An Onerous Duty E-Book

Beryl Matthews

• Herausgeber: Allison & Busby
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 355

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

'A heart-warming and uplifting tale' Sunday Express London, 1802. Major Harry Sterling has left behind his regiment following the death of his father and, in quick succession, his older brother. The responsibilities that come with being Duke of Ranliegh now fall to him, including marrying and siring an heir without delay. However, Harry finds himself distracted from looking for a wife when his soldier instincts lead him to a web of treachery and the possibility that his brother's death was no accident. As his investigation unfolds, so Harry's search for a wife continues ... surely the eldest Winslow girl, the wilful Isabella, wouldn't be right at all .

Leseprobe

An Onerous Duty

Beryl Matthews

Contents

Title PagePrologue One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Sixteen Seventeen Eighteen Nineteen Twenty Twenty-One Twenty-Two Epilogue About the AuthorBy Beryl Matthews Copyright

Prologue

London, 1802

Harry Sterling leaned against the gnarled oak tree, closed his eyes, and sighed contentedly, not giving a damn about the speculation he was causing. He listened to the birds and the sound of his horse chomping eagerly on the lush grass. Lord, but it was good to be home, after the noise of battle this was sheer paradise. Serving as an exploring officer had been dangerous and he was glad to be free of it now. His sorties behind enemy lines had often placed him in desperate situations.

But if only his homecoming could have been under happier circumstances. His father had died, and when he had finally arrived home it was to find that his brother had also died, killed in a riding accident. The pain of knowing that he had missed his brother’s funeral as well, was still with him, and it had taken a while for the full import of his new responsibilities to sink in.

The sound of a musical laugh caught his attention. He opened his eyes and saw a girl running across the grass after her bonnet, which had been dislodged by a gust of wind. She was flying along, the skirt of her dress lifted to give her more freedom and her deep chestnut hair in disarray.

Harry straightened up, his interest immediately engaged, and he chuckled as she caught the bonnet with her foot, stamping on it with complete disregard for its fashionable elegance. While she was trying to punch it back into shape an elderly lady came puffing along, red in the face and clearly embarrassed.

‘Isabella!’ she gasped. ‘What do you think you are doing? I do declare that you put a body to shame with your conduct.’

The girl kissed the flustered lady affectionately. ‘I am sorry Aunt Dorothea, but how else was I going to retrieve my bonnet?’

‘You should have left it.’ She eyed it distastefully. ‘It is beyond wearing now, anyway.’

The hat received another punch. ‘I think you are right.’

Harry kept perfectly still; they had not noticed him and he eavesdropped shamelessly.

‘I do wish you would pay more attention to your actions,’ the lady scolded. ‘How can we expect any man of quality to offer for you when you show such a disregard for proper conduct?’

The musical laugh floated on the breeze. ‘Oh, you know that isn’t going to happen. Not when I have two beautiful sisters – younger than me,’ she said pointedly.

‘Now, Bella, you must not put yourself down so. You have much to offer the right man.’ She hesitated and looked at her niece thoughtfully. ‘A strong man, of course.’

The girl slipped her hand through the elderly lady’s arm and started to urge her back the way they had come. ‘You must not take on so. You know I am past my last prayers and no man is going to offer for me, unless he is after my fortune or needs a strong wife in his old age. In either case I would rather remain a spinster.’

Their conversation faded as they walked away, and a smile of amusement tilted Harry’s well-shaped mouth. He patted his horse and then swung himself up with all the grace and fluency of a man used to spending long hours in the saddle.

Then he cantered through the park, his whole attention now focused on the distasteful task ahead of him.

One

‘Is that you, Harry?’ a voice called as he strode into the hall.

‘Yes, Grandmother,’ he replied, walking into the room where the venerable lady was drumming impatient fingers on the arm of her chair.

‘Where have you been? You know we are attending Lady Augusta’s Ball tonight. There isn’t much time to make yourself presentable.’

He turned away to mask his look of distaste, but his grandmother saw it. ‘It’s no good you looking so vexed.’ She spoke sharply. ‘I do not relish the evening any more than you, but it must be done. This family finds itself in a perilous position and it is up to you to put it right. You have to marry and set up your nursery as quickly as possible.’

Harry sat down and stared at her, out of countenance.

‘I know you never wanted the title or the responsibility that goes with it, my boy,’ she said briskly. ‘And I know you are distressed about losing your father and brother, but it has happened. You are now the only remaining male and it is your duty to have children.’ She gave him a sympathetic smile. ‘I am aware how much you hate this. To find yourself launched on to the marriage market is anathema to you, but you have an obligation to maintain the family line.’

Harry could not argue with this statement. If his elder brother had fathered children they wouldn’t be in this position, but his wife had died after giving birth to a stillborn baby girl, and no amount of urging had made him marry again. Now the burden had landed on his reluctant shoulders.

‘The Winslow family will be present tonight,’ she continued, ignoring his silence. ‘They have three strong, healthy girls. The eldest is twenty-four and, I understand, rather headstrong, which is why she has remained unwed. The second daughter would seem to be the more suitable; she has a sweet nature and has just reached the age of nineteen.’ She studied him thoughtfully. ‘The other one is still too young, especially for you.’

She ignored his heartfelt groan and continued. ‘Being the second son, you have always had free rein, Harry, but your hedonistic days are over.’

Harry looked up astonished, and the elderly lady chuckled. ‘Do not look so surprised. I have heard some tales about you…’ She had to stop talking while she wiped the tears of laughter from her face.

The object of her amusement growled under his breath. ‘I was not aware you indulged in mindless gossip.’

‘Don’t look so outraged. You are a strong man, and the future of this family now depends upon your virility.’

‘Grandmother! I do not find it amusing to be likened to a prize stud.’

But all this indignant outburst achieved was to send the lady into another burst of merriment.

He waited for her to compose herself and wondered, not for the first time, how his grandfather had managed this strong-willed woman. His mind went back to the girl in the park, running along with complete disregard for convention. He studied his grandmother – had she been like that as a young lady? His lips twitched in amusement. Not much doubt about it.

He stood up. Time to get ready and face the ordeal.

‘Before you go, Harry, have you a mistress set-up somewhere?’

He gave her a searching look. She never ceased to amaze him with her outspokenness. ‘Well…’

‘Come on, my boy. I am two-and-eighty and have lived long enough to know what goes on.’

‘In that case,’ he said dryly, ‘you must realise that I haven’t been home long enough to find myself a mistress.’

‘Good. Do not form any loose attachments, as it will only complicate things.’

A devilish smile played across his face. ‘Did grandfather …?’

‘No, he did not. Not after we were married, anyway.’ She looked at him with a twinkle in her eyes. ‘He had no reason to look elsewhere for his pleasures.’

Harry tipped his head back and laughed. Oh, he could well imagine, and what a very fortunate man his grandfather had been. But the smile on his face died as he contemplated his fate. He had always thought that he would be free to marry for love, or a deep affection, anyway. He was not sure he knew what love was, but lust he understood. However, he doubted if it would be possible to feel any of these emotions for the simpering, silly females he was about to have thrust upon him. He was unable to disguise the shudder that ran through him.

‘It needn’t be so bad, Harry,’ she said wistfully, ‘if you choose carefully.’

Harry watched his grandmother as they waited to greet their hostess. She had always been a woman of great vitality and, even at this advanced age, had managed to maintain a good deal of vigour. A truly remarkable lady, he thought proudly. If only he could find someone like her, but that was most unlikely – she was unique.

‘Augusta, this is my grandson.’

‘Ah, yes,’ the lady said, snapping her fan shut and running an all assessing glance over him. ‘The new Duke of Ranliegh.’

He bowed politely.

‘I was sorry to hear of your bereavements, Your Grace,’ she said pointedly.

He inclined his head in acknowledgement, and wondered how long it would take him to get used to that form of address.

‘It is a great shame that it took the army such a long time to find you and bring you home. However,’ a calculating smile spread across Lady Augusta’s face as she tapped his arm with her fan, ‘got to find yourself a wife now, haven’t you, and you have chosen my humble little function to look for a suitable candidate.’

Her grating laugh ran through him like a sabre.

‘I do declare, I think the success of this evening has been assured.’ She had a triumphant look in her eyes as she turned to the next in line, eager to pass on the exciting news.

‘Wipe that thunderous expression off your face, Harry,’ his grandmother told him as they walked away. Her mouth twitched as she controlled a smile. ‘I admit I wasn’t looking forward to this evening, but it might be fun after all.’

‘Fun.’ Harry snorted in disgust. ‘It won’t take that interfering old-’

‘Harry! Watch your language; you are not with the troops now.’

He bit back the invective and started again. ‘It will not take Lady Augusta long to spread the news and then we shall be besieged.’

She patted his arm. ‘You ought to be pleased; you are quite a catch. We must be careful not to be knocked down in the rush.’

‘Oh, God,’ he muttered, looking up at the ceiling. Only the fact that he could not leave his grandmother stopped him from turning tail and running. He would rather face the wrath of Napoleon than this! ‘Do we have to go through this charade? I’m sure I could find myself a wife, if given the time.’

She patted his arm again. ‘Speed is of the essence and all the suitable females are gathered here, so you will be able to look them over tonight.’

‘Great heavens! You do not expect me to choose one tonight, do you?’

‘No, no, of course not, but perhaps you could engage Angelina Winslow in conversation and see if she would suit. She is a very sweet and obedient girl, I am assured.’ She cast him an appealing glance. ‘I am depending upon you, my dear. I don’t want to die before I hold your son in my arms.’

He smiled down at her affectionately. ‘I’ve got plenty of time then.’

‘We don’t know that.’ Her sigh was dramatic and quite over the top.

But Harry knew he was trapped. The crafty old thing was playing on his love for her, and she would probably outlive them all. Still, having seen the line whittled down dramatically, she must be very worried. ‘I’ll see the girl, but I am not making any promises,’ he added hastily.

‘I know you won’t let our family down.’ The frail hand on his arm squeezed with surprising strength. ‘Now smile.’

That was asking more than Harry was capable of, but he managed to replace the scowl with a bland, polite expression.

His grandmother gave him an affectionate look as he found her a comfortable seat where she could survey the room. ‘You know, Harry, you are quite handsome when you are not at odds with the world.’

‘Praise indeed,’ he murmured.

‘That is better,’ she exclaimed. ‘Now you are almost as devastating as your grandfather was.’ She fanned herself elegantly. ‘Get me a lemonade, will you? It’s very hot in here.’

Glad of the errand he turned and strode across the room. He would get himself a good strong drink, because he was going to need it if this evening was to be endured.

It took a while to track down the whisky, but he finally ran it to ground in the card room, where all the sensible gentlemen had retired. After downing a healthy glass full of the finest malt, he returned to his grandmother. She was surrounded by excited women, all eager to present their daughters. He bent low and handed her the drink.

‘Took your time,’ she said dryly and for his ears only. ‘Did you find the whisky?’

He nodded.

‘Ah, I see you did.’ She drank half of the lemonade, pulled a face and put the glass down. ‘Seeing as you are well fortified …’

She then set about making the introductions, and he had no choice but to dance. The first girl simpered and giggled, the next one subjected him to a constant stream of nervous chatter.

It was too much. He shot his grandmother a warning look. If this was a sample of what was on offer, he was having none of it.

She ignored his bad humour and took his arm. ‘The Winslow family have arrived.’

He gritted his teeth in frustration. In his opinion this was not the way to go about finding a lifelong mate. And he didn’t want a wife.

They had almost reached their destination when he heard a familiar laugh, and his step faltered. Where had he heard that delightful sound before? Something stirred in his memory, but with the crowds, noise and heat of the ballroom he could not bring it to mind.

He greeted Sir Winslow and his lady with an air of detachment. His manner was polite and could not be faulted, but his heart wasn’t in it.

‘Let me introduce my daughters,’ Sir Winslow said, obviously trying not to show undue eagerness, and failing terribly. ‘This is our second daughter – Angelina. And this is Charlotte – the youngest.’

Both girls were looking at him with some misgivings. He knew that with his exceptional height he towered over everyone else, but was he that terrifying? He tried to soften his expression – it wasn’t easy. These girls were pawns in this stupid system as much as he was.

Sir Winslow turned to his wife. ‘Where is Isabella, Mother?’

‘She is dancing, my dear, but the set is just finishing, and she will be here directly.’

‘Ah, there you are, Isabella,’ Harry heard Sir Winslow say. ‘Come and make your curtsy to the Duchess and her grandson – the Duke of Ranliegh.’

Harry stepped back as the young woman sank gracefully before his grandmother. She was wearing a classical gown of pale blue silk and the fitted bodice was caught high with a velvet ribbon of a slightly darker shade. It was refreshingly simple, he thought idly, comparing it with all the ugly frills and flounces of most of the other ladies, and it was not too revealing. He did not like everything to be on display, it dulled the pleasure of discovering what was underneath as he removed the clothes himself.

He was wondering if the front view was as charming as the back when she turned, and he found himself looking into a pair of the bluest eyes he had ever seen. It was the girl from the park. Of course, it was her laugh he had recognised.

She dipped low and he noticed how the overhead lights made her deep chestnut hair shine, and how it was also immaculately styled. Quite the reverse of how she had looked in the park, out of breath and her hair in disarray.

He gave her the first genuine smile he had managed to summon up that evening, and as she was the eldest of the three sisters, he led her on to the floor first. He was not disappointed – she did not simper or giggle and was certainly not frightened of him. She was intelligent, with a lively interest in the world about her, and he was tempted to tease her about the incident in the park but thought better of it. They had only just met, and he did not want to put her out of countenance. Though, as he watched her dancing eyes and smiling face, he doubted if that were possible, for he had a strong feeling that she didn’t give a damn what anyone else thought of her. She was completely natural, without false airs and graces. She was a captivating creature, but not good wife material – much too strong minded; she could turn a man’s life upside down. But what a mistress she would make. He fought down a surge of desire. These were not the kind of girls you took as mistresses – they would not adhere to the unwritten rules.

He then danced with Angelina, but she would not look him in the eyes, and he was sure she trembled when he touched her. There was a frown on his face when he returned her to her mother. If the families had discussed a union between them, then why was this girl obviously terrified of him?

Charlotte was more like her elder sister, bright and outgoing, but still only a child.

His grandmother was in deep conversation with Lady Winslow, and Harry couldn’t help wondering why she was favouring this family.

There wasn’t time to dwell on this puzzle because there was a constant stream of mothers with their offspring wanting an introduction – a title was a great attraction, he thought cynically. He danced with two more girls and tried to hide his boredom, then he turned to his grandmother in desperation. ‘You must not overtire yourself we can leave as soon as you are ready.’

She kept a perfectly controlled expression. ‘I am quite all right, Harry. Just relax and enjoy yourself.’

He turned away and surveyed the room. Enjoy himself! She knew he was hating this. The whole damned evening was enough to shorten anyone’s temper, and the elderly lady was looking far too pleased with herself for his liking. That always meant trouble.

‘Harry,’ she called. ‘Isn’t that Dexter just arriving?’

His gaze swept in the same direction as hers. ‘Good Lord, so it is, but what the devil is he doing here?’

‘Do bring him over, Harry. I haven’t seen him for such a long time.’

Needing no further urging, he strode across the room, eager to greet his friend.

‘Dexter,’ he exclaimed, slapping his friend on the back. ‘You are the last person I expected to be here.’

The tall blonde man turned, a smile of pleasure lighting up his handsome face. ‘Harry, it’s good to see you.’

‘What in heaven’s name are you doing here? I thought you were still with the regiment.’

Dexter shook his head. ‘No, I have resigned my commission. It was time to come home. I became weary of being shot at.’ he added flippantly.

Harry hid his surprise. He knew his friend’s position: he was the third son of Lord Atterton, therefore his prospect of inheriting the title was remote, and although he had an adequate income, he was by no means wealthy. He had been a fine and respected officer and Harry had assumed that he would make it his career. He was bursting with questions, but caught the warning look in his friend’s eyes. Go along with this, my friend, he was urging silently.

So, he answered in the same bantering tone. ‘I agree. One could get oneself killed.’

They both laughed and Dexter cast him a grateful look. Whatever the mystery was it would have to wait for a more private place to talk. Suddenly the evening had taken on a distinctly exciting air.

Dexter drew forward a young man who had been hovering eagerly at his side. ‘Harry, this is my cousin – Timothy Sherfield.’

The lad stepped forward, smiling broadly. ‘I say, you must be Major Sterling. Dexter has told me about you-’

‘No, Tim,’ Dexter interrupted, ‘he is now the Duke of Ranliegh.’

‘Oh, I beg your pardon, Your Grace.’ The boy looked embarrassed.

‘My friends call me Harry.’ He took to the fresh-faced boy immediately. Then he turned to his friend again. ‘Grandmother wants to meet you.’

‘I noticed her sitting in state with the Winslow family. Is she steering you in their direction?’ He raised an eyebrow in query.

Harry grimaced. ‘She seems eager that I should marry one of the daughters.’

‘That shouldn’t be a hardship, Harry. They are all quite beautiful, and I have been told that they each have a sizeable fortune, left to them by a doting uncle. Is that so?’

‘I really don’t know, but it could be true,’ he said, ushering the two men on before him. ‘We must not keep grandmother waiting any longer.’

‘Dexter,’ she said, reaching out for his hand, ‘how lovely to see you again.’

He bowed low over her hand. ‘It is my pleasure to see you in such fine fettle, ma’am. I do declare that you become more beautiful with the advancing years.’

Her gracious smile was one of amusement. ‘You have not changed, I see, still the master of graceful flattery. But what are you doing here?’

‘Like Harry, I have resigned my commission.’

‘Have you indeed. But this treaty with Napoleon cannot hold, surely? He wants to be master of Europe.’

‘Yes, it is a precarious peace, I feel.’

She nodded. ‘However, I am relieved to see you and Harry come out unscathed. Though how we are to do without both of you in the fray, I do not know?’ Her eyes sparkled with devilment. ‘I do declare that our cause is quite lost.’

They all laughed, and Timothy was brought forward to be introduced. The shrewd lady eyed him knowingly and then smiled. ‘You must not let these two rapscallions lead you astray, Mr Sherfield. When they are together they like to get into mischief, and it has been so since they were children.’

‘I shall be on my guard, ma’am.’ He bowed low respectfully.

She looked him over with a practised eye. ‘I suspect that you are cast from the same mould.’

Timothy straightened his shoulders proudly. Putting aside the difference in ages and colouring, they were remarkably similar. All dressed in the height of fashion, but soberly, the only flash of colour coming from their elegant waistcoats. They were all tall, even Timothy who had just reached the age of nineteen. They made an impressive trio and many female eyes were looking at them with longing and anticipation.

After introductions were duly made, Timothy eagerly led Charlotte on to the floor and Dexter bowed low and guided Angelina to join the dancers. Isabella was already dancing with someone and Harry watched her thoughtfully. She had a natural exuberance for life that was both stimulating and unsettling.

He endured several more dances with tiresome females, and feeling that he had done his duty, sat next to his grandmother and gave her a beseeching look.

She took the hint and stood up.

‘You may take me home, Harry, I am feeling quite fatigued.’ Then turning to Dexter and Timothy said, ‘I shall expect you two young men to visit soon, and I should like to hear more about the war, Dexter. Harry is not very forthcoming on the subject.’

She was assured that they would call soon and as they turned to leave Dexter whispered in Harry’s ear. ‘Will you be at home in the morning? I need to talk to you.’

Harry nodded, his eyes alight with curiosity. ‘I shall look forward to seeing you.’

As he escorted his grandmother home his mind was not on the vexing problem of finding a suitable wife, but on the mystery of his friend’s sudden appearance.

Two

‘Bella, Bella!’ The bedroom door burst open and two excited sisters threw themselves on to Isabella’s bed. ‘Wasn’t it the grandest ball we have ever attended?’

She pulled her legs up to make room for the exuberant girls and smiled indulgently. ‘Indeed, it was very fine.’

‘And what did you think of Mr Sherfield, Bella? Wasn’t he the most handsome man in the room?’ Charlotte sighed ecstatically.

‘No, he was not,’ Angelina interrupted swiftly. ‘Captain Atterton was by far the most handsome. He was so kind, and he made me laugh. I was not a bit shy in his presence, Bella.’

Isabella laughed affectionately. She had heard this tale many times before and, no doubt, would hear it many times again, but she could not resist the temptation to tease. ‘No, you are both wrong. Without a doubt the most handsome man there was the Duke of Ranliegh.’

The two younger girls screwed their faces up in horror and Isabella dissolved into helpless laughter at the expressions on their pretty faces.

‘Quiet, girls,’ their mother called, hurrying into the room. ‘Such an uproar. Your father wants to see you in the library.’

The girls tumbled off the bed.

‘Hurry, now,’ their mother chided. ‘You must not keep your papa waiting.’

Within five minutes the girls were all seated in a row, gazing at their father expectantly.

‘Did you enjoy yourselves last night?’ he asked.

‘Yes, Papa,’ they answered in unison.

He smiled. ‘It was indeed a grand occasion and we were greatly honoured by the Duchess’s presence.’

Isabella began to feel uneasy. Her father was looking very pleased with himself.

‘They have had great tragedy in the family of late and her grandson has come home to take up the reins.’ His gaze rested on Angelina. ‘He has need of a wife.’

Isabella’s heart seemed to bounce off her ribs. She knew it! At the same time she felt Angelina’s hand seek hers and clasp it. All three girls went deathly still.

‘Her Grace favours you, Angelina. Indeed, she has made her preference quite clear.’

‘Oh, no, Papa,’ wailed the distraught girl, suddenly finding her voice. ‘He is too old for me and so harsh.’

‘Nonsense, child,’ Sir Winslow cut in quickly. ‘He is only just thirty years of age, and moreover, he is a fine man who has fought valiantly for his country, but now he finds himself with burdens he never expected to have to shoulder.’

‘But I am sure he does not even like me. He hardly spoke as we danced.’ She made a sound which was a cross between a gulp and a sob.

‘Of course he likes you,’ her father added quickly, his voice softening as he looked at her. ‘Who could fail to like such a beautiful, gentle girl?’

The compliment did nothing to soothe Angelina’s fears and her grip tightened painfully on Isabella’s hand.

Sir Winslow’s expression and tone changed to that of a stern father who would brook no argument. ‘It is a very great honour that one of my daughters should be considered by the Ranliegh family. No offer as yet, has been made, because it is only natural that His Grace should want to make your acquaintance before coming to a decision. So, if he should call upon you, you will receive him graciously, and Isabella will act as chaperone.’ His gaze rested on the two girls with unwavering determination. ‘You will obey me in this. Do you understand?’

Angelina’s head dropped as she murmured, ‘Yes, Papa.’

‘Good. Now, we have an invitation to dine with Her Grace on Wednesday evening.’

The discussion was obviously over, so Isabella stood up and started to lead her sisters from the room. It was clear that their father was very set on an alliance with this exalted family, and she knew from experience how difficult it would be to change his mind. She remembered the tussles she had had with him. She had always won, but Angelina was not strong-willed enough to face him down.

Once back in the bedroom, Angelina began to sob uncontrollably, holding on to her sister fiercely. ‘W-What am I to do, Bella? He is so big and fierce. Wh-when he looked at me with those strange orange eyes, I was sure he could see right into my soul.’

‘Shush,’ Isabella soothed. ‘Papa has the right of it. He is a fine man and I am sure there is nothing to fear. No doubt his war experiences have made him appear withdrawn.’

‘But Captain Atterton served with him and he is not a bit harsh,’ Angelina wailed.

So that was it. Her affection had been engaged by the handsome soldier with the gentle grey eyes. Isabella sighed. That might have been a more suitable match for her timid sister, but that was not to be if her father had anything to do with it. She could see how delighted he was with the prospect of marrying one of his daughters to a Duke, and that was a prize beyond his expectations.

‘Nothing has been settled, Angel. We can only wait and see what happens.’ She began to mop up the distressed girl’s tears.

‘Quite right, Isabella.’ Their mother swept into the room. ‘I am disappointed in you Angelina, making all this fuss when you should be excited at the prospect.’

‘I’m sorry, Mama.’ She fought back another flow of tears. ‘You know how frightened I get.’

‘I know, my dear, but you must be sensible. Your father has only your best interests at heart, and this would be a prestigious alliance.’ She paused. ‘When I married your father, it was an arranged match. I hardly knew him, and I also was frightened, but we have dealt well together. My fears were unfounded – as yours will be.’ She smiled encouragingly.

‘Yes, I am sure you are right.’ Angelina gave her a wavering smile.

‘Good girl. Now wash your face and we shall go shopping this afternoon.’ She turned and left the room.

‘Isabella? You will not leave me alone with him, will you?’

‘Not until you are wed,’ she answered teasingly.

‘Oh, that will not be for a long time, I think.’

‘No, no,’ Charlotte said, joining in the conversation for the first time. ‘I was told he must marry quickly. The family have need of an heir.’

Isabella groaned inwardly at her young sister’s impetuosity. They were just getting Angelina to pull herself together, but now she was shaking badly.

‘But that means I would have to …’ a look of horror crossed her face, ‘let him touch me,’ she whispered.

‘Of course, Angel,’ Isabella said gently. ‘Has not Mama been very clear on what will be expected of us when we wed?’

Angelina nodded. ‘If only he wasn’t so tall and dark and stern.’

‘Now, now, Angel, you must not let your fears overset you. You heard what papa said – nothing has been decided, and the Duke of Ranliegh might have other ideas, regardless of what his grandmother wishes. He does not look like the kind of man who would be swayed by anyone’s opinion. If he does not believe that this would be a suitable match, then nought will come of it, you will see.’

Her sister gave a tremulous smile. ‘Do you think so?’

‘Of course.’ Then she hustled the girls out of her room in order to get ready for their promised shopping trip.

As she tidied herself she tried to dislodge the feeling of hurt inside her. Why had her father cast her in the role of chaperone? Aunt Dorothea usually had that task, so had her father given up on the prospect of her ever marrying? She was quite happy and had not given her unwed state much thought, until her father had assigned this duty to her. She would like to marry, but she wanted love. What most people did not realise was, that underneath her lively, unconventional self, was a romantic – a passionate woman who could only surrender to a man out of deep love and respect. She sighed sadly. Was she looking for the impossible? Did that special man exist for her, and by her intransigence, was she condemning herself to a life without a family of her own?

But the thought of marrying a man she had no affection for was abhorrent to her, so she must wait and hope that such a paragon of a man would appear one day.

Harry frowned at the papers in his hand. Why had Robert purchased someone’s gambling notes? It was a very odd thing to do. He emptied out the contents of the private box and went through each item carefully, but there was nothing to throw light on the mystery.

An hour later he was frowning again. ‘Jenson,’ he called.

His steward came hurrying into the room.

‘What the devil is this?’ He spread a document out on the desk and they both peered at it. ‘Do you know anything about it?’

‘No, Your Grace. It appears to be the deed for a parcel of land your brother bought just before he died, but he never told me anything about it.’

Harry ran a hand through his thick, dark hair. What the blazes had Robert been up to? First the gambling notes and now this. He had been a very astute businessman, so there must be a sound reason behind these purchases, but Harry could not fathom it.

‘Does it make any sense to you, Jenson?’

The steward shook his head. ‘No, sir. If it joined Ranliegh’s boundary, I could understand it.’

Harry sat down, deep in thought. After a while he looked up. ‘Perhaps a visit to the property will throw some light on this unusual purchase?’

His steward nodded his agreement. ‘It’s the only thing to do.’

‘Good. We will go first thing tomorrow.’ He smiled at the middle-aged man standing beside him. Jenson was efficient, trustworthy, and had been with the family for more than twenty years.

‘Everything else seems to be in fine order. I’ll call you if I need you.’

As Jenson went out, Carter – Harry’s batman and now personal manservant – entered.

‘Captain Atterton to see you, sir.’

Harry got to his feet eagerly. ‘Send him in, please.’

They greeted each other enthusiastically. They had been friends from their youth and were close enough to be brothers.

When they were comfortably seated, Harry looked at Dexter quizzically and raised a dark eyebrow. ‘Are you going to tell me what this is all about, or are you going to make me wait until I explode with curiosity?’

Dexter took a deep breath. ‘Do you remember the man you found just as you were returning home?’

‘Yes. He had been beaten and robbed. I brought him back to camp to see if he could be saved.’

‘Unfortunately, we were unable to keep him alive, although we did everything we could for him he died before we could question him.’

‘Question him?’

‘Yes. When his clothing was removed some papers were found concealed in the lining of his coat.’

Harry sat forward eagerly. ‘What were they?’

‘Plans which could have been very useful to Napoleon.’

‘So, the old devil is making use of this time and gathering all the information he can.’

‘Yes, and we need to find the person who is betraying us. From the content of the information we are fairly certain that the informant is someone in the higher echelons of society.’

Harry stood up and prowled over to the window, his movements fluid and silent. ‘Perhaps we can work together on this?’

‘I would welcome your involvement.’ He stood beside his friend and grinned boyishly. ‘It will be quite like old times.’

Harry chuckled. ‘Some of those sorties we went on were dangerous, weren’t they? How we escaped with our lives, I will never know.’

The two men fell silent, each one lost in his own thoughts, but it was a companionable silence. Their friendship was deep and the experiences they had shared made the bond between them stronger.

Harry gazed out at the immaculate garden. His life had been turned upside down, and he was plagued with restlessness, but this assignment of Dexter’s might help to take his mind off the wretched business of finding a wife. However, there wasn’t a hope in hell of his grandmother letting him drag his heels, but the thought of wedding and bedding a woman he had no regard for, just to fulfil his duty to beget an heir, made his insides heave. Of course, it was done all the time, but he suspected that he did not have the stomach for it. He had only ever taken a woman for enjoyment – mutual enjoyment, and he had to have some feeling for her. He had always treated his mistresses with kindness – and there hadn’t been that many of them. Well, not as many as rumour would have it.

He turned away from the window, walked over to the drinks table, picked up a glass and filled it with brandy, then he held it out to Dexter. ‘I know it’s early in the day, but I could do with a drink. Would you like one?’

‘An excellent idea.’

‘So, you haven’t resigned your commission?’ Harry said when they were seated once again.

‘Yes I have, that is quite genuine. It had to be,’ he explained, ‘in case anyone checked up on me, but when this assignment is completed, I shall have the option of returning to my former rank.’ He surveyed the liquid in his glass thoughtfully. ‘That’s if I want to.’

‘Hmm. You don’t sound too sure.’

‘I would like a more settled life.’ Dexter looked up and grimaced. ‘Lord knows what I’m going to do, but I’m tired of the army – always on the move.’

Harry nodded understandingly. ‘Don’t worry about your future, Dexter, that can be sorted out later, but first we must find this traitor. Do you have any idea where to start?’

‘With anyone who has a connection with the War Department, and I am meeting someone in about an hour who will give me a list of names. They will all have to be investigated.’

‘We must be discreet,’ Harry leant forward, ‘mustn’t let anyone get wind of what we are about.’

At that moment the door opened, and his grandmother glided in. He smothered a grin – she could still make an impressive entrance.

‘Drinking this early in the day? I hope you haven’t picked up too many bad habits in the army.’ Her expression was forbidding, but there was a saucy glint in her eyes, which neither man missed. They put their glasses down and leapt to their feet, caught like wayward children.

‘I know, I know,’ she said, turning her cheek to Harry for a kiss. ‘You would not tell me if you had, and I’m sure I don’t want to know. You might put me to the blush,’ she added coyly.

That remark caused much hilarity.

She smiled and turned to Dexter. ‘What are you doing about at this hour?’

‘I needed to see Harry, so I came early in case he was going out.’

She eyed them suspiciously. ‘Why do I get the impression that you are both up to no good? I have seen you closeted together like this many times and it always heralded mischief of some kind.’

They presented her with expressions of pure innocence. She threw her hands in the air. ‘I am not fooled, but whatever it is, please be careful.’

‘Do not concern yourself, Grandmother. We only need to find someone, that is all. Nothing dangerous.’

She sighed. ‘I have been given those assurances before, but danger seems to stalk you two.’

‘Not anymore,’ Dexter hastened to assure her. ‘We are not in the army now.’

‘I don’t think that will make any difference, for if there is trouble around, you two will find it … or it will find you. How you have survived thus far is a mystery.’

‘We have always watched each other’s backs,’ Harry said seriously.

‘Well, I sincerely hope that you will continue to do so.’ She turned to Dexter. ‘I have a strong premonition that your sudden homecoming is not what it appears, otherwise Harry would not have been unaware of your return. However, I will not quiz you. You are, no doubt, aware of the desperate position in which this family finds itself, so do not go leading Harry into any danger.’

‘I would not dream of it,’ he assured her with an earnest expression on his face.

Harry bit his lip and looked down, intent on removing an imaginary piece of fluff from his jacket, but the wise lady was not fooled by their bland expressions.

She gave a wave of resignation. ‘You were always in trouble, right from the moment you met as boys.’ Her face softened in remembrance and she gave a quiet laugh.

Harry reached across and took her hands in his. ‘There isn’t anything to worry about, Grandmother. We are just going to do a little investigating, and the authorities will deal with anything that might be dangerous. However, you must not mention this to anyone.’

‘Of course.’ She patted his hand. ‘Although you have a wild streak in you, I do not consider you reckless. If that had been so, you would have met your Maker long ago. If there is ever anything amiss you will let me know. My mind is as it ever was.’ She gave them an endearing smile. ‘It is only my body that has aged, and that can be a damned nuisance at times.’

‘You will never be old to me,’ Harry told her with heartfelt sincerity.

She turned to Dexter with a smile. ‘He is almost as good at flattery as you are. Now, I am giving a select dinner party on Wednesday evening. I hope you will be able to attend?’

‘I would be honoured.’

‘Good, good. And bring that young man with you – Mr Sherfield, wasn’t it? Such a personable boy,’ she said, rising to her feet and not waiting for an answer.

After she had left, Dexter grinned at his friend. ‘She doesn’t change much, does she?’

Harry threw back his head and laughed. ‘No. She is still a force to be reckoned with.’

‘Who will be attending this dinner party?’

‘The Winslow family.’