribe. You need to know the content as although these will be delivered on my behalf, they also concern you.' The duke smiled. He was really a most charming man when he wasn't scowling or shouting. 'I've sent Robinson to the village on an errand for Lady Amanda. I think he was relieved to have something to do.'
'I'm certain that he was, your grace. Are you quite certain that you're comfortable with me wearing these garments?'
'When Amanda suggested that you borrow them, I agreed immediately. I don't stop for luncheon so I hope you
ate sufficient at breakfast as you'll get nothing until we dine at six o'clock.'
They'd been working for an hour or two when there was a discreet knock at the door and the butler announced that the physician from London had arrived to examine Lady Sarah.
'I'll come at once. Have coffee and pastries brought here for the captain.'
Paul wandered about the study unable to settle until the duke returned and could tell him what the grand doctor's diagnosis was. He prayed it was merely a bad sprain and that the girl wouldn't be marooned upstairs unable to move because her ankle was broken.
A different footman arrived with the refreshments at the same time as his grace.
'Don't look so anxious, Marchand, the news is good. A severe sprain, the patient will be joining us for dinner tonight.'
'I cannot tell you how relieved I am that the injury is no worse.'
The remainder of the day was spent in a similar fashion. His hand was aching when eventually the duke patted him on the shoulder. 'Enough writing for today, my friend, we must adjourn and change for dinner. Tonight, Miss Westley will join us, again at Amanda's suggestion, so that our numbers will be even.'
Chapter Five
Sarah paid particular attention to her appearance that evening. This was the first time they had entertained since they'd moved from the Dower House and she wanted to look her best.
'Amanda, I cannot wear a stocking or shoe on my injured ankle. Do I wear just one or none at all?'
'None at all. That gown is sufficiently long to cover your omission. Are you going to be carried and then travel in your bath chair or do you intend to hop?'
Richard spoke from behind them. He had a disconcerting habit of appearing when least expected. She supposed she should be grateful they were in the sitting room and not in her bedchamber.
'There's no need to do either of those things. Marchand has proved himself dextrous and made you a crutch so you can make your own way about the place.' He handed over the object and she was suitably impressed.
'It's the perfect length too. I'd better try it out before I decide.' She put it under her arm and was about to use it when her sister called her name in warning.
The Duke's Decision (The Reluctant Duke Book 2) Page 4
