The Duke's Bidding

Chapter 31

"My lord, the vicar, Mr. Shaw, is here," Watson said as he closed the door behind him.

John looked up from his task. "What does he want? and why does it sound like you disapprove?"

Watson's nose wrinkled and his lips pulled up before his features cleared to his usual unaffected manner. "He has a propensity for gossip, my lord."

"Ah, I see." John could understand why Watson would abhor gossip. "I suppose we can't disappoint the man now, can we?"

"I am afraid not, my lord."

"I can manage, Watson. Usher him to the study."

Watson hesitated another moment before turning towards the door.

"What is it Watson?"

"Perhaps it would be best to meet Mr. Shaw in the drawing room?"

"Watson, summon him to the study, and be sure to wait with him." John dismissed the servant.

***

"His lordship would like you to join him in the study."

The stretched smile that touched the vicar's lips churned Watson's stomach. How could a man of the cloth be this transparent with his thoughts? Wasn't being a gossip monger a sin? He paused for the vicar to step into the hallway before closing the door behind them. Without waiting for the man to follow him, Watson led the way to the study.

"You must be busy now that his lordship is back in residence. There are so many new people about. Does the Duke know his son has returned?"

Watson found the vicar's curiosity and desire to feed the rumor mill repulsive. The man was supposed to keep the confidence of his parishioners. He is no better than a gossiping maid—perhaps no one is without sin.

"Does his lordship plan to join the festivities next month? The whole parish is quite excited at the prospect. I am told that when her grace was in residence, she would join the matrons as they planned the festival and would wrap up the festivities by hosting a grand masquerade ball. How wonderful it would be—"

Watson turned to face the man. "You will not be discussing the Duchess with his lordship, nor any of what she used to do." There were some things that did not need to be dredged up by this man. Watson watched as the vicar's eyes widened.

Mr. Shaw's nostrils flared with his indignation, but just as quickly his shoulders dropped, his head lowered. The man must have realized his own folly. "Yes, of course, it would be quite inappropriate to mention the Duchess. I should have realized that."

Watson turned on his heel and continued forward. At the study, he rapped his knuckles on the door then opened the double doors and allowed the vicar to enter.

The study was an imposing room with its towering shelves and grand desk. Watson watched as the vicar, like most men, felt its effect. The man quietly approached the desk, and waited for John, his lordship, to greet him. Watson stepped inside, closed the door and waited to see what transpired next.

"Welcome, Mr. Shaw. I am told you are the new local vicar."

"Yes, thank you."

John then resumed writing on the ledger in front of him, while the vicar sat. The man rubbed his hands together, gradually becoming impatient with the wait. Just then, his lordship looked up again, "What brings you here today?"

"Well, the whole parish is in quite a titter, your lordship. With so many people coming and going, that is. They are all excited. You see, it's been quite a long time since anyone has been in residence." The vicar eased back into his seat, and looked around the room. He grasped the arms of the chair, forcing himself to sit still. "Will the Duke be returning as well?"