She laughed. “In a way he still does, the way he strides into any room, as if he owns it. One look at him and men cower, and women sigh.” She placed her hand to her heart. “While most times his arrogance charms…other times, I want to wipe the smirk off his face. But it’s when he shows his soft side, and plays with Loup and Kort, that’s when he reminds of a little boy. I forget all else.”
Heavens, what was happening to her? She blathered like a child with a new dolly. Restlessness, indecisiveness, secrets, and so many of them—she owned them all.
She lowered her head and whispered, “He sets me afire, and then…”
“And then?” Camille asked.
“He douses me with cold water.” Jaclyn arose and paced the thick carpet. “He has claimed he has relegated his demons to the past and is prepared to walk to his future unfettered with memories, much like you and I came from the darkness outside this room into the light here in his study.”
Camille arose and embraced Jaclyn. “I’m no mystic, but I would wager my brother loves you more than he knows.”
Jaclyn withdrew from Camille. “I want to believe he does. He is an honorable and good man. It took me a while to realize that Halifax is a man who would say and do anything to accomplish his goals. He’s a liar who twists a fact and then it becomes gospel. I can’t be fooled anymore. Therefore, I don’t give a fig for what anyone else says now.”
“Halbert. Please attend us.”
He appeared in less than a second. “Yes, milady?”
“Kindly get the house ready and open the windows to air out the stench. Where is my brother?”
“He’s at the base of the steps staring straight ahead. He doesn’t respond to my questions, but he’s speaking, and passersby are curious.”
Camille, along with Jaclyn, scrambled out of the room toward the front of the house. For a moment, she stared in shock. Wolferton stood there cast as one of the Elgin Marbles and hesitated.
Wolferton heard the echo of his words. “So, old man, you think to best me in death the way you couldn’t in my later life? But this time you’ll find me a worthy adversary.” The evil thoughts related to this house, his father’s house before it was his, formed a phantom wall against his entrance.
He heard Jaclyn whisper his name. Darkness overwhelmed, but she became his light calling his name.
“Radolf,” she called again.
With a deep breath of desperation, he ascended the steps, kicked the door that had been left ajar, and strode into the house. He chose to go to the gallery where the family portraits hung on the tapestry walls. His father’s was still shrouded in black bombazine. After a hesitant motion, he yanked the cloth away.
The portrait of his father, which he hadn’t seen in years, was that of a stranger. The eyes in the painting were the color of obsidian, deep and sinister. Wolferton moved to the left, and it was as if those eyes followed his every move. The taciturn lips on the old man’s mouth professed a stern disposition of an alley cat ready to battle. There was no mistaking him for a kind man, but rather someone in love with himself and the power of his position, which he wielded at will.
Wolferton removed the dagger from his boot, stood tall, firmed his shoulders, and slashed a giant X across the picture. For a moment, he thought it might bleed, for that’s how real it seemed. “This was for what you did to my mother and my sister.” Then he ripped off a piece that contained the evil eyes and crushed it under his boot.
Suddenly, the damp odor in the house seemed tolerable. He entered his study, an avenging smile across his face became a broad grin, a strident gait to his step, and called for Halbert.
Within seconds, his batman appeared.
“Halbert, I created a mess in the gallery. Will you have staff see to it?” Addressing Jaclyn and Camille, “You both look like you’ve seen a ghost. While Halbert gets the house in order, I’d like you to come with me to visit a home for orphan boys. Can you make yourselves ready in about twenty minutes?”
There was no answer, only gaping stares. Wolferton walked by them to sit behind his desk, but first, he laughed and then saluted the Guardian window. “I’m free. Free at last to fulfill my destiny.” He turned and gave Jaclyn a knowing smile, which she returned in kind.
The ladies left the room together in wonder. When he realized they’d have to walk by the gallery walls and would be curious about the mess he left, he arose from the chair anxious to see their reaction. At the doorway, they stopped almost in unison, and raised their hands to their mouths.
“Bloody hell,” said Camille.
“Double bloody hell,” affirmed Jaclyn.
Wolferton turned back to his study and inhaled. Demon bashing had its good moments.
Chapter Fifty-Three
A Visit to the Quarters House for Boys
Wolferton sat in silence across from Jaclyn and his sister in the carriage. Determined to take hold of his new life, he felt an inner peace rain over him. He imposed an iron control over all he would now do. There was purpose and meaning to his life. Recognizing he was his own worst enemy, he wanted to accomplish so much in so little time. He clenched his jaw in resolve. Wolferton had much to live for and he was setting all his accounts in proper order. He never wanted to return to that damn townhouse again to live. Redeemed, forgiven, and resolved, there was nothing that could stop him now. He loved a special woman who he wanted in his life forever. The Guardians predestined this relationship. He was the noble, worthy, duke in the legend of Wolferton.
He turned from the window curtain and heard his sister’s voice. Camille walked toward him, her voice whisper soft. “You promised to explain certain things. Is this the right time?”
He gave her a vague answer. “Much is on my mind, sister.”
“A burden shared becomes less heavy,” she offered.
“True. The Quarters School is on the outskirts of the city. Once you see the lads and meet the School Master and housekeeper, it might explain itself. I must tell you that they are unaware I am a duke, but I will tell them today and introduce you both. Bear with me a few moments longer. I want to practice my speech in my head.”
“If they don’t know you’re the duke, who are you to them?” Jaclyn’s forehead wrinkled.
“Mr. Wolferton, their sponsor, and benefactor. There are eleven boys housed at the school ranging from eight years to eighteen. One young lad, a Scot, McClintock has graduated, and I’ve found him a position with a barrister of my acquaintance. Mind you, he has a slight limp. Be forewarned. The future solicitor has a brilliant mind.”
“Why did you keep this secret?” Camille wanted to know, her fingers dancing across her knees.
He scoffed. “And spoil my bad reputation? Who would believe my motives were pure? Most likely they’d accuse me of other heinous offenses.”
“Then why tell us now?” asked Jaclyn.
“I am putting my life in order in preparation for my future. Isn’t that what you both have preached to me?” He arched his eyebrows.
The carriage came to a halt in front of a townhouse, which held no great architecture but did have three floors. The footmen assisted the ladies; Wolferton followed. Before he could use the knocker, the door opened wide. It was one of the older lads. “By golly, Mr. Wolferton. We are glad to see you.” His grin displayed a missing tooth.
“Did you not expect me? I brought two ladies with me so spread the word that everyone is to be on their best behavior. Would you tell Mr. Pidgeon I’ve arrived and we’ll be in the salon?”
He placed his accessories on the sideboard and ushered the ladies into the private quarter salon. It amused him that they walked slowly enough to scan the premises. Bloody hell, he was proud of this accomplishment. To help those less fortunate was a good deed. Five years he had funded this on his own with no mention of reward. Now he could shout it to the rooftops. His smile beamed and he walked taller. It was just an expression to demonstrate how he felt at this particular moment.
The place was sparse but clean.
The painted walls, while unadorned, contained bulletin boards with lesson plans and postings.
When they entered the house, there were voices and noises, but upon his arrival, the silence magnified.
Jaclyn and Camille sat on the settee and admired one painting—the only painting—of a landscape. It was a portrait of Radolf’s country estate at Hertfordshire. Another verification of a place he held dear.
Wolferton followed their gaze. “One of the lads is a talented artist. We worked on it together from the ancient architectural drawings. I have high hopes for him one day. Do you like it?” Satisfaction was evident in his question. Most of the boys were partially disabled, but they were treated in a normal way and given a suitable education. In that, there was extreme pride, and no prejudice.
Mr. Pidgeon entered the room. His glasses hung around his neck. “Sir, I am pleased to see you.” He stared at the ladies.
Wolferton introduced his sister and ward. “Mr. Pidgeon, feel free to speak freely in front of the ladies as one of the projects I’ve been desirous of adding to the school curriculum is etiquette with women and superiors. My family is not aware of what we do here. Could you explain with brevity? We do have other engagements.”
The briefness turned out to be one hour. Both ladies listened with great intent only to find that one of their duties was to find respectable women, well chaperoned, who would instruct the lads one day a week. Wolferton was assured Camille knew many such ladies who would consider it a worthwhile charitable project.
They were left alone when Mr. Pidgeon left to find Matthew Higgins.
Jaclyn went to him as he sat. She kissed him on his forehead. “What a magnificent gift you have given these boys. It’s like a life ring to a drowning person. Thanks to you, they will become members of a society that they could never hope to achieve. But for you, I could be one of these lads. God will bless you, Radolf, for you are a devout and decent person.”
Joy swelled within at her words, so much so, he might pop the buttons on his waistcoat. As a man, he did enjoy the respect around him whenever he visited, but now he decided to share his goals with his family. No, he couldn’t solve all the ills of the world, but this was a start. For these lads who would enter society would remember that someone assisted them when they were most vulnerable. He did not view it as charity nor as a payment for past sins. The elation overwhelmed him and his smile went from ear to ear.
It might have been just his wish, but he observed all the warmth, affection and perhaps love she felt for him. Was it at all possible? He chuckled to himself. A good deed well rewarded. He cast his eyes to Jaclyn who looked like an enamored woman with such warm, moist, luscious lips to warm the cockles of his heart, and all places south.
Chapter Fifty-Four
A New Revelation
Jaclyn noticed that Wolferton kept an eye on the time as if expectant.
He cleared his throat. “I have a surprise for everyone. With Halbert’s assistance on short notice, I’ve ordered high tea for all of us with all the trimmings, including the lads, as a start to lessons in etiquette. The confectionary should be here soon. I’d better let Maggie, the housekeeper know. You might have to give them an example of how to drink it.” Again, he grinned and hummed a tune as he left the room.
Camille stared at Jaclyn. “I thought I knew him.” A furtive tear escaped.
“Right now, I would give everything I own to see him this happy,” Jaclyn murmured.
At Wolferton’s return, Jaclyn couldn’t help notice the excitement on his face. His tone quickened, a smile broadened, and he seemed all thumbs. “Come, ladies. There is a larger room used for meetings in the back of the house and will accommodate us. The caterers have arrived with their serving staff. The entire place is in awe, and somewhat terrified. You should have seen the look on their faces as the attendants brought in the tables and chairs. In fact, come, let’s go set the example. Will one of you sit at each table to direct them? I do believe we’ll have a jolly good time.”
He’s like a little boy himself, Jaclyn thought. A giddy sense of pleasure overtook her. She’d never seen him this happy that it was contagious. Three tables were set with damask cloths and candelabra. The boys were not in formal dress, but they were suitably attired. The attendants directed them to the tables. China plates and cutlery were at each place along with water goblets, and of course, teapots, cups, and saucers.
Jaclyn was in admiration of the man she loved. Overwhelmed with the planning that went into such an event, she wondered how he ever kept it a secret. She determined this would be a wonderful endeavor for both of them. Her heart hammered and love shimmered through her at his generosity.
Jaclyn savored every moment so they could talk about it later. She truly wanted to be his partner. Not only because it was a good cause, but it was more like gratefulness for what he’d done for her.
Wolferton arose and called their attention. Admittedly, he felt nervous. In the past, he’d been content to stay in the background and not show any emotion, but today was special. He wanted to share the elation with the two women closest to him. “We realize this is new to you. However, the ladies and I are here to assist you. It is acceptable to make a mistake. Ask a question, and we’ll answer. However, if you want a hint, my favorite is the berried scones. They are the ones on the second layer of the three-tiered holders. You should feel free to use the dessert knife to apply the lemon curd or the clotted cream. The latter is better than it sounds. As a boy, I thought it was a gift of puffed goodness. Above all, relax and enjoy this feast. It will be the first of many.”
As the newness of the event wore off, the lads composed themselves well. They asked questions when they weren’t sure. All tasted the scones, and the attendants had to add more to the serving plates. The finger sandwiches prompted cautious glances, but after a few daring lads affirmed their goodness, they ate them too. Considering that no one dropped a teacup or broke a glass, the high tea was a success. These were his lads as sure as if they came from his loins. He found himself observing their manners as they started to relax. It was a good sign.
Wolferton spoke about courtesies to women, but all in all, he directed the conversation back to their studies. He then stood and said he had an announcement to make. He wondered how they would handle what he was about to impart. They’d had so many eventful moments in their lives that one more change after all the others could disquiet them. “Gentlemen, for personal reasons, I chose not to disclose my true identity. I leave London permanently in a few days.”
His message was received like a bomb had fallen over all of England. He diverted from his practiced speech when he saw their facial reactions. They say I’m a charmer. Lord help me now. He grinned. “Who here would like to see ponies and horses? Raise your hands.”
A group of hands headed skyward.
“I just happen to know where there are some available.”
“Where?” asked one of the lads.
“At my estate in Hertfordshire, which is south of here.”
“You have an estate?” an older lad asked.
He now had their absolute attention. “I am the Fourteenth Duke of Wolferton.”
Mr. Pidgeon, the schoolmaster, almost dropped his cutlery.
“Blimey,” said one of the students.
“Bloody duke,” said another with a large smile.
“Gentlemen, we do not use such words in front of ladies. Above all, the gentler sex is to be respected.”
“What’s sex?” one of the younger boys asked a companion.
“Shush, I’ll tell you later,” said one of the older youths. “Never use that word in front of ladies.”
Jaclyn answered. “It’s a term usually attributed to women. We are considered gentler because we are kind, nurturing and lovable, and deserve respect. That is the short explanation. We are also very strong and teach our children to become good members of society.”
“Thank you, Miss Moreux. I’m sure there will be further education as they pr
oceed into their studies.”
Wolferton inhaled and engaged the lads’ eyes one by one. Before he had been an empty vessel and now his cup had runneth over. Moments passed, but his message was clear.
“The journey you now take is a long one of many steps. But your attention to your instructors is the first step of thousands. I know you are capable of great things. Do not disappoint me.”
He gazed at Jaclyn with his practiced words, and then some which sprang from his heart.
Their faces held a promise of better things. From smaller boys to the taller young men, he wanted them to follow their dreams. He would tell them this and not as a lecture. Wolferton fully intended this to be a lifetime responsibility. For many reasons, but most of all they gave him joy.
He sipped a glass of water. “I tend to speak too much at times, but remember, lads, never give up on your dreams. The stars are in the universe so we can reach out to them. No, not physically, but in our hearts and souls. England needs us.”
Jaclyn’s stare at him appeared to glow. He sensed the admiration, but he felt the love.
“Ahem. Under the etiquette education, you will learn about honorifics when addressing a superior. My title is Your Grace, the first time you speak to me, or anyone of the same peerage. After that in the same conversation, you may call me sir.”
A hush settled over the room.
“Do not let this overwhelm you. It took me years to learn, and it will be a small part of your education since I expect you to learn mathematics, medicine, and the sciences to enter society with your heads held high. Your polished manner and upbringing will excel, not your birth status.” He paused a moment and took another sip of water to clear his parched mouth.
They observed his every move, terrified to speak except for the littlest one. “Must you go? I’ll miss you.” He sniffled.
“Yes, it is necessary, but I will visit you once a month. I think that when it is very hot in London, all of you may descend on my country estate for a visit and get to see firsthand England’s beautiful countryside…as long as your grades are in order. My estate has many horses and ponies.” He grinned from ear to ear at the sight of their grand smiles. Life was good if you gave it a chance, though sometimes you had to give it a shove.
The Blue-Eyed Black-Hearted Duke Page 25