It didn't occur to her that he might prefer to take the lead so she settled down into the saddle, squeezed and her horse moved smoothly forward. Othello had taken this jump dozens of times and there was no need for her to interfere. He knew exactly what to do. His stride lengthened and she gave him his head. They soared over the stile and landed neatly on the other side.
Richard followed suit and side by side they cantered towards the distant village.
'I know nothing about my properties apart from what I've picked up from the accounts. Tell me what I'll see here.'
'There's a blacksmith, a baker, a cobbler and a general store. We have labourers and carpenters living here as well. In fact, there's little we need to send out for.'
'Who supplies them with fresh milk, vegetables, meat, et cetera?'
'They can purchase what they need from our home farm – which is where everything for our family is produced. I take it that you have seen our magnificent kitchen garden? All the vegetables for the staff and family are grown in abundance there.'
'I admired it, as well as the carp pool, trout stream and the yard full of fat hens and cockerels. I take it there are deer and game birds in the woods that surround the Hall?'
'Yes, we've always been self-sufficient where food's concerned and the surplus is distributed to all those on the estate. Although, they have sufficient land to grow their own, keep a pig and enough chickens to provide them with meat and eggs.'
The visit to the village went well as Richard was used to dealing with his subordinates from his time in the army. His manner was perfect, friendly but not informal – exactly what was expected of him. Despite their concern that the estate manager had not been doing his duty there were few complaints.
'Do you wish to return the same way or shall I take you by a different route?'
'The most direct – there are things I need to do before we dine this evening. Which reminds me, in future I don't wish to keep country hours and eat so early. It makes sense to adjust, as once we're in Town things will have to change.'
'I'm surprised that you know such things as you've been at pains to tell us all that you spent your entire life as a soldier and have no knowledge of how things are done in the ton.'
'As an officer I was expected to mingle with the aristocracy and grand folk that congregate around a successful campaign. If you're concerned that I'll cause you embarrassment by my behaviour you can rest easy.' He swivelled in the saddle and his smile made her toes curl. 'That said, I've no intention of behaving like one of those so-called gentlemen who've never done anything useful in their lives. I don't gamble, don't drink to excess and have no intention of seducing any young ladies or setting up a mistress in a convenient house nearby.'
Chapter Eight
Richard was still amused by Amanda's shocked expression as he strolled into the house. He walked to the study from which he had ousted her but felt not a pang of guilt. There was a pile of correspondence waiting to be dealt with and with a sigh of resignation he sat down at the desk and began to read.
He supposed that a true gentleman would have gone immediately to his rooms and removed the stink of the stable from his person. He'd stuck his hands under the stable pump and that would have to do. This constant urge to change one's clothes at every opportunity was something he refused to adopt.
No doubt the ladies had so little to do with their time they were happy to have the opportunity to change their ensemble several times a day.
Good God – they even made morning calls after lunch – that was a nonsense if ever he'd heard one. He was immersed in his work when there was a sharp knock on the door and he barked a command to enter.
'I apologise for intruding, your grace, but I've just got back from Horse Guards and need to speak to you most urgently.' Riley was standing in the door swaying with fatigue and decidedly travel-stained.
'Come in, my friend, take a seat and I'll send for refreshments.'
'I ain't fit to sit in here, your grace…'
'It's up to me who sits where and in what condition. Find yourself somewhere comfortable before you collapse at my feet.'
He yanked the bell-strap and waited at the door to give his orders. 'Tell me what's so urgent you've arrived almost on your knees.'
'It's like this, sir, they've no choice but to accept your resignation but they ain't going to take mine. I've got three months, two weeks and four days left to serve and they intend I'll return to Spain or be declared a deserter.'
'You'll do no such thing.' He'd left the door open and the rattle of crockery on a tray alerted him that they were no longer able to speak freely. He gestured to the footman to put the food and coffee on the desk and then waved him out.
'Help yourself, Riley, I'll share the coffee but as we dine at a ridiculously early hour, I won't have the sandwiches and cake.'
He poured himself a coffee and wandered to the far end of the room to drink it whilst Riley devoured the food. There was a soft tap on the door and he guessed who it was.
He opened it himself. 'Excellent, Amanda, I have a conundrum and hope you can solve it for me.'
She waved to Riley that he didn't need to get up but continue his meal, and then joined him by the window. 'I'm sorry I interrupted you – but how can I help?'
'First, what can I help you with? I hope there's nothing untoward going on that I must deal with.'
'No, I just came to tell you that I've spoken with Cook and dinner will be served fashionably late in future. Mama thought it a sensible notion, much to my surprise, and agreed with alacrity, on the condition that we change. Not into full evening dress, so don't look so horrified. Just something a little smarter than day clothes.'
'That seems acceptable. I'll be sharp-set by then as I failed to eat luncheon at midday.'
'I'm sure a man who's used to bivouacking in the desert with only a spoonful of water and a crust of bread to keep him going, will manage perfectly well until this evening. Now, how can I be of assistance?'
He smiled at her wit but refused to be drawn into reposting. He explained the dilemma and she turned and stared at Riley with her lips pursed. 'Your man is intelligent, I'm certain he could adopt the speech of a gentleman if so wished. All he needs is a wardrobe to match his elevated status and I doubt that even his friends will recognise him.'
'His real name is O'Riley, he's Irish but thought it better not to draw attention to the fact whilst he was serving in the King's army. He dropped his accent and no one has ever suspected the truth.'
Her delighted smile made him feel like a giant among men.
'Mr O'Riley, from this moment forward you will be a gentleman of modest means who is employed by his grace as his man of business. From what I've just been told you will have no difficulty adapting your manners and mode of speech.'
He was already on his feet and bowed. 'My lady, Patrick O'Riley at your service. I cannot tell you how delighted I am to be here.'
Amanda clapped her hands like a child. 'That's capital. If anyone comes looking then we can tell them no one called Riley is residing here and that will be no more than the truth.'
'By God, O'Riley, you're a better mimic than I realised. You were gone an unconscionable time so I assume your smart wardrobe will be arriving here soon?'
'Not only mine, your grace, but your own. The trunks travelled by the common stage and a local carter will bring them. I reckon I'll be smart as paint by tomorrow at the latest.'
He'd had no difficulty maintaining his genteel diction, which was impressive. 'As you were here no more than one night, I doubt that the staff will recall how you spoke or what your name was.'
O'Riley's grin was broad as he bowed to both of them. 'Thank you, my lady, your grace, I'll not let either of you down.' He took himself off to clean up leaving Richard alone with Amanda.
'Will he now be part of the family and dine with us or does he remain below stairs? I've no idea of the etiquette in such a matter.'
'He's in an invidious position, neithe
r fish nor fowl. Mama's companion, and the governess we had, were also marooned somewhere between the servants' hall and the family. He will dine with the housekeeper and butler or in his room with a tray on most nights. However, he can be included in social events and to make up the numbers at dinner.'
'I think it's safer, at least until after his enlistment has expired, that he remains out of public view. Even clean-shaven, with hair cut short and a gentleman's appearance anybody who served with him would immediately know who he was. The man's more than two yards high in his stockinged feet and having blazing red hair will mark him out at once.'
'That's easily remedied, Richard. I'll go at once and find him the walnut juice that my papa used to cover the grey in his hair. We can do nothing about his size, but with brown hair I think we'll get by.'
*
Amanda found the required item and sent Mary, her abigail, to deliver it. Then she went in search of her sister, for if this masquerade was to be successful both Sarah and Mama must go along with it. Beth was rarely in company and she doubted she would have remembered Mr O'Riley's name anyway.
She discovered them in the small drawing room. This was on the south side of the house and less formal than the larger one they had been using. They were looking through the pile of acceptances that had been arriving for the ball that was to be held in the first week of May.
'There you are, my dear, you will be pleased that so far there have been no refusals. Also, on this other pile, are the stack of invitations for us to attend similar events. I suppose we must obtain Richard's consent before we accept any.'
'I doubt that he'll care about such things but it would be wise not to make assumptions in this matter. I've discovered he can be quite alarming when his opinions are disregarded.'
Her sister gave her a most particular look. 'I cannot think how or why you might have experienced this. I thought the two of you were the best of friends.'
'We are, Sarah, but I have an unfortunate tendency to speak to him as if he was under my command rather than the other way around. Shall we talk of something else? I must tell you that this family is now involved in the most exciting venture.'
Her mother put down the letter she was perusing. 'Go on, do not keep us in suspense, my dear.'
They thought that harbouring Mr O'Riley was an excellent decision.
'I intend to do my best to trip him up and make him revert to his Irish or common diction. It will be most entertaining to do so.'
'I doubt that you'll have much opportunity, sister, as Richard has instructed him to keep out of sight as much as possible.'
'He can do so here but what about when we're in Town?'
'By then he will have mastered his new persona and there'll be no danger of anyone thinking he's anyone but the Duke of Denchester's confidante and man of affairs.'
The next hour passed pleasantly enough and when it was time to change for dinner she had made a list of all those who wished to attend Sarah's debut ball, and another of those who'd invited them to a variety of social events. Her mother had arranged these in order of precedence, with those from the most prestigious families at the top.
As she shared an apartment with her sister they walked upstairs together. They had separate bedchambers but a sitting room in common.
'If I'm to attend even half those invitations I'll scarcely have time to sleep. I'm now beginning to regret I insisted on this Season.'
'You don't have to go to everything, my love, only those that appeal to you. I'm certain there will be time for visiting the sights, driving out and making morning calls on those we wish to further our acquaintance with.'
'What if I meet a gentleman who wants to marry me?'
'I should think you'll meet several. After all, isn't that the object of the exercise? You're a beautiful, titled, heiress. Remember, they have to have Richard's approval before they can address you. I'm certain if you don't wish to become betrothed to anyone this year, he will support you.'
'It should be your debut, not mine, after all you're almost two years my senior.'
'You know my opinion on this matter. I've been out for three years so can attend any function and wear colours. It's fortunate that pastel shades are perfect on you.'
'But you do intend to come with me and Mama to everything, don't you? We both know that our mother will spend the entire evening playing cards and take no notice whatsoever of our behaviour.'
'I'll sit with the other chaperones. I can assure you that Richard will be keeping a very close eye on you and those that you dance with. No fortune hunter, rake or other undesirable will be allowed within arm's distance of you.'
'But what if someone asks you to dance?'
'Richard and I have agreed that we shall dance once with each other and then he will dance once with you – after that we intend to remain at the edge of the ballroom keeping a close eye on you and your partners.'
For some reason this information delighted her sister. 'I'll say no more about it then. Have you decided what you're going to wear tonight?'
'Mary will have set something out for me. I'll be ready far quicker than you so I'll go down first if you have no objection?'
'You go ahead, Amanda, I'll wait for our mama.'
'I'll go and see Beth before I go down – she rarely gets the opportunity to see us in anything but plain gowns.'
Her sister was already in bed looking through a picture book. 'That's a pretty gown, Amanda, that funny green colour exactly matches your eyes.'
'Thank you, darling. I thought to take you out in the carriage tomorrow – would you like that?'
'I would. I would. Can I wear a new gown too?'
'You must wear something suitable for travelling in an open carriage, Beth. I'm sure that Nanny will find you something perfect.'
She kissed her sister and left her happily planning her ensemble for the next day.
There was no one in the drawing room – but then she hadn't expected there to be as she was half an hour ahead of the appointed time. She decided to use the interim to play a new piece that had arrived from London a few days ago.
As always, she was immediately lost in the music. Her fingers flew across the keyboard and she scarcely needed to look at the sheet in front of her. She was fortunate indeed that she could play a piece through once or twice and then have it down perfectly.
At the end she sat for a few seconds as the notes faded away. Richard spoke from behind her making her almost fall off the piano stool.
'That was quite superb, I've never heard anyone play so well. I've not heard it before – is it a new concerto?'
She closed the piano with a decided snap and slid out from behind the stool. 'For a large gentleman you are remarkably soft-footed. That might be an advantage for a soldier but is a disagreeable trait for a gentleman.' She spoke with her back to him – somehow it was easier to be cross when she couldn't see him.
'My dear girl, if you wish to take me to task then I'd much prefer it if I could see your face. By the by, that's a remarkably pretty gown, the colour matches your eyes exactly.'
She spun so quickly she almost lost her balance. His lightning reactions prevented her from a nasty tumble.
'Were you eavesdropping on my conversation with my sister, sir? That's exactly what she said.'
He looked somewhat startled by her vehemence but rallied wonderfully. 'Then Sarah and I are in complete agreement. And, no, I certainly didn't stand listening outside your door.'
'Then how did you know that my gown matches my eyes before I turned to face you?'
'Is that what's put a bee under your bonnet? Our colouring is identical. Pale green is my eye colour too. Are you not going to return the compliment?'
A strange bubbling excitement filled her chest. She felt like a small child when she spoke to him in this light-hearted way. She increased the distance between them so she could look at him in full.
He was wearing an immaculate green topcoat, square-cut in the modern fashion with two rows of
smart brass buttons and a rolled collar. His white shirt and snowy neckcloth drew attention to the strong column of his neck. She daren't move her eyes one iota lower as it would remind her of what she'd seen that she should not have done.
*
Richard rather enjoyed her scrutiny and was amused by the fact her gaze travelled no lower than his shirt. Seeing him naked had obviously had more effect than he'd thought at the time. The kind of women he was used to saw men unclothed every day of the week – there was no privacy in an army camp. Sometimes, when he was lucky, he'd been billeted in a decent house in a village, but not when they were on the move.
'I can hear the others coming, allow me to escort you to the other end of the drawing room.' He held out his arm. For a second she hesitated then, with some reluctance, placed her hand on it.
'I think you are under a serious misapprehension if you believe that I need to be treated like a shy young debutante. I'm perfectly capable of walking from one end of the room to the other without your assistance.'
'I'm well aware of that, my dear, I doubt that a young lady of the sort you describe would ride the way you do. Or, for that matter, play with such passion and virtuosity.'
This compliment obviously pleased her as her cheeks glowed and her eyes were sparkling when she looked up at him.
'I've had the best tuition over the years as my father loved to hear me play. He would accompany me on the fiddle and my sisters and my mama would sing.'
He was used to seeing the duchess in full evening rig as she'd insisted on changing every night despite the fact that no one else did. Tonight, she had dressed down. Her silk gown was a startling shade of puce but, apart from that, was perfectly acceptable. Sarah was wearing a simple, but fetching, muslin in a pretty forget-me-not blue.
'I am surrounded by a bevy of beautiful ladies tonight. I could almost get to enjoy this changing for dinner nonsense.'
'I'm absolutely ravenous, Richard, I would have eaten more at luncheon if I'd known I was to wait so long for my dinner,' Sarah said with a smile.
The Duke's Ward (The Reluctant Duke Book 1) Page 7