Page 23 of Dukes All Night Long

T o his surprise, Garry slept soundly for the rest of the night. He woke to find a footman in Wolf’s bedchamber, putting away Wolf’s shaving gear.

“Good morning, Lord Versey,” the footman greeted him, as matter-of-factly as if valets turned into noblemen every day of his week. “Lord Wolverton asked that you join him at breakfast if you woke in time.”

“I shall wash and dress, then,” said Garry.

Word of his true identity must have spread through the house, for several maids bobbed curtseys as he passed, and the butler bowed while opening the door to the breakfast room for Garry to pass through.

Wolf, Congleton, and the two eldest daughters were all still at table. Jenna smiled a greeting. Wolf and Sabina, who were holding hands under the table, were too absorbed in one another to pay him attention.

Congleton said, “So. You deceived us all, young Versey. Help yourself from the sideboard.”

“It was rude of me, sir, I know. I have begged your daughter’s pardon, and now I beg yours, sir.”

“I see your point, lad, and so I’ve told my Jenna. She is minded to forgive you, since you’ve done our family such a service.”

“I am always at my lady’s command for anything she may require,” Garry said, to which the earl replied, “An excellent answer,” and Jenna shot Garry a look full of amusement.

“Lord Versey,” said Sabina, her eyes filled with tears, “I owe you more than I can ever repay.” She turned those brimming eyes onto Wolf. “He has been a true friend to us, Charles.”

“He has,” agreed Wolf. “I thought this masquerading as a valet was a mistake, but I should have remembered. He had a reputation at school for this. Heading off into trouble and coming back smelling of roses. Our headmaster used to say he could fall into a midden and surface with a diamond in his teeth.”

“But what shall we do about Carter?” Jenna demanded. “He must not be allowed to get away with this.”

“Turn him away at the door,” said Wolverton, promptly. “In fact, let me do it. I shall send him packing.” He held up his free hand, making it into a fist and shaking it.

“He will immediately go home and fetch down his hat boxes,” Jenna said. She and Garry shared a smile of enormous satisfaction. “What a pity we cannot be present to see his face!”

“We shall have to ask Parsons to report,” said Garry. “Satisfying as it would be to beat the man to a pulp, Wolf, I do not recommend it. I agree he should be turned away, but I think it would be best if he does not come looking in Congleton Abbey for his missing letters. Here’s what I propose…”