Page 13 of Masquerading with the Duke
‘The jungle drums are in fine working order,’ the duke said, in response to Jared’s bemused look. ‘In other words, our cousin Max mentioned your requirements. This is Adler, my emissary.’
‘A pleasure, sir,’ Adler said politely.
The duke watched Thor introduce himself to his own dogs. There was a good deal of sniffing, circling and cautious tail-wagging but no signs of aggression from either side.
‘Interesting dog,’ the duke said. ‘A scent-hound?’
Jared permitted his surprise to show as he took the chair that the duke indicated. ‘You know your dogs,’ he said.
‘A passion of mine, although I finished up taking pity on these mutts.’ He waved negligently towards his two crossbreeds. ‘I am glad you have taken Musgrove Manor,’ the duke said, when the three of them had taken seats as close as possible to the open doors in the futile hope of catching a breeze. The dogs had lost interest in one another and settled down on the flagstoned terrace with heavy thumps and identical sighs. ‘The place needs to be brought back to life. If I can help in any way…’
‘Be careful, your grace,’ Jared said, smiling. ‘Before you make offers you might live to regret, you should know that I am new to all this. I had no experience of country living as a boy. Our family home was always in London or some other foreign city, but I’ve wanted to put roots down and be my own man for a long time.’ He lifted one shoulder. ‘Now seemed like as good a time as any.’
‘You need an experienced steward,’ Lord Amos said.
‘I have just engaged a man by the name of Harker. He comes with excellent references. He was at Langstone Lodge estate for many years.’
‘That estate was well run,’ the duke said. ‘You’ve done well. Langstone experienced a downturn in his fortunes and had to sell up. I assume whoever brought him out didn’t require Harker’s services.’ He shrugged. ‘Their loss is likely to be your gain.’
‘That is the account that Harker gave me. I am glad to have it confirmed.’
‘Listen to his advice and learn from your mistakes,’ Lord Amos said. ‘Don’t be afraid to admit to your ignorance. Cattle do well on our chalky soil. So too do goats but we already have several goat farms in the locality and Zach also dabbles in that area. I’d recommend cattle. There’s always a steady market.’
‘I agree,’ the duke said. ‘Look at specialist herds and diversify. You won’t go far wrong.’
‘Thank you for the advice.’
The conversation paused when the butler returned bearing a tray of refreshments. Lord Amos poured and the four of them sipped at their coffee as they complained about the heat. Jared told them about his river having been reduced to little more than a trickle.
‘Are you a keen fisherman?’ Adler asked.
‘Not especially. I’ve never found the time, but perhaps now…’
‘We have more trout in our lake than we know what to do with. Please feel free to try your luck if you can find the time,’ the duke said. He had been assessing Jared closely during his visit, as though trying to make up his mind about him. Jared wondered what Lord Romsey had said about him, if anything, and whether he had asked the duke to form an opinion of his character, or even to befriend him in an effort to verify his loyalty. He chased the thought away, assuming that a man of Winchester’s stature would have better things to do with his time.
‘I dare say you are aware that I recently resigned from the diplomatic service,’ he said languidly, thinking it best to clear the air in that regard.
The duke didn’t flinch. ‘I was aware. Clarence Vaughn is married to my sister. May I ask why you gave up such a promising career? You are still young.’
‘I wish I could give you a definitive answer. A career in diplomacy requires a strong constitution, makes a man question everything he’s told and quickly becomes exhausting,’ Jared replied, opting for honesty. ‘If you tell me that the sun is shining, I will assume we are in for rain because naturally you have something to hide and wish to divert me. A man quickly turns into a cynic if he allows himself to be drawn into the profession of spying, which is basically what us diplomats turn into eventually.’ He lifted a shoulder. ‘Some men thrive on the cut and thrust. Lord Romsey is one such man, an example to us all, but I am not like him. I’ve done my duty, served my country during challenging times and now I just want to be left alone to live a quiet life.’
‘I can relate to that,’ Lord Amos said, almost to himself.
The duke nodded but remained silent. Jared took that as his cue to leave, put his empty cup aside and stood. Thor woke, shook himself and was immediately at his side. ‘Thank you for receiving me, your grace. I had not anticipated that courtesy. It has been a pleasure making your acquaintance.’
‘I like to know my neighbours personally, Braden,’ the duke replied, standing also.
‘I knew you would have been made aware of my presence, so I wanted to meet you. I am not in a position to entertain as things stand. I am sure you understand. The house is not yet fixed to my liking. Besides, I live alone.’
Lord Amos chuckled. ‘Not for long, if the local matrons with daughters to marry off get wind of your presence.’
Jared grinned. ‘Which is when not being in a position to return invitations comes in useful.’
‘That will not prevent them from inviting you,’ the duke warned.
‘Yes, very likely.’ Jared flashed a courteous smile. ‘I am accustomed to it. Anyway, gentlemen, I shall not take up any more of your time.’
‘Would you like to see the horses, since you’re here?’ Lord Amos asked.
