by Kya Lind
Lord Timothy Buckingham slid into the seat that Honesty had left vacant. “I say, old man, heard the girls were larking a bit last night, and. . . um, Miss Williams may have taken it a bit wrong.”
“I heard what was said, Timothy.” The duke’s tone cut short his excuses.
“To be sure I have talked to them and it will not happen again.” Greyson could see that many of the members of the family were present. All listening intently to the conversation; many of their daughters had been involved.
“If the girls are old enough to sit at the table as adults they should be expected to handle the consequences as adults. What need for their parents to beg their favor?” Greyson’s tone was dark.
Timothy tried again, “I just wanted to ask leniency. They are all young you know. Remember some of the stuff we tried to pull when we were young.” He chuckled weakly.
“I do not remember insulting a duchess in her own home.” Greyson was not giving an inch.
“Yes, well. . .”
“I believe that the girls should be begging favor of Honesty and not you of me. What you and others need to understand,” Greyson declared to the room in general, “is that with any slight indication from her, any of you will be packed up and sent from Castle Devonshire, nay to return.”
Timothy squirmed, “You do not mean that surely. You would not cut family?”
“Did your daughters not do that exactly?” Greyson rose and strolled away from the dining hall, leaving the room in silence. Many glanced at SarahBeth for her reaction, but she continued to eat her oatmeal in a calm and serene manner.
Shortly after breakfast, Greyson appeared in the formal parlor, and motioned that his grandmother should come with him.
“What are we about, dear?” SarahBeth asked as they walked down the hall.
“I find myself in need of a proper chaperon.”
The dowager duchess cut him a look, but continued in silence until they reached Honesty’s bedroom door. Greyson opened it without knocking and ushered his grandmother in. There was an untouched tray of food on the side table. The drapes were still drawn, and Honesty’s form appeared as a small ball in the middle of a large bed.
Greyson climbed onto the bed and lay down next to the lump under the covers. “Honesty, darling.”
“Go away,” came the muffled response.
Greyson soothed his hand down her back. “You cannot hide in here for long.”
“Just for today, please, I just need a break; I promise I will come out tomorrow.” Honesty’s voice sniffed from under the covers. “Why would they say such mean things that are untrue?”
“Those that are jealous can always create gossip where there is a hint of truth, dear,” replied SarahBeth.
Honesty’s head popped out from under the covers and gazed at the dowager duchess in surprise. “What hint of truth?”
Greyson smiled ruefully, “my father was a notorious rake before and after his marriage. He probably did know your mother, and knowing his eye. I am sure his would have shown an interest, but knowing you - I am sure your mother would have turned him down flat.”
“Oh, what a nasty mess the ton is,” stated Honesty in disgust.
“Certainty, I would not mind you taking a day off from my family, or a week for that matter, but a present is coming shortly, that I don’t want you to miss.”
Honesty flopped back onto the pillows. “I don’t want any more duchess gifts.” She said flinging her arm across her eyes.
“This is not a duchess gift – it is a wife gift.” Greyson clarified. SarahBeth raised her eyebrow at the designation of gifts by the two.
“A wife gift?” Honesty sounded intrigued. “What is it?”
“Ah, but you must get up and get dressed to find out.” Greyson pulled the covers away from the bed. Honesty struggled to get the night gown down around her feet before the covers entirely left the bed. “I have worked long and hard on this gift, and I don’t want you to miss its arrival. Hurry now.”
When she opened her mouth to protest, Greyson silenced her with a kiss. Honesty colored a vivid blush as he strolled out of the room. Honesty looked at the older lady to gauge her reactions to the kiss, but SarahBeth pretended not to have seen it.
“Do you know what it is?” Honesty asked SarahBeth.
“No, but do hurry, dear, I do love surprises.”
In no time, Honesty was dressed in one of her new day gowns, light blue tailored top with a pale flowered skirt. Greyson was waiting in the hall as they emerged from the bedroom. Greyson took her arm and quickly led her toward the front of the castle. Once in the paved entrance he stopped. Honesty could tell that he was excited. His mouth curved up on the corners, and he squeezed her hand. His eyes fairly danced with mischief. Honesty waited. Soon the rattle of a coach could be heard in the distance. As the three nobles stood waiting, a carriage and four pulled into the entryway and footmen scrambled to set the step and open the door. Honesty glanced at Greyson. What was he up to? The door was flung open and a tall blonde eight-year-old made a beeline for her big sister.
“Vickie,” cried Honesty as her little sister flung herself into her arms. Next to tumble out of the carriage were two more blonde heads. “Honest, Honest,” chanted Abby and Maggie as they stampeded across the paving stones and threw themselves at Honesty. All three girls were chattering like magpies so that no one could understand a word. Greyson moved to help Nanny Sinclair climb down with her arms around Blue. And then Mr. Sinclair was the last to disembark.
Honesty was hugging the girls and trying to ask questions, but the answers she was getting were jumbled. She looked at Greyson for an explanation.
“I took what you said to heart about your father’s feelings at being separated from the boys while they were at school, and then Eton had a rooming problem with the addition of four older students. So I offered your father the use of Westly Manor House. It is located only blocks from the school so the boys can be home at night. Your father agreed, and the younger ones have been sent to you so that the house can be packed and moved. The rest of your family will arrive right before the wedding, but the children are to stay with us until then.”
Honesty’s eyes flooded with tears. “Oh, you beautiful man,” she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly. SarahBeth watched Greyson’s face as he hugged his wife back, and soaked up the joy pouring off of her.
Honesty pulled away from Greyson and moved to take Blue from Nanny Sinclair, but Blue squawked and latched on to the older woman and refused to look at Honesty.
Honesty’s face reflected her hurt and bewilderment.
“Oh, do not take it to heart, My Lady,” Nanny Sinclair soothed, “the boy a bit upset, til all. It is to be expected. The two of you being separated for so long. Give him a minute to adjust. I know he will warm to you soon enough.”
Honesty nodded solemnly, and turned back to the girls who were still talking nonstop. Greyson ushered the lot of them into the house and toward the nursery wing. Honesty smiled and linked her fingers through his. SarahBeth followed them smiling. Greyson had understood what she had been trying to tell him. He had returned Honesty’s happiness.
♣♣♣
Greyson walked through the halls of his home. There were people everything. With only two weeks left until the wedding, his family had arrived in mass. Over two hundred were staying at the castle. Greyson raked his hand through his short hair and replaced his top hat. There were over forty children in the nursery now. He had never seen so many little people in one place. He walked through the salon and onto the veranda. The grass was covered with people picnicking on beach blankets. He stood for a moment looking down on the gathered crowd. He could see Honesty holding court on a large red spread next to his grandmother’s chair. The group included the four children, their nanny, and several of his younger cousins. Greyson was glad to see Honesty was more discerning about the individuals she was choosing as friends. The incident earlier in the month from soon blown over after the g
irls had apologized to Honesty. The corner of Greyson’s lips tilted up. Honesty had been so happy about the arrived of the children that she had not been bothered anymore with the jealous babbling of his cousins and had accepted their apology. But it had not taken the girls long to realize that they no longer held a place in the young duchess’ inner circle. Honesty had been so happy and content that she had not even reacted to Cousin Bridgette’s return.
Honesty spent her morning with the children, and afternoon preparing for the wedding; then early evening with the children again. Greyson often joined them for whatever adventure they were up to that day. He reflected on how this change had effected the whole household. If others wanted to be in the presence of the duke and his intended, they had to participate in the activities of the children. This subtle shift in focus provided the adults an opportunity to spend time with their own offspring. Teresa and Robert were spending much more time with their own children as a result. Even his sister Claire was getting to know her two little girls better.
Greyson chuckled to himself as Cousin Bridgette’s voice carried from the salon. According to his cousin’s version of his courtship, she and his grandmother had personally picked the proper Miss Williams as his bride since it was high time he produced an heir. She had been hand selected by the pair and presented to him. Cousin Bridgette assured everyone who would listen that the two duchesses and herself had supervised the engagement meticulously. There could be no question of the young girl’s suitability. Greyson had to admit that his grandmother’s plan had worked well in that regard.
Honesty’s laughter floated across the lawn drawing him toward it. Two more weeks, and then this city of people would go away. Greyson could not wait.
His only worry was so how Honesty would handle her babies leaving again. By then they would be together, maybe that would be enough.
Honesty’s face lit up when she saw him crossing the lawn. She pulled him down onto the blanket at her side and offered him her plate. Greyson noticed her uncovered head. The dappled shade of the giant oaks covered the whole area. Honesty smiled up at him. The dark smudges under her eyes were gone now. Her green eyes sparkled; warming Greyson’s soul. He took a large bite from one of the sandwiches.
“Grey, we were thinking about making a day at the shore tomorrow. Can you come?” Honesty’s eyes begged.
“Yes,” added Abbey, “you must come to keep us safe from the pirates, you Grey. . . ce.” Abbey stood up from the blanket, and plopped herself into Greyson’s lap. The duke wrapped his arms lightly around her small frame, and reflected that Abbey was the only person he had ever met who had never been put at a distance because of his stiff, reserved behavior.
“I feel honored to be included, Miss Abbey.”
Abbey nodded in her regal manner excepting his comment.
Blue reclined on Honesty’s lap. Greyson could see that the boy had eaten until he was full and as now contemplating a nap. Blue’s thumb was once again in his mouth; his face sticky with the remains of an apple turnover that he still clutched in his other hand.
Greyson leaned forward and took another sandwich from Honesty’s plate without her noticing.
“Papa, Papa,” squealed Vickie, as she flew off the red blanket and dashed across the yard. Greyson watched as the Captain and Mrs. William moved toward them. Maggie was immediately followed by Abbey and Honesty carrying Blue. Greyson sat where he had been with the plate of food now in his hands. He watched as his wife greeted her family. She had hugged her papa in excitement and then had turned to Paulette. Greyson had wondered how Honesty would handle this first meeting with her mother. He wasn’t surprised when Honesty hugged the woman also and led them back to him and his grandmother. He climbed to his feet and shook hands with the Captain. Greyson noted Captain Williams studying Honesty’s face intently.
The captain smiled and shook the duke’s hand in return. “We just arrived. The boys will not be coming until two days before the wedding, but we decided to come a bit early,” explained the older man.
“Welcome,” SarahBeth called. “We shall find a room for you immediately. Do have some lunch while you catch up with your children.”
Maggie and Abbey drug their father away to the food table and Greyson watched Paulette follow. Honesty settled back on the blanket beside him with Blue in her lap and took her empty plate back. “How did you have time to eat all of it in the three minutes I greeted my family?”
Greyson shrugged and went to get another plate of food. When he returned, he found Honesty and the three girls recounting their adventures since the children had last seen their father. Paulette had retired to their room to rest. Honesty ate the strawberries from Greyson plate as they talked. Greyson’s mouth tipped up at the Captain’s continued scrutiny of Honesty’s mood and actions toward himself. By the end of the meal, when Honesty excused herself to accompany the children back to the nursery for naps, Captain Williams was satisfied that he had made the right decision.
“You have been worried,” Greyson asked his voice expressionless.
“Yes,” the Captain’s eyebrow went up, “she is my daughter. How is she doing?”
“She is adjusting as well as can be expected. The hardest part for her was the absent of the children, but since they have been here, she is as you see her, happy and content.”
The Captain nodded his head. “I am glad.”
The duke inclined his head, “Sir, it is my intention that your daughter shall never regret your decision.”
Both men watched as Honesty fairly skipped back across the lawn toward them. “I would say that from the looks of it for the moment you are successful.”
♣♣♣
Two days later, Lord and Lady Bryon arrived. Greyson had left the sisters to catch up and had gone to see his grandmother.
SarahBeth sat on a comfortable chair in the front parlor sleeping. She opened her eyes when he settled his long frame into the companion chair.
“Honesty’s sister and husband have come.”
The older woman groaned, “Where shall we put them. So many more people have arrived than we expected. We have no more rooms.” She wrung her hands.
Greyson settled back in his chair, “Put them in the duchess rooms next to mine. Honesty doesn’t need two rooms. Unless,” he cocked an eyebrow. “You would consider placing Honesty in her Duchess suite and then her sister can have the one she now uses?”
His grandmother laughed at his brash request, and slapped him on the knee with her fan. “So far you have acted the gentleman, do not let your true colors show now.”
“As far as extra rooms – start doubling up. Put all the young eligibles in rooms together. Timothy’s girls do not need rooms of their own. If any wives have their own rooms put them in with their husbands. A week in the same room might do some of them good.”
“Or lead to several murders,” added his grandmother.
“Never the less – the result will be the same – more rooms for guests.”
♣♣♣
The next day, Greyson was having trouble concentrating on the things he needed to get done before he could leave on his honeymoon. He tried to pull his thoughts from Honesty on their honeymoon, and stared sightlessly at his ledgers. Just a little over one more week. He had never realized that time could move so slow. He stared at the dark storm clouds gathering over the coastline in the distance.
A knock on the door distracted him. Greyson was surprised when Captain Williams followed by his grandmother, Walter, Pretty and Teresa quickly filed into the room. The look of worry on their faces caused his heart to skip a beat.
He jumped to his feet. “What?” he demanded.
All of them started talking at the same time, but Greyson silenced them with a jerk of his hand and then pointed at his grandmother.
“Teresa overheard some gossip that she relayed to Honesty.”
“I didn’t know it would upset her so badly. . .”Teresa jumped in.
“What did you tell her?”
“I thought Honesty should know that someone was spreading the rumor that she had acted with indiscretion before, with a boy named Dalton Cantwell.”
The look on Greyson’s face stopped Teresa. The words died in her throat.
Greyson cut his eyes to the Captain. They both knew where such a rumor would have started. “Where is she now?”
“That is why we came to you,” added his grandmother, “we cannot find her anywhere. She is not in the nursery or her bedroom. We have searched the house for almost two hours. She is not here.”
“She took no chaperone?”
All presence shook their heads.
Greyson cursed, as the sound of thunder rolled across the land from the shore.
“Captain, you will take a horse and ride toward Devonshire. Walter you will ride toward the beach. I will take the orchard and the cliffs. Ladies you will continue to search the house. Post footman outside to listen. Three shots means you have found her well, more than that means you need help. Grandmother, if she is not found within the hour you will tell the others that she is not well and is resting for the night. Do you understand?”
The others nodded as Greyson opened a cupboard and handed the men pistols and powder.
Chapter 20
Quickly Greyson strapped on the pistol and departed. He searched the gardens, the orchard, and the top of the cliff. The wind had picked up and the sky darkened. The surf rolled in crashing against the boulders below. Greyson scrambled up the flat-topped boulder and peered over the edge at the angry waves below. Where was she? Where would she go if she were upset? Greyson raked his hand through his hair. And then he saw it, a faint motion along the shore in the far distance, a movement of red. Honesty had been wearing a red day dress that morning. Greyson blinked and tried to focus. The small red dot on the water line swayed in the gathering fog. Greyson felt the panic rising. The tide was coming in. He scrambled down from the boulder and dashed to the overgrown path leading down from the cliff edge. Why had he ever mentioned that this path existed? It was steep and treacherous. Surely she had not gone down this way. But as Greyson rushed forward he could see the clear mark of Honesty’s boots in the sand between the rocks of the cliff. Greyson paused, shoving down his alarm; he tried to assess the situation. He should go back for more help, but that would shorten the time he had to reach her. Thunder rumbled low and close. Greyson moved forward down the cliff. Within minutes, he had reached the bottom and started down the sandy beach. The loose rocks made the track slower as he scrambled over the rocky shore. The crash of the waves against the shore covered every other sound. Within an hour, the beach was disappeared and appeared with each storm driven wave. A steady rain beat the cliffs, but still Greyson fought on. His clothes were soaked with the salt of the sea and the rain from the heavens. He knew that it was still early noon, but the thickness of the grey fog closed in around him. Where was she? He called her name, but it was whipped away by the wind. The cuts on his hands stung from the salt.