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

associate with his lordship until the danger from these unknown assassins was definitely over.
    Beau was in his study and put down the letter he was reading with a sigh of exasperation. 'Well, my dear, what can I do for you? As you can see I'm busy with estate business.'
    Hardly an auspicious start to the conversation. She explained the reason for her visit. 'As you removed the running of the household from my hands I have nothing to do all day. Once Giselle and the twins come home I'll be content.'
    'Very well, you may go. I believe that Carshalton said his grandmother has her own outriders so I've no need to send anyone from here. If there's nothing else, kindly go away and let me get on with this wretched paperwork.'
    As she was about to leave he called her back. 'I apologise for being so curmudgeonly, sweetheart, I shall be relieved when my estate manager returns from visiting his sick mother and can resume his duties. Shall we play billiards when I've finished?'
    'I'd love to, I shall go and practice and hope to make a better fist of it this time.'
    Billiards was a gentleman's pastime but when the family were at home alone she and Giselle were allowed to play.
     
    On Monday morning she was smartly dressed in a green promenade gown and matching pelisse. Her bonnet was lined with the same material and even her half-kid boots were green. Beau had handed her a small purse of coins before he left to visit an outlying farm, and these were carefully stowed in her reticule.
    The carriage appeared at precisely nine o'clock and a footman was waiting to precede her in order to let down the steps and hand her into the vehicle.
    Her stomach turned over when she saw that Lord Carshalton, riding a magnificent black stallion, was also outside. She shouldn't go, but it would be uncivil to refuse after they had made a detour to collect her.
    The fact that there were three other riders accompanying the carriage reassured her she would be in no danger and that her brother could not possibly object.
    'Good morning, Lady Madeline, I'd no idea until today that you were accompanying us to St Albans. I'm surprised that his grace agreed to the jaunt but delighted that he did so.'
    She ran lightly down the steps and smiled up at him. 'I wasn't aware that you were coming, but as you have two men on the box and three outriders I'm sure my brother would have no objection.'
    His expression changed and she skipped into the carriage before he could send her back to the house. He could hardly drag her from the vehicle once she was safely seated next to his venerable grandmother.
    'Good morning, Lady Carshalton, thank you so much for inviting me. I haven't visited St Albans for several years and I'm so looking forward to it.'
    'Good morning, my dear. You look very smart today, is that a new ensemble?'
    'No, I've had it since last autumn.' The carriage rocked and they were in motion. Her heart stopped hammering against her bodice now she was certain she wouldn't be forcibly removed from the squabs.
    Madeline had had to take the seat opposite her ladyship as the space beside her was already occupied by her abigail, Bates. This was a strange state of affairs as one would expect a servant to sit apart from their mistress.
    The maid was hard-faced and unfriendly – not at all the sort of person she could feel happy to have looking after her.
    'I was surprised that Lord Carshalton has come today, I was anticipating an outing without a gentleman in tow.'
    The old lady chuckled. 'He insisted on coming with us, my dear, but I'm sure he'll find something with which to occupy himself whilst we look at the sights.'
    'I found a pamphlet about the ancient wall which can still be seen there, and the ruined cathedral. Would you care to peruse it?'
    'No thank you, I intend to sleep. I'm not accustomed to rising so early in the morning.'
    The maid adjusted the rugs over her mistress's knees and scowled at Madeline as if daring her to speak again.
    The countryside they