The Duke's Bride (The Radcliffe Family Book 1)

by Lindsay Downs

  “Agreed, and let the mother, as I will the father, know I will be paying for the funeral. Let me call for the carriage and have several grooms mounted as guards in case this Beaumont person is nearby and watching the palace,” Simon uttered.

  “If you’ll give Emma and me twenty minutes to put on bonnets, we’ll meet you in the courtyard,” Laura spoke before standing.

  Simon rose and offered his hand to assist Emma, wondering if she’d accept his aid. When she did he gave her a grin just as, what felt like a bolt of lightning shot up his arm ending in his chest. From the wide-eyed look from her, Simon suspected she’d felt the same thing or close to it. Keeping her hand in his, he guided her, with his mother following, to the stairs.

  Once they started up he turned and went to the stable. Under normal conditions, he would have sent Winston to inform Richmond of his need. This time, he wanted to do it himself and to check on his beast of a horse.

  Marching across the courtyard to the stable, he spied Richmond sitting outside mending a piece of tack. As he got closer, Simon called out to his old friend.

  “You do know I’ve someone who can stitch a ripped saddle.”

  “Yes, I know, but not as well as I can,” Richmond replied and started to stand.

  “No, no remain seated,” Simon directed him.

  Simon waited until the man sat back down on the three-legged stool then leaned against the side of the barn.

  “And what can this old man help you with this fine afternoon?”

  “I need my carriage, the one without the ducal seal on it, ready and in the courtyard in fifteen minutes. Also, several grooms armed with a brace of pistols each as guards.”

  “Everything will be taken care of.”

  “Thank you. Now, I’m going to see Mars. I do hope he’s not given you many problems?” Simon said.

  When Richmond didn’t answer immediately, Simon knew his charger had to be causing trouble of some sort. Whatever it could be, he was also partially to blame since Mars needed to be ridden daily to release his energy.

  “We make sure he gets out to run around. He’s been a perfect gentleman. It seems there’s a mare, above all the others, who has caught his attention. I know it’s not normally done, but we do let them graze together, under the strict watchful eye of a groom.”

  From the other day when Simon had been in the barn, he knew there were at least twelve mares and wondered which one Mars appreciated. Some of the mares belonged to families in and outside the district, which made it even more difficult to figure out. The horses had been sent to be bred with the ducal stallions.

  “Well, who is it, and please tell me it’s one of mine?” he demanded.

  “Yes, the mare is one of yours. It’s Marigold. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to arrange for the carriage and grooms.”

  At the present time, this was the last thing Simon needed. The mare Emma liked happened to share the same paddock as Mars. As things were a bit tenuous between them right now Simon wasn’t sure having the two horses together was a good idea.

  He nodded, then slowly made his way back across the courtyard while he thought about what he’d just learned.

  With this new piece of information, Simon realized how out of touch he was, as Beaumont was taking up so much of his time and energy. He vowed not to let it happen again, even if it meant having someone assist him in managing the different estates.

  As his mother was familiar with not only this, the ducal primary estate, but the others, she would be the perfect choice. However, Simon knew there was someone else who could fulfil the duties needed. His problem, considering what had happened a short while ago, was whether Emma would be willing to aid him.

  By the time he stepped in and was met by Winston, he still hadn’t decided which lady would be the best to assist him.

  “Shortly, we will be paying our condolences to Brenda’s parents. When the carriage is out front come inform me,” he ordered.

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  Taking the stairs two at a time, he stormed into his office and marched over to the desk, settling his booted feet on its oak and maple top.

  As he gazed out the window, Simon replayed the conversation with Richmond over and over in his mind. Other than asking for assistance he had no answer to the dilemma. If he did, would that show others a weakness in him? Continuing to look out, another question came to mind, wasn’t Emma due to make calls again on some of the tenants? When she did go he’d make a point of accompanying her but on Mars.

  The hairs on the back of his neck lifted. He sat up. Simon saw Emma watching him from the doorway. He met her fiery blue gaze, examining the depths straight into her soul.

  “Pardon the interruption, but you appear troubled about something? Could I be of any help?” Emma queried.

  That was another thing he needed to do. Give her riding lessons, now that she was comfortable in a side-saddle. With her firmly planted in his mind Simon hoped she’d totally forgiven him.

  “Yes, I have a great deal on my mind, and it’s so hard that I can’t come up with a viable solution to the problems. Please come in, and have a seat, as I think you might be able to assist me,” he directed Emma.

  “Thank you, but as I was going down to await Laura and you, Winston told me the carriage was in the courtyard along with several armed grooms.”

  Simon stood then walked over to Emma and offered her his arm, which she graciously accepted.

  “Then, we can continue this discussion upon our return.”

  “Most certainly. Shall we go so not to keep your mother waiting,” Emma recommended.

  Arriving at the ground floor, Simon looked out the opened door and saw his mother was already beside the coach talking with Cook and Mrs. Lee. He guided Emma to the carriage as the two senior staff curtsied and backed away. Handing his mother in, followed by Emma, he looked up to the driver and his assistant, happy to see Coachman and Hubert.

  “Gentlemen, it’s good to see you in the box. Do you know where we’re going?”

  “The Paxton farm. It’s just this side of town. As with your guards we’re armed as well,” Coachman declared with a toothy grin.

  When Simon was about to climb in he watched as his mother moved to the opposite seat, facing rearward, which she never liked. This left a spot beside Emma that had him wondering if it had been planned by one or both of them.

  “Well, don’t just stand there, we have a call to make,” his mother directed him.

  Once settled on the squabs, Simon rapped on the carriage roof and waited for them to start off. He noticed an interesting silence between the two ladies as the coach rolled under the archway. Once the coach gained the drive he couldn’t stand it any longer.

  “All right, Mother, what were you, Mrs. Lee, and Cook talking about?” he requested.

  “It’s really nothing of importance, Son. They only wanted to extend their condolences to the Paxton’s from the staff.”

  “Dearest Mother, I feel it’s something more than that as we both know once we’ve told the Paxton’s they may call on them. So, would you care to tell me exactly what was said?” This time he demanded.

  From the corner of his eye Simon caught a puzzled look from Emma, confirming she didn’t know why his mother was being closed lipped. He was about to interrogate her when she tapped his knee with her fan.

  “Yes?”

  “Cook was informing me, with your permission of course, that she would like to send over a few stews and other foodstuff for the next day or two. This will help Mrs. Paxton as she might not be up to cooking. As for Mrs. Lee, again with your consent, she will send a maid over to help with whatever needs doing.”

  “Consider it given. With the way the girl died it’s the least I can do,” Simon declared.

  “That’s very courteous of you. I’m sure they will appreciate the help,” Emma said.

  Simon was happy the rest of the trip to the farm was made in a comfortable silence. He silently cursed not thinking of those reques
ts himself. This helped confirm, in his mind, he needed to have assistance in looking after the different estates.

  As the carriage made the turn down the path leading to the farm, Simon happened to glance out the window. Seeing the field was getting prepared for planting he made a note to make sure he was available to help, if needed.

  When they entered the yard in front of the Paxton cottage, Simon gave it a good examination and found it in excellent shape. He released a sigh of relief. That was one thing he didn’t need to worry about.

  After climbing down, he helped his mother and Emma out just as Mrs. Paxton, followed by her husband, stepped out of their house.

  “Your Graces, to what do we owe this honor?” Mrs. Paxton announced.

  As much as Simon had wanted to tell the parents separately, now it was going to be difficult with both staring at him with confused looks.

  “Is there a place we may speak privately?” Simon asked Mr. Paxton.

  Mrs. Paxton lifted her hand to her mouth. Simon knew at least she suspected why they were here.

  “It’s my darling Brenda. Something happened to her,” she cried out in anguish.

  Seeing her start to collapse, Simon sprang forward and caught her in his arms. He picked her up and glanced past Emma to the guards.

  “One of you race back to the palace, have a pony harnessed to a cart then tell Mrs. Lee we need a maid now,” he ordered.

  “And see if Cook has food ready to bring over,” Emma added.

  Simon turned to Mr. Paxton, raised a brow, and followed him into the cottage. Gently, he set the woman in a chair only to be pushed aside by his mother. Turning, he saw Emma stir the fire up and set a kettle on to heat water for tea.

  Knowing he’d just get in the way, Simon waved Mr. Paxton over, wrapped an arm around the man’s shoulder, and guided him back outside.

  An hour later, after explaining what had happened to his daughter, Simon helped his mother and Emma into the carriage. He noticed both appeared emotionally exhausted from the sad visit.

  The drive back to the palace was quiet. Once they arrived, he helped the ladies down and dismissed the guards, Coachman and Hubert, with his thanks.

  He followed Emma and his mother to the first floor, but he noticed they continued on up to where their suites were. He went to his office so he could sort through his thoughts and what to tell Emma. He made for his desk, took out a sheet of foolscap and a pencil. Settled in his chair, he started making a list of what he needed to look into on the estate. At the top he wrote, to make Emma happy so she’d accept his offer.

  “Yes?” he said, as he peered up from the paper, a little annoyed at being disturbed.

  “May I get you anything?”

  “A pot of coffee and whatever Cook has that she can make a sandwich with,” Simon ordered, then returned to the task at hand.

  Not sure how long he’d been writing, Simon was on his third sheet of paper. He didn’t hear Winston enter until the man cleared his throat.

  “I’m sorry, I knocked, but you were so intent on what you were doing you didn’t hear me,” Winston said, in apology.

  “Fine.”

  Simon pointed to the corner of his desk and waited until the tray was set down when he saw Emma standing in the doorway, once again she was gifting him with a smile. This one, unlike some of the previous ones, melted his heart to the point where it took all his strength to stand.

  “May I join you?” she timidly inquired.

  “Certainly.” Then to Winston, “Tea and a sandwich for Lady Emma.”

  “At once.” The man bowed and slipped from the room.

  Simon directed Emma to the settee near where he was working. After she took a seat, he leaned back in his chair and relaxed. As much as he wished to be beside her, he forced himself not to. Emma being an unmarried young lady for him to sit beside her and without a chaperone could be considered compromising. As would be the two kisses they’d shared, if they’d been caught.

  “Simon, you look so unhappy sitting there. Why don’t you bring your tray and papers over and sit beside me? I completely trust you to be a gentleman.”

  Simon’s heart lightened at hearing her words. Not wanting to waste a second, he did as she requested. When he set the foolscap down he watched her glance over at them then over to him.

  “Yes, I’ve been busy as you can see. Once Winston brings your tray, I’ll go over the lists so hopefully you’ll understand what I was contemplating earlier.”

  No sooner had he finished speaking than Winston walked in with Emma’s tray and set it before her. Interestingly, his butler didn’t scowl at him as he’d expected.

  Chapter Thirteen

  After several hours Emma set the final sheet down. Earlier, she’d noticed an intriguing item on the list. It was the tenth, not that she didn’t appreciate the first. To take better care of his staff. After it, he’d written to visit each and every estate to make sure everything was as it should be.

  This told her he was now, and would be in the future, a very caring duke by making the safety and comfort of those under his protection a priority. If this was how he would be with his staff and tenants, then she knew he’d make a wonderful husband.

  The one point she did find amusing, and had to bite her lower lip to keep from giggling, was ‘teach Emma to ride’. At first she wanted to tell him she could but decided instead to show him, on the morrow. All the others were very normal and showed her he wanted to organize his life, not pigeon-hole everything.

  Several times during their discussions of the different points she couldn’t help but notice he’d hinted at asking for her assistance. Her dilemma, probe Simon if he wished her help in some of the areas or not? For the time being she chose not to but directed his attention to something which needed doing.

  “With the doctor and his wife arriving sometime tomorrow, will you be able to accompany me when I make several calls on tenants?” she inquired, hoping he’d say he would.

  “Since we’ve no idea when they’ll get here, I will join you. It’ll also give me a chance to take Mars out for some exercise.”

  “And, if even for a short while, it will keep that brute away from my darling, Marigold. Now as it’s getting on, we should adjourn this discussion until after dinner as it’s time to dress,” she declared.

  She let him assist her up, then together they left the office. When they got to the stairs she slowed and cocked her head toward him.

  “Shall we meet in an hour in the duchess’ parlor?”

  Emma didn’t wait for an answer as she knew he’d be there without question. Setting her hand on the maple handrail she glided up the steps to the second floor and smiled to herself on hearing him following. If she didn’t miss her guess, he was once again studying her form.

  She knew he’d not trail her down the hall since Harold had been moved to the gate house as the duchess’ cottage wasn’t safe. Then there was the very large footman standing guard.

  As she got closer to her room Emma heard two voices talking, and she was able to easily identify them as Abby and Laura. What on earth could they be discussing? Setting her hand on the latch, she was about to open the door when she heard the word “gown” mentioned. Earlier, when changing into the simple brown dress for the call on the Paxton’s, Emma had instructed her maid to make sure the forest green evening gown would be ready.

  More curious than anything, Emma opened the door and saw Laura, with Abby at her side, peering at the most beautiful pastel-yellow gown she’d ever seem. Gliding in, she made for the bed but halted when the duchess turned. Quickly, as staff were present, she curtsied.

  “Your Grace, to what do I owe the pleasure of your unexpected visit?”

  Emma did her best to peer past the ladies. She was blocked from getting a look at the gown when they repositioned themselves to hide it from her view.

  “I have a little surprise for you. It’s something I’m sure you’ll greatly appreciate and will be perfect for this evening.”


  Once Laura and Abby separated, Emma was able to set her eyes on the dress. She let out a gasp of astonishment. The light-yellow overskirt was lined with daffodils. Sewn onto the bodice were seed pearls in the patterns of the flowers. She wasn’t able to clearly see how the neckline was cut, or how deeply. That she’d only know once it was on her.

  “Yes, it’s absolutely gorgeous, but if I may, when and how did you have it sewn?” she asked, delicately touching the fabric.

  “Since my seamstress already had your measurements from when you had several dresses and gowns created, I sent her a note detailing exactly what I wished made. The only other person who knew about it was Abby. When it was delivered this afternoon I suspected with everything that happened today, I knew tonight would be perfect. While you and Simon were ensconced in his office I had your maid give it a light ironing to get the wrinkles out.”

  Emma turned to Abby, who now was standing by the dressing table where several yellow roses lay. She knew they’d be intertwined into her hair later to add to the effect and stun Simon into silence.

  “You’re forgiven, just don’t let it happen again,” she reprimanded her maid.

  “Yes, m’ lady, and I’m sorry for not telling you but, Her Grace made me promise. Now, let’s get you bathed and hair washed. I can’t wait to see you in the gown, and I’m sure you’re anxious also,” Abby stated.

  “And I must go and get ready also,” Laura uttered.

  Emma waited until the duchess had left then strolled over to Abby, a smile on her lips.

  “Order up my bath water and, considering the gown and flowers, I’ll use the jasmine bath oils.”

  Forty-five minutes later, in her new gown and hair done flawlessly with three roses woven in, Emma took another look at herself in the mirror. A five-strand choker of pearls encircled her neck with matching earrings. The only thing that bothered her was that the bodice was lower than she normally cared for. Not wanting to lose the line she took one of the extra roses, trimmed the few leaves from it and slipped it between her breasts. If anything she knew where Simon’s eyes would be all evening.