Page 6 of The Duplicate Duke
“We assume both of you will want to accompany the duke.”Mr.Rutland gave his companion a side-glance.“This must be a shock.We apologize for the abruptness of our visit.”
Mr.Walters added, “You may take the time while we are away to make arrangements for the house and gather what belongings you would like to bring to England.”
“I’m afraid we have few matters to take care of,” said her mother.“We have no funds, and this house does not belong to us.It belongs to my brother-in-law.”
“And he is… where?”asked Mr.Walters quietly.
“I have no idea.My sister died three years ago.He was distraught, of course.The home he’d made with his wife held too many memories.After a year of mourning, he decided he would travel and left, allowing us to stay in the house.”Mama pressed her lips together into a thin line.“We hadn’t heard from him until a letter telling us he is selling this property.”
“I’m sorry, ma’am,” said Mr.Walters, sincere sympathy in his dark-brown eyes.“Perhaps our timing is not so bad?”
“And I’m sure Lord Wickton will provide the funds needed for your passage,” said Mr.Rutland.
Gwen’s foot was tapping, and an idea was stirring around in her brain.She smiled at the gargantuan.“But what if my brother arrives while you are looking for him?Would it be wise to leave a bit with us, so we can be on our way?We could leave word here if that happened.”
Mr.Walters and Mr.Rutland shared a look.The bigger man shrugged.
“You wouldn’t snatch a pouch of coin and run with it, now would you?”asked Mr.Walters, his grin transforming his face.He was indeed a handsome man in a mature way.Oh, if only Mr.Barnaby had his looks.
Gwen shook her head in earnest.How dare he suggest she was a thief!“Oh no, it would only be used for passage to England.Or rent if we must move sooner than expected.”
“Or whatever your mother decides is a necessity,” added Mr.Walters gently, letting them know he was not averse to the ladies using some of the funds.
Before the gentlemen left, they left a leather pouch of coin for emergency or if Graham returned before they did.Her mother explained if they were not at the house when the investigators’ return, to inquire at Barnaby’s Dry Goods Store.Mr.Barnaby would know their address.Gwen had also purposely steered any conversation away from the fact that she and her brother were twins.As soon as the door closed, Gwen twirled to face her mother.“Start packing, Mama.We aren’t waiting for Graham.This is fate telling us we have a new home, and I don’t have to marry a man my father’s age.I will be the Duke of Shackerley until Graham returns.”
* * *
Early June
Onboard the Amity, docking at Liverpool
Gwen wipedthe salty spray from her face with a grin, squinting at the vague shoreline.She was thankful she didn’t have to try to tame her wild curls, now kept in a tight tail and tucked down her back.The cravat—how did men tolerate the suffocating neck cloth?—hiding the rest of her mane.But the trousers were heaven, and the long strides she was able to take in the boots.However, her first thrill at foregoing her corset had been dampened with the cloth that now bound her breasts.“Oh, Mama, I never thought I would enjoy the sea this much.It’s so… freeing!”
“I’m happy for you,” her mother mumbled, who’d had a bout of seasickness for the entire journey.“My feet are anxious for dry land after a month of this swaying.”
Poor Mama.She had tried to maintain propriety, keeping her toilette every day and her clothing and hair neat.Gwen was now a man, so she didn’t bother.She loved the possibilities of being male, not being told what to do, not being put down or ignored only because of her sex.This was the adventure of a lifetime, and she would enjoy every moment of it while it lasted.
“So what is your plan if… if the worst happens,” asked Mama.“If you are convincing, do you plan to remain a duke for the rest of your days?”
Gwen hadn’t thought that far.It didn’t matter.In her heart, she knew Graham was alive.She always knew when he was in danger; it was like they were two people yet one.“He’s fine, though I cannot foretell the future and know when he will return.But Mr.Walters and Mr.Rutland seemed very confident of their skills to find him.”
“I don’t like this ruse,” said her mother stubbornly.
“You didn’t have to come,” Gwen reminded her.
“And let you cross the ocean by yourself?We don’t even have a servant to send with you,” huffed Mama.“What kind of mother would I be if I allowed you to go off to another country alone?”
“Is it better that you lied to me most of my life?”She was still hurt that her mother had kept the truth from her and told her brother.And how had Graham kept it a secret from her when they had no secrets?But the pain in Mama’s eyes gave her pause.
“I’m sorry.It’s just such a shock,” she said finally, giving her mother a tight hug.
“I was alone and terrified the duke would steal your brother.I did what I had to in order to keep my children safe.I have no regrets.”She kissed the top of Gwen’s head.“I would give up anything for you and Graham.”
Land came into view, and Gwen squealed, caught herself, and cleared her throat.
“You’re fortunate you have a husky voice for a woman.Take care with your mannerisms,” warned her mother.“It was bad enough being destitute in Boston with friends close by.I don’t relish being alone in this godforsaken country without a soul to help us.”
It was true.Gwen hadn’t considered that risk until the sails had set, and they couldn’t change their minds.She straightened her waistcoat, thinking of the notes they’d left behind.If Mr.Walters and Mr.Rutland found Graham, her brother would also find the letter explaining where they were once the men returned to Boston.Her mother had sent off a hurried note to Mr.Barnaby, so the kind man wouldn’t worry, also including copies of the letters to Graham and the investigators.Then to ensure their safety once in England, Gwen used the viscount’s address from one of the packets to inform him of their arrival.
