“Yes, a loan. And the services of my agent, who is already planning to take money to your parents on his way to run another errand for me. Would you trust me to arrange their arrival safely on our shores? I think I could manage better transportation than that leaky old tub you crossed the channel in.”
“Oh, Your Grace!” Celeste gripped the bail of the watering can tightly. “If you could do that I would be so grateful. I would work for years and years for no pay at all if my Mama and Papa could be made safe.”
“I don’t believe that will be necessary, Miss Singer. My agent was already scheduled for a trip to the continent on other business. Come clean my study and keep my bit of greenery refreshed, and your weekly stipend will continue. Oh, and keep my wife happy. That might be the most difficult part of the bargain.”
“I would gladly do everything in my power to do those things,” Celeste promised. “Only…”
“Only what? You just promised everything in your power.”
“Sometimes, Your Grace, there are things not in my power to do. I will make floral arrangements for your corner, but this one will not last much more than a week, I think. The ferns and moss might live, but the catkins will soon burst and make a mess in your study if they are left here.”
“Indeed, I shall not expect you to exceed that which nature allows. Every small artist must bow to the Plans of the Great Artist. Is there another thing that might not be within your power?”
“To keep Her Grace happy, Your Grace. I will serve her to the best of my ability, but there might be things beyond my control that would make her unhappy.”
“Sadly, you might be right. Still, she has spoken well of you, which is more than I can say for the last three abigails we engaged. So you see, arranging for your parents to live in the village is a small price to pay for the betterment of my domestic arrangements.”
“I am glad you think so, Your Grace.”And it means I can continue to work here and be near you without feeling guilty. If I had not already realized the depths of my feelings, making my parents safe would be enough to make me your servant for life. As it is, I will be near you and able to worship from afar, even if my station will keep me from declaring my feelings.
“Then it is settled. I will send to my agent to arrange for your parents’ transport, and you will keep my refuge tidy and fresh with seasonal arrangements. As for my wife, do your duty to the best of your ability. No more can be asked.”
Celeste stood up, surprised that her legs would hold her, they trembled so with excitement and tension. She gave the Duke the best, prettiest and deepest curtsy she could manage, one that would be worthy of the Prince Regent. “Your Grace, whatever you need, you have only to ask. I am, from this day on, your most loyal servant.”
Betty came to the door of the study. “Miss Singer? The Duchess is ringing for you. Mr. Hammonds says I’m to clear up for you so’s you don’t get into no trouble.”
The maid then realized that Celeste wasn’t alone in the room. “Oh! Begging your pardon, Your Grace. I din’ know you was in here.”
“It is quite all right, Miss McGuire. Miss Singer and I have concluded our business. Thank you for offering to help.”He remembers everyone’s names and addresses us courteously. It would be very foolish of me to read more than that into what he has said to me. But the heart wants even when the head dictates reason.
Celeste curtsied again, her face coloring with the tenure of her thoughts. “Thank you, again, Your Grace. I am forever in your debt.”
“Think nothing of it. Now, hurry away before the Duchess becomes upset with you.”
* * *
A shadowy figure sat very still in one corner of the library, observing as the maids came out from the open study door.So that is how the wind blows. It won’t do for the Duke to get too comfortable. No, indeed. That doesn’t fit the plan at all.
Chapter 17
Not long after Miss Singer left the study, there came a tap at the door. “Come in,” Jonathan called.
“Constable McHenry to see you, Your Grace,” Mr. Hammonds announced.
“Send him in. Good morning, Constable. How might I be of service?”
“Your Grace, I checked around with folks as was leavin’ and with the our own folk. I came up with eleven more o’ those fake bawbees. Mr. Cory the Elder cut one of ‘em in half, an’ he says they’s just base lead coated in silver. But then, on top o’ that, they’s dusted with a mix of powder rue and arsenic.”
“How did he determine that, Constable? I’m not surprised that he would know the metal, but the other?”
“Well, Your Grace, Sister Agatha was there. You know she’s the Gentle Sisters apothecary?”
“Yes, I know. She often buys plants from our orangeries to make into medicine.”
“I don’t quite understand how she knew, but she’s the one who said it was arsenic and rue. Only, she said it was re-dun-dant, whatever that is, cause arsenic comes from lead. But then she said one more thing. She said the edges of the coins are sharp, so’s anyone squeezing them would get stuck by ‘em.”
“Vile!” Jonathan said. “It is almost as if they were meant to cause a painful reaction.”
“Exactly so, Your Grace. It is no wonder young David was hurt by it. The question becomes why was it in the Duchess’s reticule?”
