Chapter Fourteen
Beau cantered away from the carriage relieved his brother and his new wife appeared to have settled their differences. He did not doubt their regard for each other, nor did he think for one minute they were not ideally suited – however, he could foresee problems for both of them.
Perry had intended to make his life in the military, become the colonel of a regiment in time, and now he had been forced to resign his commission and return to a life he had found less than satisfying. Being the Duke of Silchester, running the vast estates here and in the north was not enough for him, so how could he expect his younger brother to be satisfied with so much less?
It was a conundrum and he could see no satisfactory conclusion. He smiled wryly. He had thought that gallivanting off to Spain would satisfy hisennui, but it had not. The novelty of being obliged to sleep in the open, live like a peasant, had soon worn off and he was eager to get back to his life.
Bennett, the brother closest to him in age, had also been a soldier, as had Carshalton, the man who had married his eldest sister Madeline, and yet both of them were content in their domestic life. He must discuss the matter with them and ask them how they had adjusted so well.
Sofia was unlike any of his siblings or their spouses, was unused to moving in the highest circles, being expected to behave impeccably at all times, and he doubted she would adjust easily to her new life. God willing, she would soon be increasing and then have infants to occupy her time. This did not solve the problem of his brother. Perry was a man of action and being idle would not suit him.
He had only two small estates to occupy his time – but there were other things he could do. Perhaps his brother could become involved in some business venture. Shipping was a trade but not one that would be considered below the notice of the Sheldon family.
Since receiving the funds from Bennett's marriage settlement the family coffers were full. He had invested wisely and he was confident he could give half the money to Perry and Aubrey so they could jointly buy into a commercial venture of some sort.
He had not told his brother that his twin, Aubrey, and his new wife, Mary, had just returned from their travels and were now residing in the newly refurbished east wing of Silchester Court. They were identical in appearance, but different in character. It would be wonderful to have all the family close by again.
Billy ate up the miles and in two hours he was cantering on his own land. His arrival had been seen from the house and a groom was waiting to take the sweating horse. The butler greeted him effusively.
'Welcome home, your grace, the family are waiting to be summoned. How far behind you is Lord Peregrine?'
'Two hours at least. There will be no gathering today. Have messages taken immediately informing my siblings that they are to be here at eleven o'clock tomorrow morning instead.'
Peebles bowed. 'I shall see to it immediately, your grace. Will dinner be required downstairs?'
'No. I shall eat with Lord Aubrey. Inform the kitchen that trays are to be sent to Lord and Lady Peregrine. Have hot water waiting for them.'
He was on his way to his apartment to change his soiled garments when the estate manager waylaid him. 'Welcome back, your grace, might I be permitted to have a word with you before you go upstairs?'
'Carstairs, I take it this is urgent and cannot wait until tomorrow?'
'I fear not, I have been lurking here all day in the hope of catching you.'
'Come, we shall go to my study.' He snapped his fingers and the footman, waiting to open the door for whichever room he approached, stood to attention. 'Have coffee and bread and cheese sent to us.'
The room was immaculate, he would have been surprised if it was not, but the desk was alarmingly high with documents and letters waiting to be dealt with. Bennett had been tasked with acting as head of the family in his absence so he was surprised to see so many things awaiting him.
'Sit, Carstairs, and tell me what has agitated you.'
'There has been unrest on your estates in the north and three farms and a manor house have been razed to the ground.'
'When did this happen? Are any of my people injured?'
'No one has been hurt but your tenants and the family leasing the house are homeless. Now that you are back I can travel there and see for myself what is going on.'
Beau gestured to the piles of paper on his desk. 'I thought Lord Sheldon was dealing with all this.'
'Lord Sheldon is not here. He was called to London by the Prime Minister shortly after you left and has not yet returned.'
'I have only been away two months and yet I have returned to chaos. I am sure that Lady Sheldon will have more information about my brother and I shall ask her when I see her tomorrow. I intend to start on this backlog of paperwork tomorrow. You must travel post-chaise, I need you to be there as soon as possible. Send word by express when you know more. Your first task is to find my tenants somewhere temporary to live.'
His estate manager shared the refreshments whilst they talked of events in the neighbourhood. This was not the homecoming he had envisaged for his youngest brother. He had hoped to be able to devote his time to Perry and Sofia, help them to settle in. Now he would have to leave them to their own devices as his estate would need his undivided attention.
*
Silchester Court was as magnificent as she feared, not at all the sort of place she was going to feel comfortable in. The closer she got to what was going to be her home for the foreseeable future the more miserable she was. The fact that Perry remained on the far side of the carriage, his expression shuttered, looking as unhappy as she, did nothing to restore her equanimity.
The carriage didn't pull up with a flourish outside the imposing portico with its marble pillars and elegant steps, but continued around to the back. The steps were let down and they were ushered into the house like unwanted guests.
