Chapter Seventeen

 

Mary Ann, Duchess of Greystoke, read over the letter one more time. It had arrived the day before, and its message was simple. And infuriating. Colin wished to delay his return home. What matters of business could her son possibly have that would make him go to London on such short notice?

Colin had always been a well-behaved boy, one who listened to her wise counsel. Yet as he had grown into a man, her advice was no longer needed. Thus she felt useless, cast aside. But her worries for the dukedom remained. He had met with carefully selected women, whether for small excursions or afternoon tea.

By all appearances, he seemed pleased with the various ladies with whom he spent time. But once the topic of potential courtship arose, the excuses began. Either they were too plain or spent far too much time on their looks. They lacked the ability to hold a decent conversation, or they were far too talkative. Their fathers were a nuisance or lacked wealth. Never was he satisfied. Their fathers were a nuisance or lacked wealth. Never was he satisfied.

Folding the letter once more, she set it on the window ledge and peered out into the gardens, but the sight of her own reflection gave her pause. Although she had been told from a very young age that she possessed great beauty, she no longer saw it. Silver now invaded her once coal-black hair. Small lines in the corners of her eyes marred the otherwise smooth skin. If her beauty disappeared, what would she become?

“You must remain beautiful for as long as you can,” her mother had advised as Mary Ann prepared for her wedding day. “Once that is lost, you’ll have nothing.”

To her mother, even a homely woman could have a title that brought her prestige and power, but handsomeness placed her above all others.

Pushing aside the thoughts, another beauty came to mind— Lady Katherine Haskett. Like herself, Lady Katherine waited for the engagement announcement. They had far too many preparations to wait much longer. There were cards to be sent to distinguished peers, parties to be planned, the reading of the banns, and finally, the wedding breakfast to celebrate the occasion. How could she possibly see it all finished in a timely manner if her son delayed with the proposal? Lady Katherine was quite a catch, which meant that if Colin waited too long, she might be caught by another, more attentive, fisherman.

Plus, Mary Ann had spent far too much time convincing Colin that Lady Katherine would make a perfect duchess. The last thing she wanted was to begin the process anew!

She nearly screamed when a face appeared in the reflection beside her own.

The devil himself had arrived.

“Mr. Keats, you startled me.”

With silver hair and numerous pale scars on his face, Mr. Keats seemed older than time itself. She despised needing his assistance, but she had little choice. He had served various members of the Remington family over the years, acquiring rare items or gathering information unavailable through standard channels. If a price could be agreed upon, even a person could disappear.

Yet there were consequences to dealing with the devil, which was why she took great care on the few occasions that she had required his services.

“Your fear is not my problem,” Mr. Keats said, his voice devoid of emotion.

Turning to face him, Mary Ann said, “What have you learned?”

“It appears that Markus has several mistresses, which I had already suspected. His actions as of late have made him more than one enemy. And your suspicions were correct, he’s seeking a divorce. Who he plans to marry next, I was unable to determine.”

Mary Ann frowned. The granting of a divorce would send shame rippling through the family.

As much as that worried her, however, she feared for his wife, Tabitha, a frail woman who flinched whenever a voice was raised above a whisper. And she knew why. It was difficult to say what Markus would do to Tabitha if the divorce was not granted, but there had already been enough funerals in the last year. They did not need another.

“Go to their home and speak to Tabitha. Relay to her what you’ve told me. I want her prepared for his desire to seek a divorce.” She removed a bundle of notes from the bodice of her dress. “This should suffice.”

“I’ve other matters to see to first.”

“Mr. Keats,” Mary Ann said firmly, “you’ll go there immediately. You work for me. It would be wise you not forget that.”

Mr. Keats brushed the sleeve of his dark coat. “You know very well that I keep my own schedule, Mary Ann.”

The use of her given name was a means to provoke her, she was sure. Yet what could she do about it? He knew too many of her secrets and was far too valuable for her needs. So she said nothing.

He counted the notes she had given him and smiled. “But you’ve always paid me better than most,” he continued, “so maybe I’ll be inclined to hasten my journey. Is there anything else I can do for you?” His tone was mocking now. Oh, how she wished she could find someone else for these unpleasant tasks!

“No,” she snapped. “Just see this completed as soon as possible.”

She heaved a sigh of relief when the man was gone. Pushing him out of her mind, she returned her thoughts to Colin. He had been acting strangely as of late, and she had to puzzle out what was going on in his thoughts.

She was unsure how long she stood staring out the window, but the sound of the door opening made her turn.

“Your tea, Your Grace,” the butler said as he placed a tray on the table and began to pour.

“Thank you, Pendleton.” She walked over and sat on the sofa. “Pendleton? Has my son confided anything to you as of late? Something of which I should be aware?”

The butler pursed his lips. Why was he hesitant to speak? Well, Mary Ann had no patience for those in her employ keeping secrets from her.

“No, Your Grace, he has not.”

Mary Ann sighed. Her husband had one particular reason to go away for several days at a time, especially to London. She had never been foolish enough to believe the man she married, the former Duke of Greystoke, had remained faithful. The Remington men had more mistresses than they had children. Although she did not wish such a life for her son, she would turn a blind eye if that was how he chose to live it with Lady Katherine.

“Surely he’s mentioned a mistress? Or perhaps another woman who’s caught his fancy?” She clicked her tongue in vexation and mumbled, “I see no other reason for him to rush to London when he is supposed to return here to propose to Lady Katherine.”

A gasp made Mary Ann turn to find her future daughter-in-law standing at the doorway.

“Oh, Katherine, don’t start with the dramatics,” Mary Ann sighed. “We’ve already discussed this. You know perfectly well that men indulge themselves when the opportunity arises. We, as women, simply must accept that fact.”

Lady Katherine was indeed a lovely young lady, the daughter of an earl who had trained since an early age to marry a man of Colin’s rank. She spoke with grace, walked with elegance, and was trained to be a dutiful wife. All about her was perfect. Except for her naivety. And Mary Ann had grown tired of it more so over the last month.

“I recall such a conversation,” Lady Katherine said as she walked over to sit in one of the beige chairs. “But I did not realize you meant the same for your son.”

“Well, who else could I have meant?” Mary Ann asked with no care for her harsh tone. “Did you think I was confiding in you about the gardener? Or Pendleton, for that matter?” She returned her attention to the butler. “Now, Pendleton, I want you to think carefully. He must have said something before leaving for his cousins’ home.”

The old butler furrowed his brow.

Having had enough of the stupidity, she rose and walked over to him. “Come now, Pendleton,” she said, placing a hand on his arm. “After all these years, you would not deny me what I must know, would you?”

“Never, Your Grace,” he exclaimed. “It’s just that I don’t wish to upset you.”

Mary Ann chuckled. “I’m the Duchess of Greystoke. Nothing can upset me. Now, tell me what you know.”

Pendleton sighed. “He did happen to mention something about what it would be to live a commoner’s life. He asked my opinion as to whether he could be a blacksmith or a cobbler. I refused to entertain such notions, Your Grace, I assure you. A Remington— nay, a duke!— living as a common man? It’s absurd and outright bordering blasphemy to even consider such a thing!”

Mary Ann sighed. “Your loyalty to this family has been noted for many years. With a future daughter-in-law with few wits about her, and a son asking brainless questions, I’m thankful for the stability you bring. The sense of reason. So, thank you. You’re excused.”

Pendleton gave her one of his stiff bows and left the room.

Mary Ann turned her attention to Lady Katherine. The girl was staring at the rim of the cup in her hand.

“I will ask you a question,” Mary Ann said, “and you are to answer truthfully. Three weeks ago, Colin took you on a carriage ride.”

Lady Katherine nodded. “He did. It was a lovely outing.”

“And what did you discuss?”

“We discussed the small farms he owns and other affairs pertaining to the estate.”

Walking over to where the young lady sat, Mary Ann smiled. “And did anything happen?”

“Your Grace?” Lady Katherine gasped. “Please tell me you are not implying what I believe you are!”

Anger bubbled in Mary Ann. The girl was as thick as custard! “I’m not implying anything. I’m simply asking a question. Did anything happen between you two?”

“No, of course not. I had a chaperone with me. And I’m not—”

“Wise in the ways of men?” Mary Ann asked. “I can see that now. I knew you were naive, but to this extent shocks me. Your mother has not done her duty in training you properly.” The girl’s pained expression made Mary Ann roll her eyes. “Katherine, don’t give me that look. The next time the opportunity presents itself, you must take advantage of the situation.”

Lady Katherine’s eyes nearly popped out of her face. “You wish me to—”

“Of course not, my dear. That’s what harlots do, and you’re no harlot. Simply allow him to kiss you, and then ask for another. He will only want you more if you do this.” She tapped her lips with a finger. “Now to decide when. Yes, that’s it. I’ll plan a small gathering of friends once my son returns. This will give you the perfect opportunity to be caught in a compromising position. Colin will then be left with no choice but to propose marriage that very night.”

Lady Katherine frowned in thought. “I’ll do as you suggest. You’ll find that I’m a woman of great dedication.”

Mary Ann smiled. “You’re very much like me, my dear. A very beautiful woman. That is who you are and who you’ll ever be. Do you understand?” Lady Katherine nodded. “Good. We must work together to see my son fulfills his duty by marrying you. I’ll do what is necessary to see the opportunity created. If you play your cards right, you’ll have him caught in your net.” She turned a stern gaze on the young lady. “Let me make myself perfectly clear. If you’re unwilling to do your part, you’ll not be invited to return again, and I’ll find a woman who is willing to do as she’s told.”

With a determined look on her face, Lady Katherine replied, “I understand. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Mary Ann nodded and brought her teacup to her lips, her thoughts on Colin’s sudden journey to London. Had he truly become his father? The first time she learned of the reasons for her husband’s journeys— of his sordid affairs— it had hurt deeply. She had cried herself to sleep and woke feeling numb and asking, “Am I not pretty enough?”

It was not long, however, before she came to understand that men such as the Remingtons were allowed their fleshly desires. The pain from that first night reared its head from time to time, but she had hidden it from everyone. In return for being an obedient wife, she had been given a healthy allowance, fine jewels, and wonderful country estates in which to spend her days as she pleased.

Yet all that paled in comparison to the looks of admiration she received from everyone she encountered— rich and poor alike. And who could blame them? She was a duchess and had married a Remington. Her life as a duchess had been well worth what she had been forced to give up. As the future dowager, her life would go in a different direction, and she had to prepare herself for the inevitable.

The door opened, and Pendleton entered. “Lord Evan Remington, Your Grace.”

Mary Ann gave a single nod, and Evan entered. The young man had broad muscles and unruly blond hair, a true Remington in looks and intellect. He was the epitome of the Remington name.

It was no secret that many articles in the gossip columns of London spoke of him. He had a mind as sharp as a sword, a tongue doubly so, and whatever his eyes fell on, he took it for his own, always to increase the Remington fortune.

Although he had gone so far as to step on a few of the lower Remingtons to get where he was today, he had never used or mistreated Colin. Nor Mary Ann. Which was why Colin trusted him. And why Mary Ann had sent for him the day before.

“Dear Cousin Mary Ann,” Evan said. “Your letter sounded quite urgent. My apologies for not being able to come sooner, but I’m afraid I’ve been a bit… preoccupied with other matters.”

His eyes fell on Lady Katherine, raking over her in a way he might not have done in Colin’s presence. If she left him alone with Colin’s betrothed, Mary Ann worried the man would have her in a bed within the hour. Engaged or not.

“I’m grateful you came,” Mary Ann said, directing him to an extra chair. “Pendleton, bring us more tea, please.” Once the butler was gone, she turned to Evan. “I’ve come to learn that Colin has been acting oddly. Apparently, he’s been speaking of living another life as a cobbler, or other such nonsense.”

Evan laughed as he unbuttoned his coat. “Truly? Has he been drinking too much? It is a family trait, after all.”

“No,” Mary Ann replied. “He’s been delaying the announcement of his engagement to Lady Katherine, and now he’s set off for London for no apparent reason. I’ve got my suspicions, of course, but I cannot be certain.”

Pendleton returned with a new tea tray, removing the old when he left.

“Has Lady Katherine offended him in some way?” Evan asked. “I mean no offense, but these things do happen.”

Mary Ann went to reply, but then Lady Katherine said, “I may have upset him the day he left for Wilkworth.” She turned to Mary Ann. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t think to mention it until now.”

Could all of this have been avoided? Lady Katherine was beautiful, but she was not very intelligent. “It’s too late for apologies,” Mary Ann snapped. “Now, out with it. What did you do to upset my son?”

“He asked me to address him informally, and I told him I would if he required me to do so.”

Mary Ann clicked her tongue in exasperation. “That’s it? Good heavens, I thought you had something worthwhile to say. Don’t interrupt us again with such nonsense.”

The girl nodded as tears welled in her eyes. Not this again! Mary Ann rose and pulled the bell cord. When Pendleton entered, she said, “Please escort Lady Katherine to her room. I believe she needs to rest.” She wished she had not invited the girl to stay while Colin was away!

“Of course, Your Grace,” Pendleton replied. “This way, my lady.”

Waiting until she and Evan were alone, Mary Ann turned to Evan and said, “Something is amiss with my son, but I’m not certain what it is. I would like you to help me in this matter. Will you be willing to go to London?”

“To spy on my cousin?” he asked in mock affront. “Why, Mary Ann, I don’t know if I’m capable of such underhandedness.”

Evan might not have ever chosen to deceive her or Colin, but that did not mean he would not. Flattery would get her nowhere, so Mary Ann chose something far more useful— a bribe.

“Lady Katherine has a sister, two years younger than she. If you help me, I’ll arrange for you to meet her.”

A sly grin crossed his lips. “You mean to cast off her sister? What sort of disfigurement does she have?”

“None at all. One would believe they are twins.” The idea of throwing the lovely younger sister of Lady Katherine to this wolf sickened her, but her son’s future was at stake.

“I admit that I’m intrigued,” Evan said. “What is it I’m to do exactly?”

“Find him,” Mary Ann replied. “I’m sure he’ll be staying at his estate there. Learn what you can about this nonsense about wanting to work as a cobbler. And also learn why he keeps delaying this engagement. He trusts you, so use that. This will ease my worries.”

“Your timing is impeccable, as always. I already planned to journey to London this week. An old baron is hosting a party on Friday, and I’ve been invited. I’ll ask Colin if he would like to go, as well, which will be the perfect opportunity to find out what he’s up to.”

Mary Ann sighed with relief. The idea of her son laboring in any position would shame the Remington name for a thousand years! “Thank you. I do hope it’s nothing more than just frightful imagination running amok. I fear what will happen if he does something foolish.”

“Oh, Cousin Mary Ann,” Evan said as he rose and walked to the door, “we are Remingtons and therefore must watch out for one another. And I know that in the future, if I ever am in need of your help, you’ll heed my call. Am I right in my assumption?”

“Do you mean with Lady Katherine’s sister?”

Evan chuckled. “Oh, she’s only a deposit and nothing more. There may come a time when I must collect in full for this favor.”

If that was what it took to see Colin back on the path he should be on, Mary Ann had no choice and thus gave a nod.

With a half-smile, Evan walked out of the room.

Mary Ann returned to her tea. Whatever her son was doing, she would know soon enough. And if it was anything that could harm him, the dukedom, or the Remington name, she would see it stopped.

Whether Colin agreed or not.