Beyond the Duke's Domain: Ducal Encounters Series 4 Book 4 Read online

  ‘She is no different to Reuben at the same age, is she?’ Lucy asked, seating herself. Both parents sent her mildly castigating looks. ‘Sorry,’ she added hastily, remembering all too well that their son’s screaming had been heard all over the house when his gums had troubled him. Mercifully, his disposition was now a good deal sunnier and he was a delightful child.

  ‘Go to the Park, Cal,’ Petra said distractedly. ‘She will wear herself out and fall asleep eventually. Besides, we neither of us know what’s best to do…’

  ‘Surely Nanny can…’

  Lucy allowed her words to trail off, aware that her practical suggestion would not find favour. She tried to make allowances, but couldn’t help wondering why they employed someone with experience to care for their children if they didn’t trust her to do so.

  ‘Come up to the Park later today, Lucy,’ Cal said, before kissing his wife and daughter and whistling to his dog. ‘Your gift will be ready for you to try out, albeit a day early.’

  ‘Really? Oh, thank you!’ Lucy jumped to her feet and hugged Cal. ‘I cannot wait to meet her.’

  Cal laughed and tugged at one of her curls. ‘Then your patience will be rewarded soon enough.’ He donned his hat and took hold of his stick. ‘Until later, ladies,’ he said, and with a lingering look at Petra and their daughter, he was gone.

  ‘I wish he didn’t work so hard,’ Petra said as the door closed behind Cal, bouncing the baby on her lap in a distracted fashion that did nothing to curtail the infant’s wailing.

  ‘Give her to me.’ As soon as Lucy took her, the crying miraculously stopped and Lucy could hear herself think again. ‘You see? She likes her Aunt Lucy.’

  ‘You have the magic touch.’

  ‘It’s probably more a case of not being anxious. Cal insists that anxiety in a rider communicates itself to the horse and causes the animal to misbehave. I dare say the same is true of babies.’

  ‘Our daughter is not a horse!’ Petra exclaimed indignantly.

  ‘Perhaps not, but you cannot deny that she is now sleeping.’ Lucy passed the drowsy infant back to her mother. ‘And as for Cal, he works as hard as he does because he enjoys it, rather than out of necessity,’ Lucy pointed out. ‘Besides, it makes him feel whole again, if you follow my meaning.’

  ‘Certainly I do. Cal is very sensitive about his disability but I don’t allow him to wallow in self-pity. Besides, Lord Amos tells me it would be a travesty if a man with such a natural affinity with horses was not involved with them.’

  ‘Well, there you are then.’ The baby had opened her eyes again but stayed mercifully quiet. Lucy leaned over and offered Cassie her little finger, which she grabbed and squeezed with surprising strength. ‘Now that Cassie is settling, would you like to come to the Park with me and meet my new horse?’

  Petra glanced at the baby and hesitated. Lucy felt a moment’s irritation. Petra knew how important this moment was to Lucy but clearly intended to put her more immediate family’s interests first. Then she chastised herself for her selfishness. Of course Petra’s children would be her primary concern, despite the fact that most ladies in her position would leave the raising of them to nannies. Lucy understood why Petra felt disinclined to follow that example and mostly approved of her dedication to motherhood, although there was such a thing as being over-protective.

  ‘I shall not, if you don’t mind. I’m concerned—’

  ‘Of course you are.’ Lucy managed not to roll her eyes.

  ‘I know you think Nanny is perfectly capable, and I’m sure that is true, but my mind keeps going back to our own childhood when we all but forgot what our own mother looked like.’ She smiled at Lucy. ‘I don’t want our children to be left in any doubt about who I am. I want to be there to see their first steps, to attend to grazed knees, settle squabbles, reassure and generally resolve the types of problems that you and I had to work out the answers to for ourselves.’

  ‘I understand.’

  Cassie released Lucy’s finger, gurgled and fell back to sleep in her mother’s arms.

  ‘What did you make of Mr Sanchez-Gomez?’ Petra asked, obviously sensing Lucy’s disappointment and changing the subject. ‘We didn’t have an opportunity to talk about him after we arrived home, what with the chaos in the nursery.’

  ‘He’s intriguing,’ Lucy replied, wondering when she had become the master of understatement. She would never admit it, not even to Petra, but she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him. Images of his deep brown eyes, alight with amusement at something someone had said to him, had made a lasting impression upon her. Recollections of his deep, velvety tone as he wished her happy birthday in his native tongue had caused a melting sensation deep within her core that had since made its presence felt in her dreams.

  ‘I sensed a bitterness beneath all that charm, which I suppose is understandable,’ she added. ‘He has had to become tough by necessity, and has undoubtedly learned not to take anything at face value. He has been living on his wits for years and Ariana was convinced that he must be dead. I am so very pleased for her and Martina.’

  And their brother will make a very lively addition to local society.

  Jealousy gripped Lucy when she thought of the stir his appearance here would create. She chased the feeling away, thinking it unworthy. Mr Sanchez-Gomez had more than earned the right to enjoy whatever attention his presence here in Winchester might generate. Lucy accepted that she wasn’t nearly sophisticated enough to hold his interest. Her life had been a sheltered one and they had absolutely nothing in common.

  ‘As am I. As to his becoming hardened to life’s unpleasantness, that is hardly to be wondered at, given the deprivations he and his fellow countrymen suffered following Napoleon’s rampage through their territory.’ Petra smiled as her daughter gurgled in her sleep. ‘But still, he is at last reunited with his sisters. I wonder if he will take Ariana back to Spain with him.’

  ‘It will be a shame if he does, and it will deprive me of her friendship. But still, I don’t suppose he will arrange his affairs in order to convenience me.’ She sighed. ‘Mr Sanchez-Gomez must do as he pleases, but I doubt whether Ariana will fall in meekly with his wishes if they do not coincide with her own. She has suffered too, more than she has told any of us, and is no longer the compliant little sister her brother remembers.’ Lucy allowed herself the suggestion of a smile. ‘If indeed that person ever existed. Anyway, she richly deserves happiness and I suspect that she has more chance of finding it in this country.’

  ‘She will not lack for suitors. I have never seen a lovelier woman, but if she has no money…’

  Lucy smiled as she stood up, unsurprised that Petra hadn’t noticed Ariana’s increasing dependency upon Lord Amos. Ariana was cautious about her relationship with her employer and never spoke about her feelings—not even to Lucy—but the signs were there for those who took the trouble to look. Petra hadn’t seen them because she didn’t spend as much time as Lucy did at the Park and because she was too wrapped up in her own domestic affairs.

  ‘Perhaps her brother has recovered some of the family’s assets,’ Petra suggested. ‘I know that they lived well before the war and held an elevated position within Spanish society. It shows now in the girls’ manners and the standard of their education.’

  ‘True enough. Anyway, if you don’t need me, I shall go and change and then make my way up to the Park.’

  ‘By all means, go.’ Guilt flashed through Petra’s expression. ‘Perhaps I shall call there later, in time to see your new acquisition.’

  ‘It will be lovely if you do, but I understand your priorities,’ Lucy replied, bending to kiss the sleeping baby’s brow.

  Lucy ran up the stairs and asked Jane to lay out the red velvet habit she’d had made to coincide with her nameday and the expected acquisition of her very own horse. Red was an unusual colour to have chosen, but Lucy hated being predictable. Jane helped her change into it and swept her blonde hair into an elegant chignon before affixing the m
atching hat with its extravagant plume in place.

  ‘You do look dashing, I must say.’ Lucy smiled as she turned at the sound of a familiar voice. ‘Quite the young lady of the house.’

  ‘Hello, Nancy.’ Lucy stood to kiss the wrinkled cheek of their long-time companion and confidante—more of a mother to Lucy and Petra than their own had ever been. Nancy was now retired and lived in a cottage in the grounds, but still visited the big house regularly and offered the girls the benefit of her advice—whether or not it was asked for. ‘I did not know you were here. Have you seen Petra? She’s downstairs fussing over Cassie. How are your poor legs?’

  ‘Still strong enough to hold me up. And I will join your sister momentarily.’

  ‘You would do better not to over-exert yourself, but I suppose it is a waste of my breath to remind you of the fact.’

  ‘I’m not dead yet, child, and that’s all that signifies.’

  ‘And I would keep it that way by ensuring that you take things easy. You have more than earned the right.’

  Nancy waved the suggestion aside. ‘There will be time enough for rest when I’m dead.’

  Lucy shook her head and abandoned her scolding, aware that it would fall upon deaf ears. ‘What brings you to the house?’ she asked instead. ‘Not that you aren’t a welcome sight.’

  ‘I like to know what’s going on. I assume you are finally getting to see this new horse of yours. Have a care, pet. I don’t want you breaking your pretty neck.’

  ‘Oh, I shall be fine. Cal has chosen the horse and understands my capabilities.’

  ‘Aye, true enough. Is Petra not going with you? It’s an important day.’

  ‘Cassie is teething.’

  Nancy rolled her eyes. ‘Ah well, at least no one can accuse Petra of being a neglectful mother.’

  ‘They certainly cannot. Anyway, she is in the drawing room if you are looking for her. But now I must go. I shall tell you all about it when I get back.’

  ‘Enjoy yourself,’ Nancy replied. ‘I am sure you will. What’s all this I hear about a handsome Spaniard turning heads, by the way?’

  Lucy wondered how Nancy, who now lived a secluded life, managed to keep up with the latest intelligence from the Park. ‘Ariana and Martina have their brother back,’ Lucy replied. ‘He’s very charming but still plagued by visions of the cruelty and devastation wrought upon his country and family, it seems reasonable to assume. I imagine sights like that would be enough to haunt any man’s dreams. I know Cal still sometimes suffers nightmares after his experiences.’ Lucy shook her head, setting her plume dancing. ‘Why men must always get themselves into territorial fights is a mystery to me.’

  ‘And to most women, lamb. If our sex ruled the world there would be no more wars.’

  ‘Now there’s an interesting thought,’ Lucy replied, grinning as she kissed Nancy once more and let herself out of her room.

  She was driven to the Park in Cal’s curricle and made her way directly to the stud, too anxious to meet her horse to concern herself with calling at the house. Besides, Ariana would either be with her brother or in the nursery and it wasn’t customary to call upon the duchess without a specific reason at this hour of the day.

  Cal saw her approaching and offered her a wolfish smile as he handed over the horse he had been lunging to one of the grooms, issuing instructions to continue with its schooling.

  ‘Well, don’t you look delightful?’ Cal said.

  ‘Nancy accused me of being dashing.’ Lucy laughed. ‘Is that a good thing?’

  ‘Judging by all the covert looks you’re getting from the grooms, I would say it was downright dangerous,’ Cal replied, scowling in their direction, which was sufficient to send them scurrying back to their work, ‘You are going to break hearts, Lucy Boyd. Prepare yourself.’

  ‘Goodness, I hope not.’

  She didn’t add that matrimony was not high on her list of priorities. Petra’s absorption with her children was still fresh in her mind. She enjoyed her small nephew and niece but was unsure if she wanted responsibility for children of her own, even though she had once adored children above all else. That was before she’d come to understand the reality, the absolute responsibility of being a parent. She saw daily reminders of that responsibility now, and it terrified her. It seemed as though children took over one’s life. All of the ladies associated with the Park who were mothers demonstrated the same concern for the welfare of their offspring. The gentlemen did too, but it didn’t prevent them from carrying on as they had before fatherhood. Lucy didn’t want to be tied down. She craved adventure and harboured a desire to see something of the world.

  None of that would be possible if she became a man’s chattel.

  ‘Has Cassie settled?’

  The fact that Cal’s first question concerned his daughter rather proved Lucy’s point about the restrictive nature of parenthood. ‘She is sleeping and being fussed over by Petra and Nancy.’

  ‘Ah, that’s a relief.’ Lucy’s handsome brother-in-law smiled at her. ‘Ready to meet Fizz?’

  ‘Fizz?’ Lucy blinked. ‘What a highly unusual name.’

  ‘It suits him. You’ll see.’

  ‘Him? I thought I was to have a mare.’

  ‘That was my intention,’ Cal conceded, leaning heavily on his stick. Lucy adjusted her pace so it didn’t seem obvious that she had slowed for his benefit. ‘But the moment I saw Fizz, I knew he was the horse for you. Like most Arabs he’s intelligent and highly strung, but I don’t doubt for a moment that you will be able to handle him.’

  ‘I am intrigued.’ Lucy slipped her hand into the crook of Cal’s arm. ‘Thank you so much for going to so much trouble on my behalf.’

  ‘You’re more than welcome. Besides, nothing that has to do with horses is the least bit troublesome for me.’

  They came to the end of a row of boxes. Cal stopped and indicated the final door, grinning. Before Lucy could peer over it a beautiful head appeared, a thick forelock falling across intelligent and interested eyes. Lucy gasped and fell instantly and hopelessly in love.

  ‘Oh!’ She patted the horse’s neck beneath his shoulder-length mane and was momentarily lost for words. ‘He’s black,’ she said unnecessarily. ‘I didn’t know what to expect…I assumed—’

  Cal shrugged, produced a carrot from his pocket and handed it to Lucy. Fizz, clearly not shy, pushed his muzzle into her hand. Laughing, Lucy fed him his treat. ‘I can see that you are quite a character,’ she told him.

  Cal snapped his fingers and a groom materialised with a beautifully hand-tooled saddle and bridle.

  ‘Ready to try him?’ Cal asked.

  ‘More than ready. I am impatient.’

  ‘Just remember,’ Cal said, as Fizz was led towards the schooling ring, ‘he got his name for a reason. He is very full of himself and will need a firm hand, otherwise he will run away with you, and then I will have to answer to your sister.’

  ‘I certainly cannot repay your kindness by putting you at odds with your wife,’ Lucy replied, her eyes shining with anticipation. ‘Where is everyone?’ she added as they walked past the empty boxes that ordinarily held the duke’s and Lord Amos’s stallions.

  ‘Out riding with Ariana’s brother, showing him around the estate.’

  ‘That’s kind of them.’ Lucy was unsure whether she was disappointed or relieved that she wouldn’t be seeing Raphael. Probably the latter, she decided, as she climbed onto the mounting block and slipped gracefully into the side-saddle. She adjusted the length of the stirrup, settled herself and gathered up the reins with a minimum of fuss. Fizz shifted impatiently beneath her weight, his head held by a groom.

  At a nod from Lucy, the groom released his hold and Lucy walked him forward. But a walk, it seemed, was too sedate for Fizz and he attempted to prance sideways, dropping his head and swinging his quarters.

  ‘Ignore his bad manners and sit quite still,’ Cal said calmly. ‘Start the way you mean to go on. If he thinks he can take advantage of yo
u, you will never gain the upper hand.’

  ‘That won’t happen,’ she replied, unsure if she was referring to Fizz, or to men in general.

  Lucy pushed Fizz into a trot, holding him firmly when he tossed his head and attempted to snatch the reins from her hands. She heard Cal laughing with approval when she took no notice of the horse’s antics. By the time she took him into a smooth canter he had remembered his manners and Lucy fell even more hopelessly in love.

  ‘Well?’ Cal asked, smiling when she drew rein beside him.

  ‘He is incredible!’ She leaned from the saddle and kissed Cal’s cheek. ‘Thank you so very much.’

  ‘My pleasure. Work him a bit more and then tomorrow you can take him out on the estate and get used to his ways. I shall arrange things so that I can accompany you.’

  ‘If you were not already spoken for…’ Lucy laughed at Cal’s shocked expression as she turned Fizz onto the opposite rein.

  Raph had slept soundly, which surprised him. He had become accustomed over his years as a spy to catnapping—always sleeping with one eye open, unable to relax completely, aware that danger lurked constantly, ready to ambush those who let their guard down. A full night’s sleep was a luxury he could seldom afford. Even when the opportunity presented itself, subconscious memories of the horrors he had witnessed or a guilty conscience because he had abandoned his sisters in their hour of need prevented his body from closing down and benefiting from the rest it so desperately craved.

  He rose early, as was his custom, and found Ariana already up and dressed, walking in the grounds.

  ‘Unable to sleep?’ he asked her, kissing her cheek. ‘That makes me feel doubly guilty for having the best night’s sleep I can recall since forever.’

  Ariana linked her arm through his. ‘Then I am glad. You have certainly earned the right. And I slept well too because I knew you were finally here, safe and well and even more handsome than ever.’

  ‘Ha!’

  ‘I am an early riser. I like to walk in the grounds when they are still quiet. There’s something I find soothing about the early mornings in this lovely corner of the world.’