The Viscount's Bride (The Radcliffe Family Book 2)

by Lindsay Downs

  Matthew watched as Kathleen and her mother swept in, a smile on his bride’s face. But first there was business which had to be taken care of.

  “Viscountess, we need to put our names on the marriage contract.”

  He loved the smile she sent him on being referred to by her new rank for the second time this eve.

  “Certainly, Viscount.”

  Offering her his arm, which she accepted, Matthew led her back to the office with both fathers following. As this would be the first time she’d see the document, he guided her to the desk and sat her in the chair.

  “My darling, feel free to read through the contract.”

  “Dearest, I have every intention in doing so as this will be with us for many years.”

  Aware studying the pact would take time, and as he didn’t wish to overtire himself until much later, Matthew took a seat then noticed the fathers did also.

  “I see there is at least one very interesting point, the townhouse in London. I don’t understand why this has been included.”

  “This way, you can take possession of the building immediately, unlike if I willed the house to you and Matthew,” Jeffrey explained.

  “Then, husband, I love the sound of that word, we will need to visit London before the small season. This way I can see what redecorating is required.”

  “Once we resolve the murders, we will stop in for a few days on our way to my estate. Hopefully, no one will be the wiser either.”

  “Son and daughter, I’m afraid that might not happen. Granted Serena and I, once we leave here, will go directly to the country, we still need to pass through London. As I know my darling wife, if she has even the slightest hint you are next door, be prepared for an onslaught of visitors and invitations.”

  Not only did he moan in disappointment, but from the desk Matthew heard Kathleen also. No matter what, he still needed to see the house as he’d never been inside.

  “Matthew, from what I see, you sign first then I.”

  With the contract signed, Matthew led his wife back to the parlor. Later, they retired to his suite at her suggestion.

  Chapter Twenty

  A barely discernable puff of air slipped over her left shoulder, helping to bring Kathleen awake. She smiled. A slightly callused hand slid up her thigh, bringing her completely alive as she remembered the events of last eve. Granted, after dinner her mother had taken her aside, in a private room, and explained what would happen and what to expect. The only problem, even though she’d read about the marital bed, nothing compared to the real event.

  La petite mort.

  That was the only way she could describe what had occurred between Matthew and her.

  Kathleen rolled over so she could see her husband and was welcomed with a smile. “Before you ask, no, you didn’t hurt me. Over the years I’ve read many romance novels, and you can believe me when I say what the authors wrote pale to the actual event.”

  “I’m so glad to hear that.”

  “Darling, as much as I’d hate to say this, if we don’t go down to breakfast someone, most likely your mother or Emma, will be pounding on our door in short order,” Kathleen whispered.

  “Regrettably, I agree. As I know your clothes have been moved to the suite adjoining this one, why don’t you slip in, and I’ll meet you back here. Don’t forget my wound needs to be attended to,” Matthew suggested.

  “Yes, and I’m sure Patty is waiting, impatiently I might add, for me. Can you give me fifteen minutes?”

  “Certainly, but I won’t like being separated from you even though that is necessary.”

  As promised, she stepped back into their suite to see Matthew wearing a pair of buckskin britches and boot. Studying him, as he wasn’t aware of her presence, Kathleen sighed. Yes, over the past weeks she’d seen his chest, strong and tanned, but always with a chaperone. Now, as his wife, that wouldn’t be necessary.

  With the dressing changed, Kathleen helped Matthew into a shirt.

  “For today or at least now, let’s not bother with the cravat and jacket.”

  “I agree, as we’ve no idea what the others have been planning and plotting. Shall we retire to the dining room where I’m sure some, if not all await us?” Kathleen said then took his hand.

  “Let’s do hope and pray they don’t require much from us as I’d like to continue working on the sketches I started yesterday. And this time, I’m walking out through the front door. Not sneaking over to the stable.”

  “All I ask is that you be careful, for I believe with the new information your father brought another visit to Redditch will be coming soon.”

  No sooner had she spoken than Kathleen had a better idea. Her question, tell Matthew or wait and inform everyone at once. With a smile, she gently squeezed his hand obtaining the desired result, he met her gaze.

  “I believe I know how to bring Ringer out of hiding. Once we are with the others I’ll explain.”

  Accepting his smile as one of agreement, Kathleen let him guide her into the dinner room. There, not surprisingly, they were met with applause from everyone, even her parents who must have risen early to make the trip over.

  “Matthew, please set me up with a plate.”

  “Your wish is my duty, m’ lady. Let me seat you, then I will.”

  With her first meal of the day, which after last night’s activities she greatly needed, in front of her, Kathleen started eating then stopped and looked around the table.

  Kathleen knew with staff within earshot, casual conversation would be impossible, but she needed an answer.

  “As I mentioned to my husband, I might have a way to bring Ringer to us. Do you wish to hear the suggestion now or later in the office?”

  “As I’m senior, might I recommend we eat then retire there to hear you out?” Simon said.

  With a smile to the duke, Kathleen returned her attention to the meal at hand. She would soon have to compliment her husband on his selection as he’d chosen well.

  With the meal finished, Kathleen and Matthew led everyone to the office. There, comfortably seated in a settee, she waited while the others took their seats. “As everything happened so quickly last night,” she started but kept ‘except being made love to by Matthew for several hours’, to herself, “I know no notices have been sent to either The Tattler or The Times. Might I also suggest the local paper. This way, instead of taking up to two weeks for the news to return here, the earl, countess, and Ringer will learn much sooner.”

  “My dear Kathleen, considering what you’ve been through lately, that is a marvelous solution. By that one or more of them might make another attempt, but this time not so much on Matthew but rather to grab you up. Had you thought that might happen?” Elsie inquired.

  “I have, and as I’m not allowed to go into the village without several grooms for protection, I do feel I will be safe,” Kathleen said.

  “And now with your husband.”

  “Agreed. Now, Matthew, as we’re here why don’t you write up the notices for the broadsheets. Then, while Simon investigates the fords across the stream Emma, our mothers, and I can visit the village.”

  “And I will be joining you along with Toby in the box,” Matthew declared.

  “Then later we can all meet up at the inn for luncheon,” Roger suggested.

  “As I’ve no need nor desire to visit the dressmaker, Simon might I join you?” Jeffrey requested.

  “Then you are most welcome. However, I would strongly recommend you apologize to Serena and the next time join her. Trust me, as I’m sure Matthew will also agree, very shortly you will be dragged kicking and screaming to the dress shop.”

  “Father, on that point Simon is correct. I should point out though, the adventure is well worth the effort. Until only recently had I dared not venture into the shop. When I finally did, the event was eye opening, to say the least. Now as I need to pen the announcements for the papers, might I borrow the desk?”

  “That, Matthew, won’t be necessary as last
night I took the liberty of writing the ones for London. So, all you’ll need do is write one for the local paper,” Jeffrey declared.

  Standing, Matthew stepped over to the now vacated chair, sat, then quickly penned the proclamation. With that done, he turned to Kathleen and the other ladies and smiled.

  “Shall we meet in front in thirty minutes? That will give King the necessary time to have the horses harnessed. Also, as this will be my first time in the village since I was shot, I’m thinking the landau would be the best. This way everyone can see not only I am hale and whole but willing to be seen out and not hiding away,” he stated.

  At the appointed time, Matthew stepped outside to see the ladies conversing next to the coach. As requested, Toby was handling the reins for the matched pair of bays. Standing to the side holding mounts stood two grooms. He smiled. Fastened to each saddle was a brace of pistols. He’d wanted to ride Devil but thought better about the idea not wishing to be far away from Kathleen.

  “Your Grace, countess’ and Viscountess, are you ready to spend lots of your husbands’ monies?” he said, stepping up to them.

  “Of course we are. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be making the trip to the dressmaker and sundry store,” Kathleen answered.

  “Son, Did you remembered to bring the announcement for the local paper?” Serena asked.

  “I have the sheet right here,” he declared holding up the piece of foolscap.

  “Wonderful, then we are ready to depart,” Elsie uttered.

  With Emma and the mothers seated, Matthew assisted Kathleen up then climbed in. As the coach started to roll out of the courtyard he saw Simon and the fathers stepping out of the manor and toward the stable. What, to him at least, had him intrigued they were going to be checking out the fords earlier than Simon had mentioned.

  Matthew wondered if the gentlemen were leaving now, not later, as they wished to arrive early and possibly visit the dressmaker’s shop. If this was the case, then what happened there on the men arriving would be interesting.

  “M’ ladies, once we arrive in town, if you don’t mind, I’ll leave the grooms with you while I deliver the announcement to The Country Times. Then I’ll make arrangements to have the large dining room reserved.”

  “Not at all, son. Not only my concern but your bride’s as well, who will protect you, if need be?” Serena asked.

  That point he’d not thought of. Until Ringer was in custody, when he ventured out of the manor Matthew now was aware he’d have to have a guard with him. Then he saw Toby glance over his shoulder and mouth, “me”. Matthew nodded.

  “As I’ll be in the landau, Toby will be my guard and return to the shop with me. Is that satisfactory?”

  “I’ll go along with your plan this time. In the future you’ll need to have an extra groom along,” Kathleen stated.

  “I promise you, my dear, I will.”

  When they arrived at the shop, Matthew climbed down then reversed the process of earlier. He waited until the ladies entered the store then turned to the grooms.

  “I need one of you to go around to the back of the shop to keep watch in case someone tries to enter that way to get at Lady Kathleen. The other to stay in front for the same reason.”

  “Yes, m’ lord,” the older one said.

  With a nod, Matthew climbed back in and instructed Toby to drive over to the broadsheet office. Once the announcement was turned over to the owner, Matthew glanced around and noticed the inn was just down the street.

  “Follow along behind me as I’m going to get a little exercise and walk to the Seafarer.”

  “Yes, m’ lord, and I shan’t mention this to Her Ladyship.”

  “Thank you. However, if for some reason Lady Kathleen learns of this I’ll admit to her I wished to walk.”

  Accepting Toby’s nod, Matthew stepped back onto the walkway and slowly, head down in thought pondering the Redditch reaction when they learned of the wedding, made his way to the inn. There he requested the large private dining room. When that was taken care of he, with Toby following a few paces behind, returned to the dress shop. Walking in, he heard several gentlemen talking, and he recognized the voices. Stepping into the front viewing room he was met by Simon along with both fathers.

  “Your Grace, m’ lords, this is a surprise. I hadn’t expected you for several more hours.”

  “As we were able to evaluate the fords sooner than thought, we, as a group, decided to see what makes you happy when you’ve escorted Lady Kathleen here,” Simon stated.

  “All I can say is this has, so far, been an enlightening experience. One which I might even venture into again,” Jeffrey added.

  “M’ lord, would you care to explain?” Matthew inquired.

  “Mayhap I can. For some reason, which still escapes me, our wives value our opinion as to not only style but the color of the gown,” Roger added.

  “And which we sometimes listen to. Regrettably, dear husband, you weren’t here to offer your input. Knowing your preferences, I found the perfect material to go with the gown Mrs. Brass is sewing for me,” Kathleen uttered.

  Turning, Matthew saw she was wearing her pink carriage dress. He could feel the disappointment overtake him on not seeing the new gown.

  “No, dearest husband, the dress won’t be ready for two days. She will be wishing I return at that time for a final fitting.”

  “As will we also. Now, we need to look into new bonnets, not necessarily to go with the gowns or dress, but to see what the lady has, either ready or plates of,” Emma said.

  “Yes, as the earl and I, now with our daughter married, have decided to return to London later for the winter season. And there’s no better time than now to start rebuilding my wardrobe,” Elsie articulated.

  Hearing they would be staying, possibly, at the manor for a few days, he knew that would give him the needed time to finish the drawing of Emma. He would also be able to add more details on the one for Kathleen.

  Matthew directed his attention to Roger. “M’ lord, might I recommend you visit my tailor in London? He does a wonderful job and the best part, you only need to choose from a few colors, not nearly as many as here,” he partially teased.

  “I would appreciate the recommendation. Granted, the man I use here is good, I’m afraid he’s not up to the standards of town.”

  “And Roger, if you’re not happy with my nephew’s I can suggest my man,” Simon added.

  “Your Grace, when was the last time you were in London? I’d guess years, so you aren’t aware your tailor is the same as mine and Lord Jeffrey’s. The late duke recommended him to us,” Matthew spoke then turned to Kathleen. “If you need a few bonnets, then let’s find them for you.”

  Offering her his arm, which she accepted over his hand which made sense as they were in the village, Matthew with Kathleen followed the others out of the store and to the bonnet shop. No sooner had they entered than he remembered one of the grooms.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I need to return to the dress shop as I had a man guarding the back of the store. He needs to know we’ve moved here.”

  “No, you don’t. When we arrived at the store I noticed one of the grooms standing guard. He informed us you’d sent the other to the rear. When we changed locations I had the one in front tell the other where we were. He should be in position as we speak,” Jeffrey said.

  “Then, I thank you for your forward thinking,” Matthew replied.

  “You’re welcome, except you need to focus more or you could be shot again. As we walked here I noticed someone watching you and Kathleen. I was able to send the groom after the man, but I don’t believe the person will be caught,” Jeffrey declared.

  “Let me guess, he had a beard and black eyes?” Kathleen asked.

  “Yes, and from what you’ve all told me that could be Jonas Ringer,” Jeffrey answered.

  “On that you’re correct so, ladies, might I suggest you look over the bonnets then we may adjourn to the inn for luncheon. After which we’ll return to the
manor,” Simon all but ordered.

  With their noon meal finished and the ladies safely in the landau Matthew turned to his uncle, who wasn’t smiling.

  “Let me guess, the groom lost Ringer?” Matthew said.

  “Yes. The man seems to be able to disappear within plain sight.”

  “That tells me he has to have had help, not only now but in the past when Kathleen spotted him. To that end, we need to figure out where he goes. Then, from there we might have an idea who is helping him escape,” Matthew explained.

  “Then let us return to the Hall and see what our collective minds can put together,” Simon stated.

  “Excuse me, but to assist in this hunt, I will need to return to Ashburn. As magistrate I have a detailed map of the village showing all the streets and paths. This should help in narrowing down were the man vanishes,” Roger said.

  “M’ lord, I’d prefer you return with us to the manor then have several grooms accompany you to your mansion. By doing so, I would feel more comfortable, and I’m sure your wife and daughter would also,” Matthew requested.

  “Considering everything which has happened, as much as I would like to disagree, I must acquiesce to your recommendation.”

  “Roger, since Jeffrey and I will be returning to the manor and Matthew will be in the landau, take the two grooms. This way you won’t waste time,” Simon suggested.

  Matthew was past angry with himself now. This was the second time he’d missed making the right recommendation. Mayhap he wasn’t as fit as he first thought. With Simon the only other person to have been shot could the duke give him some advice as to what to do?

  “Your Grace, when we arrive back at Radcliffe Hall might I have a few minutes of your time?”

  “Of course. I believe I know what is troubling you.”

  After climbing into the coach, Matthew gave Toby a nod and with his father leading and Simon following they drove to the manor. Part way there, Kathleen tapped Matthew on the arm. Turning his head to see her, he noticed a worried look in her eyes.