Duke of fire

by Monroe, Jennifer

  Once her meager possessions were safely packed away, she took one last look at the room that had become her home and wiped away the last of her tears. Life had a strange way of reverse the circumstances of one’s life in the blink of an eye.

  “You have done very well and will be rewarded accordingly.”

  Jane turned toward the hushed voice that came from the hallway just outside her door.

  “With her gone, our plans can resume unhindered. When my brother has been deemed insane, I will see that he is committed. Then I will step up and take over the Dukedom.”

  “And a very fine Duke you will be, My Lord. The greatest.” That voice belonged to Dalton.

  Jane’s breath caught in her throat. So, Dalton was involved with this scheme as well as Lord Blackstone and his wife. It all clicked into place as she considered everything that had happened, not only with her but with Michael, as well. Somehow, Lord Blackstone believed he would become the new Duke of Hayfield. However, one person stood in his way. Samuel. Fear gripped her as she considered what that meant.

  She held her breath. The voices were now gone, but had the pair continued down the hallway? Uncertainty filled her as she gripped the handle and slowly opened the door.

  The hall was empty.

  Heaving a sigh of relief, Jane considered her options. She had to somehow warn Michael. However, would he even listen? After all, Lord Blackstone was his brother, and how could he possibly believe that his own brother would plot against him? Jane had only been in his employ for a short time; why should he believe her?

  He would not, that was the truth of it.

  “Where are you going, Miss Harcourt?”

  Jane turned to see Samuel peeking out of his room. She quickly wiped at her face, hoping no more tears shone to upset the boy. “I must go away, Samuel,” she replied with a small smile.

  “When will you come back? I wanted to show you a new rabbit hole I found, but I suppose it can wait until you return.”

  She lowered herself to his level. “I will not be returning,” she said. “I am sorry.”

  His lip began to quiver as tears spilled over his lashes. “But you said you would never leave me!” he wailed. “Who will teach me?” Jane pulled the boy into her arms, but he pushed her away. “You promised!”

  “Samuel,” a voice boomed behind her, “To your room. Now.”

  Samuel looked at his father and scrubbed at his cheeks. “But, Father…”

  “Now!”

  Samuel frowned and then turned and ran into his room, slamming the door behind him.

  Jane stood and looked around. Seeing no one nearby, she realized that now would be the only chance she had to tell him what she had heard. “Michael, I have something important I need to tell you.”

  “Nothing you can say will convince me of our innocence. The carriage awaits you out front. Now, go. You have embarrassed me enough; do not continue to add to the shame you have forced upon me in front of people who have finally come to accept me.” Then he shouted over his shoulder. “Jenkins, see Miss Harcourt out.”

  Michael would never listen to anything she told him, and even if he did, he would not believe it. All she could do was leave, so she picked up her bag and moved to walk past him. Then she stopped. “Never doubt yourself,” she whispered. He winced but that was the only indication that he had heard her words.

  Then she moved past him and followed Jenkins out to the waiting carriage. With one last look at Wellesley Manor, she glanced at the disapproving faces of the ton that gazed out the window, more than likely devouring the events that had unfolded before them like a mass of starving animals. However, she cared nothing for what those people thought; only Michael’s opinion mattered, and now he no longer trusted or cared for her.

  She got into the carriage and the footman closed the door. As the manor disappeared out of sight, she stored away the memories of her time there. They would be held dear to her heart forever. However, they would remain only as memories. Those happy times were now gone and she left just as she had arrived.

  Alone.

  ***

  When she stepped from the carriage, bag in hand, Anne came running out of the cottage.

  “Jane?” she asked as she took in Jane’s wet cheeks and the burden she carried. “What’s wrong?”

  An eruption of emotions exploded in Jane. “My world,” she gasped through sobs that crushed the air from her lungs, “has fallen apart.”

  Anne pulled her into her arms. “Come inside, Love, and tell me what happened.”

  Jane had no more fight left in her and she did as her cousin bade, the carriage, the only connection left to the man she loved, riding away, leaving her to face an uncertain life.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  It had been ten days since Jane’s world had fallen apart, and her heart grew sadder with each passing day. How she missed teaching Samuel and spending time with the young boy, of whom she had grown fond. He had wished for a mother, a role she would have been glad to fill, but that person would not be there.

  As for the man who had won her heart, she found that she still loved him despite his anger for her. What bothered her the most was that she had no way to tell him the truth. She had considered writing him a letter to inform him of what she had overheard, but she knew he would not read it. If he did, he would not believe her words. No, what she needed was an opportunity to speak to him face to face so he could see that what she said was true.

  These thoughts only increased her sorrow, and she stopped to stand before the window of a dress shop. It seemed only yesterday when she was here and Catherine had come to her aid. How foolish she had been to go against her reservations and allowing the woman to convince her to buy more than the one dress and gown.

  However, Catherine had skills that would have gained the appreciation of any playgoer. She had convinced Jane of her kindness, had manipulated her better than any trickster could have. To make matters worse, Samuel had been the only one to see his aunt and uncle for what they were, and Jane had disregarded his concerns with very little consideration. Perhaps if she had asked more questions? Yet, no, she doubted that her opinion would have changed much.

  A knock on the window startled her, and Jane looked up to see the proprietress of the shop looking out at her, beckoning her to leave. Beside her stood Catherine, her face filled with smug haughtiness.

  Giving Catherine a contemptuous look, Jane moved on down the footpath, though her steps now were more hurried than they had been.

  In her hand she carried a package of meat for the evening’s meal. Anne and David would be leaving just after noon to visit David’s parents, leaving Jane alone at the cottage. Although she enjoyed being in their company, she was glad for the reprieve, for she had had little time alone to think on the events of the night of the ball. Shock still settled on her, not allowing her time to consider what had happened.

  Men and women strolled past her, going about whatever business they needed to complete. From time to time, a face she remembered from the ball would come into view, but none even glanced her way, more than likely not recognizing her, for which she was glad.

  Then a face that immediately recognized her was before her. Lord Blackstone glared down at her when he almost collided with her as he exited the bank. Evilness poured off him, an almost palpable vileness that left a bitter taste on Jane’s tongue.

  “Miss Harcourt,” the man said pompously, saying her name as if he had bitten into a lemon.

  “Lord Blackstone,” she replied. She knew she should leave the conversation at that, but her tongue did not heed her mind. “Do not think your conspiracy against your brother will go unnoticed?” If only the acid on her voice could cause him harm.

  However, the man showed no sign of distress. “I have no idea of what you speak, thief,” he said with a chuckle.

  This time it was her turn to laugh. “Oh, but you do,” she said in a low voice. “I heard you and Dalton in the hallway outside of my room that night, so y
es, you do know.” She did not miss the flicker of fear in his eyes. “I do not expect a coward such as you to admit his wrongdoing, but I am certain Dalton is not nearly as strong as you.”

  His face dropped for a moment, and Jane smiled. She might not know how to save Michael from whatever evil scheme this man had concocted, but Lord Blackstone had to know that she would not remain silent.

  Lord Blackstone leaned in. “You should be careful of what you say,” he hissed in a hushed whisper. “My brother showed you mercy, but I will not.”

  A couple passed by them, and Lord Blackstone straightened his back and smoothed the anger from his features.

  Once the couple was out of earshot, Jane smiled again. “Perhaps he did show me mercy, My Lord,” she used his title as a curse, “but he is no coward. He is a man of honor, and that is why he will always be a Duke and you only the brother of a Duke.” Seeing him wince from the sting of her words was a wonderful reward.

  The man took another step toward her, and her heart raced as he stared down at her menacingly, but she refused to step back. She had no doubt he would hurt her, but he would never do it where others could see.

  “Why you…”

  “Lord Blackstone,” a voice said from the doorway of the bank. “What brings you out today? I thought you were leaving for Brighton.” A man in a fine coat walked up to Lord Blackstone, giving Jane the opportunity to make her escape.

  Jane heard Lord Blackstone give a curt response to the man who had approached him, but soon she could no longer hear their words. She hurried down the footpath toward the cottage, not willing to give the man the opportunity to bully her further.

  Although she knew that Michael was a strong man, she worried that his blindness to any wrong his brother might do would ultimately lead him to lose everything he had. Then there was the safety of his heir. What would happen to him when he was the only thing between Lord Blackstone and his goal of winning the Dukedom?

  She could not allow the people she loved to be hurt by such diabolical actions. However, the only way she could convey what she knew was to write Michael a letter and hope he would read it, for if she appeared at his door, he would only ask her to leave, just as he had done the night of the ball.

  With the words forming in her mind, she hurried her steps, eager for this one chance to warn the man she loved and hopefully save him and his son.

  ***

  It had taken her more than an hour to compose it, several versions strewed across the floor or lay wadded into tight balls. The final copy contained words that came from her heart and soul, and she prayed that Michael would read it and believe what she had written. Whether or not he took her advice and acted upon it was out of her control, but she would sleep better knowing she had done what she could.

  As she worked, David and Anne had packed what they would take with them on their journey, and they agreed to take the letter to Wellesley Manor on their way.

  “Anne, I do not know how to thank you for doing this for me,” Jane said, handing her cousin the letter she had painstakingly written.

  “‘Tis no bother, Love,” Anne replied as David called out from the front of the house. The woman turned and shouted, “I’ll be right there! Have patience!” Then she turned back to Jane. “I’ll drop this by straightaway. Hopefully he’ll see what you say is true.”

  “That is what I hope,” Jane said with a sigh. “Even if he does not believe me, perhaps he will begin to question his brother’s motives. If even that happens, I will be happy.”

  Anne placed a hand on her shoulder. “You are a good woman, Love, and deep down in his heart, he knows that.”

  David came to the door, his face red and his breathing heavy. “The horses are ready and so am I,” he grunted and then headed back out.

  “We will return next week,” Anne said and then gave her a hug.

  “Have fun and enjoy your visit,” Jane said.

  Anne rolled her eyes and lowered her voice. “With his parents, I doubt that will happen.”

  Jane giggled as she followed her cousin through the front room and out the door. She watched as they got into the buggy, David complaining about the receding sun, even though they had plenty of time to get to his parents’ home before the sun set. With a wave, the pair were off and soon they were out of sight.

  Jane sighed as she closed the door and offered up a prayer that Michael would heed her words, for his life, and that of his son, depended on it.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Michael walked along the garden path with his son Samuel by his side. Although he smiled at the boy as the two conversed, inside he felt anything but happy. In fact, he was crestfallen. No matter how hard he tried, he could not eliminate the images that continuously played in his mind the events of ten nights prior, when he had sent Jane away. The moment the words left his mouth, a part of him inside died. A light had gone from his world, a beautiful light that only she could provide.

  Of course, anger for her transgression still coursed through him. How could she have stolen from him? Even worse, how could he have trusted her? Although he loathed to admit it, Robert had been right all along. Since Elizabeth’s death, all counsel Michael had received from his brother had been valid. Yet, on this matter he had ignored his brother’s pleas to remove the woman from her position. Now he was paying the price, if not in a financial capacity, certainly within his heart.

  “Father?” Samuel said as they reached the far end of the garden. “I wish Miss Harcourt was here.”

  Michael looked down at his son and placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “I understand, but I have put out adverts to find you a new governess. Do not worry, you will be back to your studies in no time.”

  Samuel frowned. “Why can Miss Harcourt not return? She made me happy.”

  Michael nodded, unable to voice that she had also made him happy. How could he tell the boy that the woman who he saw as a replacement for his mother had stolen from him and that she had only used them both to get into Michael’s good graces? Such words would only crush the boy and would serve no purpose. At least, not until the boy was old enough to understand.

  Therefore, Michael replied in a different way. “Oftentimes people must leave to conduct other business. Remember, I was her employer, so she was paid to complete the requirements of her position. Sometimes other opportunities arise and they must change their plans. Miss Harcourt did not wish to leave, but circumstances led her to do so.” Granted, what he said was not an outright lie, but it was very nearly close.

  Samuel seemed to consider Michael’s words and then he nodded.

  Michael ruffled the boy’s hair. “Now, go and play for a while.”

  “Yes, Father,” Samuel replied, though he did not run as he once had.

  Michael sighed. The boy no longer carried the glow of happiness he once had, but there was nothing Michael could do about it. Children were resilient, so once a new governess was found, everything would return to normal.

  His mind returned to Jane and that fateful night. It made no sense for her to steal what he had offered her as a gift, especially on that particular night. Perhaps she saw an opportunity to take the blame off herself while the house was filled with guests.

  Walking over to a bench, he took a seat as Samuel began poking at the ground with a stick. Michael’s thought continued on their journey. The night before the party, she had confessed her love for him and his for her. He thought he had read the truth in her eyes, but had he wished it to be true to the point that he saw only what he wished to see?

  Frustrated, he rubbed his temples. She had placed blame on Catherine for what had transpired, but what could Catherine hope to gain by having Jane dismissed? She had nothing to gain by such a tactic, and he could see no motive. Catherine had always been a kind and polite woman who had taken a great fondness to Samuel. The more he dwelt on it, the more he felt his mind falter. Perhaps all his thoughts stemmed from a failing mind.

  “Your Grace?”

  Michae
l turned to see Jenkins standing stoically behind him, a letter in his hand.

  “Thank you,” Michael said as he accepted the letter from the butler. He slipped a finger under the wax, unfolded the paper, and began to read the careful script.

  Dearest Michael,

  I know you are angry with me, but I beg you to listen to what I have to say. It is with great regret that I inform you that your brother and his wife, along with Dalton, are conspiring against you to convince you that your mind is not as strong as it should be.

  He laughed aloud and placed the letter on the bench beside him. He would not listen to the rantings of a woman who would deign to steal from him. How could she expect that his brother would be conspiring against him? To what end?

  Picking the letter up, he went to tear it to pieces as a final act of shutting Jane from his life forever, but he found he could not do so. Instead, he found himself reading her words once again.

  You are not going mad. I do not know how, but they have convinced you that your mind is gone, or at least in the process of going. Please, do not listen to what they say, for your brother wishes to see you declared insane so he can take over your title and estate.

  The more he read, the greater his anger grew. To what lengths would the woman go to try to win him back? Apparently to any.

  Doubt me until your last breath if you wish, but ask your son what he knows about the scheming his aunt and uncle have done. I know you would not doubt his words.

  With love,

  Jane

  What would Samuel know about the conspiracies of his elders? He was only a child. Surely she had not convinced the boy to lie?

  Gripping the letter in his hand, Michael called out to Samuel, who came running over as he threw his stick aside.

  “Samuel, come sit beside me,” he said as he attempted to keep his voice level. He had no cause to become angry with the boy.

  Samuel did as his father asked. “What is it, Father?” he said, concern written on his face. Perhaps Michael had not hidden his irritation as well as he thought.