To Trust a Duke

by Aston, Alexa

  “Bullies are in every school, Master Peter,” Reid said gently. “You just have to learn how to stand up to them.”

  The boy shook his head. “They’re not here. Everyone is kind. Oh, a few boys act up some when they first arrive but Lady Dunwood will have a talking to them and set them straight.”

  “So you’re no longer bullied for your freckles? Or Edward for his firemark?”

  “No,” the boy said and Reid saw he spoke truthfully. “I don’t even see Edward’s firemark when I look at him. I see Edward instead.”

  He was astonished. And fearful of Arthur and Harry upsetting the wonderful balance at this school.

  “Well, thank you for speaking with me, Master Peter.”

  The boy looked at him curiously. “Do you have a son you’ll send here, Your Grace?”

  “I’m not married but I do have two younger half-brothers. They are ten and twelve. I’m looking for the right school for them.”

  “Send them here,” Peter said with confidence. Then he leaned in, lowering his voice. “Even if they are full of mischief. Lady Dunwood will see they fit in. All the boys here will.”

  The boy’s words convinced Reid. “Look for Arthur and Harry Baker soon.”

  “I will,” Peter said with enthusiasm.

  “You’re still here, Your Grace?”

  Reid turned and saw Edward standing there. “Yes, Master Edward. I’ve been learning about Dunwood Academy from a pupil’s point of view. Your friend here has convinced me that my half-brothers should go here and to no other place.”

  “You won’t be sorry you sent them here,” Edward said. “This is a good place.”

  He only hoped Arthur and Harry wouldn’t be cruel to the boy before him. He doubted they had it in them to look past Edward’s firemark as the others had.

  “I think it will take them time to adjust to the way things are done here,” he said evenly.

  “Oh, they’re troublemakers, are they?” Edward said. “Don’t worry, Your Grace. Lady Dunwood doesn’t put up with nonsense. She’ll give them one of her talking-to’s.” He grimaced. “You don’t want one of those. Once you’ve had one, you know to walk a straight and narrow path.”

  Reid still didn’t see how a tongue lashing was enough to straighten out certain boys but he’d decided to give this place a chance.

  “I wish you boys a good day,” he said cheerily.

  “We were happy to make your acquaintance, Your Grace,” Peter piped up.

  As Reid left, he heard Edward thanking Peter for mucking out one of the stalls that should have been his to do. Shaking his head, he wondered about a place that might turn troubled youths into model students.

  He returned to the house, cutting through the kitchen on purpose. He’d always thought you could learn a lot from a kitchen. A woman looked up from chopping vegetables.

  “Might I help you, my lord?”

  “I’m going to send my two half-brothers here and just wanted to see how your kitchen was organized.”

  “I’m Mrs. George. And as you can see, I keep the place spotless.” She chuckled. “That is, until it’s time for one of the boy’s cooking lesson. They get a bit messy but they’re good lads and always clean up after themselves.”

  “What do you have them make?” he asked, curious about this part of their learning.

  “My boys learn to wash and chop vegetables. They can make several kinds of soups. Boil meat. Make fruit compotes and tarts. Even bake bread.”

  “Bread, you say?”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  “Well, thank you, Mrs. George.”

  Reid left the kitchen and returned to the study, hoping to find Lady Dunwood there. The door was open and he glanced in, seeing she sat at her desk, a slight crease on her brow. She worried her bottom lip as she tapped a pencil against the desk. A shot of lust swept through him. He longed to take that full, bottom lip between his own teeth.

  And much, much more.

  It troubled him when she’d said she wouldn’t wed again. He wondered if her marriage had been unsuccessful. It was hard knowing, since she was a war widow and relatively new to the neighborhood, how long she’d been wed before her husband went to war. The thought she’d lost both a husband and her only child must have made her want to close herself off from giving affection. Yet she seemed to do so readily—even fiercely—where her pupils were concerned.

  As he watched her begin scribbling with the pencil, Reid thought he’d need to wed himself. As the new duke, it was his obligation to carry on the line and provide an heir. He’d experienced a bit of jealousy, seeing how satisfied Gray and Burke seemed with their wives, and he longed for the same. He doubted he’d make a love match as his two friends had but he hoped he could find a woman who would be an interesting companion, one he could respect and build a life with. Someone like Lady Dunwood.

  Or . . . maybe Lady Dunwood herself.

  The dowager countess was beautiful and intelligent. Not a girl straight from the schoolroom but a mature woman, probably in her mid-twenties. Though Reid had no knowledge of the women in the neighborhood, having been gone for so long, he decided he couldn’t do better than marrying a woman of Lady Dunwood’s breeding and confidence. He’d always enjoyed a challenge.

  Convincing this woman to wed him would be the ultimate challenge. He smiled to himself, already eager to begin the game.

  He rapped on the doorframe and she looked up, those fascinating, amethyst eyes immediately drawing him in.

  “Did you learn all you needed to from Master Peter?” she inquired, pursing her lips a bit.

  “I did. Enough to ask if you have the strength and fortitude to take on my wayward half-brothers. I’m afraid after seeing your boys that my two will disrupt the harmony at Dunwood Academy.”

  Her brilliant smile made his heart skip a beat. “I look forward to having Arthur and Harry become a part of us. I’m always up for a challenge, Your Grace.”

  So am I, Lady Dunwood.

  *

  Ashlyn dressed with more care than usual, choosing a violet gown that was a favorite of hers. She told herself it was because she liked it—but she knew she wore it for the Duke of Gilford. The gown’s shade brought out the color of her eyes and for some idiotic reason, she wanted to impress Gilford. Rationally, she told herself it was totally unnecessary. He’d already committed to sending Arthur and Harry to Dunwood Academy. He’d done so because he’d been pleased at what he’d seen at the school.

  Not for what its headmistress wore.

  Still, she took her time, dabbing on a bit of perfume which she only used for special occasions, and making sure every hair was in place. Glancing at herself in her hand mirror, she knew she looked her best.

  At the first breakfast with her staff, she tried to calm the butterflies in her stomach and sipped tea as her tutors loaded their plates. Once they all were seated and eating, she cleared her throat.

  “We have two new students who will arrive this morning. Arthur is aged twelve. His younger brother, Harry, is ten. Their father was the previous Duke of Gilford, who recently passed away. Unfortunately, they suffered from a bit of neglect because he was so ill, resulting in rather poor behavior on their parts.”

  Mr. Selleck asked, “Is this your polite way, Lady Dunwood, of telling us they’re hellions?”

  “It’s possible,” she replied. “They have been asked to leave a few schools. Four, I believe.”

  Mr. Butler snorted. “That would be a record for even a Dunwood Academy pupil.”

  “Do you know anything of their academic background?” Mr. Peterson inquired.

  Ashlyn bit back a smile. Her practical mathematics instructor always thought of academics first.

  “I don’t, Mr. Peterson. As usual, I will meet with the pair and ascertain as much information as I can from them. They might be unwilling to be open with me at this point, due to their recent loss and fragile emotional state. Still, I’ll get a writing sample from both and then the four of you can do your o
wn evaluations during the day, as well. We can meet after dinner and discuss over a sherry where they should be placed and what their strengths and weaknesses are.”

  After finishing the meal, the men filed out, swiftly followed by her ten boys who entered the room and filled their plates. Once they’d spent their pennies in sharing their thoughts, Ashlyn addressed the group.

  “This morning we have two new pupils arriving.”

  A surge of excitement swept through the room with her announcement. The mention of new students coming always did.

  “They are two brothers, Arthur and Harry, ages twelve and ten.”

  Immediately, she noticed Drake’s reaction. The boy looked startled and then dropped his eyes to his plate. She would speak to him after the meal and see what had him out of sorts, although she decided it was because he was acquainted with the pair. Ashlyn hoped this wouldn’t be a setback for Drake. He’d arrived with a pronounced stutter but it had lessened in the months he’d been with her. Now, it only emerged when he was distressed.

  “Some of you have lost a parent and know how difficult that can be. Arthur and Harry recently lost their own father and it’s proving difficult for them to adjust to. Their new guardian, the Duke of Gilford, is their older brother. He’s been away fighting for His Majesty’s Army for many years so they’ve been confronted with a stranger who’s now in charge of them.”

  Ashlyn paused, letting the boys absorb her words.

  “Because of that, they will need help adjusting to our ways at Dunwood Academy. I know each of you will help them in this endeavor.”

  Quickly, she explained which rooms the boys would be placed in. She’d decided to separate them so they would be forced to meet others and not cling to one another.

  “Be sure to show them around the school,” she continued. “Help them get situated. Tell them a little about yourselves but don’t press them to do the same. They’ll open up when they feel comfortable doing so.”

  She rose and the boys followed suit. “William and Drake, I’d like to see you briefly. The rest of you are dismissed.”

  All the boys took their dishes to the waiting tray and the two she’d asked to stay behind came to her.

  She addressed William first, wanting to speak to Drake alone. She hadn’t wanted him singled out, which was why she’d also asked William to remain behind.

  “William, I must say that Mr. Peterson was praising your efforts to me. He said your last examination showed remarkable progress. I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and that I will write to your father today to share this good report.”

  The boy blushed. “Thank you, my lady. I did have some help, though. Edward walked me through several equations. I didn’t understand them before when Mr. Peterson presented them but somehow Edward made it right in my mind and I could see how to solve them.”

  “Edward is very generous with his time. I’m glad he was able to help you but don’t give him all the credit. You are the one who succeeded in learning the material. Run along and join your classmates.”

  “Yes, my lady,” William said, his face beet red. Even the tips of his ears were bright red.

  Once he left the room, she turned to Drake. “What’s troubling you today, Drake?”

  He shuffled his feet uncomfortably, his eyes downcast. “I-I-I am f-fine, m-m-my lady.”

  “No, you aren’t, else you wouldn’t be lying to me.”

  His head shot up and she saw the misery on his face, guessing at the problem.

  “You know Arthur and Harry from your previous school, don’t you?”

  He nodded. “I d-do. Harry’s not so b-b-bad if you g-get him away from his brother, b-but he’s a b-b-bad apple when Arthur’s around.” The boy shuddered. “Arthur is b-big for his age and p-p-p-picks on everyone. I d-don’t think he likes anyone and n-n-n-o one likes him.”

  Ashlyn placed a hand on Drake’s shoulder. “I know this must be difficult for you. Do you think we can help them make a change?”

  He frowned. “I hope so. I-I like it here. I d-don’t want them spoiling things f-f-for the rest of us.”

  She squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. “If there’s any trouble, you know you’re to come to me at once, don’t you?”

  “Yes, m-my lady.”

  “I’ll do my best to help these boys blend in.”

  She hugged Drake and hoped her words and gesture comforted him. She was also glad she’d placed Arthur in a different room from Drake.

  “Harry is in your room. Will that be all right?”

  Drake nodded. “I’ll try m-my best, Lady Dunwood.”

  “That’s all I ever ask for.”

  After he left, she wondered about how the newcomers would affect the stability and harmony of Dunwood Academy and prayed that she would have the wisdom to guide them in the right direction. Especially since the Duke of Gilford, who’d commanded who knew how many soldiers, seemed to face defeat at the hands of two young boys. Ashlyn tossed back her shoulders and stood a little taller. She’d told the duke she was up to this challenge. Her word meant a great deal to her, as did her charges. She wouldn’t let any boy under her watch suffer needlessly. She hoped she would be able to make a difference and help Arthur and Harry see their true potential.

  “My lady, the ducal carriage has arrived,” Mrs. Clayton said, interrupting Ashlyn’s thoughts.

  “Very well. I’ll go meet it now.”

  Ashlyn threw her shawl about her and exited through the front door just as the Duke of Gilford left his grand vehicle. He still wore his officer’s uniform, making his shoulders look impossibly broad, while his muscular legs seemed a mile long. He must be an inch or two over six feet. She guessed he’d arrived home from the war with nothing else to wear and couldn’t raid his father’s bureau since the previous duke had been a good three or four inches shorter. She only wished the man would get himself to a tailor soon. Looking at him in uniform made her feel giddy.

  And that wouldn’t do.

  “Good morning, Lady Dunwood,” he greeted and then handed down a woman. She had dark brown hair and wore a frazzled look. Ashlyn knew her to be the boy’s mother and the widow of the previous duke.

  After the dowager duchess came her new pupils. Arthur was tall for his age and wore a sullen look. Harry, on the other hand, looked a bit bewildered.

  “Good morning, Your Grace,” Ashlyn said. “I can’t thank you enough for entrusting your boys to my care.” She turned to her new pupils and waited to be introduced.

  “These are my half-brothers, Lord Arthur and Lord Harold, known as Harry. I’ve discussed with them how they’ll leave their titles at the door,” the duke said.

  “I don’t see why,” mumbled Arthur.

  Harry bowed to her and Arthur reluctantly followed suit. Harry offered his hand and she shook it.

  “It’s always nice to add a phrase to a handshake,” Ashlyn said, beginning their lessons right away. “Something such as that it’s nice to meet the other person.”

  Harry gave her his hand again and as they shook, he proclaimed, “It’s very nice to meet you, Lady Dunwood.”

  “The pleasure is mine, Master Harry,” she replied and watched him glow. Turning to Arthur, she extended her hand and he shook it without saying a word.

  “I’m happy to have you at Dunwood Academy,” she said, filling the void. “I’ve told my staff and the other boys of your arrival. Everyone is most eager to meet you.”

  Arthur shrugged, while Harry looked hopeful. It reinforced her decision to separate the two. Ashlyn looked to the dowager duchess.

  “I think it best if you don’t come in, Your Grace. Say your goodbyes now,” Ashlyn urged.

  The teary-eyed mother embraced her youngest. “Be good,” she urged Harry, kissing the top of his head as the boy flung his arms around her.

  She reached out to a silent Arthur and hugged him, the boy’s arms remaining by his side. He pulled away, avoiding her kiss, and looked at Ashlyn expectantly.

  “You must also
tell your brother goodbye,” she encouraged.

  Arthur’s eyes cut to Gilford and back to her. They flared with anger. “He’s my half-brother.”

  She held the boy’s gaze and firmly said, “You’re still to tell him goodbye. Good manners dictate acknowledging everyone present, and relations, in particular. Even those you aren’t comfortable or friendly with.”

  Arthur glared her a moment and then turned away. “Goodbye, Gilford,” he said hastily, crossing his arms once his duty was done.

  “Goodbye, Reid,” Harry added.

  “Learn all you can,” the duke urged. “Easter is in mid-April this year. We’ll see you then for your holidays.”

  “That long?” the mother moaned.

  “You are welcome to visit before then, my lady,” Ashlyn assured the woman, “but please let me know beforehand by message. The boys have busy days ahead of them, filled with learning in and beyond the classroom. We don’t want them disrupted from their new schedule. Let’s give it a month and then you may call.”

  “All right,” she agreed, her mouth trembling.

  By now, the coachman had placed two valises on the ground and Ashlyn said, “Take your valises and wait for me in the foyer.”

  Arthur sneered. “That’s a footman’s job, carting about luggage.”

  “We have no footmen at Dunwood Academy,” she said smoothly. “You are the footman. Take your valise inside and wait. Is that understood?”

  Her firm tone left no doubt. Both boys lifted their cases and took them inside.

  Once they disappeared, the duke whistled. “You’ve gotten them to do more than I have. I wish you the best, Lady Dunwood. And if they prove too much for you, send them back.”

  “They’re good boys,” their mother interjected.

  “They are,” Ashlyn agreed. “Goodness is buried within them. I’m the excavator who will dig it out of them.”

  Her Grace looked uncertain but the duke roared with laughter.

  With a wink, he said, “Good luck to you. Or perhaps I should wish my half-brothers good luck—because I believe they’ve met their match.”