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

by Lindsay Downs

  “Sarah, if I might ask how do you know all this?” Simon asked.

  “My late husband, the viscount, had business dealing with merchants in both cities. Thusly, he heard about the woman who was easily described as having a vile temper if crossed.”

  “We found letters from her to Philip, but she never said why she was leaving London. We suspected they might have gone to North America but until now, with you telling us Sarah, it was only speculation,” Laura pronounced.

  “But why are they hunting us and why now?” Emma asked.

  “My dear, for vengeance. They want Simon and you to pay for what my late husband did to their mother. I also suspect they murdered him as well along with the two maids,” Laura explained.

  “Yes, it would seem they have been busy removing anyone who gets in their way. Fortunately, no more bodies have been found, and with the aid of those in the village and farms, they won’t get far if they try to sneak away.”

  “Wonderful. Now I do believe we ladies have things which need discussing?” Sarah suggested.

  “Most certainly,” Laura added.

  “Then ladies, with your permission, I’ll withdraw as there is estate business which needs tending to.”

  “Yes, and we’ll meet back here at seven. And Son, don’t be late,” his mother ordered.

  “Have I ever?” he stated, bowed, then marched from the parlor.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  When Simon stepped into his office, he started for the desk. There sat several posts awaiting his attention. Not in the mood to deal with business, considering what he’d just learned, he angled to the sidebar, then stopped. He knew, the last thing he needed was a drink.

  With a smile, he took a seat and reached for the top one and smiled seeing it was from his cousin, Matthew. Breaking the wax seal, he unfolded and started to read it.

  14 August 1809

  Your Grace,

  To begin, I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to calling you that. To me you’ll always be Simon not even Simon, Marquis of Sussex.

  Anyway, by the time this reaches you I’ll be on my way to Cornwall to look over the estate so I can decide where best to construct the gazebo. It should take me about a week to get everything done and send you my report.

  On a more worrisome note, for you, not I. When I passed through London the day before I posted this I was invited to dine with my parents.

  You and Lady Emma might wish to hie off to Gretna Green for an anvil wedding. It seems pater, under the very strong encouragement of mater, has collected the family as none have heard from you save the announcement in The Tattler. I have it on excellent authority they plan to descend upon you amass. My guess is sometime within the next four or five days.

  Your loving cousin,

  Matthew

  Post script

  I have just been informed I will be joining the earl and countess when we descend on you and Lady Emma. After the wedding I’ll then continue on to Cornwall.

  With a moan of displeasure Simon took another look at the date the letter was written then at the calendar on the side of his desk. If the timing was correct then he’d have several uncles with their wives along with somewhere upward to seven, maybe eight offspring ranging in ages from eleven to two and twenty descending on the estate. That didn’t include the twin girls who would be making their bows to court next year. Possibly, even a few babies or those who would reside in the nursery.

  He groaned. Grabbing for the bell he rang it.

  Under normal conditions he would have informed his mother and Emma of the onslaught, but as they were with Sarah in deep discussions most likely about him, he had to handle this himself. Or rather let Mrs. Lee be made aware so she could get the suites opened and fresh linen on the beds.

  He heard a knock on the doorframe.

  “Enter,” Simon said.

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  With a glance up, he saw Seeley step in.

  “I need to speak with Mrs. Lee, you, and Winston at once.”

  “I’ll get them right away.”

  With a wave of his hand, Simon sent the man off then returned to the next post. Seeing this was from the estate manager in Northumberland, he hoped the man was reporting on the repairs to the gazebo. He opened it. Simon smiled to read the roof had been replaced and no other damage had occurred to the building. Setting it aside, to be filed away later, he reached for the next when Mrs. Lee, and the two butlers entered.

  “The family wing needs to be opened as it seems everyone will be descending upon us within the next day or so. Mrs. Lee as you’re familiar with which family member prefers which suite I’ll leave that up to you. Winston instruct Seeley on what will be happening along with the number of footmen needed to assist those bringing staff. Once Lady Emma is free, I’ll let her know so she can speak with Cook about the necessary changes in the menu.”

  “Your Grace, we’ll make sure everything runs smoothly upon their arrival and during their stay,” Winston announced.

  “Thank you. I know everyone will do their best. You’re dismissed.”

  With one problem resolved, or so he hoped, Simon started for the stables to tell Richmond of the arrivals. With so many horses and carriages, he knew arrangements needed to be made for the influx. Then there were the coachmen and guards who needed to be housed. As he made his way across the courtyard, he wondered how any lady could handle all the preparations and arrangements for visits such as this.

  Head down in thought, he wondered what else he needed to do. In the distance, someone called for him. As the voice got closer, he recognized it as belonging to his game master. Coming to a halt, he looked to the approaching man, his ghillie suit in one hand and the ever present shotgun in the other.

  “Your Grace, I’m glad I found you as I’ve some strange news to tell you.” The man took gasping breaths.

  “Please tell me Beaumont and the woman your men were watching have left the district.”

  “Early this morning they saddled their horses, packed what little they had, and headed out down the cart trail. I would have come sooner, but I needed to make sure they didn’t slip back by another route. A short while ago I got word they were seen riding through North Upton and continuing on north.”

  Even though this sounded as good news to some, it wasn’t to him. Knowing Justin had military experience, the man could be doing this as a ruse to make Simon think he’d given up. He also knew the only way to get to the huts used by them along with the gypsies was the cart path. Should he risk having the game master position his men at points along it in case Justin returned? Or was there another possible way to get back to the estate unseen?

  “Kyle, you know just about every inch of the forests on both sides of the river?”

  “I do, and what I don’t know the men who work with me do. Is there a particular area you’re interested in?”

  “Good. Other than the cart path which runs from one side of the forest to the other, do you know of another way someone might use to sneak in?”

  “Yes and no. On the far side of the river the land tends to be steep in parts, and if you’re not lucky you could fall off a cliff. Since getting the trees cut and hauled out, Hopkins has let the forest grow wild which helps feed and protect the animals. As for this side, yes there’s a narrow path wide enough for a horse with good footing except when the river floods which happens only in the early spring.”

  This wasn’t good news. If Justin and Katell had taken the time to explore the terrain, they’d learned where this path was. That could have been how she’d crossed over and not gotten wet. She would have followed the cart path were it ended on the road then turned right onto this path. It would also have been how she’d escaped.

  “Let me ask you this, but think before answering. If you and another wanted to sneak onto the estate and kill or take Lady Emma or me prisoner, how would you do it?”

  Even though Simon knew Kyle didn’t have military experience, he was the best when it came
to creeping around unseen and unheard as many a former poacher could attest to.

  “I wouldn’t attempt it during the tenant visits because of the guards. My first choice would be to ride right up the drive as it wouldn’t be expected with using the horse path the second selection.”

  Simon was surprised at the answer. This now gave him more to think about, especially with the families arriving soon. Justin and Katell could insinuate themselves within one of the groups easily if they acted as a guard since many of his family didn’t travel with extra grooms or footmen. After this visit, Simon suspected they would if they wanted to or not.

  “Thank you. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

  “You’re welcome, but with your permission I’m still going to have some of my men keep an eye out on the trail.”

  “I’ll leave that up to you.”

  With a nod, Simon sent the man on his way then continued to the stable, only to be met by Richmond sitting on a stool by the door.

  “Back for another lesson? I would have thought after earlier you’d have had enough for a few days. She certainly did lay into you,” the old man teased.

  “We won’t even go there. As you seemed to take enjoyment in watching me fail miserably at the half-pass, I thought you deserved good news. Possibly, starting tomorrow sometime and into the next day my family will be arriving. How many carriages and horses will be coming I’ve no idea. Plan for the same number that came when they called on Her Grace, after my father died.”

  “That won’t be a problem since the riding ring will be able to handle the carriages. I’ll have the horses pastured with the coachmen caring for them.”

  Simon started to walk away then remembered what Kyle had said which brought him back to Richmond.

  “If any arrive with guards make sure they look like they belong, faces uncovered. I’ve learned the two people who tried to kill Lady Emma and I might attempt to sneak in with one of the parties.”

  “I will and know what to look for.”

  “Thank you.”

  With those final words, Simon returned to the palace and started for his office when voices coming from his mother’s parlor stopped him. When he heard Emma say something followed by giggles and titters he couldn’t restrain himself. He wanted to know what was being discussed. Add to that he still needed to inform the ladies of the impending guests and the instructions he’d given.

  As he got to the door to his office, he contemplated joining the ladies but changed his mind when he heard, “You mean to tell me you drew a saber and threatened Simon with it?”

  “Of course. How was I to know he was the duke when I first saw him? Several days’ growth of beard not to mention twigs and leaves in his hair.”

  He marched into his office, immediately setting his eyes on the saber Emma had mentioned to her mother. For a brief moment he contemplated unsheathing one and taking it with him. The only thing that stopped him was the possible anger from two of the ladies in the room.

  Shrugging his shoulders, he grabbed up the letter from Matthew, and marched down the hall to his mother’s parlor. Knocking on the door, he waited until his mother acknowledged him, then stepped in.

  “Ladies, it would seem you have had a wonderful time discussing several interesting things of which more than one involved me. However, I’ve news for you, Emma and Mother, which you’ll find fascinating to say the least.”

  “Simon, have a seat and tell us. I suspect one of the things you wish to tell us has to do with the letter in your hand,” his mother stated.

  Doing as ordered, as that’s what it sounded like to him he took his usual chair.

  “It would seem we are about to be invaded, and I wish by the French. Instead, it’s my family. In this letter from Matthew, he informed me they’ll be descending upon us within the next day or so.”

  He held up the sheet of paper so everyone could see it.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I need to speak with Mrs. Lee.”

  “That won’t be necessary, Emma. I’ve already told her to open the family wing and get the suites ready. Winston and Seeley along with Richmond are also aware of the onslaught. The only person I haven’t told is Cook as I thought you’d wish to do that yourself because of the menu.”

  “Simon, thank you for taking the initiative, but I still need to speak with Mrs. Lee, as there were a few problems when the family were here for your father’s funeral. As for Cook, we’ll keep the menu the same for the next few days, only having to increase the amounts by a bit.

  “Son, when you say family was Matthew specific or left it at that,” his mother asked.

  “He didn’t say, so I wonder if we need to open the nursery as well?” Simon said.

  “Laura, if I might, that would be a good idea. After all, wouldn’t it be easier to close than open the nursery if little ones don’t come?”

  “Sarah, you’re correct on that. Emma, have Mrs. Lee get those rooms ready also,” Laura declared.

  “I agree, since we did have a few for the funeral even though they stayed behind as having them attend wasn’t appropriate,” Emma announced.

  “Is that all, Simon, as we have a lot to do, not to mention getting ready for dinner?” his mother asked.

  As much as he wanted to tell them what Kyle had told him, he decided it would be better after they ate.

  “Not at this time. The rest of the news can wait until after we dine.”

  Later, attired in a black jacket and trousers, Simon made his way to the duchess’ parlor. Entering, he was surprised to see his mother was already there, and from the look of worry in her eyes he knew something was wrong.

  “Simon, what are you not telling us?”

  “From what I learned a while ago Justin and Katell have fled the area. However, I do believe they’ll return within the next few days. Before you ask me to explain how I know this, let’s wait until after dinner.”

  “Granted.”

  Soon after Emma and her mother glided in the dinner bell rang. As was becoming his custom, Simon escorted Emma with their mother’s following.

  Over a simple and pleasant five-course dinner Simon was more than happy to let his mother lead the conversation. From the wondering expression in Emma’s eye she silently agreed with him.

  Both were learning about their mother’s experiences within the ton. Granted he had spent a short time being chased by young ladies who wished to marry him it was the misfortunes of war which saved him.

  Partway through the dessert course of trifle, he had plans already made for tomorrow.

  “Pardon the interruption, Your Grace and Lady Sarah, but if need be, will you be able to greet any family members tomorrow, as Lady Emma and I have tenant visits to do.”

  The silence and stabbing glare from his mother let him know he could be in trouble for not carrying out his duty as the duke.

  “Yes, His Grace, promised one of the farmers he’d help repair the well. Isn’t it more important to see to his tenants than greet family?” Emma stated.

  No matter what his mother’s answer was, he knew Emma was right. After all, it was those who worked the land who helped pay for the luxuries they were currently enjoying.

  “You’re correct, the tenants come first, and I’m sure everyone will agree,” his mother said.

  With dinner over they retired to the duchess’ parlor. Once everyone was settled, he contemplated how to tell them what Kyle had told him. He decided the direct approach was the best.

  “Ladies, earlier this afternoon I had a conversation with my game master who, with his assistants, had been keeping watch over the hut Justin and Katell were hiding in. He told me that earlier in the day they packed up and rode out. This was later confirmed when they had been seen passing through North Upton. Normally, that would be good news, but with Justin having military experience, I feel this could be a feint to lull us into a false sense of security.”

  “Do you or he have any idea how or when they might return?” Emma asked.

&
nbsp; Simon detected a touch of panic mixed with worry in her voice. What he was about to tell them wouldn’t help but he knew he needed to.

  “As far as when, possibly the next few days, and the how is even more worrisome. According to Kyle the easiest way to get to either you, Emma, or I would be to ride down the main drive and into the courtyard. If they came that way, they’d come in the guise of guards. To that end I’ve already alerted Richmond to be on the lookout for someone who doesn’t appear to belong. There is another possible way they could sneak in, and that’s along a narrow horse trail, which isn’t on the map that’s on this side of the river.”

  The silence which filled the room from what he’d told them was close to deafening. Emma spoke first.

  “I’m assuming, from what was said earlier, we’re still doing the visits?”

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t we? I’ve already arranged for a few extra guards, and with Seeley’s help some of the villagers will be casually strolling about on our route. I also feel one of them will attack from the front and escape out the back where the other will be waiting.”

  Not hearing any of the ladies voicing an argument, of course he didn’t expect any from Emma, he focused on Sarah.

  “Simon, I’ve known your mother for years, and if she has faith and trust in you keeping my daughter safe then I do also.”

  “With that being said, and as tomorrow will be a long, not to mention an interesting day, might I suggest we retire for the evening,” Laura said.

  Even Simon could feel the stress of the day starting to take hold of him. Following the ladies up one flight he waited until they slipped into their suites then made his way down to his room.

  A short while later, he climbed into bed and almost immediately fell into a tormented, dreaming of a naked Emma beside him, sleep.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven