The Duke's Predicament (The Reluctant Duke Book 3) Read online

  Sadly she came to the unplatable realisation that in future things must be different between them. She would be a compliant wife, ask nothing from him, do her duty as she was brought up to do, but the joy had gone from her union.

  If he wished to share her bed he must come to her in future, she would no longer sleep beside him every night. This was one area of their marriage that she could still enjoy although she wondered if he would continue to visit her if, as she feared, she was barren.

  Hannah arrived but Richard didn’t come out to greet her. The young woman who she now considered as a friend didn’t rushed to embrace her as she’d expected but curtsied as if to a stranger.

  ‘I apologise for my error, your grace, if I’d written sooner then you could have replied and told me of the change in circumstances.’ Amanda was about to remonstrate for this formality but Hannah continued. ‘I hope you will allow me to remain here until I hear from Patrick. I wrote to him and sent John with the letter saying that I wish to marry him after all whatever the circumstances. I cannot be elsewhere until I hear from him, I hope this will be acceptable.’

  ‘Hannah, what’s wrong? I thought we were friends. The world has gone mad at the moment and I don’t understand how things have come to this. Please, we need to talk somewhere we won’t be disturbed.’

  She gave her no option but to follow and she led her to the small, sunny room at the rear of the property that was for her exclusive use.

  ‘Sit down, my dear, I have news for you that will be most difficult for you to hear.’

  Hannah’s colour faded and she collapsed onto the nearest chair. ‘Is he dead? Please don’t tell me that he’s been killed.’

  ‘No, but he’s very unwell. He caught the ague whilst with Wellington and John has been taking care of him. He should be back with us in a week or so. The general who wished to force him to re-enlist is dead, so he is now a civilian again.’

  ‘Did he get my letter?’

  ‘I’m sure he did. He cannot reply himself as he’s been too ill to write but when John found him in Corunna he was on his way home. He could have re-enlisted if he so wished but obviously chose to come back to you instead.’

  ‘Then I must pray that he gets here safely. Forgive me, your grace, but I’m not comfortable being on such familiar terms with you and his grace. When Patrick and I are reunited we’ll find somewhere in the vicinity to live. Obviously, his employment is here so we can’t move far.’

  Amanda bit her lip. Today was turning into a disaster. First she’d fallen out with Richard and now someone she’d considered a bosom bow had reverted to the position of an employee rather than a friend.

  ‘Do you wish me to revert to calling you Miss Westley?’

  ‘I would prefer it if you would, your grace. It restores the natural order of things in my eyes. I am the daughter of a country vicar, my future husband’s a common soldier who only became part of this circle by dint of being a comrade-in-arms of the duke for so long. We don’t belong here. We must find our own way in the world.’

  ‘I shall respect your wishes, my dear Miss Westley, but whatever you might think to the contrary I’ll always consider you part of this family.’

  Hannah stood up and curtsied making it quite clear that their intimacy was over. ‘Forgive me, your grace, but would it be permissible for me to be shown my new accommodation? I would then like to speak to Lady Beth.’

  Sadly she stood up and walked to the bell-strap and pulled it. ‘You don’t have to ask my permission to do anything, but thank you for doing so. My sister will be delighted to see you and has talked of little else these past few days. She insists that next summer we too must go to Margate or somewhere similar.’

  A footman answered the bell and took her erstwhile friend away with him leaving her bereft.

  *

  Patrick thought the longer he took over his return the better it would be for his reunion with his love. He’d been shocked by his emaciated appearance and didn’t wish to upset his future wife by looking like a walking corpse.

  On their arrival in Ipswich he decided to remain at the posting inn for a further few days in order to continue to regain his strength and hopefully improve his appearance.

  ‘John, I need to purchase both a wedding and a betrothal ring before I continue my journey. I’m not looking today I’m too fatigued but will, with your able assistance, go in search of these items tomorrow.’

  ‘Do I write to his grace and tell him that we’re remaining in Ipswich for a few days? I’m certain he’ll send a vehicle of some sort to collect you and save me from the walk. The weather’s turned and although I don’t fancy getting drenched, it’s more important that you don’t get wet. If you catch a congestion of the lungs it’ll see you off, that’s for sure.’

  He laughed at his friend – John was that now as well as his valet. ‘Then by all means send a missive to the duke. Although, I think it might be better if I wrote myself. I wonder if Hannah has returned from Margate yet?’

  ‘I reckon so, it’s a mite blustery and cold by the sea this time of the year. I’ll speak to the landlord and let him know to expect a visit from a duke. That’ll get you a fine room for sure.’

  ‘This one is perfectly adequate. I’m a rough soldier, albeit a remarkably feeble one at present, and I’m quite content where I am.’ He smiled. ‘But, don’t let that stop you. I owe you my life, John, as far as I’m concerned you can do as you damn well please.’

  ‘I’ll sit over there and let you write your letter, sir, then will have it delivered immediately.’

  Patrick started without preamble. He told Richard how unwell he’d been, thanked him for his help so far, and said that he was now recovering. He also asked if Hannah was there and if so to pass on his love. He paused and then added a few more words and signed it with a flourish.

  After sanding the wet ink, he folded the page, melted the wax and pressed the borrowed seal into it. John went off whistling and he kicked off his boots and flopped out on the bed. Gone were the days when he had to ask for assistance to remove his footwear as now they were so loose they were bordering on uncomfortable.

  He fell into a deep sleep, thought he heard voices in the room but they didn’t disturb him so he returned to his slumber. When he eventually opened his eyes he saw Richard sprawled on the chair beside his bed watching him. His friend grinned.

  ‘Thank God. For a while I thought I was watching a cadaver.’ He offered his hand and Patrick took it.

  ‘I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you again. There was a time when I thought I’d see no one I knew before meeting my maker. I blame General Boyden for this. If I hadn’t had to traipse all the way across Spain I’d never have caught this wretched illness.’ He swung his feet to the floor, stood up and embraced Richard.

  ‘You look as bad as I’d expected, but I think you’re past the worst. Hannah’s with us but I didn’t tell her you were here. In fact, I didn’t tell anybody.’

  ‘What’s going on, my friend? Are you and Amanda at odds?’

  This was the wrong thing to say as Richard’s expression changed and he was no longer speaking to a friend but a formidable aristocrat.

  ‘I beg your pardon, major, none of my damned business. I thought to stay here until I’m more recovered but, if you don’t mind, now I know that Hannah’s waiting for me… ’

  Richard smiled but it was a poor attempt. ‘Don’t worry, I’ve spoken to the vicar. You can be wed as soon as you return.’ He then laughed. ‘I forgot to tell you a pertinent fact. You’ve been turfed out of your home and I now live at the Dower House. Beth and her new governess came with us, and now Hannah is there too, but the others have remained at Radley Manor.’

  ‘Then where the hell will Hannah and I reside? I thought we’d be there so I can continue as your man of business. I can’t marry her until I’ve found somewhere for us to live.’

  ‘Leave it to me. There must be somewhere in my demesne that will suit. I’ll take Bruno and leave th
e gig here.’ He turned to go and then pointed to the corner. ‘I’ve brought you fresh garments although I doubt any of them will fit properly now.’

  No sooner had the door closed behind the major than John knocked and came in. ‘His grace drove himself. I’ve seen to the horse. There’s food coming up for you and then hot water.’

  Over the next few days Patrick continued to improve, he was eating enough for two and able to stay awake most of the day. He had managed to purchase both rings and was now ready to return as a letter had come that morning saying the major had found him a decent house with a couple of acres, a kitchen garden, and was both staffed and furnished. Not only that, both his and Hannah’s belongings were being transferred to their new home immediately. There was no obstacle to their being married at once.

  ‘John, you know the neighbourhood better than I. Where exactly is this Bagshot Hall?’

  ‘It’s on the edge of Denchester village, sir, no more than a mile or two from Denchester itself. Will I be coming with you?’

  ‘You’d better. I’ll not have any other looking after me.’

  ‘Do you think that Ellie will accompany Miss Westley?’

  ‘I’m certain she will. Are you interested in her?’

  John grinned making him look like an eager schoolboy. ‘We’ve a bit of an understanding already, sir, would you and Miss Westley have any objection if we make a match of it?’

  ‘I certainly don’t, but I can’t speak for my future wife. Which reminds me, I’m hoping to be married immediately and would like you to be a witness.’

  ‘I’d be honoured, sir, but forgive me for saying so, I reckon you might be wise to leave it another week or two.’

  He knew exactly what John was hinting at. ‘I can assure you the way I feel about my bride I’ll be able to do my duty, never fear.’

  Two hours later they were sitting side by side on the seat of the gig heading for the Dower House. He’d just scrambled out when his beloved erupted into the stable yard much to the amusement of the watching grooms.

  He opened his arms and she thew herself into his embrace. She was where she was meant to be.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Hannah clung onto Patrick horrified at the change in him since she’d seen him last. He’d lost so much weight but his arms were still as strong as ever.

  Ignoring the grinning audience she buried her fingers into the hair at the back of his neck and pulled his face down so they could kiss. He didn’t need further encouragement and by the time he raised his head she was incandescent with happiness.

  ‘I’m so sorry, my love, you would never have been so unwell if I’d not broken the engagement.’

  ‘It would have been more likely that you would have caught it too. I’m back now and I’ve something for you.’ With one arm firmly around her waist he delved into his waistcoat pocket with his free hand and pulled out a small leather box. He flicked it open and inside was the most unusual betrothal ring.

  ‘Patrick, that’s perfect. Wherever did you find such a thing? Is that gold and silver twisted together and then set with pearls?’

  ‘It’s from Ireland, sweetheart, I couldn’t believe my luck when I discovered this. Here, let me put it on your finger then I’ll know you’re mine.’

  She held out her hand and it slipped perfectly over the knuckle as if made for her. ‘It’s absolutely perfect. Shall we go in as I think we’ve made a sufficient spectacle of ourselves out here, don’t you?’

  ‘Not yet, I have two things that I need to tell you. I want to marry you today. The vicar’s waiting for us to send him word.’

  ‘Today? I don’t know. I must tell you that things have changed here, for me at least. I don’t really wish to start my married life with you under this roof but under one of our own. I no longer refer to his grace or her grace by anything but their titles.’

  ‘You didn’t let me tell you the second piece of news.’

  She could hardly credit what he said. ‘His grace is happy for us to live as his tenants in this house? I can’t tell you how happy I am. When can I see it?’

  He laughed and swung her around as if she was a child. ‘We’ll see it together for the first time when we are wed, sweetheart. Now, stop dithering about out here. I’m an invalid and need to regain my strength before we set off for the church.’

  ‘And I need to change into something more suitable as a bridal gown.’

  ‘I should have thought of that but I fear that you’ll find that all your things will now be packed and are being taken to Bagshot Hall even as we speak.’

  ‘Well I suppose it’s of no account really. After all, I’m marrying a red-headed scarecrow in ill-fitting garments and it would never do for a wife to appear smarter than her husband.’

  The duke and duchess were waiting to greet them inside looking decidedly pleased with themselves for having deceived her so royally.

  ‘Beth is just putting on her bonnet, Sarah and Paul will be on their way to the church as a message was sent to them as soon as Patrick was seen approaching. All you have to do is put on your bonnet and pelisse, my dear, and we can depart as well.’

  Patrick had vanished with the duke leaving her alone with her grace. ‘I don’t want any fuss, ma’am, I just want to marry him and take him to our new house so I can look after him and nurse him back to full health.’ She swallowed a lump in her throat and blinked back tears. ‘I’m shocked to see how thin he is. He was always a robust and healthy man. I’ve read about this dreadful illness and know that it can recur sometimes years later and is always dangerous.’

  ‘I’ve spoken to Doctor Peterson and he’s already sent for a supply of this precious bark so that you’ve got it to hand if such a thing occurs.’

  They went upstairs together to find their bonnets and pelisses. Ellie was beside herself with excitement.

  ‘Everything’s packed and been taken downstairs. I was that fearful that you’d come back to your chamber and see what was going on. It was to be a surprise arranged for you by Mr O’Riley.’

  Laid out on the bed was one of the gowns that she and Ellie had made in Margate that had yet to be worn. It was in warm chenille, a lovely damask pink, with long sleeves and matching spencer. She’d been puzzled by Ellie’s insistence that she wore her red half-kid boots this morning but now she understood.

  ‘Quickly, help me change. Thank you so much for your help. I’m so excited my hands are shaking.’

  She was touched to see that her maid had added matching damask ribbons to her best bonnet so her ensemble was quite perfect.

  ‘Ellie, you’re to come with me. I wish you to see us married. John will, no doubt, accompany Patrick.’

  Downstairs Beth was waiting in her best gown with Miss Parsons, and her grace had also changed into a fresh gown and looked every inch a duchess.

  ‘Where is Patrick and his grace?’

  ‘Good heavens, he could hardly wait here and see his bride before she arrives at the church. He has gone ahead with Richard as he should. Come along, my dear, our carriage awaits.’

  Hannah sat with Beth and her grace on one side of the carriage and Ellie and Miss Parsons sat on the other.

  ‘I’ve an admission to make to you, my dear. Richard and I could not let our dearest friends celebrate their nuptials without providing a small wedding breakfast. It’s all arranged and we shall return here to drink a toast to you both and share a meal before you depart for your new home.’

  ‘That’s so kind of you both and much appreciated. I shan’t allow Patrick to return to work until I’m quite sure he’s fully recovered.’

  Her grace laughed. ‘My husband’s managed without him and I am quite sure can do so for another few weeks. That said, he’s very relieved that Paul’s returned and has taken back the running of the estate.’

  Hannah was unable to continue this conversation, there was a lump in her throat making it impossible to swallow let alone speak. Maybe she’d been premature in distancing herself from someone who she l
oved as dearly as a sister. Perhaps, once she was a respectable married woman, she could send out cards and have an at home and thus establish cordial relations again.

  She reached across and squeezed her companion’s hand. The pressure was returned and she knew things would be easier in future.

  *

  Amanda hoped that her happy smile was convincing when actually she was feeling rather out of sorts. She’d remained in her own bedchamber and Richard had remained in his. Apart from the five nights when he’d been delivering Carstairs to the docks they’d never slept apart.

  The wind had definitely been taken from her sails by his choosing to do exactly what she’d intended him to do. He was civil to her, pleasant even, but there was no intimacy. The banter, the teasing, the sharing of thoughts had gone to be replaced by something she wasn’t happy with.

  It was inexplicable to her that she should object to things being exactly as she wished. She could only think this was because it was he who’d instigated this new relationship rather than herself. He’d said to her only a few nights ago when he’d rescued her from the chapel that she was his life, that he loved her to distraction, so how could he now be treating her this way?

  He was as affectionate as ever when anyone else was present but reverted to the coolness and formality when they were alone. He seemed perfectly content with this new arrangement and that too was a puzzle. Their night-time activities had been instigated by him – as was only right – and sometimes more than once a night. How could he now be sanguine to be celibate?

  The carriage halted smoothly outside the small church and to her surprise there was already a goodly number of villagers gathered outside. Whether it was to wish the happy couple well, or just to alleviate the boredom of their day, she’d no idea.

  As was customary the vicar was waiting to lead Hannah down the aisle. Richard handed them down from the carriage. It was to be his role to take her friend to the altar.