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

by Lindsay Downs

  Stepping from her suite, she was met by Laura who beamed a smile to her.

  “Do you approve?”

  “I most certainly do and love the way you created a teasing demureness with the rose. Shall we find my son?”

  “He’ll be in your parlor and if not will be joining us there.”

  What Emma didn’t say, “I do hope he’s already arrived so I may see his reaction when I enter.”

  With arms linked, they descended the stairs then glided down the corridor to the duchess’ parlor. As they got closer Emma saw the door was open. The golden cast from the candlelight showed Simon’s shadow as he paced back and forth. This seemed, she knew, to be a habit of his when thinking or worrying about something. Hopefully, tonight he was showing his impatience at being kept waiting. Then she had an idea…

  “Laura, you go ahead, and tell Simon I’m having trouble with my gown but should be down shortly. I’ll wait out here for a few minutes then step in. This way you’ll be able to easily judge his response,” Emma whispered.

  “Yes, that will be perfect as it will also tell him you’re your own lady and not to be ruled by him. You know you remind me of me when I was your age,” Laura softly replied.

  With a head bob Emma watched Laura enter then waited until she heard the duchess inform Simon she’d be along once the problem with her gown was repaired. She could hear a bit of disappointment in his voice when he said he hoped she’d not be long.

  Even though she was wearing yellow, satin slippers, Emma tip-toed back down the hall until she got to the stairs. With one final glance in the mirror at the landing, and pleased with what she saw, especially the strategically placed rose, she set a smile on her lips and glided up the corridor.

  She took in and released a breath then in two steps was standing in the doorway and watched Simon turn to face her. His mouth dropped. His glass fell to the floor, shattering. Whiskey puddled. She along with his mother had accomplished what they’d set out to do. Stun him into silence. At the same time, let him learn not to trifle with her.

  He gave her a deep bow as a gentleman would give a duchess. Wondering what she should do, Emma glanced past him to a beaming, smiling Laura.

  “Your Grace, I do hope you’ll forgive my tardiness.”

  Even she was surprised at her formality instead of using his Christian name as they did when staff wasn’t around.

  Once Emma was able to completely collect her thoughts, she focused her attention on the strikingly handsome man standing before her. Not only had he removed any hint of beard, but she caught a whiff of sandalwood mixed with pure maleness. She inhaled deeply, taking his scent in and letting it caress her from head to toe.

  Tonight, almost as it had been planned, he’d chosen to wear a midnight-blue jacket over a matching vest, embroidered with flowers. She never expected him to wear it, but he did exhibit it perfectly. His trousers were in the traditional black but more severely tailored than she’d seen before.

  As she watched him step up, a warmth engulfed her as she’d never experienced with him. The feeling became even more intense when he cupped her elbow in his hand and guided her to the settee where his mother sat. Taking a seat, she accepted a glass of sherry and took a delicate sip. When she peered up to thank him, it was his disarming smile which unnerved her again.

  “My dear, after seeing you in that exquisite gown you are forgiven.”

  Not sure what to say, she noticed Simon’s intense gaze wasn’t necessarily on her face but a little lower. She needed to get his attention. Her only choice was to bring up a topic from earlier.

  “Did you order up the dog cart for the morning?”

  From his look of bewilderment, Emma could tell he’d not expected the question but something more personal. She waited while he took a sip of whiskey and set it on the table in front of him.

  “I’m sorry, but I didn’t. I thought to wait until tomorrow when we learn how many baskets and other items we’ll be taking,” he finally said.

  Emma realized what he told her did make some sense as all she’d done so far was pass along to Cook and Mrs. Lee what would be needed. Now, she was frustrated at not following up with them as it was her normal routine.

  “That’s quite all right. I’ll take care of it in the morning when the last of the tins are packed. Now, as it’s time for dinner I thought afterward I’d play the pianoforte for a little while,” Emma stated.

  “My dear, I think that’s a wonderful idea as it has been a while since you played for me. Who knows, we might even convince my son to join you in a ballad or two,” Laura declared.

  From Simon’s moan, Emma suspected he would much rather sit back and listen to her play and sing. With the directive coming from the duchess, Emma knew he had a wonderful voice, a baritone if she wasn’t mistaken.

  They stood, bringing Simon to his feet too. Emma accepted his arm to escort her to dinner. Later, with their evening meal finished, Emma allowed Simon to guide her and his mother into the music room.

  ****

  Throwing off the covers, Emma slid from the bed. She rang for her maid before entering her private room. With her morning needs met, she returned to her suite as she saw Abby enter with a tray of tea and toast points.

  “Place it on the table by the fire, Abby. I’ll eat after I pen a note to Richmond.”

  “Yes, m’ lady. Which dress will you want to wear for the visits?”

  “The brown one, once I’ve made sure the wagon is properly loaded. I’ll then come back to change into my riding habit as I intend to take Marigold along for my safety on the rounds.”

  “But, m’ lady, I thought you were going to make His Grace think you couldn’t ride?”

  “Yes, but considering the events of late I’ve reconsidered.”

  That said, Emma took a seat at her writing table and quickly wrote the needed note to the stable master. Once done, she passed it to Abby.

  “Do you wish me to wait for a reply?”

  “No. I should be back shortly to change into my riding habit and return to the stable,” she told Abby.

  Considering the hour of the morning, Emma knew Simon would be in his office dealing with the morning posts. To make sure everything was in place for his surprise, she needed him to be made aware the cart would be ready in a while. That would give her the chance to make sure the boxes and baskets were properly loaded, then she could change and return to the stable.

  After giving the doorframe a gentle rap, she stepped in when he glanced up.

  “We will be ready to depart at about half nine. I took the liberty of instructing Richmond to have Mars saddled and ready in the stable courtyard.”

  “Thank you for making sure my beast will be ready, and I’ll meet you at the appointed time.”

  With a curtsey followed by a smile, Emma continued on her way to the kitchen where the packages and several footmen were waiting to assist in carrying them to the stable yard.

  “Sam, Peter, and Jack, all these need to be put in the cart,” she told them, pointing to the containers.

  “Yes, m’ lady, it will be our pleasure,” the older of them said.

  With that done, and trusting the men as she’d used them in the past, she quickly made her way to the stable to set the final piece of her plan into action. Strolling up, she watched as the stable master exited and walked to her.

  “M’ lady, how are you this fine morning, and what may this humble servant do for you?”

  “I need a groom to handle the cart today as you are aware. As you know I’ll be taking Marigold, but it’s important His Grace isn’t aware until I ride her into the courtyard,” she directed the stable master.

  “Ah, m’ lady, so that’s why you requested that beast of his to be saddled and brought out. I will make sure of it myself, and your little mare will be tacked up and left in her stall. Do you wish a mounting step brought in?”

  That was the one thing she’d not taken into account, how she’d get onto the saddle. Back home, Emma would h
ave worn a pair of britches, shirt, and boots and ridden astride, but she couldn’t now. Then she remembered the steps by the ring couldn’t be seen from the stable yard.

  “I’ll use the one outside, and he still won’t see me until I come around the corner,” she stated.

  “What if I have the groom who is going to drive the cart stay at the pony’s head until you appear? That way he will still think you’ll be handling the reins,” Richmond suggested.

  “Yes. But I must inquire, you don’t mind pulling the wool over His Grace’s eyes with this chicanery?”

  “Not at all, m’ lady. Now off you go so you can change then sneak back before he arrives,” Richmond directed her.

  Emma slipped from the stable, passing the partially filled cart on her way back to the palace. From what she could tell, her plan was proceeding as she’d desired.

  She re-entered her suite to see her riding habit laid out on the bed.

  “Help me out of this, then I want to refresh myself before climbing into my habit,” Emma directed her maid.

  “What about your hair?”

  “Let’s not bother with it. Once His Grace, finds out I can ride, we will canter at times, and you know whatever you do it will come undone.”

  A short while later, Emma slipped down the servant stairs and over to the barn, entering through the side door and hiding just inside. She watched as Simon strolled casually into the stable courtyard. Earlier, she’d not seen him completely as he’d remained seated behind his desk, but now she could.

  From last night she’d appreciated his broad shoulders tapering to a slim waist. Then, he’d worn trousers which, as she now found out, didn’t do justice to his muscled thighs and the top of his calves. The rest were hidden under highly polished riding boots.

  Emma watched as he spoke briefly with Richmond who with a bow turned toward the stable. From what she was able to tell Simon didn’t seem concerned she hadn’t arrived yet which was an excellent point in his favor. When Richmond marched in, she saw he was beaming a grin to her.

  “M’ lady, he suspects nothing, so let’s get you mounted.”

  With a nod, Emma backtracked to Marigold’s stall, and with his help, brought her out and led the mare outside to the mounting block. Once settled, Emma looked down to the old man.

  “Thank you, for your assistance. Now it’s time to astound His Grace,” she declared, tapping the mare with her heel, sending the horse forward.

  As she guided the mare onto the cobblestones, she wasn’t surprised Simon didn’t turn to see who approached since it was that time of day when some of the horses were turned out in the pastures. About to announce her presence, Emma saw Laura coming toward them, an intriguing smile on the grand lady’s lips. If she didn’t know better, she’d think somehow the duchess had found out about the ruse Emma was going to play out on her son and wanted to witness his reaction.

  “Good morning. Isn’t it a lovely day for a ride,” Emma said, announcing her presence.

  When Simon turned around she burst out in laughter at his expression of absolute and total surprise.

  “Yes, I’m a very skilled horsewoman, and considering the events of late, I decided it would be safer if I rode. This way, if something untoward happens I won’t be hampered by the cart.”

  “For the second time in my life I’m speechless, but I’m greatly pleased that you’re an excellent rider and thinking about safety,” he sputtered out.

  “Lady Emma, you look perfect on Marigold,” Laura declared.

  “Thank you, Your Grace, and it seems he has finally regained his composure.”

  “Then I suggest you be off since we’ve guests arriving later,” the duchess ordered then turned to Simon. “And no galloping, but maybe a gentle canter if the paths are suitable.”

  “Yes,” Simon replied.

  Seeing the groom assigned to drive the cart was on the seat, and the guards mounted, Emma directed her attention to Simon.

  “Shall we?”

  Less than a minute later, Emma had Simon at her side, and they passed under the archway leading to the drive. Her stomach twisted in nervousness, wondering if anything would happen during the visits. Glancing over to him, she was happy when he reached over and patted her hand to which she gave him a smile.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Simon turned his head and looked down to Emma as they entered the stable courtyard five hours after heading out for the visits. He had learned among his other duties as The Duke of Kettering, he’d have to participate in these excursions more often.

  “Lady Emma, might I inquire when you’ll be calling on tenants again as I would like to accompany you?”

  “I’ll be paying visits later on in the week to a different group. However, I’m questioning you joining me,” she replied with a smirk.

  Richmond, along with two grooms, came out of the barn and marched up to them. Glancing around, Simon didn’t see a mounting block which, for him, wasn’t a problem. However, for Emma it could be as at every cottage he’d lifted her down then later back up onto Marigold. Every time he did, he noticed her breathing would hitch, and she’d flushed a light pink.

  Climbing down from Mars, Simon handed over the reins to a groom then stepped over to Emma and smiled up to her which he was pleased to see returned. Accepting her nod, he gently grasped her around the waist. In one smooth motion he set her on the ground. He watched her face color as she tried to breathe.

  With his lips so close to her ear, he whispered, “My dear, you had best get used to the feeling.”

  Releasing his hold on her waist, he straightened then studied the gentle sway of her hips as she glided over to the cart, collected the call book, and returned to his side. After offering her his arm, they started for the front of the palace when he stopped.

  “Emma, I’m still wondering why you’re not sure if I should accompany you. Don’t forget you’ll need several grooms as guards, and I can be one of them.”

  “If you had behaved as a duke would have and not gone to help the farmer get his milk cow from the bog or chase down that wayward sow I would consider you accompanying me. Have you seen your boots or the back of your jacket, which I should point out is probably ruined,” she declared.

  If he’d not lent his help the cow could have died from over exertion. As for the pig, she’d been heading straight for the children and could have harmed them. His behavior told the farmers and families he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty, which gave him an idea, one he hoped she’d accept. Then he noticed the back of her riding habit and the spots of dirt on it, not to mention several very small hand prints on the bodice.

  “I understand and agree about my conduct. Let me ask you this, was it really necessary for you to get on the ground to play with the girls? Have you seen the front of your habit? I can only imagine what your maid will say on seeing how dirty the back is also,” he replied, with a grin.

  “Fortunately, she’s used to me frequently returning in a state of disarray, unlike your valet,” she countered.

  Simon knew what she said was true as Edmond hadn’t been with him when fighting the French and the condition of his uniform upon returning from a battle. As they both liked being close with the tenants, he had an idea but would save it for later as they were about to step through the kitchen door. What he didn’t expect was to see his housekeeper waiting for them.

  “Your Grace, m’ lady, I’m happy to see the visits went well. I’ve already instructed Winston to send several footmen to unload the cart.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Lee. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we need to clean up before luncheon. Also, is the suite ready to receive Doctor Stone and his wife?” Simon asked.

  “Yes it is. I gave them the green suite since it has the best view of the gardens.”

  With a nod, he settled his hand on the small of Emma’s back and guided her up to the second floor. Once he saw she was safely inside her suite he turned and headed for his.

  On entering, Simon was met by Edmond
who, he saw, wore a frown.

  “I know my boots are covered in mud along with the back of my jacket, and probably ruined. Now, help me get out of these clothes so I can clean up since luncheon is about to be served,” he told his valet.

  “I’ve already laid out clean clothes and the pitcher is filled with fresh warm water.”

  Simon started by shedding his jacket, and on seeing the back of it knew not even the best valet would be able to bring it back to life. Tossing it in the corner, he proceeded to struggle out of his boots then stripped off his riding britches. He noticed several flecks of something dark brown on his shirt. He didn’t even want to guess if it was mud or a gift from one of the farm animals. He untied his cravat and slipped the shirt over his head.

  Taking the proffered towel, Simon wrapped it around his waist then padded over and into his private room to clean up. With a small, wet flannel applied to a bar of sandalwood soap, he proceeded to wash the dirt and sweat off. Setting the towel aside, he splashed water over his face and raked his wet hands through his hair. Satisfied he was clean, he dried off then strolled back into his suite.

  “Edmond, get one of the bandanas from the drawer, and I’ll wear a jerkin, clean shirt, and rough trousers. I know the guests who will be visiting with us so they won’t be put off by my overly casual attire.”

  “Meaning no disrespect, but won’t Her Grace not approve of your attire?” Edmond sputtered out.

  Simon knew his valet was correct, but there was a method to why he chose to dress in this particular attire. He quickly thought back to when he’d first arrived, looking like a stable hand at best while tenant at worst. Then, there was the interesting moment in his office when Emma had first approached him, saber in hand, only to be called off by the duchess.

  It had been the look, not of fear or astonishment, but of awe he’d seen in Emma’s eyes which had excited him in more ways than the usual. He didn’t tell Edmond, after luncheon he was hoping to do some work in the garden, a place he’d always found peace and the ability to collect his thoughts.