Page 17 of The Duplicate Duke
“I wouldn’t go so far as to say he was jovial, but he was not harsh.I believe the rift between him and your father had more to do with how the marriage took place.”Miles wasn’t a gossip, but he did have his own opinion of what had happened.“Your father had gone to London on business for the duke.He ended up staying for several months, and when he returned, it was with your mother.They were already married.”
“So he was taken by surprise,” said Shackerley.“I can see it being quite a jolt to suddenly learn his heir has married, and others knew before he did.But to never relent in his position…”
“The duke’s pride was always an issue, according to my father.He refused to be the first to back down, and your father started a new life in Quebec.”
“Yet Grandfather named his favorite hound Harry.”
Miles shook his head.“Who knows what might have happened had your father survived.”
“You’re right, of course.Mama always blamed herself.A penniless daughter of an immigrant Frenchman, who was chased from his own country during the Reign of Terror.It was not an advantageous match, but Mama said they were so in love.She believed my father could do anything.”The young duke paused.“Except conquer a fever the winter after we were born.”
“So you never knew your father?”he asked.
Shackerley shook his head.“We know about him, his life, his portrait, through my mother.”
“My mother died giving birth to me, so she’s not even a memory.We learn we have more in common every day.”Miles felt the bond between them strengthen.
“Was your sister older?”
He nodded.“By ten years.I was a miracle babe.The physician had told my father that she would never carry another child.”Miles shrugged.“Yet here I am.”
“And I’m so glad you are!”said the duke, giving Miles a wistful glance.
“What happened to your estate?Why did Sir Samuel call you a wizard?”Shackerley grimaced.“I apologize.I shouldn’t pry.”
“We’re family.You’re allowed.”Miles gave him a reassuring smile.“The estate had some trouble a few years in a row.Bad weather, then disease hit the sheep.So he decided to put his available cash into a ship.So many people were making a fortune during the War, and he thought to try his luck as well.”
“He wasn’t lucky I take it.”
“He invested in a ship with two other men, then purchased manufactured goods—cloth, guns, and luxuries such as tea and wine—to trade in America.They planned on bringing back raw cotton on the return journey.”Miles sighed.“He would have been out of Dunn territory if the voyage had been successful.”
“But?”
“Once docked, the goods were unloaded.That night, before payment was exacted, the entire shipment was stolen.Then some drunken radicals sought revenge for the impressment of English-born, naturalized Americans into the Royal Navy.They set the ship afire.”He gave a mirthless laugh.“If anyone tells me they have a foolproof investment, I run the other way.”
“What about the insurance?”asked the duke.
“The certificate covered the cargo as long as it was on the water—whether the ship was attacked or sunk—but once it was unloaded, Lloyd’s of London was no longer responsible.”
“Why didn’t he ask my grandfather for help?”
Miles snorted.
“Pride,” they both said at once and laughed.
* * *
“I’ll bringover the lavender for your bath,” Mama said as they both stopped at their chamber doors.“It will help you sleep tonight after your long ride.”
“Thank you,” Gwen said, looking forward to soaking in the hot water.She had done well on the ride, but a total of three hours had taken a toll on her muscles.The estate manager had informed them that he was retiring.Gwen had hoped he had a son or nephew who could take over, but no such luck.Wickford had assured her they would find another.The manager would stay on long enough to help transition his replacement..
Closing the door, she went through Graham’s clothes in the wardrobe and chose a pair of trousers, waistcoat, linen shirt, and stockings to wear to dinner.She had just tossed her cravat and shirt on the floor when her mother knocked on the door.
“For the love of Hercules, come in,” she said, clad in only the trousers and the binding around her chest.
She looked up to see the shocked face of Mr.Garner.“I beg my-your pardon, Y-Your Grace,” he stuttered.
Gwen screamed, wrapping her arms around her the strips of cloth covering her breasts.Behind her, Mama gasped.“I-I can explain,” Gwen began, wondering how she would.
