The Duke's Alliance Book Two: A Dangerous Husband Read online

'I've no intention of doing so. Although Lord Carshalton is a handsome man I could never like a gentleman who can kill another without compunction.' Her brother raised an eyebrow. 'I know that Bennett was a serving officer but he never showed any signs of being a violent man once he returned.'

  'Carshalton shouldn't be blamed for what he did, Madeline, if he hadn't dispatched your attacker I would have done so myself.'

  She stared at him in shock. 'I don't believe you. Taking another person's life, unless you are a soldier, cannot be right.'

  'I would expect you to feel that way, little one, a member of the fairer sex is not supposed to understand such matters.' He leaned back in his chair and smiled. 'There's something I must discuss with you. I know you enjoy being the chatelaine of Silchester, but I think it's time you stepped aside and let my very efficient staff do the job they're more than adequately paid for.'

  'If I'm not to be running this establishment in future what am I expected to do with my day?'

  'Visit your friends, paint watercolours, practice on the pianoforte – spend your time doing what other young ladies of your age are doing. You and your sister will be spending your first Season in Town next spring and I'm sure you will need to replenish your wardrobes before then.'

  Madeline put down her cup. 'Let me get this quite clear, Beau, from henceforth you expect me to drift around the place doing absolutely nothing?'

  'I expect you to behave as the sister of the Duke of Silchester. Are you going to eat your cake? If not, then I'll do so.'

  'Take it. I've lost my appetite. I'm going to the library to find myself a book. I shall not be joining you for dinner.'

  Without giving him the opportunity to respond to her comment she stalked off, but didn't go to the library, instead she returned to her apartment and changed into her habit. Perhaps a ride around the park would restore her good humour.

  Her brother wasn't a stupid man, but sometimes he could be remarkably dense. Did he know her so poorly that he thought she'd be content without a purpose to her life? When Mama had died two years ago becoming the hostess of this grand place had made her grief easier to bear.

  Giselle, her younger sister, was happy being a lady of leisure but this didn't suit her at all. Whatever Beau said about the matter, she was determined to find herself something interesting to occupy her time that didn't involve the insipid pastimes he'd suggested.

  Good heavens! He'd been happy to allow her to arrange the house party this summer in order to find Bennett a suitable bride, so why did he think she would be content with nothing to do?

  When she got to the stables something prompted her to ask for Beau's recently acquired bay to be saddled for her. She told the head groom there was no need for anyone to accompany her as she intended to remain within the grounds.

  She'd not been out for long when a pheasant flew out beneath the animal's hoofs. He shied violently, took hold of the bit, and bolted.

  *

  The militia arrived at Heatherfield and Grey quickly explained to the captain in charge what had taken place. He also showed him the corpse stored in an outbuilding.

  'My lord, we shall dispose of this body for you and there will be no further investigations. You may rest assured that my men and I will search the area and question the local populace. I shall report back to you with any information I might find.' The man saluted and remounted his horse. The troop split into three smaller groups and began their investigation.

  When he'd left his regiment on the Peninsular he'd thought his days of violence and danger were over. He must try and persuade his grandmother to return to the family estates where she would be safe.

  Despite her age she'd dealt calmly with the events of the morning as if murder and mayhem were a regular occurrence. He found her and her bosom bows happily chatting together, the topic of conversation was Lady Madeline.

  'There you are, my dear boy, are you coming to join us for a dish of tea?' His grandmother pointed to an empty chair and reluctantly he took it. He'd no intention of being involved in any discussion about that particular young lady – he might inadvertently reveal his interest in her.

  'No tea, thank you, Grandmamma, I've just come to make sure you ladies are recovered from the shock of this morning's event.'

  'Poachers are a fact of life, my boy, nothing to get het up about.'

  'I'm glad you are so sanguine, but until we've apprehended the perpetrator could I ask you all to stay away from the woods?'

  One of her friends laughed. 'My lord, we seldom leave the parterre, so there's no danger of us wandering over there.'

  'Perhaps it would be better if you cut short your visit in the circumstances, Grandmamma, and return to Blakely Hall.'

  'I'll do no such thing. I intend to get to know you properly. Your father and I were estranged, but that was between us and has nothing to do with you.'

  'In which case, ma’am, I'll not mention the matter again.' He was about to stand up but she prevented him.

  'I'm sure you heard us, my dear, talking about the delightful young lady who visited. You didn't tell me you were acquainted with such an illustrious family.'

  'I've only met them once before. After her unpleasant experience this morning it's unlikely she will visit here again.'

  'Such a lovely girl, don't you think? Isn't it time that you started looking for a wife?'

  He'd heard quite enough of this nonsense. 'Absolutely not. I'm in no hurry to enter parson's mousetrap. As I already have an heir in my cousin there's no urgency to set up my nursery, is there?'

  'It's a great shame that your remaining relatives refuse to meet you. They should be grateful the estates were not entailed or they would be living in very modest circumstances.'

  'From what the lawyers told me the income they receive is more than adequate and the fortune I inherited is not really needed.' This was a highly unsuitable topic to be discussing in front of others and he drew it to a close. 'Forgive me, ladies, duty calls. No doubt we will meet again at dinner.'

  When his ancient relative had joined him she'd come with a positive retinue of followers. As well as her dresser, a hatchet-faced woman who he avoided, she'd had two outriders and two on the box of her carriage. Exactly what these servants were doing to occupy their time he'd no idea.

  He left them to their chatter and went to see how Ned Bishop was progressing. As he approached the sound of voices made him increase his pace. He pushed open the door to find Jenkins and Smith were there before him.

  He waved them back to their seats. 'As you were, men, I've just come to check again how Ned does.' He nodded towards the injured gamekeeper who was looking remarkably robust for a man apparently on his deathbed a few hours ago. 'I'm glad to see you looking better. The militia are searching the area again but I doubt they'll find anything. I expect that their presence will deter another attack – at least for a while.'

  Satisfied that he'd done all he could for the moment, Grey dismissed his men; having no further estate business to deal with he decided to take out his new high-perch phaeton. He'd not had the opportunity until now.

  The perfectly matched grey geldings he'd purchased at the same time were also in need of exercise. He sent word to the stables to have the vehicle brought around and then collected his pistol and made sure it was loaded – he could hardly go out with a rifle but this would fit easily in his riding cape pocket.

  When he appeared at the front door he frowned. Jenkins and Smith were mounted and waiting to accompany him.

  'There's no necessity for you to mollycoddle me, boys, I don't intend to go far.'

  Smith touched his cap. 'You ain't going nowhere, sir, on yer own. Me and Bill reckon you need someone with you until this matter's done.'

  There was no point in arguing. He raised his whip in salute and climbed aboard the carriage. He'd not driven a phaeton before and it was damned high – alarmingly so. He gathered the reins, released the brake and flicked his whip; the greys surged forward. It took him a few moments to regain c
ontrol but once he had he began to enjoy the experience.

  Jenkins rode alongside. 'It's a grand turnout, and you'll be able to see for miles from up there.'

  'I can indeed. We'll stick to the most frequented lanes, it should be safer.'

  After a couple of miles he saw an open field and decided to turn his vehicle onto it so he could spring the horses. He wanted to know how safe his new purchase was when travelling at speed. He gestured with his whip and his two men turned to follow him.

  'There's no need for you to come with me. You can remain here as I'll be in view at all times.'

  'We'll go into the middle of the field, sir, then we're not far from you if anything happens.'

  On that cheery note Grey settled himself more firmly on the seat, pressed his boots against the edge and snapped the whip. He was almost catapulted from the box as, instead of going forwards, the horses veered sideways and the phaeton rocked alarmingly. What the hell had startled them?

  He had barely regained his balance and control of his team when a massive bay hunter crashed out of the woods. The animal was riderless and he could see from the side saddle that it was a lady who had come off. He managed to calm his team, twisted the reins around the post, pulled on the brake and scrambled down.

  Jenkins had taken off after the loose horse and Smith was riding towards him. 'I'm going in to find the rider, stay with my horses.'

  Although the leaves were turning brown they'd yet to begin their autumnal fall. He pushed aside the brambles and moved into the wood. Ahead of him was what looked like an impenetrable stand of closely growing trees – how the devil had that brute of a horse fought his way through this without apparent injury?

  He looked around and some yards to the left saw evidence that the beast had arrived that way. He cut through the undergrowth, his heavy riding cape snagging the brambles and branches as he did so. He emerged on a narrow path and began to follow the hoof prints praying that the lady who'd taken a tumble wasn't seriously injured.

  'Can you hear me? Are you hurt? Call out and I'll come to you.'

  A voice he immediately recognised yelled back. 'Over here, I'm stuck in a hawthorn hedge but otherwise unhurt.'

  Grey ran towards the voice and as he rounded the corner, sure enough, there was lady Madeline embedded in the prickles. Her face was badly scratched, but apart from that she seemed to have suffered no serious injury.

  He skidded to a halt beside her. 'Keep still, you're making matters worse by wriggling.' After a short struggle he managed to extricate her. He was tempted to put her across his knee for being so foolhardy as to ride a horse that was totally unsuitable – instead he spoke his mind. 'What the devil were you thinking of? You could have been killed. Surely the duke didn't give you leave to ride his horse?'

  Her expression changed from friendly to furious. 'It's none of your business, Carshalton, I don't need your approval for anything I do.'

  ‘Quite true, but as your stupidity not only risked your own life but mine as well I believe I am entitled to an opinion.'

  Immediately she was contrite. 'I beg your pardon, I spoke without thought. You're quite right to castigate me – I can't think what maggot got into my brain and persuaded me to ride this horse.'

  He delved into his pocket and produced a clean handkerchief. 'Here, let me remove the worst of the gore from your face.' She remained still under his administration but was tense beneath his hands. 'There, that's the best I can do. Fortunately the scratches are superficial and I'm certain they'll not mar your skin.'

  'Thank you. I see now that you're not dressed for riding, is your carriage nearby? I hate to make myself a further nuisance but I fear I cannot bring myself to ride that horse again.'

  'You would do so over my dead body, young lady. I'll drive you home and one of my men can lead your mount.'

  In all the excitement he'd quite forgot to mention that his vehicle was a high-perch phaeton and that her journey to Silchester Court might well prove to be as eventful as her ride. His opinion of his new team was less than favourable and he didn't trust them to behave themselves.

  Chapter Four

  Madeline was relieved that Carshalton didn't offer his arm but allowed her to pick her way through the undergrowth unassisted. She was badly bruised from her fall and dreading the inevitable confrontation with her brother when he discovered her stupidity.

  His lordship had been walking in front of her, holding back the branches to allow her to make her way without being whipped across the face. She stepped into the field expecting to see a racing curricle but was horrified to find an even more alarming vehicle awaiting.

  'I can't possibly travel in that, I've no head for heights.' His horses were restless, their nostrils flaring and eyes wild. Her heart sunk to her boots and unwisely she spoke what was in her head. 'Your team don't look at all steady. I should much prefer to ride one of your grooms’ mounts. I'm perfectly safe riding astride.'

  'Have you completely lost your senses? First you take out a horse that's far too strong for you and then you intend to compound your foolishness by gallivanting through the countryside riding astride. Your reputation would be in shreds if you were seen and the duke would call me out for allowing such a thing to take place.'

  'If I go across country I'll not be seen. The other side of this woodland is our land therefore anyone who sees me will be in our employ, and would not dream of passing an opinion on the matter.'

  From his expression he was unused to being gainsaid. 'You'll travel beside me, young lady, or you will walk home. I leave the decision to you.'

  She viewed the high-perch phaeton with disfavour and decided a three mile walk would be preferable to scrambling up on the box. 'I'll walk, I take it your man will return my mount. I bid you good afternoon, my lord.'

  Before he could respond she picked up her skirts and dashed back into the wood. She would be footsore and weary by the time she reached her destination, but anything was preferable to having to sit beside that irascible and autocratic man in such an unsteady vehicle.

  At any moment she expected him to come after her, to demand that she stopped and return with him, but he didn't. After trudging for ages she bitterly regretted her impulsive decision and by the time she tottered into the stable yard her discomfort had turned to anger. A gentleman wouldn't have allowed a lady to undergo such an unpleasant experience but would have insisted she accompanied him instead.

  The first thing she saw was the horse who had thrown her already rubbed down and comfortable in his stall. She stiffened her spine and not looking to either right or left she marched along the path to the house hoping she still had the energy to get to her apartment.

  Somehow she managed to stagger up the stairs and gain the sanctuary of her rooms. Lottie was waiting for her. 'My lady, I've been that worried. I expected you back an age ago. Your face is scratched – did you take a tumble?'

  'I did and was obliged to walk home. Please help me remove my boots – my feet are so painful. I should like to soak them in a basin of hot water, but before that I must remove this wretched habit. Such garments are not meant for walking and I fear it's quite beyond repair.'

  Her abigail deftly removed her outer garments and helped her slip on a loose morning gown. As soon as Madeline was comfortable the girl turned her back, lifted the boot and pulled it through her legs in order to remove it.

  Every tug was agony.

  'It won't budge, I think your foot has swollen. Shall I try the other one?'

  'No, I don't think I could stand it. If I prop my feet on a stool for an hour or two I expect it will be easier for you to remove them.'

  Her maid looked unconvinced but brought the footstool anyway. 'I'll fetch you some refreshments, you must be sharp-set after such a long walk.'

  *

  Grey was tempted to go after her and insist that she accompany him but decided, as she'd so rudely pointed out, what she did was none of his business. 'Smith, drive this back to Heatherfield. I'll ride your horse and
lead the gelding. Jenkins, I suppose you'd better come with me.'

  He'd selected Smith as he was the better whipster of the two. He mounted and took the reins of the duke's animal. 'I'd better go by the lane, the path's too narrow to accommodate two horses abreast.'

  Three quarters of an hour later he arrived at Silchester and explained his unexpected appearance. He was directed inside where he found the duke in his study. 'Your grace, Lady Madeline went out on that large bay gelding of yours and took a tumble. She was unhurt but refused to remount the horse. She also rejected my offer to drive her home in my phaeton and insisted on walking. I wished to inform you before going out to find her.'

  'Serves her right for doing something so stupid. There will be ample opportunity for her to regret her rash decision on the long trek home. No, I don't want you to ride out and meet her and neither do I want any grooms to go.' He waved towards a comfortable leather-covered armchair in front of the cheerily burning fire. 'Take a seat, Carshalton, I'll send for coffee – unless you prefer something stronger.'

  Grey was reluctant to leave the girl to walk the entire distance but he could hardly disagree with her brother. 'Thank you, coffee would be excellent. I apologise for appearing here, I don't want to bring my problems to your doorstep. I can tell you what I think is the reason behind these attempts on my life.'

  He spent a convivial time with his host before taking his leave. As he crossed the grand hall he spotted a footman. 'Direct me to Lady Madeline's apartment, if you please.'

  It was a breach of etiquette to visit a lady in her rooms but he was determined to discover for himself that she was safely returned. He thought her brother's decision harsh but supposed the long walk might teach her not to do anything so dangerous again.

  He had no intention of actually going into the apartment, merely enquiring at the door as to how she did. His knock was answered by a soft call to enter. He pushed open the door and bowed to the figure seated in a chair by the fire.

  'My lady, I beg your pardon for intruding but I wished to ensure that you were safe before I left.'