Page 20 of Masquerading with the Duke
‘Something of that nature. Besides, I needed to earn a living to keep the wolf from the door. I wanted no part of my brother’s inheritance—which is just as well, since none was offered to me. I saw opportunities for those willing to take risks with investments in Europe following the war, I have an aptitude for languages, and so when Lord Romsey approached me after I left university, I saw a way to prove myself. So I combined my personal love of risk taking with the diplomatic service.’
‘You appear to have done well for yourself.’
‘I have, and I make no apology for it. Of course, my brother, who didn’t want to know me when the pater died, is now waving a fistful of olive branches frantically in my direction,’ Jared said, an edge to his voice. ‘But your cousin will ensure that in the event of anything happening to me, my relatives will not benefit to any great extent.’
Lord Amos lifted a brow, perhaps surprised by the depth of the animosity Jared couldn’t quite disguise. ‘Nothing’s likely to happen to you for years yet, surely?’
Jared chortled. ‘Tell that to Equinox.’
‘Point taken. I suppose it’s as well to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.’ Lord Amos lifted his tankard to his lips. ‘You mentioned your father’s association with Crista’s father,’ he said, when he lowered it again. ‘She and I often wondered about that. We know that Brooke’s fortunes took a downturn, mainly due to the extravagance and expectations of his ambitious wife, and that he was reduced to producing jewellery for men with disreputable intentions. He became indebted to some dangerous people and had little choice in the matter. When Brooke died, those who had manipulated him transferred their attentions to Crista, assuming that she would be easy to exploit.’ His jaw hardened. ‘They soon discovered the error of their ways.’
‘I am glad you brought it to an end.’
‘You collect jewellery yourself, so I’ve heard.’ Lord Amos held up a hand to fend off the protest he must have sensed Jared formulating. ‘Nothing untoward about that. I wasn’t implying any wrongdoing on your part. A lot of men see gold and gems as a viable and profitable long-term alternative investment to art, and far easier to value.’
‘And I am one such, I’ll admit,’ Jared replied, relaxing his stiff shoulders and feeling some of the tension drain out of him. ‘I got into it by accident. My father sold on most of his purchases, but he kept some back and started a collection, which Arthur inherited. It only took Arthur a few years to run out of funds, at which point he expressed his intention of selling the jewels. I took them off his hands after endless haggling over their value. Arthur was eventually made to see reason and I acquired the jewellery. Its rare beauty captivated me, got me interested and I have gradually enhanced my collection since then.’
Lord Amos nodded. ‘You must be careful. These are dangerous times. If local scallywags get wind of the collection–’
‘It’s in the bank’s vault.’
‘Ah, of course.’ Lord Amos paused. ‘And I imagine you are always looking to add to your collection.’
‘I would not be crass enough to suggest such a thing to you. If you have any of your wife’s designs, I am sure they are precious to you.’
‘They are, and I am not thinking of selling them at present. Perhaps I never will. I have no real need to, and anyway, it would be like giving up a part of myself.’ He looked away from Jared, his expression sombre. ‘Besides, I have two daughters who will probably enjoy wearing their mother’s designs when they are old enough to appreciate them.’
‘I am sure they will.’
They drained their tankards, Jared threw a few coins on the table, and they took their leave. The stallions had blown off steam on the outward journey and were better behaved on the way back to the Park. That situation afforded Jared the opportunity to negotiate the purchase of Equinox with Lord Amos, and by the time they had returned, terms had been agreed that were fair to both parties.
‘Come on into the house and meet Frankie,’ Lord Amos said once the horses had been surrendered to their grooms and arrangements had been put in place for Equinox to be delivered to Jared the following day.
Jared glanced down at his attire. He had not expected to meet the duchess and was not dressed for the occasion. ‘Are you sure?’
‘Perfectly.’ Lord Amos slapped his shoulder. ‘We don’t stand on ceremony, especially when it’s so damned hot.’
‘Well, in that case…’
They made their way inside and found the duke seated with a radiantly attractive lady in the cool of a small parlour at the back of the house.
‘No bones broken, I see,’ the duke said cheerfully. ‘This is my duchess. Frankie, our new neighbour, Mr Braden.’
‘A very great pleasure, your grace,’ Jared replied, bowing over her hand when she stood to greet him. ‘I apologise for…’ He indicated his dishevelled state with the sweep of one hand.
‘Think nothing of it, Mr Braden,’ she replied, resuming her seat beside the duke. Thor, who had accompanied them into the house, trotted up to the duchess and she absently tugged at his ears. The duke’s dogs, slumped at their master’s feet, lifted their heads, sniffed the air, found nothing of a threatening nature attaching to the newcomers, and settled down again. ‘How are you settling in at Musgrove Manor?’
‘Surprisingly easily,’ Jared replied, thanking the duchess when she poured tea and handed him a cup. ‘I didn’t expect it to be quite so straightforward, but then I have had good people easing my path. I think I shall like it here.’
‘I took him to the Ploughman,’ Lord Amos said, ‘where he appeared to pass muster.’
Talk turned to the region in general, and the duchess explained that there was a lively social life to be had, if one felt so inclined.
‘You cannot avoid it all together, I’m afraid,’ she said, smiling. ‘Speaking of which, we are having a small gathering tomorrow evening. Can we depend upon you to be one of our number, Mr Braden? You might find it a convenient way to become acquainted with your neighbours.’
‘Thank you, ma’am,’ Jared said after a slight hesitation. ‘I should be delighted.’
‘Good. We shall look forward to seeing you then.’
