Page 84 of The Artisan and the Duke
Lady St Claire looked up in surprise. “Gregory, I did not know you were back. Sit down,” she said as she hurried over and tugged Gregory towards a chair.
Fredrick sat down as well, and Jules took a chair next to Gregory’s spot. They all sat in silence as Lady St Claire rushed out of the room to get the food brought in. Soon enough plates of food were being brought in and set before them.
Lady St Claire said happily, “We have been working on a new dumpling recipe. I do hope you like it.”
“It looks delicious,” Gregory said.
Lady St Claire seated herself as Gregory took a test bite of the dish. He made a noise of approval as he nodded over to his mother. “Do you like it?”
“Yes, it is quite lovely and spicy,” Gregory said as he took a sip of his wine.
Fredrick sighed. “Okay, enough. Can you just tell us what they said?”
“I might as well as you all keep looking at me like I am about to either drop dead or sprout antlers on top of my head,” Gregory said with a chuckle. “They have agreed to allow me to keep my title as Jules was appropriately sponsored and we followed etiquette.”
Lady St Claire’s mouth fell open. “I am shocked,” she said as she started laughing. “I thought for sure that they would strip your title.”
“I knew it,” Fredrick said lightly, “did I not tell you, Your Grace?” Fredrick gave Jules a grin.
Jules laughed. “Yes, you did, Sir St Claire. Yes, you did.”
“Yes, Fredrick has this annoying knack of guessing things correctly,” Gregory admitted.
Fredrick scoffed, “I do not guess, my dear brother. I calculate and reason. It was perfectly logical for them to leave the title with you. After all, they would have had to transfer it to me, and you are by far the more pleasant to deal with.”
“Nonsense,” Lady St Claire chided. “You would have made an excellent Duke of Thornton, but it is just as well that it is left with Gregory. He suits the title well.”
Gregory chuckled, “If you all are done debating my worthiness, can I eat?”
“Go ahead,” Jules said with a smile.
***
With the season ending, the St Claire household opted to return to the country estate. There they found Mrs Kelley and her young daughters waiting on the front steps along with the rest of the household help. As the carriage containing the Duke and Duchess of Thornton opened, and Gregory stepped out, the people assembled began to cheer.
Jules stepped down with Gregory’s help and laughed at the enthusiastic greeting from the household. Lady St Claire and Fredrick, too, thought it great fun, but Gregory just gave the household a bow and a sincere, “Thank you, but please carry on.”
“Your staff really cares for you,” Jules said softly to her husband as he offered her his arm.
They walked up the steps and Gregory admitted, “I had no idea that they would even blink if I disappeared.”
The stable boys came over and patted Fredrick on the back enquiring about his adventures. “I think they would miss you all,” Jules said.
“You included,” Gregory told her with a smile.
The cool autumn breeze had arrived at the country estate as well, and Jules shivered slightly. A man approached Gregory as they reached the top of the stairs. “Constable,” Gregory said as he reached his hand out to the man.
“Your Grace, I hate to impose on you as you are just returning home, but I am tracking a man that seems to be involved with the local highwaymen. I have reason to believe that he may be holed-up somewhere on your property,” the constable said with regret.
Gregory waved off the man’s concern. “Whatever you need,” Gregory offered.
“A few young men to search the grounds, and if you could tell me where to look, it would be helpful as you know this land better than I can hope to,” the constable said honestly.
Gregory nodded. “Done. Jules, go on and catch up with your mother. I will return shortly,” he said, and he gave Jules a kiss on the forehead before he turned and left with the constable.
Lady St Claire stepped up next to Jules. “What is that about?”
“I have a sinking feeling that I might know,” Jules said softly, “but I dare not say it.”
