The Duke's Decision (The Reluctant Duke Book 2)

by Fenella J Miller

  Neither of them was at all embarrassed by his lack of clothes. 'What I'd really like is a bath if one could be arranged.'

  'It's ready for you next door, sir.'

  He removed the worst of the grime from his person using a washcloth and jug of hot water. Relaxing, even in a hip bath, was exactly what he needed. He emerged a new man and after removing the bristles from his cheeks he was ready to dress.

  The footman, he discovered, was called Thomas. 'How is the patient?'

  'The doctor has stitched up his head and said he should make a full recovery in time.'

  'In time? How long is he anticipating this will take?'

  'Two weeks in bed and then a further two weeks recuperating.'

  'In which case, Thomas, would you care to take up the position as my valet? At least you will have your own accommodation if you do so.'

  The delighted smile that greeted this remark told him he had made the right decision. Paul looked at the overmantel clock. 'Good grief! I should have been at my desk and working hours ago. His grace won't be impressed by my lack of diligence.'

  'I don't reckon his grace will be bothered either way, sir. Her grace arrived yesterday.'

  There was no need to say any more and they exchanged a smile.

  Downstairs the first person he saw was Sarah. 'Mr Marchand, you are living a most unusual life at the moment. Are those Richard's garments you have on?'

  'They are, my lady. I expect you know the reason why.' She nodded. 'I don't suppose there's any chance of getting something to eat before I depart?'

  'Cook has just been waiting for you to appear. Luncheon is to be served in the breakfast parlour if you care to go there now.'

  'This is the most efficient household. Thank you, I'm sharp-set as I haven't eaten since yesterday morning.' He grinned, finding her company a pleasant distraction. 'If you don't count half a meat sandwich last night.'

  He thought they would part company but to his surprise she followed him. 'Do you like dogs?'

  This was a strange question indeed. 'I do, we always had half a dozen at home.'

  'Amanda and I found three half-starved puppies a few days ago and already they're almost recovered and full of energy and spirit. You will see them when you collect your horse later.'

  'I'll make a point of looking for them.' His tone was somewhat sharper than he'd intended but he wished to make it clear he was an employee of her brother and couldn't be a friend of hers. He wouldn't have been so relaxed if he'd known she was going to join him in the breakfast parlour. She remained firmly at his side.

  'I have already written down some ideas for the grand event that's to happen next month. Do you wish to see them now or shall I bring them to you in your office later today?'

  He was about to explain to her that it would be highly unsuitable for her to visit him anywhere when a footman ran towards them. For a servant to do so must mean it was an emergency of some sort.

  'There's four soldiers heading this way, Mr Marchand, and his grace is… is not available.'

  'Thank you, I'll deal with the matter. How long before they arrive?'

  'They're taking their time, sir, I don't reckon they'll be here for another twenty minutes at least.'

  'Excuse me, my lady, I must speak to your butler.'

  'I think, Mr Marchand, that we should take luncheon together as planned and be suitably annoyed when we're disturbed by the intrusion.'

  He didn't argue as what she said made perfect sense. If they were to carry this off then they must behave as normal.

  'Then lead the way, my dear. I'm hoping that Lady Beth has not been apprised of the new circumstances.'

  'She's aware that Amanda came home but not that Richard is now with her. Mama is party to the information and Doctor Peterson's visit was, of course, to see her as she was unwell. That's also the reason for the bridal couple's premature return.'

  'I can see that everything was taken care of whilst I was in the land of nod. We can discuss your ideas whilst we eat.'

  There was a cold collation set out for them that included a tureen of vegetable soup, freshly baked bread, a basket of hothouse fruits as well as strawberries and an appetising array of condiments to accompany them.

  His stomach gurgled loudly, but instead of being shocked by such poor manners his companion laughed.

  One might have thought that their appetites would have deserted them in the circumstances but, if anything, the opposite was true. They served themselves but an attentive footman was there if needed.

  He was on his second plateful when Foster appeared in the doorway.

  'Forgive me for intruding, sir, my lady, but there's a sergeant demanding entry.'

  There was the sound of loud voices and then heavy footsteps approached rapidly down the passageway. A barrel-chested, belligerent individual charged in.

  'There's an escaped traitor hidden here and I've come to collect him.'

  With a sigh Paul put down his cutlery and napkin on the table and stood up. 'Your name?'

  'I'm Sergeant Johnson, sent from Horse Guards.'

  'I see.' Paul imbued his words with the utmost contempt – every inch an aristocrat and this man's superior. 'There will be a letter complaining of your uncouth behaviour sent by express to London. You will remove yourself from this house and wait outside until Lady Sarah and I have finished our luncheon. I shall then decide whether or not to give you permission to come in and look for this person.'

  He was a head taller than the intruder, ten years his junior and although of a slighter build, was fitter and stronger if it came to fisticuffs.

  He looked up and saw there were four footmen standing behind Foster – more than enough to evict this individual if necessary.

  *

  Sarah was impressed by the way Paul took charge of the situation as if born to it. He really was an attractive gentleman and the more she saw of him the better she liked him. She stood up and moved to stand beside him knowing that this would add to his authority.

  'The Duke and Duchess of Denchester will not be impressed if they are disturbed. Mr Marchand is acting in the duke's stead and you would do well to listen to him.'

  The truculent sergeant muttered something extremely rude under his breath but retreated, closely followed by Foster and the footmen.

  'Shall we continue with our repast? I need to speak to the major and this will be the second time I've disturbed him and I'm not eager to do it.'

  'I'm certainly not going to knock on the door. The angrier he is the better as he's quite terrifying when enraged.'

  They had just resumed their places when the butler reappeared. 'Forgive me for interrupting you a second time, my lady, sir, but I need to tell you I don't think it will be long before those soldiers attempt to get in by force.'

  All desire to eat deserted her. Paul touched her hand to reassure her. He'd known at once that she was worried.

  'Check that all the doors and windows on the ground floor are locked, Foster. That will delay them as I doubt that they have the temerity to break any down.'

  'I've already put that in motion, sir. They have weapons and a warrant. I fear we'll have to let them in eventually.'

  'We will, but not until his grace is here to take charge. Don't look so terrified, man, I'll go and fetch him myself.'

  'Would you like me to come with you? He might be less irascible if I'm there.'

  'No, remain down here.' The unmistakable sound of her mama approaching at speed gave him pause. 'Excuse me, my dear, but I'm going to leave you to deal with her grace. One furious aristocrat is more than enough for me.'

  His smile made her heart skip a beat and then he was gone through the servants' door thus avoiding any possible contact with her mother.

  'Sarah, what's being done about the imminent invasion?'

  'Mr Marchand has gone to fetch Richard. He did splendidly and ordered them to leave. We cannot keep them out indefinitely but it has given time for the doors to be locked. Do you think that they will
insist on looking absolutely everywhere?'

  'I'm certain that they will. I intend to ignore them and pretend that nothing untoward is taking place. Doctor Peterson is a man of good sense and I'm satisfied that Richard has appointed a suitable person to take care of me when necessary.'

  'I'm so glad that you like him. Did he make any suggestions as to how to best manage your mood swings?'

  'I'm to keep a journal and write down anything of note. My abigail is to do the same. This way he hopes that I'll come to recognise when my mania is about to strike and can make sure that I'm safe in my own apartment and can do no harm to myself or others whilst it lasts.'

  To hear her mama talk so openly about her illness was something Sarah had never expected. 'Is the doctor still here? Those horrible soldiers will no doubt wish to question him.'

  'He went upstairs to talk to Beth – although I think that he is more interested in Miss Westley than your sister's well-being. I hope I'm mistaken as it would be most inconvenient to lose her now that she is so well settled in the household.'

  This was a typical response as her parent was infamous for her lack of sensibility. 'I'm sure that we don't have to worry about this at the moment, Mama, they scarcely know each other and have only met three times.'

  As she spoke she could not help but compare Miss Westley's circumstances to her own. Her acquaintance with Paul was equally short, but she was in a fair way to thinking of him as more than an acquaintance.

  Her reverie was interrupted by a sharp rap of a fan on her knuckles. 'You are wool-gathering, my girl, and I will not have it. We need to have our wits about us at this difficult time. To think we are about to be overrun by rough soldiers – this would never have happened in your papa's time.'

  Sarah was about to agree in the hope of placating her parent but for the second time she was taken aback by what followed.

  'I've never had so much excitement in my life. Since Richard became head of the family every day is different and despite my difficulties, I am content with my life nowadays.'

  'As am I. Amanda is married to him and I've never seen her so happy. Even Beth seems more settled.'

  Their conversation was rudely interrupted by one of the soldiers appearing outside and scowling through the window at them. Initially she recoiled but then recovered her composure and ignored him.

  'Mama, might I pour you some coffee? I think I shall have a pastry or two with mine.' Pretending to be unconcerned was the best policy.

  'Thank you, my dear, that would be quite delightful.'

  They took their seats at the table and sipped the drink and continued to talk of inconsequential matters. All would have been well if the wretched soldier hadn't decided to bang on the window with the butt of his rifle.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Paul didn't hesitate when he reached the major's apartment. He knocked briskly and followed this immediately with an explanation for his intrusion. 'Your grace, the soldiers are here and demanding entry. They have a warrant to search. I cannot delay them for much longer.'

  The door opened. 'I'm ready. Let's get on with it. I've sent a letter expressing my disapproval at Patrick's treatment by express. This will reveal the fact that he's with us, but those outside the door won't be aware of it.'

  They were halfway down the stairs when he heard the sound of breaking glass, rapidly followed by the screams of the ladies. They completed the distance to the breakfast parlour at a run and shoulder to shoulder burst into the chamber.

  The window had been shattered and the bastard who'd done it was already climbing over the windowsill. Paul grabbed him by his throat and threw him backwards. The redcoat landed with a satisfactory thud on the terrace outside. He was about to leap out after him and finish the job when the major grabbed his arm.

  'No, Paul, that's enough. So far it's them that have behaved appallingly – let's keep it that way.'

  The footman who had been in the room to help serve the ladies was already on his knees to gather up the shards of glass.

  'No, don't pick it up in your bare hands you'll be cut,' Sarah told him.

  Foster, who must have heard the noise, came in accompanied by another servant holding a dustpan and brush.

  Her grace spoke for the first time. 'Come, Sarah my dear, we shall retreat to my apartment and leave this unpleasant business to the gentlemen.'

  'Richard, will they insist on searching in the nursery?'

  'I expect so, sweetheart, but if you bring your sister down to her grace's sitting room then she will be safe and comfortable with you all there to keep her calm.'

  Paul watched her depart relieved that she hadn't been harmed by the broken window. He was still too shocked by his own reaction to think coherently.

  'We have to get this done before there's another incident like this and someone is seriously hurt. Where's Peterson, Sarah?'

  'He was in the nursery, Richard, talking to Beth and Miss Westley but no doubt he'll be joining us directly.'

  'I'm tempted to open the gun room but think it might exacerbate the situation. Let's get this farce over with.'

  The duke seemed sanguine about the outcome – Paul wished he was as optimistic.

  'Foster, open the side door. I'll not have these ruffians coming through the front.'

  'Yes, your grace. Do you wish me to accompany them?'

  'Of course. Have four men with you. Send one back to fetch me if – well you know what I mean.'

  'Shall we join the ladies upstairs or are we to remain here?' Paul wanted to ensure Sarah was kept safe.

  'Upstairs. I don't want Beth upset by this search.'

  The door to her grace's private sitting room stood open and Paul could hear a lively conversation taking place. There was one male voice so the doctor was with them.

  He exchanged a nod with the major, straightened his shoulders, and strolled in as if nothing untoward was taking place.

  Amanda had joined the others. Beth was sitting on the window seat with Miss Westley and they were pointing out various landmarks and then the girl was attempting to spell the words.

  'I've let them in, they will be here shortly,' the major said as he perched on the side of the chair in which his wife was sitting.

  'Mr Marchand, why don't you sit beside me? I was just regaling the others with your heroics.'

  'Lady Sarah, throwing a bully out of the window was hardly heroic.' Paul nodded to the doctor and then half-bowed to the two duchesses. Miss Westley looked across and smiled but Beth ignored him as she was engrossed in her word game.

  'Sit down, young man, I wish to have your opinion on the extraordinary ideas my daughter has for this garden party and dance,' the dowager duchess said with a remarkably friendly smile.

  Peterson was sitting on an upright chair close to the window which left only the space next to Sarah for him to take. His mouth curved involuntarily. It seemed she was now to be Sarah in his head even if he should continue to use her title when speaking to her.

  'Richard, do I need your permission to instigate my ideas or do I have a free hand to arrange things with Mr Marchand as I please?'

  'Before I answer that question, I need to hear what you propose.'

  'There will be two marquees on the lawn in case of inclement weather – one for us and our friends and the other for the villagers and staff. There will be musicians in both places in the evening. I would like to have fireworks as well if that's possible.'

  'Go on, I've heard nothing alarming so far.'

  Emboldened by the encouragement from the major she then reeled off a series of items that left him wide-eyed and laughing.

  'A fire-eater? Stilt-walkers? A fortune teller? Have you run mad?'

  Before Sarah could respond to the major's comment her mother interrupted. 'I think it sounds quite delightful. I don't remember ever having such things before.'

  Beth rushed over and dropped to her knees in front of the major and stared at him imploringly. 'Please, Richard, do say we can have them. And could we also
have a tug-of-war and perhaps a cricket match? I remember seeing both of those at a village fête before.'

  'And why not have a horse race and whilst we're about it, sideshows and booths…'

  Beth took the major's remark as a genuine suggestion and flung her arms around his knees. 'Yes please. Thank you so much, Richard.'

  He raised his hands in surrender knowing he had been outmanoeuvred, even if unintentionally. They were all laughing when the arrival of the belligerent sergeant and one of his men interrupted them.

  Paul was immediately on his feet as were the major and the doctor. They moved as one to stand in front of the ladies.

  Faced by three large, impressive gentlemen the man hesitated. If the others looked as angry as he did then it would be a braver man than this who dared to enter. There was no need for the major to do more than fix them with an arctic stare.

  The sergeant muttered something that could have been an apology and rapidly retreated. Even he would know that Patrick wouldn't be in this apartment.

  *

  The two soldiers stomped off to continue their search with the butler and a footman close behind. There was a collective sigh of relief when they were out of sight.

  'Who were those horrid men, Richard? I didn't like them at all.'

  He leaned down and picked Beth from the floor and embraced her. 'They are looking for someone who isn't here. They have been misinformed about this person's whereabouts. They won't bother us again, little one.'

  Amanda made room in the chair for her sister to squeeze in meaning that her husband must now find himself somewhere else to sit. 'Don't look so curmudgeonly, my love. I'm sure you'd much rather be following the soldiers about the place, wouldn't you? You can make sure they don't do any damage or intimidate our staff.'

  'I'd certainly rather do that than sit here discussing the garden party.' He nodded towards Paul. 'Remain here, in case the other two decide to come this way.'

  'Very well, sir, if you're quite sure you don't require me to accompany you.'