The Last Duchess (The Lennox Series)(15)
Turning to face the duke, Jane noted he looked very tired. Had he slept at all? “The travesty of this only becomes worse. My father loves me and I have broken his heart.”
“He’ll get past it in time, Lady Jane. We shall make the best of things.”
She moved toward the door. “You may do as you wish, Your Grace. I certainly intend to.”
“Have a care, Lady Jane. I am not a man to be trifled with.”
She glanced over her shoulder. “You really think I’m filled with false objections and missish aggravation, don’t you?”
“Yes. You’ve made it clear you wish to marry me. You now have your wish. I apologize for speaking harshly to you last night and assure you, it will not happen again. I believe my sensibilities were dulled a bit by too much brandy.”
“Is this also how you excuse ravishing me?”
“I’m not ordinarily a slave to passionate emotions, Lady Jane. It would seem your fair charms were my undoing.”
How had she ever considered that she loved him?
“No doubt you despise coming undone, because it necessitates a show of emotion, and God forbid you reveal an ounce of humanity, for it is surely beneath your dignity. Good day, Your Grace.” She walked out, certain she would never see him again. And never, most assuredly, would be too soon.
***
As promised, Michael presented himself at Hornsby Grange in Oxfordshire the following morning, well before ten o’clock. As his carriage rolled up the drive to the house, he noted the grounds were immaculate, the fountain out front in good working order, and the house itself was an attractive Palladian style. An attentive groom rushed forward to assist his driver with the horses and as soon as Michael alighted, the front doors opened. Sherbourne stepped out, flanked by his eldest son and heir, James, and the next in line, Jack. The resemblance between all three men was striking. Michael recalled all the Lennoxes were similar, dark haired and blue eyed.
“Good morning,” he said, refusing to feel the slightest bit awkward.
“Welcome, Blixford,” James said, extending his hand.
Sherbourne didn’t smile. “I trust your journey was comfortable?”
“Yes, thank you. I traveled to Glendon last night, to the Blue Hound.”
“Excellent steak and kidney pie at the Blue Hound,” Jack said as he shook Michael’s hand.
Sherbourne turned and waved toward the door. “Please come inside. I’ve something to say to you.”
The front hall of Hornsby Grange was narrow, but beautiful, the paneled walls edged in gilt, the soaring ceiling adorned with a fresco of frolicking wood nymphs. His host led him up the stairs and into the drawing room and as soon as they all were seated and the butler closed the doors, Sherbourne focused on Michael. “She’s run off, Blixford. Her maid delayed telling me until only a few moments ago. Julian has gone in search of her.”
He was shocked. “How long has she been gone?”
“Since last evening,” James said gravely. “She’s at least twelve hours ahead of Julian. Cursed full moon, or she’d not have been able to travel in the night.”
“Is she in a traveling coach?” She could be caught up with if in a coach.
“She took her mare and told her maid she would write soon with instructions for her belongings to be sent to her.” Sherbourne sighed heavily and stared down at his hands. “It appears she will ruin herself, hell or high water. I would offer an apology, Blixford, but you’ll forgive me if I’m unable to voice it.” He looked up and met Michael’s eyes. “I blame you for this disaster.”
Her brothers also stared at him, and he felt an undercurrent of rage so strong, it was a living, breathing thing within the room. He didn’t blame them. Had a man compromised Lucy, he’d have killed him without blinking. On the other hand, Lucy would not be so cowardly as to run away. She would own up to the situation and do the right thing.
Lady Jane was not Lucy. She was spoiled by her doting papa, too used to getting her way. “Is there any suspicion of foul play?”
“None. Her maid said she waved her goodbye, after her mistress told her she would be gone for quite some time.”
Jack said conversationally, “She’s taken quite a dislike to you, Blixford.”
“Rather along the lines of hate, I’d say,” James added with a nod.
How could they be so unconcerned? “Do you have any idea where she may have gone, evidently without benefit of even a maid? She’s in danger, and I have to wonder how the three of you can remain so calm in the face of it.”
James shrugged. “Jane is resourceful. She will be fine, I assure you.”