The Duke's Bidding

Chapter 11

Robert wanted to leave the room some time ago, but he was uncertain if leaving John behind benefited his childhood friend. For the past fifteen minutes, John was sitting next to the unconscious girl, in a trance, watching her sleep.

A scratch at the adjoining door brought John's attention back to the present. He had been lost in the moment, watching the girl's slow breathing. It reminded him of the vigil at his mother's side. Years had passed, but the scents in this bedchamber played havoc with his thoughts.

Taking a deep breath, John stood and walked to the threshold of the adjoining bedroom.

The large boudoir would have been the duchess's bedchamber, but his parents preferred sharing a bed. His mother often used this space as an extra bedroom just for him. When he was old enough to have his own suite, John moved upstairs to the sleeping quarters adjacent to the nursery, the one with the hidden passageway. He still remembered the fanfare that his father put on to celebrate his coming of age and the giddy joy he wore on his face when he showed John the secret passageway and where it led.

It was Watson again at the door. Stepping in, the butler formally bowed his head.

"Your Lordship, the adjoining room is ready for your use. The storm is upon us now. I took liberty and prepared a bedchamber for Lord Augustine—" Watson nodded to Robert, "—your old room my Lord. A fresh change of clothes and hot water is waiting, my lords, and supper shall be ready shortly."

Watson had an uncanny way of making them feel like they were a pair children, still wet behind the ears. John was always surprised to see how quickly Watson composed his features and took on the role of the-all-knowing butler. The man was caught off guard earlier when John first arrived. Now, however, the butler exuded a composed and unaffected demeanor, one of a man used to standing his ground in the face of a ballroom full of lords and ladies. John shook his head; he could not tell what Watson was thinking about.

"Thanks Watson." John turned towards Rob, "Meet you in the study?"

Robert nodded his assent and followed Watson out.

John sighed. See you in a bit old friend.

***

Walking over to the grate, John found the promised hot bath waiting. He stripped out of his damp clothes, stepped into the water, and lowered himself into the tub. The hot water enveloped him like pins and needles, attacking his aching muscles and relieving his pain. The exhaustion of the day finally caught up with him. John spent the next fifteen minutes languishing as the water chilled, contemplating what he needed to do. He had been gone for so long, and now this. In all the chaos today, he had forgotten that he was finally back at Cedar Lane.

He rose and dried himself off. Grabbing the shaving kit from the dresser, John made quick work of cleaning up the growth of the last few days. As was Watson's habit, the clean clothes were laid out already. John dressed quickly, tied his cravat with a simple knot and strode into the adjoining room to check on the girl.

Walking towards the bed, John saw her chest rise and fall as she slumbered. He turned towards the hearth, and knelt next to the heap of clothes to rummage through the valise again. Mostly clothes, a few knickknacks, nothing suspicious. He found a handful of monogrammed handkerchiefs. Each had a different color rose sewn in the corner, delicately stitched with the initials E—R—M embroidered on one of the petals of the rose.

John turned to the torn clothes again. He could not decide if he had a very clever thief or an heiress down on her luck. He walked over to the dresser and sorted through the jewels he had found earlier. There were a few single trinkets—brooches, rings and the like—each worth a small fortune. From the exquisite workmanship, they had to be one-of-a-kind pieces. An emerald three-piece set with a matching ring, necklace and earbobs; an intricate ruby necklace with earbobs, bracelet and ring; a set of two beautifully strung pearl necklaces and the signet ring. John picked up the ring again and studied the square blood onyx face with rounded edges. The elegant markings of the letters M and D were interwoven and helped set off the onyx stone. John had a flash of memory: Where have I seen this ring before? The stitching on the pouches was precise and intricate. He gathered everything up into a small box, placing it all back in the dresser where he kept his own cuff links and cravat pins. He would have to figure this puzzle out later.

He walked back to the bed and lightly brushed the sleeping girl's bruised face with the back of his knuckles, hoping that she was not in too much pain. Her chest heaved and he heard a whimper release from her lips. He leaned down next to her, held her hand in his and whispered, "Don't worry sweets, rest for now. I will keep you safe, everything will be okay." He watched her features relax as she returned to her slumber. He went to the door and with one last glance headed downstairs towards the study.

***

Author's Note: I know, I know. Its a short chapter, but guess what? I am posting a second one in 5 minutes! Please vote, comment and follow if you have not already :) Hope everyone is enjoying the story so far.