“I might see if Lord and Lady Rolfe are in town. I’m sure Fiona wouldn’t mind if I popped by for tea…” Judith echoed Rose’s ideas.
“Excellent notions,” the Duke stood and bowed. “I’m in your debt. All of you. Not only for your concern and interest in this situation, but for your constant friendship toward my wife.” He smiled at Ivy. “I’m learning from her how precious a gift that is.”
A murmur of approval greeted his comment and the room emptied as the women departed Hartsmere House, leaving him alone with Prudence and Ivy.
“Right, Colly. Off to bed with you.” Ivy marched to summon Martin.
“Yes, Uncle Colly. You must get better quickly, and rest will help. I doubt Sir Timothy is finished with you, although I know you’re safe here.”
He could see the worry on her face, and he held out his arms, glad she came to him and let him give her a warm hug. “I’m a tough bird,” he said, dropping a kiss on the top of her head. “And I’m not in the least bit worried. If Sir Timothy comes near me, the Duchess will shoot him.”
Both women laughed, but Ivy also nodded. “I would too. Without a second thought.” She looked at Colly. “One has to protect what matters most.”
Their gazes met, and Colly saw the depth of her feelings in her eyes.
“I couldn’t agree more.” He cursed his weakness at that moment, wishing he were hale and hearty. He wanted desperately to take his wife to bed, but knew he didn’t yet have his strength.
Sir Timothy Barrett had a lot more to answer for than just a damn stab in the back.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The stage was set.
Society had learned that his Grace the Duke of Maidenbrooke was most unwell and in seclusion at Hartsmere House. Lady Maud Sydenham wholeheartedly embraced the scheme.
When Judith visited her the day before the next Wednesday Club gathering, she told both Maud and Sir Laurence about the situation. They needed to know, since if Miss Ringwood appeared on the following evening, she would be encouraged to spend some time with a certain group of young ladies.
“As long as you don’t make her scream,” observed Sir Laurence. “I do loathe hearing a woman scream.” He glanced at Maud. “Unless it’s under the right circumstances, of course…”
His wife rolled her eyes and ignored him. “I’ll make sure the small parlour is ready for you. I think that might be the best place to withdraw with Miss Ringwood.”
“Excellent. Thank you, Lady Maud. I’m not sure what she’ll have to say for herself, but it’s time we took control over this situation.” Judith sighed. “There is no end to the lengths people will go to when it comes to despicable behaviour, is there? I’ll never fully comprehend it.”
“I don’t know Miss Ringwood at all well,” said Maud. “But she doesn’t seem like the vicious type, and those I do know.”
“So you think perhaps she’s being manipulated?” Judith pursed her lips. “I suppose it could be a possibility.”
“May I join you for the…er…inquisition?”
“Oh, of course. That would be quite wonderful.” Judith grinned. “You can intimidate her.”
“I’m not intimidating,” protested Maud. “Not in the least.”
A snort from Sir Laurence greeted that statement.
“Well I’m not,” his wife declared.
“Of course not, my dearest.” Sir Laurence smiled wickedly at Judith. “If you’re looking for the real thing when it comes to intimidation, you couldn’t do better than Hobson.”
“That’s an excellent notion,” nodded Judith. “I’ll certainly keep that in mind. I do believe that Hobson could have persuaded Napoleon to part with all his secrets if they’d allowed him onto the Bellerophon.”
“I’m not sure he had too many secrets left at that point, dear,” pointed out Sir Laurence. “But you can safely wager that if he did, Hobson would have discovered them.”
Maud doggedly continued. “Since Miss Ringwood can in no way be compared to Napoleon, this is probably not the most productive of conversations. And I’m sure you have other things to do this morning, Judith.” She patted the young woman’s hand. “How are you feeling?”
As Judith beamed, Sir Laurence headed for the door. “You girls are going to talk about lady stuff. I have manly things to do.”
“Bye, dear.” Maud gave him an airy wave.
“He’s so kind,” said Judith. “As are you. I don’t deserve you both…” She burst into tears.
Maud sighed and pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve. “Here you are.”
“Thank you,” sniffled Judith. “I seem to be a regular watering pot these days and I don’t know why.” She hiccupped. “Only yesterday cook produced some magnificent scones for breakfast. They were so good I cried for a full ten minutes.”
She blew her nose and dried her eyes.
“Blame little Withersby,” Maud grinned. “It’s quite normal.”
“So I’m told,” agreed Rose. “But it’s rather a nuisance. Especially since Miles is picking me up shortly and we’re going to visit Fiona and Lord Rolfe.”
“They’re back in town?” Maud’s eyebrows lifted in surprise.
“Yes, but they’re keeping their presence quiet. Heaven knows they don’t wish to be any more of a cause for scandalous gossip.”
“I can see their point.” Maud remembered the shock when the reigning beauty had walked away from her unwanted engagement to the Duke of Maidenbrooke in order to marry the notorious gambler, Lord Gadsby Rolfe. Judith had assisted them in their plans and counted them both as friends.
“Miles always got on very well with Lord Rolfe, and I confess to some curiosity as to whether marriage has changed Fiona.”
“It usually does,” remarked Maud.
“Well as long as she’s stopped fainting, it’ll be an improvement.” Judith rolled her eyes. “That was a rather annoying characteristic.”
Maud laughed. “Run along then. And good luck with the plans.” Her smile faded. “I don’t like the damage that
