Page 47 of Denying the Duke (Lords and Ladies in Love 3)

“Yes, I agree.” He wondered if he should try to hire outriders for the remainder of the trip, then realized if Coachman was correct, Loverly was only one man, and Alex had his own weapons in the carriage. “Be ready to leave shortly.”

“Is anything amiss?” Patience’s concerned look as she joined him outside reminded him he wanted to keep this from her.

“Just fine. I thought I saw someone I knew, but it was not him.”

She seemed to study him for a minute, as if to see if he were lying. She did not look completely convinced, but she accepted his hand and he helped her into the carriage.

Once he returned to London, he would make a visit to the War Department. He had planned to do so, anyway, to get an update on Loverly. But so far, he seemed to be the one with the most information, having spotted him twice.

Patience remained awake for the second part of their day’s trip. It was pleasant to pass the time with her, especially when she talked a great deal, because he was able to study her and see once again the young girl he’d planned to make his wife…before their fathers had stepped in.

“You’ve told me that the years I was gone your marriage plans never came to fruition for various reasons. How did you spend your time?”

She looked as though she did not want to answer the question, but eventually she said, “For the first two years, I remained at my parent’s home in Suffolk. Mother had me trained in the duties of a duchess. She spent a great deal of money on dance masters, pianoforte lessons, watercolor lessons, and such.”

“Did you have an opportunity to visit London?”

“Yes, I had a Season, but it was limited. There was no point in my coming-out since I was unofficially betrothed.” She shook her head. “We did go to London once or twice besides that, and mother and I attended a few soirees and a ball or two.”

“Did not Cyrus call on you while you were in London to escort you to these events? To take you to see the sights and attend the theater?”

It took a minute to answer, then she looked out the window of the carriage “No. He sent flowers and notes, but he was always busy.” She shrugged. “Honestly, I did not mind. The few times we were together, I was uncomfortable.”

Alex felt his muscles tense and attempted to keep his voice even. “Why were you uncomfortable with your betrothed?”

Turning from the window, she raised her chin and stared him in the eyes. “He scared me. He reminded me too much of my father.”

His blood churning even more, he moved forward until their knees were touching. “Did he do something in particular to frighten you? Did he hurt you, or—”

“There is really no need to discuss this. Cyrus is dead, and we must move on with our lives.” She paused and then continued, “I feel as though I have had enough of bullies to last a lifetime.”

Alex wondered if that last comment was directed at him. He supposed his high-handed ways, and insistence that she marry him, could seem like bullying. He was sure there were other times he’d come across a bit overbearing, as well. Being in command of men at such a young age, along with all that he’d seen, had indeed hardened him. He did not pursue the topic of Cyrus. Patience was clearly distressed. Knowing his brother as he did, it was more than likely he’d shown her the ugly side of himself. And even if he had done something to scare her, there was nothing he could do about it now. There was no way to beat the bloody hell out of a dead man.

The sun sat low in the sky, but still above the horizon when the carriage rolled to a stop in front of The Fox and the Hound Inn. While a youth, Alex had stayed there when he had traveled with his family to London.

“I am so very glad to be out of this carriage,” Patience said as she accepted his hand and stepped down. “And do not tell me you are stiff and walking just fine.”

Again he had to suppress his laughter at her misunderstanding of the word “stiff.”

“No, I can assure you, my dear, I am nowhere near as stiff as I was this morning.”

He took a good look around as they exited the carriage. Of course, if Loverly was traveling on a horse, he would be miles ahead, unless he was purposely tracking them. He was just grateful he had sufficient protection as they traveled the roads.

The carriage carrying Thomas and Polly rolled to a stop behind them. Patience stayed to speak with Polly, and after gesturing to the footmen keep an eye on his wife, Alex entered the inn.

He consulted with the innkeeper for a few minutes, who bowed to Patience as she joined Alex. “Good evening Your Grace. I have a lovely room for you and His Grace that I am sure you will find acceptable.”

Patience stopped and glanced at Alex. “One room?”

He grinned at the man who was looking a little nerv

ous at Patience’s remark.

“That will be just fine, my man, just fine.” He waved at the stairs. “Lead the way.”

Chapter Fifteen

Patience stared at the large bed in the very small room. Truly, the bed was no bigger than her own bed at home, but now that she knew they would both sleep in that bed, it loomed large in her eyes.