Page 42 of The Curious Life of the Unfortunate Duchess
It is a small wonder that David is sullen and mistrustful of men. His father does not give him the time of day.
Leonard decided in that moment that he would ensure he spent time with Elizabeth’s brother.
* * *
“How did you fare?” Leonard called as they approached the house. David had already disappeared inside but Herbert paced about the front of the house. He was apparently waiting for something.
“We did not have any luck,” Herbert replied quickly. “Two pheasants.”
Leonard smothered a laugh, knowing that they could not have been trying in the least, to collect so little.
“That is shameful!” Leonard said, a commiserating noise escaping his lips in place of the chortle. “Fear not. There will be more tomorrow.”
Herbert’s head jerked up and he stared at the Duke balefully.
“Your Grace? Tomorrow, you say?”
“Indeed. We have an entire week of hunting planned, Herbert. Did I not tell you?”
He heard the Viscount choke back a laugh of his own and Herbert began to fumble for excuses.
“Forgive me, Your Grace, I have matters to attend in court…urgent matters…important matters…”
“Oh, do relax, Herbert. I jest. You do not need accompany us again. You may entertain Miss Follett, if you so desire.”
Relief covered the barrister’s face and he exhaled happily.
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Are the ladies inside?”
“No, Your Grace. They have not returned from town. I, I was waiting.” The gentle clop of horses’ hooves followed the end of his sentence and Leonard turned from where he still sat upon his horse, to watch a carriage arrive on the property.
“Ah, here they are!” Leonard announced happily. He dismounted his horse, handed the beast over to the waiting stable hand and waited at Herbert’s side for the ladies to stop.
The coachman hurried to open the door and Leonard watched as Elizabeth stepped out first. Instantly he noticed the pinched expression of unhappiness on her face and he moved toward her as Frances flew from the inside of the carriage. She brushed past Herbert, who stood by expectantly, and threw herself into her father’s arms.
“Father, I want to go home!” she wailed. “There are bad people here!”
Confusion filled Leonard and he whirled to look back at Catherine who stood, shaking her head, her mouth pulled into a firm line.
“What happened?” Leonard demanded, looking from Elizabeth to his sister. Beside him, Percival echoed his question.
“What is the matter?”
“Bad women!” Frances declared. “BAD!”
Again, Leonard demanded an answer.
“Catherine, what occurred? Why are you all so upset?”
He noticed Catherine and Elizabeth exchanged a glance. Leonard almost did not see the slight shake of the head which Elizabeth gave her but Catherine ignored whatever signal the Viscount’s daughter was trying to send.
“I will tell you what the matter is,” Catherine snapped angrily. “Her name is Miss Priscilla Arquette.”
Chapter 14
Elizabeth had not wanted Catherine to tell her brother about the encounter in town. She wished for nothing more than to forget it had happened but she had not anticipated Frances being upset when they returned to Brookside.
