The Duke's Reform (19 page)

     
Hiding her smile behind her hand she turned away. Alexander was more like to be
enraged his heir had returned to Newcomb than worried he was not in Town with
him. Bentley was harmless enough now the starch had left his person as well as
his apparel, and might even be amusing company for however long it took to find
a tailor to replace his missing clothes.

     
'I've no wish to cause you any aggravation, your grace, especially as matters
stand. I shall
endeavour
to bother you as little as
possible whilst I'm here.'

     
Whatever could he mean? Then she saw his eyes resting on her bump, she had
forgotten to disguise her pregnancy. Too late to repine, she must try and make
him feel wanted in spite of the fact he now knew his position as the duke's
heir was possibly to be of short duration.

     
'My husband, when he set about the search for you, did not know I was in an
interesting condition. We both believed we would not be blessed with children.
By the time we realized, the lawyers had contacted you.'

     
This feeble exclamation was the best she could do. He would no doubt draw the
correct conclusion, that they had been estranged at the time which was why her
pregnancy had been a surprise to Alexander.

     
He accepted the information with equanimity. 'I'm more than delighted for you
both. To tell you the truth I never really expected to inherit the title.
However, his grace has seen fit to set up a generous annuity for me and for
that I am extremely grateful. This means I can live comfortably, mix in the
highest circles, something that would not have been possible if the lawyers had
not discovered me.'

     
'I'm glad that pleased you're not that that disappointed by the news. Whatever
happens both Alexander and I shall consider you a member of the family in
future.' What had prompted her to say such a foolish thing? The very last thing
she needed at the moment was someone else watching the disintegration of her
marriage. It would be impossible to hide from him her intention to depart after
the baby was born. If the child turned out to be a girl, how would things be
then?

     
He bowed, looking decidedly silly in his
dishevelled
state. 'I thank you, your grace. I've no close family of my own. In future I
shall consider Cousin Alexander and yourself as my dearest relatives.'

     
This embarrassing conversation was brought to a halt by the appearance of
Duncan. 'Your grace, I've found some garments that will do for
Mr
Bentley. Shall I act as his man for the present?'

     
'Yes, that would seem a sensible solution.
Mr
Bentley, if you would care to go with Duncan, he will take care of you.'

     
The unkempt young man followed the immaculate valet disconsolately. No doubt he
was anticipating with some dismay what he would be obliged to wear for the
foreseeable future. Duncan must have discovered items Alexander had worn in his
youth, nothing he possessed at the moment would do, he was a head taller and
almost
double
the width of his erstwhile heir.

****

The ride
back to London was decidedly unpleasant and Alexander and his two grooms were more
than grateful to dismount in the stable yard behind his palatial home. The head
stable lad appeared to take the reins of his mount.

     
'He will need walking to cool down, also check his tendons carefully, it was
sticky going.'

     
Leaving Rufus to be taken care of he limped to the side entrance surprised word
of his arrival had not reached the house. He stepped in to come face-to-face
with Foster.

'Your grace, I must
apologise
for not being here to welcome you. We did not expect you back today.'

     
The butler made it sound as if he was remiss by not sending word ahead of his
arrival at his own home. He stared frostily and Foster recoiled, unused to such
treatment. 'I shall need someone to act as my valet, Duncan is elsewhere.'

     
'I will see to it, your grace. We have several suitable footmen who can act as
your man until Duncan returns. Shall you be requiring luncheon?'

     
'Soup and fresh bread and cheese will be sufficient. Have it sent up to my
chambers, I shall eat there whilst I wait for my bath to be drawn.'

     
He was halfway up the staircase when he recalled Bentley must be in residence
somewhere. 'I wish to speak to Bentley, have him come to my study one hour from
now.'

     
'I'm sorry, your grace, but
Mr
Bentley isn't here. We
thought he was with you at Newcomb.'

God dammit! Surely he should have made his way
to Grosvenor Square by now? He was no doubt waiting for the roads to clear and
would be along later today to annoy him. 'He must have been obliged to stay
somewhere en route. Make sure his apartment is prepared, he will be here
shortly.' The butler hovered as if he had something on his mind. 'Well, what's
wrong?'

'Your grace, there have been three letters
delivered for
Mr
Bentley; I have put them in his
rooms.' Foster shifted from one foot to the other. 'I must also report that two
unsavoury
characters called demanding to speak to
him. They were sent about their business, but I fear
Mr
Bentley might have fallen in with some rogues.'

Dammit! Alexander frowned. He'd been correct in
his first assessment situation—Bentley had, in a few short weeks he'd been
mixing in Society, got himself in financial difficulties. 'Thank you for
bringing the matter to my attention, Foster. I shall speak to Bentley when he
returns.'

     
If the wretched man wasn't in Grosvenor Square by tomorrow he would have to
send someone out to look for him. The young man might be irritating, and from
the looks of it was going to be a serious drain on his purse, but he was his
responsibility. He could not allow his putative heir to languish somewhere
without offering assistance. He was damned if he was going to make the journey
again himself, he'd done enough gallivanting these past few days after that
particular person.

     
There was no sign of either his valet or Bentley the next day. What could be
keeping them? The toll roads were fit to travel on, the weather was clement and
he could see no impediment to their return. By the next morning he was
decidedly concerned so when Foster arrived with a letter sent express he hoped
it was news of the missing pair. He did not recognize the writing. Impatiently
he broke the seal and read the contents.

           
Dear Alexander,

I do hope that you returned safely and have suffered
no ill effects from your travel. I am writing to ask for your assistance.
Mr
Bentley was robbed of all his

possessions
whilst benighted at a disreputable
roadhouse. He made his way back here and I've no idea what to do with him.

           
 I've discovered a local
tailor
who is
endeavouring
to make him something fresh to wear, but
Mr
Bentley's requirements are too stringent and I fear the
outcome won't be successful for either party.

           
Mr
Bentley has taken the news of our happy event with
good grace. I am in a quandary as to how to proceed for the best. I shall
eagerly await your advice.

           
With kindest regards

   
     
   
your
wife,

    
       
Isobel.

He slammed the letter down on the desk. What a disaster!
He had no option but to rout out Bentley's tailor and drag the unfortunate man
down to Newcomb along with his samples and pattern books. He could hardly blame
his cousin for being robbed, but it was a damned nuisance nevertheless. He had
no wish to return to his country estate. He was unwelcome there and his
presence would only exacerbate the rift between himself and Isobel. Only time
and separation might mend the damage his appalling
behaviour
had caused to the marriage.

      Thoughtfully he
picked up the letter and examined it again more closely. This was the first
missive he'd received from her. The note was hardly a
billet
doux
, but on the other hand she had addressed him by
his given name and was asking him for help. He ran his fingertip around the
loops and
whorls,
her writing was a revelation to him.
It showed
a flamboyance
he'd not suspected in his
wife. How many more things would he learn before he truly knew her?

      Duncan returned
the following morning and Alexander was relieved to hand over the search for a
suitable tailor to his capable manservant. The description of Bentley's
bedraggled

appearance
when he'd arrived at Newcomb amused
him but it did not make up for the fact Alexander had no recourse but to return
to Newcomb.

Chapter Fourteen

Two days after Isobel had sent her
plea for help to London she was returning from a brisk walk around the park
with the dogs when yet another travelling carriage bowled around the curve of
the drive. There was no doubting to whom this belonged for emblazoned on the
handsome black paint-work was the crest of the Rochester dynasty.

      She
sincerely hoped Alexander had come to remove her guest who had taken to sulking
in the drawing-room, his gloom pervading the whole house. It would seem that
without his sartorial elegance to bolster his self-confidence he was a pitiful
creature indeed. No doubt the second less substantial coach contained the
tailor come to measure Bentley for his new wardrobe. With a sigh she returned
to the east wing glad that, at least, all the rooms were now usable and she was
safely installed in her own apartments.

Ebony and Othello shot off ahead of
her somehow sensing who was in the carriage. By the time she made her way
around to the turning circle in front of the main building Alexander had
descended and was playing with her dogs. She could hardly credit this youthful
gentleman, with a ready smile for everyone, could be the austere man she'd
married what seemed like years ago.

      'Good
afternoon, my dear, you look enchanting. I expected to see you overwrought
after all that has transpired these past few days.'

      'I'm
very well, thank you, sir. Surprisingly Bentley is far less intrusive this
visit.'

     
'Where is he? I can't wait to see him dressed in my castoffs. I'm sorry you
have been bothered for a second time. I am here to
organise
his new wardrobe and then, hopefully, take him away.'

     
Isobel laughed. 'He will be moping about in the drawing-room bewailing the fact
that his

clothes
were stolen and he can't return to
town until he is properly dressed. He will also be complaining the tailor I
discovered locally is worse than useless and that he will refuse to wear
anything made by such a person.'

'He'll wear what he's damn well
given and be grateful for it. However, I've brought his tailor with me in the
second carriage. He has a selection of articles in the correct size for Bentley
to choose from. He also has his pattern books and samples so will be able to go
back to Town and start making up what's needed.'

      They
strolled companionably around to the east wing where the front door was open
and Mary and Bill were waiting to greet the duke. Two footmen rushed past to
collect the baggage. Inside Alexander stared up at the ceiling enquiringly.

      'Have
you managed to repair the roof? Do I get to sleep in the nursery with Bentley?'

      'You
may relax, Alexander, everything is as it should be. If we are to continue to
use this place for
Mr
Bentley, it must be re-roofed
before next winter. However, it's sound enough for now, thank goodness.'

      They
agreed to meet up at dinner and she vanished to her own domain at the rear of
the house leaving him to take care of matters with her less welcome guest.
Hopefully both men would depart the following morning and her life would once
more be calm and uneventful.

She paid particular attention with
her appearance that night as she had two gentlemen to entertain. 'Sally, I
think you have done a splendid job altering my evening gown. It's fortunate the
high waistline is ideally suited to someone in my condition.'

      'Emerald green
silk is a perfect match for your eyes, my lady, and by removing the demi-train
and adding a panel at the back there will be more than enough room to
accommodate the baby over the next few months.'

      Isabel's hair
was long enough to dress in a more elaborate style. She preferred to have it
loose, but tonight she made the effort to appear as the Duchess of Rochester
and not a country squire's wife. 'No, Sally, I won't wear the emeralds. This is
an informal occasion, not a grand event.'

Disappointed, her maid returned the
beautiful necklace to its velvet box. 'I could wear the pearls I was given as
my wedding gift,
then
you could thread the smaller
strand through my hair if you wish.'

'Yes, my lady, I shall do so at
once.'

This was the first opportunity her
abigail
had had to show she was capable of dressing a
duchess—up till now Isobel and worn the simple gowns best suited to her
condition.

      Despite the
extra preparations she was on her way downstairs when the dinner gong sounded.
She could hear voices in the drawing room. The gentlemen were before her.
Bentley had asked if he might call her Cousin Isabel. Her lips twitched as she
recalled Alexander's terse reply to this impertinent suggestion, so things
remained as they were
.
F
ormality
would be observed until her husband decreed otherwise. She paused in the open
door and he strolled in her direction, his toe curling smile still having the
same effect even after all this time.

       'Good
evening, my dear. Permit me to say that you look enchanting tonight. That,
without doubt, is my
favourite
gown, and it suits you
to perfection.'

      She smiled and
dipped in a shallow curtsy, he bowed and taking her hand he raised it to his
lips. She was uncomfortably aware Bentley was avidly observing this play
between them. Gently removing her fingers she turned and nodded to the young
man.

 '
Mr
Bentley, I see your tailor has found you garments which meet with your
approval. You look exactly as you did before.'

      She heard a
strange choking sound behind her; Alexander was doing his best not to laugh.
Bentley preened and smoothed down his lurid cherry-pink and gold waistcoat.

 '
Mr
Smith
knows exactly what I
like,
he had several outfits put
by that fitted me perfectly. I feel I've returned to my old self. I'm glad you
approve, my lady.'

      Fortunately
dinner was announced and she was saved from having to dissemble. Alexander
offered his arm and she took it, leaving Bentley to follow behind.

      The dinner was
served as she'd instructed, the removes were plain fare as fancy cooking did
not suit her digestion at the moment. As the last cover was cleared she rose
gracefully and nodded to both men. 'I shall leave you to your port, gentlemen.
No doubt you'll join me in the drawing-room in due course'

      Both men had
scrambled to their feet and Alexander pulled a face as she walked past. He
would not dally. Not wishing to be trapped in further tedious banalities she
removed to the pianoforte. Alexander had brought her several sheets of music
from London and she was eager to try them out.

      As always, once
she started playing she became lost in the music and was unaware she had company
until she finished and the final notes died away. The silence was shattered by
raucous cheering and loud applause from Bentley.

      'I say, your
grace, that was excellent playing, I've never heard
better
.'

Closing the instrument she stood up.
'Thank you,
Mr
Bentley, for your kind words. And
thank
you
,
Alexander, for bringing me the new piece. I did not
have it perfectly this time, but practice will improve my performance.'

      Once they were
comfortably settled in front of the roaring fire Alexander leant back in his
chair and addressed his cousin. 'Bentley, you have yet to tell me exactly what
took place at this inn. Also I need the name of the place so I can send your
reckoning to them and recover your pocket watch.'

The man looked worried and fiddled
with his exaggerated shirt points. 'To tell you the truth,

my
lord, I misremember the name of the
establishment. It was a filthy day, a positive blizzard blowing and the driver
stopped at the first hostelry we came upon.' He paused and then his face lit
up. 'I have it. The coachman will be able to tell you exactly where it was,
after all he could see where we were going.'

      Alexander
nodded. 'I shall speak to him tomorrow. Never fear, your watch will be returned
to you. Do you wish me to pursue the matter of the robbery?'

'No, sir, I expect it's far too late
to apprehend the varmints. They will be long gone by now and the landlord won't
inform on them. Those
sort
of people tend to stick
together, do they not?'

      'In which case,
there's no more I can do. I shall pay for the replacement of your
wardrobe,
you shan't be out of pocket. Another thing,
Bentley, the east wing shall be yours as long as you wish to reside here.
However, when we reopen Newcomb in the spring this place will need extensive
repairs to the roof. Therefore I suggest you remain in Grosvenor Square until
your accommodation is ready for you.'

      'Of course, I
don't wish to intrude. I can assure you, your grace, I much appreciate your
generosity. I know I am no longer likely to be in line for the title, but your
generous settlement and sponsorship has given me a new direction. I can now
live the life of a gentleman, something I had never aspired to until your
lawyers contacted me.'

      Isobel had heard
quite enough, time she retired to the blessed peace of her own apartment where
she could read her novel without interruption. 'If you'll both excuse me, I
shan't remain for the supper tray.'

      Alexander was up
before her and offered his hand to assist her from her chair. With a smile she
accepted. The young man bowed politely in her direction.

      'Your grace,
forgive me, but as I've no wish to intrude, would it be possible for me to know
that what time you rise to take your dogs for a walk? I also enjoy an
early-morning stroll, and will ensure I don't come down at the same time as
you.'

      She looked at
him in surprise. He was more the kind of gentleman who would lie in bed until
midday than one who got up with the lark. However, his question was perfectly
civil and demanded a similar reply. 'I no longer come down at first light, but
around eight
o'clock .
Please,
Mr
Bentley, feel free to get up whenever you wish, we stand on no ceremony here.
If you require breakfast earlier than that, you only have to ask.'

      'No, my lady, I
do beg your pardon, I've no intention of asking your household to change
arrangements on my account. I shall take my constitutional first thing.'

      What
an odd conversation. Alexander shook his head equally puzzled. The warmth of
his gaze lifted her spirits as she made her way upstairs. The evening had not
turned out nearly as wearisome as she'd feared, but she'd had enough of both of
them tonight.

     
Bentley had talked of nothing but fashion and gossip, and there was nothing
more tedious than hearing
on
dits
about people
one had never met. Alexander was the exact opposite, with his every word she'd
found herself being drawn to him just as she had been she'd been when an
impressionable debutante. She would not be taken in a second time, for he could
turn the charm on and off at will.

*

The following morning Isobel was woken by
voices beneath her window. How curious— who could possibly be outside so early?
Then she recalled Bentley had told her he was taking an early morning walk, he
must be speaking to one of the outside men.

She was about to go back to sleep
when something about the conversation bothered her. She rolled out of bed and
went to the window, peeping around the heavy curtain and pressing her nose
against the shutter.

Good heavens! Bentley was outside,
but he was talking to two unpleasant individuals who were certainly not
employed at Newcomb. The taller man, his face obscured by a muffler and pulled
down cap, was angry.

'You ran away from us. Don't think
your belongings are enough to settle what you owe my master. He has your vowels
and he wants payment.'

'I told you, I have nothing of my
own. I'm dependent on Rochester. You have my word I will pay you as soon as I
am solvent.' Bentley sounded desperate. He grasped the tall man's sleeve. 'You
shouldn't be here. The Duchess is increasing and the duke will toss me aside if
I anger him. If your master is patient, then he will get his money eventually.'

Bentley glanced up—had he somehow
detected her presence at the window? Hastily she retreated, deeply disturbed by
what she'd heard. The young man obviously had gambling debts and the person he
owed money to
was
prepared to take what he owed by
violent means.

She must get dressed and speak to
Alexander. He would know what to do. She rang the bell and paced the room until
Ellen appeared.

'Please send word to my husband; I
wish to see him urgently.'

Ellen curtsied. 'Yes, your grace. I
shall go myself.'

Scarcely ten minutes
later her bedchamber door flew
open and Alexander appeared,
his cravat poorly tied and his hair on end. 'What's wrong, sweetheart? Are you
unwell?'