“She has mellowed, a little nervous at first, I suspect. The children will grow accustomed to her, and of course, they have a mother’s love to protect them.”
And she would be checking on Miss Green to make sure the children were happy and contented with their nurse. In fact, she would be there so often, Miss Green would undoubtedly lose patience with her.
“You have yet to introduce me to your staff, Andrew.”
“You shall meet them all tomorrow, after the wedding. As my Duchess.”
Her throat tightened, and she swallowed. “Yes, of course.”
“You shall make a very lovely and regal duchess.” He lowered his head for another brief kiss, then stepped back away from her. “I am leaving, Jenny.” He pulled open the door, threw her a kiss, and was gone.
Jenny sank down onto the bed as warmth flooded through her. She dwelt for several pleasurable minutes on her betrothed before Susan returned. If he’d stayed much longer, her defenses would have weakened, and then where would they be? Such a devastatingly attractive man she was marrying, could she hope to be everything he wanted in a wife?
She shook her head, annoyed with herself for woolgathering, and rose when Susan knocked. There was much to do, her father and the boys would be arriving this afternoon. She must ensure their needs were well taken care of although she had little doubt they would be.
After tea, Beth, Bell, and the children walked to the stables. When they entered they were met with a surprise. Horace was lying on the straw with a kitten clinging to his neck and another playing with his shaggy tail. “It seems he’s being made welcome,” Bella said with a laugh.
*
As Andrew madehis way down the great staircase, through the long window, a carriage drew up at the door. Two young lads, and the eldest boy, Jarred, alighted with their father. The Baron gazed around as he unbuttoned his coat. Andrew continued his descent determined to make him welcome.
He was greeted first by Charlie. “I’d like to visit the stables, Your Grace,” he said without preamble. “I bet you’ve got some prime bloods.”
“Indeed I do, Charlie.” He held out his hand to Baron Wetherby. “Welcome to Castlebridge, Baron. I trust you had a pleasant journey?”
The baron shoved his gloves in his pocket and shook Andrew’s hand. “Good day, Your Grace. Carriage journeys are never what one might call pleasant, but here we are without mishap.”
“Your daughters arrived an hour ago. They will be taking tea in the yellow salon at four. But a footman will direct you to them should you wish to see them now.”
Wetherby shrugged out of his greatcoat and handed it and his hat to a footman. “Might we first have a word in private, Duke?”
“Certainly.” Andrew turned. “George, take Master Charles and Master Edmond to the stables. I believe William is there and I know he’s eager to meet them.”
“I’ll go with you,” Jarred said, revealing a shared interest in horseflesh.
“Please come this way, Baron.”
In the library, Andrew poured them both a glass of claret, and directed the baron to an armchair. It appeared the man had something to say.
Wetherby accepted the glass of wine with a nod of thanks. “I took my sons to London for a treat before we came here,” he said. “Put up at Kirkham’s Hotel, in Brook Street for a couple of nights, quite enjoyed it, as did the boys. I visited Bow Street Magistrate’s Court and made a few inquiries.”
“Learn anything?”
“Indeed I did. I discovered the truth of your claim concerning Judd.” He took a long swig of his wine and his pale face warmed a little. “I was appalled, and must apologize to you, for doubting you. I simply had no idea, Judd was always so obliging, I’d never seen any evidence there was violence in the man.”
“No need to apologize to me, Baron, but you might wish to do so, to Jenny,” Andrew said.
“Yes, I will, of course. After the wedding. Such discussions have no place here.”
He took another deep sip. “It’s relieved my mind that my heir will attend Oxford. In fact, I’ve changed my opinion on a number of matters.” He drank the last dregs in his wine glass and put it down. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I will freshen up and then seek out my daughters. They are all at the stables?”
“Yes, meeting the new acquisition?”
“A horse?”
“No, a dog. Rather a ramshackle animal, apparently. Beth saved it from being run over and brought it down from London.”
“Oh, good heavens!” The baron threw back his head and laughed. “I do apologize for my daughter, Your Grace!”
Andrew grinned. “No need.” He rose with a half bow. “I will see you at dinner. We have quite a party.”
“Oh?” Wetherby nodded with a pleased smile. “I shall look forward to it.”
