The Duke's Alliance Book Two: A Dangerous Husband

by Fenella J Miller

  He looked so contrite she took pity on him. 'I was teasing you, I've no need of anything else at the moment. However, no doubt Grace and I will peruse the latest fashion plates and have new ensembles made up before we attend our first Season next year.'

  As they stepped onto the terrace Dr Faulkner joined them. He half-bowed. 'I was just informed you received a letter by express. From your demeanour I assume it was good news.'

  'My uncle has invited us to stay and we will be leaving here first thing tomorrow. Although we have to cut short our stay we shall renew our acquaintance when you join us at Silchester Court for the Christmas house party.'

  Madeline frowned. Silchester was her ancestral home, not his. She should have been the one to renew the invitation. Neither of the gentlemen seemed to think that Grey's comment was out of place so perhaps she was being too proud.

  After all, since yesterday her husband had the legal right to do as he pleased with her person and her property – no doubt this included extending an invitation to all and sundry to visit Silchester.

  'I'll certainly attend if I can find someone to take over my duties here. I've no intention of leaving this neighbourhood without a physician in attendance.'

  She was surprised that the doctor didn't seem unduly bothered or indeed especially honoured to be included in the house party. Her opinion of the gentleman went up. There were more than enough toadies and sycophants around, all desperate to be noticed by her family. It was refreshing to meet someone who was not impressed by their elevated position in society.

  'If there is anyone particular you would like to bring with you, Doctor Faulkner, then please do so.'

  He smiled, making his face look less austere. 'If you're angling to know if I'm romantically involved with anyone, my lady, then I'm happy to inform you I'm not.' For a moment he looked unbearably sad but then he was himself again. 'I'm far too busy to look for a partner – perhaps I'll find someone at your party.'

  This was said with a laugh and she knew he didn't intend for his comment to be taken seriously. She would, however, make sure there were several suitable young ladies included in the guest list and then leave things to chance.

  *

  On his arrival at his apartment Grey stripped off his garments and put on his bedrobe. All this was accomplished without the assistance of his valet. Madeline would be waiting in the adjoining room and he was eager to resume introducing her to bedroom sport.

  There was a slight noise behind him. 'I beg your pardon for not being here to help, sir, I didn't realise you'd already retired.' Slater looked decidedly shifty.

  'Out with it man – what aren't you telling me?'

  'Lady Madeline decided it would put the staff to too much trouble if she moved in here for just one night.'

  'My wife isn't next door?'

  'She is not, my lord.'

  Grey muttered imprecations under his breath. He had two choices – either he got dressed again or paraded through the house as he was. No – there was a third option and reluctantly he took this one.

  'In which case, I'll remain here. Make sure you wake me at dawn.'

  He wasn't sure if he was more angry at Madeline's defiance or frustrated that he wouldn't be able to make love to his beautiful wife. He flung back the covers and rolled into bed without bothering to find his nightshirt.

  When he saw her tomorrow he would make it very clear he expected his instructions to be followed to the letter. He hoped she was regretting her decision as much as he was.

  The following morning he was up before his valet appeared with his shaving water. He headed for the stable yard as soon as he was dressed confident he'd forgotten nothing – that he'd arranged their departure with military precision. Fortunately neither he nor Madeline had brought a second trunk and there was ample space at the rear of the vehicle for all their trappings.

  Jenkins, Smith and Slater were well-mounted but this still left two spare animals – the one that had been used as a pack animal and the mare Madeline had ridden.

  He spoke to Faulkner's head groom. 'Will it be a problem if I leave these two here?'

  'No, sir, as you can see we've plenty of spare stalls.'

  ‘Perhaps your master could return them when he comes for his Christmas visit in a few weeks?' He dipped into his pocket and tossed the man a couple of coins.

  He turned to Smith. 'We shall be leaving in an hour. Make sure you are ready and that the coachman has the carriage waiting outside.'

  His man touched his cap. 'We'll be there. I've sent Jenkins ahead to arrange for overnight accommodation – he'll rejoin us on the journey so you'll know where we're stopping.'

  Grey nodded and returned to the house to find his wife calmly eating her breakfast as if nothing untoward had taken place last night. 'Good morning, I trust you slept well. I certainly did and I'm eager to set out on this adventure.'

  He'd fully intended to severely reprimand her but her sweet smile dissuaded him. 'Good morning to you, my love, I'm delighted you are here in good time.'

  He joined her at the table with a laden plate and neither of them spoke until they'd finished. She dropped her cutlery and her napkin with a sigh of contentment.

  'That was truly delicious. I've just to run upstairs and put on my bonnet and collect my gloves and reticule and then I'll be ready to depart. Doctor Faulkner was called out an hour ago so will be unable to say goodbye in person.'

  'I'm at a loss to understand why a man of his substance devotes his time to doctoring the poor of the neighbourhood.' He gestured around at the expensive fittings. 'Usually becoming a physician is the lot of a younger son, someone without a substantial income, and this obviously isn't the case with him.'

  She stood gracefully before answering. 'I believe he's immersing himself in good works in order to forget a broken heart. He is a handsome man and as you pointed out, obviously wealthy – why else would he not be married?'

  'You’ve been reading too many novels, sweetheart, it's far more likely he's a confirmed bachelor like the duke.'

  'We shall see when he comes to stay. I'll join you outside in ten minutes.'

  True to her word she appeared on the top step looking, as always, quite beautiful. If he had his way all her garments would be made in that particular shade of green as it set off her hair and eyes to perfection.

  His mouth curved at his thoughts. He was an ex-soldier, not a simpering poltroon with a head full of romantic nonsense.

  He handed her into the carriage and her maid scuttled around to the far side and scrambled in under her own volition. He was about to join her when he decided he would rather ride than spend hours cooped up inside a stuffy carriage unable to speak freely because there was a servant present.

  'I'm going to ride after all, my dear, far too clement a day to be inside.' He slammed the door and the under-coachman put away the steps before climbing nimbly to take his position on the box.

  The coachman released the brake, snapped his whip and the vehicle moved away smoothly. 'Smith, you follow and Slater, you wait for me. We'll catch you soon enough.'

  In less than ten minutes he was astride the erstwhile packhorse, a handsome bay gelding well up to his weight.

  *

  Madeline was glad he'd decided not to sit with her inside the carriage – not because she didn't enjoy spending time with him – but now she could put her feet up on the squabs and travel in comfort.

  'Lottie, I'm not sure how long we'll be travelling before we stop for refreshments, but knowing his lordship he will expect to complete a goodly part of the journey. I'm going to sleep if I can, I had little rest last night.'

  ‘Very good, my lady, I'll keep an eye on things out of the window and rouse you in good time.'

  The Silchester travelling carriage was extremely luxurious, no expense had been spared when her father had had it built the year he passed away. Despite the poor quality of the lane they were travelling along the excellent springs softened the discomfort.

  She'd expe
cted Grey to give her a frosty reception this morning after her refusal to follow his instructions, but he'd been his usual friendly self. Was his sudden decision to ride a direct result of her refusing to sleep in his bed last night?

  Being married to a man with a tendency to think he was still commanding his brigade was going to be more difficult than she'd anticipated. If only they had been able to spend more time together, get to know each other and maybe fall in love, then things might be easier between them. Tears seeped from the corner of her eyes and she turned her face away so her maid wouldn't see.

  Mama had told all of them to marry for love and not for any other reason. Her brother Bennett had done so, but circumstances had pushed her into this situation and she wished with all her heart she'd not been obliged to marry so hastily and to a man she barely liked, let alone loved.

  The fact that what took place in the marriage bed was very much to her liking would make things bearable for both of them. He had promised to be a good husband to her, to make her happy and she must believe what he said.

  Once she was with child things would be different – they would have a shared interest. She was confident whatever his failings as a husband he would be an excellent father. Her hand moved surreptitiously to her middle. Was it possible she was already carrying his baby?

  She must have dozed because she was jolted awake by a sharp tap on the window. She looked round and saw her husband peering in at her.

  'Lottie, let down the window, his lordship wishes to speak to me.'

  When the window was open he leaned in. 'We're about to turn onto the toll road and will be travelling more speedily. I've arranged for us to halt for midday refreshments but we can stop before then – just let the coachman know.'

  'Thank you for informing me. I'm perfectly comfortable and sure I can wait until noon to…' She stopped horrified she'd been about to mention something so indelicate.

  His wicked smile made her blush the more. 'How is your hip?'

  'It hardly hurts at all, thank you. Being able to put my feet up makes all the difference.'

  He straightened and cantered away. She decided she would prefer to have the window left down and be covered with dust rather than travel without fresh air.

  'We’ve been going a good while so I reckon it must be ten o'clock by now. There's a picnic basket under the seat – do you want me to find you something?'

  'No, I'm content to wait until we stop. I'm now wide awake and intend to take more interest in the journey.' She sat up and put her feet on the floor so she could look through the window.

  The carriage halted and then lurched to the left. Immediately the ride became smoother and the pace picked up. The sun was shining and the hedges and trees were glorious in their autumn finery. They had been travelling at a spanking pace for some time when the under-coachman blew his horn indicating there was another vehicle approaching.

  Their carriage slowed and the horses were guided towards the far side of the road and, as often happened in these situations, the inside rear wheel of the carriage dropped into a pothole. She clutched at the strap to stop herself being tipped from the seat but was too late and her world turned upside down.

  *

  Grey watched in horror as the rear wheel of the carriage came away from the back axle and the vehicle lurched. For a moment it teetered and he held his breath praying it wouldn't tip into the deep ditch that ran alongside the road.

  Then it pitched sideways. The horses were dragged backwards kicking and screaming in protest. The two coachmen were thrown from the box and the cries from inside the coach turned his blood to ice.

  'Slater – see to the horses. Smith, with me. You drag the men from the ditch before they drown. I'll try and get into the coach.'

  He vaulted from his horse and jumped into the ditch disregarding the water that came over the tops of his boots. Why was there no sound from inside the vehicle? If anything had happened to Madeline he would be devastated. She was already dear to his heart.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Madeline was crushed beneath her maid and the various boxes and baskets that had been stored under the squabs. 'Lottie, are you injured?'

  'A bit bruised, my lady, but I reckon I'm fine. I'll try and move from on top of you.'

  'No – stay still. I fear the carriage might slip further into the ditch if we rock it.'

  Then she realised Grey was shouting at her. 'We are unhurt, but there's water seeping in through the roof and already our gowns are sodden.'

  'Thank God! I feared the worst when you didn't answer immediately. Don't try and move. Assistance is coming from other vehicles and we'll soon have the carriage righted and be able to get you out.'

  The horses were now quiet and she prayed this meant none of them had been seriously injured in the accident. The carriage rocked and more cold water gushed in through the split seams of the roof. From what she could make out there were several gentlemen outside and Grey was organising them into a rescue party.

  Suddenly his face appeared at a door and he smiled encouragingly. 'It won't be long now, sweetheart, I'm tying a rope to the carriage and then we can pull it upright. You must brace yourselves as best you can but it will be uncomfortable, I fear.'

  'It can't be worse than things are at the moment.' He vanished and immediately the carriage started to shift. 'Jam your feet into the window, Lottie, that should keep us steady long enough to avoid further damage.'

  There was barely time to do as she suggested before the vehicle began to move more quickly. Unfortunately the substantial quantity of ditch water in which they had been lying poured over their heads, adding to their discomfort.

  As the coach crashed back to its correct position both she and her maid fell into the well of the carriage. She couldn't hold back a yelp of pain as her injured hip hit the floor.

  Both doors were prised open and he was beside her. 'Sweetheart, let me lift you out and then I can put my riding cape around you.'

  She was about to protest, to ask him to remove Lottie first, but there was no need as he'd already arranged for her maid to be taken care of. 'Has anyone been hurt in the accident? Are the horses all right?'

  He gently lifted her and placed her on her feet, then his warm coat was around her shoulders and immediately she felt warmer.

  'The coachmen are wet and bruised but otherwise unhurt and the horses took no harm.'

  She then became aware the road was blocked by two carriages and it was to one of these that he was striding. A plump matron was peering anxiously through the open door and greeted her with a cry of distress.

  'My lady, what a dreadful business, I thank God that no one has been mortally wounded. Put her in here with me. As soon as the way is clear I shall take your wife to Chorley Manor. If you take the next turning to the right it leads directly to my home. It's no more than a mile from here. As soon as I get there I'll send sufficient men with a diligence and ropes to assist you in recovering your carriage and also a cart to collect your luggage.'

  Madeline was bundled into the warm interior and Lottie joined her. She had no idea who this kind person was and Grey had not thought to introduce them.

  'I'll follow as soon as I can, sweetheart. We need to clear the road so the traffic can continue.'

  He slammed the door and she barely had time to settle before the vehicle moved off. Her sodden garments were going to soak through the thick cloth of Grey's coat and would damage the smart squabs.

  'Madam, I fear my maid and I are going to cause irreparable damage to your carriage…'

  'I care not for that, your well-being and comfort is paramount. I should have given you my name – I am Mrs Belinda Chorley. My husband is Squire Chorley.' She said this as if Madeline should recognise the name so she nodded and smiled.

  'I'm so glad you were there to offer your assistance, Mrs Chorley. I apologise for any inconvenience we might cause to your household by our unexpected arrival.'

  'I'm delighted to help, Lady Madeline, I find myse
lf with little to do now my children have left home. Having you and his lordship to stay, even if it is only for a night or two, will brighten my days.'

  A few minutes later the carriage turned down a leafy lane and Mrs Chorley was happy to tell her they were now travelling on her husband's land and would soon be at the manor.

  'My lady, I can find you and your maid something to wear until your luggage arrives. My youngest daughter only recently got married and has left some of her wardrobe behind. You are a similar size, so one of her gowns should be ideal.'

  'Thank you, ma'am, I much appreciate your kindness. I can't understand how a wheel can have come off our carriage. It was purchased only a year or two ago and it's of the highest quality.'

  'No doubt your husband will be able to ascertain the reason for the accident once he has the carriage in our coach house. We employ our own smith and cartwright so the repairs can be undertaken immediately.'

  'We are on our way to visit Lord Carshalton's relatives and they will be expecting us tomorrow morning. I expect my husband has already sent one of the grooms to Blakely Hall with a message.'

  The carriage rocked to a halt outside an imposing manor house; a footman emerged from the front door immediately to let down the steps and assist them from the vehicle.

  'Come along, my dear, the sooner we have you in clean, dry clothes the better.'

  Madeline was conducted by the housekeeper, a Mrs Reynolds, a woman of middle years and pleasant countenance, to a suite of rooms at the rear of the building. 'My lady, someone will be along immediately to light the fires. A bath will be drawn for you and a maid will come to assist in your ablutions until your own abigail can join you.'

  'Lord Carshalton will also require a bath, but as he will have his valet and luggage with him that should present less of a problem.'

  The housekeeper curtsied. 'My lady, nothing you and his lordship require is any trouble at all. There's a large staff here and they are underemployed. Having house guests is a rarity and I can tell you that Cook is beside herself with excitement.'