The Reclusive Duke Read online

  The Reclusive Duke

  By

  Fenella J Miller

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any method, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of The Author - Fenella J. Miller

  The Reclusive Duke © Copyright Fenella J. Miller, 2017

  This e-Book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’ s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.

  COVER DESIGN BY J D-SMITH

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  Chapter One

  'I'm damned if I will,' Everett said and threw the document he was perusing into the fire.

  'Your grace, I implore you, reconsider, you have ample room at Hemingford for a dozen children.' Mr Digby wrung his hands as he watched the letter burn. 'Hemingford Court is so vast you will scarcely know four children, their governess and the nursemaids are in residence.'

  'If I wanted a parcel of brats here I would set up my own nursery. My God, man, their relationship to me is so tenuous as to be almost non-existent. There must be someone else they can go to. I'll not have them here.' He glared at his lawyer and he got the message. 'I pay you to take care of things for me – take care of this. I don't wish to hear about it again.'

  'Very well, your grace, I shall do as you bid. I take it you are prepared to provide the necessary financial support for the children even if they cannot reside here?'

  'I have deep pockets so you may set up an account and administer it as you see fit.'

  His lawyer, also his man of business, bowed and backed out of the door as if leaving royalty. Everett limped across to the desk, pausing for a moment to catch his breath as the pain in his damaged leg almost overwhelmed him. Perhaps he should ensure his cane was always with him in future.

  Five years ago he had been a man in his prime, with an older brother and two healthy parents and no expectations of taking on the dukedom. Then everything changed. They were returning from a ball in London when a building they were passing had collapsed, burying their vehicle beneath the debris. His family had been killed and he horribly injured.

  Since that dreadful night, he had remained in solitude at their family estate in Hertfordshire refusing to see anyone apart from his lawyer. He had closed down most of the house and now resided in a downstairs apartment intended for an elderly relative. Stairs were things he avoided.

  His only respite from his pain and misery was when he was astride his magnificent black stallion, Othello. When in the saddle he could forget he was a cripple and gallop about his domain as any other gentleman might do.

  He spent the next few hours dealing with estate matters. None of the tenants, staff or neighbours could complain he was neglecting his duties. Despite preferring to remain a recluse he still had pride in his name and had no intention of letting his heritage fall into disarray.

  One might have thought that marrying would also be part of his plans – but he had discovered there was a perfectly acceptable alternative to a child of his own. The person concerned, one Richard Hemingford, had no notion he was his heir and Everett intended his third cousin remain in ignorance.

  If this gentleman discovered what was in store for him he might wish to visit and that could not be allowed. Also, Hemingford might start dining out on his prospects and this too would be unacceptable. Twenty years hence would be time enough to invite the future Duke of Hemingford to inspect his demesne.

  *

  Miss Lydia Sinclair gathered the four children together to explain what was to happen to all of them now their parents were gone. Sarah and her husband Jonathan preferred to spend their time travelling to exotic places rather than remain at home taking care of their children. Hence their demise, although unfortunate, would make little difference to her nieces and nephews.

  'So you see, children, we can no longer remain here as the house belongs to the bank…'

  'Where are we going to go? Don't we have any relatives who could take us in?' Emma always got straight to the point. She was ten years of age, but sounded and looked a lot older.

  'I have been going through the papers in your papa's study and have discovered that you are related to a duke. Your mama was his cousin which makes you his second cousins. I have written to him telling him of our sad loss and informing him he is now guardian to you four.'

  Richard, at eight, was already holding strong opinions on most subjects, and aristocrats in particular. 'I don't want to have him take charge of us. You are our aunt; can't you be our guardian?'

  'I cannot be legally in charge of your welfare, my love, it has to be the nearest male relative and unfortunately that is the duke.' There was an uncle, but he was the black sheep of the Castleford family and had not been heard of for years. She gestured around the dilapidated chamber. 'Surely, none of you would wish to remain here in such unpleasant surroundings?'

  The twins had little interest in the subject – she had been their only carer and if she was with them, they would be content. Their fourth name day was next month and she sincerely hoped they would be settled somewhere before then.

  'Anywhere will be better than this place, Aunt Lydia,' Emma said. 'Do you think we shall have to wait long for an answer to your letter?'

  'I spent an exorbitant amount of money sending it express so one would hope we would get a response by return.'

  'Emma and I are going to the village – do you want anything from the shop?'

  'I shall give you a penny each to spend if you take the little ones with you. I have things I want to complete this morning and cannot do so if they are with me.'

  David and Lottie scrambled to their feet in happy expectation of the walk. 'Please, please, we come with you. We like walks.' As always, they spoke in unison, always referring to themselves in the plural.

  Lydia handed over three coppers and the children departed eager to spend their largesse. She had put them from her mind before they had left the house. They were independent and resilient, and she was confident the older two could take care of their siblings without her interference.

  If there was still a nursemaid employed she would have sent the girl with them, but the only staff remaining in the house was a cook-housekeeper, her simple daughter who acted as maid of all work and her husband who was the outside man.

  She opened the small money box in which the remainder of their income was stored. All the family had in the world to sustain them was two pounds, three shillings and sixpence. One pound of this would be given to the family, which left her the remainder to pay for their travelling costs and any other incidentals.

  Her intention was to depart regardless of the response she received from the duke. He could hardly turn them away when they arrived destitute on his doorstep. She didn't like to lie to the children, but had no option. The letter had not gone by express, so wouldn't arrive for several days, therefore, they must already be on their way before any response could be sent.

  Whilst the children were away she would pack their meagre belongings into small bags they could manage between them. The next task would be to harness the ancient nag to the gig and drive herself to the coaching inn on the toll road two miles away. It would be an unpleasant and arduous journey travelling by the common stage but she had no option. She prayed there was sufficient money to purchase inside tickets as travelling on top
of the coach would be impossible.

  William had anticipated her wishes and the vehicle was waiting outside. 'Want me to come with you, miss?'

  'No thank you, you have more than enough to do here in my absence. I'm hoping the bank won't come to claim the house for another few days which should give you and Ivy time to transfer everything you want to your new cottage. I wish I could do more for you, but…'

  'Don't you worry, miss, we'll have the chickens, and enough food to keep us going. I'll be able to plant up my new garden with the seeds and sets saved from last year. And having the gig and old Freddie here as well, will mean I can earn a bob or two as a carter.'

  Satisfied she wouldn't be leaving William and his wife in financial straits, Lydia climbed onto the gig and picked up the reins. The drive to the inn was accomplished without incident and she was delighted to be able to reserve four seats on the eight o'clock coach the next day. One of the twins would be obliged to sit on her lap but she didn't anticipate that this would be a problem.

  When they returned from the village everything was ready for their departure the next day. She had decided not to inform the children until they left. In the excitement of going on their first long journey she hoped the older two would not question her decision. Emma, if she realised they were travelling unannounced to their destination, would refuse to go. She was a girl who liked to do everything correctly – heaven knows where she got that from.

  *

  Everett had been told by his physician that there was a procedure that could be carried out on his leg to straighten it. This would allow him to walk normally and without the pain he suffered now. Doctor Adams had been serving in the army but had returned recently in order to take over his uncle's local practice.

  Deciding to have this done, however painful it might be, had been an easy choice. Anything was worthwhile if it would give him back his mobility. Adams was coming this morning to discuss what would be involved.

  The doctor was ushered in by the butler, Frobisher, and Everett waved him to the seat. 'Welcome, sir, I am eager to hear what you intend to do to me, and how long must I spend recuperating.'

  'Essentially I am going to break your leg again and then reset it properly. At the moment, the bones are not aligned and that's what's causing you so much pain.'

  'Good God! I'd no idea you intended to do something so drastic. Does this mean I shall be confined to bed for weeks?'

  'You have had so much trouble with your leg since the accident five years ago because you didn't remain stationary for long enough. You must remain in bed for three weeks, then you can use crutches as long as you keep the weight off your limb for a further three weeks.'

  'Can you guarantee I will be able to walk without pain once everything has healed?'

  The doctor nodded. 'That is the plan, your grace. When do you want to proceed?'

  'As soon as possible; I have sufficient staff to take care of me and I believe there is a bath chair somewhere on the premises that will be ideal.'

  'I don't recommend that you use this contraption for the first three weeks, your grace. In fact, I forbid you to do so.'

  Everett clenched his teeth. He wasn't accustomed to being told what to do, but if he wished this excellent surgeon to fix his leg he had no choice but to obey. 'I shall be guided by you, sir, and follow your strictures to the letter. When will you do it?'

  'I wish you to spend the next few days…'

  'No. I'm not prepared to wait any longer. Do it tomorrow or don't do it at all and I will find someone else in your place.' Had he overplayed his hand? The young man nodded.

  'Very well, your grace, I shall do as you bid. However, your recovery would be far easier if you were prepared to follow the regime I was going to suggest for a week before the operation.'

  'I'll take my chances. Explain to my valet what will be needed.' He nodded his dismissal and the doctor inclined his head in turn. Everett was aware he was too brusque when dealing with his inferiors but that was only to be expected when one was a duke. He had been brought up to expect instant obedience to his commands and did not take kindly to anyone who ignored his requests.

  If he was to be confined to his apartment for the next few weeks he must be certain that his estate manager, his man of affairs, and his secretary, would be able to deal with anything that arose during his incapacity.

  The doctor had warned him the procedure would be excruciatingly painful but an hour or two of agony would be worth it if he could then spend the remainder of his days with two good legs. He had all but forgotten the days when he had gone about Town with his cronies enjoying the favours of his mistress, and indulging in the customary pastimes of wealthy and well-bred gentlemen.

  If Adams worked this miracle, then perhaps he would start socialising once more. He would have the summer to recuperate and then might open his house in Grosvenor Square, venture to London and visit his clubs so he could catch up on the world he had abandoned.

  First, he had to get through the next few weeks; he hoped he had the courage to do so without complaint.

  *

  'We don't want to get in, it's smelly and dirty,' David said and stamped his foot.

  'Do as you're told, young man, or you will be left here on your own.' Lydia was hot and flustered and not enjoying the smirks and sniggers of the other passengers as she tried to persuade the recalcitrant twins to clamber inside the coach.

  Lottie had sat down on the cobbles and closed her eyes as if by so doing she had become invisible. 'Emma, you and Richard must pick your sister up and carry her in and I will do the same with David. We cannot keep everyone waiting a moment longer.'

  This manoeuvre worked splendidly but resulted in the most hideous cacophony of wails and screams when the little ones had had their plans thwarted. A stout matron with a bonnet that looked more like a coal scuttle than a hat, said loudly.

  'What they need is a good hiding, and if you don't do it then someone else will.'

  Lydia was drawing breath to tell this interfering old woman exactly what she thought of her suggestion when the twins stopped wriggling and screaming. There was a collective sigh of relief from the other three passengers.

  'There, that always does the trick. Now we can travel in comfort,' the matron smiled, closed her eyes and promptly fell asleep.

  The little ones had stopped gulping and snuffling and soon were also quiet. Lydia turned to her older niece and nephew. 'They are always crotchety when they have not had enough rest. Are you going to be comfortable with Lottie sprawled across you?'

  They nodded and managed a weak smile but she could see tears in their eyes. They might appear to be wise beyond their years, but they were only recently orphaned and had been torn from everything they knew to travel to an unknown destination and an uncertain reception.

  Perhaps she relied too much on their willingness to help. In future, she wouldn't ask so much of them but take on all responsibility for their little family herself.

  The journey was accomplished without any further disruption from the twins. All the children were subdued and she understood how they felt. They had disembarked from the coach an hour ago, and she had not sufficient funds to pay for them to break their fast. They were all hungry, dirty and grumpy.

  'I'm sure someone will come and collect us soon, my loves, but until then we must be patient…'

  'We're hungry and want to relieve ourselves,' David announced loudly enough for the two gentlemen, blowing a cloud outside the inn's front door, to hear. They were not amused by the comment.

  'Hush, sweetheart, that's not something anyone else should hear about,' Lydia said, but she sympathised as she too had a need for the commode. They could hardly use the facilities as they were not paying customers.

  The inn was surrounded by buildings, the thoroughfare was busy with diligences, carriages and carts. There were no convenient fields or hedges they could hide behind.

  Then an ostler took pity on them. 'There's a privy out the back, miss, none too
clean but I don't reckon you have a choice.'

  Remembering how the twins had reacted at the less than pleasant smell of the interior of the coach Lydia was about to refuse. Then Lottie tugged her skirt.

  'I need to go, I need to go right now.'

  The fact that the little girl referred to herself and not her brother indicated how desperate she was. 'Thank you, we should be most grateful to use your primitive facilities.'

  The experience was as unpleasant as she'd anticipated, she hoped never to have to endure such a thing again, but they were all now comfortable and able to wait without fidgeting. She had offered the kind ostler a coin but to her embarrassment he had refused.

  'You hang onto that, miss, buy the little'uns a bun. There's a bakery a couple of doors down. They often have stale buns going cheap.'

  'I shall not forget your kindness, sir, and will repay it one day when our circumstances have improved.'

  Emma and Richard, with three pennies clutched in their hands, were happy to go in search of the buns whilst she did her best to distract the twins by playing word games with them. The note she had sent to Hemingford Court should have been read and understood long ago. Why didn't someone come to collect them?

  'Look what we have, we've got lots and lots of good things. They were ever so kind and filled up an old basket for us.' Emma held it out triumphantly.

  'Good heavens! That's a feast indeed. Shall we take it over to that corner, near the stables? Then we can sit on the boxes.'

  The ostler showed Richard where there was a pump and in turn they went and quenched their thirst. There were meat pasties, buns and cakes as well as a whole loaf she was certain wasn't yesterday's bake.

  'We must not eat all of this, my dears, we must keep some for later in case… in case we have to wait longer than we expect to.'

  Chapter Two

  A further hour passed before Lydia and the children were approached by a middle-aged gentleman dressed entirely in black.