The Reclusive Duke

by Fenella J Miller

  This gave her a welcome hour or two in which to continue with her writing. If she continued to write at this pace her novel would be completed in a matter of weeks. Her method of working involved writing a chapter, doing the necessary edits and changes and then copying it again in a fair hand. This meant that when she wrote the magic words "The End" there would only be a further week of copying before she was ready to submit it to a publisher.

  Her muse was interrupted by a maid with a note. Lydia took the folded paper. Although the writing was unfamiliar to her, she knew the bold, black scrawl could belong to only one person – the duke.

  Her fingers trembled as she broke the seal and spread it out on the desk to read.

  Miss Sinclair

  I have decided that my dog may remain with you at the Dower House for the present. However, I wish to see for myself that he is flourishing, therefore you must present yourself, the dog, and the two oldest children for inspection every day at three o'clock in the afternoon.

  She must suppose the indecipherable word at the bottom of this brief letter was his name – Hemingford.

  It took half an hour to walk to his house and the time was after two already. He had deliberately left the delivery of his note so late in order to set her in a panic. There was little chance she would find the children, tidy them up and be able to get them to him by three o'clock.

  Without thinking that this might be considered impertinent, she scribbled a reply on the bottom of the paper.

  Your grace

  We cannot attend today but will be with you promptly at three o'clock tomorrow.

  She quickly refolded the paper but was unable to melt the wax as there were no candles alight in the chamber. She would send an outside man with the note, but first she must get Cook to reseal it. The fact that it had her name across the front was immaterial – the person delivering it would be unable to decipher the letters but would be well aware to whom he must give it.

  The duke might well be displeased his orders were not being obeyed to the letter but hopefully he would have recovered his temper by the time they actually went there tomorrow. As her train of thought had been interrupted she decided not to return to her novel but go in search of the children. She would inform them that they were being allowed to keep Benji as long as they took him to visit his actual owner every day.

  As they were forbidden to go in the direction of the big house they should be relatively easy to locate. They had been discussing the discovery of an abandoned charcoal burner's hut and she thought it quite likely they with there.

  The sun was warm on her face as she strolled along the path that would eventually lead into the wood. She really should have taken the time to put on her bonnet – a well brought up young lady would never be seen without her cotton gloves or a bonnet on her head, however hot the weather.

  No sooner had she set foot under the welcome shade of the leafy branches than she was greeted by the dog, long pink tongue lolling on the side of his mouth, tail wagging furiously.

  'Good afternoon, sir, have you come to lead me to the children?'

  In answer he grabbed her hand and nudged her gently in the direction he had come from. The fact that this would mean she had to negotiate brambles, nettles and hawthorn bushes didn't bother her one jot.

  Her skirt was ripped, one arm scratched and the other stung before she arrived at her destination. The children were delighted to see her and unbothered by her disreputable appearance.

  'Please say we do not have to return, Aunt Lydia,' Richard said as he danced from one foot to the other in front of her.

  'No, not for a while. However, I think the twins had better come back with me as they have been out of doors long enough and must be ready for a nap.'

  Emma poked her head out of the dilapidated hut. 'They left a while ago, Aunt Lydia, they were getting miserable and David kept complaining he was hungry.'

  'I'm not surprised, the picnic you brought with you was hardly enough to sustain you all for a day. I came to tell you some good news.'

  *

  When the message arrived Everett was unsurprised. He had deliberately sent his note late hoping to agitate the aunt and would have been astonished if they had appeared that day. He supposed he should be affronted by the fact that the girl had scribbled her reply on the bottom of his letter instead of sending him a fresh piece of paper. However, for some inexplicable reason he rather liked her disregard for protocol.

  'Bates, I wish to practice with my crutches. Can you find them for me?'

  His attendant looked shifty and immediately he knew the young man had been instructed by the doctor not to give them to him. A few weeks ago he would have roared and shouted and demanded he got his own way but he was more equable nowadays. Being without pain after five years of misery would make the veriest curmudgeon change his nature. He took pity on Bates. 'When did the doctor say I could have them?'

  'The day after tomorrow, your grace. They work a treat, you'll not be disappointed.'

  'Excellent news. I was intending to drive myself in the gig as soon as I am more active, but think perhaps that might be overdoing it. I don't suppose you have experience with the ribbons?'

  'I can drive the gig, your grace, but couldn't handle a team.'

  'In which case, you must find something more appropriate to wear than your livery for when we go out. Ask Mr Digby to arrange it. You have three days, so ensure you are properly equipped by then.'

  He sent for the butler and told him to start hiring the extra staff that would be required when the house was fully open. He also asked for his apartment upstairs to be refurbished, redecorated and made ready for his occupation.

  'I shall be obliged to hobble about with crutches for a week or two but then I shall be able to ascend the stairs without difficulty. Will that be sufficient time for you to get things in order?'

  Frobisher nodded. 'Ample time, your grace. At the moment there are no females on the staff – do you wish me to appoint a housekeeper?'

  'Yes, do that. Leave her to acquire the necessary maids. I intend to entertain as soon as the house is fully opened and everything is as it should be. No doubt there will be more kitchen staff and outside staff required as well. Speak to Mr Digby – I don't wish to be bothered with such trivia.'

  Satisfied he had set things in motion Everett settled back on the daybed in his sitting room and immersed himself in the newspaper that had arrived that morning. When he retired, he instructed his valet to put out his smartest ensemble. He would be having visitors in the afternoon and wished to make a good impression.

  After eating a substantial breakfast, not a meal he usually enjoyed, he sent for Digby. 'It is so long since we entertained here I've no notion how much time there must be between sending invitations and the event itself.'

  'Your grace, what had you in mind? A dinner party? A musical evening? An afternoon garden party?'

  'Good God! Nothing so extravagant – I just thought I would invite a few of my nearest neighbours to an informal gathering of some sort.'

  'In which case, your grace, invitations must state that the guests are to come for an evening of cards, conversation and supper. Set the time as eight o'clock until midnight.'

  'That sounds agreeable to me. When should the cards be sent? I'm having the house opened. Frobisher is acquiring extra staff, and I will be off my crutches in four weeks' time. Therefore, I think this event must take place the second week of July. This will allow five weeks for everything to be made ready satisfactorily.'

  'I shall get my secretary to organise the guest list and bring it to show you.'

  'That will not be necessary, Digby, I leave the matter to your discretion. I rarely mingle with my neighbours so one name would be very much like another to me. What would be useful, however, would be some information about the people invited so I'm not in complete ignorance when I meet them.'

  'Very well, I shall have that done immediately. Will there be anything else, your grace?'

 
; 'One more thing – I don't wish Miss Sinclair or my wards to be without funds. Whatever you are giving her, double it as from today. I can only assume she is dressed so deplorably because she has insufficient funds to improve her wardrobe.'

  'With your permission, your grace, I will speak to her myself. I doubt that she will have the names of any suitable seamstresses and I can supply her with one or two.'

  After Digby had left Everett considered what had been discussed. He was intrigued that an unmarried man of middle years should know the names of even one modiste, let alone two. It was so long since he had spent any time with a female of any description, he found himself eagerly anticipating the visit of Miss Sinclair.

  When he had been roistering around Town before the accident he had avoided any event where he might be pounced on by predatory matrons with insipid daughters on the search for a husband. He had had, of course, a dalliance or two but always with experienced women of the world.

  If he was honest, this young lady was the first innocent he had had dealings with. Now he was fit he must think about finding himself a suitable bride and he could practice his skills on this girl. She was moderately well bred, reasonably intelligent and would enjoy being brought into his circle.

  She might even be attractive if she was properly dressed. He smiled as he had another idea. He would settle a substantial dowry on her and make it his business to find her a husband. There must be plenty of gentlemen who would jump at the chance of acquiring a rich bride, even if it meant they would have to take care of his wards until they were old enough to be married off themselves.

  Chapter Six

  Mr Digby arrived at the Dower House whilst the older children were busy with their schoolwork and the youngest were practising counting their wooden blocks with their nursemaid.

  'Excuse me, children, I must see what the visitor wants. Behave yourselves, I shall be back soon.'

  She had half-expected him to come yesterday afternoon but had been relieved he hadn't. He greeted her with a friendly smile and her heart stopped banging so hard against her bodice.

  'Good morning, my dear Miss Sinclair, I have come with the most wonderful news.'

  Somewhat startled by this announcement she returned his greeting and suggested that they were seated before he continued.

  'I shall not stay long, my dear, I have pressing business elsewhere. His grace keeps me on my toes, I must own I shall be relieved when he takes full control of his estates again and I can step back.'

  'In which case, tell me at once what good news you bring.'

  When she heard that the duke had doubled her allowance she was speechless – not something that occurred often. When she had recovered her composure, she ventured a question. 'I expected him to half it, indeed to – well I don't know what he might have done after I sent him such an impertinent reply yesterday. Why on earth has he done so?'

  'He wishes you to replenish your wardrobe, my dear, and then intends to introduce you into society. I have taken the liberty of sending for a mantua-maker and a milliner. They will attend you tomorrow morning. You must order whatever you want, and clothes for the children too. His grace wishes you all to dress appropriately for your station.'

  Lydia glanced down at her somewhat dishevelled appearance. 'I have never been bothered about gowns or bonnets, sir, and have no notion what is de rigueur at the moment. I do know that David is supposed to run around in garments meant for a girl but I could never see the point of that.'

  'There is no need for you to worry, my dear girl, Madam Ducray will bring the latest fashion plates and guide you in your choices. Do not stint, Miss Sinclair, but order as many undergarments, silk stockings, gloves and reticules as you wish.'

  Her cheeks coloured at his indelicate mention of undergarments, but he continued to smile benevolently at her. 'As I have no intention of attending any parties that require formal attire, I shall restrict myself to morning gowns, promenade gowns and a riding habit. Which reminds me, Digby, I wish to purchase a horse suitable for me, and two ponies for the children.'

  'Leave the matter to me, my dear, if I buy them for you they need not show up on your accounts. Are you an experienced horsewoman or do you want something gentle?'

  'I love to ride – I used to ride bareback on anything that was available as I was growing up. Sadly, I've had no opportunity to ride at all these past few years. I can use a side-saddle, but prefer to ride astride. Something tall and fast, not small and docile, would suit me best.'

  He nodded. 'I'll see what I can do. I understand that you are to take Emma and Richard, plus the dog, to visit his grace this afternoon. How are you intending to achieve that goal as the dog refused to go near the house last time?'

  'I intend to put a leash on him. I know he's quite big enough to pull us over if he so wishes, but I believe that if the children walk on either side of him he will do as we ask.'

  'Forgive me for saying so, my dear, but if you have a smarter gown it might be wise to wear it when you go. His grace, I know for a fact, is dressing to impress for your visit.'

  She was about to offer a terse reply but reconsidered. If the duke intended to make an effort, then who was she to cavil? 'Thank you for your advice, Mr Digby, I do have one other gown that is slightly less disreputable than this one.'

  He took his leave and she returned to the schoolroom expecting to find it in chaos but even the little ones were busy about their tasks.

  'You may go and play, you have done very well this morning. Remember you must be here when you hear the village clock strike two as you must wash and change before we walk to the big house with Benji.'

  'We're not going far today, Aunt Lydia, we're going to give him a bath and make him look ever so smart. We don't want his grace to think we're neglecting his hound,' Emma told her.

  'We're coming too,' Lottie pronounced. 'We want to see a duke.'

  'Not today, sweetheart, he doesn't like children and we would not be going ourselves if we weren't ordered to do so.'

  'We don't like him either, we're going to help give Benji a bath,' David said, and although Lydia knew this was a bad idea, she didn't have the heart to say no.

  It took so long to dry the dog, clean the children, calm down the twins, that they were tardy with their departure. If they ran they would arrive hot and flustered and she had no intention of doing that.

  'We must walk briskly, children, and hope we are not disastrously late for our appointment. Shall we sing a song to help us on our way?'

  Singing made the journey appear shorter and the racket kept the dog entertained so he didn't attempt to slip his lead and hide in the bushes as he had last time.

  It would have been sensible to suggest that the children walk in silence for the last hundred yards but she decided against it. If the duke didn't like what he heard, then that was his concern not hers.

  *

  Everett was astonished by the noise coming from the children and their carer as they approached the house. He had been waiting outside the front door to greet them for a considerable time and wasn't in the best of humour because of this. As yet they were unaware they were being watched.

  Benji was the first to react to his presence. The dog froze and immediately attempted to run backwards.

  'Don't come any closer, he obviously doesn't want to see me,' he yelled. The unexpected shout caused the children to stop in mid-verse, their aunt to stare open-mouthed in his direction and the dog to sit down.

  'Push me towards them, Bates, with luck my dog won't object if we meet away from the house.'

  He was bumped over the drive towards the stationary group and he watched their reaction with interest. The children pressed themselves closer to the dog who sat, tail wagging slightly as if he hadn't a care in the world. Miss Sinclair had recovered her composure and was returning his examination in equal measure.

  Today she looked slightly more presentable. Her gown was outmoded but at least it was freshly pressed and relatively clean.

  S
he dipped in a minimal curtsy, the girl did the same and the boy sort of bowed. 'Thank you for coming. I expected you some time ago. Is there a reason for your tardiness?'

  'It is a considerable distance to walk especially in this hot weather and I had no wish to distress the children by hurrying.'

  This was not the response he was expecting. However, she had not finished.

  'We have come today, your grace, as requested. We shall not be doing so again. You can see he is happy with us. If you wish to see the dog then you will have to visit us at the Dower House.'

  It wasn't often that he was lost for words, but no one had ever had the temerity to address him in this way. She continued to watch him.

  Then an extraordinary sound broke the silence. A ferocious growling came from the throat of a dog he'd thought as docile as a donkey. The hound's hackles were up and his teeth were bared. The animal was poised to attack him.

  Before Benji sprung the girl ran forward and dropped her hands on his shoulders. 'Look, Benji, we are friends. He means me no harm.'

  Everett understood and forced himself to smile and relax his shoulders. He stretched round and covered one of her hands with his own. 'Silly dog, there's no need to be upset.'

  The growling subsided but the dog still looked tense. If he wasn't careful matters might get out of hand.

  'Children, please take Benji home again. As your aunt has said I can see my dog has changed allegiance and now belongs to you.'

  They didn't need bidding a second time, didn't wait to see if their aunt followed them, but turned around and scampered off, the hound loping beside them. He didn't speak again until the three of them were out of sight.

  She had already removed her hands and was now standing beside him. There were tears in her eyes and her lips were trembling.

  'I am so sorry, your grace, I'd no idea the dog had become so protective of us. If he had attacked you it would have been my fault.'