A Duchess to Fight For: A Historical Regency Romance Book Read online

  He thought of putting down his teacup and excusing himself from the room, but then he remembered he had been specifically asked to come.

  Frederick finally started the conversation. “I invited you here today, Percy because the three of us need to apologize to you. I need to apologize to you for going against your recommendation to tell my daughter important things about her life she had a right to know. I didn’t take your input seriously, and I regret it. Please accept my apology.”

  Percy nodded, uncomfortable by this process. “I accept your apology. I know you want only what is best for Louisa.”

  Amelia cleared her throat. “I too would like to apologize to you, dear Percy. You voiced your concerns about Louisa with me, and I didn’t give your concerns the gravitas they deserved. I too ask your forgiveness.”

  Percy stood and bowed. “You have my forgiveness, Duchess. I am grateful that you did me the honour of allowing me to speak frankly with you.”

  He sat but couldn’t bring himself to look at Louisa. He knew her father was making her go through this exercise and wished he had not forced her hand. The result usually smacked of insincerity.

  While the air was thick and still, Percy took a plate and placed two cookies on it. He sat back, plate on his lap, and waited. And waited.

  Finally, Louisa did something unexpected. She rose from her seat and walked to Percy. She sat on the seat next to his and took his hand.

  “You have been the best friend I have ever had. We have been each other’s confidants.” Tears filled Louisa’s eyes. “I was upset and disappointed in you, and I behaved badly. I should have known you would do the right thing. You always do the right thing.

  “You are the one that fought for me the most, and you are the one I treated the worst. Can you ever forgive me, Percy?”

  Percy leaned over and covered her hands. “I already have.”

  Louisa’s tears started falling down her face. Percy took out his handkerchief and handed it to her. Their eyes met, and they both started to laugh.

  ‘Thank God this is over,’ Percy thought. The tension in the room began to dissipate.

  “Well,” Frederick said. “I think we should try to put this behind us. What do you say?”

  Everyone nodded. He stood and left the room.

  Percy looked at Louisa. “Can we count on you to come out of your room now?”

  She smiled. “I think so.”

  “Good,” Percy said. “I’ve had tea by myself every day this week. You should have told me I was such lousy company. I only found that out by having to entertain myself at tea.”

  Amelia laughed. “Percy, lousy company is better than no company. It’s been so quiet around here without you. Too quiet.”

  “Has Stafford called?” Percy asked.

  “He did, but after being turned away four times, he hasn’t tried again. Maybe Louisa will invite him for tea one day?”

  Louisa looked up. “We’ll see, Mother. I don’t mind being around Percy like this, but I’m not sure I’m ready for Stafford.”

  “How about Emma?” Percy asked. “Invite her over. We can craft a letter to Rose together. It would be fun.”

  Louisa looked up and smiled. “Yes, that might work. She has probably heard from Rose. I’ll ask her to bring her last letter.”

  Amelia rose and Percy right after her. “Don’t go anywhere on my account. I just remembered something I must do. I’ll return shortly.”

  Percy turned to Louisa. “Is your mother ill?”

  “Not really. I think it will pass. She’s been having a difficult time of it. Migraines, mostly. I blame myself. I caused a lot of heartache. They know they didn’t handle all this well. They hurt me, and she feels terrible about it.”

  “Are you helping her get past it?”

  “I’ve told her to put it behind her. She’s having a hard time of it. I’ve been extra nice and sensitive to her, hoping my actions show I have forgiven her. I think she needs time.”

  Percy sat back for a moment. “How are you doing? All these apologies, all these guilty feelings. You still have the secrets to deal with.”

  Louisa breathed deep. “I’m going to stay in for a time. I will go out again. Until I overheard Missy and Alessandra talking, I was having fun. It reminded me of what I had been missing from staying in this townhouse. I just need a little time.”

  Louisa was silent for a moment then turned to Percy. “Can I ask you something?”

  Percy began to laugh. “You’re kidding me, right?”

  Louisa slapped his arm with her hand. “What do you think of Stafford? Do you think he’s hiding any secrets?”

  “What makes you ask that? You usually aren’t the suspicious type.”

  “And look where that got me,” she rolled her eyes.

  “I don’t know how to answer you. When he came back, eyebrows were raised because his father’s death was not so long ago. He said he had business with his man in London, and that makes sense. Estates have to be redrafted in the name of the heir.

  “But he spends an awful lot of time about town. He’s always at the club; he came here shortly after returning, and he entertains in his townhouse.”

  Percy shook his head. “I don’t know what, if anything, that says about him. I’m still trying to figure him out. He does seem to like you. At least he has good taste in ladies.”

  Louisa laughed and slapped his arm again. “Is it possible to find out if people have enough money?”

  Percy tilted his head, “Enough money for what?”

  Louisa circled her hands in the air. “Enough that they don’t need to marry to have enough.”

  Percy nodded. “You mean enough so they aren’t marrying you for your dowry?”

  “Yes, that’s what I mean.”

  “I’ll see what I can do,” he said with a small smile.

  Chapter 14

  Percy didn’t mind researching Stafford’s finances for Louisa because he was planning to do it anyway. He had a nagging feeling about Stafford that he couldn’t put his finger on.

  Stafford was a gentleman who treated Louisa well. He had a good reputation according to those in the know at White’s.

  So, why wasn’t he happy about Stafford with Louisa? It wasn’t jealousy. Percy would readily admit he was jealous of him. But being jealous of him didn’t make him suspicious of Stafford. They were two very different things.

  “Hello, Hobart.” Percy bowed, standing in the doorway of Hobart’s warehouse office.

  “Percy. Come on in. Sit. A pleasant surprise. Drink?” Hobart went to his cabinet, withdrew two glasses and his decanter.

  “Now,” Hobart said, having served them both and sat. “What can I do for you?”

  “I need you to tell me how to get information on someone,” Percy said.

  “Hmm. What kind of information?” Hobart asked.

  “Financial. Money in the bank. Companies he’s running. That sort of thing.”

  “May I ask why you need someone’s financial information?”

  Percy squirmed in his seat. “A person who I can’t name has asked me to find out if a gentleman might be more interested in her dowry than her. This gentleman is a mystery.”

  “How so?” Hobart asked, beginning to enjoy himself.

  “Well, everyone who knows him says he’s a good man, but no one knows what he does. His manners are impeccable, and he’s courteous to the ladies, but there are no friends or family anyone has met,” Percy said.

  “And Louisa is afraid he wants her for her money?”

  Percy shook his head. “I didn’t say it was Louisa. I promised to keep the young lady’s name out of any enquiries I made. But, yes, why is he so interested in her?”

  Hobart got up from his seat and went to his cabinet, carrying his decanter to refill Percy’s and his own glass. He sat heavily.

  Hobart asked, “Percy, do you want this information or does Louisa?

  Percy said, “She asked for it. I was going to do it anyway. There’s somet
hing about him that makes alarm bells go off in my head every time I see him. I don’t think I met him before the beginning of the season, but I feel like I’ve met him before.”

  Hobart took a large gulp of his whisky. Percy wondered how it was humanly possible to drink that much and be able to talk without coughing for ten minutes first.

  “Finding out his financials is easy to do. For my beautiful niece, I’ll handle it myself.

  “The bigger issue is the man himself. That’s a little more difficult. How interested in him is she?”

  “She is interested, but after Jack, she’s moving much slower. She’s not going to allow him to push her. And she doesn’t want to be in the dark about who he really is.”

  Hobart shook his head and looked Percy in the eyes.

  “What?” Percy said.

  “When are the two of you going to figure out you’re perfect for one another and stop all this ridiculousness?”

  Percy swatted his hand in the air. “You’d don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Hobart sat back in his chair. “Cecil’s horse man came. I met with him two days ago. His name is Donnie Williams. I’ve never met anyone who loves horses as much as him. If they are selling lame horses, he’ll find out.

  “He’s planning to spend a few days at Tattersall’s. He wants to get the lay of the land.

  “He’ll put a scheme together and approach Victor when he thinks the time is right. We need to sit tight. Tell Cecil I like his man.”

  “I will. Good. Something’s moving.”

  Hobart barked out a laugh. “You sound like Frederick. ‘ Nothing’s happening. This is going too slow,’ and more. Every day.”

  Percy rose. “Hobart, thank you for looking into Stafford for me. I hope we can do this without Louisa knowing you know.”

  “No problem. Here,” Hobart put parchment and the quill in front of Percy, “write down his full name and London address.”

  *****

  Louisa stood and curtsied. “Lord Daniels.”

  Stafford bowed to Amelia and Louisa. “Your Grace, Lady Louisa.”

  Louisa directed him with her hand. “Please sit. Tea?”

  He nodded. “Thank you.”

  Amelia said, “We haven’t had the pleasure of a visit, Lord Daniels.”

  Stafford said, “Yes, well, I was called out of town for a few days. Business on the estate.”

  Louisa said, “And how is your family there? Do all members of your family live in the country?”

  “No. My brother lives in France.”

  Louisa remained silent hoping it would cause Stafford to fill in the empty space with more information of his family. It didn’t.

  “Tell me, Lady Louisa, are you well now? I’ve been gone over a week, and when I tried to visit last, you were on the third day of a migraine, I believe.”

  “Yes, My Lord, it was the worst I’ve ever had. Lying in bed that long is one trial but having to lay still and in the dark is another. I wouldn’t recommend the experience.”

  “Well, I’m glad you are recovered. I was wondering if you feel up to a carriage ride tomorrow. You and your maid, of course. The weather has been fine, and if it continues, I may take out the barouche.”

  Louisa smiled. “That sounds wonderful. Would you mind terribly if I gave you an answer tomorrow? My health seems to be day-to-day lately.”

  Stafford nodded. “Not at all. Not at all.”

  “Did you check in on your horses during your trip home?”

  Stafford furrowed his brow. “I beg your pardon?”

  “Your horses. I remember you invited my family to come see a foal. You said you would let us know when it’s close to being born.”

  “I’m sorry. I did. The pregnancy did not make it past six months, unfortunately.”

  Louisa frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that. Is the mother fine?”

  Stafford nodded. “She is.”

  Stafford stood and bowed to the ladies. “I must go. I’ll be back tomorrow. The barouche will fit the three of us comfortably should the weather cooperate.”

  He bowed again and left the parlour.

  Louisa looked at Amelia. “His business must be occupying his mind. I hope it’s not serious.”

  Amelia nodded. “Yes, I thought so too. Will you go on the carriage ride tomorrow?”

  Louisa sighed, “I’m not sure. The barouche might be tight for three, but it would be more pleasant than a carriage ride. I’ll decide tomorrow.”

  Amelia paused, then said, “If you would prefer, I can accompany you tomorrow.”

  “I may ask you to do that. Even bringing along a maid, it would feel like we were alone. With you, I wouldn’t feel that way.”

  ***

  Donnie made his second pass through the Tattersall stables. There were some beautiful animals there, but there were also horses he would never buy. It wasn’t visible to many people, but it took no time at all for him to recognize.

  Instead of going out to pasture, these poor animals would be ridden or become part of a team. They would give out.

  The owner would never be able to tell if his horse hit a rut in the road the wrong way or if one of his legs just gave out. Then, instead of going to pasture, it would be put down. Donnie shook his head. All for a little extra coin.

  “Pardon. Is there anything I can do for you?” Victor said. He didn’t like anyone walking through his stables. Trespassers saw things Victor didn’t want them to see.

  “I was looking at what you have here. My name is Donnie Williams. I have a horse business in Essex.”

  “Victor Johnson. I’m the auctioneer and run Tattersall’s.”

  Donnie nodded. “Are you interested in buying some of my inventory?”

  Victor leaned back against one of the wooden fences in the stable. “Depends. I need to know quality and quantity.”

  “Quantity could be one at a time up to five at a time.

  “Quality depends. I have stallions, geldings, and mares that are prime and beautiful animals. I’ve got the same with minor imperfections only seen by professionals who know what they’re looking for.”

  “What are you looking to do, Donnie?”

  Donnie paused then answered, “I’m looking to sell my inventory to you. Inventory my local market can’t afford to or won’t buy. I’m looking to unload what I can’t use.”

  Victor looked at Donnie suspiciously. “What have you got today?”

  “I’ve got a gelding in perfect condition. He is a gorgeous animal that your customers will leave here raving about what beautiful horses you have.

  “With him, I’ve got a nice gentle mare that is a little older, and I’ve got a cart horse that is strong and docile but likes to work alone.”

  Victor nodded. “I’d like to see these animals.”

  “You are welcome to come to Essex at your convenience. You can look at my entire stable to see if there’s anything else you’re interested in. Right now, I’m mostly interested in selling the three I’ve described,” Donnie said.

  “I’ll make that trip. You realize you’re not going to get as much for that gelding if you package it with the mare and the cart horse.”

  Donnie laughed. “I realized I’m not going to get what I want for the mare and the cart horse. I expect to get what the gelding is worth.”

  “Tell you what. I auction all weekend, but I could visit you on Tuesday into Wednesday. Would that work for you?”

  Donnie nodded. “I’ll leave my information about my ranch before I leave town. Come any time. You don’t need to notify me at ahead of time.”

  Donnie started walking out of the stables. “You will see me,” Victor called after him.

  Donnie walked to Hobart’s warehouse and was relieved to find him there.

  Hobart ushered him into his office, put a drink in his hand, and looked at him expectantly.

  Donnie laughed. He liked Hobart. He was enjoying his trip to London more than he imagined since he despised the place before this visi
t.

  After he told Hobart the whole conversation between himself and Victor, Hobart was pleased. The only downside was telling Frederick that hopefully this week but maybe next week or the week after that, Victor would visit Donnie.

  Donnie and Hobart talked some more, mostly about the shipping business and Donnie’s dislike of London. He said goodbye and went in search of Cecil.