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

by Fenella J Miller

  Again, she refused to answer. He rarely lost his temper but her intransigence, his lack of sleep and the disruption to his wedding pushed him too far.

  'God dammit to hell! What's wrong with you? Are you so lost in your own conceit and selfishness that you act with no consideration for others at all? Why the devil run off like that when all you had to do was wait another sennight and you could have left with my blessing and support?'

  This finally elicited a response. 'How dare you use such language in my presence? It would have been better if you had remained in Corunna and met your end there. I'm certain there must be someone better to fill the position you hold so poorly.'

  Her answer was so extraordinary that he couldn’t keep back his snort of laughter. This enraged her further and she surged to her feet. She was obviously expecting him to step backwards. He braced himself and she collided with him. He gripped her elbows and prevented her from striking him.

  'That will do, madam. Control yourself. You do yourself no favours by behaving like a demented fishwife.'

  She was practically gibbering with rage. The more she stuttered and abused him the funnier he found it. He knew he was exacerbating the situation but he couldn't help himself.

  He lifted her from her feet and put her back on the settle. 'Stay where you are. I apologise for laughing but I can assure you my amusement is better than my fury.'

  The two maids had vanished into the adjoining room and firmly closed the door behind them. Hardly the actions of loyal servants who should have remained at her side to support her.

  Then to his horror her tirade was replaced by sobs. It was impossible to remain angry with a woman in tears. He pulled out his handkerchief and sat beside her.

  'Take this, my dear, I apologise for upsetting you. I hate to be at daggers drawn and don't understand why we've come to this pass when I thought we were good friends.'

  She took his offering but continued to shiver and cry. He put his arm around her shoulders and drew her to him. For a moment she resisted but then relaxed against him and he rubbed her back and murmured words of comfort until she regained control.

  Between sniffs and gulps she blew her nose and mopped her eyes. He'd expected her to stiffen, to move away from him, but she remained within his embrace.

  'Richard, I don't know what's happening to me. One minute I'm calm and happy the next in a fearful rage and I've no idea why.'

  'This is not because I stopped you gambling?'

  Now she pulled away and looked at him as if he was the one with a mental imbalance. 'My gambling? Why would you say that? Have I not kept my word?'

  'Recall the scene in the drawing room, my dear. When I reprimanded you for trying to bully the young officers into dipping deep you knocked over the card table and…'

  Her eyes widened. 'I don't remember that. How dreadful – what must you have thought of me?'

  Richard was now seriously concerned. He'd been blaming her for her behaviour when it appeared she was seriously unwell.

  'I hate to upset you further, but you also attacked Sarah before taking off in the middle of the night in my carriage.'

  Tears trickled down her ashen cheeks. 'I don't remember that either. I do recall waking up and being convinced that I must leave for Northumbria at once.' She gripped his hand painfully. 'What's happening to me, Richard? Am I afflicted with the same disease that our poor dear King is suffering from?'

  'I don't know, but I promise you we'll find out. Whatever happens, I'll not send you away. Your girls and I will take care of you.'

  'Please, don't dismiss those that helped me.'

  'I've already done so. However, I'll provide them with references and sufficient funds to tide them over until they find other employment. I'm afraid that's the best I can do.'

  She nodded and managed a weak smile. 'Thank you, you're a dear boy, and whatever I might have said to the contrary, please ignore it.' Her face was ravaged by grief and he wished it hadn't come to this before the true extent of her illness had been discovered.

  'Amanda and I intend to get married tomorrow in a small family ceremony. That means we must set out at dawn tomorrow in order to be home in time. Will you be recovered by then?'

  'I don't know how I'll be by then. Promise me that you will make me return whatever I might say or do. I appear to have no control over my behaviour and no recollection of the episodes of rage that you describe.'

  'I was wondering if I can have permission to address you as Mama? You will hold that position very soon.'

  'I don't deserve your kindness, I cannot believe there's another gentleman in the world who would treat me so kindly after what I've done.'

  He placed a light kiss on the top of her head and was about to leave her to the ministrations of her maids when she grabbed his hand a second time.

  'You must incarcerate me in an asylum if I become violent, Richard, I cannot bear the thought that I might hurt one of those that I love so dearly.'

  'I give you my word that whatever the outcome of this illness you will remain with us. If at times you are… you are disturbed then you'll be confined to your apartment until the episode passes.'

  He left her, saddened by what had taken place. He knew little about the workings of the human brain but he had seen men behave irrationally after having received a serious head injury. Was it possible she had struck her head at some time unknown to any of them?

  *

  Sarah slipped in quietly to the nursery where Beth was so entranced by what Dr Peterson was saying to her that she didn't even look up. Miss Westley seemed equally mesmerised by what was taking place.

  'Lady Elizabeth, what is your favourite occupation?'

  'I know, I know the answer to that. I like to play with my dolls and my very favourite is this.' Her sister held up the one she was holding in her arms. 'She's called Arabella – don't you think that a pretty name?'

  'I do indeed, my lady. If you could not have a doll to play with what might you do instead?'

  'I like to draw, to go into the garden or to have someone read to me. I don't often like horses or dogs but I do like cats. Can I have a cat for myself, Miss Westley?'

  'That's something you must ask his grace when he returns.'

  Beth pouted. 'Why has he gone away and where is my mama? I don't like it when things are different. I don't like this nursery either I like the one at the other house.'

  Sarah was going to intervene as she could see a tantrum coming on but the doctor raised his hand slightly indicating that he wished to see how things developed.

  'I believe that the duke has gone on a trip with your mama but will be back tomorrow.' He gestured around the nursery. 'I think this a delightful room. Why don't you like it?'

  'It's not the other nursery. I want to go back there. I want to go back there right now.' She scrambled up from the floor where she'd been sitting cross-legged and hurled her favourite doll across the room. The delicate porcelain head smashed when it hit the wall.

  Beth threw herself on the floor and began to scream and drum her feet on the carpet. This hadn't happened for a year or more as always someone intervened with a distraction before her sister became wild with fury and quite uncontrollable.

  Both she and Miss Westley were on their feet about to drop down and try and reason with the screaming girl.

  'No, my lady, Miss Westley, let it play out. In my experience it's best for a child to release their anger as long as there is no danger of hurting themselves or others. The time to talk is afterwards when they’re calm.'

  'Are you quite sure, sir, that to be so enraged is good for her with her delicate mental constitution?'

  'Yes, quite sure, my lady. What would have happened if you had lost your temper in this way at her age?'

  Without hesitation Sarah answered. 'I only did it once and was soundly spanked for doing so. I never made that mistake again.'

  'Then perhaps you should do the same for your sister. She won't learn to control her emotions if you give in to
her every demand.'

  'Beth is not a child in her body but only in her mind. It would be quite wrong to physically chastise her.'

  'My lady, if you wish your sister to be able to participate in family occasions she must learn to behave appropriately. Imagine the scandal it would cause if she did this when you had guests.'

  Miss Westley had been listening closely. 'I think the doctor has made a good point, my lady. I agree that Beth should not be smacked but she must be disciplined for her behaviour. Although her favourite doll is now broken, which is a severe punishment in itself, I shall make her sit with her face to the wall for an hour until she learns that this sort of performance is not acceptable.'

  The racket coming from the floor had abated. Her sister sat up, her face blotched with tears and her nose running, waiting to be embraced and comforted as always happened.

  'Beth, I'm most displeased with you. Your behaviour is quite disgraceful and you can consider yourself fortunate that Richard is not here as he might well have administered a sound spanking which you so richly deserve.' Sarah surprised herself by the severity of her tone.

  'I need a kiss. I'm very sad now because my doll is broken.' Beth had deliberately ignored the threat but Sarah knew she'd registered what had been said.

  Miss Westley stood, unsmiling, beside Beth. 'You will get up immediately, young lady. Take that chair to the corner and sit on it facing the wall. You will remain there until I give you leave to move.'

  The doctor had moved away but Sarah was aware he was listening carefully.

  'I'm very sorry I've been a naughty girl. Can I have some cake now?'

  'You cannot. Get up immediately and do as you're told.' Sarah hated to be so firm and prayed this might be the one and only time it would be necessary.

  Beth looked from her to Miss Westley and saw no support from her governess. She got to her feet, picked up the chair and carried it to the far corner of the nursery and then sat on it facing the wall as she'd been bid without another word.

  Sarah's heart was pounding. She hated confrontation and unpleasantness of any sort. She blinked away unwanted tears and followed Miss Westley and the doctor into the passageway where they could converse without being overheard by the miscreant.

  'That was well done indeed, ladies, I think it highly unlikely there will be another performance like that. Lady Elizabeth is obviously severely limited in what she can achieve but I've heard of six-year-olds writing a concerto, being able to paint a beautiful picture – I see no reason why she shouldn't have a fulfilling life.'

  'There's something that really worries me, sir, and that is the fact that she might have the emotional feelings of an adult but not the intelligence to deal with them. Could she fall in love with a gentleman and wish to… wish to take things further?'

  'I think you're correct to be worried about that eventuality, my lady. Therefore, I suggest you don't let her attend public events where she could come in contact with such a person. Being an heiress could make her a target for an unscrupulous fortune hunter.'

  'Oh dear! That's exactly what we feared. She loves to dance and to wear pretty gowns but has already had one unfortunate experience where she was mistaken for myself when we were at Vauxhall Gardens.'

  'I believe that Lady Amanda is to marry his grace tomorrow evening. No doubt there will be an addition to the family sometime next year. If Lady Elizabeth was to be allowed to play a substantial part in looking after any niece or nephew, that might well be enough to keep her contented.'

  Miss Westley moved so she could see if Beth had remained on the chair. 'She's sitting there as instructed. Tell me, sir, are we to offer comfort and treats when she's completed her punishment or will she still be in disgrace?'

  'I think a middle road would be the most beneficial in this situation. What would you normally do at that time of day?'

  'We would complete whatever lessons had been started at nine o'clock and then nursery luncheon would be served up here. After that we go outside if it's fine and study the flora and fauna in the grounds. The specimens we collect will then be drawn the next day.'

  'I should move about the schoolroom as if nothing untoward is taking place. If she attempts to stand up insist she takes her place again. When you consider her punishment is done quietly tell her to sit at her desk and resume her studies.'

  Miss Westley smiled. 'Thank you so much for your assistance. I can see now that we've indulged her when we should have been firmer. What about the doll?'

  'If it's possible to have it mended, then do so. If not then just remove it without comment.'

  'Doctor Peterson, this has been most informative. Perhaps you could look at my ankle as I've spent too long up here already.'

  There was a window seat at the far end of the wide passageway and she took her place. Miss Westley remained quietly at her side to ensure that no protocol had been breached. His touch was gentle and he rewound the bandage before speaking to her.

  'I suggest that you continue to use your crutch until you can put your foot down without pain. However, if you inadvertently put weight on it there won't be any permanent damage. It's healing well.'

  She smiled her thanks and left Miss Westley with the doctor. Neither of them seemed in a hurry to end the visit. Their lively chatter followed her on her slow progress to the door.

  Chapter Ten

  Paul checked on the horses and discovered that the injury to the carriage horse wasn't as bad as he'd feared. The farrier had removed the shoe from the offending hoof, filed it down and replaced it with a new one.

  'That'll do, sir, sound as a bell now. If you ain't going nowhere until tomorrow you'll have no problems.'

  'That's good news.' The duke had given him sufficient funds to pay and the man went away happy with the transaction. He was aware that those who'd been summarily dismissed were slouched in a corner looking far from happy. They'd all worked for the Sinclair family for decades and must feel they'd had a raw deal as they'd only been doing their duty as they saw it.

  An impulse made him walk across to speak to them. He handed each one of them a crown and immediately their demeanour improved. 'This should be sufficient for you to pay for a seat on the next stage and give you a little left over until you find yourselves another position.'

  They suddenly straightened and for a second he thought it was because of his offer but then his grace spoke from beside him. 'I've changed my mind. Her grace has asked me to reinstate you and I've decided to indulge her.' The men were now exchanging happy smiles. The duke hadn't finished. 'Your loyalty is to me, not to any other member of my household. If you forget that a second time then I'll not be so lenient. Do I make myself quite clear?'

  There was a chorus of assent and all of them nodded, bowed and touched their foreheads demonstrating their respect and delight in his generosity.

  'Your grace, all four carriage horses will be fit to make the return journey tomorrow morning.'

  He was slapped vigorously on the back. 'Excellent news. Walk with me – we need to talk.'

  Paul was curious as to why this could be so but fell in beside him without argument.

  'I take it things are smoothed over with her grace.'

  'They are indeed. This is between us and in the strictest confidence. We both fear she has the same affliction as the King. Her bursts of vicious temper happen without her knowledge and she appears to have no control over them. It's a very sad case and one that deserves sympathy rather than condemnation.'

  'I'm sorry to hear that, your grace. I assume that you will take care of her at home and not have her incarcerated in an asylum.'

  'Exactly so. I hope that quack will be able to shed some light on this affliction. I'm hoping we might be given pointers to the warning signs of an attack and can then can confine her safely until she's recovered.'

  'Forgive me for asking, sir, but is there a history of insanity in the family?'

  He laughed out loud startling two grooms who were busy harnessing two horses to a w
aiting carriage. 'I hope you're not suggesting I'm showing signs of being unbalanced myself? As far as I know this is the first case.'

  'As we're private, your grace, there's something I most particularly wish to discuss with you. I'm no longer certain that I wish to remain in the army. Unfortunately, I can't think of anything else that I might do to support myself.'

  'You have no prospects, I take it?'

  'None at all. My father, Sir Robert Marchand, inherited a large estate and sufficient funds to live comfortably. However, he also inherited my grandfather's addiction to gambling. Need I say more?'

  'That explains why you were able to refuse her grace when she tried to force you into playing for high stakes. So, are you the eldest son? Do you inherit the title and the debts? Do you have siblings or a mother still alive?'

  'I'm an only child, which in the circumstances is fortuitous. My mother, whom I love dearly, is living with her sister and acting as an unpaid and undervalued companion.'

  'Not with your father?'

  'God knows where he is – he abandoned the family home several years ago. When I inherit the title, I'll inherit nothing else but, as you so rightly pointed out, a mortgaged estate and a pile of debts.'

  'I can see why you used what little you had to purchase your colours. I must get this business with Patrick resolved and require your help to do that. If you still wish to sell out then I'm in need of an estate manager – I've recently dismissed mine for malfeasance. Do you have any experience in this field?'

  'I do indeed, your grace. Before my father bankrupted us, I was in charge of our demesne. I took over on reaching my majority and was turning a tidy profit before he lost everything.'

  'You scarcely look old enough to have reached your majority now – how old are you?'

  He smiled. 'I'm four and twenty, your grace. I was fortunate that I remained an ensign for only a few months before being able to purchase this captaincy. My mama has a small annuity and had been saving it for years in order to help me establish myself. It's because of her lack of funds that she was obliged to take up this demeaning position with her sister.'