The Hazardous Gamble of the Alluring Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Novel

by Hamilton, Hanna

  Chapter 26

  While Aunt Garrity and Dahlia planned a sumptuous afternoon tea with the viands on hand, Roger drew Aaron aside. “I have some business matters on which I would like to check, given the current turn of events,” he said. “Perhaps you would like to ride out with me.

  “I could use some air,” Aaron replied, “but I am loath to leave my sister to the keeping of servants with Goldstone planning who knows what.

  “I’ll leave Herbert with them. While he might find it hard to stop a peer from entering, he can deal with petty annoyances. Valet or no, his social standing is more than equal to that of such worms as Carlyle and Dayton. I trust my Aunt Garrity to deal easily with a little toad eater like Goldstone and to keep Lady Dahlia safe from him – even if she has to hide her in the attic with the linens.”

  Roger and Aaron found Aunt Garrity and Dahlia amiably occupied with a wooden box of receipts, arguing the merits of orange or lemon peel in preserves. “I shall miss my father’s hot houses,” Dahlia was saying as they entered the solar where the ladies had made their morning headquarters once Goldstone’s seconds had been escorted from the premises.

  I shall build a hothouse and hire a gardener who knows how to run one, Roger thought. Aloud he said, “Lady Dahlia, I have some business to which I must attend, and I would like to take your brother with me. I will leave Herbert with you, and Aaron assures me that the footman you brought with you can find us, at need.”

  “I’m sure we will be perfectly safe,” Dahlia reassured him, “Will we not, Aunt Amelia?”

  “Indeed, we shall,” Aunt Garrity replied. “We have a tea to plan, and very little time to execute the necessary baking and other cooking. We shall have that young cook on his metal today. In addition, I have sent for a seamstress and a tailor. We shall need to begin planning Dahlia’s wedding gown and a few additions to her wardrobe immediately.”

  More expenses, Roger thought, but I cannot bear to deny her anything. I shall simply have to win that award for solving the missing ships.

  Soon the two gentlemen were riding out past Green Park and on toward the River Thames.

  “Where are we going?” Aaron asked.

  “Down to the docks. I have an acquaintance there who might be able to shed some light on recent events. And I should also call on Jeremy Sharp, my man of business.”

  “Why this sudden need to meet with your solicitor, sir?”

  Roger considered the matter for a few minutes. “I am confident that Lord Goldstone will not be able to best me in a fair fight, but should he bring about my demise, I would see your sister safe if it is in my power to make it so. Mr. Sharp’s aid would be invaluable in this. I daresay, he has forgotten more about business than either of us have even begin to know.”

  Aaron stared at Roger for a moment. “You are remarkably forward thinking, Roger. With an attitude like that, how did you ever manage to run through your blunt so quickly?”

  Roger sighed. “It is the betting. I sit in on a game of cards or I go to the race tracks and wager on the horses. The excitement takes me, and I indulge in higher and higher stakes. It is like a fever. Sometimes, I make a great deal, but then at other times – far too many times of late – I lose.”

  Lord Bochil thought this over for a moment. “I see. Well, my soon to be brother-in-law, then we shall simply have to keep you away from these amusements. Although I own, I am puzzled as to why you keep doing it.”

  Roger was momentarily quiet. “I used to not, but it was something to do, something real.”

  “Ah,” Aaron nodded. “I think I understand. I had a grim time of it when my mother passed away.”

  Roger fixed his eyes on the ships moored along the Thames. He ground his fist into his thigh to keep from pounding it against the horse or, worse yet, clapping his heels to the animal and taking off at a gallop.

  Aaron said nothing further on the subject but ventured instead, “With your pockets to let, how do you propose to create a shield for my sister?”

  “I am not entirely without resources. I am fortunate that Mr. Sharp brought me up short in my mad career and pointed out the error of my ways before I had completely run through my personal fortune, and I do have income from the estates.”

  “Yet, the estates can in no way accrue to my sister, even if you were married.” Aaron pointed out.

  “That is true, but I have a fine racing stable which should be bringing in an income in stud fees and sales of the youngsters if the fellow who owns them wasn’t such a dunderhead at the tracks.”

  “Hmmm,” Aaron said thoughtfully. “And would I be riding next to that fellow?”

  Roger laughed aloud. “You would. Herbert tells me it is because I am not well versed in the ways of underhanded jockeys and owners.”

  “That could be so. It was one of the reasons I invested in sheep instead of horses. Besides, not everyone can own a horse, but everyone wears clothing.”

  “I suppose that is true. But I find that the thought of raising sheep does absolutely nothing for me, while I do love my horses and hounds.”

  “And it shows in the way they respond to you, sir. Suppose I could put you in the way of a manager who can connect your care of your livestock with a little business acumen?”

  “It might help,” Roger said, slowly relaxing his fist. “Why are you doing this?”

  “Because I am fond of my sister, and I believe she is fast falling in love with you. Therefore, I will gladly render a bit of aid toward repairing your fortunes, should you live long enough to benefit from the help.”

  Roger eased his mount into a slow walk. “I wonder that you think a gambler and wastrel would be someone to whom you could give such a treasure as your lovely sister.”

  “As to that. Aaron grinned. “I’ve got cousins who went up against Boney. You’ve got a bit of a reputation as a man who keeps a tight regiment and who doesn’t turn his back on his old friends. I don’t know you personally, but I do know of you.”

  “I had no idea that Napoleon Bonaparte would do me any favors,” Roger said. “So far, it has seemed quite the contrary.”

  “Your brother was carried off by disease, was he not?”

  Roger nodded. “Yes, that he was. But my parents were lost when crossing the channel. It is not as if they sailed to Spain or to the Americas. They were lost crossing the channel!” he growled. “How could they have been so served other than if their ship were deliberately wrecked?”

  Aaron rubbed the side of his nose. “I don’t know much about ships.”

  “No more do I,” Roger responded, “Other than to transport troops on them. But here is the thing. The day my parents’ ship was lost there was no storm. It was a calm, sunny day with following winds and a favorable tide. There was no reason at all for them to be wreak or go off course. If it were not Bonaparte’s minions, then who could it have been?”

  “Pirates? Privateers?”

  “Oh, aye, and where would those privateers come from? They must have a home port where they can trade and sell their ill-gotten goods.”

  “Did anything from the ship turn up?”

  “That’s the thing,” Roger said. “Nothing ever did. Not a board, not a body, not a flag or scrap of sailcloth.”

  Aaron pulled up his horse, causing Roger to do the same lest he leave the young man behind. “I just had a thought – a bone-chilling thought. Do you know who the insurance carrier was for your parents’ ship?”

  “It would have been Lloyds. They had done business with them for years and were never displeased with the service. Why do you ask?” Roger gentled his horse as the creature shifted beneath him.

  “Ships, assurances, insurance, I’m not quite sure why, but it seems to me, that there was something about a connection between them and the number of ships that have gone astray in the last two or three years.” Aaron rubbed the side of his nose thoughtfully. “Now, if I could just remember where I heard about it. I think it was important, but in the events of the last two days, it has quite
slipped my mind. Sorry to be such a bacon brain.”

  “I do not find you bacon brained at all,” Roger said. “In fact, in company of you and your sister, I find that I am at quite a disadvantage in intellect. Is she truly mad to go to Oxford?”

  “Oh, quite!” Aaron replied. “She loves history, strategy, and even politics. In many ways, she would have made our father a better son than I when it comes to such matters.”

  “But she would never be allowed to matriculate,” Roger stated.

  “Sadly, no. Not only would our father never hear of it, but the Chancellor would as soon allow one of my sheep to enter those sacred halls than a woman. I do not think she would have any problem passing the exams for mathematics or Literae Humaniores. She has devoured my notes and textbooks since my first year.”

  “I cannot change the administration of a college, but perhaps some other way might be found to open doors for her. Meanwhile, I have a matter than must be cleared up before this duel with Lord Goldstone.”

  “Are you concerned about it?”

  “Not unduly,” Roger replied. “But fate has a way of taking advantage of the unprepared, as I have learned to my regret. Had I been more attentive to my fortunes, I would now be better prepared to protect your sister. I will do all that I can, which is why we are here today to see a man about a ship.”

  “About a ship?” Aaron’s brow creased with a puzzled frown.

  The horses’ hooves clattered on the board walk as the gentlemen approached a hitching rail thoughtfully provided for that purpose.

  “Aye, a ship. Lord Bochil, how would you like to begin shipping your wool and perhaps a lamb or two across the channel?”

  “But I don’t normally ship my wool anywhere.”

  “Indeed,” Roger’s sardonic grin stretched wide across his face, “and nary a fleece from your flocks or even one tiny hoof will set foot on this ship. But it will be insured by Lloyd’s of London.”

  “I beg your pardon?” Aaron leaned against his horse and stared at Roger.

  “Sometimes to catch a thief you must bait a trap,” Roger said, securing his horse to the rail by loosely wrapping the reins. “We will not be here long, but there is a man who can help us with this.”

  And if all goes well, Roger thought, I will flush out the man or men who are preying on the ships insured by Lloyds, and I will be able to provide a future for my beautiful, brilliant, scatter-brained and adorable Lady Dahlia.

  Chapter 27

  When the gentlemen returned from their ride, they found that afternoon tea was in high progress.

  Both Lady Witley and Lady Amory were in attendance, their dowager caps bobbing in time with their emphatic conversation. Also in attendance were two of the good ladies’ numerous offspring, as well as a cousin or three, all of whom seemed to be attended by at least one if not two children.

  The result was a cheerful chaos as the children dashed about underfoot and gobbled as many sandwiches and cookies as they could. One of the cousins had brought her lapdog, a cunning little thing that was a fluff of brown fur with two beady little eyes. It zipped after the children and was on the lookout for any crumbs that might be dropped.

  Several copies of the Lady’s Magazine were being traded about, most with pages open to illustrations of gowns in general and wedding gowns in particular. Several cards from favorite modistes were in evidence.

  Lady Amory’s daughter-in-law had a large pad of paper and an assortment of colored chalks and seemed to be making drawings of the various ideas for wedding gowns, attendant’s dresses and an impossible array of garlands and bouquets.

  Herbert accosted the gentlemen before they could be drawn into this cheerful chaos and guided them to the small withdrawing room where Peter had thoughtfully laid out a hearty tea of ham slices, bread and butter, and beer. “Thank you, Herbert,” Roger said. “Can you tell us what is going on in there?”

  “Plans for your wedding, I believe, Your Grace. Or perhaps for your funeral. Lord Goldstone’s reputation as a duelist is well-known. The ladies are developing battle plans for an engagement party for tomorrow night. It will be held here to circumvent any chance that Goldstone will snatch the bride-to-be as a preliminary for the duel.”

  “Egad!” Roger set his beer mug down and stared at Herbert. “We are entertaining? Are there supplies enough in the house to sustain this party?”

  “Not to worry,” Lord Bochil put in, “if my sister wants a party, I’ll fund it. Besides, you wanted to gather information. This will be an admirable way to get the members of the ton who are here in the off-season together in one place.”

  “That is a point,” Roger said.

  “Your Grace, Gentlemen,” Peter said, “if I might speak?”

  “Of course, Peter,” Roger said, “if you have an idea to contribute, please say on.”

  “The cellars are well-stocked, Your Grace, and the young cook has made an excellent conserve of the fruit that was knocked off the trees last night. He has the undercook and some of the maids busy crystalizing the mint leaves and the borage and rose petals from the damaged rows in the kitchen garden. If we can come up with a credible cold collation, I believe we shall manage very nicely.”

  Roger began to chuckle softly. “Considering the occasion, and Lady Dahlia’s predilection for the stuff, serve red herrings on toasted rye squares.”

  Lord Bochil began to laugh as well. “That is certainly cheap enough, although we should probably have an alternative for those who do not care for fish.”

  “Leave it to our capable cook, Lord Bochil, Your Grace, and I believe we shall manage well enough.” Peter said solemnly.

  “We must have some gentlemen in attendance,” Lord Bochil said, “and music for dancing.”

  Herbert said, “We can apply to Mrs. Benton for musicians for the evening. It will help to cover conversations, and perhaps we will be able to learn if other people are being targeted or just this house.

  * * *

  Dahlia admired Lady Elagantina Worthing’s lovely drawings, trying to muster enthusiasm for the whole affair. If she were truly engaged to the Duke of Shelthom, if he were sincere in his affections as he seemed to be, then nothing could please her more.

  Oh, how I wish for this to be real, not a make-believe romance. She felt her face grow hot as she thought of Roger. He was ruggedly handsome. The scar down the side of his face was a reminder that he had been an active soldier in the recent conflict, surely an honorable servant of king and country. His coats sat across broad shoulders that owed nothing to buckram wadding or other sorts of padding. His breeches, her cheeks grew even warmer at the thought, clad muscular thighs indicative of a man who kept himself in top physical form.

  Better than that, he showed extreme delicacy of mind. He strove to comfort her when she had learned of the duel and did not mock her fears as foolish. She stared dreamily at the picture, not really seeing it, as she remembered how he had kissed away her tears.

  Oh, but what if he were wrong? What if Goldstone managed somehow to turn a simple boxing match into something lethal?

  Dahlia felt the tears starting at the back of her eyes and blinked rapidly. Think of something else, anything else than that fine, manly form laid out upon a bier.

  “Lady Dahlia?” Lady Elegantina Worthing peered at her face. “Are you unwell?” The lady did not resemble her name. She had a homely, fleshy face which, at the moment, was smeared with a streak of peach colored chalk.

  “Oh, dear,” Dahlia said, “It is all a bit overwhelming. I never had such a party as this afternoon tea in my father’s house. Nor have I had the pleasure of being the hostess for such a gala as all of you are planning. And,” this time a little moisture did bead up on her eyelashes, “I have nothing to wear. We were only able to grab my small trunk that contains my ordinary clothes.”

  “Do not fret,” Mrs. Garrity said. “My late sister had an extensive wardrobe. She was a bit taller and larger than you, so we shall have the seamstress to take them up a bit.” />
  “But will not His Grace recognize them?”

  “No, no, I assure you he will not. The late duchess ordered several gowns from her modiste just before she sailed, and they were delivered before we heard that the ship was lost. She had anticipated introducing her son to the ton in the hope that he would wed. She would have liked you, my dear.” Mrs. Garrity patted Dahlia’s shoulder tenderly.

  “Oh, I do hope that is true, Aunt Amelia. Are you certain that it will be all right?” Dahlia blinked rapidly, but a tear slid down one cheek all the same. “Oh, dear. Someone, please take this beautiful drawing before I mar it.”

  The drawing was quickly taken from her hands, and she was plied with fresh handkerchiefs, tea, and solicitous pats. Perhaps that might not have happened among some gatherings, but the attendees at this tea were special cronies of Lady Amory and Lady Witley. They might gossip and newsmonger, but all were quick to sympathize with Lady Dahlia’s plight.