Page 82 of The Artisan and the Duke
“That is not likely,” Fredrick groaned as Gregory pulled him up to his feet. “His lackeys took my cane. I fear I may need a new one.”
Gregory laughed, “I will buy you all the canes you need. I am just glad to hear your voice.”
They made it up the ladder with Sir Chapman’s help. “Sir Chapman,” Fredrick said in surprise.
Sir Chapman looked embarrassed. “I am sorry to admit, but I allowed your cousin to use me as well. I did not realize that my debts came with such a high price, or I would have turned down his offer of help,” Sir Chapman said sincerely.
“I think we can all forgive you,” Fredrick said, “after all, we were fooled by Boris for much longer than you.”
***
“So, your uncle is speaking before the Lords today?” Jules asked Gregory as they sat in the rose garden where they had been married.
Gregory nodded and smiled over at her, his blond hair catching the light. “Uncle’s testimony will go a long way to making it harder for Boris to get me convicted of trying to kill him and Uncle,” Gregory said thoughtfully. “Of course, we still have to deal with all the rest of it.”
“Why have me put in jail, workhouses … why go through that?” Jules asked in confusion.
Gregory said with a sigh, “That is where he wanted you to begin with. You were part of his plan to frame the masons, and that fell through. He learned of our marriage and who you really were. I think it pushed him over the edge.”
“And,” Fredrick said as he stepped up beside them, “don’t forget that he had planned for both I and Her Grace to disappear, which would make it look like we had run off together.”
Jules laughed. “He just really is mad.”
“I do not know how we missed it,” Gregory said. “How did we not see how disturbed the man was?”
Jules said softly, “He is your cousin. You grew up together. You just gave him the benefit of the doubt, just like you did Sir Chapman when everyone said you should not.”
“That’s true,” Fredrick said. “You never could give up on people, Gregory.”
Gregory nodded and said, “Well, I think I can now. That particular bit of habit has been broken.”
“It feels cooler this morning, doesn’t it?” Jules asked causing Fredrick to laugh. “I am serious.”
Fredrick nodded and sank down to the stone steps that led into the garden so he could stretch out his leg. “It does feel a bit cooler.”
“I think summer might be losing its hold over dear England, finally,” Gregory said. They all let the mundane conversation drop as they watched the sun rise over the tops of the trees that bordered the rose garden.
Jules whispered after a long while, “I will be glad to see the country estate again.”
“Yes,” Fredrick said with a sigh. “I wonder how it is doing since I have been indisposed and unable to attend to it.”
Gregory chuckled, “I think everyone will forgive you for your lack of management while being kidnapped and riding all over the country.” With a sigh, Gregory added, “With all the drama, you might be called upon to take up the title of Duke anyway.”
“Do you really think that would happen?” Fredrick asked in distaste.
Gregory shrugged and said, “It is possible. I do not think it would be such a horrible thing. You have handled everything thrown at you and are no worse for the wear. I think being Duke would be just another day for you.”
“And what would you do?” Fredrick asked in amusement.
Jules suggested, “He could run the country estate.”
“Ah, so that was your plan all along,” Fredrick said with a chuckle.
Gregory said, “Yes, Fred, I did all of this just so I would not have to attend parties.”
“Sounds about right,” Fredrick said with a grin.
***
