The Disappearing Duchess (21 page)

‘I think we should all like some brandy, ma’am,’ Sir Michael said apologetically. ‘It is too shocking to disturb you like this, but the duke insisted it was for the best and sent Lord Lanchester back in his chaise.’

‘Where is my husband?’

‘He went in pursuit of the culprit, which I must admit none of us thought to do, ma’am. We were all stunned by what happened. No one but an utter rogue would fire before the count finished.’

‘Perhaps a very frightened man might,’ Lucinda said. She felt a spasm of nerves in her stomach. Justin had
gone after Mr Royston and might be hurt—and she had a feeling this awful affair was all her fault. ‘Have you any idea of the reason for this duel, sir?’

‘I believe it may have been a matter of cheating at cards. Lord Lanchester discovered Royston was cheating at the tables. He denied it and called Lanchester out—and now we know why. He hoped to murder him and get away with it.’

‘Is Lord Lanchester very badly wounded?’

‘The doctor will tell us that, ma’am.’

‘I shall have brandy sent up,’ Lucinda said. ‘Please make yourselves comfortable. I expect my husband will return soon.’

Pray God that he did and unhurt!

Hurrying away to stir the servants into bringing refreshments for their visitors and tea for herself, she bumped into Mariah to whom she told everything and Mariah declared she would have brandy herself rather than tea.

‘What a kick up,’ she said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. ‘Poor dear Andrew. I would never have thought it of him—and for Justin to have gone haring after the rogue, well, it beats anything.’

‘I pray he will return safely,’ Lucinda said. ‘Come and have your brandy in my sitting room, Mariah. I do not think I shall sleep another wink until I know the outcome of this business.’

* * *

It was more than an hour before the doctor declared himself satisfied with Lord Lanchester’s condition, by which time Justin had returned alone.

Moments after his return, he was met by his wife and an excited Mariah, who declared that she wanted to know everything before she retired to her room.

‘There is little more to tell,’ Justin replied. ‘I knew of the duel—believing Royston to be a rogue, I went to observe it—though I took no part in the affair. Royston arrived at the last second, appeared to be prepared to go through with it, then fired on nineteen, an instant too soon. When Andrew swayed, but did not fall, and turned to take his shot, he panicked and ran. I told them to bring Andrew here rather than frighten Miss Lanchester, and took his horse to pursue the rogue. However, I must have missed him somehow, for I could not find him.’

‘I am glad of it, Justin,’ Lucinda said. ‘Had you done so he might have shot you too. If he was prepared to murder Andrew, he would not balk at killing you.’

‘I dare say you are right, my love,’ Justin agreed with a smile. ‘As a magistrate I shall offer a reward for his capture. If I have my way, he will hang for attempted murder.’ His smile died. ‘Andrew isn’t dead—is he?’

‘The doctor has managed to retrieve the ball and repair his wound,’ Lucinda replied, ‘but I dare say he will have a fever. He was still unconscious when I went in to make sure he has all he needs. Alice volunteered to sit with him this first time—and I am sure Jane will come as soon as she knows he is here.’

‘I am certain she will,’ Justin said. ‘Perhaps you would like to write to her yourself, my love?’

‘I shall go in the chaise and fetch her as soon as I
have dressed,’ Lucinda said. ‘Jane may pack a bag and stay with us until her brother is able to go home. I am certain she would wish to nurse him herself.’

‘Poor Andrew,’ Mariah said and looked thoughtful. ‘I am perfectly willing to take my share of the nursing, you know. My darling Winston said I was the perfect nurse. I shall take a look at our patient now and tell Alice she may have a little rest.’

‘I am sure Jane will be grateful for your help,’ Lucinda said. She looked uncertainly at Justin as Mariah walked away, obviously getting ready to prepare herself for the role of nurse and comforter. ‘Do you think Royston will come back?’

‘Not unless he wishes to face trial for attempted murder.’

‘Justin—why were you there? If it was a duel because of a game of cards…or was there more?’

‘I am certain there was more,’ Justin replied and frowned. ‘Andrew has not confided in me, but I think you may be certain that he managed the affair somehow—and that his motive was to rid you of an enemy.’

Lucinda’s blood ran cold. ‘Do you imagine he meant to kill Royston?’

‘I am not precisely sure, my love. It would have made a clean ending, would it not?’

Lucinda shuddered. ‘How very horrible this is.’ She was trembling and he reached out, drawing her into his arms. She pressed her face to his chest, inhaling the familiar scent she loved.

‘Yes, these things are most unpleasant,’ Justin said and kissed the top of her head. ‘I do hope this has not interfered with your plans, my love? I thought it best to bring Andrew here until he recovers. Miss Lanchester should not bear the burden alone.’

‘No, that would be too bad,’ Lucinda agreed. ‘I had no particular plans, Justin.’

‘Ah, did you not? Mariah spoke to me last evening of a trip to London. I collect that the idea was not of your making.’

‘Mariah has a problem to solve. She wanted my advice, though I told her I am not the best person to give it. She should properly ask your advice, Justin, but seems reluctant to do so.’

‘No doubt she already knows my answer,’ he said and smiled oddly. ‘Should you wish to visit London or Paris I shall take you when I return. I am leaving on a trip this afternoon.’

‘Oh…yes,’ Lucinda faltered, her throat catching. ‘The school…’

‘I shall not take Angela away just yet. I wish to make inquiries about a school much nearer to Avonlea. If it is suitable, you would be able to have her with you on weekends. If we can silence Royston, I may find a governess for her so that she can stay here as your cousin’s child—though she may have to go away for a little time, just until I am certain that rogue cannot harm you.’

Lucinda stared at him, hardly daring to believe her ears.

‘Do you mean that you will take her into our family?’

‘As your cousin’s child—yes. I fear we must keep her true birth a secret, but I am not such a brute as to deny you your daughter, Lucinda. At first I thought she must go away, but then I realised that would be too cruel. I have spoken with Alice. She is prepared to care for the child until we can have her here and she will never betray your secret. Indeed, she is willing to swear in a court of law that the girl is your cousin’s child. It may not be all you would wish, but it is the best we can do if you are to be accepted by society. Believe me, if I could I would cast convention to the winds and allow you to keep her as your daughter—but both you and our children might suffer for it.’

‘Shall we have children?’ Lucinda asked in a small voice.

‘I most certainly hope so,’ Justin replied and smiled at her. ‘I shall come to your room soon and then we shall begin again. It is my hope that we shall find contentment together, Lucinda.’

‘That is my wish too, Justin.’

Lucinda inclined her head, left and went upstairs to change into a carriage gown of striped linen. She looked at her reflection as she tied a cherry-red bow on her bonnet. Her cheeks were pale, but her eyes were bright with the tears she refused to shed. Justin was being kind to her and he intended to put an end to the breach between them—but she could not convince herself that he truly loved her. He merely wanted heirs for the sake of a proud name and family.

* * *

Jane Lanchester was shocked and burst into immediate tears. It took a moment for her to recover herself, but then she raised her head and smiled.

‘Forgive me for an excess of sentiment,’ she said with a brisk toss of her head. ‘I just cannot bear the thought of losing my brother. I was so relieved to have him back from the wars. However, he would be annoyed if I gave way to emotion. I shall pack my bag and some things for him and come. Have you time to wait or shall I order the carriage?’

‘Naturally I shall wait. I am so sorry to be the bearer of this news, Jane. I would not have had it happen for the world.’

‘As if you could have prevented it,’ Jane said and blew her nose hard. ‘Andrew has a temper and I know there have been other duels. He was once arrested and it was only because Justin spoke up for him that he avoided being tried for breaking the peace, which was all they could have charged him for since the affair ended with both men firing in the air.’

‘It would have been better if it had ended that way on this occasion,’ Lucinda said. ‘But we waste time. I should help you to pack.’

‘Andrew’s man will put up some things for him,’ Jane said. ‘I shall be but a moment. My maid will send over anything I forget.’

‘As you wish,’ Lucinda said and went to the parlour window to gaze out. She had been staring fixedly at a bush without truly seeing anything when she had the
strangest feeling that she was being observed. She then concentrated her gaze on the garden, but could see nothing untoward, though the uneasy feeling remained until Jane returned carrying a small bag. ‘You have been quick, but anything else you need can be fetched. We should go at once. The doctor plans to visit again later this morning and I am certain you would wish to be there.’

‘I shall be glad to hear his opinion,’ Jane said. ‘We need wait for nothing more.’

‘Come, then, for I know you must be anxious.’

The two ladies went out to the waiting carriage and were soon bowling along at a swift pace towards the Avonlea estate. Once inside the house, they parted, Jane to her brother’s side and Lucinda to her own bedroom, where after a few moments to compose herself, she removed to the nursery. She must make the most of her time with her daughter. Justin had promised he would allow the child to live with them if a scandal could be averted, but that was not certain and she might soon have to part with the child for a time.

* * *

‘He has a fever,’ Jane said when Lucinda went to the door and asked about Andrew’s health later that day. ‘He has been wandering in his mind, saying all sorts of strange things. It is as well that I am here to nurse him, for the maids would undoubtedly be shocked.’

‘Oh…’ Lucinda looked at her warily. ‘What on earth can he have been saying?’

‘He thought I was his mistress and tried to kiss me,’
Jane said and laughed. ‘Oh, and he said how beautiful your eyes were, Lucinda—though he called you his duchess and other things…just foolish nonsense, of course. I shall not tell him when he comes out of the fever for it would be sure to embarrass him.’

‘Well, I am glad he has such a sensible sister to care for him. Shall I have a tray sent up or will you come down to eat?’

‘Mariah says she will sit with him while I have nuncheon. I shall come down in a little.’

‘You must do whatever you wish. This is your home and Andrew’s for as long as you both need it.’

‘You are very kind.’ Jane frowned. ‘I still do not understand this business, do you? Why my brother fought a duel over a hand of cards—and why your husband should have been there, though not one of his seconds.’

‘Gentlemen do such odd things, do they not?’ Lucinda dismissed Jane’s concerns, but felt a pang of guilt since she was perfectly certain that Andrew Lanchester had fought the duel for her sake. She was not sure whether he had intended to shoot Royston or merely ruin him in the eyes of polite society, but Royston had been too clever for him—or perhaps too frightened to wait and take his chances like a man.

Recalling the feeling of being watched as she stood at the window of Jane’s parlour, Lucinda wondered. Justin had said Royston had disappeared. He clearly believed the man had made a run for it and was probably either
onboard a ship or heading for the coast. Supposing he was wrong? Supposing Royston had lingered in the vicinity…

Yet he must know that his reputation was finished. He might just have recovered from cheating at cards, but to shoot too soon and take foul advantage in a duel was beyond the pale. Royston would scarcely be received in society again and, if Andrew Lanchester were to die, he might be hanged for his murder.

* * *

After nuncheon, Lucinda persuaded Jane to take a walk with her. They did not go beyond the private gardens close to the house and Lucinda was not conscious of any uncomfortable feeling of being overlooked. She kept Jane in the fresh air for more than an hour and when they returned to the house Justin had left on his business trip and strangely the house felt empty.

I
n the morning Andrew confounded everyone by declaring that he was well enough to go home and would not be persuaded to keep to his bed another day. He took a courteous leave of Lucinda and asked that Justin would visit him as soon as he returned.

Mariah decided to accompany Jane and Lord Lanchester to their home. Jane had invited Mariah to stay for a few days.

‘My brother is chafing at being confined to the house,’ she explained. ‘You amuse him, Mariah. I heard him laughing when you sat with him—and he needs someone to entertain him. You have such a lovely reading voice and you play cards so well.’

‘We played for shillings, but it did seem to please him,’ Mariah agreed and looked at Lucinda. ‘You will not mind if I go? I dare say Justin will be home soon.’

‘Yes, I dare say he will,’ Lucinda agreed and smiled.
‘Of course you must go and stay with your friends, Mariah. You do not have to stay and bear me company. I have plenty to do and Justin will be home later today.’

‘We’ll go to London soon,’ Mariah promised and kissed her. ‘And I shall tell Justin he is a fool to think of sending the child away—there is simply no need.’

Lucinda blinked back the tears that rose to her eyes. ‘You must do nothing of the sort, Mariah. You do not understand.’

‘I must thank you for your hospitality, Duchess,’ Andrew said and took her hand in his left hand, because his right arm was still supported in a sling to save his shoulder. ‘I hope we have not been a trouble to you?’

‘How could you think that—after…?’ Lucinda could not continue. ‘I am grateful, but you should not. You really should not…’

‘I hope that I have not made things worse,’ he replied seriously. ‘Please do not forget to ask Justin to call on me as soon as he returns.’

‘I shall not forget.’

Lucinda went outside to bid her friends farewell. If she had felt lonely before, it was nothing to the despair that settled over her now. Was this what her life would be in the future? Justin had been kind to her recently, but still he made no attempt to come to her bed and his indifference hurt her. Even if he eventually came to her in the hope of an heir, it would not be because he loved or wanted her.

Blinking back her tears, she decided to fetch her
cloak and go for a walk. It was a long time since she had bothered to walk anywhere other than the gardens; she had come to enjoy the exercise on those visits to the cottage. She felt restless and without Justin the house seemed too big and empty.

* * *

Justin arrived half an hour after Lucinda had gone out. He asked for his wife at once, but no one seemed to know where she was until one of the footmen said that he thought her Grace might have gone out for a walk.

‘Where are our guests?’

‘They all left this morning, your Grace. Lord Lanchester had recovered and insisted on removing to his own house—and Lady Fanshawe accompanied them. She is to stay for a few days.’

‘Damn!’ Justin muttered loudly enough for the footman to look startled. ‘I thought she would at least have Mariah’s company.’

He strode back out of the house and walked in the direction of the woods. Lucinda had walked there often when he’d left her and gone off to London. With any luck he would find her before too long. He was hungry and tired after a frustrating journey, for the school was unsuitable. It would not do for his wife’s child; the pupils were neither properly educated nor cared for, as he would expect. Justin had come to a decision; keeping the child here and engaging a governess was risky and might lead to some gossip, but he had decided that he was willing to take the risk—but he must tell Lucinda
of his decision as soon as possible. She must make the final decision, because she had the most to lose.

* * *

Although Justin had walked for an hour before giving up and returning to the house in the hope of finding his wife in her parlour, he saw no sign of Lucinda. He enquired of his housekeeper whether she had returned and was told her ladyship had left no instructions for dinner.

‘It is most unusual—this is the day we decide the menus for the week, my lord.’

‘I dare say my wife had other things on her mind,’ Justin said. ‘You will please tell her that I am home and request a few moment of her time as soon as she returns.’

‘Yes, sir. Her Grace has seemed a little down of late, my lord.’ Mrs Mann hesitated then, ‘We all admire her, sir. It was such a charitable thing she did, taking that poor little mite in after her cousin died. I mean, I’ve heard the cousin was not wed and that is why the little girl might not be able to stay here—but it does seem a shame.’

‘Where do these rumours start?’ Justin asked, arching an eyebrow. ‘The child is perfectly legitimate, but an orphan. I have been making enquiries about good schools, but we may decide to engage a governess. That must be for my wife to decide, however.’

‘Well, there, such a wicked tale,’ Mrs Mann said and looked pleased. ‘Had I known I would have scotched
the rumour immediately. I shall do so at the next opportunity.’

‘Please do,’ Justin said with a curt nod. ‘I should not wish any scandal to attach to the girl.’

‘No, your Grace, certainly not. It was a misapprehension and I shall make sure the staff know the truth.’

Feeling satisfied he had taken the first positive step in installing little Angela into his home Justin returned to the issue of Royston. He must be dealt with. He could not allow the rogue to harm Lucinda. Justin had begun to understand just how much his wife’s happiness meant to him. He knew that he could not expect her to love him or confide in him, as she once had, but perhaps he could make something of their marriage at last.

Where was she? Lucinda had not yet returned to the house or his housekeeper would have told him. Perhaps she had gone to visit Jane Lanchester, though it was a fair walk and she had only parted from them this morning.

Unable to stay in the house another moment, Justin left and walked down to the stables. He would pay a courtesy call on Andrew and see how he was faring. Surely Lucinda would be home by the time he returned.

* * *

Justin returned in time for tea. There was still no sign of Lucinda. He knew that she had not visited Jane Lanchester, for they had asked if she had come with him. He frowned as he turned away from the parlour where Lucinda liked to sit in the afternoons and went upstairs.

Her maid was laying out Lucinda’s evening gown when he entered the bedchamber. She turned with a smile, which faded as she hastily made her curtsy.

‘I thought it was my lady, sir.’

‘I was told she went walking. She said nothing to you?’

‘No, sir. My lady seemed sad this morning after her friends left. She fetched her cloak and went out, your Grace—but she took nothing more with her. Her reticule is here and I do not think she went visiting for she did not change into a carriage gown.’

‘Please tell her I should be pleased with a few moments of her time before dinner.’ Justin nodded curtly and left to go to his own room.

He did not recall Lucinda ever staying out this long before. Had she been in such distress that she had done something foolish? Remembering his fears when she disappeared soon after their wedding, Justin told himself not to let his imagination run away with him. Yet the thoughts went round and round in his mind until he was sure his head would burst. Had he made her so unhappy? He had told her he wanted to continue their marriage and then treated her as though she’d done something wicked—when all she’d done was to love a child—a child who had been cruelly treated. He should have admired her courage and made her understand that he blamed the man who had shamed her, but that she was blameless in his eyes.

Oh, God, how he wanted and loved her. He had been
such a fool, allowing his temper to get the better of him, putting his pride before his love for her—before her needs and her happiness. How could he have been such a brute?

Justin knew full well that his friend was in love with Lucinda, but his instincts told him that Andrew would do nothing about it unless she went to him in desperation. At the moment he was recovering from the duel he’d fought—the duel Justin should have fought for Lucinda’s sake. Had he been able to find Royston that day he believed he might have killed the man. A ball through the head and his body left to rot with no one the wiser, but the rogue had disappeared.

Suddenly, Justin’s blood ran cold. Royston was at large, in debt if all accounts were to be believed and in fear of his life. Supposing he had taken Lucinda in revenge for the loss to his reputation? Andrew’s intentions had been good, but he had inadvertently made the situation worse.

Lucinda had not left him. She had been abducted.

Pacing his bedchamber, Justin felt a growing certainty that wherever Lucinda was, it was not of her own free will. He was sure that she had been kidnapped.

What was he to do? Sit tight and wait for a ransom note or look for her?

He had come up to change for the evening, but now abandoned the idea and went back to his wife’s room. It was empty, her fashionable gown still lying on the bed where her maid had left it.

He went downstairs and enquired if any of the servants had seen her since she went out that morning, but the answer was the same. No one had seen her since early that morning. His chest tight with fear, he sent for his bailiff and set up a search while there was still time before the light faded. Someone on the estate must surely have seen something!

* * *

As Lucinda opened her eyes she was aware of a pain in the back of her head. She put up a hand and felt, but there was merely a bump; the blow to her head had not broken the skin. Whoever hit her had wanted her alive. She had been wearing her emerald ring and her pearls, both of which she still had—so the motive was not theft. The only person who could gain anything from her capture was Royston. Where was he and what was his next move?

Sitting up as her eyes accustomed themselves to the gloom, she discovered that she was in a bedroom. A faint light showed through windows at which there were no curtains. It was sparsely furnished with just the bed, a chair and table, and one bedside chest—a servant’s room, perhaps, though it looked too spacious. Once a guestroom, but now almost empty.

What kind of a place was this? She put her feet to the floor and tried to stand, but swooned and fell back against the pillows. The blow to her head had knocked her unconscious and she was aware that she felt rather sick. She supposed that she ought to rest for a while longer, but it was already late in the day and her servants
would wonder where she was—or would they simply think that she’d taken up her old habit of walking for most of the day?

She’d never stayed out this late before. Even Mrs Mann would start to think it strange, but whom could she tell? Justin was due to return that day, but would he realise what had happened?

What a careless idiot she was! Lucinda felt vexed with herself. Justin would return home and might think she had broken her promise and left him because of what he was planning to do. He might not bother to look for her and when the ransom note arrived he would be furious with her for causing more scandal. After all, why should he care about a woman who had caused him nothing but trouble? Tears stung her eyes. She loved Justin so much despite their quarrels and it was all so hopeless.

She tried putting her feet to the floor once more and discovered that she could now stand without fear of falling. Her feet were bare. She looked for her shoes, but could not see them. Had they fallen off as Royston carried her here—or had he taken them so that she could not escape?

The thought made her tingle. If she could escape and find her way back home, it would save Justin the tiresome task of paying her ransom.

Walking softly to the window, she looked out. She appeared to be in a house set in large secluded gardens. Could this possibly be Royston’s own house? Somehow
she did not think it. She would swear that it was an empty house, abandoned by its owner and left to decay. The woodwork about the window was rotting and, from what little she could see in the rather poor light afforded by a moon half in shadow, she thought the walkways and once smooth lawns had been neglected for some time.

Where could she be? She had no memory of having been brought here. Was she close to Avonlea or had she been conveyed some distance in a carriage?

How careless she’d been to let herself be captured so easily. Lucinda tried the window. It opened perfectly well, but there was nothing she could catch hold of and she did not fancy leaping to the ground below. She would either break a limb or her neck, which was why the window had not been secured.

Hearing a sound outside her door, she hastily closed the window and turned as the door opened and a man entered. He was carrying a lantern and his gaze went first to the bed and then to the window.

‘Mr Royston,’ she said, lifting her head proudly. ‘I suspected my abduction must be your work. What do you hope to gain from such wickedness, sir? Surely you would have done better to leave the country?’

‘Yes, that is what your husband and friends would like,’ Royston said, his top lip curling in a sneer. ‘Well, madam, you have mistaken your man. I do not yield so easily. Lanchester tricked me. He planted that card on me. It was he that fed me the cards and then he accused
me of cheating. I dare say he meant to kill me in the duel, but I was too clever for him.’

Lucinda felt chilled. ‘Forgive me if I take leave to doubt you, sir. Lord Lanchester is one of the most honourable men I know.’

‘His word will be believed before mine, I know. I am ruined and I must flee to France or perhaps Italy where I may take an assumed name, but for that I need money—and your husband will pay for me to live comfortably abroad.’

‘My husband is from home,’ Lucinda said. ‘What makes you imagine he will pay for my release?’

‘He was desperate enough when you disappeared before, Duchess,’ Royston sneered. ‘If ever I saw a man at his wit’s end it was Avonlea. We met out riding and I even offered my help to search for you, but he refused me. He loves you despite the fact that you bore an illegitimate child. You should have paid my twenty thousand when you had the chance, madam. Now the price for your return and my silence is fifty thousand.’