‘Steady on, father, I can’t even begin to tell you how long it took me to get my cravat exactly so.’ Peter complained. ‘Truly, it would save me hours if you allowed me my own valet.’
Nicholas simply raised his eyebrows. ‘How long did it take him this time?’ he quizzed Grace.
‘I think it might be a record,’ she responded with a tinkling laugh. ‘I don’t think we actually reached the minute mark.’
‘It’s alright for you,’ Peter grumbled, throwing himself into a chair. ‘You’re old and crochety and nobody cares whether your cravat is straight or your shirt collar sufficiently starched. I have a reputation to maintain.’
‘It’s a good thing I’m sending you to Scotland then,’ was his father’s unsympathetic response.
Peter gave a theatrical sigh. ‘I’m simply a pawn in your ongoing machinations.’
Nicholas gave a snort. ‘You make me sound positively Machiavellian. Caerlaverock will be yours one day, and it’s important to make clear you will be no absentee landlord.’
‘Will I not?’ Peter sighed. ‘It takes nigh on a week to travel so far, and I’m certain Gifford has everything in hand.’
‘Gifford is getting old,’ Nicholas countered. ‘He’s written that he has a replacement in mind. We cannot afford to be deemed good-for-nothing Sassenachs. Culloden was barely a hundred years ago, and the Scots have long memories.’
Peter nodded. In truth he was looking forward to inspecting the Blackmore estates near to Loch Lomond. It had been far too long since his last visit. And this time he would be doing it without the Duke looking over his shoulder.
Despite his joking, Peter was well aware of the responsibilities that came with being the heir apparent and was gratified his father trusted him enough to deal with their prickly tenants over the border.
‘How are Tempy and Adam? Is Jamie back from Eton?’ Grace asked seating herself with a sigh.
‘He’s all ready for Oxford apparently. Aunt Tempy says she has no idea where he gets his intellect from,’ Peter grinned. ‘Uncle Adam chased her into the rose garden for her impertinence, while Lily declared she’d never seen any evidence that her brother had anything between his ears other than fresh air.’ He shook his head and laughed. In other words, Ravenstone is in wild disarray as usual.’
Before either of his parents could answer, a knock at the door signified the housekeeper bringing in a tray of hot chocolate. ‘Mrs. Jenks, you’re a lifesaver,’ Grace breathed with a grateful smile.
‘There’s no sense in you fretting without a bit of sugar in you, your grace.’ The housekeeper did not pretend ignorance of the latest calamity to befall the Sinclair household.
Grace grimaced in response. ‘It seems that lurching from one catastrophe to another is the Sinclair lot...’ She paused and gave a rueful grin. ‘Actually I think mayhap it’s more of aShacklefordissue. My poor husband simply keeps getting caught in the way.’ Taking a grateful sip of her chocolate, she smiled at the housekeeper. ‘It’s late Mrs. Jenks and high time you took to your bed. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.’
‘Is there anything else I can get for your graces?’
Nicholas shook his head before adding ruefully, ‘Get some rest, Mrs. Jenks. I suspect my daughter’s behaviour is going to be on the lips of every household this side of the Thames, and we’re relying on you to keep us informed.’
‘So what exactly has Jennifer done to warrant all the scandalmongering?’ Peter asked as the housekeeper closed the door behind her.
‘Your father was soothing ruffled feathers over Parliament passing the bill giving permission for the new railway,’ Grace answered, warming her hands on the cup of chocolate.
‘Jenny’s support for such new innovations might well be admirable, but she has yet to master the art of diplomacy. Would you care for a brandy?’ At Peter’s nod, Nicholas climbed to his feet and went over to the sideboard. ‘Of course that’s without even considering the fact that in Society’s opinion, ladies in general should not harbour such radical opinions.’
‘Or any opinion at all, really,’ Peter added drily.
‘Quite so.’ Nicholas handed his son the snifter of brandy. ‘I have no wish to clip Jennifer’s wings. And even if I wanted to, I don’t think I’d succeed.’ He shrugged and gave a weary chuckle. ‘I love that she has her own views and ideals – she reminds me of her mother.’ Sitting back down he tossed a wry glance over at his wife who favoured him with a small unrepentant wink.
‘That said, I have no choice but to dosomethingto appease the stuffed shirts. They’re afraid of change and will do everything in their power to maintain the status quo.’ He shook his head. ‘Innovation will not be stifled, and in truth I’m of the same opinion as Jennifer. But if such change is to take place without the resistance of those in power, it must needs be coaxed along, however frustrating that may be to those who wish to change the world overnight.’
‘So Jenny must be reprimanded to appease the blockheads.’
Nicholas grimaced. ‘If you wish to put it that way. I will continue to use my influence to encourage change, but being dismissed as a radical will not help me win the so-calledblockheadsover. But in regard to Jenny, I was thinking more of the old adage,out of sight, out of mind.’
‘Why don’t you send her to Scotland with me?’ Peter leaned forward, his eyes alight. ‘It’s an age since we’ve spent any amount of time together.’
Grace and Nicholas looked at each other. ‘She would not be able to go without a chaperone,’ the Duchess insisted.
‘Malcolm is accompanying Peter…’ Nicholas began.
‘…And Jennifer’s presence would give Felicity an excellent excuse to go with him,’ Grace concluded with a wide smile. ‘Do you think Jenny’s likely to put up much of an objection?’
