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

  It didn’t take long after the food came for Harold to raise the point of why he wanted to meet with Percy.

  “I am confused about your relationship with Louisa, and I wanted to talk with you about it. You see, I am interested in marrying her, and I know you are great friends.”

  “If you want to know . . .?” Percy asked, stiffening in his chair.

  “I want to know if you have any romantic interest in her. I also want to know about this friendship of yours I keep hearing so much of,” Harold said.

  Percy put down his fork and took a long sip of wine, all the while watching Harold. Harold never broke the stare.

  “Until recently, I would have said that Louisa was free to be courted and to marry any man of her choosing unless I had serious objections to the men, which I would have voiced. We had promised each other when we were young to let each other know if we didn’t like the other’s betrothed.

  “When she rejected me after I asked her to marry me, I didn’t take it well. I took out my unhappiness on her and on my friends.

  “Cecil and Kent convinced me to think about my behaviour. I was grateful they cared enough to put my decline to a stop.

  “I isolated myself for a few days and reflected on the events that brought me to where I was. I concluded that I want Louisa as my wife, and I plan to put as much time and energy into reaching that goal.”

  “I see,” Harold said. Then he was quiet.

  Percy was tired and didn’t want to play cat and mouse with Harold, so he stayed quiet. Harold understood what Percy wanted. There was no question of that.

  Uncomfortable minutes went by with both of them silent. Harold had invited Percy to dinner – if he had something to say, he could speak up and say it.

  Percy signalled a footman for more wine. Harold put a hand over his glass to decline more. Percy continued to eat and drink, as did Harold.

  ‘This is ridiculous,’ Percy thought. ‘This is no cordial dinner between friends.’ Percy began to think back on how much he knew about Harold. He mostly knew of him from what Cecil and Kent told him. They met him at Tattersall’s. Until now, Percy thought he might not have talked to the man one on one. He would . . .

  He looked up. “Pardon?”

  Harold smiled. “I said that I intend to marry Louisa, probably within the next three weeks.”

  “Is something happening in three weeks that makes this so urgent?”

  “Yes, actually. My father will be dead. He is at Pembroke, and he wants me to have a bride by then,” Harold said.

  “I see. I am sorry for your father. It must be a difficult time for you.”

  “Not really. I’ll be free of his ridiculous requests when he is gone.”

  Percy nodded. He wasn’t going to bring up Louisa. Let Harold.

  Harold put his fork down and leaned forward. “You’re going to get on a ship to America.”

  Percy laughed. “Really, Harold. You must be joking.”

  “No, I’m not. You are going to get on a ship to America, or I’m going to ruin Hobart and bring Frederick and Louisa down with him. Her reputation will be worthless. No one will want her except me, and she will be beholden to me for having her.

  “Don’t think I’m bluffing, Percy. Ask Hobart to tell you about his time in Portsmouth. Ask him about Harry Sutton and Harry’s arrest record. Those records still exist. For the entire world to see.”

  Percy looked at Harold. “If her reputation is worthless, it would not matter to me. I would stand by her. “Why do you want Louisa so much that you would stoop so low and make her hate you?”

  “I’ve wanted her from the first time I saw her. It doesn’t matter to me how I get her. As long as she’s mine. And of course, there’s her dowry.

  Percy stood, threw his napkin on the table, and left to the sound of Harold laughing.

  *****

  Hobart opened the door to see Percy.

  “Ah, just what I need, a drinking partner.”

  “Don’t just stand there, Hobart, poor me a drink.”

  They went into the parlour.

  “I love what you’ve done with this room,” Percy said.

  Hobart laughed. “Does Frederick know you stole his line?”

  Percy shrugged. “Don’t know. Don’t care.”

  Hobart handed a glass to Percy, and they sat. “It’s good to see you, Percy.”

  Percy took a drink. “You won’t think so when I’m done telling you about a conversation I just had.

  “Do you know Harold Newton? He’s the Earl of Pembroke?”

  Hobart shook his head, “I’ve never met him. I’ve heard you talk of him.”

  “Yes, well, he and I just had dinner at White’s. The long and the short of it is he wants to marry Louisa. He wants me to get on a ship to America – something he knows isn’t too far-fetched since I’ve mentioned it lately.

  “And if I don’t, he’ll expose you as Harry Sutton of Portsmouth and bring out your arrest record.”

  Hobart lifted his head so his eyes were looking at the ceiling. He brought his head down and looked Percy in the eyes.

  His shoulders slumped. One of his hands began to rub his forehead. “When I ran away from home, I would go from one town to another, find work then move on in case anyone was looking for me. I would never use the Haddington name back then.

  “So I was Harry Sutton when I lived in Portsmouth. I worked the fishing boats offloading the holds. There was a hold of fish missing. It ended up being sold, and the thief pocketed the money.

  “The thief accused me of the crime when the noose was tightening around him. I was arrested but let go when my alibi checked out. I was with three other men at a table in the tavern. Workers I knew.

  “The problem with this accusation is that I’m not sure there would be records of my innocence and me having been let go.”

  Percy nodded. “I don’t suppose those men and their alibis are still around.”

  Hobart grimaced. “Not a chance. Dockworkers are a transient population.”

  “First thing tomorrow, I’ll ask my solicitor about release records. Harold might think he has us because he couldn’t find release records. Or maybe he never looked for them.

  “I’ll also send a team to Portsmouth to see . . .”

  “Don’t bother, Percy; I’ll take care of it. I know my way around Portsmouth better than your man.”

  “You sure? I can send men with you.”

  Hobart smiled. “I’ll go with my own crew.”

  Percy smiled. “I see,” he said, “it takes me a while, but I eventually get it.”

  Hobart slapped Percy on the back.

  “Go home and get some sleep. There will be no trip to America for you. I’ll tell Frederick then head out. Tell Cecil and Kent to watch out around Harold.”

  “I will. Good luck.”

  Hobart grinned. “I don’t need luck.”

  Chapter 27

  Percy walked into the parlour and bowed to Amelia and Louisa. Louisa curtsied and smiled. Percy looked over at Amelia, worried.

  Amelia gave Percy an almost imperceptible shake of her head.

  He leaned over the tea tray. “What have you got here to make me fat today?”

  Louisa looked up at him and smiled. “I asked Cook to make lemon squares for you.”

  “Just what I was going to choose. Tell Cook how much I love her, will you?”

  Percy sat with his plate and took the tea he was offered.

  Louisa coughed and drank some tea to soothe her throat.

  “Are you coming down with something Louisa?”

  “I’m not sure. I woke this morning with this cough. It will probably be cleared up tomorrow,” she said.

  Percy looked at Amelia again, but she didn’t meet his eyes.

  “Well then, a short walk through Kensington Gardens is out of the question. As soon as you feel better, perhaps?”

  Amelia said, “Louisa, I haven’t been in years. It’s lovely. I’m sure you will enjoy it.”
/>   Louisa turned to Percy. “Yes, tomorrow or the next day we’ll go?”

  Percy nodded. “We will.”

  To make conversation, Percy said, “Did I tell you I played cards with Cecil and Kent and another fellow at the club? I’m convinced Kent cheats, but I have yet to figure out how. He wins every hand. If I knew how to cheat, I’d at least lose a hand or two to keep the others guessing.”

  This had the desired effect of making Amelia and Louisa laugh. But Louisa began to cough after she laughed.

  Percy said, “Louisa, if I may, let me leave and come back tomorrow when your cough is better. I think you need rest instead of entertaining me. May I come again tomorrow?”

  Louisa stood and curtsied. “I am so sorry, but I think it’s best. I’ll look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

  Percy bowed and watched Louisa ascend the stairs. He turned to Amelia.

  “What is happening? She’s so pale, and her cough is raspy.”

  Amelia shook her head. “I don’t know. The only thing I can think is her ladies maid was coughing last week. She was sent home to her family until she feels better.”

  “What did the maid have?”

  “I don’t know. She left and was probably diagnosed at home.”

  Percy started pacing. “Have you called a doctor?”

  She shook her head. “She just started looking this bad. Up until now, it hadn’t seemed serious.”

  “With your permission, I would like to send a note to my doctor. A footman can deliver it now.”

  Amelia asked, “You have that much confidence in your doctor?”

  “I would never put Louisa’s hands in anyone but the best.”

  Amelia nodded, knowing that was true.

  Amelia pointed her chin to the corner of the room, “There’s the writing desk. I’ll get Mendon.”

  Mendon had a footman at the ready when Percy was folding his missive. He melted wax on the flap and took off his ring to seal the wax.

  He gave the footman the address. “Do you know it?”

  The footman nodded.

  “Good man. Run. Don’t come back until you find him if he is not at home.”

  “Yes, Your Grace,” he bowed and was gone.

  He turned to Amelia. “Should I find Frederick?”

  She nodded. “He said he would be at Hobart’s.”

  Percy asked, “Office or townhouse?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  “No matter, I’ll find him.” Then Percy remembered Hobart was going out of town.

  “If he isn’t at Hobart’s, would you know where he might be?”

  Amelia looked up at Percy, beginning to panic.

  Percy put a hand on her shoulder. “It’s quite all right. Tell me another location then go up to Louisa.”

  She shrugged. “The bank? He goes two or three times a week.”

  “Excellent. Now, go to Louisa.”

  Percy turned to Mendon, “Send the doctor to Louisa’s room as soon as he comes.”

  Amelia nodded, “Yes, Mendon.”

  Mendon bowed and followed Percy to the door.

  He bowed, “Your Grace, you are worried?”

  Percy nodded. “You saw her?”

  Mendon nodded. “I will send the doctor up on his arrival.”

  Percy put a hand on Mendon’s shoulder. “Good man.”

  *****

  Percy went to the bank first, thinking Hobart must have already left for Portsmouth.

  He was not at the bank. He asked to see the bank manager in private.

  “I am Percy Pemberton, Duke of Gordon.”

  The bank manager bowed, “Your Grace.”

  “I am here on urgent business looking for the Duke of Rutland. I am a close family friend and, unfortunately, there is a family emergency. Might you know where I might find him?”

  Percy could tell that the bank manager hesitated, not wanting to compromise the Duke’s privacy. Usually, Percy found that commendable.

  “May I sign a letter absolving you of your part in furnishing me with the information I seek?”

  Percy saw the bank manager physically relax at the suggestion.

  “A parchment if you please.”

  He allowed the bank manager to read the document, satisfied he was absolved of any sin associated with telling Percy Frederick’s whereabouts.

  “Thank you, Your Grace. His Grace is at the First London Insurance Partnership.”

  “Ah, I should have known. You are to be commended for your discretion. I thank you.”

  Percy turned and left the bank. It was a short distance to FLIP, and Percy made it in record time.

  He opened the door to the establishment and immediately began looking into the private rooms of business through the glass on each door.

  “May I help you?” a man charged with directing patrons said.

  “Yes. I’m searching for Frederick Haddington, Duke of Rutland. My name is Percy Pemberton, Duke of Gordon. Is he here?”

  “Yes, Your Grace. I will tell him you are here.”

  Percy breathed out. He was sure it was the first breath he took since seeing Louisa when he walked in for tea.

  “Percy. Is something wrong?”

  “Frederick. It’s Louisa. I have sent for my doctor. She is not well.”

  Frederick lifted his arm. The men in charge with directing patrons came.

  “Let my colleagues know I was called home on a family emergency.”

  He bowed, “Your Grace.”

  On the way back to Frederick’s townhouse, he turned to Percy and said, “Tell me what you know.”

  “She has a bad cough, and her pallor is grey. I don’t want to worry you, but I must. I think she has pneumonia.”

  *****

  Mendon entered the parlour, watching Percy pace. He didn’t notice Mendon; he was so wrapped up in his thoughts.

  “Your Grace,” Mendon said.

  Percy stopped and turned. “Have you heard something?” he said, walking to Mendon in three strides.

  “No, Your Grace, I was wondering if you would like coffee or whisky. I took the liberty of having a tray of food sent out.”

  “Thank you, Mendon. Whisky sounds perfect.”

  Mendon bowed then left the parlour. He was back quickly with a decanter and two glasses. “In case His Grace comes down and joins you.”

  Percy nodded as Mendon poured and handed the glass to him.

  “Call on me if I can be of any assistance, Your Grace.”

  “Thank you, Mendon.”

  An hour later, Frederick and the doctor walked heavily down the stairs.

  Percy rushed to the bottom waiting for the men to join him.

  “In the parlour Percy,” Frederick said quietly.

  He followed the doctor and Frederick.

  Mendon came in. “Coffee, whisky, Your Grace?”

  “Yes, whisky. Three glasses.”

  Mendon bowed then came back and poured three whiskies, handing each man one. He bowed and left the parlour.

  “Sit, Percy. I can’t have you pacing,” Frederick said. “It was right of you to call James here. We are fortunate to have him.”

  Percy nodded.

  “Louisa has pneumonia. It is in the early stages, so James here is optimistic.”

  Frederick looked over at James.

  “She is tired for one so early in the sickness. That is my deepest concern. Her mother and the servants know how to keep her comfortable. Frederick has convinced me to come every morning. He has also permitted me to keep you informed of her progress.”

  Percy looked at Frederick and nodded his thanks.

  “Unfortunately, modesty dictates Frederick and you are forbidden to see her.”

  “This sickness is contagious, so there is a limit to how long anyone can be in her room.” James turned to Frederick, “It’s important that Amelia leave the room at regular intervals and get fresh air. Same with the servants.