He had promised himself he’d never forget the lessons he’d learned in war. Now that he was back, he would cultivate a way to help his men recapture their lives. For some men, they came home to nothing. Left to fend for themselves, sweethearts, wives, and families simply disappeared, never to be heard from again. Others came home wounded inside and out, with little hope of healing. Some of the men like Reed had to fend for themselves on the street.
Once he took his seat in Parliament, he planned to introduce legislation to provide more assistance to the valiant men who returned home without work and a place to live. He was going to lobby his peers at every social event he attended.
It all brought back what was missing in his own life. Only in the army did Christian find a place where he was part of something. However, when his father died, he had to return to Rand House.
He’d never call it home as he never truly belonged there.
He closed his eyes and tried to summon more pleasant thoughts. Again, it came back to Katherine. He could think about the softness of her skin. When she’d placed her hand in his as he offered assistance out of carriage, he had fought a mammoth battle not to squeeze her fingers. For underneath the kidskin gloves, there was an underlying suppleness and a gentle touch. He would wager on it.
But such tenderness belied a persistence that made her unique. She wasn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with him when there was something she wanted, namely him helping the wives out of this mess. Thankfully, he wanted the same thing.
“Captain, are you ready?” Morgan quickly and efficiently sharpened Christian’s razor on the leather belt.
“Yes,” Christian answered.
After Morgan applied the softening, creamy soap, he carefully stroked the blade against Christian’s skin.
“Tell me about this medicine Miss Ferguson gave you yesterday.” Christian closed his eyes as the ritual continued. “The two of you seemed thick as thieves when you walked into the study.”
“Willa is quite the medicine woman. She told me her father had lost his eye in a wheat thrashing accident. She said he was in terrible pain.” Morgan continued the shave as he spoke. “She created a salve from adder’s tongue and a few other herbs.” He lifted the blade from Christian’s skin and wiped it on clean linen toweling. “As soon as she applied it, the pain and itching stopped. This morning, the redness is down. Willa gave me a bitter tea made from privet to help with inflammation. I’m to drink it morning and night.”
“That’s astounding,” Christian murmured. “Did you see the other wives while you were at Lady Meri’s house?”
Morgan shook his head. “They’d retired by the time I arrived. Willa is very protective of those women, especially Lady Meri. Willa has been with her since she was a small child. She speaks of her as a mother would, with great affection and pride.”
Christian grunted. With the last swipe of the blade, the shave was finished. He took the toweling and removed the last of the soap from his face. “Did you discover anything else?”
“Willa told me Lady Meri is a self-made woman.” Morgan went about the task of cleaning the blade and putting away the shaving utensils. “She’s created a very successful business of making and selling linens. Apparently, the ton keeps her quite busy. So busy, in fact, she’s created a club of sorts.”
“What do you mean a club?”
The valet shrugged. “She has a shop in the Beltic Arcade that only allows women inside. It’s by appointment only. She’s invited other female merchants into the shop to sell their wares.”
“I’ve never heard the like. That’s a very exclusive area. Men aren’t allowed?”
Morgan shook his head. “A revolutionary idea, if I may say, Captain. It’s widely successful, according to Willa. All the ladies in town love to shop there. It’s like their own gentleman’s club, so to speak. It’s designed to discourage the riffraff from intimidating and heckling the ladies, Willa said. There are several men who haunt the area. When they tried to enter once, Willa barred them with a wave of her knife. Apparently, she keeps one on her person at all times. Lady Meri immediately hired an ex-pugilist to guard the doors, so they won’t try it again.”
“Unique to say the least.” Christian admired an industrious streak in any man or woman. It laid the foundation for success in life. It wasn’t surprising that Katherine enjoyed working. Quick and creative, she found solutions to problems.
Completely different from her husband, which made their marriage all the more unusual.
A smile tugged at his lips as he finished tying his own cravat. She confronted him at the theatre. Most of the women he’d met since he was back in London were in awe of him. But Katherine challenged him. She was completely refreshing from the other women he’d come across in his week back in town. He had nothing in common with them, but Kat was different. She was building something that very few could ever hope to accomplish, a successful and well-respected business.
Maybe Meri had recognized her as exceptional. Perhaps that’s why he married her.
A knock sounded on the dressing room door, and Wheatley entered.
“Your Grace, the carriage is ready.” The butler bowed slightly.
“Thank you.” He took a final look in the mirror as Morgan helped Christian into the form-fitting morning coat. He adjusted his cravat one last time. The sooner this fiasco was finished, the sooner he could concentrate on his work, helping his men find jobs.
Though, if Christian were honest with himself, he hoped there would be other reasons to see Katherine in the future. He started for the door, then stopped abruptly in his tracks.
With Katherine’s business acumen, she could help him create a business or a charity to help the men. She was a successful entrepreneur who had experience creating jobs. Instead of being wary of traveling to her home, he should look at it as an opportunity. After he finished speaking with the wives, he’d ask for her help.
Why hadn’t he thought of this before?
Then the truth hit him square in the chest.
Never before had he shared anything in common with his half brother, much less cared for the company Meri kept.
But now there was Katherine.
“Morgan, will you tell the driver that I’ll be there in a few minutes? I think I’ll stop by the conservatory and cut some roses before I travel to Lady Meriwether’s home. Best to be prepared.”
Chapter Six
The sound of the firm knock heralded the arrival of a visitor. Katherine stood on the staircase landing and took a deep breath as Willa opened the door. Their meeting today would hopefully set the course for her, Constance’s, and Beth’s futures. The duke stepped inside with his arms full of the most beautiful rose bouquets Kat had ever seen. The pink, red, and yellow blossoms made the ones available from the street vendors pale in comparison.
“Good morning, Duke,” Willa said solemnly as she closed the door.
“Good morning, Miss Ferguson.” The deep rumble of his baritone voice filled the entry.
“Call me Willa.”
He nodded briefly.
Kat quickly descended the remaining five steps and stood by her companion’s side. “Good morning.”
“Good morning.” His smile was pleasant, if a bit tentative.
Willa looked at the flowers in his hands, then slowly raised her gaze to his. “I don’t think flowers are going to fix the mess these women find themselves in.”
The duke examined the roses. “I suppose not, but I’ve always found that”—he glanced in Kat’s direction and held her gaze with his—“if you share a bit of yourself with others, it makes the conversation a little more cordial.” Keeping three bouquets in his other arm, Christian held out a small posy of red, pink, and yellow roses to Willa. “These are for you. Thank you for helping Morgan.”
For the first time Kat could ever recall, a gentle blush colored her companion’s cheeks.
“Ack. It was nothing,” Willa murmured, taking the small bouquet in her hands.
; “It was something to me. Morgan isn’t just my valet. I consider him a friend.”
“He said the same about you.” Willa brought the bouquet to her nose. “I thank you for these. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll finish making the tea tray,” she murmured, then left for the kitchen.
Kat waited until they were alone. “That’s lovely of you to think of her.” The roses’ sweet fragrance filled the air.
“I appreciate what she did for him.” Christian glanced about the entry. “You have a beautiful home.”
“Thank you.” Kat answered. To some, the turquoise walls and black and white floral upholstered pieces might appear garish. Yet it was nice of him to compliment her tastes. “I like color.”
“These are for you,” he said softly as he handed her a massive bouquet of red roses.
“They’re lovely.” Kat inhaled the sweet scent, then lifted her gaze to his. “They smell as beautiful as they look. Red is my favorite color.”
“It’s mine too.” He took a deep breath and rocked back on his heels, clearly a little unsettled.
“Perhaps you should share that with Morgan as he decorates your study.”
His gaze locked with hers, his eyes narrowing as if considering her statement. Eventually, he nodded. “Excellent idea.”
“Won’t you come in?” She extended her hand in the direction of a small hallway that would lead to the sitting room where Constance and Beth waited.
“Katherine, I’m a little…” He studied the two remaining bouquets in his hands and let a somber sigh escaped.
“Apprehensive?” she offered. “We all are.”
“Then, I’m not alone.” A rueful smile spread across his lips. “When I was at Rand House, I was looking forward to this visit, but all I could think about was what Meri has done to all of you.”
“Christian, it’s all right.” She lowered her voice. The dark depths of his eyes churned with emotion. “They don’t blame you. None of us do. But it’s a kind gesture you’re here. They were a part of your brother’s life.”
His gaze swept across the room again. “Because of him, three lives are teetering on the edge of ruination. I’ll try my best, but I hope they have additional thoughts on how I can help.” He swept his hand in front of them. “It’s time I meet these women. Lead the way, my lady.”
How could she have ever considered him too proper and staid beyond reason? The poor man stood there, clutching the other bouquets as if his life depended on it. She stilled for a moment. When she’d first met him, he didn’t want anything to do with the three of them. Yet, he was there ready to meet Constance and Beth because she’d asked him.
Well, perhaps badgered was a better word for it.
It didn’t make any difference. He was there to help.
She bent close and murmured, “They won’t snap at you.”
“If they do, I’ll growl back.” He smiled slightly with a nod.
Without hesitating, Katherine walked to the sitting room and stepped inside. “The duke is here.”
The ladies stood in the middle of the room. Beth raised her eyebrows. Constance blinked slowly, then nodded.
Katherine smiled at Christian as he stepped to her side. He would be perfectly fine with her friends.
When she turned to Christian to make the introductions, a genuine smile lit his face, and his deep brown eyes held a warmth she wanted to lose herself in. She sucked in a breath at the sight. He was a man with the natural ability to make any woman, no matter the age, swoon.
Beth dipped a curtsey.
“Your Grace, this is Miss Blythe Howell from Cumberland,” Katherine offered, then turned to Beth. “The Duke of Randford.”
“Your Grace.” Beth dipped a curtsy. “My friends call me Beth. I’d be honored if you would too.”
“Beth.” Christian nodded, then held out the bouquet of yellow roses. “For you.”
Beth’s eyes widened as she took the roses. “These are magnificent.”
“Thank you. I grew them myself.” He turned to Katherine, signaling he was ready to be presented to Constance.
“Your Grace, this is Miss Constance Lysander from Portsmouth,” Katherine said and turned to Constance, who looked woefully miserable standing before them. “The Duke of Randford.”
“Good morning, Miss Lysander. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Christian bowed slightly. “These are for you.” He handed the pink bouquet to her.
“The honor is mine, Your Grace. Thank you.” She looked at the bouquet, then smiled. “I can’t manage a curtsy, I’m afraid. Anything beside a little hand wave is out of the question at this time.”
“It’s not necessary.” He stepped to her side and held out his hand. “Let’s get you settled first. Allow me to help?”
Constance hesitated for a moment, then placed her hand in his. Slowly, he bowed over it in a show of respect, then cupped her elbow with his hand. Gently, he helped her as she sat down on the black-and-white striped sofa.
Tears blurred Katherine’s eyes for a moment.
Perhaps he was a man a woman could trust.
Yet, she’d trusted Meri, and look where she was now. She blinked carefully, willing herself to reconsider. Christian hadn’t lied to her. Nor had he abandoned her and the other wives. At least, not yet.
“It’s a little early for tea, but I think we all might need some for fortitude.” Katherine took a chair.
By then, Willa had brought in an elegant tea tray. Beth sat next to Katherine. Christian claimed the seat next to Constance.
As plates were prepared and tea poured, he looked around the room, examining the furnishings.
Katherine couldn’t help but notice the fraying of the rug, the one she’d bought used at the market or the scratches on the gilded table that she’d refinished herself. It sat between them and held the tea service. The duke might consider her home gaudy as she’d woven an accent of pink into the décor along with the turquoise and black motif from the entry.
His gaze slowly swept through the room until it rested on her.
She waited for what he would say. She was proud of the home she’d created for her and Willa. It wasn’t the finest of furnishings, but it was clean and reflected her tastes.
“Your home is warm and welcoming. It’s an expression of you,” he said. “Would it be acceptable if Morgan stopped by and saw what you’ve done here? It might give him some ideas for my study.”
Katherine let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “Morgan is welcome to visit anytime, Your Grace.”
He nodded before leaning forward, his clasped hands dangling in front of him. Silence stole between the four of them. The only sound was the gentle clink of the silverware against the plates and cups as Beth served everyone.
He took a sip of tea, then set down his cup and saucer. “If it’s any consolation to the three of you, I’m deeply sorry that you’re in this position.” His deep voice seemed to soothe the nervous energy in the air. “If there’s anything I can assist with or anything you need, I hope you won’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you.” Beth set her cup down also. “So far, I’m managing.”
“We’ll need to discuss the future and how to protect your reputations,” he offered.
Katherine sat on the edge of her seat and waited for him to offer more.
“Lady Meriwether is the easiest of the three of you. I’m ensuring she receives her dowry,” Christian said directly to her.
Katherine’s heartbeat had accelerated when he said her name. She forced herself to breathe evenly. Her worry about money had been eliminated, at least for a little while. She smiled slightly in acknowledgment.
Christian’s gaze swung to Constance. “Your situation, Miss Lysander, is more delicate.”
“In more ways than one, I’m afraid.” Constance placed a protective hand over her abdomen.
Christian watched Constance’s movement, then caught her gaze. “I’ll repay your dowry, hire the best medical care available, and move yo
u to one of my estates, where you can deliver the child. If that would suit you.” He cleared his throat and grimaced slightly. “Pardon me for being frank.” He released a breath as if coming to a decision. “This is uncomfortable, but if you want me to see about a family who would be willing to take the child, I can do that.”
Beth took a sharp breath.
Kat sat on the edge of her seat, ready to comfort Constance if needed. Sometimes that was the only solution for women in Constance’s position. They’d be shunned if they had a child out of wedlock, even if they thought they were legally married. Thank heavens her own mother had wanted Kat.
However, people of a lower class like her mother didn’t have many options if they faced a pregnancy and were not married.
Christian released a soulful breath. “On the way over here, I thought of something else. Perhaps I could raise the child in my household as my ward.”
Constance shook her head vehemently. “Thank you, Your Grace. I know you had to offer about another family, but I must decline. I’m sincerely touched you would offer to raise my child, but I’ve thought about this carefully. The babe is mine, and I will raise it.”
“Of course.” Christian’s expression stilled, and he grew even more serious. “I will support you both. You’ll have the protection of my dukedom. I promise you’ll have my help for as long as you need it.”
Constance shifted slightly and turned his way. “Thank you, but that won’t work. Once word gets out, I’m ruined and so is my child. Everyone in Portsmouth knows me and my family. They believe I’m Lady Meriwether. I own a ship renovation business I inherited from my father. It’s a respected institution, and when word gets out I delivered a child out of wedlock, I have little doubt that more people will suffer than just me and my child. Many of the employees have been there for generations. I don’t want the business to fail because of this.”
Christian blew out a breath, and the pain on his face tugged at Kat’s heart. “My half brother’s foolishness is like a pebble dropped in a calm pond. The ripples continue to spread.”
“I may have a solution for my situation.” Constance straightened her shoulders. “Do you by chance know Jonathan Eaton, the Earl of Sykeston?”
A Duke in Time--The Widow Rules Page 7