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

by Lindsay Downs

  “Is it possible he has a sister who is helping him gain the dukedom, which isn’t his to begin with,” Emma suggested.

  Simon knew right now that could be the only viable option. How do they find not one but two people who wanted and could hide in plain sight? Unless he came up with some form of an answer, it could be a long sleepless night for him.

  That’s when he realized hunting down the missing skiff would be a good job for Seeley. After all, he was known and well liked in the village so he would know who owned one and if it had gone missing.

  “Son, while we work on the problem of finding these people, would you explain why you were talking to Winston about Seeley?”

  “Very simply put, I’m thinking of having him promoted and start learning the duties of a butler, and Winston agrees with me. He’ll be trained here as he has family along with a young lady in the village he’s fond of. And speaking of such, I need to give him my permission to call on her.”

  Emma bestowed him with a smile, which set his heart pounding.

  “Winston, I know you’re standing outside the door so please have Seeley report to me,” Simon called out.

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  “Simon, don’t you get annoyed having him hovering just out of earshot?” Emma asked.

  “I do, but that’s what an excellent butler should do. Now, once we talk with Seeley, shall we retire to our suites to bathe and dress for dinner? I should point out, though, I won’t be wearing a jacket.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Simon rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He jerked a glance to the space beside him and groaned. It had been a dream. He inhaled sharply, and a hint of vanilla reached his nostrils…Emma. They’d danced in the music room after dinner last night, and her scent still lingered on his body, and was probably the reason for his dreams of her beauty.

  Taking care not to hurt his left shoulder, he tossed off the cover, swung his legs over the side of the ducal bed, and stood. He rang for Edmond. Simon stepped into the main room just as his valet came through, arms laden with packages.

  “Good morning, Your Grace. This only now arrived.”

  “Perfect. Set them on the bed. I’ll wear the buckskin britches and riding boots, but no cravat, instead a bandana. If things work out, this afternoon will be very relaxing,” he directed.

  “As you wish.”

  A short while later, dressed and foregoing a sling, Simon descended the stairs to the family dining room. Strolling in he saw not only his mother, but Emma as well.

  “Ladies, this is a pleasant surprise.”

  “I know. We decided to have breakfast with you. I hope you don’t mind,” the duchess declared.

  “I see you’re not wearing a sling today. Might I inquire as to why?” Emma asked.

  “After Edmond cleaned and dressed the wound, I found my arm was a little stiff. I’m surmising from being constrained by the it. Fear not though, m’ lady, if necessary I’ll put one on.”

  Simon walked to the side table and made his choices for breakfast. He pondered at his plans and smiled. Would the ladies be surprised?

  With a selection of meats, eggs, and several slices of toast he turned and started for the table when Winston entered carrying a coffee pot.

  “Good morning, Your Grace.”

  Simon took his seat at the head of the table. Except for dinner last eve this was the first time in five days he had the pleasure of eating without having to worry about spilling food down his front.

  “Thank you. When I finish I’ll need to speak with you,” he directed to his butler.

  “Certainly, Your Grace.”

  Simon gave the man a nod then, so as to not show his arm was bothering him, carefully dug into the meal. Not hearing any talking between Emma and his mother, he wondered if something was wrong.

  He saw they were focused on him between delicate bites. This behaviour would have to stop and stop now.

  “As you can clearly see I’m doing quite well. I have one question, today do either of you have plans already set?”

  “I have a needlepoint I’d like to finish,” his mother said.

  “And I was, with your permission of course, at some point hoping to ride Marigold around the ring. I know she needs the exercise as running away from your beast really doesn’t count. What do you have planned?” Emma teased.

  “I might start compiling notes on the family so eventually I can put the history together. Granted it won’t be widely read except by family, but it should be interesting to do.”

  Having already talked about undertaking this project, Simon knew it wouldn’t be unusual for him to bring it up again. Of course, this time he felt more determined to take on the task, someday.

  “May I inquire as to why you’re asking about our plans?” Emma stated.

  Now he was caught. Should he tell them or surprise them? Knowing his mother and, most likely Emma, would get it out of him no matter how hard he tried. Sighing, he knew when he was defeated, even before the battle began.

  “Even though we still haven’t caught either of the people who wish Lady Emma and I dead, we need to relax. For me, fishing does exactly that. I thought we’d make part of a day spent at the little pavilion seeing who can catch the most and the largest.”

  “I think that’s a fantastic idea as it will show those people, if they somehow learn of the excursion, we’re not afraid of them,” Emma declared.

  “That’s all well and good, but what about our safety? Not to mention we don’t have three fly rods,” his mother stated.

  He could tell from the way she was twisting her linen napkin she was worried something untoward could happen. For that he had already come up with a solution.

  “It arrived this morning just as I woke. Now all three are in my suite. As for the other point, I’m going to have Winston, with Seeley’s assistance, select six footmen as guards. I also feel we shouldn’t stray too far from the pavilion. Don’t worry, Emma, there will be enough room so we won’t interfere with each other when we cast our flies.”

  “Will we be having a picnic?” she asked.

  “Yes, I think that would be fun. Would you care to speak with Cook about that?”

  “I would be happy to. Will we take the baskets with us or will they be brought out?”

  “That decision I’ll leave up to you and Cook. I think if we leave soon we should have plenty of time for me to catch the most fish,” Simon declared, with a grin.

  “That will never happen. I was able to hide away several of the flies you used to use and won’t share them,” Laura announced.

  Simon knew exactly which ones his mother referred to. In his youth he’d tied several, always experimenting until he came up with the perfect combination of color, feather, and hackle. He’d used them until his father had taken his fly rod away, and he’d always wondered what happened to the flies. Now he knew. However, he wasn’t going to let this little setback defeat him as he had a trick, so to speak, up his sleeve that would astound his mother.

  Now he needed to tease her. “We’ll have to see about that.”

  What did worry him was the silence from Emma. Was there something she wasn’t telling them? Was it possible she had a secret or two of her own? He did his best to lay a glare on her without success as she finished her breakfast and took the last sip of her tea.

  “Is there something you wish to add to this discussion?”

  “No, except to say it will be interesting in seeing which one of us comes out the winner. As I’ve never fished here, I’ll do the best I can and hopefully catch one or two,” she stated.

  From an earlier conversation with her he knew she was capable, but did have a good point about this particular river. Even for him, in his youth, there had been challenges, yet with hard work he had risen to meet them. Yes, Simon knew this was going to be an interesting day, and something told him not to trust her words.

  “Now, if you’ll excuse me I’ve several letters to read and most likely reply to. Shall we
meet on the veranda at eleven as that will give us several hours of fishing before the picnic then return to rest?” he suggested.

  “That will be perfect as I will want to change into a more comfortable dress, and I’m sure Lady Emma would also,” his mother told him.

  After they left the room, he watched Emma turn right toward the kitchen while he escorted his mother to her parlor. Once she was settled, he retreated to his office to handle the letters needing his attention and then meet with Winston. He also wondered if Seeley had been able to find out if any boats were missing.

  When the butler arrived, Simon set aside his work.

  “Your Grace, you wished to see me?”

  “Yes. With Seeley’s assistance I’m going to need six footmen to act as guards for myself, Her Grace, and Lady Emma. It would work best if they weren’t wearing uniforms but casual attire.”

  “Certainly. When will you need them?”

  “At eleven on the veranda and, before you ask why, we’re going fishing. After the past few days a little relaxation is in order. We won’t return until sometime in the afternoon, and Lady Emma is speaking with Cook about picnic baskets for everyone,” he explained.

  “Very good, but can I ask why you don’t want the men in uniform?”

  “So they won’t necessarily stand out.”

  What Simon didn’t say, once everything was cleared up and Beaumont along with this mystery woman were captured, he’d arrange for a staff picnic to show his appreciation for everything they’ve done.

  “Now, has Seeley been able to learn about any missing skiffs?” he said, as he wanted to get back to work.

  “Yes, he’s waiting out in the hall ready to report to you,” Winston uttered.

  “Good. Send him in.”

  Simon leaned back in the chair and steepled his fingers, resting his chin on them. With a smile he watched Seeley march in and come to attention three feet from the desk.

  “Relax,” Simon ordered.

  “Yes, Your Grace. It’s just hard to break the habit.”

  “I can understand. What did you learn about missing boats?”

  “It’s not so much any are missing but how one was found. That skiff belongs to Jones. After losing his right leg at Trafalgar, he returned home here and settled down.”

  “Yes, I do remember seeing him, peg-leg and all, around the village. I would gather then he knows his way around knots, and that’s how he knew someone had taken his?”

  “You’re correct, which is interesting as where he docks it, there are several others these people could have taken instead. I asked him to keep an eye on his skiff and send word when it disappears again. Knowing what’s been happening with the murders and attack on yourself and Her Ladyship, he was more than willing to help.”

  Simon sat forward and rested his arms on the desk. Was it possible Seeley could get others in the village to be on the lookout? Even though the descriptions he had of the two were vague, he knew extra eyes would help, especially those who lived on the fringes of town.

  “I don’t know why I’d not thought of this before. Can you enlist the aid of others to help look for these people?” Simon asked.

  “It’s already being set up as we speak. When the villagers and a few tenants heard me talking to Jones afterwards they volunteered to help. This is only a guess, but by tonight you’ll have hundreds of extra people hunting them down.”

  “Perfect, now help Winston to select the footmen and add yourself to the group,” he directed to Seeley.

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  With a nod, Simon dismissed him before glancing at the clock on the back edge of the desk. Seeing he had time, he went back to finishing his work.

  Shortly before eleven he pushed back from the desk and picked up the packets. He stepped into the corridor and laid them on the round table by the office door for Winston to post.

  After making his way to his suite, Simon entered to find Edmond waiting for him. An old shirt and dark brown trousers were on the bed.

  “Those will work out. See if you can find my old pair of riding boots,” he ordered his valet.

  “You mean these? As you’ll be fishing and possibly getting them wet or muddy I didn’t polish them but did put a good coat of tallow on them to help keep your feet dry.”

  “Yes, and thank you. Now help me change as I don’t wish to keep Her Grace and Lady Emma waiting.”

  A short while later Simon made his way to the ground floor with the three fly rods and box of flies under his arm. Through the glass doors he saw the ladies, both in simple brown dresses and walking boots, talking. At their feet were several baskets, he guessed enough lunch for everyone, including the footmen.

  As he stepped out onto the veranda he smiled then set the rod cases on a nearby table.

  “Ladies, choose which fly rod you’d prefer. Once we get to the pavilion you may have your choice of flies also.”

  He watched as they made their selection and, with him leading, started for the river. It made him happy that the footmen were ambling along while looking around for danger, carrying the luncheon baskets. Seeley brought up the rear carrying a box containing wine and ale. With this formation, everyone would be safe.

  When they got near the river his mood lightened. Stepping into the pavilion he noticed it appeared spotless with new cushions placed on the chairs. This had to be the handiwork of Mrs. Lee and Winston. Later, he’d have to remember to thank them.

  “Put the baskets on the table in the corner,” he heard Emma direct to the footmen.

  The scuffing of feet on the wooden floor told him they were doing as directed, without a second thought as to who gave the order. With this, again he knew he’d made the right choice in his duchess.

  “Shall we see who is the best at catching the biggest and most trout?”

  ****

  Five hours later, with a good exhaustion enveloping him and an immense frustration at being bested by not one but both ladies, Simon brought up the rear of the group when they returned to the palace. At the top of the stairs to the veranda, he turned to Seeley, waiting until Emma and his mother had entered and were out of earshot.

  “Thank you, for all your assistance this afternoon. After the baskets are returned to the kitchen, you and the others take the rest of the day off. None are to return to duty until their assigned times tomorrow. I’ll inform Winston of my decision.”

  “And give Cook the fish?” Seeley added.

  Simon levelled a glare on the seven men.

  “If word gets back to me that Her Grace, and Lady Emma, bested me, with not only the biggest but most caught, your positions here could seriously be in jeopardy.”

  “You have our assurance that will never happen,” Seeley declared.

  He sent the men on their way and entered the palace. Quickly, he made his way up to the second floor and down the corridor to his suite. He wasn’t surprised when on stepping into his room Edmond was there to greet him. But the ear to ear grin the man wore was annoying.

  “Wipe that smirk off your face, and get my bath water. While I bathe take out my dark blue jacket and trousers. Make sure they’re set to wear tonight.”

  “The water is already in your hip bath. When I saw you returning I had it sent up. Let me help you out of those then I’ll see to the attire for this evening.”

  After stripping out of his clothes, Simon marched into his private room and stepped into the bath. As he sank down the hot water soothed his muscles. He moaned in pleasure. Keeping his wound dry, he lay back and closed his eyes, which let him review the excursion to the river.

  As much as he tried, he couldn’t figure out how those two ladies had out fished him. He’d used the same flies from his youth and stood in the same spot. What went wrong? Then he realized nothing, it just wasn’t meant to be his day.

  Washing up, he stepped out and dried off then wrapped the towel around his waist and returned to the main part of his suite. He saw the ordered jacket and trousers spread out on the bed
beside a white shirt and starched cravat. On the table sat new dressings and bandages.

  “Your Grace, let’s get your trousers on then I’ll take care of the wound,” Edmond said.

  Partially dressed, Simon took a seat on the edge of the bed while his valet took care of the injury. Glancing down he was happy it was still healing and today’s activity hadn’t done any damage. Then again, only needing his left arm to strip out the line he wasn’t surprised. It was the right arm which got the workout casting the line.

  Dressed, and with his cravat perfectly tied, he took one last look in the mirror. Starting for the door, he stopped, turned back, and went to his armoire. Opening the top drawer, he retrieved a dark-blue velvet box, opened it and smiled at what glittered back at him.

  Yes, the time had come. He then slipped the package into his trouser pocket.

  Chapter Twenty

  Simon stopped just short of his mother’s parlor and glanced into the mirror set on the wall. It was there so guests could take one last look to make sure they were presentable. Satisfied he was, and with a last tug on the front of his jacket and a pat to his pocket, he took the final steps to the door and smiled. Only his mother was present. Then he wondered if Emma was so exhausted she’d decided to take dinner in her suite. If so, then what he’d planned would be all for naught.

  “Oh stop looking so sullen, and give me a kiss on the cheek. Emma will be along shortly as she’s having a difficult time selecting a gown for this evening,” Laura announced.

  With a sigh of relief that he’d be able, finally, to put his plan into action, Simon walked in and over to his mother. After bestowing the requisite buss to her cheek, Simon started for the bell pull.

  “Would you care for a sherry?”

  “Yes, but there’s no need to ring for Winston as I’ve already taken the liberty of having two brought along with a whiskey for you. Unless you’d prefer something with a few bubbles?”