Stealing the Duchess

by Marie Higgins

“Aye, the duke’s driver, not yers.”

  Dominic chuckled. “Who do you think you’re talking to?” He pointed to Julian. “This is the Duke of Linden.”

  The other men stared at Julian for a few undisturbed seconds before they laughed. The blonde shook his head. “Yer not the duke. The duke is as blonde as I am.”

  Julian rolled his eyes, trying to simmer his temper. These two were idiots, and Julian didn’t have the patience to deal with them. Why had Martin wanted them to do his dirty work at all? Obviously, they couldn’t think for themselves very well.

  “Listen closely,” he began, talking slower so the imbeciles would understand. “I am the duke. The man you are referring to is my cousin, Mr. Martin Hinsdale. He was duke for a few months because he thought I was dead. Now I have reclaimed the title.”

  Both men nodded as their mouths shaped into O’s.

  “Now I’m going to repeat,” Julian continued, “what were you and my driver talking about a few minutes ago?”

  “Well, ya see, Yer Grace,” the redheaded man scratched his ear, “we were paid to make certain ‘er Grace, Duchess of Linden, was in the coach when it runned off the road.”

  “Who paid you?” Dominic snapped.

  “Duke of Linden...” The blonde shrugged. “I mean that other man.”

  Julian arched an eyebrow. “My cousin? Martin Hinsdale?”

  Both men nodded.

  Julian seethed inside. He couldn’t wait to get his hands around his cousin’s throat...

  “What about the driver?” Dominic prodded. “What role did he play in your scheme?”

  “Well, we paid ‘im to assist us. We didn’t want the duchess to notice us, so that’s why we paid off the driver to do the deed.”

  Julian couldn’t think straight. The confusion in his head mixed with the pain throbbing through his leg, made it nearly impossible to concentrate. The only reason someone would want to kill the duchess was to hurt him. He didn’t think Martin would sink to such levels as to want to harm an innocent woman, but apparently, Julian didn’t know his cousin very well.

  He rubbed his forehead. “When did Martin pay you to do this?”

  The two men exchanged glances before the redhead met Julian’s stare. “A few weeks ago, Yer Grace.”

  Surprised at the man’s answer, Julian sat up straight. Beside him, Dominic gasped. Julian peered at his friend and slowly shook his head. “That doesn’t make any sense. A few weeks ago, Martin was duke. Why would he want his own wife harmed?”

  “Actually, it makes perfect sense.” Dominic leaned toward Julian. “Alexandria wondered if Martin was slowly poisoning her sister. A few weeks ago, the sister was still the duchess.”

  Nodding, Julian peered at his friend. “Indeed, Alexandria had suspected that of happening. I’m relieved to know Martin hadn’t wanted my wife dead.” He swung his focus back on the other two. “But why would Martin want his own wife harmed in such a way? What would he gain if she died?”

  “Ya see,” the redhead said, “Martin was unhappy with the duchess. He told us that she was an evil, controlling woman who drove ‘im insane.” He snickered. “But if ya ask me, I think he wanted another wife.”

  “The mistress!” Julian switched his attention to Dominic. “I would bet money that it was because of his mistress.”

  “Aye, Yer Grace.” The blonde nodded. “Now yer thinkin’ straight.”

  Julian’s mind scrambled to fit pieces of the missing puzzle together, but the continuous pain in his leg kept him from his task. Perhaps it was now time to follow the physician’s orders and get off his leg...at least for the remainder of the evening.

  He aimed his gaze back on the other men. “How would the two of you like to earn more money than what my cousin paid you?”

  Excitement lit their faces and each grinned a wide smile. “Aye, Yer Grace,” the redhead said as the other nodded.

  “You are not to say anything to my driver or to Martin about our meeting. Is that clear?”

  They both nodded again.

  “And, when the time comes, you are both to confess to the magistrate that my cousin paid you. Is that understood?”

  “We have an accord, Yer Grace.” The blonde put forth his right hand to shake on their agreement.

  Before Julian and Dominic left the inn, they wrote down their names and places of residence. Julian wasn’t taking any more chances of losing this important information since they were so close.

  “HAVE YOU SEEN MY HUSBAND?” Alexandria asked her maid as she shifted in her bed, pulling some of the blankets away from her leg in the process. Already she was dreadfully tired of being in such a confined place, and she’d only been here for a few hours. She wanted to move around—to go outside and smell the fresh air, and especially, to talk to her husband. Unfortunately, the physician denied her request.

  “No, I haven’t seen your husband, Your Grace.” Johnson carried a cup of tea over to the bed and handed it to Alexandria. “I have not seen him since right after you arrived at the manor. However, I did hear Higley mention that your husband had an errand in town, and he left not too long ago.”

  Sighing, Alexandria frowned. “He really should follow the physician’s instructions and stay off his leg.” She sipped her tea as her mind returned to Julian and the heroic acts he’d done.

  “I agree.” Johnson moved around the room, straightening those things that the physician had messed up. “When I saw how badly your husband was limping, I knew he was in a lot of pain.”

  “Yes, he was, and yet he continued to pamper me just because I have a sprained ankle.”

  “Oh, but don’t forget the cut on your forehead.”

  Alexandria gently ran the pad of her finger over the wound just below her hairline. “’Twas nothing but a scratch, I assure you. My husband made my head injury out to be more than it was.”

  “I can see how much he cares for you.” Johnson smiled. “I pray one day I shall find a man who takes care of me and loves me just as much.”

  Julian loves me? Alexandria doubted he loved her, however... A smile gradually spread across her face. The way he gazed at her and the tears she’d seen in his eyes when he thought she’d died were evident that he held some strong feelings for her. Her heart softened, and she hoped he did love her, because she couldn’t stop loving him.

  Clearing her throat, she set the tea cup down on the side table. “Well, if he doesn’t take better care of his leg, I’m going to have to reprimand him. His health is most important right now.”

  “I agree.” Johnson walked closer to the bed. “And because of the type of injury he had before the accident today, it is necessary to care for his leg so infection doesn’t set in.”

  “The physician did mention that.” Alexandria nodded.

  “If infection sets in,” Johnson continued, “you will need to treat it as soon as you can. It’s very dangerous to have an infectious wound. The longer the wound goes without being treated, the worse it will become.”

  “Are you certain about that?” Alexandria asked, warily, not ever hearing about that before.

  “Indeed, Your Grace. My cousin had infection in her leg when she was young. The physician wanted to cut it off, but my aunt wouldn’t allow it. Because the wound wasn’t treated properly, the infection kept getting worse. Eventually, it killed her.”

  Alexandria sucked in a quick breath. “Oh, dear. I’m very sorry for your loss.”

  “So you must tell your husband to take care of his leg.”

  “Yes. I understand. Thank you, Johnson.”

  Her maid returned to cleaning the room as Alexandria finished her tea. Julian was a stubborn man, but she must somehow convince him to stay off his leg. Now that she realized just how much she loved him and wanted to be his wife, she could not allow anything to ruin this for them. This kind of happiness doesn’t come around very often.

  Not too long ago, Joanna had found that special love with Martin...so Alexandria had thought. But now Joanna was completely m
iserable in her marriage. Strange to think these past few days without Martin around had cheered her sister up quite a bit.

  The more Alexandria pondered her feelings for Julian, the more her heart swelled with emotion. He had hurt her by not telling her the truth, yet that didn’t bother her any longer. Not many men would risk their own lives to protect another person like Julian had done for her. From the first day she met him, he’d shown her that he was a tender-hearted man.

  Now she couldn’t wait to see him and talk to him. She hoped he’d be receptive to her feelings, and more than anything, she prayed he returned them.

  Gladness burst in her heart and she needed to share this newfound feeling with someone. Since Julian wasn’t around, the only other person she could talk with would be her sister. Although the physician instructed Alexandria to keep off her ankle, she couldn’t stay down. Besides, she’d only visit with her sister for a few minutes. Not long, at all. Once she was done, she’d return to her bed and prop her leg on a pillow.

  Hobbling, she crept to the door, opened it, and peered down the hallway. Silence filled the corridor. She couldn’t even hear any servants.

  She moved toward her sister’s bed chambers, relieved Julian wasn’t here right now or he’d stop her. She understood his concern, but sometimes she needed her sister, and this was certainly one of those times.

  She knocked on the door and waited for a reply. Finally, on the other side, her sister’s soft voice answered, inviting her to enter. Alexandria opened the door and walked in. As always, her sister lay propped up in bed with a heavy shawl draped over her shoulders that covered most of her arms. The once vibrant golden color of Joanna’s hair had faded to a dull yellow. Alexandria frowned. Why couldn’t her sister recover from this unknown malady?

  An odd scent drifted in the room, and Alexandria couldn’t decide what it smelled like. It definitely wasn’t food. Perhaps the maid was trying a new herb blend poultice or something similar to make Joanna healthy again.

  Joanna smiled. “I’m delighted you are here. I wondered why you hadn’t come to visit me in a few days.”

  Sighing, Alexandria closed the door and moved toward her sister’s bed. “So much has happened lately.”

  Joanna’s attention dropped to Alexandria’s foot. “Why are you limping?”

  She was certain the servants talked, but she prayed they hadn’t said anything to Joanna about the accident. Alexandria didn’t want Joanna worrying unnecessarily.

  “Oh, it’s nothing to fret about. I shall be walking just fine tomorrow, I assure you.” She sat on the edge of her sister’s bed. “But how are you doing? There is a little bit of color in your cheeks.” At least she thought there was. Then again, her face looked more like a buttery color than anything.

  Joanna pulled the shawl tighter around her shoulders and arms. “I’m losing strength, I fear. And I’m tired more than I should be.”

  Alexandria’s heart ached. “I thought you were doing better, especially after Martin left the manor.”

  Joanna shrugged. “I thought I was, as well, but my body is telling me I’m not.”

  “When was the last time you saw the physician?”

  “The day before Martin left. But I don’t want him coming back just to repeat the same thing he said last time—that I need time to heal.” Joanna shook her head. “I’m not about to pay for something I already know.”

  “But what if it’s something different—”

  “Xandria, no. I’ve already had this argument with Martin. I’m stubborn, and I won’t budge.”

  “Fine.” Alexandria exhaled deeply. “I just want you well.”

  “And I will be in time.” She weakly patted Alexandria’s hand. “Tell me what has been happening to you lately? A moment ago when you entered the room, you had a certain gleam in your eyes. Dare I think you have fallen in love with your husband so soon?”

  Chuckling, Alexandria nodded. “It’s true, Joanna. I was very upset when I discovered he’d been lying to me, but in a few short days he has proven his worth. I have sorely misjudged him.”

  Joanna shook her head and relaxed back against the pillows. “I don’t want to dampen your spirits, dear sister, but men are fickle. One minute they are spouting words of love, and the next moment they turn into deceitful, selfish devils.” She frowned. “Just as my own husband has done. I thought the sun rose and set on that man, but after we married, he turned in to a monster.” Tears glistened in her eyes.

  “Were you truly in love with him when you married him, Joanna?”

  She shrugged as her gaze dropped to the blankets covering her waist and legs. Her finger traced the pattern of the flower sewn in the fabric. “When I first saw him, I’d become infatuated. He was charming. He knew how to make me laugh.” She lifted her gaze and met Alexandria’s. “I had actually been interested in another man, but Martin made me think my world would be roses and rainbows if I married him.” A tear slid down her cheek. “I wonder what would have happened if I had allowed this other man’s attentions, instead.”

  “I’m so sorry, Joanna.” Alexandria caressed her sister’s leg. “I wish I could change things for you.”

  “Oh, Xandria. You must always remember this one thing above all others—if you want to obtain something in your life, don’t wait for it. Get it yourself. If you wait for it to come to you, it will never happen.”

  Alexandria didn’t know how well to take her sister’s advice. Obviously, Martin had turned Joanna into a bitter woman, and rightly so after the kind of man he’d turned out to be.

  She kissed her sister on the forehead before leaving the room and heading back to her own bed chambers. Her visit with Joanna left her feeling gloomy, and Alexandria realized the only way to brighten her day was to talk with Julian. No matter what obstacles she had to jump, she would speak to him tonight.

  TWENTY-FIVE

  The low burning fire in the hearth relaxed Julian’s body, but not his mind. He couldn’t stop thinking about the events of the day and how his wife could have died.

  As difficult as it was to believe, he had fallen in love with her, and yet he hadn’t realized it until he thought he’d lost her. He would have never forgiven himself if she’d died without even knowing his true feelings for her. He’d wanted to tell her when he returned home from talking with the imbeciles at the inn, but Lexie’s maid informed Julian that the duchess was asleep. Because of what had happened earlier today, he decided not to disturb her.

  He moved his leg on the footstool, gritting his teeth against the pain, and adjusted himself in his cushioned chair. After returning home, he bathed and rested in his chair with his foot propped up, just as the physician had instructed him to do earlier. Several times his valet had come in to check on him, bringing in the meal, and fetching him a book, but Julian finally told his servant to retire for the evening. Silence settled over the manor, the room oddly blanketed in the hushed calm. Only the occasional pop of burning wood in the hearth disturbed the quiet. He sighed. His bed beckoned to him as sleep weighted his eyelids.

  He stretched his arms over his head and yawned. Reading hadn’t kept his mind occupied. His thought strayed from the words on the page to replaying the accident and the knowledge that his cousin wanted to do his sweet wife harm. He must find a way to have Martin arrested and convicted. He remained hopeful that with the help of Walter and Sam—the two men from the inn—their information about Martin would interest the magistrate to start a full investigation. Julian would ask Dominic to accompany him tomorrow to bring this new development to the man of the law.

  Julian rose from the chair and limped to the bed. The pain in his leg wasn’t as severe as it had been earlier, thank the Lord. Right after he’d first injured it in the cannon blast, the physician had hinted about taking Julian’s leg off. He was against it then, and he wouldn’t consider it now.

  When he reached the bed, he shrugged out of his banyan and draped it over a wooden chair near his bed. Carefully, he climbed into bed and pulled
the covers to his bare chest. Folding his arms in back of his head, he stared up at the ceiling.

  As his mind drifted to thoughts of Lexie in his arms, responding to his kisses, a smile stretched the corners of his mouth. He was gradually making her trust him again, evident by the twinkle in her eyes when she gazed on him today. He would eventually win her over and she’d confess her love, just as he would confess his. If only it was sooner rather than later.

  A floorboard squeaking in the hallway brought him alert. He jerked his attention to the door just as it opened. The only light in the room was the small lamp on the table beside his bed, so he couldn’t see who had entered his chambers.

  “Who is there?” he asked, sharply.

  “It is I, your wife,” a sweet voice answered.

  He wanted to spring from the bed and rush to her side, curious as to why she had come to his room so late. Yet, he dared not go to her since he wasn’t wearing a stitch of clothing. Indeed, seeing him in his undressed state would certainly startle her and frighten her away.

  He sat up and stuffed the blankets around him in case more of his skin was showing than she wanted to see. “Are you well, my darling?”

  “I’m doing better, thank you.” Her shadow moved into the light, and he noticed she wore her pale pink wrapper over a white nightgown.

  When she came to the end of the bed, she paused, her gaze resting upon his chest. She sucked in a quick breath and her cheeks darkened with a brush of color.

  “Oh, forgive me for intruding—”

  “You’re not,” he interrupted her.

  “I should probably leave.”

  He reached his hand out to stop her. “Please, don’t. Stay and keep me company.”

  Her chest rose and fell quickly. Seconds ticked by before she nodded. “I actually came to talk to you about this afternoon.”

  “Do you wish me to meet you on the sofa?” he asked, but silently prayed she’d want him to remain in bed.

  She licked her lips and moved closer to the edge. “What I have to say shall only take a moment.”

  As she drew near, he took her hand and gently tugged her toward the bed. “Sit beside me, please?”