The Duke's Bidding

Chapter 6

Clair Hall, February 18, 1812

Saying goodbye was hard. Elizabeth Rose Morton wiped her tears as she walked away from her father's graveside. Two days ago, she had watched them bury Lord Danbury. She found herself struggling to believe that her father, the sixth Earl of Danbury, was gone. He had been sick for a few years. Every time she thought he was doing better, he took a turn for the worse. In the last two years, Elizabeth spent countless nights worrying about her father.

She was alone now, unless she was to count her gambling scoundrel of a cousin,—Fredrick. Being an only child—and not a man—she was fated to watch the earldom pass on to him. The solicitor explained it all to her yesterday, but she was in no position to think about it then.

According to her father's will, the un-entailed properties and their income would go to her, while her cousin, Fredrick, would inherit a lavish townhouse in London, a grand country manor and, of course, the earldom. He was now the seventh Earl of Danbury. Her father was a brilliant man. His investments and estate management left her a rich heiress, but being an heiress had its own problems.

For the last three years, her father begged her to go to London and spend the season finding a husband. Elizabeth refused. She often used her father's health as an excuse to stay at home with him, but deep down—she had another reason. Long ago, in her stubborn childish mind, she decided to finish checking off the list left by John—but it was not as if she could tell her father that. It was truly unfortunate.

Elizabeth knew that should she marry, her husband would become the sole beneficiary of her inheritance. If she waited a bit longer, upon her twenty-first birthday—her majority—the fortune would be hers to do as she pleased. The problem was the tricky wording of the will. It stipulated that should something happen to her and should she be without issue, her remaining assets would revert to the next eligible earl of Danbury. In other words, Fredrick. Her father intended this clause as a precaution against her future husband. However, with Fredrick as the new earl, it could also give him incentive to see to her early demise. Elizabeth exhaled loudly. If she had her way, she would use the entire inheritance towards some form of education for girls and be done with it.

Elizabeth reached the front steps and the door opened.

Charleston stepped back so she could walk right in.

"Good afternoon, my lady." He took her gloves, pelisse, and bonnet as Elizabeth entered the front hall. "His Lordship would like you to join him in the library, my lady."

She finally smiled after seeing Charleston's face. He said, 'His Lordship', with his face all scrunched up, as if it was a disdainful word. "Thank you, Charleston. Can you please ask Mrs. Haggard to send a tea tray with some of her scones?"

"Right away, my lady." Charleston then disappeared into the back of the manor house.

Elizabeth dragged her feet as she made her way to the library. She had not been able to step into this room since her father died. Lord Danbury often sat behind his rosewood desk and worked while Elizabeth read or studied. Her father encouraged her to read up on subjects like politics, social issues and world events. They played chess together and even occasionally talked about estate matters or his investments. The room was full of ghosts.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and opened the door. She loved this room with its comfortable chairs and floor-to-ceiling shelves. The musty smell of old leather bound books and the lingering scent of tobacco in the room brought tears to her eyes. She could barely swallow her own dreadful feeling of loss.

Fredrick was standing at the window with his back to the room. He was wearing expensive formal attire that seemed out of place in this relaxed library. The pristine cravat strangled his throat and a black ribbon tied his rakish long hair at the nape. He looked every inch the earl he was supposed to be, but that was all part of the façade. Elizabeth knew better than most how appearances could be deceiving.

She never liked Fredrick. He treated servants and animals with either indifference or cruelty. Elizabeth felt on edge around him, often afraid that she would become the subject of his next outburst. During the recitation of her father's will Fredrick seemed relaxed, even enjoying the proceedings. When the particulars of her share of the inheritance were made clear, Fredrick stormed out, barely able to hide his anger. According to the footmen, he spent the night at the village tavern, which is why he missed the memorial service this morning.

"Ah—good. You are back." Fredrick walked to the front of the large desk. He took a measuring glance of Elizabeth, lingering on her bodice. Maybe forcing a marriage between them to get her inheritance wouldn't be so bad.

The calculating gleam was back in his eyes. For a moment, a vivid image took shape in Elizabeth's mind—an angry mob of farm tenants storming a castle with pitchforks ready to oust the villainous earl. What an ominous path her thoughts had taken. Elizabeth felt trapped, like a fox cornered by hounds. Fredrick's features distorted with a malicious smile, adding to her unease.

"I want to discuss a situation with you," Fredrick began. "As you know I have always respected your father and—you. I know that he regarded me with fondness as well as respect. I also know that he loved you dearly and would want me to take excellent care of you in his absence." She was half listening, still having a hard time controlling her other senses. "That's why I propose we get married. That way I will be able to protect you and you won't have to deal with the aggravation of the marriage mart or estate management matters."

He had her full attention now. He continued as if she was not required to respond.

"I know your dear papa would rest in peace knowing that I would protect you—as your husband." The mention of her father's state of being in the afterlife was the last straw. She did not know how to respond. Just as she was about to scream her refusal, the maid walked in with a tray of tea and scones. 

Author's note: We are finally in the present! Happy reading! Please remember to vote, comment and or follow for regular update notifications.