The Duchess gathered herself, her mask of indifference falling once more into place, then glided past Eliza and out of the door with the Marquess in tow. When they were safely out of hearing distance, Eliza moved forward to look down at the crow as Duncan lifted it from the floor. “Well that was certainly interesting,” she noted as she knelt to pick up the broken vase.
“Yes, it was. The late Duke has left quite a mark on his family. The Duchess always seemed so cold and distant, it never occurred to me that she suffered so,” Duncan admitted. “Our actions affect more people than we realize in this life, even after we are long removed from the living.”
“’Tis true,” Eliza agreed. When she was done picking up the shattered vase, she rose to her feet, and a maid came forward to take the pieces from her. Another maid swept the floor clear of the remaining slivers of ceramic and dust. “I suppose I should go and finish preparing the children for a visit from their mother.”
“It is doubtful that she will make an effort to see them,” Duncan replied.
“I do not understand,” Eliza stated before she could stop herself. “Forgive me. I spoke out of turn.”
“There is nothing to forgive. I do not understand her reasoning either. I suspect it has something to do with her feelings about the late Duke,” Duncan replied. “I hope Arthur asks Denlington if he knows anyone by the name of Mark who might have done such a thing. If he does, it would certainly aid in our search for the man.”
“Perhaps the Duchess might know,” Eliza suggested.
“Perhaps,” Duncan agreed nodding his head. “While you go and prepare the children, I will see if Arthur needs assistance.”
The two parted ways, and Eliza went to attend to her duties as a governess. The children sat and waited to see if their mother would summon them, but she never did. When they heard the door to Duncan’s bedchamber open then close, they sat staring at the door to their temporary nursery, but when it opened it was Duncan, not the Duchess, who entered.
“They have gone,” he announced a grim expression on his face. “Arthur would like to speak with the children.”
Eliza nodded wondering what had happened to make him look so sober. She and the children followed him down the hall to Arthur’s bedside. When Arthur held out his arms to his siblings, they crawled into the bed next to him and ever so carefully laid their heads on either shoulder.
“I know this is a difficult time for all of us, but I want you each to know that we are safe here with Uncle Dunc at Durton Manor in spite of what happened while you were away. I only ask that you do not go outside without the supervision of Uncle Dunc or Mr. White.” Arthur reassured the children. Turning to Eliza, he met her eyes and said, “The same applies to you as well, Miss Bolton.”
Eliza was surprised to hear him use her surname when he had just that morning called her by her given name. She wondered if he had done it for the example of the children or if it heralded something much worse. “Yes, Your Grace,” she answered with equal formality.
“I am sorry that Mother did not have time to speak with you, but I am sure you have her best wishes. Now, Mr. White has arranged a wonderful luncheon for each of you in the dining room. He said the cook made you your favorites. I need to speak with Uncle Dunc and Miss Bolton alone, so run along, and I will see you after,” Arthur instructed.
The children obeyed and followed the butler to the dining room. When they had gone Arthur turned his attention back to Eliza. “Denlington’s men are out of control, as are the noblemen that he and my father were blackmailing. He claims that without my father’s iron fist and the power of the Rosenhill dukedom behind him, that these attempts on my life could only be the beginning. In his opinion there are multiple assailants, and they could be any one of my father’s many enemies.”
“He practically announced that if Arthur did not join with him now to quell the unrest, that none of us might make it out alive, including himself,” Duncan informed her. “I do not know what it is about that man, but every time I see him, I wish to challenge him to a duel.”
“I understand the inclination.” Arthur frowned. “I do not like this situation he and my father have created. I am greatly displeased by Denlington’s news. I find myself wondering as to its accuracy.”
“It is unclear, as I am unaware of the identity of his agents or victims, but I do not believe it was an easy thing for him to admit that he was not in control. I cannot say I am fond of his appraisal for how to remedy the situation, but his warning does bear merit,” Duncan remarked.
“The chasm ever widens, pulling more of what I love into its gaping jaws. Father is more dangerous dead than he was alive. That is indeed something I never thought would be so,” Arthur shook his head in frustration. “I have risked my own life and reputation in attempting to undo his misdeeds, but it is not enough. I am only one man without adequate time to rectify his most heinous misdeeds in a swift enough fashion to have prevented our current misfortune.”
“It is not your fault. Do not blame yourself, Arthur. You have done far more than any other nobleman would have done including myself,” Duncan attempted to alleviate Arthur’s frustration.
“And yet it is not enough,” Arthur noted. “I believe the time has come to invite my father’s victims to meet with me and discuss a more open means of restitution.”
“You wish to bring them here to Durton Manor?” Duncan asked.
“If you will allow it. I know it is an inconvenience, but I see we have no other choice. I have come to believe through all of this, that returning their money is not enough. They obviously feel a need to air their grievances. I would prefer they do so verbally and not violently,” Arthur requested permission.
“Of course. You know my home is your home, but it will be nearly impossible to keep you safe under such circumstances,” Duncan warned.
“I fear we haven’t much of a choice remaining to us,” Arthur replied.
“What about the children? They are blameless in all of this. They do not deserve to have their father’s sins paraded before them open for display,” Eliza asked concerned for their welfare.
“The children do not have to be involved, but it would be best to show a united family front to deter future violence and ill feeling,” Arthur answered.
“How can you guarantee that his victims will come? It is doubtful that a peer of the realm will wish to admit to others that he has been blackmailed,” Duncan inquired.
“True, but I do not intend to tell them for what purpose they are coming, or that there will be others present,” Arthur admitted.
“Is that not a bit underhanded deceiving them like that?” Eliza asked.
“They have endured worse,” Arthur pointed out.
“I suppose they have, but were it I, it would make me angry,” Eliza admitted.
“I am open to other ideas, but our options are limited,” Arthur replied.
“Let us attempt your plan, but be prepared for its failure,” Duncan hesitantly agreed.
“Thank you, my friend,” Arthur stated nodding his head in respect and gratitude.
“Do not thank me yet,” Duncan jested. “We must still lure them here and get them to listen to reason.”
“Perhaps if all but one arrive, then we will know our assassin,” Arthur suggested.
Eliza sat back watching the exchange. As much as she wanted the threats to end, she was not at all sure such a plan would work or even be safe. She wished to offer her support and encouragement, but the only thing she could imagine happening was failure.
This is going to fail horribly, and when it does there may not be any of us left to pick up the pieces.
Chapter 18
It was decided that a dinner party hosted by Duncan would be the less threatening form of invitation, and missives were sent out to noblemen bearing a black mark in the late Duke’s ledgers. The question of how to get Arthur down the stairs to speak with the guests without causing further damage to his healing body was of great concern to th
em all, and it was decided that a number of grooms and footman would ever so carefully carry him down upon a chaise lounge.
Arthur was not happy about the situation, but he was forced to bow to his body’s dictates. He was concerned that it would put him in a weakened position when facing his foe, but Duncan had argued that they could use it to their advantage playing upon the sympathies of those who did not desire his death. Arthur realized that it could have been anyone who had hired the man sent to kill him, but it was more likely that it was one of the noblemen who could have afforded the hiring of an assassin.
As the house bustled around him preparing for the evening’s events, Arthur lay upstairs planning what he hoped to say to his father’s victims. It was an unpleasant chore to be sure, but addressing them all at once in such a fashion would save him years of individual rectification attempts.
If I am successful, this night the honor of Rosenhill will be greatly restored. Were we to not uncover the man who wishes to end my life as long as my fellow noblemen will listen and allow me to make amends it will be worth it.
They had opted to leave the Marquess of Denlington out of the party, as his presence would have done nothing but instigate further trouble and ill feeling. Arthur wished that Denlington would see the error of his ways and cease his criminal activities. Arthur was concerned that even though he might return the money his father took from his victims, Denlington would continue to harass them. He doubted that Denlington would be able to maintain what little control remained to him over the situation after Arthur gave the men back their money.
Without the protective influence of the Duke of Rosenhill behind him, Denlington would not last long before someone attempted to take his life or prosecute him under the law. Arthur did not understand why his mother tolerated the Marquess’ company, but he did not desire to forbid her access to her only friend, nor did he wish to cause a scandal, so had not alerted the authorities himself as to the Marquess’ activities.
I am not sure that I have made the right decision in that regard, but what proof do I have of his criminal conduct?
Arthur had no actual evidence of Denlington’s misdeeds as his father’s ledger only proved that the late Duke had been involved. The ledgers never once named Denlington as an accomplice. Arthur was sure if he looked hard enough, he would have found witnesses, but dragging his family’s name into a despicable scandal was beyond anything he could acceptably do.
It occurred to him that he was putting his own family’s wellbeing before others, and he felt a heavy weight of guilt over the realization, but he could not bring himself to do it. The best he could do was to make restitution to the people that had been hurt and attempt to bring Denlington’s reign to an end.
And accomplish it before I meet my own end.
The idea of leaving his siblings alone in the world their father had created was unthinkable, but the pain his body felt from the carriage accident was a constant reminder that he was merely mortal. He was beyond grateful that Duncan had kept his word and brought the children to Durton.
Now if I can only keep them safe and provide them with a future and a legacy to be proud of.
Duncan entered the room, interrupting Arthur’s thoughts. “It is time, my friend.”
“Eliza has the children occupied and away from our guests?” Arthur asked. He did not wish to involve them unless he had to.
“Yes, all is as we planned. Everyone has arrived and believe themselves to be here for a common dinner party at my invitation. They are all in the library consuming brandy and smoking cigars,” Duncan reassured him.
“I am ready,” Arthur gave permission, and six male servants entered the room, transferred him to the waiting chaise lounge, and carried him from the room.
The descent on the stairs was a bit difficult to execute; however, the men were strong and steady allowing them to deliver Arthur safely to the bottom and into the library. The looks of surprise, anger, and fear that crossed the waiting men’s faces was unmistakable. Arthur’s heart went out to each of them for the torment they had suffered at the hands of his father.
“Gentlemen,” Arthur began. “I am grateful to have you all present here this evening. I wish to begin by reassuring you that I mean you no harm in any way. I have gathered you all together to put your minds at ease and to make recompense for the losses you have suffered at the hands of my late father, the Duke of Rosenhill.”
The men exchanged looks with one another of curiosity and confusion. “I can attest to the sincerity of His Grace’s words and stand as surety of their honesty,” Duncan promised.
“As some of you already are aware, I have been attempting to make amends for my father’s actions since the day of his death. Some of you have already had your money returned to you and received my most heartfelt apologies for the harm my father caused you. Others have not yet been addressed. As you can see, I am currently unable to travel and have called you all together to put an end to this matter as best we can,” Arthur met each man’s eyes in turn with respect and compassion.
“I can attest to Rosenhill’s words. He came personally to my home, traveled a fair distance, to make amends. It was his actions that gave me the courage to stand up to Denlington and withstand the fear of scandal his blackmail attempts caused,” one of the noblemen bravely affirmed. It was a difficult thing to stand in front of one’s peers and admit to being blackmailed. To do so instantly confirmed that one had something to hide, and any man who came forward ran the risk of being ostracized.
“Thank you for your brave words, Μy Lord,” Arthur replied. “I appreciate your support in this matter.”
“You are not your father. You have made that clear. You are an honorable man worthy of respect and a chance to prove yourself as a faithful friend. I, for one, would prefer to have a friend at Rosenhill rather than an enemy,” the nobleman answered. Several heads nodded around the room and some of the men murmured among themselves about his words.
“How do you propose to make amends? You cannot undo the past,” another nobleman asked. “You may return our funds, but how do you propose to return to us the years of fear and worry? You cannot.”
“You are correct, My Lord. I cannot undo the past or return those years to you, but I can alleviate some of your fears and worry by swearing to you that I will not ever use the information my father possessed against you. I am not aware of the secrets my father held over each of your heads, but even were I aware, I would still choose not to use them. Your confidences are safe with me, and I wish to assist each and every one of you to regain power over your own lives,” Arthur informed them.
“What about Denlington? Can you control him? Can you force him to cease his harassment?” the second nobleman asked.
“No, I cannot. I have attempted to keep all of us from scandal by not reporting his actions to the authorities. I also lack proof of any kind that he is involved in any criminal activities. If any of you wish to risk the scandal upon your houses, I will support you if you can provide proof and testimony. Are any of you willing?” Arthur looked around the room but found that each man averted their eyes when he met them. “No one?”
The room remained quiet for several moments. Arthur nodded his head in acceptance. “I see. I indeed understand more than you know. I do not wish to bring any more shame on my family name than has already been brought. and I do not expect you to risk what I myself have not been willing to do. Part of me feels guilty that I have not taken further action, while another part of me is grateful to each and every one of you that you have not either.”
Several men nodded their understanding of his words. No one wished to risk social ostracization by bringing attention to a scandal such as the one that faced them. Being a nobleman of high rank did not make one immune from the social strictures of society. If anything, it made one more of a slave to them.
Arthur continued on, sharing his theory about Denlington with them. “I believe that we can work together to bring Denlington’s threats to a
n end. Without my father, the criminal empire they once built is falling apart. This gives us a unique opportunity to fight back. If we all stand together as one to resist him, then he will no longer have any power over us. His men are rebelling, and I am not convinced that he held the secrets against you. I am more and more convinced that they died with my father.”
“What makes you believe such a thing?” the second nobleman inquired.
“If he possessed them, would he not have used them against those of you who refused to pay? It has been over a year since my father’s death. If he had your secrets, he surely would have ruined you by now,” Arthur pointed out.
Shocked realization swept through the men causing a great deal of murmuring mingled with sighs of relief. A few of them actually broke out into full-blown laughter slapping each other on the back in congratulations.
When the noise quieted, Arthur continued. “As you may have heard, I was in a terrible carriage mishap which has resulted in my current bedridden state. This was not an accident, but was an attempt on my life. There have been others since. These attempts resulted in the death of two other men, one of which was my driver. If any of you know anything about the person responsible, I would appreciate your coming forward. I am reasonably sure that the assassin was hired to fulfill another man’s vendetta.”
The Defiant Governess of Rosenhill Manor: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 19
