Page 78 of The Enigmatic Governess of Buford Manor
“Are you coming, Your Grace?” Balfour called, and Nicholas swallowed his ire, joining the men at the coach. For all the help the captain had been, Nicholas was beginning to grow doubts about his character once more.
Tonight, I will unearth whatever has been happening in Rosecliff beneath my very nose.
“Of course,” Nicholas replied agreeably. “I am rather looking forward to being home this evening.”
“As am I,” Captain Balfour replied, enigmatically. “I sense surprises for everyone in our future.”
* * *
Nicholas was in his apartment, changing for supper when Theodore appeared.
“Your Grace, may I offer some assistance?” the old man asked and Nicholas caught his eye in the glass, smiling softly.
“Despite the change in my title, Theodore, I am still not keen on being fussed upon,” he assured the butler. “You may, however, you may stand levee if you have nothing else to occupy your time at the moment.”
Theodore smiled thinly, and Nicholas noticed the stress in the man’s eyes.
“It would be my honor, Your Grace.”
“Are you well, Theodore?” Nicholas asked, spinning to stare at the man face-to-face. “You seem tired.”
“No, Your Grace!” he answered quickly, shifting his gaze away guiltily. “I am quite well.”
Nicholas did not believe the hollow words.
“I realize that I have not been present, Theodore but I am now head of the duchy. If there is a matter in my own house, I demand to know of it.”
He hoped there was enough conviction in his tone but Nicholas did not enjoy speaking harshly to the long-time servant, and certainly not to a man so decrepit.
“Of course, Your Grace,” Theodore mumbled. “I assure you, all is well…with me.”
Nicholas instantly understood the hidden implication and he gestured for the butler to come closer.
“Who in the house has a matter?” the duke asked quietly, softening his voice. “You will not endanger your position, Theodore but you must tell me.”
“Your Grace…” the old man trailed off as if gathering his thoughts.
“Please speak freely,” Nicholas urged. “I must know what has happened in my absences.”
“It is nothing specific, Your Grace,” Theodore explained quickly. “Yet there is an aura of ill falling over the manor. The children are distraught and Miss Rose…”
“What of Miss Rose?”
“She seems afraid, Your Grace.”
“Of whom, Theodore? Do you know why?”
Rheumy eyes met his boring green irises and Nicholas watched his mouth purse.
“Perhaps I have said too much, Your Grace. Forgive my insolence.”
“Nonsense!” Nicholas barked. “I have asked and you will tell me what you know.”
The servant took a deep breath.
“I believe that Captain Balfour has dark motives, Your Grace.”
Nicholas thought of Rose and her warning the previous night in the library. He thought of how he had despised the captain from their first encounter and how he had blamed the man for his father’s death.
