Cinderella and the Duke

by Janice Preston

  When he was with Rosalind he felt able to relax, to be himself. Was that part of her appeal—that she reacted to him as a man and not a duke? Although he longed to bed her, he also craved her company and if he could not have the former then he would enjoy the latter whilst he might.

  ‘In that case, I shall call upon you here, tomorrow afternoon, to see how Susie is settling in.’

  Chapter Nine

  ‘Well, here’s a pretty sight to brighten an old man’s day.’

  ‘Good morning, Sir William.’

  Rosalind crossed the spacious hall to take the baronet’s proffered hands in hers. It was the day after Susie had come into their lives and Rosalind, Penny and Hector had taken a brisk walk over to Foxbourne Manor, braving the chill February wind and the threat of rain, or even snow. Rosalind had come to welcome home her stepfather’s oldest friend and Penny to call upon Sir William’s cook with the gift of a cake, to thank her for the herbs and pickles. They had left Freddie and Susie at Stoney End, playing endless games of hunt the slipper.

  ‘I trust your journey home was uneventful?’

  Sir William’s face sagged, worry creasing his brow.

  ‘What is wrong? Is your daughter well? And your grandsons?’

  ‘Oh, yes, yes.’ Sir William ushered Rosalind into the morning parlour where a very welcome fire blazed in the hearth. ‘They are all well, thank you. That is, as far as Jane’s physical health is concerned.’

  They sat side by side on a sofa in front of the fire. Rosalind shifted so she was half-facing Sir William and again took his hand. She waited for him to continue.

  ‘It is her mood that is so very low.’ His bushy brows beetled over his eyes. ‘She tries her best to conceal her unhappiness from the children but, when they are not around, she appears to have neither the energy nor the will to do anything but weep.’

  ‘It is to be expected she will mourn her husband,’ Rosalind said.

  ‘Of course it is, but I cannot help being anxious. She appears to be spiralling lower and lower in her spirits.’ He patted Rosalind’s hand. ‘You will understand, I am certain, when I tell you I have decided to leave Foxbourne and move north to live with Jane and the boys.’

  ‘Leave? But...you have lived here your entire life, sir. Is it wise to leave your family home and all of your memories?’

  ‘But that is it, do you not see? They are merely memories. Jane and the boys...they are real. And they are suffering.’ He heaved a sigh. ‘To tell the truth, my dear, it is nice to feel I am needed at my age, although I do realise my decision will affect you and Frederick, for which I am sorry.’

  ‘You must not trouble yourself about us, sir. When do you plan to leave?’

  ‘Very soon, I am afraid. There is no necessity for me to remain here until the old place is sold and it will be less painful not to see strangers taking it over. I have instructed my agent to find a buyer. Foxbourne is not entailed and I have no son so there is nothing to prevent me selling up.’

  ‘Your younger grandson might appreciate a property such as Foxbourne when he is older.’

  Sir William had two grandsons. The eldest, still only four years old, had inherited his father’s title and estates the previous year.

  ‘Do not think I have not considered young Henry’s needs. He is only a year old, however, and the thought of running this place from a distance for that length of time...well, the burden would fall upon Jane were anything to happen to me. I am not a young man and I do not wish to add to her liabilities.

  ‘No, I have made up my mind. I shall not be easy until I have moved in with Jane and can take care of her. I shall invest the proceeds in land in Cheshire and that shall be Henry’s inheritance.’

  ‘What about your horses?’ Breeding and training quality horses had been the old man’s passion for years. ‘Will you take them with you?’

  ‘No. It is a wrench but, as I said, I am getting no younger. I am hopeful that whoever buys Foxbourne might take on the stock, as well. I should like to think my work will be continued.’

  A maid came in with a tea tray and, as Rosalind poured, Sir William said, ‘I am sorry my moving will force you and Frederick to leave Stoney End sooner than perhaps anticipated, but you should be able to remain for the foreseeable future. There will be no need to leave until a buyer wishes to take possession.’

  Rosalind sipped her hot tea, thinking about her options. ‘In a strange way, your plans have made it easier for me to reach a decision.’

  ‘How so?’

  ‘Well, for a number of reasons, I have been thinking Freddie and I should move on.’

  ‘But where will you go? Back to Lydney?’

  ‘Probably.’ Rosalind caught her bottom lip between her teeth, thoughts tumbling through her brain. ‘We left for Nell’s sake and, now she is in London with her Aunt Glenlochrie, she will be safe from Sir Peter’s bullying. There is nothing to stop Freddie and me returning to Lydney Hall.’

  ‘What does Frederick think?’

  ‘It is too isolated here for Freddie. I am convinced he will be more content back at Lydney.’

  ‘From what you told me of Sir Peter when you first arrived, I cannot believe you would willingly go back to live with him.’

  It was Rosalind’s turn to sigh. ‘Neither of us relishes the idea of living in the same household as him, but I cannot help fretting over what will become of Jack if we do not try and curtail some of Sir Peter’s excesses.’

  ‘What of your Step-Papa’s solicitor? Surely he will look out for Jack’s interests?’

  ‘I did consult him, but it seems he and Sir Peter are old acquaintances and he is reluctant to intervene. Or, as Freddie says, he is being paid to turn a blind eye.’ She shook her head, frustrated by their sheer impotence to stop Sir Peter. ‘I worry, too, that Nell may not secure a husband this Season and then what might become of her? Even if Lord Bulbridge withdraws his suit, I cannot believe Sir Peter will pass by the opportunity to marry her off in such a way that will benefit him rather than her.’

  ‘It is a quandary, I see that,’ Sir William said. ‘Let me have a think and see if I can come up with a solution. I could always consult my own solicitor for advice. Now...’ he pulled a pocket watch from his waistcoat pocket and consulted it ‘...I apologise for cutting short your visit, my dear, but I have an appointment with a new neighbour of mine in five minutes’ time—a Mr Lascelles.’

  Just hearing his name spoken left a nasty taste in Rosalind’s mouth. At least she no longer feared the man, but she could neither like nor trust him.

  ‘Mr Lascelles has recently taken occupation of Halsdon Manor—although I make no doubt you have neither heard of nor seen the place. I keep forgetting you have been here such a short time. It transpires he has guests from London staying at the Manor and one of them is seeking a safe driving pair for his young wife.’

  ‘I may have never been to Halsdon Manor, but I have heard of it and I have met Mr Lascelles. And his guests.’

  Rosalind gave Sir William a brief, censored account of her acquaintanceship with the men, including Leo Boyton, a blush warming her skin as she spoke his name.

  ‘You have the advantage of me. What sort of a man is Lascelles?’

  What could she say? She could hardly tell Sir William that Lascelles was the reason she was happy to quit Stoney End earlier than planned.

  As she hesitated over her reply, Sir William said, ‘No, no—that was unfair of me. I shall find out for myself what sort of man he is soon enough.’ He struggled to his feet and slowly straightened. ‘My bones are aching after being rattled around in that carriage for the past three days,’ he grumbled. ‘Not to mention the lumpy beds in the inns. That in itself is a good reason to move north. I am far too old to contemplate such a journey on a regular basis.’

  He headed for the door. ‘I
shall ring for Sally. She will let your Penny know you are ready to leave.’

  Rosalind followed him. ‘Do not bother Sally, sir. You go on down to the stables or you will be late for your appointment, but please do not forget that Mr Lascelles and his visitors know me as Mrs Pryce. I shall find my way to the kitchen and collect Penny and Hector.’

  ‘Very well.’ Sir William pointed along the hall. ‘It is the door at the far end.’ He smiled at her and patted her cheek. ‘You’re a good girl, Rosalind. You worry about everyone rather than yourself. I only wish I could do something to help with that rascal Tadlow, but I have no influence in the places that matter, even if it were possible to challenge his guardianship.’

  ‘Do not worry, sir. You provided us with a safe haven when we needed it and I am grateful for that. Freddie and I will manage, whatever happens. Step-Papa left us provided for, so we have no concerns on the financial front. It is Nell and Jack who are vulnerable. I can only hope and pray Nell will find an influential husband in London—that will surely be the best solution to protect Jack.’

  On impulse, she kissed Sir William on the cheek. ‘Thank you for everything, sir. I am convinced you will be happier when you are living with Jane and the boys and can be reassured of their welfare. Indeed, you look much happier than when I first arrived.’

  She, on the other hand, felt worse. Options and solutions crowded her thoughts now that she could no longer procrastinate over whether or not to move on from Stoney End. That decision was made, but many more awaited her and filled her with anxiety.

  ‘I confess I feel easier in my mind knowing my decision will not create too many problems for you and Freddie,’ Sir William said. ‘Speaking of whom, please tell Freddie he is more than welcome to make use of my library whilst I am still here and my carriage is at his disposal. I know he must miss the library at Lydney. Your Step-Papa used to write to me and tell me how Freddie lived for his books.’ He sighed and shook his head, his eyes moist. ‘Such a shock, my oldest friend dying so suddenly...it forces one to think and to reassess one’s priorities.’ He straightened then, reddening. ‘My apologies, my dear. You do not wish to hear my maudlin thoughts.’

  ‘That is most thoughtful, sir. Thank you, Freddie will be delighted when I tell him.’

  Sir William made for the front door, leaving Rosalind to make her way to the kitchen, wondering, with a frisson of anticipation, whether Leo was even now at the stables and if she would see him as she passed by on her way home.

  * * *

  Leo examined the man crossing the stable yard with interest. He had never met Sir William Rockbeare before, but was aware of his reputation: the man’s skill in breeding and schooling the highest quality carriage and riding horses was legendary. Stanton was the only one of the four of them who had prior acquaintance with the baronet and it fell to him to make the introductions.

  ‘Good morning, Rockbeare.’ Stanton stepped forward to shake hands. ‘Might I introduce your new neighbour, Anthony Lascelles, from Halsdon Manor?’

  The two men exchanged greetings.

  Stanton indicated Leo and Vernon. ‘Mr Boyton and his brother, Vernon.’

  Before Leo could respond, Rockbeare threw back his head and guffawed.

  ‘Boyton? Poppycock! Can’t fool me, m’boy. I’d know those features anywhere. Knew your father well—yours, too, Lascelles. Fine men, the pair of them. Not but what I don’t blame you lads for keeping a low profile. If the ambitious mamas hereabouts get wind of a duke in the area, you’ll get no peace at all, m’boys, none at all.’ He tapped the side of his nose. ‘Your secret’s safe with me.’ He shook hands with both Leo and Vernon. ‘Now, let us get down to business. Why don’t you gents take a look around—everything is for sale—whilst we get the ponies ready for his lordship.’

  ‘Everything?’ Stanton’s brows rose in surprise. ‘Not... Do you mean the breeding stock, too?’

  Rockbeare sobered. ‘I do. My mind is made up, I am selling up. Lock, stock and barrel, as they say. You are the first to know.’ His cheeks, already ruddy, deepened in colour. ‘I shall be sorry to leave the place, but m’daughter needs me.’ He harrumphed noisily and waved his arm. ‘Go on. Go on. I’ve got a pair of ponies to sell to his lordship.’

  Leo and Vernon exchanged an amused glance, then wandered off to look over the animals in the stalls whilst Stanton and Lascelles remained, watching as Rockbeare busied himself interfering with the harnessing of a pair of smart chestnut ponies with flaxen manes and tails.

  ‘Useful set-up here,’ Vernon commented when they were out of earshot.

  ‘It is. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?’

  ‘It would be a useful addition to our racing stud.’

  ‘It would mean Anthony as a neighbour.’

  Vernon grimaced. ‘If that proved a problem we could always move the breeding stock elsewhere and sell again.’

  ‘True. I shall have a word with Rockbeare later,’ Leo said. ‘I don’t want Anthony to know I’m interested.’

  Vernon snorted as he tried to hold back a laugh. ‘Indeed not,’ he said when he was able to speak. ‘He’d move heaven and earth to scupper your plans.’

  ‘Come, we shall say no more for now. The harnessing is complete—let us see those ponies put through their paces.’

  They wandered out into the yard to join the others as a groom leapt into the phaeton. He drove the ponies along the carriageway at a spanking trot.

  ‘What do you think?’ Leo asked Stanton.

  Stanton beamed. ‘I think they’ll suit Felicity perfectly. Nutmeg and Spice, they are called. They look sound, with straight paces,’ he added as the ponies trotted back towards them, ‘and if they drive as well as they look, I’ll have them.’

  As Stanton swapped places with the groom and Vernon climbed in beside him, Leo’s attention was caught by two figures approaching from the direction of the house. Rosalind. He would know her anywhere. As he watched, Hector bounded up to Rosalind, who attached a leash to his collar and then looked across to the stable yard. She waved, her smile radiating forth, and Leo pressed his lips together to disguise the pure pleasure that engulfed him.

  ‘Ah, the charming Mrs Pryce, if I am not mistaken,’ Lascelles murmured, moving so that he obscured Leo’s view.

  ‘What? What?’ Rockbeare dragged his attention from the phaeton and pair. ‘Oh, indeed. Mrs Pryce. Of course. My new tenant... She lives at Stoney End, you know. Have you met? Yes, yes, of course you have. She did tell me. If you will excuse me a moment, gentlemen, I have thought of something...that is, I must have a quick word with her before she leaves.’

  He set off towards Rosalind, his voice carrying clearly. ‘Rosalind, my dear. There is something I forgot to tell you.’

  His informality piqued Leo’s interest. He sidestepped around his cousin in time to see Rockbeare take Rosalind’s hand between both of his. He looked away, quashing his absurd surge of irritation towards the old man.

  ‘Most interesting,’ Lascelles said.

  Leo felt his cousin’s gaze on him and blanked his expression. ‘Interesting?’

  ‘An overly familiar way for a landlord to greet a tenant, would you not agree, Cousin?’

  Leo did agree. ‘No.’

  Rockbeare spoke rapidly into Rosalind’s ear and her gaze drifted more than once in Leo’s direction as she listened. What on earth was the old man saying? Without volition Leo’s feet started to move towards the pair. As he drew nearer, Rockbeare stopped speaking.

  Leo raised his hat. ‘Good morning, Mrs Pryce. How is Susie today?’

  ‘We left her happily playing games with Freddie, sir. She appears none the worse for her ordeal, I am pleased to say.’

  ‘I wonder if the vicar’s enquiries have met with any success.’

  ‘He called at Stoney End earlier,’ Rosalind replied, ‘but he ha
d no news. He was most shocked at the extent of her injuries, however.’

  Lascelles joined them in time to hear her words. ‘Poor child,’ he murmured. He raised his hat and smiled. ‘Good morning, Mrs Pryce. It is a pleasure to see you again.’

  Leo noticed that Lascelles maintained a cautious distance between himself and Hector, whose gaze fixed upon Lascelles, a low growl rumbling in his chest. Leo bit back a grin. Rosalind would be safe from Lascelles whilst she had Hector by her side.

  ‘I am sure we shall meet from time to time, Mr Lascelles,’ Rosalind said. ‘We really must attempt to correct Hector’s opinion of you, but I fear that might prove a challenge. Once his mind is made up about a person, you see...’ She smiled and that adorable dimple appeared. ‘I shall take care to attach his leash whenever you appear, however, so you need not fear an attack.’

  Leo bit back another grin at Lascelles’s expression.

  ‘And now, gentlemen, I must take my leave of you. Good morning.’ She encompassed all three of them in her smile and walked on.

  ‘Do not forget to tell Freddie I shall collect him at two o’clock,’ Rockbeare called after her.

  ‘You can be sure I will not,’ Rosalind called over her shoulder. ‘And thank you.’

  * * *

  Later, after Stanton and Rockbeare had sealed the deal on the ponies, Rockbeare said, ‘Forgive my presumption, Your Grace, but I wonder if I might impose on your goodwill? I have a matter I wish to discuss with you. I find myself in need of advice and, possibly, some help.’

  ‘By all means,’ Leo said, intrigued. He looked at the other three men. ‘I’ll see you later, back at Halsdon.’

  ‘Let us go up to the house,’ Rockbeare said. ‘I have a bottle of very fine Madeira we can sample whilst we talk.’

  Chapter Ten

  Rockbeare maintained a stream of inconsequential chatter until the two of them were comfortably ensconced in two chairs either side of the fire in his library: a dark, masculine room lined with tightly crammed bookshelves.