With Simon at her side they passed under the courtyard arch and onto the path leading to the main road. Once there Emma glanced over to Simon.
“Today we won’t be starting out by going through the village but will come through on our return. Now, the first cottage we’ll be visiting you might remember, it’s the Brewsters’.”
Emma studied his face after mentioning the name. Having called on them many times before, she knew their history with Simon. Mr. Brewster had been the duke’s game master while Simon was growing up and taught him the ways and behavior of forest animals. This skill in tracking had helped Simon later when he joined the Guards and taught some of the skills to a few select men. All this had been confirmed by Laura.
“Yes, they both are still with us and can’t wait to see you. I should warn you, Mr. Brewster is quite frail but still as feisty as ever so make sure you don’t get to close to his cane.”
The laugh coming from Simon was all the confirmation Emma required as she was accurate in her words. From what Laura had told her the man had attempted to go after the duchess once only to get a set down, which lasted about a month.
As the Brewster cottage came into view she was happy to see the repairs she’d ordered before Simon returned to the estate had been done. This would make explaining the new thatched roof and painted siding easier if Simon asked.
Riding into the front yard, Emma watched as Mrs. Brewster, bent from years of hard work and age, hobbled out the front door with a warm smile on her face.
“Good morning, dear lady. How are you today?” Emma called out, before bringing Marigold to a halt several feet from the woman.
That was when she noticed the woman’s husband hadn’t followed, which was his normal routine. This had her worried. Freeing her foot from the stirrup she slid to the ground and strode toward the cottage. As she got close to the door Mr. Brewster made his appearance.
“Lady Emma, I see you brought that reprobate with you. Tell me, has he learned anything in the years since last his shadow darkened our doorway?”
Hearing Simon walk up, she kept the smile to herself until he was beside her.
“Good sir, I’m not sure. You tell me, last eve he offered for me, and I accepted. Was it a mistake or not?” she teased.
The roar of laughter coming from the ancient man was like music to her ears. It was a rare occasion for him to be this happy.
“Let me ask you this, m’ lady, does he have affections for you and you in return?” Mr. Brewster demanded.
“Yes, I do, you old rascal, otherwise I would never have asked her to be my wife,” Simon stated.
Not only was it his words, but also the arm Simon wrapped around Emma’s waist that drove them home. His warmth through her habit made her heart race. She tilted her head slightly and gazed into his eyes. There she saw love and affection. When he started to lower his head she knew a kiss, inappropriate but still desired, was coming. Instead of allowing it to happen, she protected her honor and turned back to the Brewsters.
“M’ lady, please come in, if even for a few moments,” Mrs. Brewster requested.
A harrumph from Mr. Brewster hinted that Simon’s presence in their humble abode was questionable, so she decided on a graceful escape.
“Dear lady, I wish His Grace and I had the time to sit and enjoy a cup of your wonderful tea, but we’ve many more tenants to visit. Maybe another day.”
“We’ll hold you to that,” Mrs. Brewster stated.
With the social obligations taken care of, Emma turned to the reason for the visit.
“I brought more of Mrs. Lee’s medicine to help with your joint stiffness, Mr. Brewster. She told me to tell you to continue with the rub once daily except in the cold weather then twice a day. Cook also sent along some of her special shortbreads to enjoy with your tea. When I make my next visit is there anything either of you will need?”
After a few silent moments of studying them, Emma could tell Mr. Brewster wanted to say something.
“Yes, have him bring proof he can still bring down a stag.”
“Sir, consider it done, and you’ll get all the meat you desire to fill your belly,” Simon declared.
Emma waited while the two tins were handed over and last week’s retrieved. She then promised to visit in a week, unless she received word of a sooner request.
Helped onto the back of Marigold by Simon, Emma led her group back to the cart path that would take them to the next family.
As they made their way from one farm or cottage to another, she watched silently as Simon learned the different needs of the people under his protection.
Each family had special requests. Some in need of a few pieces of clothing, while others medicine to cure an illness. In a few of the tenants’ homes little ones ran around, mostly underfoot. It was the new-borns Emma noticed were the ones who hit home the hardest with Simon. As much as she wanted to ask why, she refrained, knowing he’d tell her when he was ready to, and today wasn’t that day.
By late morning, as she’d planned, they stopped at the Stoner farm.
“Nancy had a baby a few days before you arrived, and we’re looking in to see how they’re doing. When I’ve stopped in the past they’ve invited me for lunch so don’t be surprised if they do. For the grooms I’ve already taken care of them with a basket of sandwiches and an ale each.”
Instead of sliding off Marigold’s back, Emma waited for Simon to hand off Mars’s reins to a groom and help her down. Even though she’d prepared for his hands to encircle her waist again, as before, she couldn’t control the hitch of her breath when he did.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to your touch,” she whispered.
“I hope not, but we have company.”
She glanced to the cottage and saw Nancy Stoner, with the new-born in her arms, step out the door. What made her heart happy, the new mother was smiling, unlike the last time when she’d been crying. Pushing Simon’s arms away, Emma walked over, her arms extended to hopefully hold the baby.
“And how is little Simon these days?” she said, accepting the child from its mother.
“Much better, m’ lady. Thank you for sending over that medicine for his croup. With it, he’s sleeping better and even eating. Oh, and who is that handsome man with you today? I’ve never seen him before,” Nancy asked.
At the previous places Simon waited until Emma and the family greeted each other. She would then, looking to him, invite Simon to join them.
“Nancy, allow me to introduce you to your son’s namesake, Simon.”
As with the other introductions she left off the fact he was the duke, letting him decide if he wanted to. This they’d agreed upon earlier as he didn’t want to panic the families. As he’d said, “I’d rather they get to know me, not the duke.”
“Your Grace, this is truly an honor. I’m only sorry Roger isn’t here to greet you,” Nancy said.
Nancy started to give him a curtsey, but Emma was able to stop her with a hand on the, now nervous, woman’s arm.
“Where is your husband? I would have thought he’d be working near the cottage,” she asked.
“He’d planned to, since the field needs to be tilled to prepare it for planting. I’m sure he’ll be along shortly as it’s getting on to lunch time. Your Grace, m’ lady, would you care to join us? I’ve got a delicious stew heating along with fresh baked bread.”
“Nancy, you’ve always called me Emma, and please continue,” she directed to her.
“Please call me Simon when in working attire.”
“If you wish.”
She could see the poor woman was a little uncomfortable being allowed to call her and Simon by their Christian names. She was about to tell Nancy to relax when heavy footsteps distracted her. Turning to where the sound was coming from Emma saw Roger, a puzzled look on his face, striding toward them.
“We’d love to stay for lunch as I know you make a tasty stew,” she said with a smile.
Turning to Simon, she sta
rted to hand over the baby to him, but stopped when she saw the look of sheer terror in his eyes. She decided not to press it and handed little Simon back to his mother. This was something she’d have to work on, but over time as he’d have to get comfortable with babies when they had their own.
Leaving Simon to be introduced to Roger, Emma strolled over to the cart where the grooms had gathered and pointed to two baskets.
“Take those and find a comfortable spot under a tree and have lunch. Cook packed sandwiches and an ale for each of you. We should be ready to depart in about an hour,” she directed to Seeley, even though not a groom he had assumed control of them.
“Yes, m’ lady. I’ll take care of everything,” he answered.
With a nod, she returned to Simon who was just being introduced to Nancy’s husband.
“It’s a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Your Grace.”
“No, on occasions such as today, as Emma and I’ve instructed your wife, please call me Simon.”
As with his wife, a few minutes ago, Emma could see the man was nervous and knew how to resolve his problem.
“Nancy, let’s leave the men to talk about whatever they do when ladies aren’t around, and I’ll help set the table.”
Leaving Simon and Roger standing and staring opened mouth at her, Emma wrapped an arm around Nancy’s waist and guided her back into the cottage. Once inside, she was happy to see the main room was as well maintained as always. This was one of the many things she liked about the woman. Even though newly married, and with her first child, Nancy always kept a clean house.
Having eaten several times with them, Emma started for the small cabinet where the plates, bowls, and pewterware were kept. Taking down what was needed, she next collected cotton towels, to use as napkins, and started to set the table.
“Emma, do you mind if I ask you a personal question?”
“Of course not, but if it has to do with Simon, not yours, the answer is yes, there’s something very special between us. Why, does it show?”
“Only every time you look at each other. It reminds me of how Roger and I were when he courted me. My mother said it got worse once he asked my father for my hand and I said yes. Is it possible he, has offered for you?”
Feeling her face warm at being caught in their little, not so secret, secret, Emma lowered her head and focused on her task at hand. Once she felt somewhat back to normal she glanced over to Nancy who’d stepped over to a rocking chair and was breast feeding the baby.
Not wanting her Simon to be embarrassed if he walked in, Emma went to the door, quietly opened it, and saw the men were sitting on a log deep in discussion. Choosing not to disturb them, she closed the door and returned to put the bowls and plates on the table.
Just as Nancy finished buttoning her blouse the men entered, both with worried looks on their faces. She wanted to ask what was bothering them but would wait until she and Simon were on their way.
Over a simple, but marvelous beef stew with bread to sop up the gravy, Emma made sure the conversation was directed to babies. She loved watching her Simon squirm and wiggle when the conversation went to feeding and burping a baby. Granted, he wouldn’t be able to do the first, for obvious reasons, she’d make sure he was an active participant in the second.
Once the meal was over and they started to leave Emma noticed Simon slipped a few coins on the table before stepping outside.
Before he lifted her onto Marigold’s back, she whispered, “Leaving the coins was very sweet of you.”
“Thank you, they can use it for a little something to make their life a bit easier, even if for only a short while. Shall we be off as later I want to tell you and Mother what Roger told me.”
Three hours later, and all the visits completed, Emma and Simon walked their horses under the courtyard arch. She rode around to the mounting block and dismounted. Turning Marigold over to a groom, she joined Simon, after retrieving the booklet she used to make notes in about the visits.
“After we clean up and change, I’ll meet you in the duchess’ parlor,” she directed to Simon as they strolled across the courtyard.
Chapter Twenty-Two
As Simon made his way to the parlor and smoothed his palms down his fresh shirt his mind was still reeling over what Roger had told him. None of it made sense. It was the wrong time of year for this band of gypsies to pass through. If there had been a change in their schedule, his mother should know.
He made his way down the corridor, hearing talking coming from the parlor. Emma was already with his mother. They were discussing the events of the day.
“You should have seen Simon when I tried to hand him the baby. He looked absolutely terrified,” Emma said.
He stepped into the room. “Today happens to be the first time I was ever presented with such a tiny human. Actually, Simon turned out to be the first baby I’ve ever seen.”
“Son, I can understand your apprehension. I’d wager your expression matched that of your father when I tried to hand you over to him. Now give me a kiss so you may give me your impressions on what you learned today,” his mother ordered.
Simon took his chair across from the settee where Emma and his mother were.
“Yes, I know someday I’ll have to hold our child, but when you all but thrust little Simon at me, I could only panic. The next time we visit I’ll try to remain calm, but will insist on sitting down first so that I won’t drop him.”
“Agreed,” Emma said.
Pleased that she understood his request, he smiled. “I’m happy that Mr. Brewster is still with us. I would have thought he’d have passed years ago. Of course, he’s insisting I prove my hunting and tracking skills by providing him with proof.”
“Let me guess, by obtaining a stag’s horn?” his mother spoke.
“Yes, but he’ll also get the animal dressed and cut into sections as I don’t think his wife is up to the task.”
“That is very commendable of you,” Emma uttered.
“Mother, while visiting with the Stoners’, Roger mentioned seeing a puff of smoke coming from across the river. He ventured that it was from the direction of the huts grandfather had built for the gypsies to use when they crossed our land.”
“Yes, over the past few years they’ve come through during this time. They make their way up north to a festival.”
He felt relieved at the news and curled his lips into a smile. Simon knew this meant the huts would be one less place Justin or the other could be hiding in. Now he needed to control Emma’s adventurous nature and keep her from the encampment. From previous experience with the gypsies, he knew they didn’t appreciate outsiders imposing on them.
“Emma, I trust you won’t venture over to see them?”
“Simon, you don’t have to worry about me looking in on them. We had several bands cross our lands frequently so I don’t have any curiosity in seeing them. I know they don’t rely on us even when one of them is in need of medical help.”
“I’m happy to hear that.”
His thoughts came back to the problem at hand. Where was Justin hiding, and how could he cross the river easily? When the woman took a shot at him, from what he remembered, she showed no signs of being wet and Hopkins hadn’t mentioned it either. If she’d travelled through the village, someone would have noticed. Hiding her features with a scarf would have caused a stir, and Seeley would have been informed.
“By your expression, Simon, I do believe you have an interesting thought to share. This seems to be a common habit of yours lately. Are you still trying to figure out where these people are hiding out?” Emma asked.
“Yes. Every time I feel we are close to finding them they either disappear or something blocks us, for instance the arrival of the gypsies. Those huts, if Justin knew about them which I doubt, would have been a perfect place to hide in.”
Frustrated, he stood and strode about the room, even though he knew his mother disliked this behavior. He only hoped she’d tolerate it this time.
After several times passing by Emma and his mother, he noticed they were watching him.
“Begging your pardon, dinner will be ready in an hour according to Cook,” Seeley said from the doorway.
“Thank you,” Simon said, then turned to Emma and his mother.
Later as he soaked in his bath, he waded through his thoughts. Again, anger at not solving the problem crept into his mind. He knew there had to be some way to find them, but how? As far as he knew the only buildings, save the ones around the palace, were the gypsy huts.
Hearing Edmond moving around in the next room, Simon opened his eyes and picked up a flannel and a bar of sandalwood-scented soap. He proceeded to rub the two together until he had a good lather then scrubbed the cloth over his body.
This brought his mind to Emma. His body stiffened, wondering what it would feel like doing this simple act to her. If just thinking about it got him excited, then he’d wager she’d have the same reaction. With a shake of his head Simon drove those thoughts away before taking a pitcher of warm water and pouring it over his head.
Stepping out of the tub onto a small rug, he reached for the warmed towel and dried off. Wrapping it around his waist, he looked at himself in the mirror and was greeted by a smiling face covered in stubble. After shaving, he splashed water on his face, rubbed his face dry, and stepped back into the main room.
Simon stripped the towel from around his waist and tossed it on the bed, then he picked up his trousers and climbed into them. Fastening all but the top buttons, he carefully, as his shoulder still hurt, tugged the shirt on and tucked it into his pants. With that done, he sat on a chair to allow Edmond to tie his cravat. Finally, he slipped his socked feet into a pair of shoes and, again with caution, put on his jacket. The last thing he did was run a brush through his hair, realizing he needed to get it trimmed, someday soon. After a final look in the mirror, he strolled down the hall just as the ladies stepped from their suites.
The Duke's Bride (The Radcliffe Family Book 1) Page 19
