The Duke's Alliance Book Two: A Dangerous Husband

by Fenella J Miller

  'My grandmother is accompanied by her maid and has four men travelling with the carriage. The duke will no doubt bring Lady Madeline's personal maid and his own valet. He will probably have outriders as well.'

  She curtsied again in a rustle of blue bombazine. 'Thank you, my lord, I'll speak to the butler immediately and make sure there is sufficient accommodation for everyone.'

  He nodded and made his way through the house to the apartment in which his future wife was staying. Madeline was no longer on the daybed and the sitting room was deserted. His stomach lurched. Had she been obliged to return to bed?

  He strode across the carpet and hammered on the door. There were running footsteps and the door flew open. A maid, her cap askew, bobbed. 'My lord, Lady Madeline is unavailable at present. She asks that you return later.'

  Grey was tempted to barge in but restrained himself. 'Is she unwell?'

  The girl beamed. 'Oh no, the master found her some gowns and she's selecting something suitable.'

  He could hardly interrogate the maid as to the provenance of these items and he wasn't pleased that a complete stranger had been required to provide his future wife with clothing. 'Tell her ladyship I intend to remain here and don't wish to be kept waiting any longer than necessary.'

  The maid's sunny smile vanished. 'Yes, my lord, I'll do that.' The door closed leaving him to his own devices. He flipped out his pocket watch and saw that the hour was approaching three. His men had set out at dawn so it was possible his grandmother and future brother-in-law could arrive at any time.

  He stared out of the window at the handsome grounds and the peaceful panorama soothed his agitation. He had resigned his commission in order to take up his inheritance and had expected to lead a quiet life. How was it possible he now found his very existence in danger from unknown assassins? And that he was about to embark on matrimony to a young lady he scarcely knew?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Madeline stepped away from the full-length mirror in order to admire her gown. Grey was lounging on a chair a sour expression on his face. He shouldn't have been in here, but he'd refused to remain next door. They decided to ignore convention as they were to be married the next day.

  'I can't believe that Doctor Faulkner was able to find me such an elegant ensemble. Don't you like it?'

  'You look lovely as always, sweetheart, but I'm not comfortable with you wearing garments given to you by another man…'

  'Good gracious! He didn't purchase them for me, you ninny, they were already in a closet. His sister prefers to leave things here for her visits.'

  His mouth thinned and she wished she'd not called him a ninny. She was about to apologise when his expression changed and he smiled his heart-stopping smile.

  'You're quite right to reprimand me, I was being curmudgeonly. The good doctor has been nothing but hospitable and I've no right to criticise his kindness.'

  She returned his smile. 'That's all right then, I thought you were objecting to what I said.'

  'I've been called far worse and deserved it too. Now, shall we repair to the sitting room and play a game of Piquet until dinner time?'

  Her hip ached abominably but she wasn't going to complain as he might refuse to let her come down for dinner. She viewed the distance to the door and prayed she could get that far without collapsing.

  Before she could take her first step he was beside her. 'Idiot girl, you've been standing for too long. I'll carry you next door and if you intend to join us later then I'll do so again.'

  Obediently she turned towards him and slipped her arm around his neck. He hoisted her into the air and strode into the sitting room. She was in his arms when she saw Beau's carriage turn into the drive.

  'My brother's here. As I can't go down to greet him could I ask you to do so in my stead?'

  He dumped her unceremoniously on the daybed. 'Your wish is my command, my love.' He swept her a deep bow and she almost believed him – but then he winked and quite spoilt the effect.

  'Go away, sir, and make sure that you don't annoy the duke.'

  'I wouldn't dream of doing so, sweetheart, it's only you I love to tease. Do you wish me to bring him to you immediately?'

  She was tempted to tell him to explain the whole debacle before he brought Beau up to see her. However, she decided it would be unfair to ask him to bear the brunt of the duke's anger on his own.

  'No, I'd like to tell him what's transpired myself.'

  A further half an hour went by before she heard Grey returning with her brother. She checked her skirt was smooth, her hair tidy and then slowly swung her legs to the floor. She wished to be able to stand up to greet him.

  They weren't talking – was this a good sign? She would hate Grey and her brother to be at daggers drawn on her account.

  Beau stepped through the doorway first. 'Madeline, how badly are you hurt? You shouldn't be standing up, silly girl, sit down at once.' He was beside her in two strides and she was enveloped in his loving arms. She inhaled his familiar scent – quite different from that of her future husband.

  'I'm so glad to see you, Beau, and I'm recovering fast. I'll be perfectly fine in a day or two.' There was the welcome sound of a trunk being delivered next door. 'Did you bring Lottie with you?'

  He gently pushed her down onto the daybed before answering. 'Of course I did, I know how much store you ladies put on your appearance.'

  Grey joined her on the chaise longue and she was glad of his comforting presence beside her. Her brother found himself a seat on the other side of the fireplace and sat down. He looked from one to the other of them and then raised an aristocratic eyebrow expectantly.

  'I understand from the urgency of your message, Carshalton, that there's more to this accident than I might have supposed.'

  Grey squeezed her hand and then gave Beau a succinct explanation. She held her breath waiting for her brother to say something, not sure if he was scandalised, relieved, or amused by their tale.

  'I guessed that might be the case, Madeline. At least you will have one of your family present at your nuptials. I'll hold a celebration for you both when you get back from your visit to Blakely Hall.' He looked at Grey as he spoke. 'I take it you still intend to go there? That you've heard nothing from your lawyers that tells you the danger's over?'

  'I wish I had, your grace. I was rather hoping that your enquiries around Town might have brought news of Captain Rogers' brother.'

  'Nothing so far – but I'm hopeful the information will arrive in the next day or so. I'll send whatever I hear by express to you at Blakely Hall.'

  'Do you think this will be settled before Christmas? I should much prefer to be home by then.'

  'I'm sure it will, sweetheart, we are only just into October now.' Grey was still holding her hand, but if her brother had noticed this breach of etiquette he made no comment. 'Perhaps we could spend the Christmas period at Silchester? I should like to get to know your siblings better.'

  'I was about to suggest that myself, Carshalton. A New Year ball would be an excellent way to celebrate your marriage.'

  Whilst they were chatting about the state of the roads, the likelihood of rain in the next few days and various other banalities there was a polite knock on the door. She was about to invite whoever was outside to come in, when in a flurry of calico, Lottie dashed past and opened the door.

  Nobody came in and her maid turned and curtsied. 'My lord, Lady Carshalton's carriage is coming down the drive.'

  Grey stood up. 'Then I'd better go down and speak to her myself. I doubt that she's going to be overly impressed by the situation.' He nodded at Beau and smiled at her. 'I'm sure you don't want to see my grandmamma until I've smoothed the path.'

  'I hope she's not too cross with us. With hindsight I think it might have been better not to have dragged her back – after all she's a vulnerable old lady and being bounced about in a carriage for several days cannot be good for her health.'

  'The good doctor has suggested that we remain here for
another few days to allow my grandmother and yourself to fully recover.'

  *

  Grey walked smartly through the house and positioned himself at a window in the entrance hall where he could see the arrival of the carriage. He was relieved to see his valet leading the way. His attention turned to the outriders and there was something about them that caught his attention.

  There was no time to dwell on this as Dr Faulkner joined him. 'From your demeanour I take it you're not looking forward to this meeting.'

  'You're correct, sir, but not for the reasons you might suppose. Lady Carshalton is ancient and I should never have insisted that she travelled here. I'm hoping her health hasn't suffered from this added stress.'

  His companion raised his hand as if intending to slap him on the back and then wisely reconsidered. 'Then she has come to the right house. I'll take care of her – don't you worry about it. My housekeeper will escort her ladyship straight to her apartment and I will be sent for if there's any need.'

  'I must thank you again for your hospitality, without your assistance we should have been in difficulty indeed.' He hesitated, not sure how he could make this next remark without possibly causing offence. 'I'd like to contribute to the costs of our unexpected and uninvited visit.'

  'There's no need, but if you would feel more comfortable doing so then I'll have my man of business speak to you before you leave.'

  The sound of carriage wheels crunching to a halt outside meant that his grandmother had arrived. His mouth curved as he headed for the front door. He'd rather face a cavalry charge than his formidable relative.

  As he hurried down the steps he looked around, but the outriders had already vanished into the stable yard. He arrived at the carriage before the footman had opened the door and pulled down the steps.

  'Well, my boy, I hope you've a good reason for this inconvenience. I'm not accustomed to being summoned in this way.'

  He half-bowed and held out his hand to assist his grandmother from the carriage. 'I most humbly beg your pardon, Grandmamma, but I wished you to be at my wedding tomorrow.'

  She almost pitched head first onto the ground and only his fast reaction prevented a nasty tumble. Once he'd righted her he apologised again. 'That was badly done of me, madam, I should have waited until we were safely inside before giving you my unexpected news.'

  The woman who accompanied his grandmother everywhere arrived at her side, and was about to step between them when his icy stare gave her pause.

  'Come along, I'll introduce you to our host and explain how this extraordinary situation has come about.'

  'I've no need for any further conversation with you, Carshalton, you've said more than enough.'

  Fortunately Dr Faulkner was an instant success and his grandmother allowed herself to be escorted to her rooms by him. Grey was dismissed without further comment and he hoped that by dinner time she would be in a better frame of mind. He had no wish for Madeline to be subjected to a similar display of ill humour.

  He'd expected his grandmother to be angry at having her journey diverted, but her reaction had surprised him. She'd glared as if she hated him – not something he was accustomed to seeing – as in the short time he'd known her she had been pleasant and good-natured.

  Slater would be in his apartment and unpacking his trunk. He would speak to him and see if he could throw any light on the matter. As expected his valet was busy in the dressing room, but dropped the topcoat he was unfolding and came across to speak to him.

  'I'm glad to see you, sir, there's something rum going on.'

  'Tell me. I suspected as much – Lady Carshalton's reaction was excessive.'

  'Them outriders, they're not your usual sort of servant. Shifty like, won't meet your eyes and say nought. Another thing, I am almost sure one of them's different – not the same cove what was with her ladyship originally.'

  'Devil take it! I knew there was something about those two. They were both dark-haired and now I'm pretty certain one of them is fair. He had his cap pulled down low so not much of his hair was visible.'

  'I reckon the one that's gone missing was the one working for the traitor's family, sir, and he sloped off when you left Heatherfield.'

  'I'll speak to Lady Carshalton, but not until after the ceremony tomorrow. I'll not worry her at the moment.'

  There was little point in replacing his garments with something fresh as he would have to change in an hour or so for dinner. 'I'm going to find Smith. He must be around somewhere as he came with the duke. Jenkins should return from London tonight. I need to warn both of them to be vigilant as it's possible the missing man followed Lady Carshalton's carriage.'

  He must suppose that his grace was with Madeline and wasn't going to disturb their privacy – for tomorrow she would become his responsibility and the duke would no longer be entitled to spend time with his sister whenever he wished.

  The poor man must be bewildered by the speed with which Lord Sheldon, and then Madeline, had found their respective partners and got married. Four months ago he had five unmarried siblings residing at his home – after tomorrow there would only be three.

  Lady Giselle was to be presented at court next year and no doubt her twin brothers, a few years her senior he thought, would join her in Town. Perhaps he too would rent a smart house as he would enjoy escorting his beautiful wife to the soirées, routs and balls that would be going on from March until May.

  There was plenty of time before he needed to change – more than enough to go outside and find Smith.

  *

  Madeline had grown bored with her book. 'Beau, I've been thinking about next year and have decided I'd like to chaperone Giselle. There's no need to send for Aunt Prunella – Grace and I, as married women, will be perfectly capable of organising everything as it should be.'

  He'd been perusing a journal and with a sigh he put it down. 'Don't you think you'd better discuss it with Carshalton first? He might not want to be in Town for the Season.'

  'I'm sure he will indulge me – after all doesn't every husband spoil his new wife?'

  'I've no idea. However, I can assure you that in the unlikely event I become leg-shackled I'll expect my wife to do as I wish, and have no intention of being led by the nose.'

  She was about to protest, but then saw his lips twitch and knew she was being roundly teased. 'You’re a confirmed bachelor. I'm sure you'll never find anyone to live up to your high standards. You don't like children and have more than enough heirs, so what possible reason could you have for giving up your freedom?'

  'Exactly so, sweetheart, you know me too well. I'm sure Bennett and Grace will soon have their nursery full – and if they don't produce any boys then there's still Perry and Aubrey. There's no danger of my line or title falling into abeyance.'

  She was about to ask if he got lonely. Then recalled Perry telling her that Beau had a chere amie in Town that he visited whenever he felt the need for feminine company. Before she'd met Grey she'd wondered why her brother wasn't content to spend time with his sisters. Now she knew a little more about what took place between a man and a woman in the privacy of their bed, she understood why he visited London so frequently.

  'I'll gladly open up the house in Grosvenor Square for you and Grace. As long as I'm not expected to dance attendance on any of you, you may do as you wish.'

  He glanced at the clock. 'I'd better find my accommodation and leave you to prepare for this evening.'

  The evening gown Lottie had selected for her was in pale green silk with a silver gauze overskirt. She thought she looked well enough considering the circumstances. Grey tapped on the door and strolled in at the appointed time looking even more handsome in his evening rig.

  'You look enchanting, sweetheart, far too elegant for a country dinner. Is your hip better than this afternoon?'

  'It is, thank you for enquiring. I'm intending to walk to the dining room – if I lean on your arm I believe I can manage perfectly well. Have you spoken to Lady Carshalton yet?'<
br />
  'I attempted to but the dragon refused to let me in saying that my grandmother was sleeping. I hope she is more amenable this evening otherwise we could be in for an unpleasant time.'

  'I'm sure you're worrying unnecessarily, she was probably just out of sorts because of travelling.'

  'I sincerely hope you're correct, my love. Now, shall we go?'

  Instead of offering his arm he put it around her waist so he was taking most of her weight. In this manner they set off on the short distance to the dining room and she was glad she hadn't had to negotiate more than one flight of stairs in order to get there.

  'The voices are coming from the drawing room. Are you able to walk that far?'

  'With your assistance, of course I can.'

  He had the good sense to pause outside the double doors and remove his arm from around her waist so they could go in without upsetting his grandmother any further with another breach of etiquette.

  Her brother was standing beside Lady Carshalton and they appeared to be on the best of terms. There was no sign of their host; she must suppose he'd been called away on a medical emergency. Beau looked up at her entrance and smiled warmly. 'You look lovely as usual, my dear, and walking almost unaided too.'

  Madeline braced herself as Lady Carshalton also turned. She couldn't curtsy, her damaged hip wouldn't allow that, but she bowed instead. To her astonishment the old lady bustled over, her wrinkled face wreathed in smiles.

  'Lady Madeline, I cannot tell you how delighted I am to hear from my grandson that you are about to join our family. I would have preferred a more conventional occasion, but needs must. I've sent one of my men with a letter to my son informing him of the good news. I'm sure he will extend a cordial invitation to you and old animosities will be forgotten.'

  Madeline released Grey's arm in order to embrace her future grandmother. 'Thank you, ma'am, I'm glad you are happy that Grey and I are to be married so precipitously.'