Page 54 of Denying the Duke (Lords and Ladies in Love 3)

The shorter man bowed. “His Grace prefers if we accompany you, Your Grace.”

Honestly, the man was insufferable. Did he not trust her? After all, she was out with his mother, of all people. With as much dignity as she could muster, she accepted the man’s hand and climbed into the carriage.

“I don’t understand why we need an entourage.” Patience adjusted her skirts and placed her hands in her lap.

“It makes no difference, Your Grace. You have other things with which to occupy your mind. Ignore servants. As a duchess, you should never speak to them unless it is to give them orders. That is what your head butler and housekeeper are for. They deal with servant issues.”

“Even Polly?” She bristled. “Should I have the housekeeper speak for me also when it comes to my own lady’s maid?”

The dowager’s brows rose at her impertinence, and Patience was piqued enough to stare her down.

“Truth be known, I believe you are too friendly with your lady’s maid. She does not always know her place. You should be firmer with her. Servants work for you. They are your employees, not your friends.”

“Polly is more than an employee.” She was probably getting herself into trouble here, as she did need the dowager’s support, but, honestly, this ordering her about by both Alex and his mother was wearing, and she was tired of it. It was time to assert herself. She might be Patience, but she was losing her patience.

The thought made her giggle, and she ignored the dowager’s questioning glance at her chuckle.

She could have her secrets, too.

Staring out the window, she decided to have an escape soon and enjoy some time to herself. No afternoon calls, no modiste sticking her with pins, no elderly matrons sniffing at her, finding her wanting. A walk in the park, a stroll on Bond Street, an ice at Gunter’s. Just her and her “inappropriate” lady’s maid, Polly. Pleased at the prospect, her nerves settled. She would do that very soon.

P

erhaps tomorrow.

…

After entering his club, Alex strode through the main room to the northwest corner where Templeton, Hawk, and Cam had gathered, sipping on coffee. Cam seemed to have them enraptured with some sort of tale that was probably 90 percent fictitious. The man’s reputation for weaving stories was renowned and quite entertaining, making him the darling of the ton. That, and his handsome face, title, and money. Adamant about not marrying for at least another ten years, so far he had held out against the toughest of the marriage-minded mamas and their conniving daughters.

“You’re just in time to hear the ending of this latest tale.” Hawk grinned as Alex sat across from him. He waited, somewhat patiently, as Cam wound down. In the meantime, Alex poured a cup of coffee and added cream and sugar.

Once they all had a laugh at the story, Alex put his cup down and leaned forward. “Things have gotten quite serious with Loverly and I need your help.” He looked around at the group of friends.

Templeton frowned. “Whatever you need, we’re here. What happened?”

“Last night I had a surprise visitor.”

“Loverly?” Hawk asked.

“The very one. I intend to find out how, but he managed to get into my house and surprised me in my study. Around midnight.”

Templeton let out a low whistle.

“Exactly.” Alex nodded in Templeton’s direction. “He held me at gunpoint and demanded I give him five thousand pounds and a safe escort to a ship heading to the Caribbean.”

“Well. He certainly isn’t asking for much, is he?” Hawk said.

“Of course, I told him I did not have that kind of money on hand. At which time he informed me he would give me two days to gather it, and he would send a note as to where and when we will meet.”

Alex waved at the footman to bring more coffee. Cam stopped him. “I believe this calls for something a bit stronger than coffee.” When the footman approached them, Cam said, “Brandy, my good man.”

“What guarantee does he have that you will agree to this?” Templeton viewed him over the rim of his glass.

“That is precisely why I need your help. As you all know, he was at the church the day of my wedding. I saw him there, no mistake. I also saw him at one of the inns Patience and I stopped at on our trip from Bedfordshire to London.” Alex ran his fingers through his hair. “There are only two ways he can be assured of getting my cooperation. One is to surprise me once again in my house.”

Cam leaned back and stared Alex in the eye. “Or grab the duchess.”

Three days later, Alex and Patience were to attend a soiree at Lord and Lady Andrews’s home. Alex had spent the good part of an hour trying to convince Patience that they should send their regrets. He continued to believe it was best to not frighten her by telling her about Loverly. He was certain it was only a matter of days before the man would be caught. With the War Department and the Bow Street Runners searching for him, the danger should end soon.