GypsyDukeEpub (9 page)

John took a sip of tea and found it flavorful with a faint minty taste. Through the steam rising from his cup, he watched his mother face the austere gypsy before her. No, he had never known her. There was depth here that she had hidden from him.

She set down her cup and folded her hands daintily in her lap. For all her aplomb, she could have been conversing with one of the patronesses of Almack's.

"As you know, my husband has passed, and John has inherited the duchy. There is one problem. His father did not think him old enough to take on such responsibilities and left a guardian of sorts. An unpleasant man."

"Your brother-in-law."

"I was sure you'd understand." She turned to John. "Ardaix always knows." She looked back at the gypsy. "He attacked John tonight...not in such a manner that we could report him to the authorities…There would be gossip if we even tried to explain. He has also made threats against John's future wife. You know Kitty, Lady Katherine…that lovely child. She's much too young to be subjected to…to…that sort of danger."

A slight smile tugged at the corner of the gypsy leader's mouth. "Do not trouble yourself, Teresa. We are aware John ordered the young people to stay away from the manor. Mr. Timmons was kind enough to pass the message along to our clan."

"Then you see our problem. Bartholomew says if John doesn't bring Kitty into the household and under his uncle's domination, he intends to take his revenge on John...which he already tried. I had to use the pistol."

The gypsy's eyes widened as he stared at her in silence for a moment. "You need us to get rid of the body?"

"Heavens, no. I merely threatened him. He is locked in his room until he sleeps off the liquor. But you see the danger if John remains. Bartholomew will force him to marry, bring Kitty into the house, and he will ruin everything...probably kill them both." She took another deep breath, and tears came to her eyes.

Whether his mother was acting or really distraught, John didn't know, but she had a profound effect on Ardaix. At the sight of a crying woman, his eyes grew wide and he hurriedly thrust a bright red handkerchief at her.

She beamed at him through wet lashes. "Thank you, Ardaix. So...will you leave tonight and take John with you? He cannot return for three years.

The duchess blurted out her request in a rush, leaving the poor gypsy stunned with his mouth gaping. "Teresa…" He shook his head, continuing to stare at her in astonishment.

When Ardaix found his voice, he spoke haltingly as if still unsure what to say. "With all due respect, what you ask is…dangerous. The authorities would hunt us down and kill us. They would say we had kidnapped the Duke. His relationship with Michel is not unknown. This is the first place they would look if he were to go missing, especially if we disappear in the night."

"You misunderstand. John is not going to disappear. I mean he is. No one will know where he has gone, but he is leaving letters for his solicitor, for Kitty, and for the earl. Everyone will know he left of his own free will to...to...find himself. So, you see…No one will think to look here. What duke in his right mind would hide out with gypsies?"

Ardaix gave her a sardonic grin. "Indeed."

John glanced from his mother to Ardaix. Assuredly, some undercurrent passed between them, but he had no idea what.

At last, Ardaix put both hands on the table. "I will think on this. It would put my people at risk. We would miss the harvest, and we need the work. Winter is approaching."

Teresa reached into her cape and pulled out the bag then dropped it on the table. "We will pay for the missed harvest."

That brought a definite gleam to the eye of the gypsy, but he crossed his arms over his chest. "We will miss three years of harvest if we are to keep him away from this place, and we will need clothing for him. He looks...gorgio, not Roma."

Teresa turned and studied John. "Oh, I don't know. He has that ebony hair, not much shorter than yours, and it would grow quickly. Put an earring in his ear, give him worn clothing…I think he would pass."

"There is still the three years of missed harvest. He will eat our food and wear our clothes. We're not as welcome in other counties, and I don't think his Grace has any particular…talent…for earnings."

John brought forth another bag of coin and dropped it on the table. "There is always this."

"Agreed." Ardaix reached for both bags then stared John in the eye. "But you will have to learn a profitable trade."

"One moment. I propose an exchange. Leave Michel here with my mother. He can work in the stables and ensure that my uncle has no opportunity to gain access to Kitty. If Michel saddles the horses, he will know when my uncle goes out. He could also bring us useful information. Is it not true that a gypsy can always find his tribe?" John rose to his full height and offered Ardaix a challenging look.

Ardaix chuckled. "You have spent too much time among my people, gorgio." He grew silent, watching them both. "I agree to the exchange...if Michel is willing."

He stood and bowed to the duchess before leaving the wagon.

John turned on his mother. "How in the world did you get on a first-name basis with the gypsies? And how is it that Ardaix speaks so well?"

"A long story, John. Perhaps he will share it with you." A dry sob rose in her throat. "Oh, John. How can I live without you for three years?"

This was the duchess he knew and loved. His mother needed him. He wrapped his arms about her and held her against his chest. "I will write you often. Know that I love you above all things and will not forget this sacrifice." He lifted his head to peer down at her. "What possessed you to think I would wear an earring? It is simply not done."

Her face broke into a smile, and she lifted her hand to cover it. "You looked just like your father when you said that."

"Perhaps I should pierce both ears."

When the doorway opened, Michel preceded Ardaix to the table and held out his hand. "You have troubles, friend."

John took Michel's hand as he stood. "I would consider it a great honor, Michel, if you would guard my mother and my betrothed, Lady Katherine, in my absence."

"You've been my brother, John. I will stand in your stead."

They sat, and John related everything that had occurred since his uncle's arrival, ignoring his mother's frequent, affronted gasps. She had been unaware of his uncle's bolder moves, including the sabotaged saddle.

"Do not forget, Michel. Never leave Kitty riding alone with that man...And watch your back."

Michel reached for the hilt of his knife, visible over the band of his trousers. "He would find my reaction extremely uncomfortable, my friend."

John rolled his eyes. "Whatever you do, do not kill him. Without me to protect you, you would surely hang."

"There are things more painful than death. Worry not," he added. "I will be your eyes and ears and your strong hand."

John would have to be satisfied with that. He stood and pulled his mother up.

"It is time. I do not want anyone to find you absent from the house, Mother. Michel and Grayson will escort you back."

A single tear glided down her face. "Take care. I will pray for you, John."

He almost laughed. Since when had God been concerned with his life? Kitty and his mother had prayed for years. "Pray for those who need your prayers, madam. I can take care of myself."

Michel left the duchess at the manor, making his way across the estates until he reached the large oak tree John had described.

He reined in his horse and reached for the knotted hollow in the tree. It was exactly as John had described, an ideal hiding place for a letter. He dropped the missive entrusted to his care and marked with John's seal into the opening and rode back to the Somerset stables.

Few hours remained for sleep before he would have to ride back and watch for the Lady Katherine. John said she would arrive not long after dawn, seeking a riding partner. This time she would find nothing but a farewell letter. John was concerned for her reaction, and Michel had promised to stand by. If she rode to Somerset Park, he would have to guard her from John's uncle.

He passed his hand over his eyes in weary contemplation. This whole business seemed fraught with opportunities for disaster.

Kitty awoke even earlier than usual and dressed without the aid of her maid. Since the death of John's father, concern for John had made her restless. She shook back her long tresses before placing her riding hat on the crown of her head.

Everyone thought her such a baby and tried to protect her, but she knew things were not quite right. She was afraid for John. His house no longer seemed a place of refuge. An ominous anxiety had fallen on all those inside, and she was determined to be that one constant in his life, a faithful friend…one who prayed.

When she reached the stables, her groom had already risen and readied her horse. She looked at him in wonder, and the old man laughed.

"I know your ways, Missy. Did ye not think I would expect ye to be sneaking out early this morn? Master John will be seeking yer comp'ny, I daresay, though s'pose now 'e's 'is Grace, ain't 'e?"

Kitty nodded. "That will take some getting used to, even for John, I imagine. Are you coming, Chester? I would not want Father to be angry with John if I ride out alone."

"Aye, Miss. I'll be tagging alon' wi' ye."

After she left the stables, she almost forgot that Chester rode somewhere behind her. She reached the massive oak, anxiously searching out the immediate terrain, but there was no one in attendance, nor did she hear the approach of another rider.

She pealed off a glove, urging her mount forward then reached for the hiding place. Her fingers stretched out over the rough surface until she felt the smooth length of a note. She smiled, her excitement climbing. She was so glad John never tired of this game.

She fingered the duke's seal, wondering how he'd felt the first time he used it. Was he sad today? Did he miss his father?

After the seal was broken, she smoothed out the single sheet of paper and moved away from the dark shadows of the tree. The sun was just peaking over the horizon, a bright orange semi-circle. If she held the note up, she had abundant light to read.

Dearest Kitty,

I hope this morning finds you in the best of health for I have some unpleasant news to relate. Treacherous circumstances have forced me to flee Somerset Park. My uncle is dangerous, to say the least. You are to avoid his company at all costs.

My mother is in full accord with my decision to leave and knows how to contact me should you have need of anything. This decision was not made lightly, nor do I discount how this will affect you, dear Kitty. Never think that you are any less dear to me because I am not with you.

I ask that you wait for me. You have my word that I will return when I can take the estate from my uncle. But my father has made him guardian until my twenty-first birthday. I pray the time will pass quickly for both of us.

Fear not, my regard for you is unchanging. Stay safe and avoid Somerset Park. I realize this is not the love letter you hoped for, but someday…

Ever yours, John Seymour, Duke of Somerset

She stared at the words, unseeing, as her eyes filled with tears. John was leaving or had already left.  And he didn't want her to go to Somerset. But what if he hadn't left yet? If she hurried, she might still catch him. It was early, and he had left the note, so perhaps he remained at home.

She clasped the note to her chest and kicked her horse to a gallop. Chester called out behind her, but she didn't hesitate. Every second wasted might mean a lost opportunity.

Tears blinded her, and she pushed angrily at them. How dare he leave without coming to see her? She had done everything he asked since she was nine years old. He had been her best friend and confidant.

Did he not trust her? Did he think her a mere babe to be pampered and coddled then shielded from the more weighty matters of his life? She was five and ten now. She had a mind of her own and would do as she pleased…As soon as she found out if he was all right.

She reached the Somerset stables in a flash of pounding hooves. Before she could even determine her next move, another rider cut her off, dashing in front of her. Her horse reared slightly, and Kitty reached to calm him before turning blazing eyes on the fool that had nearly unseated her.

Astonishment lit her face, and her mouth dropped in silent awe. It was...it was…

"Michel, what are you doing? Are you trying to get me killed?"

"I think you are more than capable of managing that on your own, Mistress. Have you no care for your mount? That is no way to ride. A courtyard is not the place for racing fools."

Irritation burned in her chest until she noted the heaving sides of her horse and the proximity of so many things with which she could have collided. She glanced around for Chester, since the Somerset grooms were nowhere in sight.

He approached the stables, so she called to him. Arguing with a gypsy was a waste of time. "Chester, hurry. Take my horse. I have to find John."

"No!"

Kitty turned to find Michel holding the head of her horse. "He's not here, Lady Katherine. Go home. You were told not to come here."