“I suppose there are worse forms of discipline than learning from target practice and fighting techniques,” Richard said with a grin.
“A bit of competition with the others did not bring harm to your learning,” Duncan asserted. “I was always quite proud of your diligence to your lessons at school and in the training room. You were always the one the others could depend on.”
Richard smiled despite himself. “I doubt any other lord among Hunt’s guests can say they can disable or kill another with the pressure of his thumb on different parts of his opponent’s body.”
“If so, the disagreements in the House of Lords could have a more final resolution,” Duncan suggested with a grin of his own. “Not to change the subject, but when had you thought to leave for Buckinghamshire?”
“Some time tomorrow,” Richard told him. “As quickly as I lose my shadow.”
“I was thinking it might be best if you are seen about London tomorrow and even attending church services on Sunday. Youmight convince those following you that your relationship with Lady Emma has ended. Moreover, I could use your assistance.”
Richard turned to look upon the only father he could truly remember. His own father had often been from home for long periods of time. He could not say such of Lord Duncan. His lordship and Lady Elsbeth never traveled anywhere without their daughter and all of their “sons.”
“How might I be of service to you?”
“The note you brought me from Mrs. Dove-Lyon should be properly addressed. I had hoped you and Marksman might accompany me to the Lyon’s Den again tomorrow evening. It would be good to repay Mrs. Dove-Lyon with our patronage. Hartley tells me that the woman’s business suffered after my shooting. I thought my return would prove to thetonthat I appreciate all the lady and her staff executed to save my life,” Duncan declared. “As well as to prove to the London populace that the woman is not considered to be a suspect by me or mine.”
“If you believe my presence would make a difference, assuredly, I will accompany you. I originally told Lady Emma that I would see her again in four days. You are correct: I should be seen about London on Saturday.” Richard nodded his agreement. “I would be happy to share a meal with you and Marksman.” He asked tentatively, “Do you suppose the Widow of Whitehall means to offer you a marriage contract?”
“I imagine such was the reason she had in mind. Mrs. Dove-Lyon relies upon these outrageous contracts to keep herself and her late husband’s legacy from debt. Colonel Lyon and his family—a family who despises the colonel’s wife—left Mrs. Dove-Lyon with a mound of debts. The colonel’s making her a woman of society was of little use if he left her buried in mounting bills to pay.”
“I had no idea,” Richard admitted.
“Few do,” Duncan observed. “Most believe the woman has always been a kept woman, and she fell back on her former ways after her husband’s passing. The truth is Colonel Lyon’s family has tiptoed about their poverty for years.”
“Will you consider an offer of marriage by another woman?” Richard asked in a bit of a tease, though he knew Duncan’s answer before the words were spoken.
“Absolutely not. I would never accept one of Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s absurd bets nor will I consider another woman at my side. No one could replace Elsbeth. I fell in love with her the first time I laid eyes upon her.”
Richard understood perfectly: He had presented Lady Emma Donoghue a piece of his heart before he even allowed himself to know what was what.
