Jane looked up, a great deal of warmth in her eyes. “Ours may not have been a conventional courtship, Robert, and Portugal is so far removed from Stovely, but for all its trials and tribulations, I wouldn’t have had it otherwise.”
His gaze intense, with deepened tones the duke replied, “Neither would I, my love. Neither would I.”
At this point they became aware that they were the object of scrutiny, that Darrows watched them from the sidelines. Raising his brow, Robert slightly inclined his head in his direction and was pleased to see that he turned away.
“Upstart,” he pronounced, showing his irritation that he had intruded upon the moment.
“Don’t be so uncharitable, my love,” responded Jane. “He is curious, nothing more.”
“Then let him vent his curiosity on someone else. I do not appreciate it! I must admit that I don’t care for his air of over familiarity and feel he should not be encouraged.”
Jane smiled and chided gently, “Fie on you, sir. Don’t be so high in the instep. He only wishes to make an impression, no more. It’s not like you to be so uncharitable.”
“Humph, we will see,” was his only reply.
***
Joining Harry a short while later, Jane noted that he appeared a trifle foxed. Whether it was from the wine he consumed or from the attentions he received from the dowagers and their daughters she could not tell. His foot still kept time with the music and he appeared content with the steady stream of guests who paused long enough to make his acquaintance. However, shortly after midnight, she saw that he was becoming excessively weary and she thought it prudent to suggest he retire. “Otherwise you will be in no fit state to receive Mr. Darrows on the morrow and that will never do,” she cajoled.
Harry offered no opposition, and Jane nodded to Eaves, who always stood nearby, ready to perform any small attention, and suggested that he should assist his master to bed.
Robert came to stand beside her just as Harry and Eaves disappeared through the doorway into the hall. “He’s done well,” he said nodding in Harry’s direction. “Far better than I would have imagined. Considering his condition not so very long ago, I would not have believed this evening possible, but I do believe he’s enjoyed it.”
Jane slipped her hand through her husband’s arm and rested her head briefly against his shoulder. “More has been achieved than we ever thought possible. Although he is a long way away from full health, I do believe that life becomes more tolerable for him.”
“Much more tolerable,” agreed the duke, smiling, “and he didn’t even suggest a visit to the card room.”
When the guests began their leave-taking, the evening was hailed as a great success; everyone agreeing that the duke and duchess made a delightful host and hostess. No attention had been neglected. Stovely’s kitchens had provided a most excellent supper and it was noted amongst the gentlemen guests that the duke kept a first-rate cellar. One of them even confided to his neighbor that if he knew anything, the wine alone must have cost a fortune, final proof of the report that their host was extremely well-breeched.
As the last of the guests departed and the hall clock struck the hour of three, the duke and duchess made their way to their apartment arm in arm, thoroughly exhausted but well pleased with the success of the evening.
The duke confided to his wife as they traversed the corridor, “You make a delightful hostess, my love. It is beyond my memory when last there was such an evening at Stovely. However I must confess that I am relieved to have the house once more to ourselves, we have not the need for company.”
Chapter Eleven
Edmund Darrows arrived promptly at Harry’s apartments the next morning to find Harry only just risen, but although looking somewhat drawn from the previous night’s exertions, he was in extremely good spirits. They soon fell into an easy rapport and as the day wore on their conversation became quite animated as they found that they had a great deal in common. Darrows appeared as enthusiastic as Harry over the sport available and although older than his host, deferred to Harry’s superior knowledge of the area. He encouraged Harry to talk of himself, listening with rapt attention and appearing much in awe of his experiences. It was not until later, when Darrows had returned to the manor, that Harry realized that he had learned very little of his new-found friend other than that he had but recently returned to England after a lengthy sojourn abroad and he now wished to retire to the country for a while. Nonetheless, he felt warmly towards him and very much looked forward to their next meeting. A fact he felt compelled to relate to his sister and brother-in-law over supper that evening.
“Edmund is a top rate fellow,” he informed Jane and the duke as they sat over their wine. “He has even suggested that I should go shooting with him this weekend. Now don’t look at me with such a jaundiced eye, sister dear, he had the splendid idea that I could shoot from the gig. I can use my own dogs and Eaves can accompany me. I admit I would have preferred to have ridden over and then gone on foot as would have been the case a few months ago but there will only be the two of us in the party so I need not worry of appearing out of place. If you have a mind to join us, Robert, we could make quite a day of it.”
“Thank you, no, I will not join the party,” replied the duke, frowning slightly. “I am promised elsewhere. Grisham has suggested that I might like to take a look at a pair of greys he has a mind to sell. Do you not think such an outing could prove a little too tiring at this stage in your recovery? It wouldn’t do to undo all the good that has been achieved thus far.”
“Nonsense,” snapped Harry, sitting upright in his chair. “I can’t stay tied to apron strings forever. I’m determined to have some sport. Damn me if I’m not.”
“Couldn’t you wait just a little longer?” Jane asked quietly. “Robert’s right, it’s too soon and…”
“I will not be suffocated,” snapped Harry. “You don’t know how this inactivity irks me. Eaves will accompany me and act as nursemaid so you need have no fears on that score. I shall manage quite creditably.”
“As you wish,” said the duke raising his hand to discourage further heated exchange, and attempting to defuse Harry’s temper. “If you wish, I have a new firearm you can try. I haven’t had an outing with it as yet so you will be able to see how it goes.”
“From Mantons?” enthused Harry, all irritation forgotten. “I say, sir, most noble of you to trust me with such a piece.”
“I will be less than noble if you misuse it,” laughed the duke, only Jane noticing a slight reserve still remaining in his manner.
* * *
“Could you not have made an exception and gone with Harry on the shoot?” Jane asked of her husband when they sat alone in the drawing room later that evening. “I would have felt much more reassured if you had accompanied them.”
“No,” replied the duke with a sternness she had not heard for quite some months. “There is something about Darrows that doesn’t sit quite right with me, something in his manner that disturbs me and I have no desire for his company. I wish that I could discourage him, indeed, if it wasn’t for Harry I doubt that we would ever come into contact. I believe his attentions are something to be avoided!”
“But you have only just met him and had very little conversation with him, how come you to form so strong an aversion?”
“To tell the truth, I do not know,” he replied pensively. “It was something in his manner.”
“He was everything that is charming…”
“Exactly!” he interrupted. “Too charming. One would suspect his motives. It appears that he wishes to ingratiate himself” Then after a slight pause, “By-the-bye, I know not whether you noticed, but he looked at you too boldly. On several occasions during the evening of the ball I noticed that his gaze followed you.”
“Robert, you are jealous,” she chuckled gleefully. “I cannot believe it.”
“Do I have cause to be jealous?”
“No!”
“Then my love, I am not!
” How could he explain the disquiet he felt at thoughts of Darrows’ intrusion into their life? How quickly the jealousy in his nature that he had thought himself to have conquered many years before, had come so readily to the fore! However, this alone was not cause for his unease regarding their new tenant; there was something about the man that rankled.
~ * ~
Harry returned from his day of sport completely exhausted but thoroughly pleased with himself. Several brace of pheasants lay on the floor of the gig along with three exhausted gun dogs. Eaves drove homewards at a steady pace not wishing to jolt his master who appeared to be dozing after the exertions of the day.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the outing Harry was determined to have it repeated, so much so that he was all eagerness to have Darrows over to Stovely to try its game. However knowing his brother-in-law’s reservations concerning his new found friend, he decided it would be prudent to choose a day when he knew the duke would be absent from his estate on business and to this end chose a day when he knew him to be in Portsmouth on matters concerning The Mistral.
The day dawned bright enough and the game seemed fair. The beaters brought the birds up from early morning, thus ensuring a plentiful supply of game for the sportsmen. The two companions kept their dogs busy, a friendly rivalry existing between them and soon the gig held more than sufficient game. However, as it neared mid-day it was seen that Harry was not standing up to the day’s rigors as well as he had done on their previous outing. His shoulders sagged as he sat in the gig and it appeared increasingly difficult for him to raise his weapon to take aim. His shot went wide on several occasions and he cursed his limitations.
Eaves approached Darrows with a worried frown creasing his brow. “Begging your pardon, sir,” he said as discreetly as possible. “Although he won’t admit it, I’m afraid the major is somewhat fatigued and it would not be wise for him to continue with the shoot. He would not take my word for it, but if you were to suggest that you have seen enough sport, I know he would listen to you.”
Darrows swore impatiently beneath his breath before turning a smiling countenance to Eaves, “I have in truth had enough myself,” he said handing his weapon to one of the gamekeepers who stood nearby. Then striding over to the gig said in rallying tones, “The sport starts to bore me, Harry; do you have a mind to return to Stovely?”
“The day is yet young,” replied Harry reluctant to give up on the outing.
“That may be so,” replied Darrows climbing into the gig, “but it need not end here. If you so wish, I am sure we can find some other form of entertainment, one that does not require much physical effort.”
“Fancy a game of cards?” asked Harry his face alight with enthusiasm.
“My very thought,” drawled Darrows.
***
“I think it’s time I called it a day,” said Darrows throwing his cards onto the table. It was early evening and the two friends had sat ensconced in Harry’s apartments since their return from the shoot. “I’ve dropped enough blunt already; don’t want to be issuing IOUs this early in our acquaintance.”
“Tell truth, I’ve never seen the cards run so completely in my favor,” grinned Harry. “Luck. Pure luck, I do assure you.”
Smiling, Darrows leaned nonchalantly back in his chair, hands thrust deep into his breeches pockets. “Then you must agree to a re-match and give me the chance to recoup my losses.”
“But of course, whenever you like. I can’t remember when I last had such a good day, but I think it best that we keep it to ourselves, it would cause too much comment if we were to broadcast it.”
“Of course, it pays to be discreet in these matters,” assured Darrows.
“It would not do for Jane to catch wind of it,” laughed Harry. “Petticoats never understand these matters. Best left in ignorance of the affair.”
“My exact feelings on the subject,” said Darrows, rising to leave. “Females get edgy as a cat when money is at stake. There is no need for anyone other than ourselves to know. Besides, I would not like to admit to so sound a trouncing, but I shall have my revenge. Now, there is no necessity for your man to accompany me, I know my way to the stables well enough. What say you to a re-match for tomorrow week? I have to go up to London for a few days, but should be returned by then.”
“An excellent idea,” agreed Harry with some enthusiasm. “Come straight to my apartments, Eaves will admit you. We are quite self-contained therefore no one need be aware of our dealings.”
“I shall look forward to the encounter,” said Darrows, as he made his exit out into the garden.
***
Thus became the pattern for Darrows’ visits to Stovely, none other than Eaves being aware of the frequency of his calls or even when they occurred. If he was observed, none thought his presence worthy of comment. Occasionally, Harry ventured over to the manor but as autumn progressed into winter, his journeys became less frequent. The weather dictating his actions.
The duke and duchess rarely encountered Darrows and when they did the duke found nothing in his manner to cause him to revise his first impressions of him. A forced civility existed between the two men, each being aware of the others antipathy. Jane was polite, no more, being conscious of her husband’s opinion, but also of Harry’s right to choose his own friends.
Chapter Twelve
Christmas at Stovely was a joyous occasion, Sophie proving to be the center of attention. Everyone marveled at the way she was able, with the help of the furniture or the hem of Jane’s skirts, to pull herself upright and, with support, take a few steps. Almost everyone in the household had brought her a gift, ranging from a peg on which to cut her teeth to an intricate silver rattle that Harry had commissioned Eaves to purchase on his behalf. Hannah, once returned to England, had expressed no further desire to seek her family, she was content to continue as the babe’s nurse, indeed she would have been devastated if they had need to be parted.
***
One afternoon in late spring Darrows took his leave from Harry’s apartments, however he did not immediately make his way to the stables, instead he halted as he heard Jane’s voice coming from the kitchen garden as she was supervising the collecting of herbs for drying and he turned and walked in her direction.
“I give you good day, your grace,” he called as he advanced amongst the herb beds.
Jane turned at the sound of his voice and handing her basket to one of the maids went to meet him. “Mr. Darrows,” she said, smiling. “I hope you have had a good day. Harry was quite looking forward to your coming.”
“We have had a very good day, your grace,” he said, making a short bow. “Indeed, I would say a very profitable day in all. I am just returning to the manor and I believe Harry is now resting. Could I persuade you to take a turn about the garden with me before the light fades, there are some questions I would put to you regarding the lease on the manor?”
“You would be better speaking to my husband’s secretary on the matter,” replied Jane. “Or even my husband, but he is not at home at the moment. I have no dealings with such legalities.”
“If that is the case, then I will wait and speak to the secretary on the subject,” replied Darrows, smiling. “But as the weather is so unusually pleasant for the season, perhaps you would still take a turn with me?”
Reluctantly Jane fell into step beside him. “I will accompany you to the stables, Mr. Darrows,” she said, “and then I must return to the house to change for supper.” They strolled out of the kitchen garden and under the archway toward the sunken garden that led to the stables.
Darrows appeared much interested in the show of spring flowers that graced the formal borders and slowed his pace in order to examine them, appearing in no haste to make his departure. Pausing before a particularly fine show of tulips growing beside the high wall that separated the garden from the stable yard, he turned to Jane and smiling said, “I would thank you for your hospitality, your grace. It is very good of you to allow me into your home.”
“There is no need to thank me,” she replied. “Harry has the ordering of his own life, we do not interfere in whatever arrangements he chooses to make.”
“Nonetheless, you must allow me to reciprocate ma’am,” he persisted. If you and your husband have no other engagements, I would be delighted if you would join me for dinner tomorrow evening.”
“Unfortunately we are unable to accept your very kind invitation as we are already engaged,” replied Jane, with the briefest of smiles. “Perhaps arrangements can be made at another time.”
Darrows’ smile wavered slightly but still he persevered, unwilling to let the matter rest. Assuming his most charming manner he attempted to cajole Jane into accepting. “Won’t you take pity on me and suggest another day when you would be at leisure to visit? I live very quietly at the manor and have no prior engagements. If you would but suggest a day when it would suit; I would be delighted to welcome you. You need only to say.”
Not wishing to offer a direct rebuff, Jane attempted to prevaricate once again. “It is so very difficult for me to make arrangements at the moment. Our time is rarely our own.”
Darrows stiffened; rightfully interpreting this as a polite set down. He was not used to being put so readily in his place. “Of course, your grace, I see now that you consider me below your touch,” he said at his most haughty.
“That is not the case,” replied Jane hastily. “It is just that my husband…”
“Exactly, the most honorable duke,” interrupted Darrows, his handsome face marred by a sneer. “It is undoubtedly his influence that has you so against me. Tell me, of what does he accuse me? Of what does he complain?”
Drawing herself up to her full height, Jane matched his mood. “I will not have you speak of my husband in that tone, sir,” she said, indignation showing in her every line.
My Dearest Friend (Books We Love Regency Romance) Page 13