The Duke's Reform

by Fenella J Miller

  Chapter Twenty

  Isobel had not realised how tiring nursing a new baby was going to be. Lucinda refused to wait the expected four hours between feeds and was constantly at her breast. Not that she minded, unlike her pregnancy, she loved every minute of being a mama. She was sitting with her feet up on the chaise longue four weeks after the baby's birth when Alexander strolled in, several letters in his hand.

  'That daughter of yours is insatiable, small wonder she is gaining weight and you're losing it.' He stroked the baby's downy head and kissed Isobel on the brow. Since her delivery he'd been less inclined to kiss her lips, in fact if she was honest, his eyes no longer darkened when he looked at her.

  'I've almost done, another few minutes and Nanny Cooper will be back to collect her.' She nodded towards his hand. 'Is there something from my family? Can they come when we have Lucinda baptised in July?'

  'Shall I read them to you or will you wait until you have your hands free?' He sprawled on the window seat. He looked relaxed, happy— so why didn't he kiss her properly anymore?

  'Just tell me what they said— there's no need to read the whole missive.'

  His smile faded at her terseness, but he made no comment. She was so tired it was making her snippy, but this was no excuse for being uncivil to him. 'I'm so sorry, Alexander, I should not have snapped at you. It's not your fault I'm getting so little sleep.'

  'Then stop feeding Lucinda. The young woman you've employed as wet nurse looks perfectly wholesome. Let her take over from you.'

  He didn't understand, the bond between a baby and its mama was forged in these first few weeks. However tired she was she would persist for another week at least. 'Not yet, my love, Nanny Cooper says if I continue until she's six weeks old it will be good for both of us.'

  'I'm heartily sick of hearing that woman's name a hundred times a day. Dammit, Isobel, can you not make these decisions for yourself?'

  Why did they end up cross with each other nowadays? He had no excuse, he was able to sleep undisturbed all night and to roam around the estate enjoying the beautiful weather whilst she was trapped upstairs. So far Dr Jamieson had insisted she remain in her apartments, if he'd had his way she would still be reclining in bed all day. How was she going to resume her active life if she was allowed no exercise?

  He tossed the letters aside and came to sit beside her. 'I should not have criticised the nanny, she's doing the job we've employed her for. But, darling, I'm getting as little sleep as you. I find I can't rest without you at my side. When may I return?'

  'As soon as I am allowed to resume my normal life, which hopefully will be tomorrow. The doctor makes his weekly visit then. He said I had recovered remarkably quickly. But, are you sure you wish to be woken up three times during the night when Nanny brings Lucinda to be fed?'

  He yawned and shook his head. 'Perhaps I should wait until you have stopped nursing. I'm going to see my lawyers next week. I shall be gone several days— maybe things will be back to normal by then?'

  This time there was no mistaking the desire in his eyes and she felt herself responding. His smile widened and, ignoring the entrance of one of the nursery maids to collect the baby, he stretched out and placed his hand on either side of her face. Her insides somersaulted and she leaned forward to meet his embrace.

  Lucinda, who had fallen asleep, woke and wailed her protest at being sandwiched between her parents in this unexpected manner. He sat back and, picking up the baby, he kissed her puckered face tenderly. 'Little madam, already wishing to be the centre of attention.'

  Miraculously the crying stopped and the baby snuggled into his shoulder falling instantly asleep. Isobel blinked back her tears. He was such a good father, as confident as she in handling the infant. He gave her to the waiting nursemaid and returned to collect the letters allowing Isobel time to rearrange her clothing. Of course he was competent; she kept forgetting he had been married and a father before.

  'Here, darling, read the contents for yourself. I've Reynolds coming to discuss estate business so I shall visit you both later this afternoon.'

  Excellent news— her entire family was to make the long journey from Norfolk for the baptism. The last time she had seen her parents had been her wedding day and had not spent time with her siblings since before she went to London for the season. Her aunt and uncle were also coming, and her cousin Petunia was to bring the young man she was engaged to marry. He sounded a pleasant enough gentleman, not much older than Pet, with no title but a considerable fortune. He must be prodigiously handsome to have captured her cousin's heart.

  He smiled as she recalled her cousin saying she would not marry until she'd had at least three seasons. The unfortunate young man must believe Petunia would never be his wife as the engagement was now of more than a year and a half's duration.

  Mary was due to make her morning visit to discuss the menus and any other matters pertaining to the household. This was an event Isobel now enjoyed, unlike the meetings she'd been obliged to endure with the previous housekeeper. If there was to be a house party next month, plans would need to be made well in advance. The nursery upstairs would have to be opened to accommodate her four brothers and three sisters who would be accompanying her parents.

  'There will be a governess and tutor as well as the nanny and nursemaids, plus several other members of staff coming with my family, Mary.'

  'I shall prepare several guest suites as well as rooms for the junior staff. Don't worry, my lady, we could accommodate a hundred extra folk and still not be quite full.'

  Isobel sighed. 'I can't like this house, I've really tried, but it's far too large. I don't understand why Alexander's grandfather should choose to build such a monstrosity.'

  'Lawks! The Duke of Rochester must have a grand establishment as his main seat, my lady. It goes with the title, never mind how uncomfortable it is to live in for the family.'

  'I should not cavil, since the installation of the new kitchens and now Mrs Baverstock is in charge, the food is excellent. This apartment, and the nursery, is everything it should be. I don't know what's wrong with me, but since I was delivered I am no longer a watering pot. Instead I've turned into a shrew.'

  'What you need to do, my lady, if you'll forgive me for speaking out of turn, is get outside and enjoy the sunshine. I know what the physician told you, but he doesn't know you as well as I. Shall I call Ellie to help you change into your promenade dress?'

  'Yes, I shan't delay until tomorrow. Also, my dogs will be thinking I've abandoned them, I haven't seen them for weeks.'

  The brisk walk she took with her pets frolicking around her ankles, Ellie at her side, restored her equanimity and blew away the cobwebs. On her return she met Alexander in the entrance hall.

  'Isobel? I had not thought to see you down today, but I am delighted you're here. I've the most amazing news— Reynolds is to be married.'

  The estate manager was a relatively young man. Why was this news so astounding? Was he a misogynist only just discovering women were to his taste? 'I'm pleased for him, but why are you so excited?'

  He grinned ruefully. 'I've known this man since he was a boy, he grew up on the estate and followed his father into the position of factor. Like me he was married young but his wife ran off with a soldier. He has been moping about unable to declare his love to a local girl as he was already married. He had word yesterday that he's now a widower.'

  'It seems wrong to be celebrating his wife's demise, even if she did desert him for another. How long is it since the first Mrs Reynolds ran away?'

  'It must be more than ten years; I can scarcely remember the girl. The bans are to be read this week and the marriage to take place at the end of the month. He has asked me to stand up for him and I've agreed.'

  'Lucinda is to be baptised then. I should like the church flower-filled for our celebration, if it's done a day in advance Mr Reynolds and his new wife can share them with us.'

  His eyes dropped to her milk engorged breasts. 'I think our b
aby must be crying for her lunch, my darling, so I shan't detain you longer.'

  She ran lightly up the staircase revelling in the fact she could move freely after being incarcerated for so long. How did Alexander know it was time to return to the nursery? She could feel the milk, but had not known this was apparent to anyone else. She paused and glanced down at her bosom. Good gracious! She was leaking and her lovely muslin gown had two extremely damp patches.

  Much as she loved feeding her child she could hardly appear in public as she was. If she was obliged to remain in her apartments until the baby was weaned she would be fit for Bedlam. Today would be the last day. She would ask Dr Jamieson, when he came tomorrow, what she should do to discourage her milk from flowing so copiously.

  Over dinner that night Alexander told her he was going to London the next day to see his lawyers. 'I suppose Bentley will wish to come back with you. He must be delighted our baby is a girl.'

  'Exactly so; I shall discourage him from returning until his accommodation is complete. Sam Watkins is proving to be extremely useful to me; he has been overseeing the improvements and is making a splendid job of it.'

  'I've no longer any need for a man of business and was concerned he would have to return to being a groom.'

  'He would be wasted. I've already spoken to him and offered him the position of under-estate manager. This means Reynolds can now visit all my other properties knowing there's someone reliable to take care of things in his absence.'

  'I can't believe how happy I am, my love. Have you noticed everyone else around us is smiling too?'

  He reached out and stroked her hand. 'Happiness is infectious, darling, but I think the absence of Maynard and Foster has a lot to do with the good humour of our staff.'

  Despite being held captive in her apartments during the day Isobel always came down to dinner. They had taken to sitting outside on the terrace after their meal. She much preferred to be there than in the formal drawing room. He joined her on the padded bench and slipped his arms around her shoulders, encouraging her to lean against him.

  'I shan't be away more than a few days. I can send for my lawyers to attend me here if you would prefer I didn't go.'

  She had not yet told him her decision to stop feeding Lucinda and decided to let it be a surprise for him when he returned. Whatever the physician told her, she was more than ready to welcome him back in her bed. 'Alexander, have you written to your friend to ask how he and his wife avoid yearly pregnancies?'

  'No I shall do so whilst I'm in town.' His smile sent waves of desire racing around her body. There was no doubt he was as eager as she to resume the intimacies of marriage.

  'Then I shall be happy for you to go. Remember, I am well used to spending time at Newcomb on my own and things are very different from the way they were last year.'

  They parted outside his bed chamber. As usual he kissed her lightly on the lips and bid her goodnight. She was disappointed he had not shown more passion. After all in a few days they would be sharing a bed once more. She was worrying about nothing— the smile he'd given her earlier was sign enough that he still desired her.

  *

  Dr Jamieson explained the best way to stop her milk was to bind her breasts tightly and to avoid being in the vicinity of the baby when she cried for her feed. He assured her that as she had only been feeding for a few weeks her milk would soon dry up. Apparently, only after six weeks did it became fully established. He also said she could resume riding if she wished and he had no need to call again unless there were problems with the infant or herself.

  Sultan, the gelding she'd purchased whilst living in Norfolk, might well have forgotten her by now. Although she had visited him in the stables, she had not ridden since they'd returned to Newcomb. Leaving Lucinda entirely in the care of Nanny Cooper was going to be difficult, but if she was to stop nursing this was the only way.

  Dressed in a smart, royal blue habit she hurried down to the stables. Both dogs were as keen as she was to go out. Her mount was saddled and waiting, the groom holding his head was Jethro who'd come back with the staff from Grosvenor Square.

  'I don't wish to go too far this morning, Jethro, it's been many months since I've ridden.'

  'A brisk canter around the park will suit Sultan, your grace. He's not as fit as he could be. He's thrown a few of the stable lads.'

  Isobel rammed her foot into the single stirrup iron and gathered up the reins. Perhaps she would ride the pretty dapple grey mare instead. She could feel the gelding's muscles bunching beneath her, his neck arched and he mouthed the bit impatiently.

  Should she dismount and ask for the other horse to the saddled? Before she could decide Ebony spied one of the stable cats and chased it across the yard scattering the fowl that were pecking for stray morsels of corn. Sultan reared, snatched the bit between his teeth and took off at a gallop. It took all her skill to remain in the saddle. There was no way she could stop such a powerful animal. She must sit tight and pray he exhausted himself before they came to grief.

  ****

  The business with his lawyers was completed within a morning and this left Alexander ample time to visit Lady Fulbright. She was of childbearing age and yet did not get pregnant. Therefore, unless she was barren she must have a method of avoiding unwanted conception.

  He sent a footman round to her townhouse in Albemarle Street asking if he might visit her as he had a favour to ask. He hoped she had forgiven him for his rebuff all those months ago. Whilst he waited for her reply he gathered up the morning's mail and took it into the study to read.

  Of Bentley there was no sign— according to Foster the young man had been out until the small hours at some social function or other, and would not rise until midday. Alexander detected a stiffness in his ancient butler. In fact there was generally an unwelcome atmosphere amongst all the staff. They were not any less attentive, but no-one met his eyes or smiled when he approached as they once did.

  No doubt it was because they had been obliged to stay in London looking after Bentley. The groom who delivered the post every day would have taken back the information that Brown was now butler at Newcomb and Watkins was the housekeeper. He must reassure them they were not to be turned out to fend for themselves. This was one reason he'd seen his legal people. His elderly retainers could now retire secure in the knowledge they had a good annuity and might live in comfort for their remaining days.

  He flicked through the pile of invitations pleased he was obviously back on the guest list of the hostesses who had dropped him while he was drinking and gambling so disgracefully. Perhaps he would attend one or two of the events; he would like to let people know he was a father again and that he and Isobel were happy.

  The reply from Gloria arrived later that afternoon. She suggested they met at Vauxhall Gardens, as there was to be a spectacular firework display to mark some anniversary or other. It would probably be wise to meet in public and not visit her house as this might be misconstrued. He wrote a quick reply agreeing to meet her at nine o'clock.

  Bentley drifted into the drawing-room as Alexander was preparing to leave. 'Your grace, I beg your pardon for not having written to you to congratulate you on the birth of Lady Lucinda. I hope that both mother and baby are doing well?'

  'They are, thank you, Bentley. I hope you'll come down for the baptism. Your accommodation will be finished by then and you can spend the summer with us if that's what you would like to do.'

  The young man nodded and smoothed his blue and gold striped waistcoat lovingly. 'I had intended to come back with you, your grace, but will postpone my visit until the house party if that's what you would prefer. I see you're about to go out— are you going to Lady Simmons soiree?'

  'No, I'm meeting friends at Vauxhall Gardens. It seems there is to be a firework display that should not be missed.'

  'I might well see you there later; if not then we shall meet tomorrow. I bid you good evening, your grace.'

  Alexander left the house seething. God's
teeth, one would think he was the hanger on and Bentley the duke. It had not been such a good idea to leave the young man in sole residence in Grosvenor Square. He'd got ideas above his station. Tomorrow he would put the young man straight, but tonight he must speak to Gloria. The thought of being able to make love to his darling girl without fear of a second pregnancy was reason enough to renew his acquaintance with his former mistress.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Alexander sent a letter from London saying he was delayed and would not be returning until the following week. Isobel was disappointed as she had been persevering with the binding and was almost free from unwanted milk. If she avoided Lucinda's feed times she could safely spend several hours with her baby daughter.

  'Ellie, can you start altering my gowns? Now I've regained my original form I no longer need to have them so full in the chest.'

  Her maid looked up from her task. 'I had thought you might like to leave them as they are, my lady, you have a closet full of beautiful gowns that you've not worn.'

  ‘You’re quite correct. Why don’t you put the ones I wore during my pregnancy at the back of my closet.’ She knew the girl was thinking her mistress might well be increasing again by the end of the year.

  Her pulse raced just thinking about the possibility. An image of Alexander proudly naked in her bed sent a wave of heat from head to toe. Ellie was looking, her eyes wide with concern. ‘Are you feeling unwell, my lady, have you got a fever?’

  Isobel forced her thoughts away from bed sport. ‘I feel a little overheated, I shall take a walk in the garden to cool down.’

  ‘Very well, my lady.’

  Isobel enjoyed her stroll and was ready to continue with perusing more lists with Mary. A footman held out a silver salver upon which was a letter. ‘This arrived a few minutes ago, your grace.’

  She paused in the window to read the letter. The missive was brief but said everything it

  should.

  My darling wife,

  I am desolated that I have further business to attend to before I can be with you. I am