The Artisan and the Duke

by Abigail Agar

  “If there is anything we can do to help you, then we are at your service, Your Grace,” Olly said earnestly before he dipped his head and turned to take his leave. “I have to go see about getting the horses put up properly.”

  Gregory nodded and assured the young man, “If I need you, then I know where to find you. Thank you, Olly.”

  ***

  Fredrick had left to make some more rounds of the workhouses, though he expected to find nothing much. Whoever had put the Duchess into the workhouses had certainly moved her somewhere safer when they had gotten wind of Fredrick and Gregory’s search. Still, it never hurt to check.

  By midday, Fredrick was just as discouraged as he expected to be. There were no signs of the Duchess and even the people he had spoken to about her were gone. Fredrick stopped by Barrister Dulock’s office and found the man’s desk buried in a pile of papers.

  “I see that I chose a poor time to visit,” Fredrick said in jest as he waved to the barrister’s stack of papers.

  Barrister Dulock sighed and assured Fredrick, “It has been like this ever since I saw Gregory last. It seems every case I have ever done needs to have the paperwork revisited by order of the House of Lords.”

  “That certainly cannot be a simple coincidence,” Fredrick said thoughtfully. “I could have Gregory speak to them …”

  Barrister Dulock waved off the idea, “It would only serve to anger them and would likely just make my life that much more unbearable.” The man eyed Fredrick and asked curiously, “I suppose that your being here means that the young lady is still unaccounted for?”

  “Yes, unfortunately, she has disappeared once again. We get a lead, and then it vanishes,” Fredrick said in dissatisfaction. “I fail to see why anyone would want to kidnap her, to begin with. It seems a foolhardy plot and one that has no consequence on anything.”

  Barrister Dulock’s shoulders rose in a helpless shrug as he agreed, “It does appear to be a futile if rather worrisome act.”

  “Unless the benefit of the act is merely my brother’s constant distraction from whatever the perpetrators wish him to ignore,” Fredrick mused as he leaned against the leather chair in front of the barrister’s desk. Sitting down and getting back up was a bit troublesome, and Fredrick just assumed to stand since he was out alone.

  The barrister frowned, “Well, I would say that his uncle is a good bet. Sir Lawrence stands to benefit a good deal if Gregory loses any more support within the Lords.”

  “Yes, my brother is not one to charm and beguile for the sake of it. While I admire that about him, it also costs him a lot of goodwill from our peers,” Fredrick said with a frown. “I hope it just has not cost him enough to make it easy for Uncle.”

  Barrister Dulock said thoughtfully, “I have not seen your uncle out in society as of late. I usually see him in the lounge or clubs. Don’t suppose that has anything to do with your abduction?”

  “You are a shrewd man, Barrister Dulock,” Fredrick said with a laugh. “We do have our suspicions which have seemingly been confirmed by one of the men who participated in abducting me.”

  The barrister nodded and said earnestly, “If you can find him, then I will do all I can to rally for him having his honorary titles and privileges stripped. There are few punishments as harsh as that to one such as your uncle.”

  “If you could do that, then I would gladly sit in the audience and watch,” Fredrick said enthusiastically.

  ***

  Jules leaned against the window seal and peered down at the street below. There had been a loud knocking a few moments ago, but Jules could not see who the person calling was.

  There was no noise for a bit then she heard Master Foster’s voice saying, “I’m afraid you have come to the wrong place. We have no women here. You say she was seen entering here?”

  “Yes,” a male voice said insistently. “If you are hiding her, it would be very bad for you.”

  Charles laughed, “My dear Sir, my guild has been disbanded, and I am left with only a few apprentices in residence. I have seen no young lady.” Charles’ voice became stern as he said quietly, “I should remind you many people on this street still remember that no guardsmen or watermen came to our aid when the factory burned. I do not think you want to push this issue as everyone is so on edge that I can’t guarantee your safety, especially with it only being yourself and one other.”

  There was a moment before the guardsman said in agitation to whoever was with him, “Come, let’s go back and get some reinforcements then, to ensure our safety.”

  “I look forward to seeing you again,” Charles said in a friendly manner as the men left.

  It was not long after that Jules heard footsteps coming up the stairs rapidly. One of the apprentices came into the room with barely a knock and gasped, “Master says you need to pack up your things and make sure you wear your apprentice guise.” As soon as Jules nodded, the boy was back out of the room.

  She knew that Charles was asking her to put on her kit from when she portrayed herself as male. Swiftly, Jules did as she had been bidden, and before long she was sweeping her hair up into a cap. She stared at her reflection satisfied that she looked decidedly like a young man and not a Duchess at all.

  She bundled up the dress she had arrived in and hurried downstairs with it. Jules found Master Foster in the kitchen wrapping up some sandwiches. “What do you want me to do with this?” Jules held out her dress to the man.

  “Toss it in the wood stove,” Master Foster said as he finished wrapping up the sandwiches. “It won’t take them too long to get some fellows and return. You must be on your way by then.”

  Jules put her hand on the man’s arm. “You could come with me.”

  “And what of the boys? No. Jules, you must go and get distance between here and there. I sent Tom to give the word to the Duke that you were here. There’s a good chance that he has already arrived. If that is so, then you may just meet some of your fellows coming to retrieve you,” Charles said reasonably. “Besides it will look quite odd if I’m not here when they return, don’t you think?”

  Jules nodded and sighed, “Be careful, won’t you?”

  “Of course, and if you do by some chance see David again,” Master Foster said quietly, “hit him just once for me.”

  Jules found herself laughing as she agreed and embraced the man, “I promise that I will show him no courtesy after his betrayal of the guild and myself.”

  “That’s my girl,” Charles said with a chuckle. He stepped back and said sternly, “Now get going before they get back.”

  Jules just nodded as she did not trust herself to speak any longer without letting the tears escape. Jules took the sandwiches that Charles had bundled up for her and set out quickly down the street, which was quiet and clear of anyone that might see her.

  It would take a few miles before Jules could even hope to relax, and she set a strong, brisk pace. Being back among the guild, as few as they were, and knowing that the things David had said were falsehoods, brought Jules comfort. She and Gregory had set them free after all.

  ***

  There was a knock at the door and the doorman, William, poked his head through at Gregory’s absentminded, “Enter.”

  “Pardon, Your Grace, but your cousin, Sir Boris, is here to see you,” the man said with a disapproving look on his face.

  Gregory had to keep himself from copying the doorman’s expression as he said, “Please, show him in.”

  The door closed only to be opened a few moments later as Boris burst into the room. The man’s face was clouded by something Gregory could not decipher. “Cousin, I feel I owe you an apology,” Boris said sorrowfully.

  “For what do you owe me this apology, Dear Boris?” Gregory enquired as he waved for the man to take one of the leather seats in front of the desk.

  Boris wrung his hands piteously as he sank into the leather of the chair. “I have lied to you, Dear Cousin. I thought that I was protecting my family, but it turns out that
I was protecting someone that family means very little to.”

  “You are referring to my uncle, I gather?” Gregory ventured.

  Boris nodded slowly. “He all but admitted that he had set those men on Fredrick. Why did you not tell me of the attack?”

  “I was overwhelmed with fury at the sleight to my wife, and with her missing, my heart is without a compass. I know not what I do, good Boris,” Gregory said softly.

  Boris nodded his understanding as he leaned forward to put his hand on Gregory’s arm. “I have tried all I know to find Her Grace. She is simply gone. What can I do … What would you have me do, dear Cousin?”

  “I need to find my uncle. He has to be the foul beast behind it. If he could just tell me why he chose to do it,” Gregory whispered furiously.

  Boris looked thoughtful a moment. “There is one place that Sir Lawrence liked above others, and that would be the estate north of here that my mother’s family owns. It is very quiet and secluded. One of his mistresses works for my mother’s estate there. It is possible he has gone there to hole up or perhaps somewhere in the woods,” Boris said. “We could go see if he is there.”

  “I fear that could take too much time. My wife may very well be anywhere by now, but if he knows something … if we can make him tell us, then I would be most grateful, Boris,” Gregory said as he fumed silently. “To think he could be there sipping wine while my heart dies.”

  Boris shook his head with fury, “If he has done so, then he will drown in it.”

  “Well, said, good Boris.” Gregory nodded his agreement. “Allow me to let my household know where I am going, and then we shall be off.”

  Boris agreed, “I need to alert my own household to my departure, so I shall meet you back here after tea.”

  “Very well,” Gregory said as he rose. “We will find him, and when we do, we’ll have answers.”

  ***

  “You cannot be seriously considering going with him,” Lady St Claire said to Gregory as the man pulled on his riding coat. “Gregory, listen to me, please. You are my son; I do not want to see you harmed.”

  Gregory sighed, “I know, Mother. However, if there is any chance that this venture may show me some hint of the Duchess’ whereabouts, then I have to try. You will let Fredrick know where I am going. If I am not back in due time, then he has my permission to come to find me.”

  “Of course,” Lady St Claire said. It was impossible to dissuade Gregory when he had his mind set on something, so she merely watched with dread as her son strode out of the front door. “Those boys are going to be the death of me, William,” Lady St Claire said to the doorman who was dusting nearby.

  William nodded. “His Grace does appear to be rather single-minded, My Lady,” William said with warmth.

  Lady St Claire agreed with a laugh, “Yes. Just like his father.”

  “His father was a good man,” William said respectfully.

  Lady St Claire smiled at William and gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder as she headed towards the kitchen for some tea, “That he was, William. That he was.”

  ***

  When Fredrick arrived home, it was to his mother’s distraught ramblings about his brother going off with Boris which Fredrick confirmed with the household staff as his mother was so upset that the woman went straight off to bed to lie down. Olly and Talbert immediately volunteered to go after the Duke, but Fredrick shook his head.

  “If Gregory wants us to wait here, then that is what we shall do. He might seem out of his head with longing for Her Grace, but I promise you that my brother knows what he is doing,” Fredrick said as he clapped Olly on the back.

  “We know, Sir; we just feel that we need to help somehow,” Olly said quietly.

  William came into the living room and said, “Pardon me, Sir, but there is a Tom from the Mason Guild here. He said that his master sent him with a message for His Grace.”

  Fredrick waved for William to let the boy in as he shifted his aching leg up onto the soft pillows of the couch. It was a poor thing to meet guests in such a manner, but he feared that if he did not do that, he may not be able to be much help otherwise.

  The young man came in when William ushered him in from the hallway, but it was clear that the youngster was hesitant to enter the room with Fredrick, Olly, and Talbert.

  Fredrick called over, “Come in. Tom, is it? I am Lord Fredrick St Claire, His Grace’s brother. If you have a message for him then leaving it with me is the next best thing.”

  Tom relaxed a bit at the mention of the Duke. “Yes, Sir,” Tom said as he shuffled into the room. The youth was skinny and dressed in ill-fitting clothes that were surely hand-me-downs. “Master Foster sent me to let His Grace know that Miss—Her Grace is at the Mason Hall.”

  “Say that again,” Fredrick said in astonishment.

  Tom cleared his throat and said, “Her Grace is at the Mason Hall. She arrived late yesterday on foot.”

  “Is she well?” Fredrick asked urgently as he pushed himself up onto his one good leg.

  Tom nodded, “Yes, Sir. She was a bit scared but seems alright otherwise. He sent me to let His Grace know so that he could come and persuade her to go home with him.”

  “Persuade?” Fredrick asked as he pursed his lips out.

  Tom looked at the men who were eying him curiously. He said hesitantly, “She was afraid as I said, Sir. She doesn’t know who to trust. Master Foster had to chase her down the street and coax her to stay at the Mason Hall as it was.”

  “I can’t say that I blame her after all she has been through,” Fredrick said honestly. “Go back and tell your master that I will be there shortly. His Grace is traveling at the moment and cannot come himself.”

  Tom nodded as the young man seemed relieved to be free to leave. “Thank you, Sir,” Tom said swiftly. “I will, Sir.” Then the young man was swiftly out of the door.

  Olly whistled, “Now that’s a break if I ever heard of one. How you’d suppose she got out?”

  “I do not know,” Fredrick said honestly, “but with Her Grace, I cannot say that I am surprised that she found a way to escape. She is a resourceful woman.”

  Talbert shook his head in wonder. “Want us to come with you, Sir?”

  “No,” Fredrick said. “It would do better for you two to stay here and watch after the household. Do not let anyone in while I am gone unless it is His Grace returned. Do you understand?”

  Olly nodded and said solemnly, “We’ll tell everyone, including the scullery maids, Sir. No one will be coming in here.”

  “Good man,” Fredrick said as he grabbed his cane. “Now let’s just pray Her Grace actually agrees to come home with me.”

  ***

  Jules had left familiar streets behind and was headed towards the more affluent streets. She prayed that none of the guards or others pestered her with how she was dressed. There was a reason that people from her parts of London never ventured into the scrubbed and polished sections of the city.

  It seemed like more than days, or was it weeks that she had been gone from these glistening streets? Jules felt more the outsider than ever, and she was still blocks and blocks away from the manor home of the St Claire family. She tried to not think about it and just to act like she belonged here.

  “Hey you,” a male voice called.

  Jules cursed her luck as she slowed to a stop. She swung around to see a guard leaning against the side of a building. “What business have you in that direction?”

  “I’ve …” Jules cleared her throat and said, “I am running an errand and have to deliver a message, Sir.”

  The guard nodded slowly, “Oh? Where is this message going then?”

  Jules figured she had little to lose at this point and said, “To the St Claire household, Sir. My Master thought it wise that I go work for His Grace for a bit, said it might build character.”

  The guard chuckled, “Sounds like your Master is right ready to be rid of you. Alright then, carry on.” The man turned away
from Jules, and she breathed a sigh of relief as she hurried away from the man as quickly as she could without drawing his attention again.

  Jules broke into a run once she was out of sight of the guard and jogged for a way. When she began to tire, she slowed her pace. There was the sound of a horse, and Jules panicked, quickly ducking aside. It was too late that she recognized the rider. By the time she realized it was Fredrick, he was too far away to hail down.

  Her heart leaped because at least now she knew that Fredrick was alive and well. She had wondered what had become of the man after she and David had failed to find him on the way to London. Of course, knowing what she knew now of David, she doubted very much that the man had even bothered to look.