The Duke's Alliance Book Two: A Dangerous Husband (4 page)

Her expression changed from friendly to furious. 'It's none of your business, Carshalton, I don't need your approval for anything I do.'

‘Quite true, but as your stupidity not only risked your own life but mine as well I believe I am entitled to an opinion.'

Immediately she was contrite. 'I beg your pardon, I spoke without thought. You're quite right to castigate me – I can't think what maggot got into my brain and persuaded me to ride this horse.'

He delved into his pocket and produced a clean handkerchief. 'Here, let me remove the worst of the gore from your face.' She remained still under his administration but was tense beneath his hands. 'There, that's the best I can do. Fortunately the scratches are superficial and I'm certain they'll not mar your skin.'

'Thank you. I see now that you're not dressed for riding, is your carriage nearby? I hate to make myself a further nuisance but I fear I cannot bring myself to ride that horse again.'

'You would do so over my dead body, young lady. I'll drive you home and one of my men can lead your mount.'

In all the excitement he'd quite forgot to mention that his vehicle was a high-perch phaeton and that her journey to Silchester Court might well prove to be as eventful as her ride. His opinion of his new team was less than favourable and he didn't trust them to behave themselves.

Chapter Four

Madeline was relieved that Carshalton didn't offer his arm but allowed her to pick her way through the undergrowth unassisted. She was badly bruised from her fall and dreading the inevitable confrontation with her brother when he discovered her stupidity.

His lordship had been walking in front of her, holding back the branches to allow her to make her way without being whipped across the face. She stepped into the field expecting to see a racing curricle but was horrified to find an even more alarming vehicle awaiting.

'I can't possibly travel in that, I've no head for heights.' His horses were restless, their nostrils flaring and eyes wild. Her heart sunk to her boots and unwisely she spoke what was in her head. 'Your team don't look at all steady. I should much prefer to ride one of your grooms’ mounts. I'm perfectly safe riding astride.'

'Have you completely lost your senses? First you take out a horse that's far too strong for you and then you intend to compound your foolishness by gallivanting through the countryside riding astride. Your reputation would be in shreds if you were seen and the duke would call me out for allowing such a thing to take place.'

'If I go across country I'll not be seen. The other side of this woodland is our land therefore anyone who sees me will be in our employ, and would not dream of passing an opinion on the matter.'

From his expression he was unused to being gainsaid. 'You'll travel beside me, young lady, or you will walk home. I leave the decision to you.'

She viewed the high-perch phaeton with disfavour and decided a three mile walk would be preferable to scrambling up on the box. 'I'll walk, I take it your man will return my mount. I bid you good afternoon, my lord.'

Before he could respond she picked up her skirts and dashed back into the wood. She would be footsore and weary by the time she reached her destination, but anything was preferable to having to sit beside that irascible and autocratic man in such an unsteady vehicle.

At any moment she expected him to come after her, to demand that she stopped and return with him, but he didn't. After trudging for ages she bitterly regretted her impulsive decision and by the time she tottered into the stable yard her discomfort had turned to anger. A gentleman wouldn't have allowed a lady to undergo such an unpleasant experience but would have insisted she accompanied him instead.

The first thing she saw was the horse who had thrown her already rubbed down and comfortable in his stall. She stiffened her spine and not looking to either right or left she marched along the path to the house hoping she still had the energy to get to her apartment.

Somehow she managed to stagger up the stairs and gain the sanctuary of her rooms. Lottie was waiting for her. 'My lady, I've been that worried. I expected you back an age ago. Your face is scratched – did you take a tumble?'

'I did and was obliged to walk home. Please help me remove my boots – my feet are so painful. I should like to soak them in a basin of hot water, but before that I must remove this wretched habit. Such garments are not meant for walking and I fear it's quite beyond repair.'

Her abigail deftly removed her outer garments and helped her slip on a loose morning gown. As soon as Madeline was comfortable the girl turned her back, lifted the boot and pulled it through her legs in order to remove it.

Every tug was agony.

'It won't budge, I think your foot has swollen. Shall I try the other one?'

'No, I don't think I could stand it. If I prop my feet on a stool for an hour or two I expect it will be easier for you to remove them.'

Her maid looked unconvinced but brought the footstool anyway. 'I'll fetch you some refreshments, you must be sharp-set after such a long walk.'

*

Grey was tempted to go after her and insist that she accompany him but decided, as she'd so rudely pointed out, what she did was none of his business. 'Smith, drive this back to Heatherfield. I'll ride your horse and lead the gelding. Jenkins, I suppose you'd better come with me.'

He'd selected Smith as he was the better whipster of the two. He mounted and took the reins of the duke's animal. 'I'd better go by the lane, the path's too narrow to accommodate two horses abreast.'

Three quarters of an hour later he arrived at Silchester and explained his unexpected appearance. He was directed inside where he found the duke in his study. 'Your grace, Lady Madeline went out on that large bay gelding of yours and took a tumble. She was unhurt but refused to remount the horse. She also rejected my offer to drive her home in my phaeton and insisted on walking. I wished to inform you before going out to find her.'

'Serves her right for doing something so stupid. There will be ample opportunity for her to regret her rash decision on the long trek home. No, I don't want you to ride out and meet her and neither do I want any grooms to go.' He waved towards a comfortable leather-covered armchair in front of the cheerily burning fire. 'Take a seat, Carshalton, I'll send for coffee – unless you prefer something stronger.'

Grey was reluctant to leave the girl to walk the entire distance but he could hardly disagree with her brother. 'Thank you, coffee would be excellent. I apologise for appearing here, I don't want to bring my problems to your doorstep. I can tell you what I think is the reason behind these attempts on my life.'

He spent a convivial time with his host before taking his leave. As he crossed the grand hall he spotted a footman. 'Direct me to Lady Madeline's apartment, if you please.'

It was a breach of etiquette to visit a lady in her rooms but he was determined to discover for himself that she was safely returned. He thought her brother's decision harsh but supposed the long walk might teach her not to do anything so dangerous again.

He had no intention of actually going into the apartment, merely enquiring at the door as to how she did. His knock was answered by a soft call to enter. He pushed open the door and bowed to the figure seated in a chair by the fire.

'My lady, I beg your pardon for intruding but I wished to ensure that you were safe before I left.'

'My lord, as you can see, I'm perfectly well apart from the fact that I can't remove my boots.'

Forgetting he'd intended to remain in the passageway, he strode in and dropped to his knees beside her. 'Will you allow me to assist you? These boots must come off immediately if you're not to do irreparable harm to your feet.'

He took out a stiletto from his boot top – carrying this was a habit he'd acquired on the Peninsular. 'I'll try and tug them off but if they still won't shift, they must be cut.'

'These are my best boots. They mustn't be destroyed. I'm sure they will come off in a little while.'

Gently he picked one foot up and pulled. She couldn't prevent a gasp of pain. 'Foolish child, you should have sent for help immediately.' He cradled the heel of the boot in his lap and then rammed the blade down the seam at the side and, as the leather parted, she sighed with relief. Without removing it he did the same to the right foot.

'My lord, let me take care of my mistress now.' Her maid had joined them and he was glad of it. 'Do you have a basin of warm water and some clean cloths?'

‘Yes, sir, I'll fetch them at once.'

'This will be painful, sweetheart, but I'll be as careful as I can.' He eased her right foot from the mangled boot and his eyes widened. Her stocking was stained red. Her injuries were worse than he'd anticipated. 'Your stocking will need soaking off, put your foot in the basin and I'll remove the other boot.'

He'd expected her to be upset, to rail at him that she wouldn't be in this predicament if he'd allowed her to ride astride. Her response was quite unexpected.

'It serves me right for stomping off in high dudgeon. Unlike your boots, sir, mine were not intended to be walked in.' She wriggled her toes and the water turned pink. 'I hope I've not done myself any serious damage – I cannot abide sitting about all day.'

'I'll leave your maid to take care of you now, my lady, I'm sure she'll send for the physician if you need his attention.' He'd already spent far too long in her private chambers. He rose smoothly to his feet.

'Thank you for your assistance; I hope next time we meet it will be in more favourable circumstances.' Despite her scratched face and dishevelled appearance her smile lit up the room. It made him forget his decision to avoid any sort of emotional entanglement until he was free of the danger that surrounded him.

'I certainly hope so, Lady Madeline, and next time I ask you to drive with me it will be in my curricle.'

'In which case, sir, I should accept your offer.'

*

'How bad are they, Lottie?' Madeline asked her maid.

'The blisters burst and that's what caused the blood, my lady, I reckon you'll be off your feet for a day or two whilst they heal.'

'Botheration! Will I need the doctor?'

'Not unless they turn putrid, I'll fetch some of that ointment we used last time you cut yourself, then I'll bandage them.'

The girl removed the discoloured water and replaced it with fresh. The warmth of the liquid was soothing on her injuries and she closed her eyes allowing herself to drift off. The past few hours had been the most exciting of her life – but she hoped never to repeat any of the experiences.

Lord Carshalton was attractive, and although of a similar disposition to her older brothers she believed she could come to like him. Autocratic, dictatorial men held no fears for her – after all she had learnt to live very happily with two such specimens. In fact, if she was honest, she rather preferred a gentleman who took command. The twins, Aubrey and Peregrine, were more like Giselle – that is to say they avoided unpleasantness and were more relaxed about matters in general. This attitude was all very well, but it didn't get things done.

Once her feet were dealt with she was left with the problem of how to move to somewhere more comfortable. She could hardly hop as both feet were equally sore. Lottie had gone to organise a supper tray and the chambermaid was busy elsewhere.

Maybe she could crawl across – decidedly undignified but needs must. She was on her hands and knees when her brother walked in.

'Allow me, my dear.' He leaned down and picked her up. 'Are you heading for the
chaise longue
?'

'The daybed, if you please, Beau.' Once she was comfortably settled he pulled up a chair. 'I've no idea how I'm to manage for the next day or two unless I scrabble about like a crab.'

'I'll have two footmen outside your sitting room and whenever you want to move they can come in and carry you.'

Her cheeks flushed. 'Certainly not. I'd rather crawl, thank you.'

'In which case, my love, I must act as your personal assistant. I'll remain – no, don't look so horrified – you'll hardly know I'm here.' His expression was serious but his eyes twinkled.

She reached behind her and threw a cushion which he deftly caught before it did any damage. 'Go away, brother, I'll manage without your assistance.'

An alarming racket in the passageway outside almost caused her to slide from the daybed. Her brother smiled knowingly and stood up. 'Good, your chariot's arriving. I've found a bath chair for you – a bit dilapidated – but it will serve the purpose wonderfully.'

He opened the door and a footman pushed this object into the room and then retreated having at no time raised his eyes and looked in her direction. 'Perfect! I can manoeuvre myself into it and then Lottie can push me about. Thank you for thinking of it. I don't deserve your consideration after my disgraceful behaviour today.'

'I should have realised you were not wearing suitable footwear and come out to fetch you. Both Carshalton and I thought we would have a deal of fence-mending to do in order to regain your approval.'

'I intend to forget the events of today and I hope you will do so as well. Lord Carshalton's asked me to drive with him in his curricle. Would you have any objection if I did so?'

'As long as you remain on my lands and have grooms accompanying you then you have my permission. However, until I'm certain there's no danger attached to being in his company you must remain apart. I've told him how I feel and he agrees.'

Her stomach clenched at his words. 'Does he think there'll be more attempts on his life? Surely the arrival of the militia will chase any other villains away?'

'One would hope so, my dear, but one cannot be sure. Our brothers and sister will be returning next week and I thought you might like to arrange an informal supper party to celebrate? Carshalton and his grandmother can be added to your invitation list.'

'Thank you, that will give me something to think about whilst I'm trapped up here for the next two days.'

The novelty of trundling around in a bath chair soon faded and Madeline was more than ready to rejoin her brother downstairs two days after her accident. Her feet were tender, but sufficiently healed to allow her to shuffle about the place.

'Have you settled on a date for the soirée, Madeline?' Beau inquired when he found her in the small drawing room.