Page 79 of The Enigmatic Governess of Buford Manor
“What makes you think so, Theodore?”
“I daresay, Lord Arlington is terrified of the man, avoiding him at all costs. He and Lady Arlington have retreated to dine in the galley when he is in Rosecliff.”
“Have they said why?” Nicholas asked, the hairs on his arms raising in anticipation.
“No, Your Grace as I have not spoken to either of them. Tis not my place, Your Grace.”
Nicholas nodded slowly and understandingly. The man was right; twas not his place. Twas Nicholas’ place to keep his house and the duchy in order. He felt he was failing miserably on both accounts.
I have been alerted to Balfour’s ways many times. Have I been blind because he administered a simple apology? Can I be so naïve?
It was difficult to think but as he continued to stare into Theodore’s face, he realized that he had allowed himself to be fooled by a cunning man.
Why? What has Balfour to gain with gaining my confidence? He is only a captain without title or land. As an advisor, he is assured board and room but he receives half-pay. Surely, he does not need such a position.
“Have you spoken to Miss Rose about your concerns, Theodore?”
“No, Your Grace!” The man was aghast at the suggestion. “I have been a loyal servant to your family for two generations and I hope to see through a third. My words are for your ears only.”
Nicholas believed him, an unexpected smile on his face as he thought about a third generation of Framptons scampering through the household.
Who would their mother be?He teased himself slyly, but he quickly wiped the silly beam from his face. Nicholas reached for his pocket clock to investigate the time and he shook his head regretfully. There was not time to meet with Rose nor the children before supper was served but he was determined to get his house in order before leaving Rosecliff again.
Whatever Balfour has in mind must end today,he thought.But I will not know what he has planned unless I speak with the entire household.
Only then could he confront the captain with his evidence and send him on his way.
“Your Grace, are you angered with me for telling you what I have learned?”
“Of course not, Theodore but I do have a favor to ask of you,” Nicholas replied slowly. “You must keep your ear to the ground and learn what you can of Captain Balfour’s intentions and you will report your findings to me alone. You will mention nothing of this, not even to Peter. Do you understand, Theodore?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Know there is nothing to fear, Theodore,” he continued. “My father once told me that dukedom attracts many flies. It is our duty to eliminate them, not because they are a danger but an annoyance.”
“Your father was a wise man, Your Grace. I see much of him in you.”
Nicholas smiled.
“That is most kind, Theodore. I only wish to do the late duke proud.”
“If I may say, Your Grace, he has always been proud of you.”
Nicholas swallowed the lump in his throat and cleared his windpipe uncomfortably.
“That is all, Theodore,” he declared and the man nodded.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Theodore left Nicholas to finish donning his waistcoat but the duke’s mind was anywhere but on his attire. He hoped that his words to the butler were sound and that the household had nothing to fear from Captain Balfour. Yet Nicholas could not stop thinking about the circumstances of his father’s death, or that Balfour had been with Rose’s husband when he met his demise.
Chapter 27
“Please, Miss Rose,” Harry begged, his guileless blue eyes enlarged with worry. “I would rather take my supper in the galley.”
“As would I!” Betsey announced in a most belligerent tone. “I haven’t a word to speak to those men!”
“Those men?” Rose echoed. “That is your cousin, the duke, Betsey! You should not speak so crassly.”
