Page 37 of The Scarred Duchess
“Timmons, see young Collins into the carriage.”
Mr Brisbane hurriedly handed over the information they had written of the young lad.
“I see he has been well-treated.”
“He has my lady, as are all our charges.”
“The earl shall certainly hear of my account of things. Please accept a gift from the Countess of Matlock.” Lady Catherine handed a thick letter to Mr Brisbane.
She looked to her carriage to see the boy staring at her. She smiled and nodded. He lifted a hand and tentatively waved. “Good day, my lady,” offered Mr Brisbane.
Lady Catherine accepted Timmons’s assistance into the conveyance. She rapped sharply the carriage’s ceiling with her walking stick, and a moment later, with her mission completed, the party moved off.
CHAPTER TWENTY
“Follow me, Jane!” Miss Elizabeth shouted from atop a fence rail. She was brave for a ten-year-old. Too brave. Miss Bennet, who Bill by now always thought of as ‘the duchess’ shook her head.
Mr Legget leant against a tree, playing with a knife. He spun it around his hand, in and out, over and over, like a ball on a string. His skill impressed Bill.
“Come down, Lizzy! It is not proper to climb in a dress, or even to climb at all! Heaven forbid you should fall and hurt yourself.” Her pleas were ignored by Miss Elizabeth, who instead jumped up and clapped her feet together, then expertly regained her footing. The duchess covered her mouth, her gasp escaping regardless.
Bill stepped out from behind the tree he had been standing behind. “Are you well?” Mr Legget grinned as he approached.
“Yes, Bill, just trying to manage my wayward sister.” The duchess turned to the girl up on the fence rail. “Lizzy?”
“I will come down only if you join me!”
She shook her head. “You promised me you would not do this again. A lady keeps her word.”
A rider called out. Mr Legget straightened. “That would be Master John,” said Bill.
Master John dismounted, handing Bill the reins. “Again, Miss Elizabeth?” He looked at the duchess and smiled. She laughed.
“Help me down again, Master John.”
“Shall I, Miss Bennet?” he asked.
“It would be a kindness.” She looked away.
Why did her face turn pink?Bill stepped forward; Mr Legget gripped his arm. “All is well, Bill,” he said.
Her smile was bright; Master John’s was as wide.Are they fond of each other?
Bennet,
First and foremost, accept glad tidings from me, my countess, and our children.
My stable master has informed me of his desire to attend to his daughter’s first confinement. I customarily make arrangements to fill the shortfall, but to my surprise, the man and his family shall travel to the Yorkshire Dales. The distance, the time of year, and the uncertainty of duration compel me to ask for your assistance.
You have lauded your ward’s skills in your stable. I want him to come to town and work our mews for the Season. I assure you a friendly welcome.
Should you agree, do not send him via the mail coach. Leverage your old bones into your carriage, accompanied byyour ward, and spend a se’nnight at Matlock House. I shall entice you as none has before.
Angelo’s is holding an open tournament, and I have booked a private dressing room! I shall see whether Darcy is available; you may enquire about your Netherfield Park neighbour.
Clarke will inform me of your reply.
Prêt, my friend.
