The Duke's Bride (The Radcliffe Family Book 1)

by Lindsay Downs

  “Mother, I don’t know what you could be talking about.”

  “Son, I think you do. All afternoon at the river you couldn’t take your eyes off Emma. Even when she slipped and the footman saved her from falling in the water, I saw your lips curl in anger that someone other than yourself had caught her.”

  Once again she could see right through him even to the point of knowing or at least expecting him to offer for her this evening. The more important point, did Emma suspect anything but knowing his mother as he did she wouldn’t say. This possibility had been discussed on several occasions, to the agreement if it did happen he’d ask for her hand once Justin and the other person were caught.

  How was he going to explain this sudden change of mind, or was it heart? Yes, that was it.

  “Excuse me,” a familiar voice said from the door.

  Simon’s jaw dropped at the sight before him. A very uncomfortable Seeley was wearing the attire of a butler. In his hand he carried a silver salver with three glasses on it. From the panicked, worried look the man wore Simon was sure Seeley needed it more than he did.

  “Didn’t I order you and the others to have the rest of the day off? So, can you explain why you’re doing the job of a butler?”

  “Begging your pardon, Your Grace, but Winston isn’t feeling well, and he ordered me to take his place.”

  Simon knew the butler had never had a sick day in his life, or at least not one he would admit to. Knowing it was better, for now, to accept the answer, he waved the man in and watched as Seeley first served his mother then him. Satisfied with the man’s performance, so far, he instructed Seeley to leave the remaining glass on the table in front of his mother. Simon watched him leave.

  “Mother, don’t you find Winston’s excuse a little weak?”

  “Yes, I do, and I think I know the reason. He’s wishing to be put out to pasture, and this is his subtle way of telling us.”

  Suddenly, without warning, just about everything in his life was changing, and the more he thought about it, it was all for the best. A new valet, a new butler, and shortly a bride.

  Taking a seat across from his mother, he took a sip of his drink, then another that finally settled his nerves. With a glance over the rim of the glass he studied his mother as she sipped her sherry then set it down on the table at her elbow.

  “Relax, Son.”

  The sound of delicate footsteps diverted his attention from answering. He stood just as Emma floated, that’s the only word he could think to describe her entrance, into the parlor.

  The sight of her stole his breath away. Tonight, he was pleased, she’d chosen to wear a deep-blue gown with a train. Much to his displeasure the bodice was a little demurer than the yellow dress, not that he was complaining since he was still able to set his gaze on the top of her creamy white breasts. The gown was nipped in at the waist, showing her figure to perfection especially her hips, which last eve he’d tried to settle a hand on when they danced, only to have it gently slapped away.

  Simon glanced to her hair which was piled high under a crown of red roses, woven in. This style made him happy since it helped to accentuate her delicate neck and shoulders, which had the slightest hint of having been brushed by the sun from this afternoon.

  “Please forgive me for arriving late. I was having trouble with my hair, or I should say Abby was.”

  “My dear, you’re not late, but exactly on time,” Simon told her, then escorted her in and to the settee where his mother awaited her.

  Once she settled herself, he stepped back and cleared his throat.

  “Are you feeling all right, you seem a little worried or is it nerves?” Emma said.

  I will be wonderful in a few minutes or so I hope.

  Not exactly sure of the proper protocol, as what he was about to do wasn’t generally discussed amongst gentlemen, Simon kept his eyes on Emma and lowered himself to one knee. From her sudden change of expression, he understood she suspected what was going to happen.

  “Lady Emma Carringham, would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife and duchess?” He inhaled to refill his lungs.

  “Simon, The Duke of Kettering, I accept your offer to be your wife and duchess.”

  Standing, he withdrew the velvet box from his pocket, opened it, and took out the ring. He reached out took her left hand in his and gently slipped it over her gloved ring finger.

  “Lady Emma, this is the Kettering family ring given to the future duchess on accepting the duke’s offer.”

  “It is so beautiful,” she declared.

  “Yes, and you’re the sixth lady to have it bestowed on them. It shines so brightly. Son, when did you ever have the chance to have it cleaned?” Laura asked.

  “I sent it to London with the grooms when they took the report to Bow Street. I instructed them to wait until it was ready, thus the extra delay in their return,” Simon explained.

  “Your Grace, congratulations, from the entire staff.”

  Again, Simon turned to see Seeley enter, this time carrying a larger tray with a chilled bottle of champagne and three coupes.

  “Set it on the table, and give our thanks to the staff,” Emma directed to the man, who then departed.

  Deftly Simon popped open the bottle and poured the sparkling beverage into the three glasses. Handing them to the ladies, he took his and raised it.

  “To the future Duchess of Kettering.”

  He waited until the ladies took delicate sips from their glasses and grinned when Emma scrunched her nose.

  “Is everything all right?”

  “Yes, it’s the bubbles, they tickled my nose that’s all. Might I ask why you changed your mind and offered for me now instead of waiting until Justin was captured?”

  “Shall we discuss it over dinner as I believe the bell is about to ring,” Laura recommended.

  “And then shall we enjoy another evening in the music room as I feel a desire to play the pianoforte,” she said.

  “Only if my mother will grace us with a waltz or two?” Simon added.

  His heart melted on seeing the smiles from the two most important ladies in his life. Helping Emma rise, he then turned to his mother and didn’t take no for an answer. With one on each arm, he guided them to the family dining room. Stepping in, they were greeted by his household senior staff including a supposed indisposed Winston.

  “We would like to personally extend our congratulations,” Mrs. Lee announced. She curtsied, turned, and steered the others from the room leaving only Winston and Seeley.

  A gasp from Emma, brought his attention to the table. Everything sparkled as he’d never seen before. At each place setting he saw three plates with a bowl on top. Except at formal banquets he’d never seen so many different knives, forks and spoons. The fish forks and knives told him one of the courses would consist of the trout they’d caught earlier. Then, there were the five different shapes of wine glasses.

  “Ladies, I do believe we are in for a dinner to rival the best we’ve ever seen,” he whispered.

  It wasn’t until the floor clock in the hall struck nine times did he realize how long they’d been dining. “Shall we pass on the music and retire to your parlor?”

  “I believe that would be a better suggestion,” Emma interjected.

  Simon held his breath and waited to see who would speak next. When he noticed the slightest head bob from his mother to Emma, he had his answer.

  Simon guided his ladies, as he now thought of them, to the duchess’ parlor.

  Once the tray was set in front of Emma, Simon looked up to his new butler, or so he hoped as the man was becoming more comfortable and better in his duty.

  “Inform Mrs. Lee that Lady Emma and I will be doing the tenant calls tomorrow. However, we will still need extra grooms as guards so make sure Richmond is aware.”

  “Yes, Your Grace, and with your permission, I wish to be one of the men since I am comfortable on a horse.”

  From what Simon had found out about Seeley he
’d been a foot soldier so when and where had he learned to ride? This added more to the versatility of the man in his new position.

  “Granted, but I’ll want to see how well you handle a horse,” Simon demanded.

  “That won’t be a problem.”

  “Also, it’s come to my attention there’s a certain young lady in the village who has caught your fancy.”

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  “After Lady Emma interviews her, and she meets with her approval, you have my permission to make your attentions known to her,” Simon told him.

  “Thank you. I’m sure Her Ladyship will find her acceptable.”

  Dismissing Seeley, Simon turned his attention to his betrothed and mother who both had flat expressions. Something was amiss. To the best of his knowledge he’d handled Seeley correctly so could it be the young lady of his acquaintance?

  “Yes?” He directed.

  They tittered, and he realized they were playing with him.

  “Granted, Son, much of what you’re experiencing is new, and your father never had a chance to explain many of the little tasks you’d need to undertake. With Seeley apparently becoming the new ducal butler it’s important his bride meet certain standards. It was wise to mention having Emma and I interview this girl to find out if she is perfect to take up her new duties,” his mother told him.

  “Yes, and so not to totally scare the poor girl, I’d suggest we have Mrs. Lee send for her. Possibly mentioning there are several positions available, then if the girl agrees we can meet with her in a nonthreatening place, such as the kitchen.”

  “I agree, but as we’re busy with visits for most of the day tomorrow when would be the most appropriate time to conduct the meeting. This way I can make sure Seeley is busy so he’s not aware of it,” Simon said.

  “The interview will have to wait until the next day. I’ll instruct Mrs. Lee on that point,” Emma stated.

  “Now on to several more important points which need to be addressed. My dear, you must post a letter to your mother telling her of the news and invite her to visit with us. I’m sure my son will be more than willing to send a carriage for her and to deliver the note,” Laura declared.

  “Yes, I plan to. Considering the grin Simon is giving us, he’s in agreement. I’ll write it tomorrow when we return from visiting the tenants, as it’s too late this evening. After all, it will have to be perfectly composed so my mother doesn’t go into a panic.”

  “Then day after tomorrow I’ll have a carriage readied to deliver it. What else needs to be taken care of, Mother?”

  The chuckle from the duchess was very disheartening and worrisome.

  “You see? Men can be so thick headed at times. They propose then expect everything to fall into place such as sending the announcement to The Tattler and The Times. Otherwise, how would everyone, especially members of the ton know of the impending wedding,” Laura stated.

  “Then my decision whether to have a new gown created or hunt one down from the ones I have. Then there’s setting the date and making sure the banns are read,” Emma added.

  “Not to mention planning the wedding breakfast and who to invite. The dowry and the allowances for the bride need to be negotiated,” the duchess said in conclusion.

  “Excuse me, ladies, but I’m sitting directly across from you,” Simon declared.

  “Yes. Laura and I only wished to point out what needs doing over the next few weeks,” she told him.

  “If the letter to your mother is sent tomorrow, I’ll wait an extra day or two before sending the proclamations to London. That will give her time to get your note before our betrothal is announced to the ton,” Simon stated.

  “I will be standing in Emma’s stead in regards to the marriage contract. Of course, it will also be reviewed by her mother, Sarah, when it’s completed but before it’s signed. I do hope that’s satisfactory, Son,” his mother pronounced.

  Simon nodded his understanding, especially with his mother acting on behalf of Emma. For him, this was going to be one of the easiest and quickest negotiations in history. Even though he’d not written anything down, he’d already started to make a mental note of what was going to be included to insure her safety and comfort.

  “As we have time before everything is set, we can hold off until next week at the earliest. I’ll also want to post a letter to my man of business so he will learn from me of the upcoming wedding. This way he’ll have time to start setting up accounts for you.”

  What he didn’t say, but it was equally important if not more so, along with the estate in Cornwall, he was in possession of several other untitled lands. Even though he received reports from them, his man would be the best on advising him. He wanted to find out which were the most productive and comfortable. This property would be included in the contract along with at least one other willed to her. That way he’d make sure she was well taken care of if something happened to him before a son was born.

  “Son, we need to meet and discuss the contract. Why don’t we list items each one of us wish to have included in it? This way, when we sit down, it will proceed smoothly,” his mother recommended.

  “Excuse me, but am I allowed to participate either directly or indirectly?” Emma asked.

  “No,” Laura stated firmly.

  The tone of his mother’s voice upset him, but Simon knew she was correct. This was done between the two principles. He also appreciated the fact Emma’s mother would have the final approval.

  Following the ladies to the stairs, he waited until they reached the second floor then turned back to his office.

  An hour later he finished sealing the second of two letters. One to his man of business explaining what he wanted and that any responses were to be sent by messenger directly to him. The other was to his uncle, Philip’s brother, letting him know of the impending wedding and to start alerting the family so the news wouldn’t come as a surprise.

  The posts joined the ones from earlier, and Simon retired to his suite for the night.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Dressed in her new, light-green riding habit, sans the ridiculous cap, Emma gave directions to the footmen about loading the dog cart. Once finished, she stepped out of the kitchen door into the bright morning sun and let it warm her, which didn’t compare to the heat she’d experienced in her dreams from last night. Most of her sleep had involved sharing the ducal bed with Simon. With a smile, she strode to the stable as she wanted to spend a few minutes riding Marigold before she and Simon started their tenant visits.

  She knew her little mare was not only a gentle ride but had been schooled a little in dressage. This she’d learned the first day, with Laura, when at a walk Marigold executed a near perfect half-pass in both directions. Today, she wanted to try her out at a slow trot and then a canter.

  Strolling into the stable, she was met by Richmond who was wearing a wide smile.

  “Good morning, Lady Emma. Congratulations on your betrothal.”

  “Thank you, sir. Is Marigold ready?”

  “Yes, and it would seem she’s anxious to get out of her stall without that beast of His Grace’s following her around like a love-sick puppy.”

  It was all she could do not to laugh at the man’s description of Mars’s behavior.

  “Shall we get my girl out? I want to practice a few more dressage movements before His Grace and I, with grooms of course, do the calls?”

  “If you’ll wait by the mounting stairs, I’ll personally bring her out. I’m dying to see, again, how she goes. I must say you two are a perfect pairing.”

  Emma wondered if Richmond was talking about her and the mare or her and Simon. With a mental shrug she cocked her head to him.

  “Thank you, kind sir.”

  A few minutes later, comfortably seated on her mare, Emma guided Marigold into the ring and slowly began warming her up. This consisted of stretching and bending exercises under forward motion which accomplished the desired results. Satisfied, she started at the far
corner of the arena and pressing her calf into Marigold’s left side while driving her forward. This achieved exactly the intended result.

  Half way across the ring Emma increased the gait to a slow trot while keeping the correct pressure on Marigold’s side. By the time they arrived at the corner nearest to Richmond her mare was again performing a near perfect half-pass.

  She glanced over to the stable master who was bouncing up and down in excitement.

  “Richmond, do you think she can handle it at a canter?” she called out.

  “Most assuredly, m’ lady, and may I say you handle a horse better than anyone I’ve ever seen.”

  “Does that include me?”

  Emma smiled as she watched Simon, with long powerful strides, march up to the railing.

  “If you’re talking about galloping around the countryside taking stonewalls and hedgerows or charging into a hail of cannon shot and round balls to take an enemy fortification, yes. However, if you are referring to the ability to get a horse to flex, bend and perform gracefully, no.”

  Emma glanced to Richmond then back to Simon wondering what his reaction or response would be. She rode over to the fence and set her hand against it while studying Simon. From the intensity of his gaze he was starting to make her nervous.

  “Is the cart loaded?” That was the only thing she could think of to get his focus back on what they were planning for the day.

  “Yes. That’s what I was coming to tell you.”

  “What about Seeley? Didn’t you want to see how well he handles a horse?”

  “As it turns out, he’s well skilled with them. He grew up on the estate, starting out in the stables before going in the army. When he returned he moved up to footman.”

  “Then shall we be off as we have many stops today as you know from how packed the cart is,” Emma suggested.

  Not waiting for an answer, she walked Marigold to the gate and out. Following the path along the side of the barn, she entered the stable yard as Simon rode up on Mars. It wasn’t until seeing him mounted that she noticed he wasn’t wearing his normal attire.

  Today, he’d chosen a simple grey open-collared cotton shirt along with wool riding britches tucked into well-worn boots. Around his neck a plain dark red bandana, frayed at the corners. She could feel a smile form on her lips seeing not only had he taken her recommendation as to what to wear, but how these simple clothes emphasized his figure. Strong, well-muscled, and handsome to the point it took her breath away.