“All excellent questions, for which we have no answers at present,” Lady Theodora said. “For now, place a smile on your lips. This is my father’s first day downstairs since someone attacked him. I am assured you will understand how important it is to all of us.”
“I have you,my lord,” Richard said as he braced Duncan’s weight at the top of the stairs.
“You were always the one who placed the troubles of the world on your shoulders and carried them around until all was set aright. I know you refused to leave my chambers for several days as you watched over me after the surgery.”
“I could do nothing less, sir. Lady Elsbeth would have risen from her grave to shake her finger at me, if I had not stood guard over you,” Richard admitted.
“She would have rung a bell over both of our heads if she knew of the mischief we have created over the year,” Duncan said in fondness as he moved to the edge of the first step.
“How does Mrs. Braylon feel about your venture to the storey below?” Richard asked.
Duncan glanced over his shoulder as if he thought the woman meant to place herself at his side. “The woman has proven to be an exemplary nurse, but...”
“But what?” Richard asked.
“But she has become accustomed to sitting at my table as if she is the mistress of the house. You and the others know I will never take another woman to my bed or seat her at my right hand at my table. Mrs. Braylon has upon more than one occasion forgotten that rule. I have often had to remind her that particular seat is meant for my wife.”
Richard digested what Duncan had disclosed, but he did not comment on Duncan’s confession. Instead, he stated in firm tones, “Let us take the first step together so you might lean on me if you find it necessary.”
“One does not realize how difficult it is to keep one’s balance without the use of both arms.”
“When might you begin to exercise your arm again?” Richard asked as he guided Duncan’s first step down. Richard studied how Duncan kept a death grip on the handrail. They double-footed the first step, and Duncan paused to survey how many more were to be conquered.
“Do not tell Mrs. Braylon, but I have purposely asked for the heaviest books in my library. When the nurse is having her meals below stairs, I have used the different books to increase my strength,” Duncan confessed.
“Should you not soon release the woman? You appear healthy enough to recover on your own,” Richard suggested.
Duncan paused their steady descent to look about to determine if anyone could overhear their conversation. “I must beg your discretion, but I wish Mrs. Braylon to remain at Duncan Place for the time being. There is something afoot, but I do not yet know the right of it. Theodora says the woman wishes to be the new mistress of this house, and Dora believes Mrs. Braylon takes too much latitude. I suspect the woman simply enjoys the luxury found within, but only time will tell who is correct.”
Richard moved to brace Duncan once again as they managed another half dozen steps and crossed the small landing. “I imagine many patients recommended to the woman do not live so comfortably as do the Duncan family. Yet, heaven help her if she has other motives.”
“Soon the oil and water will separate,” Duncan observed with more determination. “Now speak to me of what had you so disturbed when you entered my quarters a bit ago.”
Richard paused to expel a heavy sigh. “First, when Dora and I delivered Lady Emma’s list to the lady’s house, the Donoghue butler was everything but cooperative. Since that time, word has been sent to Lord Lester Davidson, who claims to be Lady Emma’s betrothed, having made arrangements with Lady Emma’s father.”
“And you knew nothing of this development?” Duncan asked.
“You have known me most of the years I have walked this earth. Do I appear to be cognizant of such a development?”Richard asked. “I do not think I can remain at Duncan Place while Lady Emma is under your roof.”
They were at the bottom of the stairs, and Duncan reached for Richard’s hand. “I know your heart wishes to run away and protect yourself, as it often did when you were a child, but this is different from when you were frightened that your uncle meant to do away with you.”
“My heart feels equally as betrayed and bruised,” Richard admitted.
“Go speak to Hartley tomorrow. My assistant has yet to depart for India. With my absence from Whitehall, Hartley has kept the office in order.”
“How might Hartley assist me?” Richard asked.
“Although not every piece of correspondence traveling to our various ambassadors crosses Hartley’s desk, something of the nature of a marriage contract would be safer if carried by a British naval ship than by some packet boat running between Falmouth and Corrunna, Spain.” Richard nodded his head in total agreement now that he could think more clearly. “Moreover, you must realize a man of Lord Davidson’s nature would have crowed like a prime rooster before all who would listen to him in both the Lords and his club if he had received Lord Donoghue’s permission to proceed with a marriage. If Lady Emma is underage, which is something else you should learn as quickly as possible, she would have a female, likely two, and a male guardian, as well as someone who oversees such business. Ask the necessary questions, not the emotional ones.”
“I always despised that advice,” Richard admitted.
“And someday you will repeat it to your own children, who will groan audibly as you were accustomed to doing as a child. On that day, I hope I am present to witness the look of bewilderment on your countenance.”
Feeling a bitcalmer now that he had a plan, or rather Duncan had presented him a means to learn the truth of whether Lady Emma was to marry Lord Davidson or not, Richard remained at the table and made no move to race away to his own London home, staying instead to assist Duncan.
After the meal, the four played whist. “At least I have not forgotten how to play cards,” Lady Emma said as she counted off the tricks she had claimed during the game. “We had two,” she said with pride. “This one for winning seven tricks, and this is two for winning eight.”
“And I am thankful,” Duncan declared with a grin. “You were masterful with how you maneuvered Orson and Theodora.”
