Loving a Fearless Duchess

by Abigail Agar

  Edward stopped and turned to Avery. “And yet you were going to give Henry the responsibility to look after these people.”

  Avery nodded. “You’re right. I was. God help me; you’re right. I have spent years making my decisions based on fear. There is no worse motivator in making a decision. Penelope gave me the way out of fear. From the moment she did, everything changed in an instant.”

  Edward turned again to leave.

  Avery spoke to his back. “Would you at least consider it? Get back to me? Talk to me again?”

  Edward continued to walk. He got his hat and walking stick from Waters and left the house. He directed his carriage driver to the park, walked in, and found a solitary bench facing an open field where schoolboys kicked around a ball.

  He shut his eyes to block out everything he could. His uncle made a mess of it his whole life.

  From the day he took them in, Henry had been a problem, and yet Avery did nothing to stop him. He had done the opposite and had covered up for him.

  Edward used to wonder why he would do such a thing and why he couldn’t seem to get Henry under control, until the day Henry pushed Penelope off the cliff.

  Then Edward didn’t care. He just seethed and lost respect for his uncle. Henry had reduced him and Penelope to checking in with each other every hour to make sure neither was hurt or being bullied.

  The sound of boys laughing woke him from his thoughts. Edward’s mouth curved up on the side watching the boys chase after the ball and bump into each other. Then he frowned. He never experienced one day of what the boys in front of him experienced. They probably played together every day.

  Edward knew he should put aside his resentment toward Avery and Henry to consider the plight of the villagers whose lives would be changed one way or another by his decision. His uncle was his uncle and wasn’t going to change. Henry was no longer a factor to consider. It was on him.

  Edward thought it unfair having this thrust upon him. His life trajectory would be completely changed.

  He would need to spend a great deal of time at Edgewood to get the estate and village on track. And, he would need to find a wife much sooner than he had planned.

  A lady of the ton would run his house for him. He most certainly refused to get involved with menus and servants squabbles. And, of course, he would be expected to produce an heir.

  All this from one very short conversation. Did he even have the right to refuse? What of the ton? If they heard he turned his back on his uncle, the man who took him in all those years ago, his standing would take a turn for the worse.

  He thought he couldn’t resent Henry and Avery more. He was wrong.

  *****

  Edward didn’t go home. He walked to Nash and Penelope’s townhouse hoping both were home.

  “Hello, Coleman. Are they at home?” Coleman bowed, “My Lord, they are both in the parlour. Should I ring for tea?”

  Edward nodded and smiled. He walked down the hall to the parlour. “Hello, sis and brother-in-law,” he said cheerily.

  They both looked up at the same time. “Edward. Are you all right, dear?”

  “Of course, I am. Why do you ask?”

  Nash laughed, “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe Penelope thinks you look pale and like you lost your pet fish.”

  “Stop playing cards and come sit and keep me company.”

  Both Penelope and Nash sat near Edward. Tea came, and Penelope poured. When everyone settled in, Penelope turned to Edward, “So, what is it?”

  “Avery sent word he needed to see me right away. I went there.”

  “And?” Penelope asked.

  “And after Henry, I am the only male gentleman, so I am heir to the Duke.”

  Penelope gasped.

  Nash looked at Edward quizzically.

  Penelope leaned closer to Edward. “So what did you do?”

  “I told him no. He said I could think about it. I feel like the kid who wasn’t picked for the team but is begrudgingly asked to play only because another broke his leg.”

  Nash put down his teacup and stared at Edward. “Is this a matter of pride?”

  His question was softly spoken, but it hit Edward like an iron bar to the head. Did he feel like the leftovers? That he should’ve been picked first?

  “If you would indulge me, Edward. When my father and I visited your uncle’s estate, my father, you, and I rode around the place.

  “There was beautiful fallow land. There were cow droppings down the main street. Sheep were being slaughtered.

  “The estate had potential that anyone with half a brain could fix. Now, because of you, the cows wouldn’t have to live in the street, the villagers could make use of the land, and the sheep would never be disturbed.

  “It’s all on you, Edward. Which do you want for the people around that village? Haven’t they been neglected long enough?”

  Edward was annoyed. “But what about how they neglected the estate for so long? What about Avery having every intention of Henry inheriting it with no concern for the people of that village, only for his reputation?”

  Penelope spoke up. “Nash is right, Edward. What of it? So Avery was going to let it flounder, and once he inherited it, Henry was going to have it go from bad to worse? Both of them only thought of themselves. Are you going to do the same?”

  Edward stared at Nash, then at Penelope. “You two are so sure of your answer to this problem.”

  “All my dilemmas should have such a clear answer,” Nash said gently.

  Edward nodded. “So I agree to be his heir. Then what?”

  “Require him to open all his books to you and to explain them all. He will refer you to his men of business. Just as good. Tell him you want to go to Edgewood and the village and talk to the steward, the servants, and the villagers. Ride around the place with new eyes.

  “Tell him you don’t want to wait until he’s gone to begin taking an active role. I know you, Edward. You aren’t capable of sitting on your hands for years to come waiting for the old man to die.

  “He’ll probably let you do what you want at the estate as long as you leave London alone. That’s the deal I would make if I were you.”

  Edward thought. “And if he won’t?”

  Nash thought. “I’ll let you answer that one for yourself.”

  Penelope looked at Edward. “Should we send for Mother to have dinner with us?”

  Edward said, “Sure. What do I tell her?”

  Nash answered, “What do you want to tell her?”

  Edward said, “He’s her brother. I’m the heir.” Edward’s shoulders slumped.

  *****

  Cecilia greeted Coleman, handed him her wrap, and walked into the parlour.

  The men stood and bowed.

  “It’s so good to see everyone. I haven’t seen you all week.”

  Penelope began, “Mother, you need to attend more of my teas. I could use your help.”

  Cecilia smiled, “It was one tea, dear. I am over my cold, so I will be at your next one. I’m sorry to have let you down.”

  “You know you didn’t let me down. You know how I am about my teas.

  Nash rolled his eyes.

  “Mother, I’m not going to turn, but is Nash rolling his eyes at me?”

  Cecilia pretended she looked up and all around, doing a thorough job of checking. “No, dear, he’s not. Be nicer to your dear husband.”

  “Thank you, Cecilia. Did you hear her Penelope? Be nicer to your husband,” Nash said.

  Edward laughed. “Ah, marriage.”

  Nash said, “Don’t laugh. If you are the heir, you have to start looking for a wife.”

  Cecilia furrowed her brow, “Heir? What do you mean? Edward an heir?”

  Edward moved to sit next to his mother and lifted her hand to his. “Now that Henry has been eliminated, the next gentleman heir to Avery is me.”

  Cecilia grasped his hand. “Oh, Edward, that is wonderful news. You will do the dukedom proud. You will restore it to how my father
had it. This is wonderful news. You would have made your grandfather proud.”

  *****

  Waters knocked on Avery’s study door, causing Avery to lift his head out of the ledgers he was inspecting.

  “Lord Balfour, Your Grace,” he said.

  A light went on in Avery’s eyes. “Send him in.”

  He stood and made it around his desk in time to greet Edward with a bow. Pouring them both a drink, he asked Edward to sit.

  “I’m glad to see you again so soon, Edward. After yesterday, I wasn’t sure when our next meeting would be.”

  Edward drank then smiled. “You have your sister to thank for my appearance today; she encouraged me to meet with you again. She has fond memories of your father and was excited by the prospect of us working together.”

  “Well, I’ll have to thank Cecilia for bringing you back to me. Now, tell me, what are you thinking?”

  Edward adjusted in his chair until he was eye to eye with Avery. “Please forgive me. I must speak frankly. Since we met yesterday, I have thought of nothing else except the line of succession. When I was with you yesterday, I felt like I was getting Henry’s leftovers, and it wasn’t an appealing position to be in. I also felt the estate wasn’t living up to its potential, and I blamed you. If you didn’t care, and Henry didn’t care, what exactly was I inheriting?

  “Since talking out loud with Nash, he explained how different every noble runs his assets. He didn’t give away confidential information, but he did mention you had a Midas touch with your investments. Everyone has a different style and a different strength.

  “If I were to do this, my style would be different also. I don’t have a Midas touch like you. I have a different idea. I want Edgewood to be actively used, especially the land. The village would be a clean, organized group of people proud to live in its midst.

  “The fallow land would be cultivated, and the sheep and livestock would multiply to provide another source of income.

  “I would want to see the books for all facets of the business, nothing held back, and I would like to start sooner rather than later. Avery, you have many vibrant years left, but I will not wait on the sidelines until your end.”

  Avery grinned. “You have thought this through. Your mind must have been racing all night.”

  “It was.”

  “I have a proposition for you. Tell me if this comes close to meeting your needs, Edward. I stay in London and continue to invest. As you know, I enjoyed working and socializing with my peers and, in my own way, contribute to our dukedom. Of course, I will explain all votes I make in the House of Lords, and ask your opinion.

  “You go to Edgewood and do whatever you want there.”

  Edward nodded but hesitated. “I would still need to see the books and know my budget. If I could familiarize myself with the money and accounts and what can be used for Edgewood, I would feel better once I’m there.”

  Avery grinned again. “Come every day at ten, and we’ll spend two hours with our heads in the books, then you can ask me questions over lunch. After a week, let’s see where we are, if you are comfortable. Then we’ll put funds in an account in your name with exclusive use for Edgewood. Deal?”

  Avery stuck out his hand.

  “Deal,” Edward grinned and shook it.

  “Nothing has changed for me – I still get to invest. And yet there will be improvements at Edgewood. You don’t need to deal with London, and I don’t need to deal with Edgewood. Perfect.

  “Ask your mother, your sister, and your brother-in-law to dine with you and me this evening?

  “They will be so pleased with you, and I can thank Cecilia in person for bringing you back to my door.”

  Edward turned back. “I will. I’ll send word only if we cannot come.”

  Avery continued to grin. “Until then.”

  *****

  Edward still wasn’t comfortable with Avery’s past handling of Henry and his neglect of Edgewood, but he was beginning to see another side of the man. He did his best with the cards he was dealt.

  Edward would have done things differently, as would most gentlemen, but judging him for his actions had to be put aside for the benefit of his village. He would work with Avery as long as he was able to improve the lives of his villagers. And he knew he could do that.

  After a few weeks with Avery, consulting with agricultural experts and researching the markets for livestock and raw wool, Edward was ready to spend at least a year at Edgewood without returning to London.

  Avery promised to visit and take a look at the changes he made and offer suggestions if needed.

  Neither thought there would be any suggestions given.

  A disagreement of epic proportions ensued over a visit to Edgewood from Penelope.

  “I don’t want you anywhere near him,” Nash said.

  “He has two guards with him at all times. Nothing could happen.”

  Nash didn’t believe that for one minute. “His tongue will do the damage, not his fists. Really, Penelope, what would you hope to accomplish by visiting with him?

  “Do you think he’s going to apologize? Do you think he’s going to tell you bullies made him like that or his mother never loved him?”

  “Nash is right,” Edward said. “He isn’t going to give you one scrap of information that will get you to understand why he is how he is. And so what? Knowing if something in his life made him a monster won’t change the fact that he is a monster.

  “He will smell what you are after and play with your emotions. None of what he says would likely be true.”

  “I understand. But for six years, I wondered why he tried to kill me. I want to know why.”

  Edward shook his head. “You’re not going to find out. He won’t tell you. It will be his little satisfaction, the only thing he can hold onto in his current situation.”

  Penelope thought. “Would he tell either of you?”

  Edward said, “Probably not. He is going to be furious with me for taking over his title. That will eat him alive.”

  “Penelope, I think Edward’s right. He’s not going to get retrospective on either of you. You are asking something he won’t give. He will take great pleasure in knowing that he has something over you.”

  Penelope nodded. “I understand. May I come with you when you tell him? I would like to see his reaction.”

  Edward looked at Nash who looked back at Edward.

  “I’ll think about it. I can almost guarantee he will say something to deliberately hurt you, and I don’t want to put you in that position.”

  Nash said, “I agree with Edward. You have nothing to gain and everything to lose.

  “Can I come and listen from the hall?”

  Nash threw up his hands. “Why?”

  “Because I’ve put up with him my whole life, because he mutilated me, because I want to see for myself he will never hurt me again.”

  Nash looked at Edward. “I’ll talk to Edward about it. We’ll let you know.”

  “No. I want to talk about it now. Let’s settle this.”

  Edward looked hard at Penelope. “Nash and I have to discuss what we will talk to Henry about. Once that is complete, we’ll decide. Nash is married to you, so as your brother, I’m going to tell you this so he doesn’t have to – you’re trying to push too hard on this. It could backfire on you.”

  *****

  “Remember, Penelope, you will be in the hall. Henry is not to know you are there. There will be a bodyguard in front of you so you can’t go in, and he will bodily remove you if you utter a sound. We don’t want Henry to know there is anyone out there.”

  Penelope nodded. She was happy she got to go. As the carriage bumped along, Edward and Nash went over what they would tell Henry. Penelope was a little nervous about seeing him again. She would only see a sliver of him through the barely open door of the parlour, but that would be enough.

  When they arrived, Henry was already in the parlour with two guards. He couldn’t see the drive for t
he front door from the windows of the parlour. He knew he had visitors, just not who.

  When Edward and Nash walked into the room, Henry’s eyes went wide, but Penelope could tell he was trying hard not to move. Other telltale signs were his stiff body and clenched fists.

  Tea was delivered, and Nash and Edward poured tea and ate sandwiches and talked to each other as if they were the only two in the room.

  Edward looked over at Henry, “Tea?”

  Henry said no and continued to sit silently.

  They talked of the deer killed during the last hunt then stopped, turned to Henry and said, “Let’s not bore Henry with talk of that.”

  They talked of a fox getting into the henhouse, and the subsequent bloodbath then stopped. “Never mind that,” Edward said.

  They talked of the three wolves that went down Main Street in the night preying on the family dogs. Nash shook his head. “Terrible, what happened.”

  The whole time, Henry didn’t move. He sat stiff and kept his fists clenched.

  When she peeked in, having stretched herself around the bodyguard to see, Penelope almost gasped at Henry’s appearance. Good thing she didn’t, or she would be thrown out before the meeting began.

  Henry looked older. Not that his hair was grey, it wasn’t. Not that he had lines on his face, he didn’t. His eyes were dull and lifeless. Penelope remembered when Henry was provoking her his eyes lit up with joy.

  His mouth turned down. He had lost that happy, arrogant smile brought out when he saw the pain he inflicted on others. His shoulders slumped. Gone was that frenetic energy that caused him his ill-advised impulsiveness.

  Edward turned to Henry, “How are you, Henry?”

  “What do you want,” he said in a low growl.

  “We are here for a visit of Edgewood and the surrounding villages. And we wanted to see your new home. How are you enjoying it so far?”

  “You both can laugh all you want, but when I get out of here, you two and Penelope will be the first I come after.”

  “When you get out? Henry, did anyone tell you that you are never getting out? You’re here for the rest of your life.”

  Henry shot to his feet, and one of his guards took a step forward then stopped when he saw everyone was safe.

  “My father will come to his senses and get me. He needs me to be his heir, or the dukedom will end. It’s only a matter of time before he comes for me,” Henry snarled then sat, pleased with himself.