A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby

by Vanessa Riley

  And I’d never have to sacrifice me for peace.

  Hands slipping to my hips, he lifted me on to the bed.

  But that wasn’t my place, not without him. I bounced up and stood beside him, right under his arm and helped him lift from the chair.

  “My favorite crutch. I think I like you best, undressed for bed.”

  As we’d practiced, we lowered to the pillows in unison, not too fast, definitely not too slow. Then Busick took command, and I let him. Skin to skin, kiss to kiss, I was undone.

  This mattress made for two held our love. We were one, the love between us burning brighter, growing slowly from embers to roaring flames.

  I was consumed.

  I was the woman Busick loved. I loved him, for he gave my life more beauty. This sharing of our spirits was pure, as pure as gold.

  EPILOGUE

  May 3, 1814

  Hamlin Hall

  The grand chandelier that Busick designed began its maiden ascent to its position above the hall. I watched the large wrought iron fixture with glimmering glass globes rise. A dance of sparkles surrounded me.

  The duke, my dearest darling, sat off to the side with Lionel in his lap, pointing to the pulleys and chains. “See, my boy,” he said, “that’s how you brighten the hall.”

  The entry doors opened.

  Gantry ran inside. He bowed to me and went to the duke.

  Very carefully, Busick stood. The improvements he’d made to his reticulating stump with the catgut strings for tendons made his balance so much better. He could rise with Lionel safe and secure in his arms.

  But the kitty, Athena, now stayed far away from him when the countess visited.

  “Gantry, what is it?”

  “Lady Bodonel is in a carriage following me. She’s coming to visit.”

  “What?”

  He ducked his head. “She’d seen Lady Gantry. I had to bribe her with something.”

  I left my stance under the light and came to Busick’s dear friend. “Did you find her? Did you find your wife?”

  “No, but I will. She didn’t catch the boat to Demerara. She’s still in London.”

  If his lordship was as determined as Busick, I knew he would find her.

  My husband frowned and sat back in his wheeled chair. “What did you tell her for the information?”

  “That you two were thinking of travel. She wants an invitation to come along.”

  Busick looked at me, and I nodded to him. The unspoken ask and reply transmitted between us. No one-word answers needed for him to know I’d entertain Lady Bodonel when she arrived to allow my duke to escape.

  I took Lionel from Busick and smoothed my love’s lapels that our boy had ruffled. The dove-gray tailcoat looked so handsome on him.

  This man in uniform still made my head dizzy, but with the Peninsular War over, he didn’t feel the need to wear his regimentals as often, just for special occasions like later, when I needed to see him coming from the drawing room under the light of the chandelier, or when he received wounded veterans for training.

  Wellington sent his injured officers to Busick to get them back in the saddle as soon as possible. Other men he ordered to Hamlin to learn military tactics. Though Napoleon was in exile, my husband’s old commander had a sense the man would rise again.

  Busick clasped my hand. “You must truly love me, Patience.”

  “What kind of statement is that?”

  He tapped his cheek, and I graciously planted a kiss to his sweet dimple. One to Lionel’s, too.

  “My duchess is so patient, Gantry, suffering my mother for tea. Soon, she’ll be pretending her increased visits will be about Lionel and being a friend to him, but I don’t know if she has the stomach to call herself a grandmother.”

  “Your gift of the marble gods to her house in Town touched her. I’m glad they are gone from here.”

  He laced my fingers with his. “Nothing to give you nightmares. Although, I do love hearing about myself in your dreams.”

  “Duke,” Gantry said as he ducked his face into his palm. “I’m going to be in the drawing room with your brandy. Carry on with this loving stuff.”

  The poor man walked away sort of grinning, still sort of sad. I hoped he’d find Lady Gantry and that they could solve their differences and love as deeply as Busick and I.

  My darling pulled me in his arms. He still wasn’t comfortable using this improved version of Potts’s limb for extended periods of time. It wasn’t necessary, when he could spin me round and round better than any dancer.

  Curled in his lap, I relaxed and settled Lionel between us.

  “Hold on to our son. Let’s examine the new chandelier before your guest arrives.”

  I lifted my eyes to the glimmering candles, but I glanced at Jemina sitting on the second-floor landing. Clutched in her hand, she had a piece of foolscap that Lady Shrewsbury brought this morning.

  Jemina had been silent since breakfast, but I knew she’d tell me what this note said. She was my sister, my friend. I was determined to help her be restored.

  For I was still a member of the Widow’s Grace, and we never quit, not until we’d helped fivefold of our brethren find protection and favor.

  Busick spun fast in the center of the hall.

  I clung to him, but I listened for creaks and moans.

  “We never determined if Markham had a hand in the destruction of the old chandelier or if those missing things or noises were his.”

  “Does it matter? Your father’s payment gave us a new one. I rather like having something of your father here.” He clasped my hand to his heart. “I’ve written to his estate to find out what happened to your sisters. I’m determined to recover them.”

  There was not a doubt in my mind that Busick would do what he said. He’d already given me enough of his heart to mend mine.

  “Then turn us faster, my love. Another lap before Lady Bodonel makes it to Hamlin.”

  Lionel blew spittle from his mouth, sort of a wwwheeee.

  “Once more, then Lionel and I will join Gantry for crawling practice in the drawing room.”

  “Crawling practice? He’s six months, Busick.”

  “An excelled six months.”

  “What? Busick Stra—”

  He smothered my complaint with one of his rakish kisses. It was his promise to make amends as only the duke knew how. Tea with his talkative mother wasn’t a bad price to pay for the happiness Busick added to my life and Lionel’s.

  But I did intend to give my duke an earful when I slept tonight.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Thank you to my Heavenly Father, everything I possess or accomplish is by Your grace.

  To my beloved editor, the fabulous Esi Sogah, your belief in this series has meant the world to me. You make me better.

  To my fabulous agent, Sarah Younger, I am grateful that you are my partner. Your guidance and support shine so bright, my days are rarely gloomy.

  To those who inspire my pen: Beverly, Brenda, Sarah, Julia, Maya, Lenora, Sophia, Joanna, Grace, Kristan, Alyssa, Laurie Alice, Julie, Cathy, Katharine, Carrie, Christina, Georgette, Jane, Linda, Margie, Liz, Lasheera, Felicia, Alexis, and Jude—thank you.

  To those who inspire my soul: Bishop Dale and Dr. Nina, Reverend Courtney, Piper, Denny, Eileen, Rhonda, and Holly—thank you.

  And to my own HEA: Frank and Ellen.

  Love you all so much.

  Hey, Mama. We did this. Love you, always.

  RECIPE

  Patience’s Coconut Bread

  Busick and his men fell in love with Patience’s coconut bread, and I thought you might want to know how to make it, too. In parentheses below are suggestions on how to lighten or make the bread a smidge healthier.

  For the Bread

  3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into a measuring cup and

  leveled off with a knife to be exact

  ½ teaspoon baking soda

  ½ teaspoon salt

  2 sticks unsalted butter (or sof
tened 1 butter stick and

  ½ grape-seed oil)

  2¼ cups granulated sugar

  3 large eggs (or 2 eggs and 1 egg white)

  1 cup (low-fat) buttermilk

  ½ cup toasted finely chopped coconut. To make, take shredded

  coconut and bake for 10 minutes at 300ºF. Coconut

  toasts fast, so be aware and stir.

  4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

  4 teaspoons coconut extract

  For the Syrup

  ⅓ cup water

  ⅓ cup granulated sugar

  4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

  2 teaspoons coconut extract

  For the Glaze (Optional)

  1 cup confectioners’ sugar

  4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

  2 teaspoons coconut extract

  ½ teaspoon toasted finely chopped coconut, packed

  1 teaspoon unsalted butter, melted

  Instructions

  1. Set the oven rack to the middle and preheat to 325°F.

  2. Spray two eight-by-four-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray and dust with flour.

  3. In a medium bowl, whisk or sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Then set aside.

  4. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, typically 3 to 4 minutes at medium speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat in the whole eggs one at a time (and then the egg white if following the lighter recipe). Beat well after each addition.

  5. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again.

  6. In another bowl—yes, we are up to three bowls—combine the buttermilk, coconut, coconut extract, and lemon juice.

  7. Turn the mixer to low speed, Beat in one-quarter of the flour mixture, then one-third of the buttermilk mixture.

  8. Repeat. Beat in another quarter of the flour and another third of the milk mixture.

  9. Repeat. Beat in another quarter of the flour and the remaining milk mixture.

  10. Beat in the remaining flour mixture, then scrape down the sides of the bowl.

  11. With a wooden spoon, give the batter a quick stir to make sure all the ingredients are well mixed.

  12. Spoon the thick batter into the greased and floured loaf pans and smooth with a spatula. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Start checking after 45 minutes.

  13. Cool the loaves in the pan for 10 minutes on a rack.

  14. Meanwhile, make the syrup. Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, coconut extract, and coconut.

  15. Invert loaves onto a rack.

  16. Slip a large piece of parchment paper under the rack to catch all the drips from the syrup.

  17. Gradually brush the hot syrup over each loaf and the sides, letting it soak in. Take your time. Do not rush. Repeat several times.

  18. Allow loaves to cool completely. Typically, about 1 hour is required.

  19. When loaves are cool, transfer to serving platters.

  20. To make the glaze: combine the confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, coconut, coconut extract, and melted butter in a medium bowl, mixing with a fork until smooth. Add more sugar or lemon juice as necessary to make a thick but pourable glaze. The glaze should have the consistency of thick honey. Spoon the glaze over the top of each loaf.

  21. Cut a slice and eat.

  AUTHOR’S NOTES

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed Patience and Busick’s love story and the antics of the Widow’s Grace. This was a fun and heartfelt story to write about women taking control of their destinies and the men who love and support them, and how united they make their worlds better by partnering in grace and joy.

  This tale covers many themes, showcasing a sliver of the diversity of the Regency, the treatment of the disabled, and the power structure afforded women. It is my hope that in Patience and Busick’s journey, you find your own light and that it cast beauty about your footsteps. Let your light shine in the darkness, for darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5).

  Visit my website, VanessaRiley.com to gain more insight. Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know about upcoming books, events, contests, and more.

  Mulattoes and Blackamoors During the Regency

  The term mulatto was a social construct used to describe a person birthed from one parent who was Caucasian and the other of African, Spanish, Latin, Indian, or Caribbean descent. Mulattoes during the Regency period often had more access to social movement than other racial minorities, particularly if their families had means.

  The term Blackamoor refers to racial minorities with darker complexions that included mulattoes, Africans, and West and East Indians living in England during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

  Mulattoes and Blackamoors numbered between ten thousand to twenty thousand in London and throughout England during the time of Jane Austen. Wealthy British with children born to native West Indies women brought them to London for schooling. Jane Austen, a contemporary writer of her times, in her novel Sanditon writes of Miss Lambe, a mulatto, the wealthiest woman. Her wealth made her desirable to the ton.

  Mulatto and Blackamoor children were often told to pass to achieve elevated positions within society. Wealthy plantation owners with mixed-race children or wealthy mulattoes like Dorothea Thomas, from the colony of Demerara, often sent their children abroad for education and for them to marry in England.

  Island and African Gods During the Regency

  The mix of different people from differing parts of the world allowed for many beliefs to flourish in the Caribbean. Erzulie-Dantor is the goddess of women and sometimes referred to as the vengeful protector of women. Agassou is the guardian spirit. Erzulie Ge Rouge is the red-eyed goddess of revenge.

  Potts’s Artificial Limb

  With England being in so many wars, the number of wounded veterans increased. Medical technology advanced to create artificial limbs. In 1816, James Potts crafted an artificial limb for the Marquess of Anglesey whose leg needed to be amputated as he fought alongside Wellington during the Battle of Waterloo (June 1815). The limb created was comfortable to wear and carved to be lifelike in appearance. By being made hollow, it was lighter than earlier models and possessed an articulating knee with ankle and toe joints to make walking easier and appear more natural. Catgut was added to simulate quiet tendons, so the clicking and clanging of his earlier models was no more. The new artificial leg was called the Anglesey leg.

  Invalid Chair

  Self-propelled chairs for disabled people date back to the seventeenth century. The most noted one is from 1655. Johann Hautsch made a three-wheeled chair that was powered by a rotary handle on the front wheel. The chairs were often armchairs with large wheels in the front and casters in the rear.

  The Peninsular War

  The Peninsular War, May 2, 1808–April 17, 1814, was a series of military campaigns between Napoleon’s empire, Spain, Britain, Ireland, and Portugal for control of the Iberian Peninsula during the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon was not fully contained until Waterloo in 1815.

  The Battle of Badajoz

  The Battle of Badajoz, March 16, 1812–April 6, 1812, was one of the costliest victories of the British, with their forces suffering more than four thousand soldiers killed. It is also where British soldiers lost control after the battle. The British soldiers abused, assaulted, and killed four thousand civilians of Badajoz, Spain, in the aftermath of the battle.

  The Battle of Assaye

  The Battle of Assaye, September 23, 1803, was a definitive, early victory in Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington’s career where the strategy was key to victory in the war against the Maratha empire.

  Gaming Hells

  Gaming hells were clubs for gambling. Some were filthy houses of disrepute. Others were high-end gentlemen’s clubs. Games played were cribbage, hazard, and other dice and card games. The Piccadilly gaming hell was modeled after William Crockford’s exclusive gaming hel
l, Fishmonger’s Hall, with waiters, fine food, and wine to induce high-stakes, wealthy gamblers.

  Duke of Wellington

  Arthur Wellesley had a distinguished military career in service to the Crown. His advancements on the field led to the following increases in his military/titled rank:

  Major General Wellesley—September 1802

  Viscount Wellington—August 26, 1809

  General, Viscount Wellington—July 31, 1811

  Earl of Wellington—February 22, 1812

  Marquess of Wellington—August 18, 1812

  Duke of Wellington—May 3, 1814

  Can’t get enough of Vanessa Riley?

  Keep an eye out for more in the

  Rogues and Remarkable Women series,

  coming soon

  from Vanessa Riley and

  Zebra Books.

  CHAPTER 1

  June 23, 1814

  London, England

  It was a universal truth that a widow in need of saving had lost the man and the means to be rescued. In my circumstance, I waited, waited to be given more—more answers, more peace to my soul. Yet, I knew there’d be none, not ’til I saved myself.

  How long does it take to break a window? An old one at that.

  The fog felt wet and smothering on this cool summer night. I hid in the shadows of the Lincoln’s Inn waiting for my friend to pry open the panes. We couldn’t be discovered. The barristers working here would surely return us to Bedlam. It wasn’t as if we’d admit we were on a secret mission for the Widow’s Grace.