The Duke Conspiracy

by Astraea Press

  “The duke? Is everything all right with him?” Rose's dismay was evident in her tone.

  “All is well. He is just concerned over something that occurred this morning while you two met.”

  ****

  Rose blushed over this reminder of her questionable conduct, as well as her memories of the sweet kiss they had exchanged that morning. Her eyes flew to meet those of the viscount as she wondered frantically if Alex would have told his friend about that. Struggling to maintain her composure Rose asked in as neutral a tone as she could muster. “What is he concerned about, my lord? Did he tell you all about it?”

  “He did, in fact. And he wanted me to pass the information on. It only came to his attention after you had already left, so he could not tell you himself. And of course, he cannot simply call upon you for a myriad of reasons.”

  “Of course,” Rose replied a little faintly, as she realized it was not what she had feared. Her relief was short-lived.

  “The duke has reason to believe that your meeting was witnessed. He does not think you were overheard, but he does believe someone was watching the two of you together. He had very little information when I was speaking with him earlier today, but he did want you to know as soon as possible so you could be on your guard. He fears you may not be perfectly safe.”

  “His Grace worries like an old governess. What could there possibly be to threaten my safety even if we were observed?” Rose demanded in counter argument. “'Tis true that my reputation could be in tatters were it to become known that I have met with the duke at Burlington House, but since it is a venue open to the public, and I had my maid in tow, there is very little that could come of anyone speaking of it.”

  “It was actually not your reputation which concerned him, although, of course, as a gentleman, he would want to ensure that no scandal were to be attached to you. But rather, he is concerned that the man watching you could have been a follower of Broderick, and that dastardly fellow could now view you as a threat to his plans, in which case you could be in serious danger indeed.”

  Rose remained silent as she absorbed Lord Dunbar's words and all the possible ramifications. “I now understand the duke's concerns,” she finally mustered before quickly rallying with a shrug. “Even if Broderick were to figure out that we were onto his schemes, I am most certain he would not think to threaten me. I have already passed all my concerns about Broderick on to my father and it is out of my hands. I am no threat to Broderick on my own. Surely he will not trouble himself with a mere slip of a girl.”

  Wesley once again threw back his head and laughed. “If he knows what kind of a girl this particular slip is he will be very troubled, Miss. But perhaps you are right and there is no danger, however Wrentham was most insistent that you be told that it is a real possibility. He was trying to find out more information, but he wanted you to know as soon as possible. I would suggest it is best if you do not arrange any more clandestine meetings, but instead try to speak in a crowded ballroom where you will be sure to be fully safe.”

  “Surely you realize that I cannot be seen speaking to him. We are sworn enemies.”

  “You cannot be serious,” Wesley declared with chagrin. “You have spent much of the past two weeks in each other's company, working to solve a common problem. That does not sound like the behavior of sworn enemies.”

  “Be that as it may, we are, or rather our families are, which is pretty much the same thing. We cannot be seen to be speaking. Our parents would have apoplexy.”

  “This is the daftest situation I have ever heard of. You should all be sharing your grief, not blaming each other for it.” Wesley's words made Rose realize he would never understand.

  “You do not know what you are talking about, my lord,” Rose dismissed his comments and tried to turn the subject. “Anyhow, you have fulfilled your duty and passed me the duke's message. I will be on my best behavior, and do my utmost to be on guard lest the devilish knight should be after me.”

  “I beg of you, Miss Rose, do not make light of this. You really could be in danger.”

  “Mayhap you are right, my lord, but my father is now aware of the situation. He will come up with a solution before Broderick can do any of the nefarious things he might have had planned.”

  “But did you not say that your father is leaving on the morrow for Paris? If he is not here, how will you be protected if Broderick does not follow him to Paris, or if he sets some sort of action against you?”

  Rose could see that the viscount really was quite serious and was concerned for her safety. A niggle of doubt crept into her consciousness. She really ought to take offense at the man for doubting her ability to take care of herself, but his concern for her was endearing in an overbearing sort of way. She made an effort to be conciliatory. “Have no fear, my lord. I assure you I will be careful. And I promise to call on your help should the need arise.” Seeing that he still looked uneasy, Rose shrugged. “There is not much else I can do, my lord. My father has promised to look into the situation and I am quite certain he will not leave me here in danger or unprotected. I appreciate your concern over me, but I really do not think there is a need for you to be overly anxious on my behalf.”

  With relief Rose saw that Lord Dunbar finally looked appeased and allowed the subject to drop. They rode around the Park in companionable silence, breaking it periodically to make various innocuous comments about the weather or the people they encountered. Finally, as they neared the gateway that they had entered, Rose finally spoke.

  “This has been lovely, my lord. Thank you so much for inviting me for a drive, but I do believe I ought to be returning home.”

  Wesley blushed slightly. “I guess I should not monopolize any more of your time.”

  Rose laughed with glee. “You, my lord, are the most entertaining gentleman I have met. You endeavor to appear so manly and unconcerned, but deep inside you are the sweetest man around.”

  Wesley's blush deepened and he pulled a face at her. “I beg of you to keep your voice down, or you shall leave my reputation in tatters.” He quickly spoiled the effect by grinning at her, which she swiftly returned.

  “Shall we see you tonight at the Rotherhams' ball?” Wesley changed the subject by inquiring politely.

  “Are you wanting to watch over me to ensure my safety?” Rose teased. When he merely shook his head at her she continued. “I am uncertain about my plans for the evening at this point, my lord. I had been planning to attend but now it depends on my father's actions. I am most eager to know what has been decided.”

  “If you do make it to the Rotherhams', would you save a dance for me?” Lord Dunbar asked politely.

  Rose now looked at the viscount searchingly. “Are you trying to turn me up sweet, my lord?”

  Wesley again barked out a laugh he could not contain. “I am merely trying to ensure we have an opportunity for conversation this evening. If you cannot speak to Wrentham yourself, you could pass a message to him through me.”

  Rose felt the heat rising in her cheeks and she stammered out a reply. “My apologies, my lord, I did not mean to be so forward.”

  Wesley grinned at his companion. “Absolutely no apologies required, my dear girl. I suspect we are of the same mind that we need to ensure this matter is taken care of before we can concentrate on other things. I know this has been more your and Wrentham's situation, but I feel tied up in it too since I know about it.” He paused for a moment as he steered his cattle around a crowded section of street. Rose was unsure how to read his expression when he looked back at her. “Mayhap when this is all said and done I shall call upon you again.”

  Rose was undecided how she felt about the possibility of the viscount “calling upon” her so she made light of his comments. “And mayhap I shall be at home to visitors when you call, my lord.”

  The viscount chuckled deeply. “Now you are the one who is a complete hand, Miss Rosamund Smythe.”

  Rose grinned as they neared her home. “You are a good fr
iend, my lord.”

  Wesley smiled ironically. “That I am, miss, thank you for noticing.”

  Rose couldn't help the girlish giggle that escaped her lips just before he handed her down in front of the Smythes' townhouse. “Thank you, my lord, truly. I had a lovely afternoon and it helped to pass the time so I did not lose my mind completely while I waited for news from my father.” Rose looked toward her front door and then back up at the viscount. “I promise I shall do my best to share that dance with you tonight.”

  Wesley squeezed her hand before letting her go. Rose was glad he did not bother to comment. What is there left to say? she asked herself ironically.

  Lifting her skirts, Rose dashed up the stairs, eager to see if her father had any news to share with her.

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Good afternoon, Walter. Is my father home?”

  “He is not, Miss, but he did leave a message for you,” the butler intoned importantly before pausing, leaving Rose to prompt.

  “What is the message?” Rose was near the end of her patience.

  “He said for you to go about your regular activities and to just leave a message here for him if you are to go out. He was unsure how long he would be, but he was quite clear that he wishes to speak with you before he leaves for Paris.”

  Rose was deeply disappointed. Now that she had shared the information with her father she was terribly anxious to find out what she should do next. Even if the direction was that she was to do nothing, she dearly hoped she would at least be informed about what others were going to be doing, otherwise she would not be able to rest easy. The thought of going to a ball this evening, with this all hanging over her unresolved, was not at all an appealing prospect. With a mental shrug she reminded herself that it had been this way in Vienna as well. It seems to be the lot of lady spies, she thought wryly, which brought a smile to her face, and she was able to leave the butler in peace without badgering him for any more information. “Thank you, Walter. For now I shall be in my chamber, if my father should return and want to speak with me. Later I will be going out to attend the Rotherham ball.”

  “Very well, Miss.”

  Now sober, Rose climbed the stairs deep in thought. She wished fervently that she could summon Alex. It was such a pity their two families had fallen into such a state. Mayhap Wesley and Elizabeth were right and they should be mourning together instead of blaming each other. Really, what did it matter if it was their son's fault that her brother was dead? Had he not paid the ultimate price by dying as well? Rose shook her head sadly at her thoughts. Even if she could convince her own heart to forgive the Wrenthams, she was most certain that her parents would not be swayed. It would matter not a jot that she was losing her heart to the duke.

  “Now, where did that thought come from?” Rose asked herself, speaking aloud in her shock.

  “What thought, Miss?” Mary asked, as Rose had already reached her room by this point.

  Rose could feel the heat rising in her cheeks as she glanced quickly at her maid. “I was just thinking out loud, Mary, never mind me.”

  “It sounds as though your thoughts were surprising even to you, Miss,” Mary commented.

  “Indeed they were, Mary. But never mind about that, do you know anything more since I left?”

  “I am sad to report that, no, I don't, Miss. You are the only one in this family who confides so thoroughly in me. Seems to me as though your father don't confide in anyone if he can help it, so I never expect to hear too much from him.”

  Rose grinned. “I suspect you are right in your assessment of my father. He does like to hold his own council. I guess he realizes he is the smartest man he knows.”

  “I'm not disputing how smart he is, Miss Rose, but it does seem to me that everyone needs to bounce their ideas off someone else every now and again.”

  “That is very true indeed, Mary. Speaking of that, have you had a chance to think much more on who you consider might be a good suitor for me?” Rose was happy to change the subject. Debating her father's secretive disposition would accomplish nothing except frustration and she really did need to get on with the main reason for coming for the Season.

  Rose's words accomplished their purpose as Mary squealed and did a little dance. “Oh Miss, thank you for asking me. I was uncertain if it was my place to bring it up but I surely have been thinking on it.”

  “Mary, my dear, you know we are friends. When we are alone you need not concern yourself about whether or not it is your place to discuss any subject, I can assure you, but on second thought, it is good that you kept it to yourself. I might not have been in the right frame of mind to consider your words on another day. But right now I need to put my mind to something, and this seems as good of a time as any to consider my matrimonial prospects. So tell me, is there anyone in particular that you think would be my perfect match?”

  “Now, before we start I want you to know that I have given this a great deal of thought. I have known you since you were a girl and I dearly want you to be happy.”

  Rose impulsively threw her arms around the older girl, giving her a warm hug while they both grew misty eyed. “I know, Mary, and I truly appreciate it. There are very few people that I trust as much as I do you.”

  “Then you will pardon me for saying that I think the Duke of Wrentham would be the perfect match for you.”

  In the blink of an eye the warm camaraderie dissipated. Rose's blush reached her roots as she launched into speech. “How could you possibly say that, Mary?” she demanded heatedly, ignoring the fact that that thought had already crossed her mind more than once. Having someone else say it made it terrifyingly real.

  “Hear me out, Miss. I know everyone is angry about the young master's death and you all blame the Wrenthams for it, but what if you're wrong? What if it wasn't Milord Maxwell's fault? And even if it was, why does that have to condemn the rest of you to being sworn enemies for the rest of your days? You all were the best of friends for eons, before the two scalawags went off to the war.” Mary paused a moment before she continued in a softer, kindly voice. “And I've seen you with him, Rosie. Your face is so open and happy when you are in His Grace's presence. You get along so well, and he's one of the most handsome men I've ever seen besides being a duke. Seems to me as though it would be the perfect match for you.”

  “I thought you were just as dead set against the Wrenthams as the rest of the household, Mary,” Rose protested, without disputing the truth of Mary's words.

  Mary shrugged. “I was, but when you asked me to think on who would be a good match for you, I tried to be as honest as I possibly could be. This is the conclusion I came to.”

  Rose took a deep breath and held it for a couple of beats before replying. “Well, I appreciate your honesty, Mary. Did you by any chance come up with a second choice because I am quite certain I shall not be able to follow your advice with your first suggestion.”

  Mary smiled sadly. “I figured as much, Miss Rose so yes, I did think of a few other options.” Pausing to collect her thoughts, Mary continued. “The young gentleman who came to take you riding seemed to me to be a good, solid second choice.”

  “Lord Dunbar?” Rose asked in surprise. “Why do you pick him for me?”

  “His servants speak highly of him, Miss, which is a rarity these days. His horses appear well cared for as well. This tells me he is a kind man who does not mistreat those in his control, which if you don't mind me saying so, is what you will be as a wife.”

  Rose nodded soberly as she mulled over her maid's words. She had made a good choice when asking her maid to think over this subject. She obviously had a much different perspective than anyone in Society, but it seemed a lot more useful than someone commenting on the cut of a gentleman's coat or the shine on his new carriage. Mary's observations actually spoke to how a girl might expect to be treated should she accept a gentleman's proposal. Rose admitted to herself that she had never thought about that before. Her main concerns had been whether or
not the gentleman was a good conversationalist. While that was still a factor for her, she really ought to consider what else Mary had to say.

  “Thank you so much for sharing your views with me, Mary dear. Was there anyone else?”

  “I actually did not come up with a very long list, Miss, I am sorry to tell you. It is surprising how few gentlemen stand very high in their servant's opinion. And of course, I was rather picky. I wanted only those gentlemen who were known to be heavy in the pocket. I also only looked at those with titles. And I didn't want anyone too long in the tooth either.”

  Now Rose found something to laugh about. “Why Mary, I had no idea you were so exacting in your tastes.”

  “When it comes to you, Miss, I would say no one is quite good enough, but I set myself a set of standards and I stuck to them. The only other name I could come up with was Lord Dunkirk, the Earl of Strathgowan.”

  “Really? I have not yet had the pleasure of making his lordship's acquaintance. I am impressed with how thorough you have been, Mary, although disappointed in the scanty results. I shall have to see about finagling an introduction to the earl as soon as possible.”

  “Or you could just apply your mind to making peace with the Wrenthams,” Mary argued.

  “I think learning to fly would be easier,” Rose answered tartly. “Mayhap you ought to be a trifle less discerning in your tastes. I do appreciate your concerns for my welfare, but I should remind you that I do not currently have a title and am just fine with that. I am quite convinced that being a lord does not guarantee that a man will make a good husband.”

  “No, I would have to say that I agree with you on that, but wouldn't you like to have a title to pass to your children? I heard you say that the Season is a wee bit of a drudgery when you are only a baron's daughter.”

  “'Tis true, Mary, I did say that.” Rose sighed. “I guess you are right. Well, now what shall I do?” Seeing her maid's significant glance Rose laughed. “No, Mary, I do not think I can take you up on your suggestion of negotiating peace between the Smythes and the Wrenthams and then setting my cap at the duke. I do believe we are going to have to rethink the options. Just as soon as I ensure this situation with Broderick is cleared up.” Feeling as though she were quite finished with this conversation, Rose strode across the room toward the wardrobe containing her newest gowns. “Now Mary, although I cannot fathom preparing for a ball while I am in such a state of mind, I think it is best if we get started. Mayhap a bath would help me relax and feel more the thing.”