The Duke's Alliance Book Two: A Dangerous Husband by Fenella J Miller Read Free Book Online

fire, flicking aside his coat-tails before he sat.
    'I would like to visit St Albans, my boy, I believe there is much of historical value to be seen. Although the Abbey is in a sad state of disrepair I wish to see it. I had not liked to ask whilst there was any risk attached to a visit away from here.'
    'The weather is set fair so I suggest we go tomorrow. You must take your maid for company as I shall ride. The drive is no more than two hours when the roads are dry. If we leave at eight o'clock we should arrive in good time.'
    'I should prefer to go next Monday, I have letters to write tomorrow and I don't care to travel at the week's end.'
    'Very well, Monday it shall be. Grandmamma, I wish you would reconsider leaving here. Although I love to have your company I'm too busy to entertain you and now that your friends have gone you will be lonely.'
    She nodded and leaned across to pat his hand affectionately. 'That's one of the letters I intend to write, my dear, for I've now decided to depart in November. The weather becomes inclement and the roads impossible after that.'
    'In which case, I'll make every effort to spend time with you until you leave. I've been alone for much of my life and I was delighted to discover that I had a loving relative. I just wish the rift could be repaired between my uncle and cousin.'
    'As do I. The feud was none of your making and it's ridiculous for my youngest son to hold a grudge.'
    A footman appeared to tell Grey he was needed in the study and he apologised and left his ancient relative to her book.
    Smith was waiting for him. He greeted him with a wave, indicating he should take a seat in front of the desk.
    His man shook his head. 'No, I'll not be stopping. I just came in to tell you that four of the men I sent for have arrived. I've billeted them with us above the stables. Do you have any orders?'
    'They must familiarise themselves with their surroundings and let the local populace see that they are employed here. I don't want them being mistaken for miscreants.'
    'They'll be right glad of regular employment, sir, and after a good scrub under the stable pump, and wearing the new togs you've put by for them, they'll look more the thing. They've had a hard time of it these past few years.'
    'Once we have a full complement you can mount regular patrols around the perimeter of my estate. Jenkins can leave for London now – there's no urgency so he can travel by the common stage.'
    He pulled open the desk drawer and removed a handful of silver coins. 'This should be more than enough to get him there and back, and pay for a night's lodging as well.'
    'Right you are, sir. Would you be wanting to meet the new men?'
    'Of course, but I'll give them time to settle first. By the way, I'm taking Lady Carshalton to St Albans on Monday and I want you to accompany us. Probably not necessary, but I'm not taking any risks.'
    'Best to be careful.' Smith touched his forehead and marched off.
    *
    'A note has come for you, my lady, the groom is waiting for your reply,' Peebles announced.
    Madeline took the letter from the butler and broke the wax seal. She scanned the contents and smiled.
     
    Dear Lady Madeline
    I am visiting St Albans on Monday and as my friends have returned to their respective homes I was wondering if you would like to accompany me? I do not like to travel alone in a carriage. There's no need to bring your maid as I shall have mine.
    If you agree then I shall collect you at nine o'clock. We should be home before dark. A verbal response is all that is necessary.
     
    How kind of Lady Carshalton to think to include her. 'Please ask the groom to tell Lady Carshalton I should be delighted to accompany her.'
    She had visited this town once before, but a day out was always a treat. No doubt the elderly ladies had departed because of the horrid events last week. If Lord Carshalton had been going then she would have refused the invitation as her brother had made it quite clear she mustn't