Page 49 of The Duke and the Enigmatic Governess
“He sounds devoid of any emotional connection to his sister,” commented Robert.
“That’s true,” said Jude, reaching for his hessians, glad to change out of travel clothes. “The one thing which doesn’t make sense to me in this story is the role of the Duke of Batton. I knew the name rang a bell and I’ve met the fellow. He’s top drawer of the ton, a genuine gentleman of courtesy and consideration, not one I’d suspect of a wicked scheme to coerce a young lady into marriage.”
“Did we meet him in Bath, Your Grace? I believe I remember him now.”
“We did. He joined us for several card games. He talked about his estate, and liked shooting and fishing. I believe he’s been widowed for many years.”
“Is it possible he’s been hoodwinked by the brother too?” suggested Robert. “I told you he had a mean streak as a child.” Robert shuddered, “A true villain and Lady Audrey had a lucky escape there.”
“You might be onto something there Robert. I’m generally right about people’s characters and Batton seemed a genuinely nice, elderly man. Maybe Lord Cheshire planned to fleece him into giving a sizeable marriage settlement for his sister? He might be clueless about Lady Audrey’s reluctance to marry.”
Robert helped His Grace into his dark brown leather jacket and simple cravat, the clothes his master preferred to wear atClairville. Somehow the ritual of arriving home, and changing into a different style of clothing had grown to signify a transition from fashionable Corinthian, a gentleman of society, to a relaxed country landowner.
“There are many lonely people. I don’t remember the Duke of Batton being handsome or attending many social events. I’m sure we’ll find out more from Mr. Daniel’s enquiries,” said Robert. “There, hold still Your Grace, while I finish your cravat. Sometimes the simpler knots are trickier than a complicated design. There, that’s got it. Voila!”
Jude glanced at the cravat in the glass mirror. “Perfect as always Robert. Now, where’s Daniel got to? I don’t believe there is anything urgent which needs attending to with the estate. I need to see Mama and little Sasha, of course.”
“And Lady Audrey?” enquired Robert, raising an eyebrow as he spoke.
Jude stopped what he was doing and looked down at his boots. “Robert. I’ve been trying to put Lady Audrey out of my mind for the last week. I’d offer for her in an instant, but for some reason I’ve offended her. She stormed off after our last conversation, telling me she would leave as soon as there were arrangements for a replacement. It seemed final. I can’t for the life of me think what I said or did to provoke such a reaction.”
“What did you actually say, Your Grace?” enquired Robert.
“That’s the deuced problem, Robert. I was so cut up at seeing her face and hearing how she planned to leave, that I can’t remember what I said to her.”
“What did she say to you?” Robert continued his questioning.
“Something about not being controlled by a man again. She needed time and space to think and make choices. It made no sense at the time. All I did was ask her to stay. I’ll be honest with you Robert, with six sisters and Mama, not to mention Nurse, in my life I doubt I’d be able to force any of them to do anything, even if I chose to act like the Earl of Cheshire. I just don’t have it in me … and I’m glad of that.”
“We’ve been away for a few days. It may be different now, she may have reconsidered,” said Robert, with sympathy.
“I hope so, Robert, I truly hope so. Now, should I seek Mama out or wait until later?”
“All the ladies are with the seamstress, and her assistants, for a final fitting before the ball. Your mother suggested you might wish to take a swim,” Robert informed Jude with a grin.
“My mother knows me very well Robert. Let’s take her up on that suggestion. A shame that elegant cravat will be untied for a swim within the hour.”
There was a knock on the door and Robert broke off to answer it. He returned with a gold embossed envelope addressed to Jude. “For you,” he said, handing it to Jude.
For a moment Jude thought it might be a note from Lady Audrey, but knew instantly it was a child’s careful writing. Opening it carefully, he pulled out the parchment to read an invitation, written in the same careful hand.
“It is an invitation; I am invited to a recital. Apparently, Sasha will play the spinet for us this afternoon.” Jude informed Robert. He moved to sit at his desk, “I must reply immediately and accept.”
A musical recital in the drawing room would be an opportunity to see Lady Audrey again. He had wondered when their paths would cross again. A swim, followed by a musical recital would provide a diverting afternoon, with a ball to look forward to the next day.
Perhaps he would get another chance to talk to Lady Audrey again and to find out what he had done to offend her!
***
Entering the drawing room, Jude felt it was an oasis of calm. Everyone had taken time away from the preparations for the ballto attend the recital. He smiled to himself, liking the fact that servants and family joined together to listen to little Sasha. She’d even invited Barton the coachman, the footmen, and there was Cook sitting next to Mrs. Driscoll on the front row.
Once everyone had taken their seat, there was a hush, and his mother stood up at the front, next to the spinet. “Welcome everyone, on this special day before the celestial ball. We are beginning our celebrations with a recital by Miss Sasha, who has been practicing hard with her governess.”
The door opened and a tiny figure, dressed in a sunshine yellow dress, hair in ringlets with matching ribbons marched confidently to the front of the room. She bowed to her audience, smiling brightly, and took her seat at the spinet. There was Lady Audrey, standing next to her, ready to turn the pages of the music.
His heartbeat raced faster than usual. Time stopped in that moment. He had carried her face with him in his thoughts throughout his time away. He had tried to distract himself, to push her away, but she was always close to him, connected by an invisible thread as soft and unbreakable as pure silk.
Sasha raised her hands and began to play. He took a breath of relief at the way her fingers raced up and down the spinet. Lady Audrey moved each page swiftly as Sasha played Mozart’sRonda a la Turque, and as the music drew to a crescendo Jude noticed the breath of relief taken by Lady Audrey.
