The Theft of a Dukedom Read online

  Charles studied Louise Trenchard from over his tea cup as he drank his first cup without stopping. She had dark hair, but it wasn’t black. Sitting in the sunshine he could see fiery red flashes in the ornate chignon as she moved her head to talk. He had a vivid picture of her loose hair splashed across a white pillow, being burnished by the sun. She had an oval face perched on a graceful neck. Her skin was like alabaster, pale and blemish free and her morning gown couldn’t hide the rounded swell of her breasts. He jerked his attention back to her face and in chatting with Anne, it was animated. Her eyebrows were expressive, jerking one up in query at something Anne said. Her eyes were hazel, but in the sun they looked almost golden. They were set wide apart either side of an impressive nose. It was long and straight, which made her face seem long, but it wasn’t. There was no button on the end, just a round tip which flared down to the most sensual lips he’d ever seen.Have I ever looked at this woman?He asked himself as he imagined kissing them.I wonder what they would feel like sliding over my cock!?Then immediately responded withperish the thought. She’s no harlot!He jerked his eyes away from her and his gaze immediately clashed with Kitty’s. She smiled knowingly and nodded her head, as if in approval. Charles frowned.I don’t need your approval!He thought but couldn’t follow through as the Duke arrived.

  Never one for ceremony, Thomas dropped gracefully into a chair next to Margaret Bonham. ‘Peggy, my dear. How nice to see you.’ he murmured as he reached for a cup of tea.

  ‘It’s been a while, Thomas.’ She murmured back. ‘I understand congratulations are in order?’

  ‘Yes, I suppose.’ He said. ‘I have proposed to Victoria Bertrand and she has accepted.’ There was a general expression of good fortune for the happy couple.

  ‘Have you set a date yet?’ she asked evenly.

  ‘No. We’re not in any hurry.’

  She looked at him archly and muttered ‘that must be a first for you!’

  Charles had heard this exchange and decided it was time to go for a walk. ‘Lady Louise. May I invite you to take a turn about the gardens?’ he asked and was gratified to see shock on her face.

  ‘I would love to.’ She murmured as her cheeks flushed a beautiful dusky pink. He wondered if that was the colour her nipples would be and then shoved the thought aside as he held out his arm. ‘Aren’t you supposed to rest your leg?’ she asked as she opened her parasol and then rested her hand on his muscular forearm.

  ‘On the contrary the sawbones told me to walk every day and I haven’t really done it.’ As he led her onto the lawn he explained ‘It’s far too easy just to call for the carriage, but it needs exercise.’

  ‘What is wrong with your leg?’ she asked coyly.

  ‘I was hit in the thigh with some grapeshot.’ He said lightly. ‘It sort of scooped out a lump of my thigh and seared it at the same time.....’ His voice faded away as they moved across the lawn.

  Kitty looked at her father and smiled at his beatific smile. ‘Lady Amelia, can I persuade you to accompany me in a stroll?’ Lord Derek Ponsonby asked gently and offered his arm. She sat back suddenly, as if startled, but nodded her head in acquiescence. The corner of her mouth quirked as she saw the scowl appear on Richard’s face. She stood up, rested her hand on his forearm and looked up at his simpering expression.

  Richard grumpily watched Ponsonby escort her over the lawn. He crossed his legs as he appreciated the swing of her hips while she walked.Maybe it’s better to watch from here. She walks like a goddess!He thought. And then schooled his expression, with her father sitting across the table.

  ‘You were a little slow, there.’ Thomas said lifting an eyebrow at him. ‘Still, you certainly weren’t lax last night. Once again I would like to thank you for your quick actions. You undoubtedly saved Amelia from a lot of pain.’

  ‘It was my pleasure. Sir.’ Richard said affably. ‘I hope it won’t be necessary tonight.’

  ‘Well, I shall hold you to your promise this morning.’ Thomas said and turned back to the ladies.

  ‘If you want, I’ll take a walk with you.’ Millicent Carter said cheekily. ‘And you can tell me about last night, because I wasn’t there.’

  ‘Of course, My Lady.’ Richard said and held out his arm.

  Richard explained about the punch bowl as they strolled across the lawn in the wake of Kitty and Ponsonby.

  ‘She was very lucky indeed.’ Millicent said maturely and he turned to see a grown woman looking at him, not a girl. ‘It happens too often. I’ve been wondering whether it’s just malice or if somebody is really trying to hurt her.’ She said thoughtfully. ‘Do you know when it started?’ he enquired.

  ‘Yes. When Strathairn came to call.’ She said and frowned. ‘He danced with her at her first ball in March and that same night, she ended up with jelly in her cleavage.’ She looked up at him challengingly.

  ‘I wasn’t going to say anything.’ Richard said and flushed because he’d like to have offered to lick it off.

  Millicent laughed delightedly. ‘I believe you.’ she spluttered. ‘However, it was just the first of many incidents. The next day Strathairn came to call on her, he brought a beautiful bouquet of roses and next morning they were all dead. Kitty was quite distressed about it and the household staff were thoroughly questioned by Lady Agatha. Nobody had done anything to the roses here, so that only left Strathairn’s hothouse or wherever he bought them from.’ She sighed. ‘He called every day for a week and I think Kitty was really quite fond of him and I know he was enamoured of her. I have to assume he made an offer, but Kitty never mentioned it?’ She asked and he shook his head.

  ‘I think the Duke is careful about Kitty. He doesn’t seem to want to force her into marriage.’

  ‘Very wise. Our Kitty has delicate sensibilities. I have tried to give her a realistic approach to the marriage state, but there is a deal of difference between telling and doing!’ Millicent kept her head high and looked straight ahead, as befits a matron of two years. She smiled secretly as she thought again about the life within her womb and absently rubbed her hand over the slight bulge. ‘After that every time Kitty’s in a ballroom, look out, because something will happen.’ Millicent finished.

  ‘Have all the incidents been...’ he searched for the right words. ‘…successful?’ he frowned and shook his head, not happy with the words. ‘I can’t think how else to put it, other than did anything happen that didn’t hit Kitty as the target.’

  ‘Come to think of it yes. The daughter of a Earl had an unfortunate episode in the Ladies retiring room, with a chamber pot.’ She looked at him sharply to see if he laughed, but he was far too bothered to even snigger. ‘She had to go straight home. Her very expensive pearl encrusted satin gown was utterly ruined.’

  ‘Was Kitty anywhere near?’ he asked.

  ‘As a matter of fact she was next in the queue and I was right behind her.’

  He sighed as they followed the others along the path beside an informal border overflowing with flora. The scent of the blooms was overpowering.

  ‘Are you in love with her?’ Millicent asked suddenly. He looked down at her, opened his mouth to deny it, and then shut it again and simply shrugged his shoulders instead. ‘Good! Don’t let Ponsonby push you out. She won’t marry him anyway.’

  After the walk, Agatha organised a game of Pall Mall on the lawn. The gardener had set the hoops and Agatha decided on couples.

  Richard found himself playing with Kitty against Charles and Louise, so there was a lot of laughter and teasing. Ponsonby scowled as he was partnered with Millicent Carter and the Earl was partnered with Anne Brooks.

  Charles walked with Richard to the next hoop. ‘Do you feel strange?’ he asked suddenly.

  ‘Strange how?’

  ‘As if we’re not supposed to be here, enjoying ourselves in the sun?’ Charles said and shivered.

  ‘Well, I’ll be honest with you; I didn’t think I would last the night at Badajoz. But I think I know what you mean, I too feel displaced som
etimes, although Kitty is helping to dispel it.’ He smiled at Charles. ‘You should devote your energies to Lady Trenchard.’ He finished as he lined up his mallet with the black ball.

  ‘Do you know, I’ve never really looked at her before today, she was just one of Kitty’s friends and I’m pleasantly surprised, she has grown into such a beauty.’ Charles said softly as the ladies approached.

  The game was finished and as they went to walk back to the table Rochdale extended his arm to Kitty. ‘If you would do me the honour.’ Kitty’s heart leaped into her throat and it didn’t have anything to do with excitement, more of fear. Charles, because he knew her so well saw it straight away. She reluctantly nodded and rested her fingers on Rochdale’s arm and strode off with him. Charles went straight to Richard and the pair of them watched as Rochdale steered her into a path obscured by trees and shrubs.

  ‘How old is Rochdale?’ Richard asked.

  ‘Older than my father.’ Charles responded and followed at a discreet distance.

  Kitty was very nervous. She did not have any feelings for the old Earl, except maybe disgust that he would even consider wooing her like a teenage boy. He’s almost old enough to be my grandfather!She thought and turned her head to look at the rose bed.

  ‘My Lady.’ He began and then cleared his throat. ‘Amelia.’ He began again and rested his hand over hers. ‘I have been watching you all season.’ He stopped walking and turned towards her, placing his hands on her upper arms, so she couldn’t run away. ‘I have already asked your father for your hand and he said no.’ He looked down at her breasts and then jerked his eyes back up to her face. She was horrified to see a speculative leer in his eyes. ‘I wondered if you could change his mind on the subject. I could offer you the world and a world of experience.’

  ‘But, My Lord, you’re already married!’ Burst from Kitty’s lips almost involuntarily as she tried to step away from him.

  ‘Not for much longer!’ he spat viciously, his hands clenching her upper arms harshly. ‘I’m going to divorce that slut I made the mistake of marrying,’ he tried to be placating and inviting, ‘help me with my suit, Kitty. Persuade your father to accept me?’ He tried to pull her closer for a kiss and that’s when Kitty started to struggle. ‘Let me show you passion, Kitty!’ and tried to kiss her again.

  ‘Let me go!’ she demanded as her hair started to work loose of the pins holding it in a chignon. The terror she felt was almost indescribable. She could feel the raw strength in his hands and arms and struggle as she might, she couldn’t break his hold

  ‘Why do you fight this?’ He asked in what, for him, was a sultry voice. He slid his hands down her arms, grabbed her hands and pinned them behind her. ‘You know I will win. You do not have the strength to fight me.’ Kitty gasped and cringed in horror as his lips caressed her neck and the tears of frustration and fear oozed over her eyelids as she squeezed them shut, trying to deny what was happening.

  ‘No she doesn’t.’ Charles said coldly from behind him. ‘But I do! Release my sister or pay the consequences.’ Kitty’s eyes flew open and she whimpered in relief as she saw her brother on the path.

  Rochdale relaxed his grip and Kitty managed to yank herself out of his hands. ‘And what would you do?’ Rochdale demanded coldly as Kitty scuttled behind her brother.

  Charles turned to Kitty and stroked his hand down her arm. ‘Go to Richard. This is not for your ears.’ He pushed her down the path and as she staggered away from him, she was struck by his sudden militaristic bearing, holding himself very straight backed and rigid, his eyes very cold and deadly. ‘Go!’ he shouted at her and she fled, both hands lifting her skirts and running as fast as her legs would carry her.

  ‘My Lord.’ Charles said to Rochdale in a reasonable voice. ‘If you ever touch my sister in such an intimate manner again, I’ll call you out.’

  ‘Maybe I should call you out.’ Rochdale responded. ‘After all, you spent last night fucking my wife!’

  ‘Your wife is a harlot, My Lord. My sister is not!’ Charles said evenly, he didn’t need to provoke this matter more than he already had. He sighed deeply. ‘I knew Connie before I went to Spain. I always thought she would marry my brother, but I understand even he wasn’t interested in marriage. She’s a harlot because Robin made her one!’

  ‘Did you give her the pox and make her sterile?’ Rochdale demanded as his face suffused with blood.

  ‘I did not.’ Charles said evenly. ‘But just because your wife turned out to be a whore, doesn’t give you the right to ruin my sister. If you touch her again, I’ll kill you.’ Charles nodded affably. ‘The back gate is that way.’ He pointed out. ‘Good afternoon, My Lord.’ He said and walked away.

  Richard could hear Kitty coming as her feet clattered on the uneven flags of the path. She burst out onto the lawn in full flight as if being chased by a monster. He could clearly see the look of terror in her eyes.

  ‘Kitty!’ he said loudly. ‘What happened?’ and she turned towards his voice, running into him full pelt. He staggered under the force of their collision, but remained on his feet as he clutched her trembling body to his chest.

  Thomas had been dozing in the sun and was jerked awake by Richard’s voice. He practically leaped out of his chair and strode across the lawn to Kitty. ‘What happened?’ he demanded with all ducal pride.

  ‘He tried to kiss me!’ she stuttered and Thomas looked about the guests sat at the table.

  ‘Rochdale!’ he said forcefully. ‘I’ve already told him no.’ He stroked his hand over Kitty’s dishevelled hair. ‘Richard would you escort Kitty to her room, please?’ he turned to his guests. ‘If one of you ladies would be so kind as to accompany them, I would be grateful.’

  ‘Charles!’ burst from Kitty. ‘Stop him before he does something stupid!’ Her teeth were chattering as if she was in the arctic.

  Thomas nodded and followed the direction Kitty was pointing in. He had only gone a few yards down the path when Charles appeared, walking slowly, but proudly down the path.

  ‘What happened, son?’ Thomas asked softly.

  ‘The bastard tried to take advantage of her.’ He spat. ‘This is to do with Connie!’ Thomas turned and walked with his son. ‘It may even to be because all three of us have had carnal relations with his wife, either before or after her marriage.’

  ‘Did you call him out?’

  ‘No. I told him I would if he tried it again. You have said no and he was trying to persuade Kitty to change your mind.’ He laughed then. ‘Not that she was at all interested, which was why he tried to take her.’

  ‘It’s a good job you were there.’

  ‘I was suspicious,’ Charles said with a shrug, ‘right from the moment Havers said he was here.’

  When they arrived at the table, Agatha was escorting her guests to the door. And Richard was just arriving back at the terrace.

  ‘Millicent is sitting with her.’ He murmured as he joined the two men.

  ‘Do you think Rochdale is behind the accidents perpetrated on Kitty?’ Richard asked softly.

  ‘It’s possible.’ Thomas said, ‘he was standing behind Rathbone and could easily have nudged his arm at the right moment.’

  ‘Constance was standing with Emily Blunt at the punch bowl.’ Charles said and then sighed in frustration.

  ‘This is ridiculous!’ Thomas blurted. ‘Would an Earl be so petty? Deflowering my daughter is probably as far as he would go. He would consider that poetic justice, if he knows I had carnal relations with his wife.’ He shook his head. ‘If he loves her so much, why give her a townhouse to use?’

  ‘I’ve seen this before, in Portugal.’ Richard said softly. ‘Earl marries a young woman only to find out she’s the biggest whore in London, so he spirits her away to Portugal, where nobody really knows who she is. Rochdale can’t take her to Portugal or Spain, so he gives her a townhouse to use, so she’s not screwing men in either the marital home or other men’s houses.’ Richard frowned. ‘I’m sure it is a most p
ainful experience to be cuckolded by men of power that have been acquaintances all your life.’ He smiled brightly. ‘Would you like some advice?’ Both men nodded sadly. ‘Stay away from the “Lady” concerned. Give her the brush off, publicly!’

  Havers appeared from the house and walked slowly across the grass. ‘Excuse me, Your Grace, but a letter has come for Lord Richard.’ He handed a sealed note over.

  Richard looked at the wax seal. It had the Earldom’s coat of Arms on it. ‘It’s from my father.’ He said as he broke the seal and opened the vellum with a crackle.

  Dear Richard,

  Get home your earliest, Father is worse and I don’t expect him to last the night!

  Your devoted Sister in law, Isabelle.

  ‘I have to go.’ He looked up at Charles. ‘My father is dying.’ He barely concealed the sob. Charles grabbed him and gave him a fierce embrace as Havers hurried back to the house.

  ‘Do you wish for some company?’ Charles asked softly.

  Richard patted his back gently. ‘No. I’ll be fine.’ He pushed Charles away and turned to Thomas. ‘Thank you, Your Grace, for your hospitality. I’m only sorry to have to leave under such circumstances.’ He held out his hand.

  Thomas well remembered the day his father had died. He grasped Richard’s hand firmly. ‘Come to Durham, whenever you want. We’ll be there all summer.’ He squeezed his shoulder.

  ‘Thank you, Sir.’ He turned to walk away and Charles walked with him. ‘Give my apologies to Kitty.’ Charles nodded.

  Chapter 9

  Mickleton Hall July 1812

  The wind off the Pennines whipped the gabardine skirt about her legs as Kitty stood on the point looking over Deepdale. As always when in Durham, she donned a pair of cast off britches and a gabardine wrap around skirt and rode her horse where ever she felt like going. Once the summer guests arrived, she would have to be the lady, but until then, she had freedom to dress how she liked. Her blue riding jacket was like the britches, a cast off from one of her brothers. When she’d arrived she’d raided Robin’s wardrobe, before Agatha managed to tell the housekeeper that he was dead. So she had a fine lawn shirt and a cravat on. Her hair was loose for a change and curled down her back to her buttocks, but the wind kept picking it up and it flapped like a sail.