The Duke's Ward (The Reluctant Duke Book 1) Read online

  It all became clear to him now. This beautiful girl was intellectually impaired which was why she resided on the nursery floor. 'I am wearing his clothes too. Do you think your mama will mind?'

  She giggled and shook her head, her golden ringlets bouncing. 'She will tell you to get your own clothes, Cousin Richard. She didn't like my papa very much. Will you come and see my drawings?'

  'I should love to, sweetheart, thank you for inviting me.'

  He spent a delightful hour with her and left promising to return later in the day. It broke his heart to see her so impaired. She might have the mind of a small child but the appearance of a lovely young woman. This made her vulnerable to predators.

  He vowed then to take care of her, to make sure that her life remained happy and unsullied by unpleasantness from unscrupulous gentlemen looking for an heiress. He strolled downstairs having quite forgotten the amusing incident at the window that had taken place earlier.

  *

  Amanda was still shaking when she burst into the house through the side door. Her cheeks were hot, her throat clogged with tears. How could he stand there and bow? She had never seen even the naked chest of a gentleman and now she had seen everything.

  A further wave of heat spread from her toes to her crown. How could she face him ever again after what had happened? She was quite sure that even a married woman was never treated to such a spectacle. If only she hadn't been there when it had happened. She could never unsee that moment.

  Slowly her heart returned to its normal beat and her legs stopped trembling. Where could she go to find peace and privacy? The study – nobody came there to disturb her without an invitation. The estate manager took care of the day-to-day matters but it was her responsibility to run the household and manage the finances. Mama had insisted she could no longer do so after Papa died.

  Once inside she closed the door and wanted, for the first time, a lock on it. She collapsed into the chair in front of the fire and closed her eyes. Having seen countless men and gentlemen fully clothed, and the male anatomy of her stallion and the half a dozen dogs that roamed about the place, she could not for the life of her understand why seeing him as nature intended had shaken her to the very core.

  Cousin Richard, even from that distance, was clearly tanned from the sun. His shoulders were wide, his arms muscular, the column of his neck strong. She had not seen much of his legs but she imagined they too were well-rounded and sturdy. She pushed the image of the part of his body that came between his chest and his legs out of her head. She hoped never to see such a sight again in her entire life.

  Then her lips quivered. She had no intention of becoming a bride because she must look after her sister and her mother. Even if she desired to be a wife it was unlikely that someone bracket-faced and with a limp would attract a partner. She now had the advantage over every other unmarried lady. She knew exactly what an unclothed male body looked like – and she sincerely wished she didn't.

  Too restless to settle to any sensible task she paced the room trying to get her thoughts in order. If Mama ever heard about the incident, she shuddered to think what would be the outcome. If merely being in the same room alone with a gentleman meant that both parties were compromised, heaven knows what society would consider the correct procedure after what had transpired between herself and this gentleman.

  Would he feel obligated to make her an offer? Did he think that she had engineered the whole thing in order to trap him into unwanted matrimony? One thing she did know was that she could never marry a man who had killed for his living so, even if he made her an offer, she would immediately refuse. Fiddlesticks to that! She was getting carried away with her imaginings. After all, it was hardly her fault he chose to appear at the window completely without clothes at the very moment she was walking past.

  A curious thought stopped her in her tracks. Perhaps the boot was on the other foot – had he done this deliberately in order to force her into accepting his hand? The very idea was ludicrous. He had become, by his elevation, the most eligible bachelor in the kingdom. He could have his pick of the young ladies on the marriage mart and certainly wouldn't be interested in a flawed specimen such as herself.

  What had transpired was unfortunate and embarrassing for both of them but, in her opinion, there was no need to make too much of it. As far as she was concerned she would treat him as she had before and pretend nothing untoward had taken place in the garden an hour ago.

  As the housekeeper had already been advised to prepare a more elaborate dinner tonight there was nothing left for her to do. She wouldn't lurk in the study a moment longer but repair to the drawing room. When he came down he would find her calm and relaxed and reading the latest novel that had arrived from Hatchards only yesterday.

  Sarah was already there and jumped to her feet at Amanda's appearance. 'He will be down in a moment, so I'm informed, and I cannot wait to meet him.'

  'I consider him part of the family already and I'm certain that you will too once you've seen him.'

  A slight sound at her back warned her that he was there. Instead of turning around, she spoke with her back to him. The longer she could avoid looking him in the eye the better. 'Cousin Richard, I should be grateful if you desisted from creeping about the place. It's enough to give a person palpitations.'

  His rich, baritone laugh sounded from directly behind her making her take an involuntary step forward. 'I most humbly beg your pardon, Amanda, I shall endeavour to make as much noise as possible in future.'

  He stepped around her and moved smoothly to her sister. 'You must be Sarah. You and Beth could be twins. I am delighted to make your acquaintance.' He bowed and her sister curtsied.

  'We are pleased that you've arrived at last, Cousin Richard, as long as you don't require us to transfer back to the Hall. It's far more comfortable here.'

  'We shall all remain where we are whilst I decide what to do with that monstrosity. I'm considering flattening it and building again. Something smaller, more convenient to live in and to run.'

  'That house has been the ancestral home of the Sinclairs for hundreds of years. How can you make such a decision when you've been here less than a day?' Amanda was so incensed at his casual dismissal of the Denchester family seat she quite forgot that she actually agreed with him.

  Chapter Five

  Richard understood Amanda's dismay. In her shoes he would feel exactly the same. 'I've no intention of beginning any demolition or major alterations without discussing it with you and your mother first.' Even as he spoke these words, he understood that it was his right to do as he pleased and for her to do as she was told. He looked at the fierce young lady in front of him, her eyes, exactly like his own, sparkled like gemstones. An attractive flush stained her cheeks making her look almost pretty.

  'My dear girl, we mustn't be at daggers drawn so early in our acquaintance. As you so rightly pointed out earlier, we could be siblings. You and your sisters are my responsibility. I give you my word that I've no intention of being a demanding guardian.'

  Her smile was reward enough. 'Then I thank you, cousin, and welcome you to the family. You said that you met my youngest sister…'

  He nodded. 'She's in need of my protection more than you or Sarah. I can assure you that I'll keep her safe.'

  'We love her dearly, but are well aware that although in her mind she'll not become an adult, in body she will and that's where the danger lies.'

  The other girl moved trustingly towards him and stared earnestly up at him. 'Am I to have my debut in Town this year? I shall be nineteen years of age in the summer and be considered almost at my last prayers if I leave it much longer.'

  'If your mother is willing to make the arrangements then I've no objection. However, I have far too much to do here to accompany you.'

  'Mama will expect you to lead me out at my ball but I'm sure if you depart after that it will be acceptable.' She smiled confidingly. 'Our mother has no head for organisation and will be more interested in play
ing cards than scrutinising my partners. She relies entirely on Amanda to do the things that matter in the household.'

  He was about to refuse when Amanda stepped in. 'Cousin Richard, if you're not there my sister might well be taken advantage of by some unscrupulous fortune hunter. It would be unconscionable for you to abandon her to her own devices.'

  'You will be there to take care of that sort of thing…'

  'Oh, but I shall not. I never travel. Beth relies on me at all times and would be bereft if I was not there. You realise, of course, that she cannot go to London herself.'

  'If I go, my dear, then you shall go to and so shall Beth. I'm sure she'll enjoy seeing the menagerie, driving around Green Park and promenading in Bond Street. When does the Season start?'

  'Members of the ton will start arriving in London next month. I have no wish to accompany you but will do so if you agree to escort my sister and ensure she's not pestered by the wrong sort of gentleman.'

  Sarah joined in the conversation. 'If I'm to have a ball then invitations must be sent out by the end of this month or all the best dates will be taken by other people. Do you have any idea to whom we should send one?'

  'Are you addressing me or your sister? I know nothing about such matters. I'm sure that Amanda and your mother will have things in place in time.'

  'Have you never attended a ball, Cousin Richard?'

  'As one of Wellington's officers I was obliged to do so. I can also dance if forced to, but it's not something I enjoy.'

  'I've never danced with a gentleman. If my sister plays for us will you dance with me after dinner so that I might practise my steps?' The girl, for she was little more than that to him, turned to Amanda pleadingly.

  'I'd be happy to as long as I'm not expected to practice my steps. I'll sit with the other chaperones at the edge of the ballroom. You do realise that you cannot waltz – only married ladies are allowed to do so.'

  This statement intrigued him. 'Who is the arbitrator of this decision? Surely a young lady at her own ball can do as she pleases?'

  'She can indeed, but if she does so her reputation will be gone. Society has rigid rules, Cousin Richard, and they must be adhered to at all times. My sister knows how to deport herself in company.' She sighed theatrically. 'I suppose I must set about writing letters to London in order to have the house opened in Grosvenor Square. The staff employed at the Hall will be returning from their leave at the end of the week and they can transfer to our town house.'

  'How big is this place?'

  'Not as big as the Hall, but it has more than two dozen bedchambers most of which have their own sitting rooms and dressing rooms. It also has a beautiful garden at the rear of the building and coach houses and stabling for dozens of horses.'

  'Then we take our own cattle with us. If we overnight twice at suitable hostelries I'm sure the horses will complete the journey without difficulty.'

  Sarah saw the carriage containing their mother turn into the drive and rushed to greet her and give her the good news. Amanda turned to him.

  'We will all need a new wardrobe and this must be set in motion at once. Fortunately, there's no necessity to send away for material or seamstresses as we have our own. Mama has accumulated a vast stock of materials and the necessary threads, ribbons, buttons and beads to make up any number of gowns.'

  'I'm no expert but even so can see that you and your sisters are dressed in the height of fashion. By the way, I take it, it's you I have to thank for the loan of your father's clothes.'

  'I wasn't sure if you'd be offended. It's uncanny how alike you are. No doubt you wish to view your new home before you demolish it and I'll show you the portraits of our ancestors. You are the image of every one of them.'

  'I should like that. I need to purchase some decent horseflesh for myself and Riley before we leave. The nags we came on were all that was available at short notice.'

  Her eyes narrowed and she looked him up and down. 'You may have the use of my stallion, Othello, until you find something suitable. He's more than up to your weight.' For some inexplicable reason she didn't wait to hear his thanks, her cheeks flushed and she rushed off. What the devil was wrong with the girl?

  *

  Amanda escaped for the second time that day to the sanctuary of the study before remembering that her mother had returned and would expect her to introduce him. She flapped a periodical up and down in front of her overheated face. It had been a disastrous error of judgement to look at him so closely – especially at his nether regions.

  She recovered her equilibrium and made her way back to the entrance hall not a moment too soon as Mama burst in eager to meet the new arrival. He was standing with his back to the door gazing pensively out of the window at the far end of the room. The less she saw of his front the better as far as she was concerned.

  'Introduce me at once, Amanda. Sarah says he's to take us to Town so that she will make her come out this year after all.'

  'That's correct. He's in the drawing room.'

  Her mother rushed ahead not giving her time to say anything about his extraordinary likeness to the departed duke or the fact that he was dressed in papa's garments.

  'Dear boy, I cannot tell you how relieved I am that you have arrived at last. It has been a misery…'

  He turned. Her mother gasped and crumpled senseless to the carpet.

  For a second Amanda was frozen to the spot – but not him. He was instantly on his knees beside her and running his hands along her limbs to check for damage.

  'God dammit to hell! That was clumsy off me and of you, Amanda,' he said as he scooped her mother from the carpet and gently placed her on the chaise longue. 'Didn't it occur to you to warn her that not only do I look like your father but am also dressed in his clothes?'

  Mama was coming round and colour was returning to her cheeks. 'I intended to do so but wasn't given the opportunity. I think she would be more shocked at your language, sir, than your appearance if she had heard it. I hope never to hear such words in this house again.'

  He ignored her remark and turned his attention to the patient. 'Your grace, I apologise for startling you. My similarity to your husband must have been a dreadful shock especially as I'm wearing his raiment.'

  'I forgive you, Richard, you cannot be blamed for your appearance. I take it that your luggage has been delayed?'

  'Worse than that, ma'am, I have no luggage. If you have no objection I'll continue to make use of your husband's wardrobe until I can replace them.'

  'I've already sent a letter by express to Weston's, cousin, and somebody should come tomorrow or the next day with samples.'

  Why did this information prove less than welcome? One would have thought that a person in his position would be grateful for all the assistance offered. She ignored his fulminating stare and turned her attention to her mother.

  'Mama, are you better? Do you wish me to organise the opening of our town house?'

  'Yes, do so at once. I shall begin to draw up a list of the families who must be invited to Sarah's ball. I do wish you had not given my companion leave to visit her ailing mother – when is she expected to return?'

  'Not until after the funeral.'

  'I had forgotten that detail. Far better the poor woman died then lingered on for weeks and deprived me of Miss Bennett's assistance for even longer. Now, I am recovered.' She smiled at him quite unaware that her callous statement had offended all of them. 'We dress for dinner.'

  'That is your prerogative, ma'am, but I have no intention of doing so. Evening dress, as far as I'm concerned, is worn only when there are guests.' He nodded, and strode out his back rigid with disapproval.

  'What a strange young man he is, I declare. Run along and write the necessary letters, Amanda, whilst your sister and I go to the sewing room in order to peruse the fashion plates and set in motion the new gowns we shall need.'

  'Mama, Cousin Richard insists that we all go to London, not just you and Sarah.'

  'Then I suppose that
you have no option but to accompany us. I expect Beth would have felt left out if we hadn't included her in this venture. She cannot attend public functions but, with you beside her, I think she could come to any event we hold in our own home.'

  'Not to something as grand as a ball, but something similar to the event we held last December would be ideal. I must write my letters first, but will join you upstairs immediately afterwards. I'm certain it will take you and Sarah far longer to choose than it will take me to deal with my correspondence.'

  With the letters sent off to be delivered in the next mailbag, Amanda made her way to the small apartment that had been designated as the sewing room. It was in fact a minor guestroom and had a bedchamber plus a small parlour. The bolts of material and other necessities were stored in what had been the bedroom and the sitting room was where the work was done.

  'There you are, my dear, we have just completed our selections. Do you wish my assistance to choose? I am perfectly content to remain here and offer my opinion or shall I leave you and Sarah to make the decisions without my interference?'

  Mama was a contradiction. One moment she was insensitive and the next quite the opposite. 'You know I've not your expertise in such matters. I should be grateful of your assistance, please stay.'

  After an exhausting hour the selection had been made and she was finally free to go about her business. If Cousin Richard wasn't to change into evening clothes then neither would she. Beth ate nursery tea as she found elaborate meals and rich food not to her taste. She waited until her mother had departed in a flurry of silk and petticoats.

  'Sarah, I don't intend to change – I think it might be wise if you do. I've no wish for Mama to feel isolated by being the only person at dinner in an elaborate ensemble.'

  'Shouldn't we follow his lead? After all, he's now our guardian and head of the household.'