'Do you think she would be prepared to take on the responsibility of both carer and companion to my future mother-in-law? I can assure you she would be well remunerated and treated with the utmost respect.'
Paul was overwhelmed by this offer. The duke scarcely knew him and yet was prepared to go out of his way to help him and his beloved mother.
'I'm certain she would be delighted to take up your kind offer. I too would be honoured to be your estate manager. I shall resign as soon as Mr O’Riley's no longer in danger of being arrested and sent to fight.'
It soon became apparent that he knew more about running a large estate than the duke. His companion appeared unbothered by this lack of knowledge on his part.
'I've been a soldier all my life and had no expectations of having an estate to manage. Men – military matters – even financial things – I'm an expert with those. I worked as quartermaster for a year or two so know how to organise and balance the books.'
'I grew up thinking I would be inheriting a substantial demesne and spent much of my formative years following the estate manager around and learning as much as I could. I was too young to understand that my father was gambling everything away.'
*
Richard couldn’t believe his luck. Patrick could fulfil his role as his man of affairs admirably but knew as little about estate management as he.
'I assume that you only became an officer as you had no alternative.'
'That's correct, your grace. It didn't occur to me to apply for a position as an estate manager for which I'd be better suited.'
'If you had, then it would have been my loss. I have an escritoire in my apartment. Come with me and you can write at once to your mother and tell her the good news. Where is she residing at present?'
'In Hertfordshire, your grace. I think I'll write to Horse Guards and tender my resignation at the same time. I'll state the reason for my sudden decision as my dismal failure to capture the deserter.'
'I'll send my carriage to collect Lady Marchand. I have a second team that will go as well as the horses that are here.'
'I would like your permission to go with it and explain in person what will be expected of Mama when she arrives. I should have made it clear that she's little more than forty years of age and looks younger. She was married at the tender age of sixteen.'
'I worked that out for myself, Marchand. Let’s repair to my apartment as I wish to write to Amanda. I can then frank the letters and get them sent by express.'
He dashed off a short note to Amanda.
My dearest Amanda
I shall be returning with your mother tomorrow and everything has been resolved. I am looking forward to our wedding.
Richard
He read it through, sanded it, and was about to fold the paper neatly and seal it by pressing his ducal ring into the molten wax.
'God’s teeth, Marchand, what can you possibly be writing that's taking you so long?'
The young man looked up and grinned. 'Are you telling me, your grace, that you have already finished your billet-doux?'
'I'm not given to romantical flourishes. A letter is for conveying information – nothing more.'
'Lady Amanda is about to become your wife, your grace…'
'And that's another thing, I'm damned sick of being referred to so formally. Call me Sinclair if you must or Richard if you will. I'll call you Paul.'
'I was saying, Richard, that you should be telling your bride-to-be how much you love her, how much you miss her, give her something to put under her pillow and dream about.'
'Would you care to read it?'
'Good God – I should think not. I'm only suggesting that you do more than just convey facts.'
'I suppose it's rather brief and to the point and certainly not in any way a love letter. As you still have your resignation to pen I'll start again.'
My dearest love
You will be relieved to know that I'll be returning tomorrow with your mother. Things have been rectified and I'll give you the details on my return. She is unwell, not deliberately behaving badly.
He stared at the paper unable to think of what he might write to the girl he loved more than life itself. The girl without whom he would be bereft. Now he understood what Paul was trying to tell him. It was all very well thinking such things but he needed to grit his teeth and put them down on paper.
I'm sorry to have left you with the arrangements for our wedding. I love you, darling girl, and cannot wait to tie the knot.
Richard
His companion looked up with a smile. 'I take it you've been more successful this time. I have finished the correspondence for my mother and will be done with the letter to Horse Guards in a few moments.'
When all three missives were sealed and ready to be dispatched something occurred to him. 'What about your ensign, Robinson? Do you think he will continue in his career or also wish to resign?'
'I think he'll wish to stay. Why not send him with the letters to your former commanding officer instead of me?'
'I shall do that. I'll also ensure that he has sufficient funds not only to become a lieutenant but also to buy a captaincy when one might become available and he has the experience to assume a position of command.'
'I'm at a loss to understand why you should have taken it upon yourself to help both of us in this way.'
'I've more money than I, or my family, can spend in a lifetime. Why not to use it to benefit others less fortunate?'
'A laudable sentiment, your… Richard. If all those with wealth and influence shared your beliefs then there'd be no unrest amongst the workingmen. Shall I take the letters downstairs for you?'
'Yes, do that. This is a post office and I'm certain there'll be a mail coach leaving here every hour or two. They can go by express and will be there tonight.'
He returned to spend an hour with the duchess, who he now referred to as Mama, she was looking a little better than she had earlier.
'I think an intimate wedding service and private celebration will be perfect, my dear boy. Do you think that my girls will be able to arrange it at such short notice?'
'I'm sure of it. There's something else I'd like to tell you.' He then regaled her with his plans for Paul and Robinson and for some reason she seemed less enthusiastic than he'd expected.
'You do realise what will happen if we throw Sarah and this young man together?'
'I'm employing him to run my estate, he'll hardly be a member of the family.'
For the first time that day she laughed and the sound pleased him although the reason for it did not.
'I can assure you that the two of them will want to make a match of it. Will you give your consent to your ward marrying a commoner?'
*
Sarah spoke to the vicar and he was, naturally, only too happy to accommodate his benefactor in any way he could.
'I shall be ready to conduct the service whenever his grace and Lady Amanda wish me to. I shall have my wife and daughters arrange these lovely flowers immediately, Lady Sarah.'
'That would be most helpful, Mr Carstairs. As you can see, I'm somewhat incommoded by this ankle. I believe there is some restriction as to the hour when a wedding can take place, is there not?'
'That's for a special licence, my lady. As the banns have been correctly read and the ceremony is to take place in a consecrated building then I can see no difficulty whatever the time might be. I understand that travelling can be hazardous even in the summer.'
'We are expecting them home late afternoon but it's a relief to know things can still go ahead even if they are delayed somewhat.'
On her return she discovered that Dr Peterson had now departed with a promise to return the following day.
'He could have left it longer, Amanda, I don't think his services will be required on your wedding day.'
'It wasn't I that suggested he return so soon but Miss Westley. He had departed before I could contradict her suggestion. What did you think of him – as a physician?
'
'His suggestions for managing Beth made absolute sense. He's a personable gentleman and a considerable improvement on the old-fashioned and curmudgeonly doctor who is the only medical man in this neighbourhood.'
'It's a long ride from Ipswich which is hardly satisfactory in an emergency. I did like him and thought him intelligent and knowledgeable. Perhaps Richard will be able to persuade him to move nearer with the promise of being our personal physician.'
'If he's also to attend to everyone employed by the family, and those in the cottages and farms, then it might well be worth his while.' Sarah caught a flash of white in the garden and walked across to the window. 'I see that Beth's now released from her chair and is taking her usual afternoon constitutional. I noticed that Miss Westley was paying particular attention to everything the doctor said – do you think that has any other significance?'
Amanda laughed. 'Good heavens, they've only just become acquainted. I hardly think they will have developed an interest in each other so soon.'
Sarah thought it best not to contradict this by telling her it had only taken half an hour for her to wish to further her association with Captain Marchand. One might have thought her interest had been caused by his smart red uniform but in truth she preferred him wearing civilian clothes even if they were those of her deceased papa.
She was confident that her curiosity about this handsome gentleman remained undetected because Richard would never agree to a liaison with a penniless commoner, especially as he was about to depart to fight and could possibly be gone for years.
They dined simply and Miss Westley joined them. 'I must apologise for inviting Doctor Peterson back without first eliciting your consent, Lady Amanda. I thought you would wish her grace to be examined immediately she returned.'
'As we are unaware exactly when they will be here, it might be better to postpone his visit until the following day. I take it you now have his address?'
'Good gracious me! I do not. How silly of me not to have asked.'
Sarah immediately reassured her. 'Richard's the only one who knows as he was the one who sent for him. However, I'm surprised he agreed when he knows there is to be a family wedding tomorrow evening.'
Miss Westley coloured. 'I convinced him that beginning his treatment of her grace was paramount. Again, I overstepped my boundaries and I most sincerely apologise.'
'Fiddlesticks to that! Richard and I will be delighted to have another guest attend our nuptials.'
'Do you intend to take a wedding trip, Amanda? And what about your bride clothes? I believe it's customary to replace one's wardrobe before marrying.'
'I've more than enough gowns to last me a lifetime. Whilst it would be a pleasure to spend a few weeks away with Richard in the circumstances that cannot happen. No doubt we'll have other opportunities to travel when things have been resolved here.'
'If I ever marry…'
'What a thing to say, Sarah dearest. Of course you'll be married and sooner rather than later I suspect. As long as you marry a local gentleman, I'll ensure that Richard gives his permission whoever it might be.'
'As far as I recall from the party we held last Christmas, Amanda, my choice is severely limited. Those that are eligible are either too old or too stupid to be of any interest to me. I intend to remain here and be a devoted aunt to your children.'
This remark was greeted with the laughter she intended. They decided to sit on the terrace as the evening was warm and it was far too early to retire. Scarcely an hour later the butler appeared with a letter that had arrived by express. He held out the silver salver and Amanda removed the square of paper.
Chapter Eleven
Paul had anticipated that his ensign would be disgusted at his abandoning the army so casually. The reverse was true.
'That's splendid news, sir. Permit me to say that I think you will make a better estate manager than you will an officer.'
'Why do you say that? I thought I had all the necessary requirements to do my job efficiently.'
'I've always wanted to buy my colours, to fight for King and Country, but this was an expedient choice for you. To be successful I believe you must have a burning desire to be an officer and not be there by default.' Robinson smiled. 'You're an excellent officer, but your heart isn't in it.'
This was the longest speech his ensign had ever made and it somewhat surprised him. 'Thank you for being so plain-speaking. I must own that I felt as if a weight had lifted from my shoulders when I signed my letter of resignation and handed it over to be delivered to Horse Guards.'
'This does not, I fear, solve the problem of the missing sergeant major. Am I now to take the letters to his grace's former commander in Portugal?'
'Indeed you are. His grace intends to help you in your career in return for your service. I can see him coming with the missives in his hand.'
Paul half-bowed as did Robinson and this gesture was returned with a slight inclination of the head. 'Excellent. Mr Robinson, I take it you're aware of the change in circumstances?'
The young man nodded. 'I am, your grace, and eager to get on my way and have this matter settled fairly for your man.'
The duke handed over the papers and a large purse of coins. 'There's gold here to pay your way. One of the letters is a recommendation that you be taken on as a lieutenant in my old company. The other explains the circumstances.'
Paul was sorry to say goodbye to his companion but delighted for the reason of their parting.
The following morning he was reluctant to don his uniform but had nothing else to wear. He was up at dawn and hurried down to inspect the carriage team. The lead horse that had been lame was now fully recovered and they would be able to depart as soon as the duchess and her companion came down.
The return journey was conducted at a more decorous pace than their arrival. He and the duke rode ahead of the carriage to avoid the dust it kicked up. They halted twice for an hour to allow the horses to rest and the passengers to alight and stretch their legs.
On the second break he was called to the side of her grace. 'Young man, I understand that you've resigned your commission and will now work for his grace.'
He bowed. 'That is correct, ma'am.'
'You will inherit a title on your father's demise, but nothing else?'
His employer had obviously been discussing his background. 'A minor baronetcy, your grace, and as far as I know my father is presently in good health.'
He was puzzled as to why he was getting this interrogation. He must suppose her grace believed it her business to grill anyone who was employed by the duke.
'I do not expect you to spend time with my daughter, Sarah, she is above your touch.'
Paul couldn't prevent his snort of laughter. He tried to hide it with a cough but was unsuccessful. He waited for a massive set down but to his astonishment she smiled.
'Excellent, I knew you to be an intelligent and sensible young man. I like you well enough but you understand how things are.'
'I do, your grace. I give you my word as a gentleman that I shall treat Lady Sarah with the utmost respect and at no time overstep my place.'
The conversation was over and he nodded politely and wandered back to join the duke who was checking the girth of his stallion. 'What was that all about?'
'I was told in no uncertain terms that Lady Sarah is out of bounds. I cannot imagine why her grace believed I thought myself a suitable candidate for her daughter's hand.'
'I apologise if her comments caused offence. She has a bee in her bonnet about the two of you forming an attachment just because you'll be living under the same roof.'
'I can assure you, sir, I'm not pursuing Lady Sarah. I'm in no position to make any young lady an offer and getting leg-shackled is something that's in the distant future.'
'Then I have nothing to worry about on that score. You will be less conspicuous once dressed in civilian attire.'
'I have none of that, your grace, until I can see a tailor.'
'Co
ntinue to wear my predecessor's garments until that can be achieved.' The duke gestured to the ladies that they clamber back into the vehicle.
Once mounted he spoke again. 'I intend to gallop ahead. I wish to reassure my bride that I'm actually going to be present for our ceremony. I rely on you to take care of things in my absence.'
He cantered off and Paul reined back and allowed the carriage to go past him. As he was to be in charge for the remainder of the journey he would have a better view from the rear.
He began to recognise landmarks and thought they were probably no more than twenty miles from their destination. He turned in the saddle on hearing the sound of a horse approaching. The rider was easily identified from his size. This was the missing sergeant major. Why was O’Riley putting himself in danger of being arrested?
*
Sarah was now able to walk without using her crutch although she did have a slight limp. She was overseeing the flower arrangements in the dining room in preparation for the evening celebration when her sister came in.
'This looks quite delightful, dearest, I just hope that Richard arrives in time for the ceremony to take place.'
'As Mama and he are reconciled and she's quite willing to return I'm certain they'll make good time. I'm going to ride over to the church and make sure the flowers are equally pretty there. Do you wish to come with me?'
'That's exactly what I would like. I can't remember the last time you wished to ride out. Are you quite sure your injured ankle is up to the experience?'
'It will be the other one that's in the stirrup so I'm certain I'll have no difficulty.'
'What has persuaded you to resume this pastime?'
'Beth was talking about being scared of horses and I decided that if she saw me riding she might be prepared to try again after her scare.'
'Have you already sent word to the stables or shall I do that?'
'I haven't – which is fortuitous as I didn't know you were intending to accompany me. I'll be perfectly happy with Star as she's gentle and quiet. Your stallion, Othello, and she are the best of friends so there would be no difficulty between them. Which mount are you taking instead?'
The Duke's Decision (The Reluctant Duke Book 2) Page 10