Blinking his eyes Robert felt something moving beside him. Carefully he turned his head to see his wife standing, hands on her hips and a smile on her face.
“Hello darling. How long have I been unconscious?” he said.
“My dear only for a few hours. The duke didn’t need to retrieve the doctor as Evan dressed your wound, which isn’t as bad as first thought.”
From behind Kristina Robert heard footsteps approaching the bed. Craning his neck to see, he was a bit surprised to see the duke approaching. He struggled to rise but was halted by his wife stopped him with a hand on his good shoulder.
“Your Grace,” he sputtered out realizing he was more exhausted than first thought.
“Robert, I do believe after what happened to you we’re way past formality. When staff aren’t around you have my permission to refer to me as William and my wife by Jolene. I spoke with Jonny and he gave a full account of what happened and what you ordered to protect his family. Right now they are being moved to a safe location as it would appear this woman has no qualms in removing anyone who stands between us and her.”
“Thank you sir for taking care of them.”
“Kristina, has your brother been told of the failed attack?”
“Yes, and much to my surprise has agreed not to leave the mansion without at least two footmen for protection.”
Shocked at what she’d said but still wishing not to lay in bed like an invalid he tossed the covers off.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me I need to bathe and dress for dinner as this mere scratch won’t stop me from joining you and Jolene along with my lovely wife for dinner,” Robert exclaimed.
Returning his attention to Kristina he tried to smile against her glare but failed. Something told him he’d not be going anywhere soon. So, he tried another tact.
“Lord Markson, you will not leave this bed until I or Evan say you are able to. Not only that but your dinner will be brought to you and you will eat every bite,” she ordered.
Somehow he knew she meant every word but still decided to test her. Throwing the covers off he swung his legs over the side of the bed and started to stand, only to end up a pile at her feet. Knowing he’d been bested he struggled to rise only to be assisted when Evan came to his aid.
“Thank you, and I’d best not be getting clear broth or gruel to eat but real food,” he whispered in his valet’s ear.
“Captain, I’ll make sure your dinner is everything you need so you may regain your strength as quickly as possible. Now rest and maybe tomorrow if you’re strong enough you can sit in a chair for a few minutes,” Evan answered back.
As much as Robert wanted to acknowledge Evan’s words he knew it would give away the secret message his valet had sent. It had taken months for Robert, and most likely Amanda, to convince Evan to call him “m’ lord” and now he reverted to “Captain”. This had been a holdover from when the man his valet had been with him in Spain. What it told Robert Evan would make sure he received a healthy meal and not clear soup or uneatable gruel.
Satisfied his needs would be taken care of Robert let the injury induced fatigue overtake him and he drifted off to sleep.
Chapter Ten
Voices talking loudly outside the door to their suite woke Robert. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to make out what they were saying but he knew the female wasn’t his wife. He knew that since she was sleeping behind him, her arm delicately draped over him with her hand resting on his stomach. That left only Evan and Amanda.
“I wonder what this argument is about?” he said in a low voice.
“If I was to guess what to give you for dinner. Amanda will be insisting on a broth of some flavour along with barley water. While Evan is demanding to feed you roast beef with potatoes and vegetables,” Kristina replied.
“Given the choice I’ll take what my valet wishes.”
“Knowing you’ve been wounded while fighting the French, then cared for by him I would agree.”
“Earlier, when he called me “captain”, a term he’s not used in quite a while, I knew he would provide me with what I mentioned. Now, shall we put an end to the shouting before they get into more trouble than the already are?”
“Yes, now as I’m wearing my day gown if you’ll release my arm I’ll get up and deal with them,” she insisted.
Not realizing he was holding her hand and had a grip on her arm he let her go. He then started to toss the covers off him also, only to realize not only had his shirt but trousers had been taken off. Looking to the foot of the bed he saw his bathrobe. Grapping it he quickly threw it on just as Kristina opened the suite door.
“Amanda, Evan. In here now and not another word from either of you,” he called out.
When they stepped in both were carrying trays. Amanda’s had what his wife had said while Evan’s was loaded with real food. Immediately he directed his attention to his valet.
“Put yours on the table by the fireplace, keep it covered then collect a matching one for Her Ladyship. While you’re at it take the Amanda’s back to the kitchen with my compliments to Cook,” Robert ordered.
“At once m’ lord.”
He waited while Evan set the tray down, took the other from Kristina’s maid and left with her following him. Not feeling comfortable dressed only in his robe Robert stepped over to the armoire and drew out a clear pair of trousers. Returning to the bed, as it would be the easiest since his arm was starting to hurt he saw Kristina had gotten a loose fitting shirt for him.
“Thank you my dear. As I know you’re skilled at helping me out of my pants would you be willing to assist with the reverse.”
“Of course my love. Have a seat.”
Doing as asked he stripped the bathrobe off then with his good arm and hand helped Kristina draw his trousers on. He then let her help him into the shirt just as he heard a knock on the door. He glanced down to her.
“That was rather fast, even for Evan,” he told her.
“I agree. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s not Ethan as he’s not had a chance to talk with you since you returned shot.”
“Come in,” Robert called out.
He wasn’t surprised on Kristina being correct that it was her brother who marched in.
“Ethan, good to see you and as you can tell I’m fine just a sore arm,” he said.
“It’s wonderful to see you up and about also. Since you’ve been resting it seems there have been several new developments in the case. Why don’t you and sister have a seat while I fill you in,” Ethan suggested.
Not one to argue as he could feel himself tiring Robert guided Kristina over to where his, and soon her dinner tray would be. Taking a seat he then waved Ethan into the empty chair.
“Now what have you learned?” he asked politely.
Coming from him when speaking to the man even hearing the pleasant tone in his voice came as a surprise.
“Thank you. This shouldn’t take long as I see your dining and the dinner bell will be ringing soon but I wanted to tell you what we learned.”
“First, from this,” Robert pointed to the lump of bandage in his left arm. “We know whoever this woman is had changed her method of murder.”
“Except it’s not the same person. I reinterviewed Jonny with His Grace present and learned the person who attempted to kill you has very dark brown hair. I then queried Lady Katherine and she informed me the person she’d met at the Darish Ball had sandy brown hair,” Ethan explained.
Hearing a gasp from Kristina Robert turned his head to her.
“Are you all right my dear?”
“I’m sorry. Yes I am. It’s just hearing there might be a second murderous has me more than concerned but worried for all our safety.”
“Kristina, since this woman seems to like rifles and I’d hazard pistols then you’re correct in that assumption,” her brother told them.
“Then we have to find both of these people and quickly. What else did you learn from Jonny?” Robert asked trying to keep calm.
“As we know they can dress and appear as men with the only difference being hair color. I then talked with Jonny’s family and learned the direction the shooter took. It would seem she continued past their farm and rode north. His Grace has already sent several grooms, not Jonny, after the person not to apprehend but find where she’s hiding out,” Ethan explained.
“And we’re hoping both will be in the same place, plotting and planning to murder the duke and marquis?” Kristina asked.
“Yes. Then once located, with your husband at my side we will swoop in and capture them.”
“Will they stand trial for the murder of Lord Lange and the attempt on my husband?”
“I’m sorry Sister but they won’t. I see an unforeseen accident in their future,” he brother calmly said.
Robert started to enquire as to the particulars of exactly what Evan meant when Evan entered the suite with the second dinner tray. At the same time he heard the bell announcing dinner.
“If you’ll excuse my Lord and Lady Markson I must depart to meet up with His and Her Grace. I will let them know you, Robert, are feeling better,” Ethan said.
“Of course. If I’m feeling up to it after we dine we will join you along with the duke and duchess,” Robert spoke calmly.
“Then we look forward to seeing you later.”
Once Ethan had departed and Kristina’s tray was set before her and Evan left Robert looked to her.
“My dear, I know you’re upset with what will happen to the two women but it needs to be done. Heaven knows what would come out if they stood before a magistrate. We know, or at least suspect why they are doing what they are, but something tells me there’s a deeper meaning for wanting to kill the duke.”
“Yes, I understand and agree. I only wonder if one of these women wants to murder the duke in the hopes of bringing down the sitting government.”
Robert stopped cutting through the piece of roast when he heard what his wife had said. Something to him what she’d said could be correct. It was well known throughout England and the continent The Duke of Clarion was very powerful so, yes what would happen if he fell.
In the wings Robert knew there were several lords who could and would step into the man’s shoes. The only question in his mind, would they have the strength to fully replace him. Now, he knew it was imperative he have the strength to, along with his wife, to join with the duke and duchess. This was a question needing an answer to, now not later. Taking up his knife and fork he continued to cut the meat then slip it into his mouth. Once swallowed he looked over to Kristina, mildly not surprised she was staring at him.
“Yes, my love?”
“When I mentioned what the possibility of the loss of the duke meant to the country you stopped and seemed lost in thought.”
“It’s because I, and suspect neither Ethan not William, never thought of that. To them it seemed a vendetta for a wrong which occurred years ago. Now this brings into this a totally new twist to the problem. My question, without getting answers directly from them, which I suspect won’t be what we want to hear, how can we find out the truth?”
“If I’m not mistaken Ethan, and the people he works for, is only concerned with traitors located here and not on the continent. Let me propose this to you dear husband, what if we can learn what the French plan is, would that help?” Kristina asked.
“It would if we, or I should say Ethan and his people, had specific contacts to answer that question. He did send someone from here to remove Madame Allard but if he had people there they could have done the job just as easily.”
From the worried look Robert saw in Kristina’s eyes, not to mention her furrowed brown, he knew she understood and most likely agreed with him. The only question now, how to resolve this all important difficulty. It was when she rang the silver bell which rested between them and Evan along with Amanda entered did he realized she had a solution.
“Evan, are the Duke and Duchess still dining? If so don’t disturb them but quietly find out where they will retire afterwards. When you find out, and I suspect it will be the duchess’ parlor, return here as His Lordship will need assistance in being properly attired. Amanda, I need one of my best gowns for this proposed interview with them,” Kristina directed their combined staff.
Robert was surprised at how quickly Evan left to follow out his wife’s order. Then again he knew, from previous experience, his valet feared her more than the French. On the other hand, it was the reaction from Amanda which made him curious. Instead of going to the armoire she slipped out of the suite behind Evan.
“Excuse me my dear but would you care to explain where your maid is going?”
From the wide-eyed look his wife sent him as she chewed on a slice of beef he thought she might choke, fortunately she didn’t.
“We know what the color of the duchess’ parlor is—light blue. Now Amanda is going to try and see what gown Her Grace is wearing. Depending on that we will be able to select the correct one which will put you and I in a position of power thus learning answers to our questions.”
Until this moment Robert never realized the importance of color in defining power. He, as with the majority of the men of the ton, always thought the strength came from their title. Now he seemed it was a combination of that plus the lady in the peer. Not the individual but the combined power of both.
Now Robert understood why there were certain ladies who controlled everything within and without the ballrooms also the social scene in London. It was a combination of who you were and how you presented yourself in public. Suddenly, he had an all new respect for the length of time it would take his wife to dress for an event.
Amanda with Evan following entering the suite brought Robert out of his thoughts as he and Kristina finished their evening repast.
“I know I’m wearing a dark blue jacket to match my trousers but what would you recommend for your mistress?” he demanded.
“M’ lady, I would recommend the light red gown as Her Grace is wearing a deep purple one.”
“M’ lord, knowing you and Her Ladyship will be meeting with His and Her Grace I’ve arranged for bath water to be brought up. It should be in your private room shortly.”
“Thank you as I do feel the need to clean up.”
Chapter Eleven
Ten miles west of the Clarion estate
As she rode up to a small cottage Estelle waved to her twin sister on seeing her step out the door.
“Désirée, we no longer need worry about that annoying Lord Markson,” she declared.
Handing over the rifle she then climbed down from her horse and took the weapon back. As cold-hearted, after what had happened to their mother, she was still amazed Désirée still didn’t like shooting people which she preferred.
“That’s wonderful. I am, though, surprised you’re back so quickly,” Estelle said.
“Let me take care of the horse and I’ll meet you inside.”
“While you change you can tell me the good news and I can show you what I was able to obtain from the shop in town,” Désirée stated.
Estelle watched as she strolled toward the cottage. For the first time in days her sister was now relaxed now that the vengeance toward the man who fathered them would be dead. All that stood in their way was one more person. The same one who’d helped condemn their mother to a long lingering and painful death. Lady Kristina Markson.
After unsaddling and giving the horse, stolen, a brushing she then put the animal into its stall. Checking to make sure there was water and hay she closed the gate, grabbed up her rifle and marched to the cottage. Stepping in, at first she didn’t recognize the person standing in front of her. Then she realized it was Désirée wearing a wig and different face coloring.
“That is so perfect. You’ll be able to sneak into the Clarion Mansion and no one will suspect it’s you.”
“Thank you. I knew you’d approve and you should have seen the expression on your face—total confusion at who you were looking at,�
�� Désirée told her sister.
“Now, the reason I returned sooner than we both thought. Even though the Duke is housebound it would seem Lord Markson decided to take a ride. I took the same path there and back making sure people saw me coming from the north. As I was riding along I spied him crossing a field and knew this would be the most opportune time to kill him.”
“It’s not that I’m questioning your talent with a rifle but you’re sure he’s dead?”
“I’m positive. When he was hit I watched him slump over in the saddle and not move. Fearing for my safety I bolted from the area. This time I know several people saw me and the direction I took,” Estelle said.
“And once clear of prying eyes turned for here. Now we can relax for a few days then continue on with our plan.”
“Yes, now I want to change out of these clothes, not that I don’t mind the freedom they present, then clean the rifle.”
“While you do that I’ll start dinner as it’s getting late,” Désirée told her sister.
Changed into a simple black gown to match her sister, as they’d been in mourning for the past eighteen months over their mother’s death, Désirée started cleaning her weapon. Taking it apart she laid the pieces out on a cloth, to protect the table, and started in. Being highly skilled it didn’t take her long to clean it and restore it to its original state.
“Perfect timing Sister as dinner is ready. Granted it’s a bit on the simpler side compared to what we’re used to in France.”
“And just think, in about a month we’ll be dining once again in Paris and be the talk of the fashionable gentlemen all vying for our hand in marriage,” Désirée declared.
“Yes and I’m so looking forward to being home. Now, let’s dine for tomorrow I wish to take another look at the Clarion estate.”
****
With his arm in a sling, for protection, Robert patiently waited while Amanda put the last touches to Kristina’s hair. What he did love besides the gown which draped her to perfection was the rose over her left ear. He was lucky in that from the chair he’d taken she wasn’t able to see him admiring her in the mirror.
Brotherly Love! (Markson Regency Mystery Book 4) Page 7
