A Solitary Duke by Miller Fenella J

Author:Miller, Fenella J [Miller, Fenella J]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2020-05-10T16:00:00+00:00

Rochester Towers looked more like a mediaeval castle than a modern residence. He hated it, had always done so, it was inconvenient and cold in the summer and even worse in the winter months which was why he had removed himself to Grosvenor Square for the Season until Sarah had become pregnant and then died.

He wished now he hadn’t sold the yacht as sailing away in that would solve a lot of his problems. If he had to live in this barracks of a place then he must do what he could to improve things. He called in architects and builders and within a few weeks the plans were drawn up to build another house. Immersing himself fully in the discussions had helped push away unwelcome thoughts of what might have been.

His mother was unimpressed by his suggestion. ‘Generations of this family have lived in this place. It is tradition, expected of you. This house you intend to build is a fraction of its size and you cannot maintain your position in Society living in such a meagre dwelling.’

‘I don’t need to live in this hideous place to prove that I am the Duke of Rochester, ma’am. I shall be more comfortable and far happier living in a modern building. It will have half a dozen family apartments, half a dozen for guests, as well as a nursery and more than enough rooms for servants. There will be ample reception rooms, a ballroom and a kitchen close enough to the dining room to allow for me to eat food that is hot.’

She sniffed but seemed somewhat mollified by his detailed description. ‘Will there be any of these newfangled bathing rooms I’ve heard so much about?’

‘There will indeed. It will be lighter and warmer as well. They are laying the foundations now and if the weather holds it should be finished sometime next year.’

‘The Dower House is cold and draughty, your grace, shall I be permitted to join you when your new dwelling is completed or must I moulder away where I am?’

‘You may live with me until I take a second wife. I shall have your home modernised so that when you do resume your occupation you will have no cause for complaint. We shall open the house in Grosvenor Square next year and enjoy the delights of a London Season.’

He realised as soon as he spoke that he had given her carte blanche to arrange a variety of social events and parade a dozen or more fitting debutantes in front of him. It didn’t matter how many he was forced to dance with, he would offer for none of them.

He excused himself saying he had urgent business and strode off. He’d come to understand that it had been his jealousy and anger that had made him accuse Lucy. He missed her every day, loved her more than he had before, but realised she was lost to him.

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