The Duke's Alliance Book Two: A Dangerous Husband (3 page)

'When the dust has settled I shall visit Silchester Court and make amends.'

'That's the least you can do, my boy, you must also replace her gown. We have been discussing this matter and know exactly what you must have made up for her – we've seen a perfect ensemble in the latest edition of
La Belle Assemblée
.'

He put down his cutlery and looked around the circle of expectant faces. 'In which case, I shall leave it in your capable hands. How long will it take to make such a garment?'

'I shall send word to my own mantua-maker today and she will send someone down with samples so we can choose the best material. We think that a Genoese satin would be ideal as muslin is too fine to be worn in the winter.'

He raised a hand to stop her elaborating. 'I've no idea of what you speak, I'll leave it to your impeccable taste and have no wish to do more than pay the bill.'

The conversation moved onto the latest
on dits
from Town and he hastily finished his food and made his farewells. The ladies didn't know the full extent of the incident in the library and he had no intention of informing them.

The duke had needed no persuading to help when he'd seen the knife sticking in the panelling. Grey half-smiled when he recalled what Silchester had done when confronted with the cadaver. The duke had raised an eyebrow, nodded, then told him he was profoundly thankful that the man was already dead as that saved him the trouble of dispatching the villain himself.

The door to the library was locked and the room would remain so until his own men had time to put things right. He set off to speak to Ned. Smith and Jenkins leapt to their feet and saluted when Grey walked in – old habits die hard. Ned nodded from his bed.

'As you were, men, we've much to discuss. I take it you had no luck in the woods.'

'No, sir, we found nothing useful. Whoever it was made good their escape without leaving any clues.' Smith scratched his head. 'We ain't happy about this, Major, some bugger's trying to do you in and he's got trained men to help him.'

'The attempts began before I arrived here – in fact, whilst I was still a serving officer. It has to be related to my work for Lord Wellesley.'

'I reckon as you're right, sir.' Bishop scowled. 'There must be something you learned when an intelligence officer what could ruin whoever's trying to top you.'

'Sit down both of you. I should explain that most of the papers I carried from behind enemy lines were sealed. Once I'd delivered a verbal message I removed it from my memory.'

They sat for a few minutes digesting this statement. Grey broke the silence. 'The duke's gone to speak to the militia and hopefully he can persuade their commanding officer to search the neighbourhood. It's a close-knit community here and any strangers would be noticed.'

'I been thinking, sir, and reckon I might know why them varmints are after you,' Bishop told him.

'Go on, I'm listening.'

'Remember, a few months ago we had to go behind enemy lines and were almost captured?'

'I do indeed, that was a damned close thing and the fact that we were betrayed by one of our own made things worse.'

The men exchanged glances. 'It were that, sir, and them papers you brought were invaluable and gave our troops an advantage when we marched through Portugal.'

'I'm sure you're right, however, I can't see that any of those events are relevant to what's happening now.'

'Captain Rogers was executed soon after for treason, weren't he?'

'Good God! You think this is revenge for that?' Grey leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes in order to collect his scattered thoughts. He had uncovered the traitor and Wellesley had done the rest. 'I know nothing of Rogers' family, but I do know that they were not informed he was executed, but that he'd lost his life in battle.'

'I reckon somehow the true state of affairs got back to his kin and it's them that are seeking revenge.'

'I believe between you that you might have solved the conundrum. The fact that a rifle was used to shoot you, Ned, makes this explanation even more plausible. Jenkins must go to London and visit Horse Guards. They will have the information we require.'

'I've sent for half a dozen extra men, all served with me in the 95
th
– a bit long in the tooth but they'll be fine for what you want.'

'Thank you, Smith, that's an excellent notion. A pity the man died before I could question him. I'm hopeful the knife might prove a means to identify him as the design on the hilt is unusual. I've sent it to Horse Guards by express in the hope that someone there might recognise it.'

'Until you get a reply from London, sir, we'll be extra vigilant.'

Chapter Three

Madeline entered through the front door moments behind her brother. When he saw her he swore. 'God's teeth! Your gown is destroyed – I'd no idea how close a thing it had been.'

She had been intending to castigate him for abandoning her but instead she flung herself into his arms. 'Someone threw a knife at me, I almost fell into the fire and if Lord Carshalton hadn't been there I would have burned.'

His arms closed around her and he hugged her tight. 'Sweetheart, I shouldn't have gone off without speaking to you first but the matter was urgent.' He looked around and stared at the two footmen who were gawping at them and they slunk away. 'Come, you cannot remain down here as you are. I'll accompany you to your apartment and we can talk freely there without you having to change immediately.'

'No, Beau, I'll join you in the study shortly. I'd much prefer to change my gown and tidy up first.'

Lottie was shocked but held her tongue and did her duty; soon Madeline was on her way to the study. Her brother had sent for coffee and cake – both of them preferred this aromatic brew to tea.

'I expected you to be longer, sweetheart, but I'm glad you were not. I'll tell you everything I know about the incident and why I agreed to leave so precipitously.'

Madeline collected a slice of plum cake, and cup of coffee, and placed it on a side table by the chair she intended to use. 'First tell me why you had to go to Heatherfield so urgently.'

'Carshalton was an intelligence officer and before he resigned his commission two attempts were made on his life. He'd hoped that he would be safe on an estate that didn't previously belong to his family. However, as you're well aware, whoever is trying to assassinate him has discovered his whereabouts.'

'I still don't see how that requires your assistance.'

'He wants me to use my contacts in Town to discover if there are any rumours circulating about him or his family. My errand this morning was to contact the militia – again he thought my request would be taken more seriously than his as he's a comparative stranger in the neighbourhood.'

'I must only suppose that whoever had broken into the library was startled by my appearance as I can't possibly be involved with this.'

'I'm inclined to agree with you. Whatever the reason for the attacks, it's no business of ours. I've done as much as I'm prepared to and I don't want you visiting Heatherfield again.'

'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 control 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?'