Robert went through the motions of his duties the next morning, but his mind was elsewhere. It was back at the hovel with that poor little boy.
How could a man beat his own wife and child? What would possess him to use so much force on those he supposedly loved? And why would he take his own failures out on them? Andy’s bruises were purple and covered most of his body. And the boy’s mother — a chill ran through Robert’s body as he recalled the broken heap of bones on the floor of the pile of wood they called home.
“Townley?”
Robert blinked. Phillip, Duke of Bartlett, stood before him, eyeing him curiously. “Yes, Your Grace?”
“I’m ready for my cravat.”
The duke’s cravat. Where had he put it? He did a pirouette, wondering where he’d placed it.
“In your left hand.”
Good grief, where has my mind gone? “I beg your pardon, Your Grace.”
Forcing his mind to the present, he tied the cloth around the duke’s neck, expertly arranging the front knot under his chin. He breathed a sigh of relief when his employer nodded in satisfaction.
“Thank you, Townley. The duchess tells me this might be the day our son or daughter arrives. I want to be ready.”
Robert envied the duke. Surely his child would be received with love and treated with care. For years the duke had struggled to revive the shambles of the estate his father had left him, but even in his darkest days, he’d never treated anyone with anything but respect. It was too bad they couldn’t bring Andy to the rented house. In a few months, when the duke was finished with his duties at Parliament and the doctor had proclaimed it safe for the babe to travel, the family would return to the Bartlett estate in Lincolnshire. There would be lots of room and fresh air for the young boy to run about safely, and plenty of food in the kitchen.
It was really too bad…
“Townley, the duchess and I thought it might be a good idea to allow each child to bring one or two adults along to the Christmas party. It occurred to me that if my young child received an invitation to a party in another part of the city, I certainly wouldn’t send him alone. These parents deserve to come along and see what their children are doing, especially those who attend the lessons each night.”
“Very good, Your Grace. If we seat the parent to the right of each child, that would make it easier for the serving platters to be passed along.”
“I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re right. Would you please inform the children and their parents tonight?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Excellent. Now I suppose I’d better make an appearance at Parliament. Sometimes it’s a blessing that I can’t hear all the babbling that goes on. If I don’t want to hear their arguments, I don’t have to look at them.” He chuckled. “I never thought I’d see the day when I regarded that shooting accident as a blessing.” He looked up at Robert. “You remember how I was. Angry at the entire world and certain I would never know happiness. I was wrong. Thanks for staying with me, friend.” He patted Robert on the shoulder and left.
~~~~
A few hours later, Phillip returned, having been hastily summoned. The newest Peartree was about to make his or her appearance. Phillip burst into the house and raced to his wife’s side. Defying convention, he refused to leave, even when the midwife tried to shoo him out.
Like the rest of the staff, Robert awaited the news. Through the day and into the night, he kept himself as busy as he could in his master’s chambers, checking and rechecking the duke’s wardrobe. The duke’s evening clothes hadn’t been used, so Robert put them away and laid out his nightclothes. Every article of clothing had been checked and re-checked. It was evident the duke had no intention of leaving the house until his heir made an appearance. Feeling helpless and at a loss, Robert wandered toward the duchess’ bedchamber, scattering the handful of maids who crowded around the door waiting for news.
Now what? He didn’t dare knock or enter. He settled for pacing in front of the doorway. Finally, the door opened and a weary Jeanne stepped out. Most of her hair had escaped the pins and her eyes were rimmed with dark circles, but he knew he’d never beheld a more beautiful woman.
“Has the child arrived?”
The edges of her mouth curved upward, and her eyes shone, reflecting her happiness on the rest of her face. “Yes. A son. He’s beautiful.”
Phillip came to the door then. “Townley,” he called. “I thought I heard your voice out here. Come in. You must see him. He’s a little miracle.”
Come in? The duchess has just given birth, for heaven’s sake. Is he daft? “I-I really shouldn’t—”
“Come, come.” The duke, it appeared, had no such qualms. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Robert lagged behind Phillip, not wanting to see anything… inappropriate. His unease settled as he got to the bedside and heard Amelia’s voice.
“Robert, it’s quite all right for you to be here. Everything messy has been cleared away, and I am covered now.”
He breathed easier and looked up. Amelia’s hair was in disarray, and she looked somewhat pale, but her face shone with an ethereal glow. In her arms lay a tiny bundle no larger than a loaf of bread, and if that loaf hadn’t blinked its eyes he wouldn’t have recognized it as a tiny human being.
He didn’t know how long he stared, but the tiny creature seemed to understand he was being scrutinized and stared back. Dark eyes, almost black, held his gaze. A solemn stare. All-knowing.
“Isn’t it wondrous, Townley?” Phillip asked. The duke sat on the other side of the bed. He reached out and gently caressed the baby’s cheek. Robert noted tears in Phillip’s eyes and felt his own throat close up. Was this how his parents had felt when he was born? He vowed to protect the little Peartree as fiercely as he had his father.
“Wondrous, indeed,” he whispered.
“Robert?” Amelia’s voice lingered on the edge of his notice.
“Mmm?”
“Would you mind… letting the staff know?”
Let the staff know. The staff, of which he was a member. Remember your place, Robert. His father’s words hit him like a douse of cold water and brought him out of his musing.
He cleared his throat. “Yes, Your Grace. Right away.” He turned on his heel and left. He would deliver his message and then search out a certain lady’s maid.
The duke and duchess had found their happiness. It was time for Robert Townley to pursue his.
Jeanne came back up the stairs, carrying a pile of fresh linens. She blessed him with a smile. “Have you seen the little one?”
“I have,” he replied. “And I realize it is high time I secure a family of my own. I feel we would suit. Would you grant me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Despite his years of training at Jackson’s Saloon, he wasn’t prepared for the blow Jeanne delivered to his mid-section. Blast. What had he done now?