The Viscount's Bride (The Radcliffe Family Book 2)

by Lindsay Downs

  “Roger, then for all we know he may never have left but has been in hiding on their estate someplace,” Serena suggested.

  “That is very possible, but how do we go about finding out?” Matthew exclaimed.

  “First off, shouldn’t we figure out which port he might have left from? If the boy had returned, the closest port would most likely be Plymouth,” Kathleen said.

  “On that you’re correct, daughter. Since this all occurred about four years ago, the shipping companies would still have their records,” Roger declared.

  Kathleen glanced around to the others, wondering if any were willing to make the trip. With luck, they would be able to get there and back in a very long day, if they used a carriage. On horseback, the journey would take half the time.

  “Father, might I be given permission to take Marigold and go to Plymouth?”

  “No. If anyone makes the journey Matthew and I should go. The harbormaster will be more cooperative when we tell him what and why we need the information. And as I prefer not to ride, we’ll take our carriage,” Roger stated.

  “Then, we ladies will accompany you. I’m sure, Serena, you would love to see the dress shops they have. Granted they aren’t as elegant as the ones in London, but they are quite nice,” Elsie declared.

  “Yes, I would love to join you on this little excursion.”

  “When shall we depart?” Kathleen added.

  “Might I suggest tomorrow? This way we might be able to bring this disaster to a speedy conclusion,” Matthew recommended.

  Kathleen nodded her approval as did the others.

  “As the day will be long and tiring, might I suggest we return to our estate to rest?” Elsie suggested.

  Accepting Matthew’s hand, Kathleen stood, linked her fingers with his, bid Serena a pleasant night, then followed her parents out to the awaiting carriage.

  “I look forward to the trip,” Matthew declared, before helping Kathleen into the coach.

  Chapter Nine

  From the top stoop, Matthew watched the Ashburn carriage roll out of the courtyard then onto the drive which would take Kathleen back to the estate. This evening had been very interesting to say the least, which made him wonder what tomorrow would bring. They would be together, with parents, in a coach for almost six hours. If anything, this would be a true test of their commitment to one another.

  He turned back and stepped into the manor only to be met by his mother.

  “Yes, is there something I can do for you?” he inquired.

  “Would you join me for a few minutes in the parlor?”

  Offering her his arm, he guided his mother down the hall to the sitting room and to the settee she’d occupied earlier. Once settled, he took the chair across from her, then waited for her to begin the conversation. After several heart beats, he raised a brow.

  “You did marvelously this eve. I remember when Kathleen was in London. I had hoped to introduce you to her, but a commission took you away. I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am for you both.”

  “Considering the letter I sent you, do you believe father will be driving down?”

  “Of that I’m not sure. Don’t forget he has to make sure Jeremy behaves when with Lady Valerie. However, I would be surprised if Simon and Emma stay away.”

  Considering the two letters he’d sent to the duke and duchess, telling them after this commission he planned to retire to his estate, then informing them he’d found the perfect lady to be his wife, Matthew was sure they’d be darkening the Radcliffe Hall doorway sometime within the next few weeks.

  “Mother, what do I do? My first thought is to steal Kathleen away and race the length of England to Gretna Green. However, doing so would deprive Elsie, not to mention Roger and you, the privilege of seeing me wed to the most beautiful lady in the known world.”

  “Well said, son. My question to you, have you told her she is? If not, then why? Kathleen would, I’m sure, love to hear those words from you.”

  “I’m sorry, but no. I thought offering for her then presenting her with the necklace would have told her. I didn’t realize she needs to hear the words. You must remember, for the better part of my adult life, when not designing buildings for the ton, I was a rakehell. That is, until I met her.”

  “Of that I am aware. Are you mindful when in the same room neither of you could keep your eyes off each other? That includes sitting together on the settee. Then, when you went to collect the plans, she kept focused on the door awaiting your return.”

  What his mother just told him, to a degree, didn’t surprise him. He also suspected Elsie had mentioned the same or similar to Kathleen, either in the past or would tonight. Now, more than ever, the trip to Plymouth took on an even more important meaning. He wasn’t sure about Kathleen, but for him, when in a carriage for a long period of time he would read. Matthew wondered what she did to pass the time. Nap? Read a book? If so what would her choice be?

  ****

  Matthew glanced up from reading the letter his tiger had brought back from Simon when he heard footsteps in the hall. He smiled seeing his mother sweep into the office.

  “Good morning. I hope you slept well?”

  “I did, thank you, and had breakfast in my suite. As you can see, I’m dressed for the trip today.”

  “The Ashburn carriage should be here soon along with another. It seems I am going to need to move from my room as we’re having guests. Or I should say, we are the guests to who’s arriving tomorrow.”

  “The Duke and Duchess of Kettering?” Serena said.

  “On that, you are correct. My tiger brought their response to the note I posted regarding Kathleen. They can’t wait to meet the lady, and I quote, ‘who has brought you to your knees, shaking in fear’.”

  “I would wager that was written by Emma?”

  “Most definitely. As I hear the Ashburn carriage entering the courtyard, shall we greet them then be on our way?”

  He also needed to speak with Connor in regards to having another room opened for him and moving all of his possessions in. Then, the suite he was currently using should be reset for the duke and duchess. Matthew was sure this would make the man panic, something which almost never happened, Matthew was sure of.

  Standing, he picked up a book, which he planned to read on the trip to Plymouth, offered his mother his arm, then guided her from the office to the front door. Much to Matthew’s pleasure, Connor was already there.

  After giving the butler his directions, which didn’t seem to fluster Connor, Matthew guided his mother to the coach. Handing her up, he started to join her when he glanced in to see Kathleen smiling brightly at him with the seat beside her vacant. Climbing in, he sat then noticed she also had brought along a book. As the carriage started to roll out of the courtyard he glanced over to her.

  “What will you be reading?” he asked.

  “As it’s been quite a while since I’ve been to Plymouth I wanted to enjoy the drive so I left the one by Galileo home. This is a mystery, which I love reading. And what do you have?”

  “This one is Homer’s Iliad. I’ve always been interested in the Trojan War.”

  “Might I borrow the book when you’re finished?” Kathleen said.

  “Most certainly, if you can read Greek as I prefer to always read in the original language, whenever possible.”

  “Matthew, not only does our daughter read Greek she also speaks the language, along with Arabic and Latin,” Elsie declared.

  This little piece of additional information added to what he had learned helped Matthew to understand why the gentlemen had been scared off. Which he was now more than glad they had. With him and her always in the quest for knowledge, their life together would never be boring but a constant adventure.

  “In that case, my dear lady, you are more than welcome to borrow the book. However, I might have to delay finishing the tome as we are expecting visitors today at the earliest or on the morrow at the latest.”

  “And who might they
be?” Elsie said, from behind the book she was reading.

  “Much to our amazement, and considering they’ve only recently married the Duke and Duchess of Kettering,” Serena calmly declared.

  That pronouncement from his mother was all that was needed for the two ladies to put their books down and glower at him. This had him wondering why they were upset with him? Mayhap, because he’d not said anything about Simon and Emma coming down when he first climbed into the carriage?

  “And why are we only learning of this now and as sort of an aside?” Elsie demanded.

  “Simply put, they aren’t your typical duke and duchess. When they first met, he gave all the appearances of being a groom. Later, after he bathed and was in semi-proper attire he was reviewing posts in his office where the duchess, she wasn’t at the time, found him. According to the version we heard, she’d recognized him from the beginning but angered at his behavior came after him with a saber. Then, at the time the current duchess intervened thus saving her son from bodily harm, or so it seemed,” Serena explained.

  As his mother relayed the story, Matthew studied Kathleen and Elsie’s expression. He didn’t need to see what reaction Roger had as he noticed the man’s shoulders shaking in silent laughter. The two ladies, on the other hand wore looks of shock and disbelief in their eyes.

  “Then we must have a party for them. What would they think of us if, as the primary peers in the district, we didn’t? Nothing to large or elaborate. A simple gathering of a few of the more important families in the area,” Elsie declared.

  What happened next took Matthew by surprise. From under the squab, Kathleen brought out a small but functional portable writing desk. He watched as she opened the top and brought out a piece of foolscap and a pencil.

  He turned back to reading while for the next two hours the ladies made several lists of who should be invited and what to serve at dinner.

  “We must have fresh fish,” Kathleen declared at one point.

  Matthew lowered his book and turned to her, a grin on his lips.

  “I would recommend, if trout, not telling him where you caught them. He might take umbrage at you poaching his fish,” he strongly suggested then returned to reading, ignoring the comment from Kathleen.

  Finally, as the carriage rolled into Plymouth, Matthew closed up his book then looked over to Roger.

  “Shall we leave the ladies at the dress shop then continue on to the Ship and Anchor Inn to secure a private dining room?”

  “As for the first part, I agree. I’ve already sent a groom ahead of us to the inn requesting the room. We’ll leave the coach there then continue on to the harbor which is nearby. I’ve not alerted the authorities of what we will be searching for. This way they will be taken by surprise and should cooperate without hesitation,” Roger explained.

  “And we will meet you gentlemen at about one of the clock. That should give you the time needed and us ladies to maybe have a gown or two created. Which, now with the duke and duchess coming is even more important,” Elsie declared.

  “My dear, are you sure they will be ready in time?” Roger said.

  “Most certainly. Once we inform the dressmaker why we need the gowns she will have them ready, possibly even before we return home,” Serena stated.

  “Kathleen, as we will be wed soon have the bill for yours sent to me. Use Radcliffe Hall as the direction,” Matthew requested.

  “My dear sir, I had already planned on doing just that.”

  When the carriage came to a halt in front of the shop, Matthew waited while Roger climbed out then joined him on the cobblestones. Once the ladies were assisted out and starting for the store, the men reentered the coach.

  “Do you really believe the ladies will have new gowns so quickly?” Matthew inquired.

  “Trust me when I say we might be stopping by here later to collect the dresses. If I know my wife, she’ll offer the dressmaker double to have them done,” Roger stated.

  Somehow what the man said didn’t come as a surprise to him. At least Roger would only have to pay for one as would he. His mother would have her bill sent to the earl. When the carriage arrived in the courtyard of the inn, Matthew glanced out the window. In the distance he saw the masts of several ships.

  Climbing down, Matthew followed Roger inside and they were met by the owner.

  “M’ lords, this is a pleasure. Lord Roger, I have set the front room aside for your party. When will you be dining?”

  “One of the clock. Also, make sure my coachman and his assistant are taken care of in the tap.”

  “Everything will be ready,” the owner said.

  “Thank you.”

  With Roger leading, Matthew looked around as they made their way to the harbor. He wasn’t surprised at the organized chaos at the docks. Glancing around, he spied a man giving orders to several workers. Then past the group he saw a building which seemed to be the hub of activity. Captains walking in and out. Each carrying journals. Never having spent time in and around The Pool, Matthew could only guess the books held lists of goods being shipped along with the names of passengers.

  “Roger, I’m not sure, but I strongly believe that’s what we are looking for.”

  “On that, you are correct. Clerks inside will copy down what the ships are taking and where, along with the people making the passage.”

  “The question, is whether they will give over what we seek or if this has been for naught,” Matthew said.

  “Trust me, son, they will. Even though we’re not in the district I’m the magistrate of, that power alone should get us the answers, once we explain why we’re looking to see if Jonas Ringer did go to the colonies.”

  When they entered the busy building, Matthew looked around for someone who seemed to be in charge. A tap on his shoulder brought his attention to Roger.

  “Follow me.”

  With Roger leading, they made their way to a large room with cabinets along three of the walls and desks lined up with clerks busy working. Not wishing to interfere, Matthew stayed by the door, leaning against the frame and watching Roger talk with someone who seemed to be in charge. After several minutes Matthew levered himself straight and marched over to Roger.

  “These are the passenger manifests for the year and month in question.”

  Accepting several, Matthew started looking through them for the name Jonas Ringer. Coming to the last sheet he could feel his shoulders slump.

  “The name isn’t on any of mine. Did you have better luck, Roger?”

  “No. Which means Ringer never left England or if he did it was from a different port.”

  Now Matthew was glad Simon and Emma were coming down. With the power his title yielded, the duke would be able to easily learn the answer. Granted, they might not find out before another body turned up, but they would have to try.

  “Shall we slowly make our way back to the inn?” Roger suggested.

  “Yes, as the ladies wouldn’t be pleased if we arrived after them.”

  “I agree, and I’m also curious to learn if they will have gowns to return home with?” Roger said.

  “I’m with you on that point. Regrettably, though the news we will be imparting to them won’t make them happy as neither you nor I are,” Matthew added.

  In silence Matthew followed the earl back to the inn and arrived at the same time as the ladies. What had him worried was that all three were smiling, but Kathleen’s was the brightest. This told him she’d found the perfect material for her gown not to mention the pattern.

  “How much will the dress cost me?” he asked.

  “The funds father is paying you to design the pavilion… You’ll need twice that amount.”

  From the crooked grin she laid on him, mixed with the twinkle in her eye, Matthew wasn’t sure if she could be teasing him. No matter if she was or not and not having even seen the dress, color, or fashion plate he didn’t care. She was worth every copper.

  “And when will the dress be ready?” He decided inquiring
any more than that would spoil the surprise she most likely had for him.

  “You and father are in luck. The dressmaker, a very lovely woman told us she’d have a rider deliver them tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Yes, so plan on visiting Roger and Elsie for tea. I thought to make everything easier, mine will also be brought to their estate. No sense in confusing the woman.”

  “And having the wrong gown sent to you Serena. Heaven forbid your son casts his gaze on Kathleen’s confection,” Elsie stated.

  If he hadn’t been in trouble before, on seeing her wearing the pastel-yellow gown last night this one was going to most assuredly set his blood to boil.

  “Kathleen, might I have even a hint to what the gown looks like?”

  “No. Now shall we have luncheon as we ladies are desirous to hear what you gentlemen learned,” she declared.

  Offering his arm, Matthew smiled down to her when she slipped her hand in his, intertwining her fingers with his. Even though he tried to guard against the reaction of heat slamming him, he couldn’t. Continuing to study her, he saw she had a similar response. Guiding her into the inn behind her parents with his mother following, they made for the private dining room.

  “Welcome, m’ lords and ladies. If you’ll take seats, the wife will bring in your luncheon. As requested Lord Roger, we were able to prepare everything you requested.”

  “Thank you. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.”

  After seating Kathleen, he took the chair next to her and was amused by the puzzled look in her eyes.

  “I’ve no idea what your father requested. We’ll learn at the same time.”

  No sooner had Matthew spoken than the wife followed by her husband and a kitchen helper stepped in and set several platters on the table. When the covers were removed, he gazed at several different meats, fish, and a medley of vegetables. Once the platters were passed and everyone had full plates they ate in silence. It amazed Matthew that none of the ladies inquired as to what he and Roger had learned.

  Finally, over a dessert of fresh fruit and assorted cheeses Matthew glanced to Roger who nodded.