Page 57 of Lavender’s Lost Duke

"Certainly," he answered with a look of alarm. "If you would follow me, gentlemen?"

The steward dropped his head and fell in line behind the butler, but Thomas's uncle's face had gone red as a cherry. "Fine, throw us out. But you'll be sorry you did. You'll make a muck of it all soon enough and ask for my help. I'll be outside after I collect my things."

Thomas had the sneaking suspicion that if his uncle was allowed upstairs into his room that a great many things from the estate would disappear along with him. "I'll send you your things with your valet. I require you to leave now."

His uncle started forward, but the butler, Mr. Alby, stepped in front of Thomas, shielding him from whatever attack, verbal or physical, was coming his way. Footmen began flanking the butler as if on cue, and the two men were led outside into the snow.

Thomas thanked the members of his staff who had stepped in to support him, and then closed himself into his study. The words that his steward and uncle had leveled about him seemed to burn his ears. What they had said about his father was true, Thomas had thought it himself in the past. But he didn't speak of it. There was no need. His father was no longer living.

How was Thomas to believe that anyone around him actually cared for his wellbeing now? He could not. And if that were the case, he was determined to move forward with precision and purpose. If no one cared about him, he would ensure that he cared enough to protect himself and the legacy he bore as the Duke of Fenleigh. Never again would he trust anyone until they’d proven themselves to him—just as Mr. Alby had done a few moments ago.

Thomas let go of more than half his staff in the next few weeks, searching out only those who he’d met with and checked their entire background himself. It had taken years for him to be comfortable leaving the estate again. But he’d done it. Not everyone was able to choose their own family, but Thomas had. With no living relatives he wished to associate with anymore, he’d surrounded himself with servants who were loyal, and now they were the only family he had left.

Chapter 27

Lavender peeked into the study of Lord Chilcott’s home, looking for the dowager duchess. The room was empty. Where could she have gone? Her disappearance was a shock to everyone, and they’d split up to search the house for her.

“I’ve found her,” Lord Chilcott’s voice came from the corridor.

Lavender rushed from the room. Lord Chilcott was escorting the dowager duchess toward her with a smile on his face. “She was in the kitchen.” He turned to the elderly lady who held a biscuit in her other hand. “I didn’t know you had such a sweet tooth.”

She tilted her head toward him. “What was that?”

“I didn’t know you had such a sweet tooth,” Lord Chilcott repeated, loudly.

She extricated her hand from his arm and swatted at him. “I see no harm in enjoying my life.” She took a bite of the biscuit and smiled.

Lavender laughed along with the two of them. “Where were the duke and duchess looking?”

“I believe the duchess went upstairs, and His Grace went to check the back garden.”

“I’ll go find the duchess, if that is alright with you, my lord,” Lavender offered.

Lord Chilcott smiled at her. “Allow me. You can keep the dowager company.” He bowed and left to check upstairs.

The elderly lady’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “It’s amazing what an old woman can get away with.”

Lavender’s mouth tipped up. “I’ll look forward to that story on the way home.”

Footsteps sounded behind them, and Lavender turned her head to see Lord Chilcott escorting Miriam toward them.

“The rooms upstairs were empty, but I was distracted by the portrait gallery,” Miriam shook her head. “Where is Samuel?”

“He went to look outside,” Lord Chilcott said.

A footman walked down the corridor toward them. “Lord Gilfordshire has called for his carriage. Once everyone is located, he will meet them outside.” The man bowed.

Lord Chilcott thanked him and then turned to Lavender. “It seems it is time for us to part . . . on better terms, I hope.”

“Yes,” Lavender replied. “We are moving in the right direction.”

Once everyone was handed up into the carriage and the door was closed, the dowager duchess began to chuckle. “I haven’t had that much fun in years.”

Samuel looked heavenward. “I still don’t think you ought to have meddled.”

“Admit it, I was helpful,” she countered.

Lavender’s heart constricted. She’d wanted so badly to be helpful, but she wasn’t certain she’d accomplished anything besides understanding the baron a little better, and if she was being honest, liking him a bit more. “What have you accomplished?”