The Orphan and the Duke

by Jillian Chantal

  “Now that I’ve kissed you, I suppose I must.”

  His heart leapt before he realized what she said. “Wait. No. You don’t have to marry me merely because I kissed you. I want you to marry me because you love me, not because you think I took advantage of you.”

  Amelia captured his face in the palms of her hand. “What I meant to say is that now that you’ve kissed me, I think I’m sure I do love you.”

  He wouldn’t let himself get excited. Her answer was a bit disturbing. “You think you’re sure? What does that mean, Amelia?”

  “It means I was hedging my bets, but since you’re being so pushy and not allowing me to do so, I confess, I love you. I’m positive.”

  “Hallelujah.” Basil scooped her in his arms and tried to turn her in a circle, but the close quarters wouldn’t allow it. “I’ll have the banns read this Sunday.”

  “Let’s not announce it tonight, please. I want this to be Jonquil and Saffron’s night. Of course, it’s already been ruined for Saffron, I’m afraid.”

  “Speaking of my saucy little sister, we best be returning to the ball. People will be talking.” Basil felt the wall for the torch, lit it, and headed down the tunnel to his study.

  Once at the end, he blew out the torch and set it on the floor. “I’ll take it back later. I keep one at each end.” He pressed the release button, and the opening appeared.

  Stepping into the room, the first thing Basil noticed was Archimedes. The cat had clearly been sleeping on top of his ledgers and cast a baleful eye toward the intruders.

  Basil made his way to the door leading to the corridor to call for Swinton to fetch the maid.

  “I think Archimedes is mad that we disturbed his nap.” Amelia reached out and patted the cat’s back.

  “No. The creature is angry that he was banished from the ball. I think he wanted to lead the first dance himself.”

  “There you go again.” Amelia smiled.

  “What?” He turned and stared at her. “Go again?”

  “You confuse me. Most of the time you’re stern and forbidding, but sometimes, just sometimes, mind you, I see a lighter side of you.”

  “I’m trying my best to suppress that part of me. Unfortunately, it slips out once in a while.”

  “Why? What’s wrong with a little lightheartedness?”

  “I’m now the Duke of Darnley and have two wards. Don’t you see? I must be serious.”

  “You poor deluded man.” Amelia stepped over and touched his right cheek.

  “What do you mean?” He took hold of her wrist and, turning her palm to his lips, kissed it.

  “You can be the duke and still be yourself. Who is to gainsay you? That’s the beauty of being wealthy and titled. You don’t need to worry about how people perceive you and don’t need to behave in a way that doesn’t seem natural in order to be accepted and even given shelter.”

  “And that’s what you’ve had to do your whole life, isn’t it, my darling?”

  “It is indeed.”

  “Then I say we make one more pact besides agreeing to wed.”

  “And what is that?”

  “We will always be ourselves. No more trying to be what we think society wants us to be.”

  “That’s easy for you. You have the title. But I’m an illegitimate, poor girl with only my mother’s ring—”

  A knock at the door interrupted them.

  Basil opened it at the same time he heard Amelia let out a sound of dismay.

  The maid entered.

  “What’s wrong?” Basil asked Amelia.

  “My ring. It’s gone. It must’ve fallen off when I attacked Longthorne. It was a little loose when I put it on earlier.” She looked near to tears.

  “I’ll go back and see if I can find it on the terrace. You come when you’re ready.” Basil kissed her and left the room.

  On his way up the staircase, he met Swinton with a tray.

  “What’s that?” He tilted his head at the burden his butler carried.

  “Lady Saffron has asked for a tray in her room.”

  This sounds suspicious. Why would she call for a tray when she already had a meal when her hair was being done? Basil sprinted the rest of the way up the stairs and down the hall.

  When he arrived at Saffron’s chambers, Vonda was standing in front of the closed door. “What the hell are you doing here?” Basil asked.

  “Guarding the door.”

  “From what?”

  “Nosy brothers.”

  “Move away from the door, right now.”

  She shook her head. “No. This is for your own good, Basil. You’ve got to learn your place.”

  “My place? What are you talking about?”

  Swinton made it to where they stood. “Sir? Is there a problem?”

  “Yes. Open this door, Swinton.”

  Vonda stood firm. “What are you going to do, Basil? Manhandle me?”

  “No, he won’t because he’s too much of a gentleman, but I have no such qualms,” Augusta stepped forward with a sword. “The male of the species may not want to lay hands on a mere woman, but this lady has no issue with running you through with this sword if you don’t move this instant.”

  “You’re insane. I’m not moving.” Vonda crossed her arms over her chest.

  In response, Augusta thrust the sword, capturing part of Vonda’s finery in the process and sticking it to the door.

  “You’ve ruined my gown.” Vonda screeched.

  “That was the warning parry. The next one will ruin some skin.”

  Vonda stepped aside, tearing her gown even more. “You’re not sane.”

  “I’m the sanest lady in this hallway.” Augusta pulled the sword out of the wall.

  Basil opened the door just in time to see Longthorne’s head coming through the window of Saffron’s room. He dashed across the carpet, overturning a small table near the fireplace. Ignoring the sound of the books toppling to the floor, Basil skidded past the end of the bed as Longthorne tried to go back the way he’d come.

  Basil lunged for the windowsill and grasped hold of Longthorne’s forearms. He jerked them toward him and, with difficulty, pulled Longthorne into the room.

  As soon as he got to his feet, Longthorne threw a punch at Basil’s nose, but Basil was too quick and leapt out of his reach.

  Swinton unloaded the plates and other items from the heavy silver tray and conked Longthorne on the head with it.

  Longthorne went down. He was out cold.

  Saffron stood in the corner with her hands over her mouth as if holding back a scream.

  Basil stood and first addressed Swinton. “Send for a constable.”

  He then walked over to his sister. Trying to rein in his rage, he asked, “Did you arrange this? Were you part of this plan?”

  “No. I heard what he said on the terrace about not loving me and me being happy until he tired of me. I came here because I was too upset to smile and pretend.”

  “How did he know which room was yours if you didn’t have anything to do with it?” Basil wanted to shake her. What would have happened if I had gone straight back to the ballroom? Perhaps she is telling the truth. She does seem genuinely distraught.

  “I showed him which was mine when I thought he loved me. I had no idea he was trying to get in tonight. I opened the window to get some fresh air while I waited for my tray. I’m sorry, Basil. I’ve been awful, just awful.” Saffron burst into tears.

  He reached out and hugged her. “I forgive you. It’s all right. It’s over now. I am going to have him taken care of, as well as his accomplice.”

  Augusta led Vonda into the room. “She was acting as the lookout, but she also stole Amelia’s ring.” Augusta held out her hand; the ring he
sought rested on her palm.

  “I didn’t steal it. I found it on the terrace and put it in my pocket to see if I could find the owner.”

  “She was admiring it when I saw her. I followed Lady Saffron from the ballroom in case she needed someone to talk to. She did speak to the butler to order a tray. She then came down this corridor and found this woman waiting for her at the door. I decided not to approach and watch what happened instead. I’m glad I did.” Augusta waved the sword. “Good thing you had that suit of armor over there.”

  “I had no idea you could wield a weapon so nicely.” Basil grinned.

  “I’m full of surprises. Maybe I’ll tell you all about them someday.”

  Two constables ran down the corridor, followed by Swinton. Basil stepped forward. “I’ve got two criminals here to be taken away, but I’ve also got a ball going on. Will it suffice that I want to press charges against them both but call on the magistrate tomorrow?”

  “That would be fine, Your Grace. So sorry to hear they’ve tried to ruin your evening.”

  “Thank you, Constable. Swinton here will help you both with them. Please excuse me.”

  Basil and Augusta returned to the ballroom. Shortly thereafter, Amelia joined them.

  He handed her the ring. “I’ve gotten a good look at that. It’s unusual. Do you know its history?”

  “I wish I did. Your friend Myles studied it intently earlier. I wonder if he knows anything about it. He sure acted as if it looked familiar in some way.”

  After everyone had gone except Myles and Augusta Cuthbert and Jonquil had gone to bed, Amelia and Basil sat in the parlor with their friends. Both ladies had kicked off their slippers, and the men had loosened their cravats.

  Myles held Amelia’s ring. He turned it around in his hand and finally looked up and said, “Do you know anything at all about your mother? Anything?”

  “No. My aunt and uncle always told me my parents were unwed, and they seemed to blame my mother for that state. They presented it to me as if my mother were a temptress who entrapped my father with a baby.”

  “But they were sure there was no marriage certificate?” Myles asked.

  “I really don’t know. They said they sent someone to retrieve me from France when my father died. I don’t believe—in fact, I am sure—that neither one of them traveled to France. I wondered myself how they would know if they didn’t go and look.” Amelia frowned. “Unless my father said something about it in a letter or something.”

  “Have you seen any letters he wrote to them?” Basil asked.

  “No. They said they didn’t keep any of them. I’ve asked on numerous occasions to see some of his correspondence. I’ve begged to see the one from when he was dying.”

  “And they said they didn’t keep them?” Augusta asked.

  Amelia nodded.

  “I don’t believe that. Do you? Who would throw out the last letter their dying brother wrote? Especially when they let you have the ring?” Augusta tapped her index finger on her chin. “This sounds suspicious to me.”

  “I’ll send a messenger over at dawn to ask for them,” Basil said.

  “He won’t send them. I know him. Even if he has them, he’ll not let me see them.” Amelia sighed.

  “What’s the rest of the story of your rescue?” Myles asked.

  “What do you mean?” Confused, Amelia shook her head.

  “Did they say how they retrieved you? Weren’t we at war with France? Or was the revolution still active? Where did they find you? Why were they in Paris in the first place?” The questions came in such rapid succession, Amelia became dizzy.

  “My uncle once mentioned that my father was one of a group of British men who saved people from the Reign of Terror. He never said anything about what my mother did.”

  “Anything else?” Myles asked.

  She thought for a while then remembered something. “Uncle Henry said my father, after he met my mother, settled in some small town between Paris and Calais on the trade route since he was still saving people from Madame Guillotine and was back and forth across the channel.”

  “Well, at least your father was a brave man. Not like your uncle who beats on young girls.” Basil’s voice reflected his disdain for Mandeville.

  “Yes, he was. I’ve held on to that information my whole life. I knew I came from someone wonderful, and that helped me cope with the ugliness around me.”

  Basil put his arm around Amelia and squeezed her shoulder. “I’m so sorry you had that life. I swear no one will ever hurt you again.”

  Augusta leaned forward. “Is there something you want to tell us?”

  “Amelia has agreed to be my wife.” Basil’s smile made Amelia’s heart soar. He really does love me. He’s not ashamed at all to tell of our engagement. He even looks ecstatic.

  “Oh, how wonderful!” Augusta crossed the space between the two settees to pull Amelia to her feet and into a hug. “This makes me so happy.”

  “Why?” Amelia couldn’t resist asking.

  “Because you two are good for each other. You belong together.”

  “And none of you care that I’m not legitimate?”

  “We don’t care either way, but you really have no idea if your parents were married or not, do you? Why not just say they were?” Augusta asked.

  “But I wouldn’t want to lie.”

  “I think we need to go to France to find the truth,” Myles said.

  “It doesn’t matter to me. I love Amelia and will marry her no matter what.” Basil looked across at Myles. “And in case you’ve forgotten, we’re at war with France. We cannot merely cross the channel to search for a marriage license.”

  “Yes, we can. If you’re not afraid of a bit of danger.” Myles grinned.

  “But if it matters not, then why do it?” Amelia asked.

  “I have a feeling it’s very important,” Myles said.

  “Why?” Basil asked.

  “Let’s just say I think it’s worth a trip. I don’t want to say much more until I can find some additional information.”

  “How could we manage a trip to France? What will I do about my sisters and Amelia? It’s imperative they are safe. I don’t know if the magistrate will hold Longthorne, and I can’t allow him to vex my sister and compromise her. It’s clear he’s not going to give up until he’s my brother-in-law. If I go off to France, I leave Saffron open to danger.”

  “To say nothing of what Amelia’s uncle may try to do.” Augusta squeezed Amelia’s hand.

  “My uncle has tossed me out. He’s not a worry.”

  “You don’t know that. He may be leaving you alone since you’re under the protection of the Duke of Darnley, but what if the duke were absent?” Augusta asked.

  “You’re correct there, darling. Why don’t we send them with you to your father’s estate? You’d all be safe there.” Myles smiled at his wife.

  “I thought I’d accompany you to France,” Augusta said.

  “You’d go to France?” Amelia gasped.

  “Of course. It’s not that far.” Augusta winked. She then returned to her husband’s side and sat.

  “Much as I hate to admit it, though, you’re right, Myles. I should stay here and protect the ladies.” Augusta paused for a beat. “But we stay at my father’s townhouse since he’s here. I don’t want the girls to miss their first season. Fair enough?”

  “Fair enough, and even better if you can talk Lancelot into escorting you all each time you venture out.” Myles patted her hand. “Not that I don’t have confidence in your skills.”

  “After seeing your wife with that sword, I have confidence in her as well, Cuthbert.”

  “So you’re really going to France?” Amelia asked.

  “Yes. It seems so. We’ll send fo
r whatever papers your uncle has tomorrow—today really, since it’s well after midnight—as well as visit the church to arrange for the banns to be read.” Basil kissed the side of Amelia’s head.

  “I think you should wait on the banns until we return,” Myles said.

  “Why?” Basil asked. “I’d like them to run while we’re gone so we’d be closer to a wedding date when we come home.”

  “What if we find she’s not Miss Mandeville after all?” Myles asked.

  “What does that mean?” Amelia asked.

  “Nothing.” Myles shook his head. “But since we’re looking for a marriage license, I thought we might look for a birth certificate while we’re there.”

  “Then we need to wait. If I don’t have my father’s name, the banns will be wrong.” Strangely excited to know the truth but terrified as well, Amelia leaned against Basil.

  Chapter 18

  Basil adjusted himself in the saddle as he rode along behind Myles through the French countryside. They’d made it to Calais in the hold of a ship, and Cuthbert had made arrangements to have horses and supplies waiting for them. He was hopeful they would find some answers for Amelia.

  The first night they slept in bedrolls deep in the woods. Basil tossed and turned for a while, trying to get comfortable on the hard ground, but a root kept poking him in the hip. He finally moved his pallet and dozed off soon after.

  It was still dark when Myles shook him awake.

  Basil jerked to a sitting position.

  “Shh, I hear someone. Grab your gear and be silent about it. I have the horses ready.”

  Following Myles’ instructions, Basil tugged on his boots and rolled up his bedding without saying a word.

  When they were both mounted, Myles led the way slowly through the brush and down to the river.