“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand,” she pleaded.
“It’s very simple, my dear. I don’t know if you’re aware of it or not, but when you both are in the same room he can’t take his eyes off of you. I know my son and didn’t believe he’s changed all that greatly while he was away. That being said, this is the first time I’ve ever seen him behave in this manner.”
“Laura, there must have been a young lady who caught his attention. I can’t believe…”
“Trust me, no, which brings me to my main point. I feel confident he will offer for you. When, I’m not sure so be prepared? Also, from what I’ve seen, and don’t deny it, you seem to have developed feelings for him.”
As much as Emma wanted to protest, she couldn’t think of a reason to disagree. Yes, she did love being with him and deeply enjoyed being touched by him.
“Now to the crux of the problem. When, not if, he does, you’ll need someone to stand your stead with the marriage contract. If you don’t have any objections, I would love to act on your behalf. I should mention that everything discussed will also have your mother’s approval.”
As she’d lived with and assisted the duchess for many months, Emma recognized the woman as fair and honest, one who would look out for her. She also suspected Simon wouldn’t do anything until Justin had been captured.
“Then yes, when he does I would be honored to have you as my representative.”
With that settled, which wasn’t what she’d expected, Emma was about to continue the discussion when she heard Simon walking down the corridor. She knew it had to be him by the heavy steps. With a sigh of relief that he’d not heard what Laura and she’d been talking about, she watched as he stepped into the doorway.
What she saw in his hand caused her to squeak with glee. Emma wanted to jump up from the settee and rush to him and give him a hug. A firm grip on her arm from Laura prevented her from displaying unladylike behavior.
“Please, come in, Son,” the duchess directed him.
“When can we go fishing? Soon I hope?” Emma asked.
“Simon, I see you have only two rods, where’s mine or do I use yours?”
“Mother, if you desire we may share fly rods as I suspect getting Emma’s away from her will be next to impossible. As for when, I was thinking tomorrow. We can make a day of it and have Cook pack a luncheon for us.”
“Laura, I didn’t know you also liked to fish?” Emma queried.
“Yes, almost as much as my errant, in his youth, son. When Simon was at Eton, Philip and I would spend the day fishing, among other things which will remain unsaid.”
For Emma, Laura didn’t need to expound as the lady’s rosy cheeks said everything.
“Of course I’ll be joining you to show that I can out fish you both, especially Simon. I will also be acting as Emma’s chaperone.”
Emma heard the luncheon bell ring so any further talking about tomorrow would wait until they sat at the table.
With her hand on Simon’s arm and following his mother they descended to the ground floor and the comfortable family dining room.
Chapter Ten
After filling his plate, Simon took his seat. That was when he noticed the ladies had chosen lemonade to quench their thirst. Not in the mood for wine, he looked over to Winston.
“If there’s another glass of lemonade I would love one?” he directed.
“Certainly, Your Grace. I believe Cook has some left.”
Simon waited until he was alone with the ladies before settling his focus on his mother who was slicing through a piece of meat.
“And how was your morning?” his mother asked.
“It was quite nice. Lady Emma and I had a wonderful talk over tea. I did suggest that when Harold has recovered sufficiently he use my cottage until he decides where he wishes to live.”
“I do like the recommendation as it’s close but not too far, where he would feel he was impinging on the palace. Did you get a chance to question him about the person who shot him?”
“Yes, but he wasn’t of much help. From where he was standing and with the scarf covering the man’s face along with the hat, Harold didn’t see the color of the shooter’s hair,” Laura said.
“Lady Emma, did you get the same answers from Coachman and Hubert after your riding lesson?”
“Hubert was able to catch a glimpse of the man’s hair when he rode away. It was red. Coachman didn’t have a chance to see as he was climbing down from the box to help Harold. As for the lesson, the suggestion came from your mother. She felt you weren’t schooled in the proper way for a lady to get onto and sit a side-saddle. Since you’re aware of it then you know I had the gentlest mare in the stable, Marigold.”
“Yes, and as you so plainly stated, I’m not familiar with the use of a side-saddle and as such, Her Grace assisting you was something I should have thought of. However, for the rest of the lessons they’ll come from me,” Simon pronounced, looking over to his mother.
“Not at all. I’m only happy I was able to help, even if in a little way,” Laura said.
The kitchen door opened, and Simon smiled. Winston returned with a glass of lemonade.
“I’m sorry for taking so long, but Cook needed to squeeze a few more lemons.”
Simon waited until the glass was set in front of him. “Thank her for me.”
With a glance to his mother, Simon said, “Returning our attention back to Harold, if memory serves, he has a younger sister at my Crossingham estate where, Lady Emma, hopefully your mother will retire to. Do you have any idea when he’ll be ready to take up residence in the cottage?”
“I’d like for him to remain for another few days, but when we were talking I got the feeling he wasn’t comfortable in his surroundings. If we can make sure the cottage is cleaned, then he can move in tomorrow sometime.”
“Then, shall we have Mrs. Lee send a maid or two over to make sure?” Simon suggested.
“Yes, that would make sense. We can send him a basket of food every day or so,” Laura added.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll leave the details up to either of you ladies along with Cook.”
With the temporary disposition of his former valet resolved and not getting any closer to positively identifying Harold’s attacker, Simon pondered what the afternoon would bring. For him, it would include reviewing any posts that arrived, then seeing if he could convince Emma to take a stroll about the garden.
Once their noon meal was completed, Simon followed the ladies to the first floor. At the door to his office he took the opportunity to invite Emma to join him for a stroll around the flower beds.
“Of course, she’ll have a chaperone with her,” Laura demanded.
“Certainly. Would you care to make a recommendation?”
“As it’s been quite a while, I’d make the perfect lady to protect Emma’s honor,” Laura declared.
With a bow to them, he waited until they were partway down the hall before marching into the office and his desk. On it were several envelopes with the top one from the doctor in London. He took a seat and opened the letter, first noting the date it was written, yesterday. Just this fact alone told Simon his friend already suspected something could be wrong.
“But why bring his wife?” he said, thinking he was alone.
“Possibly to give her a respite from London and enjoy a few days in the country.”
Emma’s voice brought his head up. He focused on her standing in the doorway. In her hand she held a piece of paper.
He waited while she swept into the room then held his post up.
“This is from the doctor, saying he’ll be arriving tomorrow. Since he’s bringing his wife have Mrs. Lee arrange a suite for them. If I remember correctly, one in the north wing will be large enough.”
“Yes, they are, and as you see I’ve a missive with excellent news from my mother. She has agreed to take up residence at the Crossingham estate and looks forward to settling in. Her only request, she wishes to take man
y of her family possessions but doesn’t have enough carriages that aren’t part of the estate.”
“As you know I’ve already spoken to Richmond about the possibility of sending several. Do you have an idea how many she might require?”
“The only furniture belonging to her is in her sitting room. I would think two dray, but much of the place settings are hers also. For those another one would be sufficient.”
“I’ll instruct Richmond to dispatch three of the estate’s largest wagons on the morrow along with several grooms to assist. If all goes well, within a week your mother will be safely ensconced in her new home.”
For the first time since returning to his ancestral home Simon could feel things were finally coming together, in a good way. In a day or two he, along with his mother and Emma, would learn the cause of his father’s death. Then, there was the resettling of Emma’s mother to a comfortable estate where Harold could easily retire. He stood, came around the desk, and offered her his arm, getting a curious look from her.
“I have a query regarding one of the points we discussed over luncheon. Does that answer your pondering expression?”
“Yes it does. Then afterwards Laura and I will collect our bonnets and parasols for the promised stroll about the garden,” she stated.
With his hand on the small of Emma’s back, they stepped into his mother’s parlor. He gently guided her to the settee where his mother was waiting. Once she was settled, he took his customary seat across from them.
“As you know, Mother, Lady Sarah has accepted my offer to move to the Crossingham estate. I’ll be sending several wagons to aid her, along with several grooms.”
“Yes, that’s wonderful. This way, Emma may visit us at her leisure.”
Simon then directed his attention on Emma and smiled.
“It should take three or four days for the vehicles to reach your mother then another to pack everything followed by five days to reach the estate. How long, once she arrives, do you believe it will take Lady Sarah to set up her household?”
“Knowing my mother as I do, she’d be ready to receive visitors the day after. As Laura can tell you, she’s very organized.”
“That will be fine. Harold can stay in the cottage starting tomorrow, and in a little over a week, if he wishes, retire there where his sister is the housekeeper. Speaking of your hideaway, Mother, has Mrs. Lee sent the maids to make sure it’s straightened up?”
“Not yet. It seems Emma’s letter was waiting here for her and after reading it went to find you. If you don’t mind, I’ll ring for Mrs. Lee so that can be done thus allowing Harold to move in tomorrow.”
Not wishing to bother his mother, Simon went to the bell pull and tugged it twice. Within minutes his housekeeper knocked on the parlor door, entered, and curtsied. He directed Mrs. Lee to his mother.
“Your Grace, how may I be of assistance?”
“As you know, Harold is well enough to stay in my cottage. He’ll be going out there tomorrow so I need the two maids you send to make sure it’s ready,” the duchess ordered.
“I’ll dispatch them out straight away. Do you wish them to also take any food with them?”
“No, I will speak with Cook about that later and arrange for daily deliveries,” Emma told her.
“That would make a bit of sense as I don’t believe he can cook,” the housekeeper said.
“After you send the maids, have one of the suites in the north wing opened up as we’re having guests. They’ll be arriving tomorrow and staying for a few days,” Simon informed Mrs. Lee.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
After the housekeeper left he turned back to his mother and Emma and held up the letter he’d received from the surgeon.
“As Emma knows, the doctor, along with his wife, will be here sometime tomorrow thus the need for a larger suite. So, in a few days we’ll learn the exact cause of my father’s death. Emma, as it was you who found the indentation it would be best not to mention anything about it to him,” Simon explained.
“I agree,” she uttered.
“Ladies, now that we have a few things under control, shall we take a stroll about the gardens as I’m also looking forward to seeing them?” Simon stated.
“If you’ll give us about ten minutes. We need to change into our walking boots then we’ll meet you on the terrace,” his mother directed him.
Simon stood, then offered the ladies assistance in standing. Not surprising, his mother refused, but Emma accepted his aid. He followed them out, and at the base of the stairs to the second floor told them he’d have Winston prepare tea to be served on the veranda after their amble.
“Yes, that would be nice and make sure he includes our favorite tarts,” Emma requested.
“Of course, I wouldn’t want to deny them to you, m’ lady,” Simon teased.
He waited until they reached the second floor then went to his office. From experience, Simon had learned when a lady said ten minutes it would be closer to twenty or thirty. This would give him a chance to read the final letter he’d received but hadn’t yet had the time. This one was from his man of business regarding a very private matter which concerned him and Emma.
Marching in, he went directly to his desk, sat, and retrieved the missive. Breaking the wax seal, he withdrew three sheets of foolscap. Granted, he’d requested an explicit report on setting up certain accounts for a future wife, but this was carrying it too far. Frustrated, and knowing he’d need to study the letter in greater detail, he locked it in the middle drawer of the desk.
As he made his way down to the ground floor, Simon contemplated when to offer for her. Should he wait until the murderer, Justin Beaumont, and his henchman were caught or at his first opportunity?
Unable to come to a positive decision he noticed Winston waiting by the glassed French doors leading out to the veranda.
“Her Grace, Lady Emma, and I will be strolling about the garden for a while. When we return we’ll be having tea with tarts on the veranda. Make sure a table and chairs are either in the shade or under a marquee.”
“I’ve already arranged to have everything set under a canopy on the lawn, as it will be more inviting,” Winston informed him.
Simon wanted to groan in frustration that he’d not been able to stump the man, as the ladies were casually walking toward him. Much to his enjoyment, Emma had taken the time to not only don walking boots but change into a pale-blue day dress. The neck line was a little low, barely showing the white tops of her breasts. Normally, this would have caused him a bit of consternation except for the fact his mother didn’t seem to mind the cut of the bodice. Lifting his eyes to Emma’s head, he noticed her bonnet was of fine straw with the ribbon the same color as the gown delicately tied under her chin.
“Shall we enjoy the afternoon air?” he announced.
When they stepped out onto the flagstones, they were greeted by a lightly scented breeze. Simon quickly looked to Emma in time to see a sweet smile grace her lips. Offering her his arm, he was astounded when she refused it, instead placing her hand in his, reminding him of last eve and the kiss.
“As that fragrance is from the rose beds, shall we start there? I believe you’ll find them interesting. They have always been my favorite,” Laura declared.
Simon remembered watching his mother, for hours, weeding and pruning the bushes then carefully selecting the most beautiful buds. Those never saw any room except his father’s office, and he’d been warned away from there. At first he couldn’t understand why, but when he got older he suspected the reason. He’d always realized his parents had married for love, not convenience as was fashionable at the time. What had him puzzled, he seemed to be their only child, at least legitimate.
“Yes, that would be marvelous as I’ve always loved them also,” Emma declared.
Simon didn’t expect the delicate squeeze and tug she gave his hand then the, hopefully, hidden glance to the center of the garden. She was silently directing him to the gazebo for another secret
stolen kiss, or so he hoped. He responded by giving her hand a gentle clasp while guiding Emma and his mother under a rose-covered trellis.
“Dear, I should point out that, at the urgings of the late duke, the entire garden has different latticework frames at the entrance to each set of beds. At first, I wasn’t happy with the recommendation, but as they were being constructed I came to love them,” Laura explained.
“I understand why. This one makes for a dramatic gateway. It’s such a grand entrance, and I can’t wait to see the others,” Emma said.
As they ambled down the main path between the beds, with his mother following, Simon glanced to both sides, entranced by the different varieties of flowers. Some of the roses were solid in color while others were variegated.
After an hour, Simon guided the ladies back to the palace. As he led them onto the back lawn, Simon saw a purple canopy set up with a table and three chairs under it. Looking past it, he noticed Winston coming down the marble steps, tea tray in hand.
“Ladies, tea is served,” Simon said softly.
First seating his mother, he then held Emma’s chair and took the one beside her. The butler set the tray in front of Emma. Before he’d not really given it a thought, but this time he did. Between the gown she was wearing, the riding lesson from his mother, and the private conversation the two ladies shared earlier, he wondered if they were planning something.
He suspected it had to be about Harold, Lady Sarah, or some of the tenants. Simon knew they didn’t have an inkling of what he was planning which set his mind at ease.
With the cups and tarts passed, they conversed casually about the gardens, and he was interested in hearing some of Emma’s suggestions. A movement alerted him that something was wrong. Toward the terrace he saw Winston shifting nervously from one foot to another. Simon knew this wasn’t normal for the man. He knew something was amiss. Politely, he excused himself and stepped over to his butler.
“What’s bothering you?” he demanded in a lowered voice so not to worry the ladies.
The Duke's Bride (The Radcliffe Family Book 1) Page 9
