Page 46 of The Duke’s Bride (The Duke’s Alliance #6)
‘I am remaining out of this, my friend, and if I were you I would wait until my sister returns and allow her to make the final decision. Both young ladies made no objection when you asked them if they would remain for another day or two.’
‘Then that is what I shall do. Viola has now been gone for two days so I’m expecting her to return sometime tomorrow. I hope you will remain here until she does put in an appearance.’
‘Unfortunately, I cannot. I have obligations elsewhere and have urgent business to attend to. I am betrothed to my childhood sweetheart and we intend to be married in June. I hope you will be able to attend.’
‘Do you have somewhere to live once you are married?’
‘I expect we will live with my in-laws until I have time to find myself an estate. My father invested all his income into the business, which is why we have two fleets of ships trading successfully all around the world. He rented a smart house in Town for the Season that my sister attended and also rented a decent property in St Albans. When they came to live with Viola after that bastard died he obviously let this go.’
‘Then you must accept this property as your wedding gift from us. Unless it is too far from the capital to be suitable for your needs.’
‘I’m overwhelmed by your generosity, sir, and gratefully accept your offer. Are you quite sure you wish to give this to us? You have only recently purchased this estate for your own use.’
‘This estate has been in the family for generations. I merely took up residence when the tenant died. If it would make you more comfortable, I can put in a stipulation that it must be passed down through your family and that it cannot be sold.’
‘I would be happier with that arrangement. Will the house come furnished?’
Beau laughed. ‘It will indeed – although I must remove the harp from the music room, as I do not possess one at Silchester. I should like to meet your future wife. Would you be prepared to bring her here before I depart?’
‘I still have the hired hack so will take that back to the posting inn first thing tomorrow morning and then travel post-chaise to St Albans and collect my betrothed.’
Beau ignored the port as did his companion. ‘Forgive me, Alston, I must say goodnight to the children before I come through and join the ladies.’
They were both wide awake and waiting for his appearance, and he was glad he had remembered his promise.
‘Your uncle is to leave first thing, so if you wish to say goodbye you must rise at six o’clock.
You may eat breakfast downstairs tomorrow if you would like to.
It will be served at half past the hour – an hour earlier than usual. ’
‘Papa, that would be splendid. Will Mama be home soon? We don’t like it without her,’ Thomas said.
‘I hope that she will be back with us very soon. I am not happy without her here either. Now, you must both go to sleep if you intend to get up early tomorrow.’ He hugged each in turn and they returned his embrace with enthusiasm.
Both young ladies were charming. It would be an impossible task to choose between them and he was glad he had decided to leave this to Viola. On his arrival his mother-in-law stood up.
‘I am going to retire now, your grace. It has been a most pleasant evening. Goodnight, sir.’
‘Would you like me to escort you to your apartment, ma’am?’ He had noticed she was becoming frailer by the day and he was most concerned about her health.
‘That would be kind of you, your grace…’
‘Please, ma’am, desist from addressing me so formally. If you cannot bring yourself to use my given name then please call me Sheldon.’
‘I shall do so if you stop calling me ma’am. I dislike that appellation intensely.’
He took her arm and together they journeyed down the long passageway to her rooms. Her maid was waiting to attend to her. In all conscience he could not abandon any of this family and return to Silchester. He would remain here where he could take care of them all until Viola changed her mind.
He paused at the drawing room to speak to the three remaining guests.
‘I have letters to write, so will bid you all goodnight. Alston, your niece and nephew will be coming down to breakfast as they wish to say farewell. I neglected to tell them you were returning in a day or two with your future wife.’
The young ladies had been about to stand at his entrance but he waved them back. ‘Miss Blackstone, Miss Fellows, there is no need for you to come down so early. Goodnight.’
He hurriedly penned a letter to Bennett telling him of the change of plans.
The letter could go by express in the morning – Alston could hand it in for him.
He missed Viola; she was part of his life now, as were her children and her mother.
He did not feel complete without her in the house with him.
The following morning Alston rode away whilst the twins waved frantically. The hound was standing in the turning circle, his long, plumy tail waving, his head tilted as if asking a question. The children looked at him hopefully.
‘Very well, you may go with him but stay within earshot of the house. I shall whistle if I want you to return.’
They thanked him and scampered off. Only as they vanished around the corner of the house did he realise they had no outdoor garments on. At least they were wearing boots and not indoor slippers.
‘Your grace,’ a quiet voice said from behind him. ‘I have their coats here. Do I have your permission to go after them and make sure they put them on?’
‘Miss Fellows, I did not expect to see you so early. Yes, thank you, I should not have let them go as they are. I have a lot to learn about being a parent.’
‘Elizabeth and Thomas consider you their papa, your grace, and could not be happier. They are old enough to have remembered they needed an outdoor garment for themselves. I shall remind them of that when I catch up with them.’
He grinned. ‘Remain where you are. I shall recall them.’ He put his fingers in his mouth and whistled. The young lady laughed, which made him like her more. The dog bounded back first, hotly pursued by the little ones.
‘I shall leave you to deal with this, Miss Fellows.’
He spent the remainder of the day on estate matters. When Carstairs arrived, he could transfer the ownership of Elveden to his new brother as well as set about finding a suitable tenant for Fenchurch.
Mid-afternoon he was perusing a journal, the twins upstairs at their lessons and Mrs Alston in her rooms resting, when he looked up and saw the Silchester travelling carriage bowling down the drive.
He surged to his feet. Someone in the family had decided to visit him after receiving his news.
He strode into the hall and snapped his fingers at the footman.
‘Send word to the stables that a carriage is coming and the horses will need attending to.’ He had no need to ask for a guest room to be prepared, as all the rooms were kept permanently in a state of readiness by his efficient housekeeper.
When the vehicle rocked to a halt he was waiting under the portico to greet whoever it was. A footman was there to open the door and let down the steps. To his astonishment Viola stepped out.
He took the steps in one and raced across to sweep her into his arms. ‘My darling, I am so pleased to have you home. What the hell are you doing in this carriage?’
She linked her arms around his neck and tilted her face to him. ‘Isn’t it obvious? I have been to speak to your family and they have convinced me I am wrong to think you unhappy with our marriage. I love you and want to be your true wife.’
His roar of triumph caused the team to plunge and only the quick thinking of the coachmen prevented a disaster.
‘I had decided I would remain here until you changed your mind, however long it took. Now we can all transfer to Silchester and begin our lives together.’