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

by Fenella J Miller

  Being on deck was quite wonderful even though crossing the Bay of Biscay was decidedly bumpy. They completed the run down the French coast in excellent time and on the sixth day sailed into Corunna. She’d never thought to travel and yet here she was, without a gentleman to take care of her apart from John, about to set foot on foreign soil.

  John had a leather satchel over his shoulder with his belongings contained within it. Her trunk was of moderate size and neatly bound with leather straps. This made it easier to transport. Knowing it would be hot in Spain she’d only brought lightweight gowns and one cloak in case the weather was inclement.

  They disembarked too late to continue their journey that day but John found them decent lodgings and they then sat down together to a tasty dinner. Eating with one’s servants would be unheard of in England but she stood on no ceremony as after all she was little more than a servant herself.

  ‘I find it extraordinary that dinner is eaten so late by the Spanish. I suppose we’ll have to adapt to their routine in future.’

  ‘You being able to speak the lingo, miss, made things a deal easier,’ John said as he finished the last mouthful of a tasty rice and fish stew. ‘I’m going to go in search of a carriage and guide, miss, and whilst I’m out I’ll discover exactly where the British army is. Do you wish me to enquire after Mr O’Riley?’

  ‘Sergeant Major O’Riley, John. Yes, that would be helpful as we would then know how far ahead of us he is.’

  ‘He’s got Bruno. I doubt we’ll catch up before he gets to Wellington, but you never know, something might delay him.’

  On that cheerful note he excused himself and went about his business. She decided to write to her grace as she’d been told that post would be taken by any ship that was returning to England. The landlady explained that a letter could be handed over at an inn near the port and the postage would be paid there.

  Ellie was reluctant to go out with the letter on her own. ‘I don’t know what they’re saying to me, miss, it’s not natural. They should speak English like proper Christians.’

  ‘No doubt they think the same of us. They might be Roman Catholics, but they’re still Christians. We shall go together. I know we don’t have John with us but it won’t be dark for an hour or two. The Señora said it was perfectly safe for ladies to walk about on their own in daylight.’

  On the walk back to their lodgings John joined them. ‘I’ve good news on both fronts, Miss Westley. It was cheaper to buy a carriage and hire a guide than to hire them both. I’ve got a barouche, so let’s hope it don’t rain. There’s a canopy that’ll keep you shaded. I bought two decent nags to pull it.’

  ‘Oh, well done. What did you find out about Wellington?’

  ‘Now, that’s not so good news. He’s blooming miles away. Two hundred and fifty or thereabouts.’

  ‘Goodness me, that will take us much more than a week to accomplish. What did you learn about Patrick?’

  ‘He’s already met up with some troops. He’ll not travel as fast as we will and with luck we’ll overtake him before he gets there. He left Corunna ten days ago.’

  ‘I do hope so. Finding him in a vast encampment might prove diffcult.’

  ‘We need to leave before dawn, get some miles in early as it gets too hot to travel after eleven o’clock.’

  ‘I take it there was no language difficulty, that our guide speaks English?’

  ‘Enough, miss. Seems a good sort of cove. I’ll be waiting outside with the carriage tomorrow. I’ve settled the account for the accomodation.’

  The first town of any size that they would reach was called called Lugo and there they’d be able to spend the night in reasonable comfort. It appeared that until they arrived at a place called Astorga their accommodation would be primitive at best and non-existent at worst. The distance between the two towns was over one hundred miles. John thought they would be fortunate to travel thirty miles in a day.

  ‘A stagecoach travels at eight or nine miles an hour, John, surely even on these tracks we should be able to do five or six.’

  ‘I reckon we might, miss, but remember we can’t be out in the heat of the day which means only six hours on the road. We have to let the horses rest or they’ll not make the jouney.’

  ‘How fast do you think the soldiers will be able to walk?’

  ‘Not more than three miles an hour, I reckon, which means we’ll make up the time nicely.’

  John had thought of everything and on the empty seat in the vehicle were the necessities for camping overnight. He’d also packed cooking utensils, cutlery, plates and a variety of beans and other food items. She was determined look upon this as an adventure and not something to be dreaded.

  Her ability to converse in Spanish even at a basic level made things so much easier. The villagers were delighted to find an English lady who could speak to them in their own tongue and were most hospitable. They were invited into farmhouses to sleep and had no need to overnight in the open on this part of the journey.

  The heat was draining and after a few days she’d abandoned her heavy petticoats and corset and was now travelling in a plain grey gown that she’d once used as a governess. She thought that she and Ellie were indistinguishable now from their appearance, but somehow no one mistook her for the servant.

  On the fifth day they were approaching Astorga and she was looking forward to being able to wash her hair and her person with more thoroughness than she’d been able to so far. Every part of her was grimy and she did so hate not being clean.

  One thing this journey had demonstrated quite clearly to her was that she wasn’t really cut out to be a soldier’s wife. Following the drum was not for her – what she would do if Patrick had been obliged to re-enlist she’d no idea.

  That night her monthly courses came and she began to think that her impetuous adventure had been a dreadful error of judgement. She could hardly turn back now having come so far but wished with all her heart that she hadn’t left the comfort and cleanliness of Radley Manor.

  *

  Patrick got to know the officers and began to revise his initial opinion about their suitability. It was more ignorance than anything else that had caused them to behave so badly. They had all been recently promoted from ensigns having spent their first few months in Colchester supposedly learning the basics of command, but in fact spending most nights getting roaring drunk.

  They were all from wealthy and titled families, hence the rapid and undeserved promotion, but as second and third sons they had no inheritance to speak of so must make their own way in the world.

  They passed through two small towns but didn’t seek accommodation in either. He sent two of the corporals in to buy fresh produce and several skins of wine. The men would probably prefer ale but there was none to be had. One week into their march and they’d noticably improved under his tutelage and were gradually learning how to control their troops.

  ‘How far have we come, Sergeant Major?’ Lieutenant Digby asked one evening as they were sitting around his campfire. Officers didn’t as a rule mingle with other ranks but these three congregated with him most nights eager to hear his stories and garner whatever knowledge they could before joining a regiment.

  ‘Close to one hundred and twenty five miles by my reckoning. If we’re able to keep up this pace we should be there in between a week to ten days.’

  ‘Good show. I think the men have settled into a routine. I’m not sure they enjoy being drilled for an hour during our rest period.’

  ‘They need to be able to form rank and square, load and fire smoothly as if it was second nature to them. It will save their lives when it comes to battle.’

  Corporal Bevan had appointed himself orderly to the gentlemen and between them they’d eliminated the excessive drinking and the officers were beginning to look more as they should. Whoever inherited them would be grateful for his input. Bevan poured them all another mug of coffee.

  ‘Your time in India with Major Sinclair, I beg your pardo
n, his grace, was something I’d like to have experienced myself. Mind you, I’m not sure I’d have enjoyed the heat. I’m finding Spain quite hot enough for me, I can tell you,’ Digby said as he slurped. ‘This would taste a damn sight better with a slug of brandy in it. I don’t suppose you have any?’

  ‘I don’t, sir, and you finished the last bottle two days ago,’ Bevan lied smoothly.

  ‘It’s damn cold in the winter here, especially in the mountains,’ Patrick said as he stood up. ‘Excuse me, sirs, I need to check the lines before getting some shut-eye.’

  ‘I’ll see to Bruno for you. He’s a magnificent animal – I don’t suppose you want to sell him?’

  ‘No, not mine to part with. His grace has loaned him to me.’

  Bevan joined him as he strolled around the encampment. They’d become good friends over the past few days. ‘Have you decided what you’re going to say to his lordship?’

  ‘I think it more likely that it will be what he says to me that will matter. It depends how things are going with the siege. I’m not much use to him under those circumstances but if they breach the walls he might well want me. I’m a fighting man and experienced in battle.’

  ‘Only officers are mounted so you might find your fine steed removed from your care.’

  ‘That might well have been the case if the horse belonged to me. I have the papers in my pocket proving his provenance and that the Duke of Denchester intends that I return him at some point. If they wish to buy him they’ll have to contact my friend.’

  He enjoyed sleeping under the stars, had done so on numerous occasions, and had no difficulty settling. The men had grumbled at first but were now accustomed to this existence. Most of them had come from the deprivation of a life in the slums of London and were now, for the first time, fed, clothed and had some structure to their lives.

  He suspected a dozen or more of the men had been given the option of enlisting or being tossed into prison for a variety of misdemeanours. As long as they followed orders and were brave in battle nobody gave a damn where they’d come from originally.

  The encampment rose before dawn and the men were ready to march an hour later. Occasionally someone in the ranks began to sing or play the penny whistle and others joined in. As he didn’t object neither did the officers.

  They were climbing steadily through high ground, steep cliffs on either side of the track. It was cooler here but hard work for the men. He rode ahead and found the perfect place to make camp and rest until the heat was more bearable. The contrast at night would be noticeable and they would need more than the cooking fire to keep warm. For the first time the men would be grateful to have heavy uniforms and a greatcoat rolled up and strapped to their knapsacks.

  He approached his officer and saluted. ‘Sir, two miles ahead there’s a clearing in the shade of the cliffs and fresh water available. There’s also grazing for the horses. Do I have your permission to halt the march an hour earlier today?’

  ‘You do, you know the men better than I do. I can hardly credit how every last one of them has managed to walk so far without complaint and with only minor injuries to their persons.’

  ‘Once the companies are attached to a brigade they’ll have to travel more quickly than this. The army marches as fast as circumstances demand – they might well also have to march overnight and then fight in the morning. This is by way of a gentle introduction.’

  ‘I would have insisted we travelled more quickly if there’d been any urgency. These three companies will not be essential to a siege.’

  ‘That’s correct, sir. Excuse me, I’ll inform the corporals of your orders.’

  Naturally enough being told they were to halt an hour earlier than usual was received with cheers. Patrick, after his initial reservations about returning to army life, was enjoying himself. Every day was different, his judgement and experience were needed. Hannah was forgotten until he was curled up under his greatcoat looking at the stars.

  They covered the short distance in record time and soon the makeshift camp was established, the men took it in turns to refill their water flasks with the cold, mountain water, and the appetising smell of roasting goat drifted from the campfires making his mouth water.

  Bruno and the other three horses were contentedly grazing on the lush grass that grew around the stream. He was sitting with his back against a cartwheel drinking tea and eagerly anticipating his midday meal. The bread purchased the day before would still be palatable if toasted on the end of a bayonet. The cool breeze was refreshing and all was well in his new world.

  Suddenly Bruno raised his head, his ears pricked forward and he whinnied, the sound echoing around the space. He was on his feet and heading for the horses before anyone else had reacted.

  ‘What’s wrong, old fellow?’ He’d heard that there were wildcats, lions and wolves up here in the hills and this would be the perfect place for one of them to pounce on an unwary horse. He couldn’t smell anything untoward. Then, faintly, he heard the sound of horses approaching. He shouted orders and the men were on their feet, their muskets ready to be loaded in seconds.

  Lieutenant Digby was at his side his eyes wide with apprehension. There was no sign of the other two young gentlemen. ‘Is it the French? Spanish partisans? Are we going to be attacked?’

  *

  ‘I think we should get out and walk, Ellie, it’s becoming quite steep and it’s not fair on the horses,’ Hannah said.

  John twisted round from his position on the box. ‘If you don’t mind doing so, miss, it will help.’

  He didn’t get down to help them out, they were both now practised at clambering from the barouche without assistance.

  ‘It’s ever so pretty up here, miss, like something in one of those books you showed me in the schoolroom.’

  ‘And so much cooler too. We’ll let the carriage go ahead at its own pace and we can stroll along behind it. At least we don’t need a parasol as we can walk at the edge of the track close to the cliff and hence be in the shade.’

  The carriage vanished around the bend in the track half a mile ahead leaving them alone. Initially she thought it eerily silent but then, as her ears adjusted, she could hear birds of prey calling to each other high up in the sky. The guide had said they were eagles. Imagine that! When she returned to the comfort of England she would have these memories and so, for that reason, was glad that she’d made this journey.

  When they rounded the corner the barouche was stationary. John must be waiting for them to catch up. Her stomach roiled as he was suddenly surrounded by soldiers. For a moment she couldn’t make sense of what she was seeing. Then Patrick appeared looking magnificent in his uniform. For some reason the red of his jacket didn’t clash with the red of his hair.

  She was running without realising she’d increased her pace. He was moving even more swiftly in her direction. She forgot her reservations and threw herself into his waiting arms.

  Chapter Twelve

  Amanda handed the letter she’d received from Hannah over to Richard to read. He scanned the neat writing and nodded.

  ‘It seems she’s not so far behind Patrick that she won’t be able to catch up with him before he reaches Wellington. I noticed two letters came for her from him – I suppose there’s little point in sending them back again.’

  ‘Hardly. What did Patrick have to say?’ When she heard that he’d already established himself as a competent and experienced soldier she was concerned.

  ‘Why do you look so bothered, sweetheart? Surely it’s better that he slips back into his role, travels at the army’s expense, than otherwise?’

  ‘I know that you were reluctant to take up your duties and title last year when you arrived. However, you changed your mind and apparently were happy to be in such a privileged position. Now I think you envy him. You find life here tedious and not to your taste.’

  ‘God’s teeth, why would you say such a thing? There’s been nothing but excitement this past year. In the past few months I�
�ve galloped across the countryside to rescue Patrick from the Provost Marshals, done so again to collect your mother, and married you. Then there was the excitement with Sarah and Paul and now this business with Carstairs. Hardly a week goes past without something out of the ordinary occurring.’

  ‘Which reminds me, Doctor Peterson went to see your prisoner this morning and reports that he is now able to use his jaw. He tried to escape, had to be restrained by the servants, and is threatening all sorts of things against the family for imprisoning him.’

  ‘Then I’ll speak to him. I asked Peterson to leave sufficient laudanum to knock Carstairs out so we can transport him to the docks. Did he give it to you?’

  ‘I locked it in your desk drawer, my love. I own I’ll be delighted when this particular excitement is over. The one person one would expect to be damaged by the encounter is Beth, but she’s quite forgotten what happened so Miss Parsons was telling me earlier.’

  She played for him until it was time to retire. There could be no lovemaking tonight as she had her monthly courses, much to her disappointment. This time she’d really thought she might be increasing as she’d felt nauseous first thing and her bosom was tender to the touch. Paula had told her these were quite often the early symptoms of pregnancy. Of course, the only certain way to know was when one’s courses had stopped coming for three months.

  As always at these times she slept in her own apartment thus indicating to him that she wasn’t available. What use was she if she couldn’t provide him with an heir? How would she remain cheerful when inevitably Sarah was in an interesting condition? Also, quite possibly Hannah was already expecting too.

  For the first time since her marriage she was unhappy. Mama, since the arrival of her companion, was no longer interested in her daughters, even Beth rarely got any of her attention. Having returned from Ipswich she’d then set out for Bath for an extended stay taking a retinue of staff with her.