The Duke's Predicament (The Reluctant Duke Book 3)

by Fenella J Miller

  It took a further day for the grounds to be restored to their usual immaculate condition. The highlight of the day, apart from her sister’s wedding, had been the ascent in the balloon and Richard had promised to get the aeronauts to come back in the autumn when Sarah and Paul were home from their trip.

  Hannah had settled into her new position and Beth, although somewhat more subdued than usual, showed no ill effects from her unpleasant experience. Dining was now something to be looked forward to and gave the ladies an opportunity to change into something elegant.

  A week after the wedding she was in her habit and ready to go out for a hack with Hannah who was becoming a competent horsewoman. Today they rode to a pretty wood about two miles from home but still within the boundaries of Radley Manor.

  ‘Shall we dismount here? We can let the horses graze and we can sit in the shade and enjoy the view.’

  ‘I was going to suggest that we did exactly that, as there’s something I need to discuss with you most urgently.’

  She was intrigued. It had to be something to do with Patrick and there was nothing she liked more than being involved in someone else’s affairs.

  ‘Tell me, is something amiss between the two of you?’

  ‘Exactly the opposite. We’ve never been happier and the more time we spend together the more we find we have in common despite the disparity of our backgrounds.’ She hesitated and her cheeks flushed.

  ‘Are you concerned about what happens in the marriage bed?’

  ‘Not exactly, but it is on that subject that I wish to get your opinion and advice.’

  When Hannah had finished explaining her reasons for wishing to entice Patrick into her bed without the benefit of clergy she was entirely behind the disgraceful scheme.

  ‘I’m surprised word hasn’t reached us that the banns have been called once already. I think it wise if you wait to put your plan into motion until you can legally tie the knot. Unfortunately, Patrick can drink quantities of alcohol without showing ill effects.’

  ‘I only have to have two glasses of champagne, or any wine, and become quite giddy.’

  ‘Then that’s what you must do. I’ll make sure that champagne is served that night and you can pretend to be in your cups. Patrick, being a gallant gentleman, will offer to carry you to your bedchamber. Make sure that your maid has the evening off.’

  ‘I’m not sure that will work. As you’ve just pointed out quite rightly, Patrick’s a gentleman and wouldn’t take advantage of such a situation.’

  ‘Once you have him to yourself I’m sure you can convince him that it’s you that’s taking advantage of him. I doubt that any gentleman who loves his lady as much as he loves you will be able to resist such temptation.’

  ‘Then perhaps we could hold an informal supper party and invite some neighbours next month?’

  ‘I’m not sure that would be a good idea as someone would be bound to mention that they’d heard your names mentioned at matins. Unless you’re prepared to confess to Patrick what you plan, I think it best if we don’t have anyone but family here for the moment.’

  ‘I’ve always considered myself a sensible person but since I fell in love with him I’m acting like a giddy schoolgirl. Being in love is very unsettling.’

  Neither of them brought up the subject of Patrick being considered a deserter because he didn’t report back for duty last year even though he’d only got a few weeks of his five years to complete. Richard seemed sanguine that there’d be no further Provost marshals turning up to arrest him.

  ‘By the by, there’s a candidate for your former position arriving tomorrow. Miss Parsons comes highly recommended and has had experience with a girl who has Beth’s disability.’

  ‘I find it quite remarkable that someone as volatile as her has accepted the change in her circumstances so readily. Spending just a few hours every day with her seems to have improved our relationship. I hope I can continue to do so when the new person arrives.’

  ‘You are as a sister to her now and can spend as much or as little time in her company as you wish. I know it will take a little time to adjust, but for Richard and I this new arrangement is ideal. There’s nothing he likes better than sitting reminiscing with his friend about his former life.’ She sighed. ‘I fear he misses the excitement, the comraderie, and finds married life dull by comparison.’

  ‘He was reluctant to take on his title and the responsibilities that came with it, I recall. It was falling in love with you that changed his mind.’

  ‘Oh, do you think so? There’s been so much excitement in the past year, I can’t understand why I feel so low in spirits at the moment.’

  ‘When you leave for your adventure in a few weeks you’ll feel more the thing. I envy you the opportunity to travel all over the world.’

  ‘Adventure? I know nothing about this.’ She jumped up her heart pounding. ‘I wondered why he’s been so secretive, sending people off with letters to heaven knows where. We must return at once so I can find out exactly what he’s planned.’

  ‘Oh dear, I’d no idea you didn’t know. Patrick didn’t tell me it was being kept a secret from you.’

  ‘I’m glad you did let the information slip. There’s nothing I like better than planning – sometimes I think the actuality less exciting than what comes before. I refuse to be excluded from this trip a moment longer.’

  *

  Hannah needed assistance to regain the saddle whereas her companion was able to mount without help by letting down the stirrup iron. They cantered most of the way back and she was somewhat relieved to arrive at the stable yard without having parted company with her docile mare.

  ‘I really shouldn’t have said anything. I think both Patrick and the duke are going to be cross with me.’

  ‘Fiddlesticks to that! I’m delighted that you told me so what the gentlemen think is irrelevant.’

  Hannah decided to invite Beth to go for a walk around the lake before luncheon. This would mean she would be able to keep her distance from those that would no doubt be wishing to give her a bear-garden jaw.

  After spending a pleasant hour or so with her former charge she was ready to brave the possible consequences of her blurting out the secret. In her favour was the fact that she’d no idea it was a secret, but she doubted that would help smooth things over.

  Patrick and his grace were arguing in the entrance hall and their voices echoed up the passageway. Something was amiss. She was about to run towards the staircase but then realised it was none of her business. She stopped but could hear quite clearly what they were saying and so would anyone else in the house.

  ‘God dammit to hell, Patrick. I thought this matter settled. They are damn fools at Horse Guards. Don’t do anything precipitate but wait until we hear from Wellington. My letters must have reached him and the reply be on its way.’

  ‘I’ve no choice. Either I re-enlist or I’m hung as a deserter. There’s no middle ground offered. I don’t intend to tell Hannah, better to spend our last evening happy. I’ll write her a letter which you must give her after I’ve gone.’

  ‘You have until tomorrow before you need to depart for London. At least this time they aren’t sending anyone to arrest you, but treating you as a gentleman.’

  ‘Small comfort, Richard. I’ve already made my decision. I won’t go to the idiots who wrote this letter but travel directly to Spain and hand myself in to Wellington. Hopefully, he’ll listen to reason, remember how well we served him in India, and let me go.’

  She didn’t wait to hear any more but slowly backed away biting her lip to stop the tears. They didn’t have three weeks – they didn’t have any time at all. Patrick had made his decision without consulting her and she’d done the same.

  Somehow she would pretend she didn’t know his dreadful news, say good night as always. But, once the house was quiet she would make her way to his bedchamber and force the issue. If her friend was correct, then if she presented herself naked in his bed he wouldn’t be able
to resist.

  She might never see him again and she’d no wish to die a maiden. If sharing her body with him gave her his child then that would be a bonus. If it meant she had to retire to a small cottage somewhere in the duke’s demesne, then so be it. Doing this would also mean that, whatever the temptation, she’d never accept an offer from a man she didn’t love. No gentleman would want used goods.

  Did she have the courage to join them in the drawing room and act as if her heart wasn’t breaking? She put her shoulders back, straightened her spine, and walked briskly to the staircase. Every moment she could spend with her beloved Patrick, however difficult it might be for her, wasn’t to be missed.

  The only positive she could take from this disaster was the fact that her indiscretion would no longer seem important to the gentlemen. The drawing room was empty but the doors that led onto the terrace were standing open and she could hear them talking outside.

  His grace was standing shoulder to shoulder with Patrick facing the garden and her grace was sitting on her own on one of the marble seats. Her friend looked as miserable as she felt. Something was wrong and she feared it was her fault.

  ‘Hannah, I was about to send out a search party. I saw you return from your walk with my sister half an hour ago.’

  ‘To be honest, I was somewhat worried about joining you after telling you something you weren’t supposed to know.’

  ‘I confronted him about this exciting foreign trip and he told me my information was incorrect. He has no plans to take me anywhere at present.’

  ‘How disappointing for you. Did you ask him why he’d changed his mind?’

  ‘I can’t tell you how upset I am at his behaviour. He brushed me off as if I was of no account, as if he had other things of more importance to consider. I’ll tell you verbatim what he said to me. “I did talk of such a scheme with Patrick, but never seriously considered leaving England. You shouldn’t listen to gossip.” I wanted to punch him but turned my back on him instead.’

  Hannah knew why he was distracted but this was a secret she intended to keep. Once Patrick had gone then her grace would know the reson why her husband was angry and upset. Hopefully, both of them would be so preoccupied by the departure, they would never hear about her tryst with her betrothed. She could remain in her apartment with her grief confident that they wouldn’t intrude until they thought her ready to rejoin them.

  ‘It’s not like your husband to be so dismissive. There must be something grave afoot to make our gentlemen so stern. I expect we’ll hear about it eventually but until then we must put on a façade, it wouldn’t do to upset your mama as her health is so precarious at present.’

  ‘As usual, my dear friend, you’ve provided the voice of reason. It’s a shame that Patrick told you as then I wouldn’t have known and therefore not been disappointed when the plans were cancelled.’

  ‘I expect that’s why he didn’t involve you. Now, when exactly is Miss Parsons due to arrive? Beth is eager to meet her new companion. Did I tell you that I took all three puppies out with us and they behaved impeccably – so much so that Beth has now decided that she likes dogs after all?’

  Eventually the gentlemen deigned to join them. If she hadn’t known what was to happen tomorrow then she wouldn’t have been aware that anything was wrong. They were both relaxed and joked and chatted as usual.

  ‘Why don’t we change for dinner tonight, my love, in honour of your mama feeling able to join us for the first time in an age.’

  ‘Thank you, Richard, that would be a kind thing to do. Mama is always in an elaborate ensemble whatever we might be wearing. In which case Hannah and I had better go up now as it takes far longer for us to change than it does for you.’

  Patrick walked with her to the door whilst the other two settled their differences. ‘I know you think I don’t suit black, sweetheart, so why don’t I wear my regimentals? You’ve yet to see me in them and I’d like to impress you.’

  For a second she was unable to answer and feared she would reveal that she knew his dreadful news. Then she rallied and stepped into his arms before he could retreat, thus hiding her tear-filled eyes from his inspection.

  ‘No, much as I’d like to see you looking so splendid, dearest Patrick, you would look rather out of place. Please wear your evening garments and I’ll endeavour to keep back my criticisms.’

  His arms closed around her waist drawing her hard against him. She loved the feeling of her bosoms being crushed into his battle-hardened chest. She tilted her face and he obliged by kissing her.

  ‘Enough of that, you might be betrothed but such open displays of affection will cause unnecessary comment.’

  The duke’s tone was stern, this wasn’t a suggestion but a command. Patrick dropped his hands reluctantly and she moved away and hurried off without answering. Heaven knows what this formidable, autocratic head of the household would do if he knew her plans for tonight.

  *

  Patrick watched his lovely girl leave knowing that when she got up tomorrow he would have gone, quite possibly for ever. He thanked God, not something he did often, that things hadn’t progressed any further between them and that the only woman he would ever love could now marry the doctor and have a good life without him.

  Richard had the sense not to touch him or offer any comment as he walked past. ‘My study, we both need a drink or two to get through tonight.’

  ‘Forgive me, I’m going for a walk to clear my head. I know I’m doing the right thing but it’s tearing me apart and I’m not good company at present. I always said that love isn’t for a soldier – that worrying about anything apart from killing the enemy is a distraction.’ Angrily he brushed his sleeve across his eyes. ‘Look at me, I’m unmanned by my feelings for Hannah. The thought that she will move on eventually and marry Peterson is like to kill me if a Frenchie doesn’t get there first.’

  ‘Don’t give up hope, your plan’s a sound one. I’m going to write a letter to Wellington myself and you can take that with you. I’m certain that Hannah will wait for you. Only if you’re forced to re-enlist and then get killed in action would she even contemplate another offer however beneficial it might seem.’

  He nodded, unable to speak, and swung round and strode across the terrace and down into the ornamental gardens. It took him a full hour to recover his composure, to harden his heart, to be able to face what was going to be the hardest battle of his life.

  They dined in formal splendour, three courses and half a dozen removes with each course, he ate what was offered but tasted none of it. The conversation was lively, the claret flowed and although he’d intended to abstain by the time the ladies rose he was feeling more relaxed.

  Richard nodded to him. ‘I’ve no wish to remain in here with you drinking port, I’d rather spend the evening with my lady.’

  The duchess was an excellent pianist and performed for a while, then they played a few hands of Whist and champagne was served. He exchanged a glance with Richard who shrugged.

  ‘I asked to have this celebratory drink served this evening, Richard, as I missed being able to congratulate Miss Westley and Mr O’Riley on their betrothal. Do you plan on having a long engagement?’

  Patrick answered for them as he thought Hannah had perhaps had one too many glasses of wine with her dinner. ‘Paul asked that we wait until he and Lady Sarah have returned from their wedding trip, your grace, so not until the autumn.’

  ‘So many weddings, so much excitement, it’s hardly surprising I find life here overstimulating. I shall be glad to return to the Dower House next year where I can be quieter,’ the dowager duchess said.

  Later coffee was served at supper time as most in this house preferred it to tea. Her grace then retired and Richard and his lady had drifted to the far side of the drawing room leaving him to spend time alone with his beloved.

  ‘I love you, Hannah, and count myself the most fortunate fellow in the country to have you reciprocate my feelings.’

  They were
sitting together on a chaise longue and she leaned into his shoulder and he had no option but to put his arm around her.

  ‘And I love you, Patrick, and always will. Whatever you might think to the contrary, if anything were to happen to you I’d not marry anyone else whatever the circumstances.’

  He tilted her face towards him for a horrible moment thinking somehow she knew he was leaving her tomorrow but her smile reassured him. He kissed her tenderly and she responded. This wouldn’t do – it wouldn’t do at all.

  He gently set her on her feet and then took her hand and kissed first the knuckles, and then the palm. ‘I think you’ve had too much to drink and to be honest, so have I. Do you think you can find your own way to your bedchamber or shall I carry you as I don’t think you’re too steady on your feet.’

  She giggled. ‘I’ve had a lovely time, my darling, but I’m quite capable of finding my own apartment. I’ve become quite proficient in the saddle, shall we ride before breakfast tomorrow?’

  ‘I’ve things to attend to for Richard, otherwise I’d have loved to. I shall go for a brisk walk around the lake to clear my head and then retire myself. Good night, my love.’

  Chapter Eight

  Hannah wanted to run after Patrick, to tell him that she knew he was leaving the next day, but instead she hugged to herself her own secret. She had deliberately drunk two glasses of wine and another of champagne to give her the courage to do something quite scandalous.

  Her maid was there to help her disrobe but was then dismissed and told not to return until the bell was rung. She could hardly credit how her life had changed this past year. In her nightgown she stood and gazed out across the grounds listening to the nightingales singing in the trees.

  Her father had been a vicar in a small village and his stipend had never quite covered the family’s expenses. She was the only child as her poor mama had delivered several stillborn babies before dying herself in childbed.

  Papa had withdrawn into himself, but still gave her an excellent education, and served his parishioners well. When he died there’d been nothing for her apart from the contents of the house. These she’d sold and then had had the wherewithal to start looking for employment as a governess.