Page 36 of The English Duke
Reese only raised one eyebrow. “You do know your horseflesh,” he said. “He’s the prize stallion in the stable. His Grace has promised him to the Earl of Doncaster. He’s due to be shipped out in a week or so.”
“Doesn’t His Grace ride?” Josephine asked.
“No,” Reese said. “What time would be convenient for you to meet me at the stables?”
Something about his posture made Martha think he was more alert than he’d been earlier. Or maybe on guard.
What a curious certainty to have.
“Will the duke be joining us?” Josephine asked.
“No,” he said, his eyes never leaving her.
Reese was evidently interested in Josephine, but he might be too worldly for her sister. For all her flirtations, she was still only a few years out of the schoolroom.
Something about Reese Burthren worried Martha. He had an edge to him, almost as if he was more daring than he let on, standing on the precipice of polite behavior. His gaze was shuttered like a man who had some practice with being who he wasn’t. He was the duke’s friend, but what else was he?
Josephine might hint at being shocking, but she suspected Reese actually was. He hid it well, however, almost like a spider who dressed like a fly.
Would Josephine listen if Martha warned her? What could she say that would make any sense?Be careful? I think he fancies you?Josephine would only laugh at her. Besides, it wasn’t the first time a man had admired her sister. But no other man had given her the feeling he wasn’t quite what he seemed, that he had secrets that might be dangerous to know.
Perhaps she should accompany them, but if she did it would mean she’d have to give up going to the boathouse. Or she could insist on them taking a chaperone, which would be a little hypocritical since she was going to be alone with the duke.
While she was trying to decide, the two of them arranged a time. Before she could say anything, Josephine stood, smiled at Reese, and turned to her.
“Shall we retire?”
She said her good-nights and accompanied her sister up the stairs, but at Josephine’s door she hesitated. She wanted to say something about Mr. Burthren, but before she had an opportunity to speak Josephine closed the door in her face.
Josephine was annoyed that the duke hadn’t been at dinner, but perhaps there was still a way to institute her plan.
She rang the bellpull and asked for Constance when the maid appeared at her door. She’d already paid for the girl’s cooperation and she was willing to pay even more if it meant learning where the duke was. A little money passed about often paid great dividends.
“He almost always retires to his library at night, miss,” Constance said when Josephine welcomed the girl into her room and closed the door behind her. A simple question about the duke’s whereabouts unlocked a flood of information.
“But not tonight.”
“What makes tonight special?” Josephine asked.
“His Grace is suffering something terrible. It’s his leg, you see. He’ll be with Henry.”
Unfortunately, that information coincided with what she’d learned at dinner. She was running out of time. They’d be at Sedgebrook for only two more nights, but it looked as if tonight was out of the question.
She slipped a coin in the girl’s hand and thanked Constance. The maid curtsied and took herself off.
Josephine closed the door and leaned against it, thinking. Her objective was not thwarted as much as delayed. She wouldn’t see the duke tonight, but she would put her plan into effect tomorrow.
Chapter 11
Jordan normally woke with the dawn. He’d always done so, eager to get a start on the day. In the past year, however, his early rising was because he hadn’t slept well. Last night had been a difficult one because he’d refused to take the elixir that dulled his mind yet gave him a respite from the almost constant pain in his leg.
Dr. Reynolds had not, unfortunately, been able to give him any reassurance the pain would ease. But, then, he’d grown accustomed to ignoring a physician’s recommendations or cautions. Therefore, he wasn’t going to base his hopes on what Dr. Reynolds said or didn’t say. After all, what did the man know? He wasn’t supposed to walk again. The future was like a vast ocean in front of him. He was the one who would plot his course.
Thankfully, none of his servants were around to watch him descend the grand staircase in a slow but dogged fashion. What he lacked in coordination he made up for in determination. Finally, he was at the bottom and made his way to the Morning Parlor, only to be disconcerted by the presence of Josephine York.
“You’re up early, Miss York,” he said in greeting.
He would not allow himself to limp to his favorite chair at the head of the table, but it was close.
