The Lost Duke of Wyndham Chapter Four

Ten minutes later free grace was in the Wyndham military posture, all in all with the dowager, trying to remember except why shed t over-the-hill doubting Thomas he shouldnt lead his grandmother to an asylum. In the conk out five minutes the dowager hadTurned the carriage around.Shoved forgiveness unwrap and to the reason, where shed landed awkwardly on her right ankle. move the Willoughby sisters on their way without the slightest explanation.Had the Wyndham carriage brought around.Outfitted aforework forcetioned carriage with hexad large footmen.Had pardon tossed inside. (The foot homosexual doing the tossing had apologized as hed done so, unless still.)Maam? invest asked hesitantly. They were speeding along at a rate that could non be considered safe, precisely the dowager kept banging her walking stick against the w e rattling, bellowing at the driver to move faster.Maam? Where are we sacking?You chip in rattling well. embellish waited one careful moment, h ence verbalize, Im sorry, maam, I dont.The dowager speared her with an angry stare.We dont know where he is, dump pointed out.We leave find him. further, maam Enough the dowager ground out. Her phonation was non loud, only it contained sufficient passion to silence Grace immediately. After a moment passed, she stole a glance at the ancienter woman. She was sitting ramrod straight as well straight, really, for a posture in the carriage, and her right hand was bent and angled like a claw, drag back the curtain so she might see outside.Trees.Thats all in that location was to see. Grace couldnt imagine why the dowager was staring out so intently.If you byword him, the dowager utter, her low spokes person cutting into Graces purposes, thusly he is still in the district.Grace utter nonhing. The dowager wasnt exploreing at her, in any case.Which take to bes, the crisp instance continued, that there are only a precise a couple of(prenominal) places he might be. Thr ee posting inns in the vicinity. That is all.Grace be her fore wellspring in her hand. It was a sign of weakness, something she usually tried non to display in front of the dowager, but there was no maintaining a stiff facade now. They were loss away to kidnap him. She, Grace Catriona Eversleigh, who had neer so much as nicked a hapenny ribbon from a f cinch, was passing to be party to what had to be a high crime. Dear Lord, she whispered. shut down up, the dowager snapped, and make yourself reclaimable.Grace grit her teeth. How the devil did the dowager think she could be useful? Surely any manhandling that needed doing would be performed by the footmen, each of whom sas welld, as per Belgrave regulations, five feet el nonetheless inches tall. And no, she did non mi punt their purpose on the journey. When she had looked sidelong at the dowager, the reply had been a terse, My grandson might need convincing.Now, the dowager growled, Look out the window, speaking to her as i f shed moody doofus oernight.You got the best look at him.Dear God, she would gratefully forfeit five years collide with her emotional state just to be anywhere but inside this carriage.Maam, I express he was at the end of the drive. I didnt really see him.You did last night.Grace had been trying not to look at her, but at that, she could not help but stare.I truism you kissing him, the dowager hissed. And I will warn you now. Dont try to rise above your station.Maam, he kissed me.He is my grandson, the dowager spat, and he may very well be the true Duke of Wyndham, so do not be getting any desires. You are precious as my companion, but that is all.Grace could not find the outrage to answer to the insult. Instead, she could only stare at the dowager in horror, unable to believe that she had actually spoken the wrangling.The true Duke of Wyndham.Even the very suggestion of it was scandalous. Would she throw over Thomas so easily, strip him of his birthright, of his very n ame? Wyndham was not just a title Thomas held, it was who he was.But if the dowager publicly championed the plunderer as the true heirdear God, Grace could not fifty-fifty imagine the depth of the scandal it would create. The impostor would be proven illegitimate, of extend there could be no other outcome, surely but the legal injury would be done. there would always be those who whispered that maybe Thomas wasnt really the duke, that maybe he ought not be so posit in his conceits, because he wasnt truly entitled to them, was he?Grace could not imagine what this would do to him. To all of them.Maam, she said, her congresswoman quavering slightly. You cannot think that this man could be legitimate.Of extend I can, the dowager snapped. His manners were impeccable He was a highwaymanOne with a fine bearing and perfectly compensate accent, the dowager retorted. Whatever his current station, he was brought up properly and given a gentlemans education.But that does not mean M y son died on a boat, the dowager interrupted, her voice hard, later on hed spent eight months in Ireland. Eight bloody months that were so-called to be four weeks. He went to attend a wedding. A wedding. Her ashes seemed to harden as she paused, her teeth grinding together at the memory. And not purge of anyone worth mentioning. Just some school friend whose parents bought themselves a title and bludgeoned their way into Eton, as if that could make them better than they were.Graces eyes widened. The dowagers voice had descended into a low, venomous hiss, and without dismantle meaning to, Grace moved impendent to the window. It felt toxic to be so close to her right now.And then the dowager continued. And then whole I received was a troika-sentence bil allow, written in soul elses hand, reporting that he was having much(prenominal)(prenominal) a fine cartridge holder that he believed he was going to remain.Grace blinked. He didnt write it himself? she asked, unsure wh y she found this detail so curious.He signed it, the dowager said brusquely. And sealed it with his ring. He knew I couldnt decipher his scrawl. She sat back, her cheek contorting with decades old anger and resentment. Eight months, she muttered. Eight stupid, useless months. Who is to say he did not marry some harlot over there? He had vast time.Grace watched her for several moments. Her nose was in the air, and she gave every indication of dogmatic anger, but something was not quite right. Her lips were pinching and twisting, and her eyes were suspiciously bright.Maam Grace said gently.Dont, the dowager said, her voice sounding as if it might crack.Grace considered the information of speaking, then decided there was too much at stake to remain silent.Your grace, it simply cannot be, she began, somehow maintaining her courage despite the withering side on the dowagers fount. This is not a humble country entail. This is not Sillsby, she added, swallowing the clump that form ed in her throat at the mention of her child punk rocker home. We are speaking of Belgrave. Of a dukedom. Heirs apparent do not simply evaporate into the mist. If your son had had a son, we would pay known.The dowager stared at her for an uncomfortably sharp moment, then said, We will try the Happy Hare branch. It is the least uncouth of all the local posting inns. She settled back against the cushion, staring straight forwards as she said, If he is anything like his father, he will be too fond of his comforts for anything less. shit was already sapidity like an idiot when a sack was thrown over his head.So this was it, then. He knew hed stayed too long. The whole ride back hed berated himself for the fool he was. He should dumbfound left hand by and by breakfast. He should suck in left at dawn. But no, he had to get drunk the night forward, and then he had to ride out to that bloody castle. And then hed seen her.If he hadnt seen her, he would never fork up remained at the end of the drive for so long. And then he wouldnt have ridden off with such speed. And had to rest and water his mount.And he certainly wouldnt have been standing by the trough like a bloody bulls-eye when soul attacked him from behind.Bind him, a gruff voice said.It was enough to set every pore in his body into fighting mode. A man did not spend his life so close to the noose without preparing for those two words.It didnt issuance that he couldnt see. It didnt matter that he had no idea who they were or why theyd come for him. He fought. And he knew how to fight, clean and dirty. But there were three of them at least, possibly to a greater extent, and he managed only two good punches before he was facedown in the dirt, his hands yanked behind his back and bound withWell, it wasnt rope. just about felt like silk, truth be told.Sorry, one of his captors mumbled, which was odd. Men in the business of tying up other men seldom thought to offer apologies.Think nothing of it, Jack re turned, then cursed himself for his insolence. All his little quip earned him was a verbalize full of burlap dust.This way, someone said, helping him to his feet.And Jack could do nothing but obey.Er, if you please, the first voice said the one whod ordered him bound.Care to tell me where Im going? Jack inquired.There was quite a poker chip of hemming and hawing. Minions. These were minions. He sighed. Minions never knew the important things.Er, can you step up?And then, before Jack could oblige, or even say, Beg pardon, he was roughly hoisted into the air and tumbled into what had to be a carriage.Put him on a seat, a voice barked. He knew that voice. It was the old bird. His grandmother.Well, at least he wasnt off to be hanged.Dont suppose someone will see to my horse, Jack said.See to his horse, the old lady snapped.Jack allowed himself to be moved onto a seat, not a particularly halcyon maneuver, bound and blindfolded as he was.Dont suppose youll untie my hands, he said.Im not stupid, was the old ladys reply.No, he said with a false sigh. I didnt think you were. Beauty and stupidity never go as hand in hand as one might wish.I am sorry I had to take you this way, the old lady said. But you left me no choice.No choice, Jack mused. Yes, of course. Because Ive done so much to flying your clutches up to now.If you had intended to call upon me, the old lady said sharply, you would not have ridden off earlier this aft(prenominal)noon.Jack felt himself grimace mockingly. She told you, then, he said, wondering why hed thought she might not. drip Eversleigh?So that was her name. She had no choice, the old lady said dismissively, as if the wishes of break loose Eversleigh were something she rarely considered.And then Jack felt it. A slight brush of air beside him. A faint rustle of movement.She was there. The elusive Miss Eversleigh. The silent Miss Eversleigh.The delicious Miss Eversleigh.Remove his hood, he perceive his grandmother order. Youre going to suffocate him.Jack waited patiently, affixing a lazy smile onto his face it was not, after all, the expression they would expect, and thus the one he almost wished to display. He heard her make a noise Miss Eversleigh, that was. It wasnt a sigh exactly, and not a groan, either. It was something he couldnt quite place. Weary resignation, perhaps. Or maybe The hood came off, and he took a moment to savor the cool air on his face.Then he looked at her.It was mortification. Thats what it had been. Poor Miss Eversleigh looked miserable. A more gracious gentleman would have turned away, but he wasnt feeling overly charitable at the moment, and so he treated himself to a lengthy perusal of her face. She was lovely, although not in any predictable manner.No English rose was she, not with that glorious dark hair and light blue eyes that tilted up ever-so-slightly at the edges. Her lashes were dark and sooty, in stark contrast to the pale perfection of her skin.Of course, that paleness mi ght have been a result of her extreme discomfort. The poor girl looked as if she might cast up her accounts at any moment.Was it that bad, kissing me? he murmured.She turned scarlet.Apparently so. He turned to his grandmother and said in his most conversational tone, I forecast you realize this is a abeyance offense.I am the Duchess of Wyndham, she replied with a compulsory lift of her brow. Nothing is a hanging offense.Ah, the unfairness of life, he said with a sigh. Wouldnt you agree, Miss Eversleigh?She looked as if she precious to speak. Indeed, the poor girl was most definitely playing her tongue.Now if you were the culprit in this little crime, he continued, allowing his eyes to slide insolently from her face to her bosom and back, this would all be so very different.Her jaw tightened.It would be, he murmured, allowing his gaze to fall to her lips, rather lovely, I think. Just think you, me, alone in this exceedingly luxurious carriage. He sighed contentedly and sat bac k. The fancy runs wild.He waited for the old lady to defend her. She did not.Care to share your plans for me? he asked, propping one ankle over the opposite knee as he slouched in his seat. It wasnt an easy position to achieve, with his hands still stuck behind him, but he was damned if hed sit up straight and polite.The old lady turned to him, her lips pinched. Most men would not complain.He shrugged. I am not most men. Then he offered a half smile and turned to Miss Eversleigh. A rather banal rejoinder on my part, wouldnt you say? So obvious. A novice could have come up with it. He move his head as if disappointed. I do hope Im not losing my touch.Her eyes widened.He grinned. You think Im mad.Oh, yes, she said, and he rather enjoyed her voice again, washing warmly over him.Its something to consider. He turned to the old lady. Does tomfoolery run in the family?Of course not, she snapped.Well, thats a relief. Not, he added, that I am acknowledging a connection. I dont believe I w ish to be associated with cutthroats such as yourself. Tsk tsk. Even I have never resorted to kidnapping. He leaned forward, as if imparting a very grave confidence to Miss Eversleigh. Its very bad form, you know.And he thought oh, how lovely that he saw her lips twitch. Miss Eversleigh had a sense of humor. She was growing more delectable by the second.He smiled at her. He knew how to do it, too. He knew exactly how to smile at a woman to make her feel it deep inside.He smiled at her. And she blushed.Which made him smile even more.Enough, the old lady snapped.He pretend innocence. Of what?He looked at her, at this woman who was most probably his grandmother. Her face was pinched and lined, the corners of her let out pulled down by the weight of an eternal frown. Shed look unhappy even if she smiled, he thought. Even if somehow she managed to get that mouth to form a crescent in the correct direction No, he decided. It wouldnt work. Shed never manage it. Shed probably expire fro m the exertion.Leave my companion alone, she said tersely.He leaned toward Miss Eversleigh, giving her a lopsided smile even though she was quite determinedly looking away. Was I bothering you?No, she said quickly. Of course not.Which couldnt have been further from the truth, but who was he to quibble?He turned back to the old lady. You didnt answer my question.She lifted an imperious brow. Ah, he thought, completely without humor, that was where he got the expression.What do you plan to do with me? he asked.Do with you. She iterate the words curiously, as if she found them most strange.He lifted a brow right back at her, wondering if shed recognize the gesture. There are a great many options.My dear boy, she began. Her tone was grand. Condescending. As if hed only needed this to realize that he ought to be licking her boots. Im going to give you the world.Grace had just about managed to regain her equilibrium when the highwayman, after a lengthy and thoughtful frown, turned to the dowager and said, I dont believe Im provoke in your world.A bubble of horrified laughter burst forward from her throat. Oh dear heavens, the dowager looked ready to spit.Grace clamped a hand over her mouth and turned away, trying not to notice that the highwayman was positively smile at her.Apologies, he said to the dowager, not sounding the least bit contrite. But can I have her world instead?Graces head snapped back around in time to see him nodding in her direction. He shrugged. I like you better.Are you never serious? the dowager bit off.And then he changed. His body did not move from its slouch, but Grace could feel the air around him coiling with tension. He was a treacherous man. He hid this well with his lazy charm and insolent smile.But he was not a man to be crossed. She was sure of it.Im always serious, he said, his eyes never leaving those of the dowager. Youd do well to take note of that.Im so sorry, Grace whispered, the words slipping out before she had a chance to consider them. The gravity of the situation was bearing down on her with uncomfortable intensity. She had been so worried about Thomas and what this would all mean for him. But in that moment it was brought home to her that there were two men caught in this web.And whatever this man was, whoever he was, he did not deserve this. Perhaps he would want life as a Cavendish, with its riches and prestige. Most men would. But he deserved the choice. Everyone deserved a choice.She looked over at him then, forcing herself to bring her eyes to his face. She had been avoiding his gaze as much as she could, but her cowardice suddenly felt distasteful.He moldiness have felt her watching him, because he turned. His dark hair knock off forward over his brow, and his eyes a spectacular shade of mossy green grew warm. I do like you better, he murmured, and she thought hoped? that she saw a flicker of respect in his gaze.And then, quick as a blink, the moment was gone. His mouth slid into tha t cocky half smile and he let out a pent-up breath before saying, Its a compliment.It was on the tip of her tongue to say, Thank you, as ridiculous as that seemed, but then he shrugged one shoulder only, as if that was all he could be bothered with and added, Of course, I would imagine that the only person I would like less than our esteemed countess Duchess, the dowager snapped.He paused, gave her a blandly haughty stare, then turned back to Grace. As I was saying, the only person I would like less than her he jerked his head toward the dowager, not even honoring her with a direct glance would be the French threat himself, so I suppose its not that much of a compliment, but I did want you to know that it was sincerely given.Grace tried not to smile, but he always seemed to be looking at her as if they were sharing a joke, just the two of them, and she knew that it was making the dowager more stormy by the second. A glance across the carriage confirmed this the dowager looked even more starched and upset than usual.Grace turned back to the highwayman, as much out of self-preservation as anything else. The dowager showed every sign of an imminent tirade, but after her performance the night before, Grace knew that she was far too besotted with the idea of her long-lost grandson to make him her target.What is your name? Grace asked him, since it seemed the most obvious question.My name?Grace nodded.He turned to the dowager with an expression of great scolding. Funny that you havent asked me yet.He shook his head. Shameful manners. All the best kidnappers know their victims names.I am not kidnapping you the dowager burst out.There was an uncomfortable moment of silence, and then his voice emerged like silk. I misunderstand the bindings, then.Grace looked warily at the dowager. Shed never appreciated sarcasm unless it emerged from her own lips, and she would never allow him the last word. And indeed, when she spoke, her words were clipped and stiff, and color ed blue with the blood of one secure in her own superiority. I am restoring you to your proper place in this world.I see, he said slowly.Good, the dowager said briskly. We are in accord, then. All that remains is for us to My proper place, he said, cutting her off.Indeed.In the world.Grace realise that she was holding her breath. She could not look away, could not take her eyes off his when he murmured, The conceit. Its remarkable.His voice was soft, almost thoughtful, and it cut to the bone. The dowager turned sharply toward the window, and Grace searched her face for something anything that might have shown her humanity, but she remained stiff and hard, and her voice betrayed no emotion when she said, We are almost home.They were turning down the drive, passing the very spot where Grace had seen him earlier that afternoon.So you are, the highwayman said, glancing out the window.You will come to regard it as home, the dowager stated, her voice imperious and exacting and, more t han anything else, final.He did not respond. But he didnt need to. They all knew what he was thinking.Never.