A Duke Too Far by Jane Ashford

A Duke Too Far by Jane Ashford

Author:Jane Ashford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2020-02-17T16:00:00+00:00


Eight

“Miss Julia Grandison knows a deal of things,” Tom reported as the Earl of Macklin prepared to go down to dinner that evening. “She had us put together a load of this po-purry stuff. Turned out Cook had most of the ingredients on hand.”

“My mother used to make that,” said Arthur, settling the folds of his neckcloth before the long mirror in his bedchamber. “Quite a pleasant scent.”

“Lasts for years, she says,” replied Tom. “And fleas don’t like it. Right clever. Then we put by bunches of herbs and petals to dry.”

“She didn’t mind your joining them?” Arthur had wondered how Miss Grandison would react to Tom.

“Not so long as I behaved proper.”

“Which I’m sure you did.” Tom grinned at him, and Arthur thought again how much he enjoyed the lad’s lively company.

Clayton cleared his throat. Arthur raised an eyebrow. “You think this neckcloth is too wide?” He trusted his valet’s taste above his own.

“No, my lord. Quite elegant. I was wondering—”

“When we are going back home?” Arthur supplied.

“If you please. There’s his lordship Jocelyn’s grouse hunt in November.”

The baron’s hunt was a much-anticipated feature of the autumn. His coveys were renowned, and a host of luminaries was invited. Arthur was expected to attend. Jocelyn, a neighbor and a friend, counted on him.

“And the family coming for Christmas,” Clayton added.

“We have to be back by then, of course.”

“Christmas,” said Tom.

Had the lad ever had a proper Christmas? Because it was the way they dealt with each other, Arthur simply asked him.

“Not certain what you mean by proper, my lord,” he answered. “The missus made a plum pudding when I was at her dame school. She roasted a goose as well. Right tasty, that was. I never turn down a good feed.” His smile was sunny. “But mainly I ain’t… Haven’t had much to do with Christmas.”

“Well, you will see a fine celebration at my home.” Arthur wondered what his grown children would think of Tom.

The lad nodded, acknowledging this promised treat with less enthusiasm than Arthur had expected. “I wonder if there’ll be a bat at dinner tonight?” he went on. “Conway said it was a rare sight to see. Miss Ada Grandison’s little dog going mad trying to catch the creature.”

“You won’t know, because you refuse to sit down with us.”

“Miss Grandison wouldn’t like it, my lord.” Before Arthur could answer, Tom added, “Or I wouldn’t. Too many finicking rules to remember. Not to mention trying to make po-lite conversation between bites.” With another smile to show he was joking and a gesture like a salute, Tom went out.

Clayton busied himself tidying the room.

“You are still wondering when we will leave Alberdene,” said Arthur. “As I have not answered you.” After all their years together, he could practically divine the valet’s thoughts.

“Yes, my lord.”

“You are more than ready to return to a familiar household.”

Clayton said nothing, but his agreement was obvious.

“We will have to go soon,” Arthur acknowledged. “But I have an idea I wish to try first.”

His valet waited.



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