Page 6 of The Undesirable Duke
But, in her experience, the festive cheer of Christmas did rather strange things to even the most normal of people, Timothy included. Perhaps it was just that.
Chapter Three
“Ihave missed these streets,” Samuel softly pondered as his carriage drove through the streets of London.
Traveling from Cornwall had been grueling for him, as the snow and cold weather had made the journey difficult and longer than expected. Traveling such long distances in the winter was not ideal, but there was no other option, except to travel by sea, which could be just as uncomfortable. But he endured it, for he wished to unmask the man who had written such terrible things about him, spreading untruths and tainting his reputation.
That person was going to pay dearly.
The journey to London had taken six days, and Samuel was more than ready to leave the confines of his coach and step onto the cobblestones in front of his townhouse in Mayfair. He had not set foot in his London home in a long while, and it would be lovely to settle in, even if it was only temporary. He was not certain how long he would stay in London, but luckily his good friend, Lord Timothy, would be there to keep him company.
As the familiar sights of Mayfair came into view through the windows of the coach, Samuel smiled slightly, already feelingmore at home. His absence from London had been too long, but he still felt as though he belonged in the city, surrounded by its wealth and people.
The coach came to a stop, and his footman’s voice could be heard from outside.
“We have arrived, Your Grace.”
“Very good,” Samuel replied.
Within a few moments, the footman opened the coach door, and let down the steps, allowing Samuel to step outside. The air was brisk, and colder than he remembered London being, but luckily, he wore his winter coat, as the countryside was even colder than the city.
He nodded at the footman with gratitude and gazed up at his townhouse. Everything still appeared as it had the last time he was there, and he was unexpectedly filled with nostalgia. The remnants of snow crunched under his boots as he walked up the steps.
The front door opened, and he saw Billings, the butler, and not far behind him, Mrs. Hall, the Housekeeper, standing in the foyer.
Billings bowed, and Mrs Hall curtsied. Billings had been with the family since Samuel was a young boy, and, while Mrs. Hall had not been with them that long, she had been the housekeeper from before Samuel had inherited his title, and was well-known in the family for her diligence, hard work, and discretion. She had certainly encountered many things requiring discretion in her lifetime and had managed to keep them within the walls of the townhouse. She was a stout woman of middle-age, but highly dependable, and had given Samuel a wealth of advice during his life.
“Welcome home, Your Grace,” she greeted him with a polite smile.
“You will find all in readiness, Your Grace.”
Billings smiled as the Duke stepped further into the house, and footmen scurried to go out and remove his luggage from the coach.
“Thank you, Billings, Mrs. Hall.”
“It is wonderful to have you back, Your Grace. We prepared for your arrival over the last week, and have readied a lovely dinner for you.”
Samuel nodded.
“I do not have much of an appetite, Mrs. Hall. It must be due to the long journey. Perhaps later.”
“Very well, Your Grace. I will have your luggage sent up to your rooms immediately. Is your valet with you?”
“Helms will be here shortly – he is following in the second coach, with the rest of my luggage.”
With that, Samuel turned and retreated to the drawing room for some privacy, having no wish to be in his rooms while all of his luggage was being unpacked. The drawing room was still as light and welcoming as he remembered. There were elegant soft furnishings, exquisitely carved items of furniture, and a beautiful harp that stood in the corner. His mother had loved to play the instrument and after her death, Samuel had not had the heart to get rid of it, so it stood now in the drawing room, upon a Brussels weave carpet with a backdrop of mauve and gold-adorned wallpaper. The rich colors gave a feeling of great luxury, as the late Duchess had adored all things exquisite. Samuel could practically see her seated at the harp, her delicate fingers gently tugging at the strings. Angelic music would fill the air, and the room would be even more enchanting when lit, at night, by the glittering light cast from the ornate chandeliers.
A smile crossed his lips, but only briefly, as sadness filled his heart. It was at times such as these that Samuel wished for her guidance. She had been wise and beautiful, and it pained him very much that he did not have her in his world any longer.He approached the harp, wishing that he had the skill to play his mother’s favorite melody, but he knew that he did not. His silence was interrupted by footsteps echoing through the hallway, and a light knock on the drawing room door.
“Your Grace?”
Samuel whirled around and stared at the footman.
“Yes?”
“Pardon the interruption, Your Grace. This letter was delivered for you,” he announced. Samuel noticed the letter in his hand.
Samuel’s brow furrowed, and he approached the footman.
