A Dangerous Husband
(Book Two of The Duke's Alliance Series)
By
Fenella J Miller
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any method, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of The Author - Fenella J. Miller
The Duke's Alliance A Dangerous Husband © Copyright Fenella J. Miller, 2016
This e-Book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’ s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.
COVER DESIGN BY JANE DIXON-SMITH
For my dearest writer friends Jean Fullerton, Wendy Soliman, Fay Cunningham & Maureen Lee.
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Chapter One
Lady Madeline Sheldon was bored. Since the excitement of her brother Bennett's wedding to Grace four weeks ago things had seemed decidedly flat at Silchester Court. The twins, Aubrey and Peregrine, had taken themselves off to another house party and her younger sister, Giselle, had gone to spend a week or two with her bosom bow, Lucinda Bagshot, who lived about five miles away.
This afternoon Beau was to go to Heatherfield, the home of Lord Grey Carshalton and his grandmother, as he had been asked to visit at his earliest convenience. Madeline was determined to accompany him – not, of course, because she wished to see his lordship again but because she was bored. She had yet to inform the duke of her decision and sincerely hoped he hadn't decided to ride, for if he had that would put paid to her plans.
The weather was clement for early September but storms were forecast and she had no wish to be drenched and catch a putrid sore throat. Perhaps if she was in her pelisse and waiting outside Beau would not have the heart to refuse her. He had mentioned at breakfast that he would be leaving at noon and it was almost that now – no time to change into something more elegant, and barely sufficient to put on her bonnet and still be downstairs at the appointed time.
On her mad dash across the vast hall she saw a lurking footman and called him over. 'I shall be going with his grace, kindly let the stables know so the carriage doesn't leave without me.' Lottie, her maid, soon found the necessary items and Madeline was running through the house just as the tall-case clock in the drawing room struck twelve.
When she burst onto the front steps she saw Beau lounging against the carriage and he welcomed her with a smile. 'I was about to depart, my dear, you have arrived not a moment too soon.'
'I'm sorry if I've kept you waiting…' She joined him in the turning circle.
'You haven't, sweetheart, I was teasing you. I should have thought to suggest that you accompany me for you must be lonely rattling around this house on your own.'
'Grace and Bennett return from their wedding trip next month and I'm to visit them as soon as they are settled.' He handed her into the carriage and a footman folded up the steps and closed the door. 'Do you know why Lord Carshalton wishes to see you?'
'I don't, but for a gentleman I barely know to send me such an urgent message it must be something serious. He would probably have preferred to speak to Bennett as they both have a military background, but he must do with me.' Beau stretched out his legs and fixed her with a look she had come to dread. 'Madeline, I know Grace invited you for a long visit as soon as she returns from her wedding trip, but you must not go. A newly-married couple need their privacy and space to settle into the married state. They are coming to us for Christmas and New Year and you may return with them after that.'
There was little point in arguing as once her brother had made a decision he rarely changed his mind. 'Very well, I did think it a little strange that she extended the invitation. Was she just being polite?'
'I'm certain of it, my dear. Why don't I take you to join Giselle? We pass the home of Sir John on the way to Heatherfield.'
Her heart sunk at the prospect of missing out on possible excitement. 'I don't like to call in unannounced…'
He chuckled. 'Silly goose – of course I won't deprive you of a visit to Heatherfield for I know that you've been hoping to further your acquaintance with his lordship since you met him at the wedding.'
Madeline was tempted to hit him with her reticule but wisely refrained. 'I should love to see Giselle and Lucinda afterwards, if that's possible. Although it depends how long you are detained by this business.'
'I believe that Miss Bagshot gave you and your sister all the pertinent knowledge about our new neighbours. Remind me again what we know about the Carshaltons.'
'He was a major in the army, a career soldier, and inherited the title unexpectedly. His father was the third son and was estranged from his family and never expected the title to go to him as there were at least two other cousins in line before him.' She screwed up her face whilst she thought what else she had gleaned. 'Ah, yes! It seems that the family estates were left to his uncle but the title and fortune came to him. I wonder why Lady Carshalton has chosen to reside with a grandson she doesn't know rather than at the ancestral home with her son and his family.'
'No doubt she doesn't like her youngest son for some reason. It's not our concern. Although we only met the once I liked the man, he had a direct manner and showed a lively wit.'
'He is certainly an attractive gentleman and was much admired by the young ladies at the ball.' The fact that he had singled her out for the supper dance had not gone unnoticed by her siblings. He had not visited, or made any effort to renew their brief acquaintance, which puzzled her. To have shown her so particular an interest at the ball and to then have ignored her very existence was odd, and not at all civil.
The carriage settled into companionable silence and she was given time to let her thoughts drift back to that evening four weeks ago. His lordship was not quite as tall as her brothers, but was equally as broad in the shoulders. Having spent so many years serving King and Country he had a smart, military bearing. His hair was the colour of new-mown hay and his eyes an unusual shade of blue… her reverie was interrupted as the carriage lurched and turned into the drive.
Although they were expected, neither their host nor their hostess appeared to greet them when they stepped into the hall. The butler bowed them in. 'Your grace, my lady, I shall conduct you to Lady Carshalton.'
Beau was looking concerned. 'I could swear that I heard shouting coming from the front of the house. There's something decidedly odd going on here.'
She had no time to respond as the butler threw open the drawing room doors and shouted at the top of his voice. 'His grace the Duke of Silchester and Lady Madeline.'
Madeline stifled her giggles and Beau raised an eyebrow. 'We can be sure everyone knows we have arrived. Stop laughing, my love, very bad form.'
Her brother offered his arm and she placed her gloved hand on it. Despite the extraordinary announcement none of the four elderly ladies present were paying them any attention. In fact the assembled company were gathered at the far end of the drawing room staring out of the windows.
Beau increased his pace and together they almost ran to join Lady Carshalton and her other guests. 'My lady, is something amiss?'
The elderly lady he'd addressed turned at his words and Madeline was shocked by what she saw. Lord Carshalton's grandmother was paper-white and could do no more
than gesture toward the window. Her brother took one look and swore, adding to the distress of the ladies present.
'I'm going out to help. Stay here, Madeline, do what you can to calm things down.' Beau rushed off, his boots loud on the boards as he raced for the exit.
She patted Lady Carshalton's arm. 'My lady, how did the accident occur?' Her heart was thumping painfully behind her bodice and she could scarcely bring herself to view the distressing sight outside on the greensward.
'My grandson and his gamekeeper had been inspecting the woods as there had been reports of poachers. We heard the sound of gunfire and rushed to the window to investigate. As we watched Mr Bishop's horse galloped from the trees with him draped over its neck. My grandson came after him and managed to catch the trailing reins.' Lady Carshalton dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief before continuing. 'I never thought to see such a thing in my life. Poor Mr Bishop has been grievously wounded. I must send a footman to fetch the doctor.'
It had been almost impossible to tell one gentleman from another whilst they were all crouched around the injured man – for a heart-stopping moment Madeline had thought Lord Carshalton was the one spreadeagled on the ground.
'Lady Madeline, the duke has now joined them and my grandson's men have gone off at a run. Other servants will arrive with a trestle to transport the patient so I must make sure the housekeeper has prepared a chamber for him. It will have to be on this floor as it would be too difficult to carry Mr Bishop upstairs.' The old lady paused and shook her head. 'How is it the butler, an objectionable man that my grandson inherited with the house, failed to notice that there had been an incident?'
'I don't suppose anyone on that side of the house would have heard anything untoward, my lady. Now, is there anything I can do to assist you?' It was obvious that the three other ladies would be of no use as they were still twittering and flapping like chickens upset by a fox.
'Perhaps you could reassure my friends for they are sorely distressed by this incident.' Her ladyship bustled off having recovered her aplomb after the initial shock.
Madeline moved across to join the fluttering ladies. She had no idea how to address them as she'd not been introduced. 'Ladies, shall we move to the comfort of the fire? I shall ring for refreshments as I'm sure we could all do with a drink of some sort to calm our nerves.'
*
Lord Grey Carshalton was doing his best to stem the blood that was coming from his gamekeeper's chest. He feared the injury was going to prove fatal for his friend, and erstwhile orderly, Ned Bishop. He pressed harder on the folded pad he'd made with his neckcloth and was relieved to see the gore no longer trickled out between his gloved fingers.
'Ned, the doctor will soon be here to stitch you up. Don't kick the bucket, there's a good fellow.'
The man's eyes flickered open. 'I ain't going to meet my maker just yet, sir, I'll be right enough once I've seen the sawbones.'
Grey looked up as two more former soldiers arrived at his side. 'Smith, take Jenkins and scour the woods. The bastard who shot Ned must have left some trace. He was on foot and used a rifle.'
Tom Smith, one of the new men he'd employed, touched his cap. 'We'll get our weapons and take a look-see.'
'Good man. We disturbed a poacher as far as anyone else is concerned.'
Both men nodded, grim-faced. 'We'll take the nags, sir, in case we pick up a trail,' Smith said.
'Do it. Now get away whilst there's still a chance of catching him.'
His men ran off and as they departed the duke arrived. 'This is a bad business, Carshalton. Why would a poacher shoot your gamekeeper?'
'I can't talk now, your grace, but when we've got Ned comfortable I'd be grateful if you would spare me an hour so I can explain why I wished to see you.'
'Of course, that's why I'm here. Excellent, they're here with the trestle.' The duke stood up and stepped back to allow the four men to carefully move the injured man onto the makeshift stretcher.
Grey kept his hand firmly on the wound as this manoeuvre was completed. 'Right, Ned, you'll be inside and made comfortable very soon.' Bishop managed a weak smile but no more.
It took an unconscionable time to transport the injured man to the chamber prepared for him downstairs. The housekeeper was waiting with bandages, hot water and clean cloths. 'Leave poor Mr Bishop with me, I can take care of him until the doctor arrives.'
The woman appeared to understand the necessity to keep pressure on the wound and as he removed his hand she was ready with a clean pad and applied force herself. 'Thank you, Mrs Humphries, I'll leave him with you. I must get cleaned up and speak to his grace, then I'll be back to see how he does.' As he was leaving she spoke again.
'My lord, Lady Madeline accompanied his grace. She is in the drawing room with the ladies.'
Damnation! This young lady was the very last person he wanted to see today. As things stood he couldn't risk being seen to be paying her any attention. He'd surrounded his redoubtable grandmother with three equally elderly ladies in order to protect her. It was possible that anyone linked to him might be in grave danger. He should never have danced with her twice at the ball as it could have given Lady Madeline a false impression. Until this business was settled she must be firmly discouraged.
He met his grandmother in the hall. 'My dear boy, what a horrible thing to have happened. Forgive me for not offering to help but I am not good with either illness or injury.'
'I didn't expect you to be personally involved, Grandmamma, you have organised the staff and that's all that was required of you. Can you please convey my sincere apologies to Lady Madeline and tell her I'm not able to speak to her?'
'Of course, I understand. I'll suggest that she returns to Silchester Court as no doubt his grace will be some time with you.'
The duke joined them. 'My sister can go to visit Miss Bagshot who is a near neighbour of yours, I believe.'
'Do it.' Grey smiled apologetically at his abrupt order. 'I beg your pardon, your grace, I'm overfond of issuing orders. I can lend you a nag so she has no need to return here.'
'My brother Bennett is similarly afflicted – comes of being a military man. If you could send for my carriage I'll speak to my sister.' The duke strode away and Grey cursed silently. He had offended the man and he desperately needed his help. Lord Sheldon, his brother, would have been better, but the duke must do in his stead.
He would wait in the study and try and marshal his thoughts. In order to get to this chamber he had to walk past the library. As he passed a slight noise came from behind the half-open door. He froze. Could it be an intruder? He steadied his breathing and crept forwards.
*
Madeline settled the ladies as the tea arrived. One of them drew her aside. 'My dear, would you be so kind as to fetch my book? It's in my apartment. I find the stairs a sore trial these days. A footman will direct you there.'
'I should be pleased to get it, Lady Grimshaw.' Madeline hurried off and soon found the rooms she sought. The chambermaid helped her search, but the book wasn't anywhere to be seen.
'Her ladyship was in the library earlier, miss, you could try there.'
'Thank you, I'll do that. Where will I find this chamber?'
The library was on the ground floor and easy to locate. The helpful footman pointed to the door and dashed off on another errand leaving her to enter alone. As she stepped in a curtain moved at the far end of the chamber. A careless servant had left a window ajar – she would close it as draughts would not be good for the leatherbound books that filled the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. She admired the book stand that enabled a reader to peruse a large volume without breaking its spine and paused to scan the titles. Good heavens! There was an entire section in French and another in Italian.
Then she spotted the missing volume on a side table by the fireplace. As she stooped to collect it something whistled past her ear and thudded into the wall. She staggered back and, unable to keep her balance, fell towards the fire.
Chapter Two
Grey hurtled through the door as Lady Madeline fell into the flames. He was at her side in two strides and with one hand he snatched a fistful of her skirt and with the other he grabbed a flailing arm and heaved with all his strength. He managed to prevent her head hitting the mantelshelf but couldn't prevent the fine muslin of her gown from dropping into the fire.
As the material caught he threw the girl to the floor and frantically rolled her over whilst beating at the flames with his hands. After a few seconds the danger was over and he sat back. 'Are you burned? Let me see your legs.'
She whispered urgently. 'I'm quite well, sir, but there's a murderer behind your curtains. He threw a knife at me.'
He moved his head to indicate he'd understood. 'Let me assist you to the chaise longue.' The room smelled of burnt cloth and fear.
He pulled her to her feet and under the pretence of helping her was able to slip the poker under his jacket. She understood perfectly and made a great fuss of feeling faint.
'I fear the shock has made me unwell, my lord, would you kindly open a window for me?'
Once she was seated he moved smoothly towards the windows at the far end of the library but kept his head turned towards the girl as if unaware of the intruder. 'I'll do so immediately, my lady. What a dreadful thing to happen, it's hardly surprising you're feeling faint.'
His instincts warned him that whoever was hiding behind him was about to attack. In one swift movement he swung round using his momentum to propel the iron poker sideways and his blow found its mark. The intruder screamed and collapsed taking the curtain down with him. Grey used the material to his advantage and rolled the man inside, then picked the flailing body up and banged the man's head hard against the floorboards. The struggle ceased and the bastard went limp.
'Have you killed him? Do I need to find some cord to tie him up?' The plucky girl was beside him apparently unbothered by the violence.
The Duke's Alliance Book Two: A Dangerous Husband Page 1