The Orphan and the Duke (16 page)

“How about we start out in a gentlemanly manner, and if they won’t let us see Miss Mandeville, then we tear the door down. I think knocking politely would be the way to go initially.”

“You don’t know these people, but I agree to try it your way first. Promise me, though, that you won’t try to stop me if they block me from seeing her,” Basil said.

“I promise.” Cuthbert opened the door. Before he put his leg out, he looked over his shoulder and said, “You’re in love with the lady, aren’t you?”

“I just realized it myself last night. How can you tell?”

“I fell hard and fast for Augusta. I recognize the look.” Cuthbert laughed. “Let’s go check on your love.”

They exited the carriage, crossed onto the Mandeville property, and made their way to the front door.

Cuthbert knocked, and the butler Basil recognized from his last visit appeared at the door. “I’m sorry, Your Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Mandeville aren’t home.”

“I’m not here for them. I’m here to see Miss Amelia Mandeville.”

“She isn’t here.”

“She isn’t here, or she isn’t receiving?” Cuthbert spoke.

“The young lady isn’t here,” the butler repeated.

“And Mr. and Mrs. Mandeville are in the house and merely not receiving?” Cuthbert went on.

The butler didn’t answer but dipped his head as if in acquiescence to the question.

That was all the encouragement Basil needed. He shoved past the butler and into the foyer. As soon as he was inside the house, he bellowed, “I know you’re here, Mandeville! I’m not leaving until I see your niece.”

Cuthbert whispered to Basil, “Not too subtle there, friend.”

“I don’t care. I’m determined to see her,” he said in his normal tone and then yelled again, “Might as well come down here, Mandeville! I’m here to stay!”

Susan appeared at the top of the staircase. She gaped at them before speaking. “Your Grace, what can we do for you?”

“Have Miss Amelia Mandeville come down here to speak to me.”

“I’m sorry. She’s out for the day.”

“Out where?” Basil was running out of what little patience he had and wasn’t in the mood to be trifled with.

“I’m sure I don’t know.” Susan descended the staircase and stood beside Basil. She glanced at Cuthbert. “Aren’t you going to make the introductions?”

“I am not here on a social call. I am here to see Amelia.”

“Then you shall have to come again on another day. As I said, she’s not here.”

“Where is your father?” Basil demanded.

“I’ve no idea.” She shrugged.

“Miss?” Cuthbert said.

“Yes?”

“The Duke of Darnley is quite concerned about the welfare of Miss Amelia Mandeville whom I presume is your relation. The quickest way to have him quit these premises is for someone to either produce Miss Mandeville or tell him where she is.”

“I wish I could help you, but I cannot.” Susan shook her head.

Basil wasn’t waiting any longer. He moved around the two of them to one of the closed doors in the corridor—the one he remembered as being the parlor. Flinging it open, he peered inside. No one was there.

“You can’t do this. Get out of our home.”

“I am going nowhere. I’m sure your coward of a father is somewhere in this house, and even if I’d had some respect for him before I arrived here—which I didn’t, by the way—I’d have lost that by now. When a grown man sends his slip of a daughter down to fight his battles, all thoughts that he may be an honorable man are gone.”

“You’re wrong. My father is a brave man.”

“Then where is he?” Basil turned to the next door and opened it. Mr. and Mrs. Mandeville stood inside a small dining room, practically cowering in the corner. “Come and look at your brave father now, Miss Mandeville. He’s hiding while you defend his honor.”

“Sir, I must ask you to leave my home.” Mr. Mandeville found his courage somewhere among the cutting utensils. He stepped forward and out into the main room.

“I’m sure you heard me tell your daughter that I am not going anywhere until I see your niece. And if you didn’t, then here’s your notice of that fact. The easiest thing to do is call for her to come downstairs so I may see that she has come to no harm.” Basil felt the heat from Cuthbert’s body as the man came to stand near him. He was grateful his friend was staying out of the conversation but close enough to react if needed.

“What makes you think she would have been harmed?” Mrs. Mandeville asked as she moved to stand by her husband.

“I’m quite sure you and your husband both saw the newspaper item that referred to her. Knowing the way you’ve always treated her, I’m concerned about her safety.”

“What exactly are you accusing me of doing, sir?”

“I don’t know until I see your niece.”

“What does
that
mean?”

“At this point in time, sir, since you won’t produce her, I can only presume you’ve done her grave harm or maybe even killed her.”

Susan let out a gasp at the same time her mother fell backward against the closest wall with her hand to her neck.

“How dare you accuse me of murder? I did no such thing.” Mr. Mandeville’s eyes bulged. He lunged toward Basil. “I should call you out for that.”

“Prove to me that she isn’t dead. Produce her. Here.” Basil didn’t back down. He pointed to the floor in front of him. “Now.”

The man seemed to find his nerve and came at Basil with both hands stretched out before him.

Before he could touch the duke, though, Cuthbert stepped between them. “Bring your niece down here, sir. We must see her immediately, or I will be sending my coachman for the nearest constable.”

“I cannot send for my niece, for you see, the lady has been defiled by the Duke of Darnley here, and as a result, she is no longer living under my roof. She has been turned out. I have no idea where she is nor do I care. Now, I suggest the two of you leave my home before I send for a constable as well to put you out of my residence.”

“You threw her out in the street?” Basil almost passed out.
Innocent Amelia out in the streets? And I’ve wasted all this time with these people. I needed to be out searching for her.
“You’re her guardian.”

“And you are her debaucher, sir.”

“I have done no such thing, and now you’ve sent her out to who-knows-what fate.” Basil rushed for the man, intent on harming him for sending his love out unprotected.

Cuthbert grabbed Basil’s arm. “Save it for later. Right now, we need to find her.”

Basil knew his friend was right. He turned toward the front door. Before stepping outside, he called out, “This isn’t over, Mandeville. Your reckoning day is coming. Be ready.”

On the porch, the butler stopped them. “I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you, but Mr. Mandeville would turn me out without a reference. We gave the young lady some food, but we had no coins for her.”

“Where did she go? Do you know?” Basil asked.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace. She walked that way.” He pointed to the west.

“Was she hurt?”

“She was on her feet, but the master had—”

Mandeville’s voice came from inside the house. “Get inside and close the door, Branson.”

“Good luck, sir.” The butler disappeared behind the door.

“What do you think he was going to say?” Basil asked Cuthbert.

“The most important thing he said was she was on her feet. We need to take hope in that and find her as soon as we can.”

“Where should we look?”

“We need to walk since she’s on foot. We can cover the amount of ground she did more easily than in the carriage. I’ll also send my man to Augusta, and she will get her brothers out to assist us.”

“Thank you, Cuthbert. I’m so glad we met. I need a friend for sure today.”

“Come on then. Let’s find your lady.”

Basil started walking in the direction indicated by the butler. Cuthbert caught up to him after sending his carriage for reinforcements.

They walked for hours up and down so many streets Basil lost count. They crossed paths a few times with Cuthbert’s brothers-in-law but never saw Amelia.

Frantic with worry when the sun went down, Basil didn’t know what to do or where to go next. He was sure Amelia had never been out alone after dark. His heart ached knowing how scared she would be.
Where could she have taken refuge?

“What can we do now?” Basil asked his friend.

“We keep looking. She’s out here somewhere. The good news is we haven’t found her hurt or—” He hesitated.

Basil finished the sentence. “Or dead. I know. That
is
good, but where could she be? She has to be terribly frightened.”

“We’re going to stop everyone we see and ask if they’ve seen a young lady alone who is clearly genteel. I mean asking even ladies of the night and ruffians.” Cuthbert hailed the next man walking by. “I say, sir.”

The man came over. He reeked of gin but seemed to be able to hold himself together. “Got any coins?”

Cuthbert handed the man a coin. “We’re looking for a young lady—”

“Aren’t we all?” The man wheezed out a laugh.

Basil tapped his toe. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could last if they didn’t find her soon. A fleeting thought of how dark and dismal his days would be if he never found her raced through his mind.

Realizing Cuthbert was getting nowhere, Basil wandered away.

He spotted three men standing on the corner of the next block. He crossed over to speak to them.

One of the men noticed him first. “Look here, another fancy dresser down here mingling with the regular people. Must be some kind of holiday.”

This might lead somewhere. How many fancy people could these three have seen in one day?
“Have you seen a young lady recently? One who would be—”

“What? Your ladybird done left you? Did you make her mad? She was right terrified of ole Mort here. Ran off like she was runnin’ from the hounds of hell.”

With his heart in his throat, Basil said, “She
did
get mad. She thought I was looking too long at another. Where did she go? I’m worried about her.” He figured playing along with them would get him more information than if he told them he was a duke.

“She ran thataway.” One of the other men spat on the ground and poked a thumb over his shoulder.

“How long ago?”

“No more than ten minutes,” the third man said.

Basil took off at a run, throwing a “thank you” over his shoulder as he went. He traveled a few blocks then slowed down to catch his breath.

Basil was grateful his lungs needed a rest when he heard a faint whimpering he would’ve missed had he still been running. He decided to follow the sound.

To his eternal amazement, he found, huddled under an awning and in the corner of a doorway, the love of his life.

He stepped forward.

“Stop! Stop! Please don’t hurt me,” Amelia cried out.

“Darling, I would never hurt you.” Basil leaned down and pulled Amelia into his arms.

“Oh, God, I must be dreaming. If I’m dying, let me die with this dream. Don’t let me wake and see my attacker.” She sobbed into her shoulder where she’d turned her head away from him.

Basil gently took hold of her chin and moved her face where she could see him. “Open your eyes and look at me. I’m really here. You’re safe. No one will ever harm you again.”

She opened her eyes and focused on him. “I’m so sorry. I’ve always been a burden on everyone, and now I’ve been one to you.”

“Never, my love. Never a burden, always a joy.” He held her tightly. “Let’s go home.”

“Home? I have no home.” She shook her head.

“You do now.” Basil rose and held her in his arms. He sent up a silent prayer of gratitude.

He turned to see if he could hail a hansom but found his friend standing beside him. “I’ve got the carriage around the corner.”

“How?”

“It was passing with Lancelot inside when I saw you run off after talking to those men. I had hopes you were on the way to finding Miss Mandeville and followed with the carriage.”

“Then let’s get her home, fed, and cleaned up. I’m sure my sisters will be more than ready to assist us. We may even be able to get the cat to drink a toast to our finding Amelia safe and unharmed.”

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were drunk, Darnley.”

“Maybe I am, maybe I am.” Drunk with relief and love, Basil planted a kiss on Amelia’s forehead, but she didn’t know it as she was sound asleep.

Chapter 15

Two days later, Amelia was still in bed. Jonquil and Saffron came by several times a day to read to her or draw pictures for her. Augusta also came to visit. She said her husband and brothers were also in the house but didn’t feel it appropriate to visit a lady in her bed, so they sent notes and chocolates instead.

Archimedes seemed to be around all the time, although Basil did say the cat still spent a lot of the day with him in his study. Amelia was glad the duke didn’t have the same qualms as Augusta’s male family members when it came to visits. Her day always brightened when he sat with her. She remembered he’d called her his love when he rescued her, but she knew that he was speaking out of relief because he had found her.

She had no idea why he’d decided to check on her the day the gossip item was in the paper. He didn’t owe her anything, but she was grateful. By the time night had fallen and she was sitting in the doorway, exhausted from the day’s trials, she was sure she was dying.

She knew the duke and his sisters would allow her to stay with them until she had recovered and found a position, but without a home to return to each day, her dream of preparing young ladies for presentation was over. Finding work would also be difficult since she’d been the subject of a scandal. She decided to inquire about governess appointments. “It’s here. It’s here,” Saffron said as Jonquil followed her into Amelia’s room carrying a massive box.

“What do you have?” Amelia leaned forward and realized for the first time since she’d been thrown out of her uncle’s house that her back and head didn’t ache.
Maybe I’m going to be all right after all.
The first day or so she didn’t think she’d ever be the same again.

A small section of hair was missing from her scalp, but she’d figure out a way to cover it up until it grew back.

“It’s a surprise for you,” Jonquil said. She set the load she carried on the floor.

“I think Basil wanted to be here before we opened it, but he’s still downstairs,” Saffron said.

Archimedes strolled in and leapt onto the bed. He padded over and snuggled against Amelia’s side.

“He’ll be here any second, then.” Jonquil turned to the door as Basil entered, carrying another box.

“How did you know?” Amelia asked.

“Archimedes is almost his constant companion now. For a man who didn’t like cats, they sure have become fast friends.” Jonquil laughed. “Did you ever think you’d see the day, Basil, that you’d have such a faithful companion?”

“I have to confess, I’m a little embarrassed at how much I enjoy his company. Most men of my station have a dog that follows them on their estates. I’m stuck with a stable cat. Can you imagine the jests about that state of affairs if it were known?” Basil set the box he carried on the foot of the bed.

“What’s in that one?” Saffron asked.

“You’ll see. Let’s let Miss Mandeville open the one Jonquil brought up, and then she can open this one.”

“Basil, she can’t get out of bed with you in here. She can’t be in front of you in my dressing gown.” Saffron shook her head at her brother. “I’ll open it and show her.”

“Good idea,” Amelia said. “But can you hurry so I can see what it is? You’re all talking about it, and I’d love to know what’s in there.”

Saffron tugged the lid off and lifted out a pale pink gown. “It’s gorgeous.”

“Wait, here’s something else,” Jonquil said as she pulled out another gown, in green.

Amelia recognized the fabrics and ribbons she and the duke had looked at in the dressmaker’s shop. She clapped her hands in delight. “How wonderful! You let me pick out the colors for the girls’ ball gowns. It feels good knowing you trusted my judgment.”

“No, you ninny. These gowns are for you.” Jonquil turned to Basil. “You got two instead of one? That was a good idea.”

“For me? Why?” Amelia could scarcely breathe.

“For you to come to our ball. You needed something lovely to wear,” Saffron said.

“I can’t come to your ball.” At the look on both sisters’ faces, Amelia added, “Much as I would love to.”

“Why not? You’re our friend, and we’re inviting you,” Jonquil’s lips quivered.

“Please understand. You have been the best friends—no, really—the only friends I’ve ever had, and I wouldn’t hurt either of you for any reason. But the truth is, if I came, everyone would be gossiping again about your family. I can’t bring that on you all again after everything you’ve done for me.”

“We’ll talk about it later,” the duke said. “I want to discuss it with you when you’ve had a chance to think about the fact that we
all
want you to come.”

“What’s in the other box?” Amelia almost didn’t ask the question, but she wanted to know.

“When we found you the other night and learned that your uncle had sent you away with nothing, I decided to send the gown you were in to the dressmaker and ask her to use the measurements to make you a few day dresses as well as some nightclothes and other unmentionables.” The duke removed the lid from the second, larger box. He smiled when he said
unmentionables
, and Amelia could have sworn he blushed.

“I cannot accept all this generosity.” Overwhelmed by the gifts and the kindness of a family who were no relation to her, Amelia sniffed back the tears that threatened to fall.

“Yes, you can.” Saffron patted the mattress. “Unless you want to spend your life in this bed in a borrowed night rail, that is.”

“She has a point,” Jonquil said.

Amelia had to concede defeat. “You’re both right. How about this? I will take the day dresses, and when I find employment, I will repay you.” She looked up at the duke, begging him with her eyes to say yes.
Please let me keep some dignity. What little I still have.

“I find that acceptable.” He smiled as if he understood.

“She can’t leave us to be a governess, Basil. We won’t stand for it.” Saffron walked over to the second box. “Let’s see what’s in this one.”

Saffron and Jonquil pulled out three more dresses. Each one was lovelier than the one before it.

“You’re going to have to go now, Basil, so we can help Amelia into one of these. We need to see how they fit, and I think it’s time she came downstairs for our next meal.” Jonquil practically pushed her brother out of the room.

“Come down soon. I confess, I wonder how Miss Mandeville will look in the colors I picked for her.” He smiled. “I’m not sure about ladies’ gowns, so I hope they suit.”

Amelia desperately wanted to see how they looked on her as well. She was touched that the duke took the time to choose the materials himself.
What a kind man he is.

As soon as Basil was gone, Amelia tossed the coverlet back and climbed out bed.

“Let me call for Mary to help,” Saffron offered and pulled the cord to connect to her lady’s maid in the servants’ quarters.

In a short while, Mary entered and assisted Amelia into the first of the gowns. It was a silver day dress with a ruched bodice as well as some light lavender ribbons hanging from the shoulders. It fit perfectly, which surprised Amelia. The gown she’d worn when she was rescued by the duke was one that used to belong to her married cousin Jane. It was almost too short, but for some reason, the seamstress had made the new one longer.

When she turned to look at herself in the mirror, all the emotions that had been threatening to shatter her composure since the first box was opened burst forth. Amelia collapsed on the floor in a puddle of tears.

Both Staunton sisters huddled on the Aubusson rug next to her. “What’s wrong, Amelia? It looks beautiful on you.” Saffron rubbed Amelia’s back.

“Don’t cry. You’re lovely. Once Mary fixes your hair, you’ll be even better,” Jonquil said.

“It’s not that I don’t love it. It’s that I don’t deserve it. You have all been so nice to me, and I don’t know why.” Amelia sobbed into her hands so she wouldn’t soil her new finery.

“Nonsense.” Saffron stood. “You need to get up and let Mary do your hair. Basil is waiting downstairs, and we don’t want to keep him.”

“Remember, we love you, Amelia, and when you love someone, you do things for them. Not that they need to
deserve
it, as you say. When you can make someone happy, you do it. That’s all it is.” Jonquil reached her hand out to help Amelia up. “Trust me when I say it’s money that Basil won’t even miss. He wants you to look nice, and all you need to do is say thank you when you see him.” She smiled. “That’s all he ever wants. A thank you.”

“I can do that.” Amelia gave a watery smile to her friends. “Let’s see what Mary can do with my hair. I’m not used to a lot of assistance with it, so I’ll be happy with something simple.”

Mary made short work of Amelia’s locks and even covered the small bald spot left by her uncle’s attack.

Once she was ready, the three ladies made their way downstairs. Basil stood beside the table in the foyer where the silver tray of calling cards sat beside a massive flower arrangement. He held what appeared to be a letter.

When Jonquil called out to him, he looked up. He smiled at Amelia with a look she could only interpret as approval. The smile made her knees weak, and she almost fell. She clutched the handrail to keep her balance.

Basil watched Amelia as she made her way down to the bottom step then held his empty hand out to assist her to the main floor. “You are stunning. The gown flatters you.”

“Thank you for both the compliment . . . and the garment.” Overcome with shyness, Amelia almost couldn’t get the words out. As it was, they were in such a soft whisper, he leaned close to hear her.

The duke turned to Saffron. “This is a note for you. Swinton just brought it in. Any idea who sent it?”

“No. Let me see it.” Saffron held her hand out, and he passed her the letter.

“You know I don’t allow correspondence from unapproved sources. Who do you think it’s from?” Basil asked.

“I’m quite sure it’s from Gwen. You know her. It looks like her handwriting.” Saffron answered her brother, but Amelia could tell the girl wasn’t telling the truth. Her face was red, and she didn’t face him.
Maybe she has a secret beau she doesn’t want her brother to know about, but she shouldn’t be dishonest about it.

Amelia had no way to verify her suspicions, so she refrained from speaking. She vowed to try to cajole Saffron into confiding in her so she could convince the girl to tell the duke the truth.

“Go ahead and read it while I call for the barouche. I think we need to take Miss Mandeville out for a drive to show off her new gown.” The duke called for Swinton, who dashed off to make preparations for their vehicle.

Saffron stepped over to the side of the hallway near the parlor. She opened the envelope and scanned it.

Amelia noticed Saffron’s face reddening again.

“Where do you think we should go on our ride?” Jonquil asked.

“I’m not too sure we should be out at all. Since I’m not with my guardians anymore, I’m afraid a ride through the park would merely land us back in the papers. Is it worth it to do that?” Amelia asked.

“Nonsense. We don’t need to hide. We’ve done nothing wrong. Showing the world we aren’t behaving illicitly is part of why we need to be out in public.” The duke turned to Saffron. “Come along. I’m sure the barouche is out front by now, so let’s go.”

“I think I need to stay here. I’m getting a headache, and the sun will make it worse.” Saffron placed the back of her right hand on her forehead. “Yes, I may even have a fever. I better rest instead.”

“Perhaps we need to call Doctor Martin. He’s going to think he needs to move in since he’s been here so often seeing after Miss Mandeville and now you,” the duke said.

“No. There’s no need to call him. I merely need a little rest.”

Amelia was positive the girl wasn’t being truthful.
Something in that note made her want to stay home. But I don’t want to accuse her of anything.
The memory of being alone on the street at night was still too fresh. She didn’t want to be ousted from another home. Amelia wondered if she’d ever feel safe and secure again.

“All right then.” The duke held his hand out for Jonquil to take. She did, and he led the way out the door Swinton held open for them.

The duke handed them both into the barouche. He took the driver’s seat after letting the coachman know he wasn’t needed. Amelia was sure he wanted to drive so everyone would notice he was out with his sister as well as her. It was almost as if he were daring the
ton
to take notice.

It seemed odd to her that someone would court attention like he was, but she decided if he didn’t care, she surely didn’t.
He’s the one with the reputation to lose, not me.

Ignoring the implications of the outing, Amelia held her head high and let the sun warm her. She reached over and squeezed Jonquil’s hand. “Isn’t this wonderful?”

“I love it. The breeze is nice, and the sunshine feels so good. I wish Saffron had felt like coming.”

Amelia cast a glance at the duke’s back. Satisfied he couldn’t hear her, she asked Jonquil the question that had been bothering her since Saffron received the letter. “Does Saffron have a young man?”

“No. Not that she’s shared with me.” Jonquil looked confused. “She doesn’t keep secrets from me, and I think she would tell if she’d formed an attachment.”

“Would she? You’re sure?”

“As sure as I can be. She’s always talking about being the older twin and saying she will have to be the first to marry, so I truly believe she wouldn’t be able to
keep
from telling me. Why do you ask?”

“I think that note was from someone else and not her friend Gwen. She seemed like she wasn’t telling your brother the truth.”

Jonquil sat quietly for a time. “Now that I’ve had a chance to think about it, you might be right. She
did
seem not quite right.”

The duke stopped the barouche and spoke to a couple of ladies in their own open-top conveyance. They both looked at Jonquil and Amelia and nodded a hello.

Relieved they both were amiable and didn’t give her the cut direct, Amelia smiled at them. She even made eye contact with the ladies and was proud of herself for doing so.

They continued down the street. Jonquil waved to a few other ladies of her acquaintance. Just as Amelia was relaxing enough to really enjoy the outing, she spotted her uncle’s carriage at the intersection of two streets. Susan and her mother walked down the sidewalk.