'There are several suitable horses in the stable and any one of them will suffice.'
Half an hour later they were walking sedately down the drive accompanied by a footman on a handsome bay gelding who kept a respectful distance to the rear.
'I find it hard to credit that tomorrow I'll be a duchess and married to Richard. To think that I didn't even know he existed until he turned up in January this year.'
'When I decide to tie the knot, I'm now determined it will be to a gentleman from this neighbourhood. I've no wish to move so far away that I cannot visit as often as I wish to.'
'Mama invited suitable candidates to my nuptials and Richard intended to cancel those invitations. This would have caused unnecessary unpleasantness if they'd been the only ones who'd had their invite retracted.'
'Then it's a good thing your original plans to hold a ball have been put aside. It would be pleasant indeed to have, perhaps, a garden party later in the summer and invite our neighbours and those that are employed by the estate.'
Her sister wasn't listening but peering over the hedge at something the other side. 'Poor little things – where did you come from?'
Sarah guided her docile mare to the edge of the path and looked over at what had upset Amanda. Three half-starved puppies whined and attempted to scramble through the branches.
'Benson, you must collect those three unfortunate animals and take them back. Make sure that they are fed first and then bathed and found a comfortable corner in a stable.'
The groom stood in his stirrups, peered over the hedge, and grinned. 'I'll not be able to carry more than two, my lady. I'll go and get a sack… '
'You'll do no such thing. They must be wrapped safely in something and carried under your arm. Bring another groom to assist you.'
The puppies were too weak to push their way through the thick foliage and the sound of their pitiful yapping was heart-rending as they thought they were being abandoned.
'Who could do such a cruel thing? I wonder where the mother is? Do you think they're old enough to be away from her?'
'It's hard to tell as they're so emaciated. I think it likely that the mother went in search of food and was injured and unable to return for them. I fear there might have been more than three in the litter and the others have perished already.'
Sarah came to a decision. 'I'm sure the flowers are perfectly arranged, so we must take a puppy each. They might well be infested with fleas but I cannot bear to leave them another moment.'
Fortunately, Benson was still with them. 'You stop there, my ladies, I'll get the little varmints and hand them up to you. If you wrap them in a fold of your habit the crawlers won't get no further.'
There was a gate a hundred yards along the lane and they went through and trotted their mounts down the field until they reached the animals.
Their groom handed her a smelly, bedraggled female and she wrapped it lovingly in her skirt. It was impossible to tell the colour of the puppy's coat beneath the dirt. Amanda took another and Benson tucked the third into a commodious pocket.
'Are there any more puppies in the hedge?' Sarah asked anxiously.
'No, my lady, nor dead ones neither. I reckon these little mites wouldn't have survived another day if we hadn't found them.'
They returned at a canter and she prayed they were in time. Their sudden arrival caused consternation in the stable yard.
Amanda quickly explained and the puppies were taken away to be fed. She held out her sadly mired skirt. 'I fear this will need more than a quick sponge to rectify the damage. We must go in at once and have these laundered before the unwelcome visitors escape elsewhere.'
Beth must have seen them return and was waiting in the hall, her eyes wide. 'Why are you back? Did something happen?' She made a move to approach but Sarah shook her head.
'No, darling, don't come close as I fear we have unwelcome visitors on our habits.' When she told her sister the reason she was delighted.
'Can I go and see them? Can we have them in the house? Will one of them be mine as there are three puppies?' She was dancing from foot to foot. 'I like puppies now not cats.'
Miss Westley smiled at her charge. 'Allow your sisters to change, Lady Beth. I'm certain that they will wish to see how the new arrivals are progressing when they are freshly garbed.'
'But can I keep one for myself?'
Amanda was already halfway up the stairs but called back. 'We shall see, sweetheart. It depends if Richard is open to the idea of having canines in the family. I know that our mama dislikes them which is why we've never had an indoor pet.'
'Is Mama coming home today? I don't like it when she's not here.'
'She will be back in time for Amanda's wedding, Beth. Now shouldn't you be attending to your schoolwork? Remember, if you wish to attend an evening event you must be a good girl all day.'
Their soiled garments were placed in a laundry sack and taken away to be dealt with by a chambermaid. Freshly gowned she and her sister were ready to descend.
'I noticed that your personal items and clothing have already been transferred to the master suite. It will be strange to be in this apartment on my own as we've shared our accommodation for so long.'
Amanda hugged her. 'Fiddlesticks to that! I'm moving to the other end of the corridor not the other end of the country.'
Sarah returned her embrace but her eyes were damp. From tomorrow Amanda's time would be filled with marital duties of one sort or another and she would have little time for anything else.
*
Richard's arrival was anticipated and two grooms were waiting to take his horse, leaving him to travel at the double to the side entrance that was the nearest to the stables.
He'd heard a church clock strike four times and prayed that he wasn't so late the ceremony couldn't take place today. He refused to go another night without making love to his darling girl and would anticipate his wedding vows if necessary.
'Richard, I didn't expect you so soon.' She flung herself into his arms and made it quite clear that she was as eager as he to consummate the union. Her cheeks were flushed delightfully when she stepped away. 'I'm just about to go up and change. Your bathwater will be on its way to your chamber as we speak.'
'My love, I've so much to tell you. But I'm in no state to continue our conversation so it will have to wait until I'm less malodorous.'
'I love you in whatever state you're in. It's fortunate indeed that I haven't already changed into my wedding finery.'
Hand in hand they ran up the staircase. He pulled her close for a second time as they reached his apartment. 'This is the last time you'll have to go elsewhere to change.' Belatedly he remembered he had not asked about the well-being of his other charges. 'Is everything and everyone in my household as it should be?'
'You've only been gone a short while, darling, so of course we're all perfectly well. Sarah's ankle has recovered enough for her to walk without assistance. Beth is overexcited about the wedding. Doctor Peterson has given us some useful information about handling her and will return soon to examine Mama.' She paused and then continued. 'And we now have three rescued puppies as part of the household.'
'Dogs? I love them but not in the house unless they are vermin free and house-trained.'
'They are none of those things at present. So, we can keep them?'
'You can have whatever you want, sweetheart. I refuse to remain here conversing in my dirt. The carriage is about an hour behind. There'll be ample opportunity to exchange news whilst we wait for the others to arrive. I doubt that we'll get to the chapel before seven o'clock. Will that be breaking any ecumenical rules?'
'Mr Carstairs assured me that as the banns have already been called there's no restriction on the hour as far as he's concerned. I think that there might be some regulation stipulating we cannot be married after five o'clock but I don't think anyone would have the temerity to question the legality of our union, do you?'
'I don't give a damn. As long as we've exchanged
our vows and have a certificate to prove it then that's good enough for me.'
Somehow he managed to refrain from kissing her again and allowed her to dash off to get ready. He was surprised that neither Sarah nor Beth had come to greet him, but perhaps they were unaware of his having arrived so soon.
He'd half-expected her to be waiting in his sitting room – soon to be their sitting room – but it was empty when he strode out freshly garbed and more fragrant than he had been previously.
There was ample time for him to inspect the floral arrangements in the dining room, speak to the butler and ensure that baths would be waiting for the others when they arrived.
Amanda joined him on the terrace looking even more beautiful in a gown of pink silk which emphasised her curves and set off her glorious hair to perfection. He stepped forward intending to kiss her but she shook her head and smiled.
'No, I wish to remain tidy. Look,' she said and pointed to the drive, 'the carriage is approaching and will be here soon. Good heavens – where is the other officer?'
He quickly explained and she looked less than delighted by his news.
'Mr Marchand cannot reside with us, Richard, unless you wish him to form an attachment to my sister and for Sarah to become betrothed before the end of the summer. I think he should make his home at the Dower House. I'm sure a soldier won't object to a little dust and noise.'
'Your mother will approve of that arrangement as she too is worried and considers that having them in constant company isn't a good idea. However, I spoke to Marchand and he assured me that he has no intention of setting up his nursery any time soon. He has nothing to offer and needs to make his way in the world first.'
'My sister has now decided that she's eager to find herself a husband as long he is from this vicinity. Mr Marchand will eventually be Sir Paul Marchand and with her fortune at his disposal he might come to consider himself a suitable candidate.'
He was about to tell her that Marchand was the last person he would want as a brother-in-law, but then said something else entirely. 'He's an excellent young man and I wouldn't stand in their way if they wished to make a match of it. They could have this house when ours is finished.'
'Then we are in accord, my love, as I, despite what I said earlier, also believe he might be the right gentleman for her. If he's living elsewhere then there will be time for them to decide if they'll suit. I presume as your estate manager that he'll be in a similar position to Miss Westley? Neither one thing nor the other.'
'As far as I'm concerned I consider him on equal footing to myself. No – don't raise your eyebrows at me, Amanda. Until six months ago I was merely an officer in his Majesty's army and was more a reluctant duke than one eager to take up my responsibilities.’
'Richard, I'm sure that Mr O’Riley is accompanying the carriage and riding beside Mr Marchand. Why has he returned? Won't he be arrested when that unpleasant soldier returns from London?'
'Don't fret, sweetheart, everything's in hand. I sent a letter by express to catch Patrick on the road and ask him to return. I think it highly unlikely there'll be further nonsense from Horse Guards after my intervention.'
Chapter Twelve
Paul had enjoyed the remainder of the journey getting to know his unexpected companion and they were now on first name terms. 'Patrick, her grace should have ample time to prepare for the ceremony.'
'That she will, my friend. I'm glad that I've now got the opportunity to witness the wedding. I just hope the duke's confidence isn't unfounded and I'm in no danger of being arrested and forced to sign up for another five years.'
'As I'm no longer part of the military, I'm quite prepared to lie for you. Unless they bring someone from your former regiment to identify you there's no actual proof that you are the person the general's seeking.'
'I scarcely recognise myself with brown hair and grand clothes. I doubt that there's anyone in England who knows me personally, apart from his grace. Even if there was, no comrade of mine would speak up and have me arrested.'
Their arrival was expected and a bevy of footmen were waiting to collect the luggage. The two grooms who'd accompanied her grace on her aborted journey were ready to take the reins of his horse and that of Patrick.
He stood by the door of the carriage and offered his arm to the dowager but she waved him away.
'Thank you, young man, but I'm perfectly capable of disembarking from a carriage without assistance.'
He stepped aside ready to assist if needed. She might be mentally impaired but she was a sprightly lady and descended as if she was a lady half her age. His mama would be a perfect match for her. Her three daughters rushed from the house to greet her and it warmed his heart to see them embrace so lovingly despite what had taken place before.
Should he go in the front door as he had done previously or would he now use the staff entrance at the side of the house? His employer appeared in the doorway.
'Marchand, don't dither about there, come in, there are things I need to discuss with you before we set out for the chapel.'
Patrick had followed the ladies through the front door. He was obviously comfortable with his position in the household.
He followed his employer to the study and was there informed that the next day he was to move to the Dower House and set up his office there. This suited him as he had no wish to intrude on the family.
'Patrick will be joining you there. No doubt you'll need to appoint a clerk or two to assist you with your work. I've already sent sufficient staff over to get things ready for you both.'
'I can move in tonight…'
'There's no need. Stay and celebrate with me. I'm taking my bride away for a short trip which will give you time to familiarise yourself with what's required of you in your new position.'
The meeting continued for so long that he scarcely had a quarter of an hour to remove his uniform for the last time, complete his ablutions and change into one of the borrowed outfits so he could attend the wedding. The duke had left in a gig with Patrick, the ladies – including the bride – had taken the carriage that had just returned, but with a fresh team in the harness.
There was a handsome gelding waiting for him outside the front door. All eventualities had been prepared for and he was impressed. Being on horseback meant that he soon caught up with the carriages. The wedding party was small and he was privileged to be part of it.
The small chapel was full of garden flowers and the aroma of these almost masked the smell of damp that one always found in a building of this antiquity.
They remained standing, even the dowager, and the reverend gentleman began to conduct the ceremony. There were no hymns, no homily, and no prayers. Therefore, in less than half an hour it was done and the new duchess, looking radiant, walked out on the arm of her husband.
Her mother followed with the younger daughter and her companion, which left him to walk beside Sarah.
'That was brief but poignant and I'm honoured to have been included.' He smiled down at her and was surprised at the warmth of her response.
'Richard has explained that you're now part of the household and will be running his estates for him. It will be most enjoyable having both you and Mr O’Riley joining us for dinner most evenings.'
'We will both be living at the Dower House.' She looked somewhat dismayed by his answer so he quickly changed the subject. 'I'm glad to see that you're scarcely limping, my lady. Your ankle has healed well.'
'Richard has assured me there will be dancing after we have dined as Miss Westley has agreed to play for us. Are you as proficient as he on the dance floor?'
'As I've not had the privilege of watching his grace perform it would be difficult to compare our abilities, my lady.' He had reverted to formality when addressing her as his position was now different.
Her eyes sparkled. She appreciated his teasing response.
'From your evasive answer I must deduce that you can dance – it remains to be seen whether I consider you a match for Richard.'
Her smile rocked him on his feet. 'Did you know that there's to be a garden party, which will include an informal dance, on an evening next month?'
'I wasn't aware of that information, thank you for telling me. No doubt his grace will require both Mr O’Riley and myself to organise this event.'
She grasped his arm impulsively. 'Oh, Mr Marchand, do say that you will allow me to help you with the planning?' She too had abandoned the use of his given name.
Gently he moved his arm so her hand fell away. 'If his grace gives his permission then I should be delighted to have your assistance, my lady.'
They walked in side by side chattering as if he was an old friend and not someone who was little more than an acquaintance. Thank God he was moving from this house tomorrow as spending time with this lovely girl would be a disaster for both of them.
*
Sarah walked beside him, her pulse racing. Was she more excited about getting to know Paul or the fact that she was going to be involved in planning the garden party? That Richard would give his permission she had no doubt, he was bound to be in a benevolent mood now he was married to her sister.
They parted company as soon as they stepped in and she rather thought he wasn't sure of his place in the hierarchy and had no wish to possibly offend by escorting her. She was saddened that he believed he must remain formal from now on.
Her lips curved as she recalled what had transpired just before the family had departed for the chapel. Her forget-me-not blue gown and matching accessories had been made especially for today and she was confident that she looked her best.
Her maid had told her so before she'd gone downstairs. 'That's the perfect colour for you, my lady, it exactly matches your eyes. Do you require the parasol or will the bonnet be sufficient?'
'No parasol, thank you.' After smoothing the blue kid gloves over her wrists, she had picked up her skirts and hurried to the door. There had been no necessity to take a reticule as they would only be gone an hour or so at the most.
The Duke's Decision (The Reluctant Duke Book 2) Page 11
