My Lord Footman by Marcy Stewart

Author:Marcy Stewart [Stewart, Marcy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 1995-06-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Martha Freecastle and one of the parlourmaids were passing by as Dru burst from Duncan’s room. They watched in amazement while she ran past them without explanation.

“Don’t ask me,” Martha said to the maid. “I’ve never been able to understand her.”

On her flight down the stairs, Dru met Jessup and nearly caused him to fall over the bannister. “Jessup!” she said breathlessly. “Duncan—I fear Duncan means to kidnap Rissa! I don’t know when—I mean, she may not be in danger at this moment, but—we must stop him!”

“Now, Lady Druscilla—” Jessup began in disbelief.

“Do not dare to question me, Jessup!” she seethed. “We have not the time. I would tell Papa, but you know he is not here. I’ve found a note in Duncan’s room which threatens Rissa’s safety. And mine,” she added in wonder, suddenly realizing the full import of the message.

All the past days’ puzzlements and nagging worries about Duncan fell into a great noxious heap, and Jessup was convinced. “Awright, milady,” he said, “Shall I gather the men?”

“Immediately,” Dru answered, squeezing her eyes shut in relief.

“Just let me get this wig orf, and we’ll be down.”

Dru nodded, then continued on her way. She could not wait. The men would be right behind her, but time was of the essence. One moment could make all the difference, as it had a year ago. She could not allow a repeat of this past year’s guilt. If only Papa had not chosen this day to visit Corfe Castle! But in his bedchamber was a set of pistols ...

Jessup ran to the room he used when duty kept him from his cottage. He ripped the wig from his head and tore at the fastenings of his livery. Probably Lord Cathburn wouldn’t mind him ruining the uniform in the service of his daughters, but to be on the safe side ...

Moments later, he fastened the last button of his everyday shirt and reached for the doorknob. At that instant, the door sprang inward and Jacobs dashed into the room.

“Your missus, Karl!” Jacobs shouted. “The message boy just came to the Hall to tell you. She’s having the baby right now and is calling for you!”

An enormous grin pasted itself onto Jessup’s face, and every other thought flew out of his head. “Well, I’ll be a cat’s hind leg!” he said. “Comin’ at last, is he? And about time, too!” He bustled from the room.

A moment later, he returned. Jacobs was making his way down the hall, and Jessup grabbed his arm urgently. “Lady Dru asked me to get the men t’gether to go after Duncan, who’s with Lady Rissa just now. Says he means t’harm ‘er. Do ye gather them, Jim.”

‘‘Garn!” Jacobs said in shock, then reflected that he had never liked the new footman. Chest inflating with importance, he added, “I will take care of matters, Karl. Now you go on to Mrs. Jessup.”

Jessup nodded in relief and hurried away. Jacobs turned back toward his room, walked a few paces, then turned around again.

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