The Duke's Decision (The Reluctant Duke Book 2)

by Fenella J Miller

  The interior of the building was as well-maintained and clean as the stable block. The landlord was on duty despite the early hour and approached him and bowed. 'How can I be of service, sir? Are you desirous of a chamber or perhaps to break your fast?'

  'I am the Duke of Denchester. I require two chambers, one for myself and one for my two companions who will be arriving at any moment. I doubt that we'll be staying overnight. We shall need to eat, but in a private parlour not in the common snug.'

  'There will be hot water sent up immediately, your grace. I will have a private dining room prepared for you.' The man hesitated obviously not liking to ask exactly what was his illustrious guest's business.

  'I wish to take you into my confidence.' He stared at the man and he nodded vigorously.

  'You can rely on my discretion and also that of my staff.'

  'Excellent. The Dowager Duchess of Denchester will be arriving in my carriage sometime this morning. I am here to take her home.'

  The man's eyes widened as he took in the full meaning of this concise sentence. 'I understand perfectly, your grace. When her grace and her party arrive I shall ensure that they are given rooms in which she will be undisturbed.'

  Richard nodded. 'Good. If she turns up whilst I'm upstairs you will not, of course, inform her of my presence.'

  He strode back into the inn yard in order to speak to his companions who had just arrived. Their regimentals were attracting a deal of attention and he cursed under his breath. It would have been better if they had travelled incognito as it was quite possible one of the grooms might let slip that two soldiers were in residence. If this happened the carriage could travel straight on and he would be obliged to go after her again.

  'We're in advance of them. There's a chamber reserved for you. Sort yourselves out and then make your way to the private parlour where a meal will be served.' He looked directly at the captain. 'My man of business is not here and hasn't been seen in this vicinity.'

  'Thank you for the information, your grace.'

  Richard stripped off his topcoat and shirt and plunged his head into the china basin into which he'd poured a generous amount of hot water. He then washed the sweat and grime from his upper body and, when dry, put on his clean shirt. He tied his stock in the simplest arrangement he knew, ran his fingers through his wet hair and put his freshly sponged jacket back on. A nervous maidservant had completed this task for him whilst he was about his ablutions.

  Satisfied he looked respectable he gave his dusty boots a cursory wipe with a damp cloth and then was ready to descend. He pulled out his pocket watch and flicked it open. Six o'clock – the carriage would have been trundling along the roads for several hours and the occupants would be more than ready to relieve themselves and find refreshments. The team of horses pulling the vehicle would also be in dire need of food, water and rest.

  They could not begin the return journey until early afternoon so there was ample time to eat and to snatch a few hours' sleep. Even if the dowager discovered he was here there was little she could do about it as the horses would be too fatigued to continue without several hours’ respite.

  The landlord was downstairs waiting to escort him with due ceremony to the room set aside for their personal occupancy.

  'Your grace, I took the liberty of sending out a groom to enquire if those that you seek might have already passed through.'

  Richard wasn't sure if he was irritated or impressed by this man's actions. 'I thank you.' He raised an eyebrow and waited to be told what had been discovered.

  'The carriage that you seek hasn't arrived in this neighbourhood. However, young Seth said he's pretty sure it's about a mile away and should arrive in the next half an hour.'

  He was about to say that it shouldn't take any carriage so long to cover so short a distance but then understood the significance. 'I take it the team is done and they are travelling at snail's pace.'

  'Worse than that, your grace, the lead horse is lame. Do you wish me to send for the farrier?'

  He nodded. 'Yes, do that. What is the coachman thinking to continue when one of the team is unsound?' This question was rhetorical and the landlord had the sense not to do more than nod sympathetically.

  'We shall require the rooms overnight after all. Will that be a problem?'

  'No, your grace, I have already made suitable adjustments to my books in order to accommodate everyone. Seth tells me there are two coachmen and three outriders – how many passengers are there apart from her grace?'

  'Two maids have accompanied her. They can share her accommodation. The coachmen and grooms can doss down wherever you like. At least one of their mounts also goes under harness, so with luck we can set out sometime tomorrow morning.'

  'I assume, your grace, that her grace will wish to remain in her apartment until you depart tomorrow?'

  Richard was warming to this fellow who understood the situation perfectly. 'Your assumptions are correct.' He nodded towards the narrow passageway on the left. 'Have my travelling companions descended before me?'

  'The two officers are awaiting your arrival. Allow me to conduct you to them.'

  The food served was excellent – but hardly surprising in such a superior establishment. Richard put down his cutlery with a sigh of satisfaction.

  'I think it fortunate, gentlemen, that we arrived when we did. For I doubt that we'll get much more opportunity to sit and enjoy a repast without interruptions.'

  'What do you wish us to do for you?'

  'Your presence, fully armed, in uniform is enough to ensure the cooperation of the men who accompanied her grace. I intend to dismiss them without reference. They'll remain here when we return and be obliged to find their own way home.'

  From the disapproving glance the two young men exchanged he realised they'd misunderstood him. 'Devil take it! I don't intend to leave them destitute. I'll give them sufficient to buy a seat on a common stage and, on their return, they can apply to the factor for any back wages they might be owed.'

  How they were to arrange the return of the spare horses he'd yet to decide. Time enough for that when he'd spoken to her grace. God knows how she was going to react to his unexpected appearance.

  *

  Sarah almost pitched onto her nose in her effort to discover who had arrived at the house so early and was now entertaining her sister in the drawing room.

  'Sarah, I do apologise for abandoning you in the study. I saw Doctor Peterson ride down the drive and so felt obliged to invite him in.'

  The physician was of middle years, fiery red hair, and a friendly smile. He was on his feet and bowed to her.

  'Lady Sarah, it is I who should apologise. I was attending someone in the neighbourhood and it hardly seemed worthwhile to go home and then return an hour or two later. I intended to put my horse in the stables and then find a quiet corner to doze until I could appear at your door.'

  'Although the doctor's visit is no longer required, I insisted he came in for refreshments before returning to Ipswich,' Amanda said. 'He has been most magnanimous about the wasted journey.'

  'Forgive me if this might seem an intrusion on your worries, my ladies, but my curiosity is aroused. Would you indulge me by answering some questions about your missing parent?'

  'I think it unsuitable for us to remain in here unchaperoned, sir,' she replied.

  'I shall go at once. I apologise for a second time for intruding.'

  'No, sir, that's not what I meant. You are a most welcome, if somewhat early, visitor. My sister and I will go elsewhere until Miss Westley can join us and then no breach of etiquette will occur.'

  Amanda was on her feet and nodded. 'Thank you for reminding me, dearest sister. I believe that I considered myself exempt from that rule as I am to become the wife of the Duke of Denchester tomorrow morning.'

  The doctor bowed. ‘Congratulations on your forthcoming nuptials, my lady. I am de trop.'

  'I insist that you remain here and allow your horse to recover.' Amanda looked to
wards the door. 'Good, I can hear your breakfast arriving. We shall rejoin you in an hour or so – unless, of course, you decide to leave before then.'

  Once across the hall Sarah spoke. 'Who did you find to make him anything at this hour?'

  'There were two kitchen maids down to get the range heated and they said they could coddle eggs, slice ham and make toast and tea. No doubt Doctor Peterson will be somewhat startled to have his breakfast brought to him by them instead of footmen, but he doesn't seem the sort of gentleman to be upset by such informality.'

  Sarah refused her sister's offer of help as she was now efficient on her crutch. 'I'm only halfway through the ledgers. If you assist me, I believe we can complete our task in another hour.'

  'Have you compiled any sort of list? How many are there in Richard's employ?'

  'We have, if you count indoor and outdoor staff, almost one hundred men, women, and some so young in years they could be considered little more than children. Amongst those I've so far managed to discover only twenty inside and fifteen outside servants who’ve not worked here for decades.'

  When they reached the study Amanda yanked on the strap. The hour was early, but there should be more people awake and ready to come to their bidding.

  'Whatever we might feel about those that disobeyed Richard and helped our mother to escape, if anyone has been working for the family for most of their adult lives they can hardly be dismissed without reference or pension.'

  'He's a fair man. I think he'll give them the opportunity to pledge their allegiance to him before he sends them away.'

  There was a hesitant knock on the door and her sister hurried to open it. A somewhat dishevelled footman, his half-wig askew and two buttons of his gold frogged livery undone, bowed deeply.

  'I apologise for the delay, my lady. We didn't know you were downstairs so early.'

  'We would like our breakfast served here as soon as maybe. Our unexpected guest has been served by the girls from the kitchen.'

  The young man caught a glimpse of his disarray and hastily straightened his wig before backing out. From the racket he made he was running to attend to their requests.

  Two trays arrived in short time and no further conversation was possible whilst they ate. A footman had been tasked with rousing Miss Westley and asking her to join them in the drawing room at her earliest convenience.

  At eight o'clock Sarah shook out her skirts and was ready to depart. 'Are you going to speak to those who we believe will be loyal to us or will you wait until Richard returns?'

  'As I said before, until I'm actually married to him, I've no real authority to deal with such matters. Goodness me! We should have asked Miss Westley to come to the study; she will be dismayed to find a strange gentleman in the drawing room instead of us.'

  They arrived at the door to find the doctor and Miss Westley chatting happily, neither of them at all bothered about the somewhat unusual situation. Their former governess stood up and dipped politely.

  ‘Good morning, I was about to come in search of you. Doctor Peterson and I introduced ourselves and I sent for more toast and coffee. This is a most unusual day.'

  Only then did Sarah realise Miss Westley would only just have discovered about Mama.

  'Indeed it is, and tomorrow will be even more extraordinary,' Amanda said and then explained to Miss Westley that the wedding had been brought forward.

  The doctor, rather than looking uncomfortable at being involved in such an intimate family conversation appeared to revel in it. 'I thought I had an exciting life when viewed from most people's viewpoint. However, I must own that this family's adventures quite trump my own.'

  The coffee was brought in and conversation halted until the footman had departed. As Sarah's ankle was still too tender to stand on it fell to Miss Westley to pour coffee from the heavy, silver jug into the delicate porcelain cups.

  The doctor immediately stood up and offered to assist and his kindness was immediately accepted. Once they were comfortably settled with the dark, aromatic brew and a selection of freshly baked biscuits the conversation turned to the reason that their visitor had volunteered to remain.

  Amanda told him everything she could remember about their mother's volatile temperament and how in the past year, since Richard had arrived, her behaviour had worsened considerably. He listened quietly and attentively.

  'I think there are two things at work here. The first is that her grace is at the time of life when ladies often suffer from emotional upset, irritation and other symptoms upon which I will not dwell. The second is a somewhat controversial diagnosis.' He stopped as if thinking they wouldn't wish to hear anything out of the ordinary.

  'Please, sir, I am agog to hear what you're thinking however controversial it might seem,' Amanda said eagerly.

  'I think the fact that the new Duke of Denchester is a pattern copy of the old one whilst only being a very remote connection might well have upset her grace. The fact that he wore her deceased husband's clothes for a while must also have been an added strain to her.'

  'Forgive me, but I don't think that can be anything to do with it. Our parents lived separate lives for the past two decades because of his infidelities and there was no love left between them,' her sister said firmly.

  'I agree, Amanda, I don't think it has anything to do with Richard's uncanny likeness to yourself and to our papa.'

  The doctor smiled and nodded as if agreeing with their statements. 'These feelings can often be deep-seated in the mind. Her grace might well not be aware of them herself. What you tell me about their relationship just confirms my opinion.

  'Imagine how difficult it must be for her to be constantly reminded of the gentleman she had once loved but who had betrayed her. At the same time his appearance will also make her recall the way things were before he died.'

  'Good heavens! Now that you've explained it so well, I begin to think that you might have found the explanation,' Sarah said.

  Amanda wasn't so easily convinced. 'I think that some of her extreme behaviour could be due to the things that you mention. However, her addiction to gambling for high stakes is what has caused this particular aberration. She has never liked to be gainsaid and Richard stopping her from dipping deep at the card table, in my opinion, is far more likely to be the reason for her attacking my sister and then leaving here like a thief in the night.'

  'My lady, as I said, my view is controversial. The study of the human brain, the emotions that make up one's personality, is in its infancy. Many doctors still believe that harsh treatment, beating, starvation and confinement are the best treatments for any mental disorder.'

  'Mama isn't mad, she's somewhat eccentric, extremely selfish and very spoilt.' Amanda stared at the doctor almost daring him to contradict.

  'I'm sure that she is all those things, Lady Amanda, but I still think it might be worth my while talking to her myself. Sometimes conversation with a thoughtful stranger can be very beneficial in these circumstances. I believe that his grace wishes me to do what I can to smooth things over.'

  Miss Westley, who wasn't given to interrupting, spoke out for the first time. 'Doctor Peterson, I am governess to Lady Elizabeth. His grace has given me permission to speak to you about her disabilities in the hope that you might be able to help me prepare her for her future.'

  'I should be delighted to meet Lady Elizabeth.' He turned to Amanda and nodded politely. ‘Do I have your permission to do so, my lady?'

  For a moment Sarah thought her sister would refuse but then she nodded. 'Yes, thank you, that would be most kind of you. Richard said you were an expert in matters of the mind. Do you also treat more common ailments too?'

  'Are you referring to Lady Sarah's ankle? I should be happy to examine it and see if she's ready to abandon her crutch and walk unaided.'

  Everyone was now standing. 'I'll return to my apartment shortly, sir, and will wait there for you. You must see our sister first as that is far more important.'

  'I don't expect our mot
her to be back today. Would it be possible for you to return in a few days and talk to her?'

  Chapter Eight

  Paul didn't envy the duke his confrontation with his future mother-in-law. It was bound to be acrimonious and the outcome unpleasant – certainly for her grace.

  'We’ve been up all night, gentlemen, I suggest that we get a few hours’ shut-eye. Our quarry will be doing the same and, much as I wish to get this matter settled and return home for my nuptials, she's an elderly lady and I've no wish to make her unwell by insisting she makes the return journey before she's had time to rest.'

  The mention of sleep made Paul yawn and soon all three of them were doing so. 'What time do you wish us to be on duty again, your grace?'

  'It's not quite six o'clock. I think we should reconvene at noon. Thank you for accompanying me on this adventure. I own I enjoyed the ride despite the reason for it. I'm finding that civilian life can be somewhat tame after being a soldier for so long.'

  The duke strode off lost in thought leaving Robinson and himself to follow. 'It's just occurred to me that the duke's stallion is easily recognisable. I wonder if one of the grooms will send a message to her grace?'

  'There's nothing much we can do about it, sir. As his grace said, the carriage is going nowhere with one of the team lame.'

  Paul shrugged. 'In which case, we'll do as suggested and get our heads down for a few hours.'

  Sharing a chamber with his ensign after having had the luxury of single occupancy was a reminder that when he became an active soldier, with only his pay to live on, he was unlikely to have accommodation of any sort.

  Most regiments provided officers with a tent and a cot to sleep in but everything else had to be provided from one's own pocket. He had initially been delighted to get the opportunity to buy a captaincy in the duke's old regiment but now he wasn't so sure.

  They'd both removed their boots, stocks and topcoats but nothing else. Not only was he sharing the room he also had to share a bed. Despite the fact that it was wide enough for several sleepers he found it difficult to settle especially as Robinson was asleep the moment his head hit the pillow. Until now he'd no idea his junior officer snored quite so loudly.