The Duke's Reform

by Fenella J Miller

  possessions whilst benighted at a disreputable roadhouse. He made his way back here and I've no idea what to do with him.

  I've discovered a local tailor who is endeavouring to make him something fresh to wear, but Mr Bentley's requirements are too stringent and I fear the outcome won't be successful for either party.

  Mr Bentley has taken the news of our happy event with good grace. I am in a quandary as to how to proceed for the best. I shall eagerly await your advice.

  With kindest regards

  your wife,

  Isobel.

  He slammed the letter down on the desk. What a disaster! He had no option but to rout out Bentley's tailor and drag the unfortunate man down to Newcomb along with his samples and pattern books. He could hardly blame his cousin for being robbed, but it was a damned nuisance nevertheless. He had no wish to return to his country estate. He was unwelcome there and his presence would only exacerbate the rift between himself and Isobel. Only time and separation might mend the damage his appalling behaviour had caused to the marriage.

  Thoughtfully he picked up the letter and examined it again more closely. This was the first missive he'd received from her. The note was hardly a billet doux, but on the other hand she had addressed him by his given name and was asking him for help. He ran his fingertip around the loops and whorls, her writing was a revelation to him. It showed a flamboyance he'd not suspected in his wife. How many more things would he learn before he truly knew her?

  Duncan returned the following morning and Alexander was relieved to hand over the search for a suitable tailor to his capable manservant. The description of Bentley's bedraggled

  appearance when he'd arrived at Newcomb amused him but it did not make up for the fact Alexander had no recourse but to return to Newcomb.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Two days after Isobel had sent her plea for help to London she was returning from a brisk walk around the park with the dogs when yet another travelling carriage bowled around the curve of the drive. There was no doubting to whom this belonged for emblazoned on the handsome black paint-work was the crest of the Rochester dynasty.

  She sincerely hoped Alexander had come to remove her guest who had taken to sulking in the drawing-room, his gloom pervading the whole house. It would seem that without his sartorial elegance to bolster his self-confidence he was a pitiful creature indeed. No doubt the second less substantial coach contained the tailor come to measure Bentley for his new wardrobe. With a sigh she returned to the east wing glad that, at least, all the rooms were now usable and she was safely installed in her own apartments.

  Ebony and Othello shot off ahead of her somehow sensing who was in the carriage. By the time she made her way around to the turning circle in front of the main building Alexander had descended and was playing with her dogs. She could hardly credit this youthful gentleman, with a ready smile for everyone, could be the austere man she'd married what seemed like years ago.

  'Good afternoon, my dear, you look enchanting. I expected to see you overwrought after all that has transpired these past few days.'

  'I'm very well, thank you, sir. Surprisingly Bentley is far less intrusive this visit.'

  'Where is he? I can't wait to see him dressed in my castoffs. I'm sorry you have been bothered for a second time. I am here to organise his new wardrobe and then, hopefully, take him away.'

  Isobel laughed. 'He will be moping about in the drawing-room bewailing the fact that his

  clothes were stolen and he can't return to town until he is properly dressed. He will also be complaining the tailor I discovered locally is worse than useless and that he will refuse to wear anything made by such a person.'

  'He'll wear what he's damn well given and be grateful for it. However, I've brought his tailor with me in the second carriage. He has a selection of articles in the correct size for Bentley to choose from. He also has his pattern books and samples so will be able to go back to Town and start making up what's needed.'

  They strolled companionably around to the east wing where the front door was open and Mary and Bill were waiting to greet the duke. Two footmen rushed past to collect the baggage. Inside Alexander stared up at the ceiling enquiringly.

  'Have you managed to repair the roof? Do I get to sleep in the nursery with Bentley?'

  'You may relax, Alexander, everything is as it should be. If we are to continue to use this place for Mr Bentley, it must be re-roofed before next winter. However, it's sound enough for now, thank goodness.'

  They agreed to meet up at dinner and she vanished to her own domain at the rear of the house leaving him to take care of matters with her less welcome guest. Hopefully both men would depart the following morning and her life would once more be calm and uneventful.

  She paid particular attention with her appearance that night as she had two gentlemen to entertain. 'Sally, I think you have done a splendid job altering my evening gown. It's fortunate the high waistline is ideally suited to someone in my condition.'

  'Emerald green silk is a perfect match for your eyes, my lady, and by removing the demi-train and adding a panel at the back there will be more than enough room to accommodate the baby over the next few months.'

  Isabel's hair was long enough to dress in a more elaborate style. She preferred to have it loose, but tonight she made the effort to appear as the Duchess of Rochester and not a country squire's wife. 'No, Sally, I won't wear the emeralds. This is an informal occasion, not a grand event.'

  Disappointed, her maid returned the beautiful necklace to its velvet box. 'I could wear the pearls I was given as my wedding gift, then you could thread the smaller strand through my hair if you wish.'

  'Yes, my lady, I shall do so at once.'

  This was the first opportunity her abigail had had to show she was capable of dressing a duchess—up till now Isobel and worn the simple gowns best suited to her condition.

  Despite the extra preparations she was on her way downstairs when the dinner gong sounded. She could hear voices in the drawing room. The gentlemen were before her. Bentley had asked if he might call her Cousin Isabel. Her lips twitched as she recalled Alexander's terse reply to this impertinent suggestion, so things remained as they were. Formality would be observed until her husband decreed otherwise. She paused in the open door and he strolled in her direction, his toe curling smile still having the same effect even after all this time.

  'Good evening, my dear. Permit me to say that you look enchanting tonight. That, without doubt, is my favourite gown, and it suits you to perfection.'

  She smiled and dipped in a shallow curtsy, he bowed and taking her hand he raised it to his lips. She was uncomfortably aware Bentley was avidly observing this play between them. Gently removing her fingers she turned and nodded to the young man.

  'Mr Bentley, I see your tailor has found you garments which meet with your approval. You look exactly as you did before.'

  She heard a strange choking sound behind her; Alexander was doing his best not to laugh. Bentley preened and smoothed down his lurid cherry-pink and gold waistcoat.

  'Mr Smith knows exactly what I like, he had several outfits put by that fitted me perfectly. I feel I've returned to my old self. I'm glad you approve, my lady.'

  Fortunately dinner was announced and she was saved from having to dissemble. Alexander offered his arm and she took it, leaving Bentley to follow behind.

  The dinner was served as she'd instructed, the removes were plain fare as fancy cooking did not suit her digestion at the moment. As the last cover was cleared she rose gracefully and nodded to both men. 'I shall leave you to your port, gentlemen. No doubt you'll join me in the drawing-room in due course'

  Both men had scrambled to their feet and Alexander pulled a face as she walked past. He would not dally. Not wishing to be trapped in further tedious banalities she removed to the pianoforte. Alexander had brought her several sheets of music from London and she was eager to try them out.

  As always, once she started playing
she became lost in the music and was unaware she had company until she finished and the final notes died away. The silence was shattered by raucous cheering and loud applause from Bentley.

  'I say, your grace, that was excellent playing, I've never heard better.'

  Closing the instrument she stood up. 'Thank you, Mr Bentley, for your kind words. And thank you, Alexander, for bringing me the new piece. I did not have it perfectly this time, but practice will improve my performance.'

  Once they were comfortably settled in front of the roaring fire Alexander leant back in his chair and addressed his cousin. 'Bentley, you have yet to tell me exactly what took place at this inn. Also I need the name of the place so I can send your reckoning to them and recover your pocket watch.'

  The man looked worried and fiddled with his exaggerated shirt points. 'To tell you the truth,

  my lord, I misremember the name of the establishment. It was a filthy day, a positive blizzard blowing and the driver stopped at the first hostelry we came upon.' He paused and then his face lit up. 'I have it. The coachman will be able to tell you exactly where it was, after all he could see where we were going.'

  Alexander nodded. 'I shall speak to him tomorrow. Never fear, your watch will be returned to you. Do you wish me to pursue the matter of the robbery?'

  'No, sir, I expect it's far too late to apprehend the varmints. They will be long gone by now and the landlord won't inform on them. Those sort of people tend to stick together, do they not?'

  'In which case, there's no more I can do. I shall pay for the replacement of your wardrobe, you shan't be out of pocket. Another thing, Bentley, the east wing shall be yours as long as you wish to reside here. However, when we reopen Newcomb in the spring this place will need extensive repairs to the roof. Therefore I suggest you remain in Grosvenor Square until your accommodation is ready for you.'

  'Of course, I don't wish to intrude. I can assure you, your grace, I much appreciate your generosity. I know I am no longer likely to be in line for the title, but your generous settlement and sponsorship has given me a new direction. I can now live the life of a gentleman, something I had never aspired to until your lawyers contacted me.'

  Isobel had heard quite enough, time she retired to the blessed peace of her own apartment where she could read her novel without interruption. 'If you'll both excuse me, I shan't remain for the supper tray.'

  Alexander was up before her and offered his hand to assist her from her chair. With a smile she accepted. The young man bowed politely in her direction.

  'Your grace, forgive me, but as I've no wish to intrude, would it be possible for me to know that what time you rise to take your dogs for a walk? I also enjoy an early-morning stroll, and will ensure I don't come down at the same time as you.'

  She looked at him in surprise. He was more the kind of gentleman who would lie in bed until midday than one who got up with the lark. However, his question was perfectly civil and demanded a similar reply. 'I no longer come down at first light, but around eight o'clock . Please, Mr Bentley, feel free to get up whenever you wish, we stand on no ceremony here. If you require breakfast earlier than that, you only have to ask.'

  'No, my lady, I do beg your pardon, I've no intention of asking your household to change arrangements on my account. I shall take my constitutional first thing.'

  What an odd conversation. Alexander shook his head equally puzzled. The warmth of his gaze lifted her spirits as she made her way upstairs. The evening had not turned out nearly as wearisome as she'd feared, but she'd had enough of both of them tonight.

  Bentley had talked of nothing but fashion and gossip, and there was nothing more tedious than hearing on dits about people one had never met. Alexander was the exact opposite, with his every word she'd found herself being drawn to him just as she had been she'd been when an impressionable debutante. She would not be taken in a second time, for he could turn the charm on and off at will.

  *

  The following morning Isobel was woken by voices beneath her window. How curious— who could possibly be outside so early? Then she recalled Bentley had told her he was taking an early morning walk, he must be speaking to one of the outside men.

  She was about to go back to sleep when something about the conversation bothered her. She rolled out of bed and went to the window, peeping around the heavy curtain and pressing her nose against the shutter.

  Good heavens! Bentley was outside, but he was talking to two unpleasant individuals who were certainly not employed at Newcomb. The taller man, his face obscured by a muffler and pulled down cap, was angry.

  'You ran away from us. Don't think your belongings are enough to settle what you owe my master. He has your vowels and he wants payment.'

  'I told you, I have nothing of my own. I'm dependent on Rochester. You have my word I will pay you as soon as I am solvent.' Bentley sounded desperate. He grasped the tall man's sleeve. 'You shouldn't be here. The Duchess is increasing and the duke will toss me aside if I anger him. If your master is patient, then he will get his money eventually.'

  Bentley glanced up—had he somehow detected her presence at the window? Hastily she retreated, deeply disturbed by what she'd heard. The young man obviously had gambling debts and the person he owed money to was prepared to take what he owed by violent means.

  She must get dressed and speak to Alexander. He would know what to do. She rang the bell and paced the room until Ellen appeared.

  'Please send word to my husband; I wish to see him urgently.'

  Ellen curtsied. 'Yes, your grace. I shall go myself.'

  Scarcely ten minutes later her bedchamber door flew open and Alexander appeared, his cravat poorly tied and his hair on end. 'What's wrong, sweetheart? Are you unwell?'

  'No, nothing like that. It's Bentley. I was woken by him talking to two ruffians outside my

  room. They were threatening him over his gaming debts. Heaven knows what devil he owes money to.'

  'God's teeth! The man's an infernal nuisance. Don't worry, my love, I shall have the intruders apprehended and settle Bentley's debts this time. However, I shall make it abundantly clear I shall not do so again.'

  His face was hard—his eyes slate grey. She felt sorry for the young man. 'Thank you, Alexander. I'm afraid I can't like your cousin, but I must own I feel a trifle sorry for him. He seems to attract disaster.'

  'Return to bed, my dear, leave matters to me.'

  *

  By the time Isobel eventually went downstairs there was no sign of her husband or Mr Bentley. Bill followed her to the breakfast room.

  'Your grace, I am to inform you Mr Bentley has returned to London. His grace was accompanied him but will be back before dark.'

  "Thank you, Bill. Do you know if the intruders were discovered?'

  'No, my lady. The outside men scoured the grounds and outbuildings but found no one. I reckon they said their piece and then took off.'

  'I hope that's the case. They were unpleasant men—not the sort of person own wishes to have wandering freely about the place.'

  Her husband returned at dusk and Isobel was obliged to contain her curiosity until he had changed and joined her downstairs.

  'Alexander, I have sent for coffee. Do you wish for anything more substantial, or are you happy to wait until we dine?'

  He flopped into an armchair and stretched his booted legs towards the fire. 'Coffee will be fine, my dear. I'm relieved to be back. Rufus is a magnificent animal but even he is shattered after making a double journey to Town.'

  'I've no wish to hear about your horse, Alexander. Tell me at once what you've been doing all day.'

  A footman came in to place the tray on a convenient side table. Alexander nodded and waved him away. Not waiting for her scramble up and serve him, he leant forward and picked up the silver jug and poured himself a steaming cup of aromatic brew.

  'That's better. Now, I can tell you everything that transpired today. I sent Hill with Bentley to pay the debts. Three hundred guineas is a
substantial sum, but it could have been worse.' He swallowed another mouthful of coffee and she watched the strong column of his throat convulse.

  'I can't believe you have ridden almost forty miles today and are still upright. You could not have done so a year ago.' Her cheeks flamed and she wished her incautious remark unspoken. 'I beg your pardon...'

  'Don't apologise to me, sweetheart. You've every right to comment—after all, are you not my wife and the future mother of my child?'

  His eyes gleamed above the rim of his cup and she smiled. 'I'm still waiting—stop procrastinating and tell me who the money was owed to and what you did to poor Bentley.'

  'Bentley wouldn't reveal that information however much I tried to persuade him.' He frowned. 'There's something a bit havey-cavey about it. One would have thought Bentley would be relieved to have me speak to the gentleman in question. But no, he was adamant. He said he would deal with the matter himself and that we would not be troubled again and I must take his word for it.'

  'So Bentley wasn't waylaid by footpads but by the two ruffians who came here?'

  'Apparently so. It hardly seems credible he could have got himself in such a mess so quickly—I'm beginning to suspect he brought the villains with him from his past.'

  'Oh dear! From your expression, Alexander, I take it you don't intend to let the matter go?'

  'Hill is investigating for me. I intend to discover who sent those men here. You may be very sure, my dear, they will regret their actions by the time I've finished with them.'

  She was woken in the night by her dogs barking. What had disturbed them? She sat up to listen— were those footsteps outside her door? She was about to scramble out of bed when the dogs settled. She must have been mistaken.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Next morning she was woken by a shrill scream, the noise of smashing crockery and a series of thumps. This was followed by a ghastly silence. The disturbance had come from somewhere in the main passageway, it sounded as if someone had fallen down the main staircase. Please God, let no one be seriously hurt.