Page 65 of The Artisan and the Duke
“Yes, my brother is not one to charm and beguile for the sake of it. While I admire that about him, it also costs him a lot of goodwill from our peers,” Fredrick said with a frown. “I hope it just has not cost him enough to make it easy for Uncle.”
Barrister Dulock said thoughtfully, “I have not seen your uncle out in society as of late. I usually see him in the lounge or clubs. Don’t suppose that has anything to do with your abduction?”
“You are a shrewd man, Barrister Dulock,” Fredrick said with a laugh. “We do have our suspicions which have seemingly been confirmed by one of the men who participated in abducting me.”
The barrister nodded and said earnestly, “If you can find him, then I will do all I can to rally for him having his honorary titles and privileges stripped. There are few punishments as harsh as that to one such as your uncle.”
“If you could do that, then I would gladly sit in the audience and watch,” Fredrick said enthusiastically.
***
Jules leaned against the window seal and peered down at the street below. There had been a loud knocking a few moments ago, but Jules could not see who the person calling was.
There was no noise for a bit then she heard Master Foster’s voice saying, “I’m afraid you have come to the wrong place. We have no women here. You say she was seen entering here?”
“Yes,” a male voice said insistently. “If you are hiding her, it would be very bad for you.”
Charles laughed, “My dear Sir, my guild has been disbanded, and I am left with only a few apprentices in residence. I have seen no young lady.” Charles’ voice became stern as he said quietly, “I should remind you many people on this street still remember that no guardsmen or watermen came to our aid when the factory burned. I do not think you want to push this issue as everyone is so on edge that I can’t guarantee your safety, especially with it only being yourself and one other.”
There was a moment before the guardsman said in agitation to whoever was with him, “Come, let’s go back and get some reinforcements then, to ensure our safety.”
“I look forward to seeing you again,” Charles said in a friendly manner as the men left.
It was not long after that Jules heard footsteps coming up the stairs rapidly. One of the apprentices came into the room with barely a knock and gasped, “Master says you need to pack up your things and make sure you wear your apprentice guise.” As soon as Jules nodded, the boy was back out of the room.
She knew that Charles was asking her to put on her kit from when she portrayed herself as male. Swiftly, Jules did as she had been bidden, and before long she was sweeping her hair up into a cap. She stared at her reflection satisfied that she looked decidedly like a young man and not a Duchess at all.
She bundled up the dress she had arrived in and hurried downstairs with it. Jules found Master Foster in the kitchen wrapping up some sandwiches. “What do you want me to do with this?” Jules held out her dress to the man.
“Toss it in the wood stove,” Master Foster said as he finished wrapping up the sandwiches. “It won’t take them too long to get some fellows and return. You must be on your way by then.”
Jules put her hand on the man’s arm. “You could come with me.”
“And what of the boys? No. Jules, you must go and get distance between here and there. I sent Tom to give the word to the Duke that you were here. There’s a good chance that he has already arrived. If that is so, then you may just meet some of your fellows coming to retrieve you,” Charles said reasonably. “Besides it will look quite odd if I’m not here when they return, don’t you think?”
Jules nodded and sighed, “Be careful, won’t you?”
“Of course, and if you do by some chance see David again,” Master Foster said quietly, “hit him just once for me.”
Jules found herself laughing as she agreed and embraced the man, “I promise that I will show him no courtesy after his betrayal of the guild and myself.”
“That’s my girl,” Charles said with a chuckle. He stepped back and said sternly, “Now get going before they get back.”
Jules just nodded as she did not trust herself to speak any longer without letting the tears escape. Jules took the sandwiches that Charles had bundled up for her and set out quickly down the street, which was quiet and clear of anyone that might see her.
It would take a few miles before Jules could even hope to relax, and she set a strong, brisk pace. Being back among the guild, as few as they were, and knowing that the things David had said were falsehoods, brought Jules comfort. She and Gregory had set them free after all.
***
There was a knock at the door and the doorman, William, poked his head through at Gregory’s absentminded, “Enter.”
“Pardon, Your Grace, but your cousin, Sir Boris, is here to see you,” the man said with a disapproving look on his face.
Gregory had to keep himself from copying the doorman’s expression as he said, “Please, show him in.”
The door closed only to be opened a few moments later as Boris burst into the room. The man’s face was clouded by something Gregory could not decipher. “Cousin, I feel I owe you an apology,” Boris said sorrowfully.
“For what do you owe me this apology, Dear Boris?” Gregory enquired as he waved for the man to take one of the leather seats in front of the desk.
