He had always known that someday father would pass. In his youth he had been groomed to take over the dukedom—looked forward to it even—but all of that changed when mother ran off. Maggie’s death further doused his desire to become the Duke of Valtry.
“Indeed you are, Your Grace.”
Caleb signaled for a nearby servant. “Bring two glasses of brandy.”
When the servant approached with the drinks on a silver tray, Caleb plucked one off then indicated for Mr. Franklin to take the other. After taking a deep drink of the soothing liquor, Caleb sat back in his chair as ready as he ever would be to accept his new responsibilities.
He listened intently as Mr. Franklin continued; departing all of the information Caleb needed to know.
“I have everything in order, Your Grace. All you need do is assume the responsibilities of your new title.”
“Is that all?” Caleb raised one eyebrow. By the sounds of things there was a great deal more than that for him to do. He would need to visit Highlawn Park straight away. A meeting with the upper servants and steward was imperative. There would be books to go over, countless ledgers, tenants to see to, and God knew what else.
Mr. Franklin nodded, then stood. “I’ll be going now. If you need anything, you know where to find me.”
Caleb returned the solicitors nod. “Good day.” He relaxed back in his chair the moment Mr. Franklin exited the office.
Swirling the brandy in his glass, he attempted to devise his next move. Should he go to Jane? Request that she come along to Highlawn Park? Not that he blamed her, but after the cool reception she gave him this morning, he was quite certain she would not wish to accompany him.
Perhaps that was for the best. He was coming to care too much for her. The distance would allow them both much needed space. Perhaps once he returned they could settle into a content coexistence. Leastwise, Jane would be more open to speaking with him by then, at least he hoped she would be.
Caleb drained the short steamed glass then summoned a servant. “Have my things and carriage readied at once. I wish to depart for Highlawn in two hours.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“What is this Your Grace business?” Luvington strode into the office as the servant departed.
“A better question may be how did you get past my servants to sashay effortlessly into my office?” Caleb only half teased. His mood soured more each time someoneYour Gracedhim.
“I pride myself on never sashaying.” He grinned. “As for your servants, they are used to my presence and think nothing of me wondering about.” Luvington signaled for his own glass of brandy.
“I will have to change my servant’s opinions toward you. But first I must go to Highlawn Park.”
Luvington arched a brow. “You have done everything possible to avoid the estate for years.”
“Avoidance is no longer an option. I’ve inherited father’s title.” Caleb took a long draw of his brandy. “I am departing today.”
“And what of your duchess?”
Caleb sat his glass on the desk. “She will remain here, in London.”
“Would you like me to accompany you?”
“No.” Caleb appreciated the offer. However, he did not require a nurse maid.
The demons he’d left at Highlawn Park were his alone. Having Luvington there, watching over him, would make them all the more difficult to deal with. He had to face his past on his own.
CHAPTER 8
Jane read over the note Caleb had left for her for the seventh time in as many days. No matter how often she absorbed the words he had penned, disbelief remained seated in her heart and mind.
Dearest Jane,
My solicitor paid a call early this afternoon. My father has passed away leaving me the Duke of Valtry and you a duchess. As it were, the estate has not been properly tended in years. I have departed for Highlawn Park to see to my new responsibilities.
Until we meet again,
