Ravaging the Duke

by J R Salisbury

  "Don't wait too long after he arrives."

  "I won't."

  "You've invited Norwood?"

  "Yes, and he in turn invited a young woman he met in Paris. She and her brother were traveling to London."

  "Evidently, from what Cameron says, Norwood is quite smitten with this woman."

  Margaret picked up the tea pot and poured them both another cup. "So it seems. It's past time he found a wife."

  "Tell me what you've been doing since you arrived?"

  She proceeded to tell Eleanor of her and Alec's rides to check on the estate tenants and to inspect what repairs needed to be done. It wasn't something a lot of aristocratic women would do—accompany their husbands—but it was something Margaret felt strongly about. She didn't want to be seen only from afar at a gathering in the village or something. She believed she owed it to them to know them better.

  "That certainly isn't something my mother would ever do, and I will confess, neither have I."

  "I suppose it's my American side showing through." Margaret giggled. "It's simply not in me to ignore these people. They work for us. Some for generations. I believe I should be seen and do what I can if the occasion arises."

  "I think with my brother and the mess my father left everything in, that's important."

  "So do I."

  "One day we'll go into town. Perhaps we can visit the church and find some other ways for you to get involved in the community."

  Margaret arched a brow. "That would be good, Eleanor, but I'm not sure how often we're going to be here. Alec's going to have to take his father's seat in Parliament, so that will have us in London."

  "Parliament doesn't sit all year. Somerset is the family country home. You need to show your neighbors you intend to make it so."

  "I suppose I should worry more about renovating the house in London first."

  "Yes, I would. However, if it makes you uncomfortable living in that house, talk to Alec about purchasing something newer."

  "It doesn't, and even if it did, I could never refuse Alec his heritage."

  "Then start with your rooms. That's what Cameron had me do. It made it easier knowing I had a set of rooms that were mine and mine alone."

  "I believe you're right. This room is the only one here besides my own I would change right away. I think the color is too dark."

  Eleanor nodded. "For all the light that comes in this room, you're right."

  "I have no idea how to start all this."

  "Once your guests have left, you can begin work. If you'd like, I can send for some people who have done some work for me. They can leave you with wallpaper books and give you their ideas of what might work."

  "That would be excellent, Eleanor."

  "If you have any ideas for London, now would be the time to have them begin work. While you're not in residence. Speak with Alec, and we can go from there."

  "I will, and thank you."

  "It's the least I can do.

  "I would also like your opinion. I've never done anything quite like this, and I want to make sure it's done properly."

  "I would be honored," Eleanor replied. She placed her hand over Margaret's. "By the time we finish, women will be dying for an invitation to see how grand your home looks."

  "I certainly hope you're right."

  "I know I am. Remember, Cam and I caused a small scandal when we married. I'm quite used to how peers talk among themselves. We'll leave them with their mouths agape when you're finished."

  "I am not used to having people talking about me."

  "Well, Alec has a huge hurdle in front of him, no thanks to our father. You're unconventional, which I find refreshing."

  "How will that help Alec's tarnished reputation?"

  "Because you, my dear, will draw attention away from what the wagging tongues want to talk about. They're going to be so curious about what you're up to, they'll all be holding their breath, hoping you and Alec will invite them to your first ball in London."

  "Ahhh, I think I understand."

  "If we work things correctly, some of these stuffy old women will be flocking to do something that might remotely look charitable."

  Margaret giggled. "Even if it means getting their hands dirty?"

  "Let's not jump ahead of ourselves, but yes, that is the idea behind it. They will soon bore of gossiping about what you and Alec are up to and move on to their next poor soul."

  "That's what I want. By the way, have you heard from your mother? Are they having a good time in Paris?"

  Eleanor looked surprised for a moment. "I had a brief note, telling me they were all enjoying themselves immensely. Your mother hasn't written you?"

  "Not a word. I figured that for a good sign. It's been far too long since she's had any fun."

  "She's in good hands. Mother has all sorts of friends there and will keep them all quite busy."

  "That was my hope when I insisted she go."

  Her mother had known hard work when she married her father. From what Margaret had been told, there were some lean years when they first married. It took a lot of sacrifices on their parts to move ahead. Her father had moved them to America right after they'd married. Always for the vast opportunities America offered, or at least that's what she'd been told growing up.

  Jacob's father was already established in America when her parents arrived, but did little in the way of making the couple feel welcome or helping them. Her father had pretty much done everything on his own. As her father became more successful, Thaddeus's jealousy began to surface. Her father seemed to be quickly accepted and revered in the community. People flocked to him with questions regarding his knowledge of breeding horses or tending to crops. It never sat well with Thaddeus.

  "What were you thinking about?" Eleanor inquired. She picked up a tea cake and bit into it.

  "Just how far my mother has come since she and my father married. It wasn't easy for them."

  "But your father was successful, wasn't he?"

  "Yes, but Uncle Thaddeus always tried to ruin everything. He tried to find fault with everything my father did."

  "Don't let that eat at you. Not now. You and Alec have a wonderful, long life in front of you."

  "I know. It's just this nagging feeling I can't shake."

  "You need to stop worrying and learn to have fun," Eleanor replied. She popped the rest of the seed cake into her mouth, savoring every last bite.

  "I promise. I'll try."

  "Why don't we start by you showing me which room it is you wish to start your redecorating with."

  Margaret tapped her fingernail on the edge of her cup. "This one. The paper is dark and drab. I believe if things were changed out, the room would be so much more inviting and enjoyable."

  Eleanor looked around the room. "Excellent choice. I would change out the paper, then perhaps the rugs. The furniture is fairly neutral, so you can get by without replacing it for now. Some new pillows, too, I believe would add to it."

  "I was thinking either shades of blue or green. What do you think?"

  "I like it. We'll see what my man says about it when he comes from London."

  Margaret giggled. "You should see the estate in Scotland. It looks like a hunting lodge rather than a castle or manor house. There are all sorts of heads on the walls. No telling how old some of them are."

  "That's typical of Scotland. I do, though, believe it can be done tastefully. Keep the beasts in the duke's study or library. Take them out of the entry hallway and other places guests would see."

  "That's what I thought, but I didn't want to start something I couldn't stop."

  "I can't blame you now. I would redo that house last. It's the furthest away and, therefore, the least used. Will you be letting your cousin live in the main house?"

  Margaret gazed at her. This hadn't been something she'd thought about. "I hadn't thought about it. I thought there might be somewhere he could live. Not in the manor house itself. He might believe he's lord of the manner if we allowe
d that."

  "Find out if there is a cottage he can use. Keep him out of the main house."

  "I hope he doesn't try to pull something. Scotland is a good ways off. It would take several days of hard riding or a train to get there."

  "Trust me, the butler or housekeeper would write and let Alec know if he did. They've been with the family a long time and won't tolerate a stranger coming in and ordering them about."

  "I know. I'm not sure they approved too much of me at first. But they warmed up."

  "If it is decided to let him go, make sure Alec contacts everyone. He needs to let them all know what Jacob can do and what he can't. Living in the house should go without saying."

  "Are you suggesting we treat him like hired help?"

  "He hasn't proved himself worthy of more, has he?

  She shook her head and gazed at Eleanor. "No. A cottage will do quite nicely."

  "There are some things best left to men. Leave it to the men to decide. You have more important matters to attend to." Eleanor smiled in her direction.

  "Yes, I do. I didn't realize ladies had such full schedules."

  "We do, though some more than others. Have you thought about hosting a tea?"

  "What?"

  "A tea. For a few of the high born ladies. When you return to London."

  "No, I haven't, nor would I without your help."

  Eleanor smiled at her. "I would be more than happy to assist you. I think it's important for you to reach out to others. I'll make up a list of women to invite."

  "Wouldn't it be best if you invited them?"

  "No, I think they'll come if it's you who invites them."

  Margaret knew they'd come. If only to see her. An American married to a peer and living among them. She wanted them to come because they wanted to be friends with the new Duchess of Wexwood. Not their vision of what they thought she was.

  "What if we invited women who are active in their charitable work?"

  "And shunned the others?"

  Margaret shook her head. "I wouldn't use the word shun. If we were to invite women who are truly interested in their charitable endeavors, the other uninvited women would come calling, wouldn't they?"

  "Perhaps. Or they might spread gossip which isn't true. It's something we need to think about. There is plenty of time before we all return to London."

  "It's just that I want to be seen as the Duchess of Wexwood who has interests and not some side show freak."

  Eleanor smiled. "Ahhh, now I understand."

  "Do you?"

  "Yes, I do. When word got out that I owned a gaming hell, women shunned me."

  "What brought them around?"

  "I ignored the gossip and went about my business. Eventually, they came around. Some of them were quite intrigued by what I'd accomplished."

  Margaret sat up straight. She now understood how her peers worked. Eleanor had been through the whispers and finger pointing and come out on the other side unscathed. So would she. "Then we'll think about who to invite and plan it once we're in London."

  ***

  "What do you know of this woman Norwood's so infatuated with?" Cameron asked as they sat in Alec's study. They'd gone to look at a pond which Alec wanted dredged into a small lake for Margaret's enjoyment. However, they hit a snag. The pond was a water resource for most of the livestock on the estate. Something else would have to be done.

  Alec walked over and picked up a decanter of whiskey and two glasses. He placed them on the table in front of him and Cameron. "Only that he met the young lady and her brother in Paris. They were brought up at the family seat in Hanover and spent time in Brussels. Their parents are deceased, and the two of them have been seeing the continent and now England. Why?"

  Cameron shook his head. "No reason. I was merely curious."

  "I'm sure he'll tell us all about her once he arrives tomorrow."

  Cameron took a long swallow of whiskey. "True. I've simply never seen him so love struck."

  "Neither have I, which makes me believe it's serious."

  "Do you know anything about her family? What her father did? They must be fairly well off if they've been traveling the continent."

  "Don't quote me. Norwood will know, but I believe their father is somehow connected to the prince consort's family."

  Cameron arched a brow. "Perhaps that's why they've traveled to England. In hopes of seeing the queen and prince consort."

  "I hardly think she would look at a mere earl as a potential husband if she were that high born," Alec replied. "Her father's name is Grover, so there's an English connection."

  "I could quietly make inquiries about the family after Norwood fills us in with details."

  "Let's see what develops once he arrives. The lady and her brother might have had other plans."

  "True."

  Alec knew Cameron thought like he did. They only wanted the best for their friend. It was easy to be duped by someone pretending to be someone they weren't. Unless she were older and had no serious suitors, marriage to an earl might be the best offer the young woman had had so far. He didn't want Norwood to become prey to a scheme like that. It might be good for Cameron to quietly make some inquiries about the family. He'd rather warn his friend than to see him entangled in a loveless marriage.

  He picked up his glass and downed the contents. "We also have Margaret's cousin coming. Any further thoughts on Douglas? Do you think he'll accept the position, or do you think he's still up to no good?"

  "I want to see how he acts and reacts to things while he's here."

  "Still not sure I should send him to Scotland?"

  "It's a great offer, Alec. I worry he may use it to his advantage."

  "The same thought has crossed my mind as well. I suppose we'll wait and see. Any news from your men?"

  Alec filled Cameron's glass again before filling his own and sitting down.

  Cameron toyed with the glass before answering. "So far, he's done nothing out of the ordinary. No mail to America that we know of. There are still men following him and no word if he's given notice at his current job."

  "Well then, I guess it's a wait and see with this situation as well."

  "Yes."

  "Margaret is wanting to redecorate."

  Cameron groaned and laughed. "Don't tell me, you told her she could?"

  "You did the same with Eleanor?"

  "Yes. As we speak our London home is being renovated. She picked out all the papers and such before we left for Kent."

  "Women," Alec replied. "I did tell Margaret to do what she wanted in her rooms. Here, Kent, and London. She knows this will be our primary home, so she now wants to redo the one drawing room."

  "If it keeps her busy, and she doesn't drain your coffers..."

  "Margaret isn't extravagant. Even with Eleanor helping her, she'll do only the most basic redecorating."

  Cameron laughed. "You have a lot to learn where women are concerned, my friend."

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  The house was full of the sound of voices the following day. Norwood arrived with Margaret's cousin, Jacob. The pair were accompanied by Cameron's men who'd escorted Jacob from London to Kent.

  Margaret was most anxious to find out whether or not Norwood's lady friend and brother would be visiting as well. Norwood's letter had only said he would explain once he arrived. She waited in the drawing room alone until she heard the sound of voices in the great hall before she pounced.

  The day had started out as one of those cloudy coastal days that were typical to the locals. An overcast start usually gave way to sun and warmer temperatures. Even now, the breeze from the sea was comfortable enough to walk outside without a shawl.

  "Norwood I'm so glad you came." She greeted him as he and Alec stood in the great hall. She wondered if they'd intended to make their escape. She'd been faster, not giving her cousin the option of rushing upstairs to his rooms.

  He made his way forward and bussed Margaret on the cheek. "I've been looking forwar
d to it myself. Thank you for thinking of me."

  "Will your lady friend be joining us?"

  She thought she heard Alec groan as he joined her. "Margaret, Norwood just arrived. Don't you think you should give him some time to settle in?"

  She gazed at her husband. "It's a simple question, one I don't think requires thought or rest."

  "I extended the invitation. She and her brother accepted and will arrive tomorrow," Norwood replied.

  "I look forward to meeting her."

  She turned to Jacob, her other cousin. "I'm glad you decided to make the journey. "

  "Thank you for the invitation and the opportunity."

  "We'll have plenty of time to talk."

  She nodded in the butler's direction. Both men followed the older man up the grand staircase. Margaret watched intently. Though she was glad Jacob was still thinking about the job offer on the Scottish estate, something nagged at her. That feeling had stayed with her since the last time she'd spoken with her cousin.

  Were they to believe Jacob was willing to simply give up on the quest for the jewels? The ones her uncle thought he was entitled to. Or had he indeed reformed, so to speak. Had he really seen through his father's cruel manner?

  Margaret watched both men ascend the stairs. Jacob did act somewhat differently. As though a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He wasn't a broken man, a man who got that way because of his own father. No, this man appeared more confident. His demeanor was that of a man who had his life mapped out finally. One without that cruel, self-serving man.

  If it were a great show, Jacob was certainly playing his part well. She'd keep an eye on him. How long she could keep her feelings to herself would be tricky. Alec was watching her. She could feel his eyes on her. He was also getting inside her thoughts. She would have to be careful when it came to her American cousin. Jacob needed to go to Scotland, learn how to run the estate. It was the best solution for him and everyone else.

  "You're still not sure he truly wants the position?" Alec whispered as he neared her side.

  "He'll do no better, and he knows it."

  "But?"

  "Jacob has been away from his father long enough now to realize this is the only way to truly be free from him."