Fenella J Miller - [Duke 02] (16 page)

“Take care, my love, don’t overtax yourself.” Ralph brushed her cheek with his hand and pulled on his gloves. The two men walked to the carriage conversing amicably. She knelt on the window seat in order to see Ralph leave. He turned with one boot on the carriage step and waved then tossed his hat and bag ahead of him and jumped in; Rupert bounced after him.

She had no wish to enter the salon and face the endless lists so chose to return to her rooms, change into her boots and take a stroll around the ornamental lake. On pushing open the door to her sitting room she discovered two unfamiliar chambermaids putting the furniture under holland covers. They curtsied in tandem but renamed mute.

“Kindly tell me what’s going on here.”

The taller of the two girls bobbed again. “It’s like this, Miss Hadley, his lordship said you must be moved to the Butterfly Suite. It’s the grandest apartment.” The girl smirked at her partner. “It’s where the old master used to sleep.”

Anna guessed word of their betrothal had filtered downstairs to the servants’ quarters. She drew herself up and stared at the girl with icy displeasure. “Do not be impertinent if you value your place, girl.” She believed it imperative to establish her position with the staff; after all she would be their mistress in two months.

The maid went white and hastily mumbled her apologies and then both vanished with a flick of their aprons through a door concealed in the panelling. Oh dear, now she would be viewed as a termagant. She smiled, she was well used dealing with recalcitrant servants and doubted she would ever have problems again with those particular chambermaids.

She had no idea of the whereabouts of her new chambers and was about to ring for assistance when Molly bustled in. “Well I never that’s three moves in three weeks—but this one is ever so smart, miss. I’ve made sure all your gowns and such have been carried carefully, but even with so many your new closets are only half full.”

“I take it my good news is common knowledge downstairs?”

Molly nodded, beaming happily. “Yes, miss, only the mistress ever sleeps in there.”

“Westchester and I shall be married in June; I can’t believe how happy I am. Shalford Hall is overlarge but no doubt I shall become accustomed to its size in time.”

The Butterfly Suite was everything one would expect of a master apartment. From the enormous tester bed with heavy silk hangings to the finest carpets and furnishings—nothing had been overlooked. The décor was old-fashioned, the chamber obviously not redecorated in Ralph’s lifetime, but everything smelled fresh and clean and she was delighted to have been given this honour.

The remainder of the day she spent with Sarah examining swatches of materials which Madame Ducray had left on a previous visit. “As The Duchess of Westchester you will require far more clothes than you would have needed as plain Miss Hadley. Ralph has very deep pockets and will expect you to be dressed in the latest fashions.”

Anna pointed to a fashion plate in the latest copy of
La Belle Assemblée
. “If my future husband wishes me to walk round with a bonnet that looks exactly like a coal scuttle then he is in for a severe disappointment.”

Sarah laughed at the drawing. “How extraordinary! The recent fashion for a waistline

under one’s bosom is very flattering. However I cannot quite like the addition of the frills and rouleau which are appearing in the latest pictures.”

Anna retired to her magnificent new abode after dining quietly with Sarah in her rooms. She was reminded as she left that they were to pay morning calls on the neighbours the next day. This meant she must be back from her ride, bathed and changed and ready to leave at noon. Foster had been informed they would not dine downstairs until the gentlemen returned from London.

As she was sinking back into the soft down pillows a delicious tingle rippled from her toes to her fingertips. She was actually sleeping in the marital bed. What took place between a man and a woman in the privacy of their bedroom was a mystery to her but if such activities were as wonderful as the kisses she had exchanged with Ralph, she couldn’t wait to be his wife.

Two further riding habits had been ordered, but until then she must make do with the one she had. Promptly at seven thirty she appeared in the stable yard but was surprised to find Silver Star was not saddled and waiting for her. A stable boy tumbled down the stairs that led from the men’s sleeping quarters, twisting his cap nervously in his hands.

“Beggin’ your pardon, ma’am, but we ain’t expecting you this morning. His lordship said as you wouldn’t be riding whilst he was away.”

“There has been some misunderstanding. Saddle Silver Star immediately please. I intend to ride every day whether the duke is here or not.” She hated being stern with the boy but if she wanted to override Ralph’s highhanded decision she must be as autocratic as he.

The boy set to with alacrity and in no time at all the mare was ready. Anna led the horse to the mounting block and swung onto the saddle. How strange to find no other grooms in the yard. “Billy, isn’t it?” The urchin nodded vigorously. “Why are you alone?”

“The men are eating their breakfast, ma’am, the horses are fed and watered, no need for them to be here if no one’s going out.”

Anna was accustomed to riding without a groom in attendance so didn’t hesitate to set off unaccompanied. She had no intention of leaving the estate, would take the same route she and Ralph had ridden more than once. “Come along, Silver, shall we canter or would you prefer to gallop this morning?”

After an exhilarating couple of hours she turned the mare and retraced her path. She would have a leisurely canter and then walk her horse until the animal was cool. She was not one to return a mount sweating and in distress. As she approached the entrance to the estate the gatekeeper was about his business letting in a smart, blue travelling carriage.

She cantered back to the yard intrigued to know who the occupant was. The hour was far too early for a casual caller and Ralph had told her the lawyer had arrived by post-chaise. Could it be someone Sarah had sent for? She seemed to recall several large marquees were going to be needed at the garden party which was to be put on for the villagers and staff to celebrate their nuptials. No— tradesmen would not come in so smart a vehicle or be heading for the front door. Curious as to the identity of the visitor she urged Silver into a trot.

This time the yard was busy with grooms about their daily business. Two rushed forward to help her dismount. She hurried into the house intending to go upstairs and change before venturing down to discover who had arrived. However as she crossed the vestibule she recognized the voice raised in the grand salon.

Her throat tightened. Perspiration trickled down her spine. Sir John had found her and come to snatch her back and Ralph was not here to protect her. If she locked herself in her chambers she would be safe for he would not have the temerity to storm upstairs and drag her out. Her temper flared. This man would not bully her ever again and he was certainly not going to continue to berate Sarah if
she
had anything to do with it.

She squared her shoulders, said a quick prayer, and marched head high to do battle with the man who had made her life miserable these past three years. She almost changed her mind when she saw he was not alone. He had a dark garbed man beside him and two burly servants. One of these moved behind her and shut the door. This action prevented the male members of staff from reaching her. Her courage almost deserted her but she rallied.

“Good morning, Sir John, to what do we know this unexpected pleasure?” She adopted her most haughty pose matching him glare for glare. Her gaze travelled disdainfully from his boots to his head as if he were a man of no account and not a person she feared. He was transformed from a commanding figure to a stout middle-aged man with receding hair and bloodshot eyes.

Emboldened she stalked across the room and smiled calmly at Sarah. “The Duke of Westchester, my future husband, is presently away on business but he will be back tomorrow morning if you would care to return then.”

“Don’t give me any of your impertinence, young lady. I’m still your legal guardian and I’ve come to take you back where you belong. I have the law on my side you know. You will come with me willingly or not, I care not either way.” He smirked at her. “Thought yourself clever hiding here, didn’t you? When a letter came from Romford asking where you were I knew you’d bolted. Landlady at The King’s Head was most helpful.”

Her bravado slipped away. News of her runaway would be all over the county. How could she have forgotten to write to Isobel? His arrival was her fault so she must deal with it. He was quite right; until she was either married or five and twenty he had control of both her person and her fortune. Sarah must not be forced to endure any unpleasantness. Perhaps it would be best if she went without argument?

“Do not go with him, dear girl, I shall ring for assistance.” Sarah made a move towards the bell strap but one of the thugs intercepted, pushing her roughly to one side. She fell heavily crying out as she hit the floor.

“Sarah, let me help you.” She ignored her stepfather and gently lifted her friend onto a chair. She spoke softly so as not to be overheard. “This will end badly if I don't go with him. Send word to Ralph by express when I'm gone.”

“Enough of this time wasting, girl, your future husband is not Westchester but Mr Bennet and he is awaiting you eagerly at Hadley Manor.”

“I cannot come without my belongings and my abigail.” Had she surrendered too soon? Should she have argued further before capitulating?

He scowled and pointed a stubby finger at Sarah. “This one stays with my men. Any funny business from you and it will be the worse for her.”

How could this be happening? Sir John and his minions were behaving like something out of the worst kind of romance novel. If she was not so frightened she would find the situation farcical. For a moment she was tempted to refuse, to call his bluff, but Sarah was ash pale and rubbing her back as if she had re-injured her damaged spine. Anna daren't risk anything further happening.

“I shall be as quick as I can, Sarah. Please don’t worry; I shall come to no harm.”

“Don’t think to raise the alarm, missy; no one can get in here and her ladyship remains right where she is.”

Anna straightened and glared at him. “If you harm her Westchester will kill you. I give you my word I shall accompany you without a fuss so why don’t you allow her grace to return to her apartment?”

“Very well, but I shall come with you.”

In the short time she had been away from Hadley he’d changed and not for the better. Although physically he appeared diminished in her eyes somehow he was more dangerous. Something had happened to turn him from a blustering bully to a wicked villain.

Far safer to follow his orders if it meant Sarah would be safe. Ralph was no more than a few hours hard riding from Shalford—word would reach him later today. Knowing she would be rescued the next day, and what fate awaited Sir John, was enough to stiffen her spine.

“Come along, Sarah, we must do as he says. I shall take you upstairs. You must promise to remain where you are until we have left. I shall come to no harm, after all, am I not the golden goose?”

Nothing further was said as she assisted the trembling woman up the staircase. Her stepfather walked directly behind them, the stench of stale sweat made her stomach churn. She waved away the footman who stepped forward. “Thank you, but I can manage. The duchess is feeling a trifle under the weather. Sir John is here to help.”

The servant stood aside and Sarah stumbled into her apartment. Anna kissed her and then headed to the Butterfly Suite. She called as she entered. “Molly, we are to leave immediately. My trunks must be packed and ready in a quarter of an hour.”

Sir John was behind her. “I shall wait here, don’t think to run away.” He shook her arm and she flinched. “I am your sole beneficiary, girl, remember that. If anything should happen to you, your money comes to me.”

Her knees all but buckled beneath her. He must be desperate indeed to make such a wild threat. Should she risk calling for help? She’d given her word to accompany him without a fuss—but surely promises could be broken when made under duress?

“Don't call out—remember my men are with the duchess.” He released her arm and vanished into the passageway. She had missed her chance and must now do as he said.

In less than the allotted time footmen were carrying her trunks to the waiting carriage. She returned to Sarah’s chamber; as she'd feared Sir John was looming over the chair in which her friend sat.

“I am ready, sir. Shall we depart?” Her voice was commendably steady and she managed to smile at Sarah.

He nodded, his mouth tight “In which case, we will go.” Molly was hovering anxiously at the top of the stairs. “Back to your work, girl, you will not be travelling with Miss Hadley.”

Before she could protest he placed a pudgy hand in the small of Anna’s back and all but pushed her down the stairs in front of him. Finally the butler realised what was taking place and, supported by two of his footmen surged forward to intervene

The rough men who had accompanied Sir John waved their cudgels and this was enough to deter the rescue attempt. Moments later Anna was bundled into the carriage and Sir John and his lawyer piled in behind her. The coach rocked as his thugs scrambled on top.