'I shall come, Richard, I think them less likely to do something reprehensible with a lady present.'
Peterson resumed his place next to Miss Westley, the dowager excused herself and retreated into her bedchamber leaving him to entertain Sarah.
'Lady Sarah, where do you intend to find these stilt-walkers and so on?'
'There is a Romany camp set up in the grounds of Denchester – they come every summer. I intend to go there and make the arrangements with the tribe leader. The family has always been on good terms with this particular group and I'm certain that they will be only too happy to provide the entertainment I require.'
'I hope you don't intend to visit the camp without the duke as escort. That would be most unsuitable and possibly dangerous.'
Her sunny smile vanished. 'Whether I go on my own or not is no concern of yours, sir. You forget yourself.'
'No, my lady, I am merely doing the bidding of my employer. You might recall that he asked me to stand in his stead.'
She jumped to her feet. 'That's the outside of enough. I am a woman grown and quite capable of making my own decisions without the interference of… of an estate manager.' She said this as if it was an insult and he couldn't prevent the snort of laughter which merely exacerbated the situation.
'How dare you laugh at me. If there's one thing I cannot abide it is being made fun of. I wish that Richard hadn't taken you on as I can see that we are going to be constantly at daggers drawn.'
He stood up and bowed formally. 'Lady Sarah, I apologise if I have offended you. I shall wait outside in the passageway until your brother returns.'
'Fiddlesticks to that! You'll do no such thing. Sit down and help me decide how many trestles we shall need and how much small beer to brew.'
She was as volatile as a windmill in a storm. He'd thought her a calm, well-mannered young lady but today she was proving him wrong in his assessment of her character. He was tempted to ignore her command but he was rather enjoying this lively exchange and wished to continue it. He spent a pleasant hour exchanging banalities and the more time he spent in her company the better he liked her.
Only then did he remember that they weren't alone in the sitting room and that everything that had been said and done had been heard by Miss Westley and the doctor. He looked across ready to raise an eyebrow or shrug but they were so engrossed in some sort of game with Beth that they had obviously not been aware of what had just transpired.
His glance across the room was noticed by Sarah. Her look of horror was quite comical. A becoming flush spread from her neck to her cheeks and he found it quite endearing.
'It's all right, my lady, our conversation wasn't overheard.'
'I apologise for being so sharp with you earlier. I'm on edge and won't be able to relax until those wretched men have gone and our guest is safe.' She leaned forward confidingly. 'I cannot understand why they would have hurt him so badly. After all, isn't the purpose of his arrest that he can be re-enlisted and sent to serve that general?'
'Exactly so. However, I think Mr O’Riley wouldn't come willingly so the only way they could transport him was to render him unconscious.'
'Isn't his enlistment over now? I know that a deserter can be arrested even years after his defection but surely the intervention of the Duke of Denchester should count for something?'
The major spoke from behind them making them both jump. 'I should think that it does, my dear. The soldiers have left satisfied that we're not harbouring the man they seek.'
Amanda drifted in and took Beth's hand. 'It's time for the grown-ups to dress for dinner, my love. You must go upstairs for tea.'
'Will you come and kiss me good night, Amanda? Mama doesn't do it anymore.'
'I will. Now run along with Miss Westley like a good girl.'
The doctor bowed. 'I too must depart. I'm relieved they didn't wish to interview me.'
'Please, Doctor Peterson, why don't you stay for dinner?'
'That's kind, your grace, but I must return as I might well have visits to make before it's too dark to go out.'
Paul thought that if Miss Westley had been included in the dinner invitation the man would have agreed with alacrity.
'Doctor Peterson, if you would be kind enough to wait for a few minutes before you leave, I wish to check that my mother is well. It's unlike her to rest for so long on an afternoon.'
Paul had been wondering this himself and was relieved that the physician was on hand. Amanda returned with a smile. 'She's dressing for dinner. It would seem that she had no wish to be part of another confrontation.'
'I too must go. I have already outstayed my welcome.'
'I insist that you stay, Paul. Then I'll not have to change. Damn silly, if you ask me, changing one's clothes so often.' The major smiled making him look more approachable. Marriage was obviously good for him.
*
Sarah took more care with her appearance that evening. They didn't put on evening wear as Richard refused to wear his – if he had his way, they would all remain in whatever they put on when they got up. He had compromised on this point with Mama. She had agreed to dine later if he would at least change from his riding clothes into something a little smarter.
'There, my lady, I'm done. The turquoise necklace and ear bobs complement your gown perfectly.'
'I shan't require your attention further tonight. I can remove this gown without assistance. You may have the evening free. Put out my habit for the morning.'
As always, she ran lightly upstairs in order to kiss Beth good night. 'You look very pretty, Sarah, I think that's my favourite colour on you. I don't remember what it's called.'
'Eau de Nil, darling, but is also known as duck-egg blue which is far easier to recall. I'm going to ride over to Denchester tomorrow morning. Do you wish to accompany me on your pony? It's so long since you've ridden.'
'I would, I would. Can Miss Westley come too?'
'I don't ride, Lady Beth, it's a skill I never had the opportunity to learn.'
'Can you teach her, Sarah? Then she can come out with me every morning.'
'I'm not skilled enough to teach anyone but I'm sure there's someone here who can do that if you would like to learn, Miss Westley?'
'I'd like nothing better. Thank you, I do appreciate being treated as one of the family.'
Sarah picked up her skirt and made her way to the drawing room where she could hear male voices – but not that of her mother or sister. She was reluctant to go in without their support. She loved Richard but he could be rather alarming and she certainly didn't wish to spend time with Paul. He was equally unsettling but in quite a different way.
Richard called from the drawing room. 'Don't dither about out there, Sarah, come in and join us.'
How had he known she was there as he couldn't see her?
She scowled at him on her entrance. 'Do you have mystical powers? I don't understand how you knew I was there.'
He laughed and pointed to the window. 'Your reflection was quite clear in that. I won't offer you champagne, but there's that revolting orgeat or lemonade.'
'Lemonade, thank you. I agree with you about the orgeat. But if forced to choose I would drink that rather than sherry wine which is even more unpalatable.'
Amanda and Mama came in and the conversation turned to the invasion by the soldiers and its happy outcome. 'Is Mr O’Riley conscious yet?'
'He came around just before I came down, Sarah. His wits were clear and I'm sure he'll have made a full recovery far quicker than Peterson suggested,' Richard told her.
Conversation over dinner was lively and enjoyable and when Amanda stood up the two gentlemen did also. Mama frowned – she was a stickler for protocol and thought that they should remain behind and drink port even if they didn't wish to.
'Richard, Miss Westley expressed a desire to learn to ride. Beth was eager for her to accompany her. Do you give your permission?'
'I'd instruct her myself if I had the time. Paul, could you do it for me?'
'I'd be delighted to, sir. However, it will have to be after I've completed the necessary duties involved with my position.'
Her grace turned to Amanda. 'You could do it, my dear, far more suitable. Would you play for us? I find music so relaxing. Doctor Peterson thinks that I'm less likely to have unpleasant episodes if I remain calm.'
'I'd be delighted to.' Richard got to his feet. 'No, my love, I'll play without music so there's no need for you to stand beside me.'
The magnificent piano, brought over from Denchester, had been wheeled to the far end of the drawing room. Her sister settled on the piano seat and soon the room was filled with the liquid notes of a piece she didn't recognise.
Sarah had fully intended to ask Richard's permission to visit the Romany camp but it quite slipped her mind. Only later, as she was drifting off to sleep did she recall the words of warning given to her by Paul – that on no account should she go there unaccompanied by either himself or Richard.
He had already stated quite unequivocally that he was too busy with his duties to teach Miss Westley as was Richard, so even if they wanted to, they couldn't come with her. Two grooms would be more than adequate.
The next morning she collected Beth and together they made their way to the stables. She had already sent word for her docile mare and Beth's pony to be ready.
The sun was shining, there was a light breeze, and she considered it a perfect day for a gentle hack of scarcely two miles in either direction.
'We're going to Denchester to see how the building of the new house is progressing.'
One of the grooms who was accompanying them, nodded. 'I can take you through the woods and fields, my lady, and avoid the main thoroughfare if you would prefer that.'
'I would. I've no wish for us to encounter a mail coach on Lady Beth's first outing since last year.'
She was pleased to see that there was an extra rein attached to the bit of Beth's mount. It was wise to be prepared for any eventuality. If her sister became agitated then one of the grooms could safely lead her pony.
Chapter Sixteen
Paul was at his desk in the Dower House at first light. He had shirked his responsibilities yesterday and intended to make up for it today. He was so engrossed that the time flew and he didn't stir from his position until he was disturbed by the duke striding in.
'I'd like your opinion on a change to the master plan that the architects have suggested. Come with me, you need to take a break as you've been working since dawn without respite.'
How the hell his employer was aware of that fact, Paul had no idea. 'I'll be delighted to come with you, major. I was about to stop as I've completed everything that needed to be done.'
'There's no need to ride – it's a short walk.'
The noise from the building site didn't disturb him unduly, but then he was working behind closed windows half a mile away. He was impressed that the labourers were progressing so fast and already the shape of the building was recognisable.
'Are the architects here permanently, major, or do they just come if needed?'
'They visit periodically and when I require to see them. They've suggested that I include an orangery to the south wall where we can grow exotic fruit and have flowers for the house all year round.'
The major's lack of enthusiasm made Paul smile. 'It sounds an excellent notion – one that her grace will approve of.'
'Do you think so? I don't know if there was one originally as I didn't spend more than an hour or two inside before it was demolished. I know there's one at our present home. I thought to do without that sort of nonsense. But I'll be guided by you. If you think Amanda would expect to find such a place in her new home then I'll give them permission to continue.'
'Forgive me for saying so, sir, but wouldn't you do better to consult her grace rather than myself?'
'My wife told me to do whatever I wanted as she was confident that I'd make the right decision. She's not like other women – she doesn't want to be the height of fashion here. She just wants a comfortable family home for all of us.'
A flash of dapple grey caught Paul's attention at the far side of the park. His vision was excellent and he shaded his eyes in order to see more clearly. A feeling of dread settled in his stomach.
'Major, isn't that Lady Sarah's horse? It's riderless.'
'God dammit to hell – you're right.'
The duke set off at a flat run towards the stables. He yelled that the horses be saddled as soon as he was near enough for his parade ground voice to carry.
The duke's stallion was ready but his was missing a saddle. Paul vaulted on, grabbed the reins and the two of them galloped towards the loose mare.
He didn't need to be told to reduce the pace and to take the path that would take him in front of the loose animal whilst the major approached from the side. If the mare spooked his gelding would block her from bolting.
There was no need for the stealthy approach as the mare, on seeing the stallion, trotted eagerly towards him. Paul waited until the major held the reins before cantering up to join him. There was no blood on the saddle. The constriction around his chest released a little.
'What the devil is Sarah doing so far from home?'
'She mentioned that she was intending to visit the Romany camp but I told her she mustn't do so without your permission. I take it she didn't secure this.'
'She wouldn't be so stupid as to ride out without grooms in attendance, especially as she was bringing Beth with her.'
Paul sniffed and could faintly detect the smell of smoke. 'I'm beginning to think that this is no emergency, but carelessness on the part of the grooms. The mare must have pulled herself free from her tether and wandered off from the camp and her absence hasn't been noted.'
'That's the most likely explanation and the one I wish to believe. I don't know exactly where the camp is situated but, when riding around the park, I noticed a small glade with a stream running through it. That would be the perfect place for their caravans and horses as they have water and grazing.'
He made no mention of Paul's lack of a saddle but then neither did he ask him to lead the spare horse. As they approached the camp dogs started to bark and the smell of roasting meat and herbs drifted towards them through the trees.
Then Sarah suddenly appeared in front of them. She looked neither disconcerted nor apologetic. 'Marco, the leader here, said you were coming and that you'd found Star. We're just about to eat lunch – I believe it to be rabbit.'
He slid to the floor and stepped forward so he could take the reins of the other two animals leaving Sarah's guardian free to explain to her exactly where she'd stepped out of line. He doubted it would be an enjoyable experience for her.
As he led the horses to join the others tethered at the far side of the encampment, he was a little sorry for Sarah, but she deserved to be taken to task for her recklessness. He would find the grooms and deal with them, but first he would find Beth and make sure she was happy here.
Two swarthy men nodded, smiled, and held out their hands to take the reins he was holding. He handed them over confident they would be well looked after. There were a dozen or more horses and ponies in a makeshift corral at the far side of the busy camp and every coat was glossy and every animal in good health. Beth's pony and those of the grooms were amongst them.
He scanned the score or more of assorted members of this extended family and immediately saw her golden curls amongst the black-haired children. She was sitting with them and they were playing some sort of game with ribbons and sticks.
Satisfied she didn't require him he turned his attention to the errant servants. Their job was to guard not only the horses but also those that rode them. A wizened old lady, who was stirring an aromatic pot of vegetables over a fire, gave him a toothless grin and nodded towards the far end of the camp from which he could now hear drunken laughter coming.
He strode across the trodden grass and walked between the two colourful caravans the old crone had indicat
ed. The missing men were sprawled against the rear wheels sharing a leather bottle of some home brewed alcohol. He'd expected some of the Romany men to be with them but they were drinking alone. He had a nasty suspicion that they'd found the leather bottle and helped themselves.
Paul was estate manager, had the authority to hire and fire tenants and farm workers – however, he wasn't sure if this extended to the personal staff the duke.
*
Sarah began to feel a little uneasy as the silence between herself and Richard lengthened. She had been having such an enjoyable time, as had her sister, had been made most welcome by these friendly people and had quite forgotten that her behaviour might be disapproved of.
'Richard, are you very cross with me? Mr Marchand did say I should ask your permission before I came but I forgot to do so. Should I not be here?'
Still he said nothing and suddenly she realised he was so angry he didn't trust himself to speak. Her bladder almost emptied but then sanity returned. He might roar at her, give her an almighty bear-garden jaw, but he would never raise his hand.
'I'm very sorry…'
'Sorry? You have no idea how sorry you will be for coming here without permission. Paul told you quite clearly that this trip couldn't happen without my being with you and yet you chose to ignore these words.'
'Mr Marchand has no authority over me.'
'Perfectly true, but I am your guardian, head of your family, and you knew very well you were breaking every rule today.'
She was about to interrupt again but then thought better of it. He continued to stare at her as if she was something unpleasant he had stepped in. She shifted from foot to foot no longer optimistic that she was going to escape with only a severe set down.
'You will remain in your apartment and take your meals on trays. You will not appear downstairs, but remain in your chambers. You will not ride out again. This will continue until I consider that you've learned your lesson.'
She was unable to respond coherently. He was treating her like a child but now wasn't the time to say so.
'Well, young lady, do you understand?'
The Duke's Decision (The Reluctant Duke Book 2) Page 15
