‘Nor are any of us,’ added Grace. ‘It’s simply the exalted company we keep.’ She winked at her husband as she spoke.
The Duke shook his head ruefully. ‘Truly there is no hope for any of us poor gullible males,’ he sighed.
‘Are you entirely sure that your brain has not developed a swelling?’ Everyone looked over at the earnest face of Agnes Shackleford. ‘I have recently purchased a most interesting ointment from the apothecary…’
‘…Who undoubtedly got it from the pedlar,’ interrupted the Reverend.
His wife gave him a glacial stare then sniffed and turned back to Percy who was now regarding the matron with palpable alarm.
‘Pray do not worry yourself further Percy,’ she enthused, ‘I shall ensure to have some placed in your bedchamber for your use before you retire. Be sure to rub the ointment all over your forehead and leave it overnight. Any swelling will be instantly subdued.’
‘Either that or you’ll have a deuced apoplexy,’ growled the Reverend. He turned back to his wife, who was now turning an interesting shade of purple and winced, changing his tone completely - much to the smothered amusement of the rest of the table. ‘My dove,’ he cajoled, ‘I cannot risk either my dearest love or my oldest friend to such a potentially…powerful… concoction without first using it on my own person…’ He paused as Temperance snorted inelegantly and favoured his daughter with an indignant glare before continuing. ‘At least allow me to ensure your safety first my love.’
Agnes sniffed, slightly mollified and her husband breathed an audible sigh of relief.
Coughing to stop himself from laughing out loud, Nicholas deemed it pertinent to change the subject. ‘Gabriel, with any luck, Hope’s twin sister Faith will be arriving before dark along with her husband, Roan Carew. He was in the Navy for many years and before resigning his commission was the Commanding Officer of The Albatross. Mayhap you know him?’
Gabriel raised his eyebrows. ‘I certainly knowofhim - anyone with even the remotest naval connections has heard of the Lucky Albatross and her Captain. Truly Nicholas, I hope you won’t think me ill mannered, but you certainly have the most err…fascinatingfamily.’
‘No offence taken,’ chuckled the Duke. ‘If you’d described my future wife’s family to me beforehand, I’d have believed you spouting some Canterbury tale.’ His wife laughed and punched his arm good-naturedly. ‘Indeed,’ she offered impishly, ‘it is amazing how fortunate you were is it not?’
‘Truly the work of the Almighty,’ added the Reverend, his eyes piously heavenward.
‘As I was saying,’ interrupted Nicholas drily, ‘I would very much like to have Roan’s contribution into the err… problem of Gabriel’s murderous family…’ He paused and nodded his understandingtowards Gabriel. ‘So, with your permission Gabe, we will put the whole affair on hold until Faith and Roan arrive.’
Gabriel gritted his teeth. It did not sit well at all to be doing nothing but what choice did he have? He could understand the Duke’s request to wait. Roan Carew’s successes as Captain of the Albatross certainly indicated a man whose council was worth seeking. At length he nodded. Indeed, he could see no other recourse.
Nicholas nodded back sympathetically. Clearly, he recognised and understood Gabriel’s need to take action. ‘So, given that we are currently at a loose end while we await the arrival of Roan,’ the Duke went on, ‘I believe there is no reason at all why we cannot spend some time enjoying such a beautiful day.’
‘ItisBoxing Day after all,’ added Temperance, ‘and the servants will shortly be leaving us to fend for ourselves until later this afternoon. I suggest we take our cold repast down to the lake.’
‘It will definitely be cold,’ commented Adam with a mock shudder.
‘We have blankets and I’m sure we can find a sheltered spot without too much snow,’ exclaimed Grace.
‘Surely it will be too cold for little Peter?’ worried Hope with a slight frown.
‘Nonsense,’ Nicholas replied. ‘It will put some colour in his cheeks.’
‘And I’m persuaded that Briony might also benefit from some fresh air,’ added Grace referring to their son’s nanny.
‘Freddy too could undoubtedly do with the exercise,’ declared Temperance looking over at the foxhound’s decidedly round stomach as he snoozed in front of the fire.
‘That’s decided then,’ announced Adam, rising from his chair. ‘I do hope you will consider joining us,’ he added to Gabriel. ‘I know you have been through so much and this waiting must be most tedious for you, but in my opinion, there’s no sense in sitting around Friday faced dwelling on a problem. When Roan gets here, we will work on the solution together.’
He waved his hand to encompass the whole table and unaccountably Gabriel felt a lump come into his throat. ‘You’ve been very generous Lord Ravenstone,’ he responded huskily.
‘Adam, please,’ the Earl responded with a grin. ‘Nick’s strange predilection for informality has rubbed off on all of us I’m afraid.’
‘I do think there is one thing we must deal with before we brave the snow,’ interrupted Temperance, drawing all eyes to her. She smiled warmly towards Gabriel before continuing with her customary forthrightness, ‘Am I right in believing that you are currently wearing the only clothes you actually have?’
‘Aye, and they’re my deuced castoffs,’ retorted the Reverend gruffly before Gabriel had chance to answer.
‘I must beg your indulgence,’ returned Gabriel ruefully. ‘You’ve presumed correctly. The only attire I have is the one I’m standing up in.’
‘Then we must put that to rights immediately,’ answered Grace. ‘I’m sure both Nicholas and Adam have a surfeit of clothes that are unfortunately too tight for them to get into.’ She gave a sly glance towards the Duke before raising her eyes towards Temperance.
‘Of a certainty,’ agreed her sister, standing up to take her husband’s arm. ‘We will attend to your depleted wardrobe immediately Gabriel after which we will go out and attempt to make merry while the light remains. With luck Faith and Roan will be with us before it gets dark.’
