An Onerous Duty by Beryl Matthews

Author:Beryl Matthews [Matthews, Beryl]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Allison and Busby
Published: 2022-08-14T16:00:00+00:00

Eleven

‘Where have you been, Isabella?’ her father demanded.

‘I have been to see Mr Sherfield, Papa. I had a doll for the little girl who travelled down with us and I also took some small clothes for her. She has very little and Mrs Baxter is going to alter them to fit her.’

‘That is very commendable of you.’ He started to say something else and then stopped. ‘What the devil have you been up to?’

She brushed her hand down the skirt of her riding habit. ‘I went into the attic to find the clothes and doll. It is rather dusty.’

‘Did you not think to clean yourself up before you went out?’ he asked, in exasperation.

‘No, I would only have gathered more dust on the journey.’

He sighed at her logic. ‘You have a visitor. He has been waiting this past hour to talk to you.’

Isabella spun round and came face to face with the Duke. She curtsied hurriedly. ‘I beg your pardon, Your Grace, I was not aware of your presence.’

He accepted her apology with a curt nod of his head and she endured his contemptuous gaze as he surveyed her dishevelled condition. She lifted her head in a defiant gesture; he had arrived unexpectedly and she could not help it if she was dusty.

‘Why did you leave Ranliegh?’ he demanded.

‘Because I had greatly displeased you, and it was the only thing I could do.’

‘It is true that you made me angry. However, I should not have reacted in such a … a …’

‘Violent way?’ she suggested helpfully as he stumbled over the word.

‘I was not violent!’

‘Furious, then?’

‘Well, yes, that cannot be denied. I apologise for frightening you.’

‘Oh, you did not frighten me.’

Her father gave an audible groan. ‘Isabella!’ he murmured.

She continued without heeding her father’s exasperated rebuke. ‘I was distressed to have caused you concern.’

He nodded abruptly. ‘I would like you to come back to Ranliegh.’

Her face lit up. ‘You would?’

‘Yes, your mother and sisters miss you.’

‘Oh, I see.’ Why was she disappointed? Did she think he had come all this way because he wanted her back? If that had been her hope, then she was indeed a very foolish female. Nevertheless, she wanted to return to Ranliegh.

‘Papa?’ She turned to her father. ‘May I?’

Her father nodded. ‘You may go back, Isabella, but I must have your promise that you will try to behave. You must not do anything or go anywhere without the permission of His Grace.’

‘That will be rather restricting …’

‘Isabella! Your word, or you will stay here.’

‘I promise to try very hard not to misbehave, Papa.’

He rubbed his brow wearily. ‘I suppose I will have to be content with that.’ He looked at Harry. ‘What about you – will that tenuous promise suffice?’

‘I will accept it.’

‘Very well, Isabella, you may go, but do clean yourself up first.’

She smiled happily and left the room.

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