Read Online Duchess by Chance by Wendy Vella - Free Book Online Page B

“Your wife was a small, mousy thing, but for all that she seemed to have pleasing manners and as she had no idea of your contract either, I did not enlighten her. Her father told her that I was a long-lost relative who had come to see the family and that I was the one responsible for the tutor. The girl didn’t question me, yet I could see confusion in her eyes.”
          “You hardly look like a benevolent benefactress, Grandmother.”
          “It was the only thing that seemed plausible without alerting the girl to the contract between our families, and I will ask you to mind your tone, Grandson.”
                “Huxley, Grandmother,” Daniel said, steering the conversation back to what he needed to know.  
                “Huxley was at the house when I arrived. He appeared familiar with the family and most especially the girl. I, of course, knew who he was as I was unfortunate enough to know his father.”
          Daniel watched his grandmother take another mouthful of tea before continuing with her story. Why did he have this feeling of unease inside him?  
    “At least the youngest two Winchcomb children do not share the elder brothers’ looks. Different mother, from what I gather,” the Dowager Duchess added.
    “What happened to her, their mother?”  
    “Died in childbirth, so Winchcomb told me.”
    “Tell me of Huxley, Grandmother.”
    “I was invited to dine that night. I was staying at the nearest inn and knowing what Winchcomb was capable of, I had two servants accompany me at all times.” Seeing her nephew’s raised eyebrow, she snapped at him. “I may appear old to you, my boy, but to some, I am still a very attractive woman.”
                “I have no doubts as to that, but still you digress,” Daniel said, barely restraining the urge to yell at her.
                “The girl,” she said glaring at him, “appeared to be the servant for the night. Her brothers and father ordered her hither and yon, and Huxley touched her intimately on several occasions. She was red-faced with rage by the time dessert arrived and she dumped an entire bowl of very bland apple pudding on Huxley’s head. I, of course, applauded and held out great hope that she would indeed one day be able to fulfill the role as Duchess of Stratton.”
                “Are you saying her family just sat there and allowed this man to touch and abuse her in your presence and did little to assist her?”
               “Indeed, I was quite disgusted and when I took my leave later that night and found Huxley in the hall trying to kiss the girl. I instantly set my footman upon him, then told Winchcomb senior that if I found out this reprobate had touched the future Duchess of Stratton again, there would be hell to pay.”
                “And he kept his word…until now,” Daniel said, leaping to his feet and heading for the door.
                “Bring her to London!” his grandmother called as he shut the door.
    Something was urging Daniel to return to Stratton Lodge immediately. Running down his grandmother’s stairs, he then mounted his horse and headed for his townhouse. Fifteen minutes later, he was once again dismounting, this time to hand the reins to his butler.
    “A note has arrived for you from Luton, your Grace.”
    Stripping off his gloves, Daniel took the note and broke the seal, his eyes scanning the neat writing.
    A Lord Huxley visited Stratton, your Grace. His actions were not that of a gentleman and the staff was forced to take measures to ensure the duchess’s safety. She was distressed by the incident but expressed a wish that you not be informed. However, after careful consideration, I believed the best course was to do so with some expediency, as when Lord Huxley left Stratton, he threatened to return and harm the duchess. We, the staff, are, of course, ever vigilant and should he return, we will alert you