The Duke's Bidding

Chapter 12

Robert Windham, the Earl of Augustine went to the carved mahogany side table and poured himself a liberal amount of brandy. He mulled over John's behavior as he took a sip of the amber brew. Years ago, they had been inseparable. John was the heir of the neighboring Dukedom and Robert had been the second son of an Earl. They struck a fast friendship while in their nursery years, watched each other's backs at Eton, and attempted to keep each other out of trouble during their days at university. A few years on the town labeled them as eligible black sheep of their respective families and caused quite a few commotions in the haut ton. That was, until they returned to Cedar Lane when the Duchess had the accident.

That summer things changed for both of them. John experienced constant disagreements with his father, but the last straw was when his father underhandedly attempted to marry him off to the Earl of Danbury's daughter.

At first, Robert was amused and jibed at John. His friend however, did not appreciate the gesture. The girl was at least eight years their junior and still considered to be in the nursery. Robert did not remember much about her now, except that she was fantastic on the pianoforte and loved to stomp all over John's pride. John rebelled and ran off to the continent, or at least that was what Robert assumed at the time. With his childhood friend gone, Robert had come to contemplate life. He quickly realized that he would gain little to no inheritance or income from his father or brother, and that's when he decided to pursue a profession.

Robert spent the next six years studying medicine at some of the most prestigious schools in the world. His father's title had gotten him that much at least. He finished eight years of study in almost six and interned for a year with a surgeon in Italy. He had been practicing for almost a year when the news of his eldest brother's demise reached him. Richard had been the perfect groomed heir. He excelled at everything with little to no effort. Nevertheless, even perfect sons had bad days. Richard was in a sailing race and washed overboard during a freak storm. His death was still a mystery. There were rumors that he had been gambling and lost a fortune, but some said he won one and was murdered for it. Since then, his brother's widow and daughter became Robert's responsibility. Being the only remaining heir apparent meant he inherited the title that used to belong to his father. He was now Augustine, an Earl.

After his brother's funeral, Robert gave up his practice in London and moved into his country seat, Clayton Manor, where he was overseeing the management of his estates and taking care of his brother's family. It was only by chance that he was in the village tavern that afternoon. When the footman from Cedar Lane came looking for the doctor, Robert had assumed the Duke was in residence.

"Did you say the Doctor is gone?" The footman raised his voice.

"Aye, that's what I said. He went to help the Delancy chit, she be having her babe today. This be her first and all."

"When is he coming back?" The footman was distraught, twisting his hat repeatedly, as if doing so would bring the Doctor back sooner.

Robert overheard the discussion between the barkeep and the footman. The doctor was in the next village delivering a baby, and expected to stay there because of the heavy rain. Robert missed his practice so naturally he left his meal unfinished and volunteered his services.

Wanting to be prepared, Robert informed the footman that he needed his bag and would meet him at Cedar Lane within the hour. The footman frantically offered to accompany Robert and later confided that his Lordship had threatened that should he return without a doctor, he would make him walk the plank. Assuming the Duke was in residence, Robert rushed to get to Clayton Manor for his bag. It was a pleasant surprise to run into his childhood friend instead.

John was finally home. It was nigh eight years since they last met. Robert always wondered when they would come face to face again. He walked back to the mantel and sat down on the leather chair facing the hearth. Robert had many questions he wanted to ask his old friend about the girl, what caused John to stay away for this long and why he finally returned now. Their childhood adventures were fresh in his memories, images of their past selves seen only in his eyes, like vibrant ghosts haunting the corridors, taunting him to take part in the fun. It had been a long time since he last visited Cedar Lane.

***

Standing at the window, drink in hand, Robert stared at the pouring rain. The light rain had turned into a tempest. The squeak of the door hinge brought Robert back to the present. He walked to the sideboard, filled a snifter with brandy, and handed it to John. As he drained the cup in one shot, Robert tilted his head and contemplated his friend. "You do clean up nicely."

John cringed. "I feel out of place, out of my skin if you will, but I adapt quickly."

Although there was some amusement in John's tone, Robert could tell his friend meant what he said.

John's lips parted with a sigh. "I am relieved that it was you who showed up here tonight. I don't know how I would have trusted a stranger with this."

Robert thought about John's statement and just nodded. John's features showed that he was fighting a strong mix of emotions.

The silence lingered for several minutes before John finally admitted, "I found her on the side of the main road from London. I was approaching on horseback and noticed a carriage stopped on the side of the road. When the driver became aware of my approach, he tossed a large bundle into the brush and took off as if his life depended on it. When I got closer, I found her. She was already battered and covered in mud and blood."

Robert could see that John was staring into the fire, but not really seeing it. The girl's presence had shaken John up, that much was obvious. Robert waited quietly, giving John time to collect himself and process what he wanted to say.

"It took me another two hours to get us here. She was unconscious most of that time, just grunts or jerks every so often."

For the next few minutes, John told Robert about everything that happened, conveniently leaving out the mention of the jewels and signet ring. No need to get anyone else involved in that.

"It wasn't until I got her cleaned off and into the bed that she came to." John paused for a minute. "What are the causes of memory loss?"

Robert was surprised for a moment, until John continued. "When she woke up, the girl couldn't remember who she was." John downed the remainder of his brandy and sat on the stuffed leather chair.

"Do you think she will remember who she is later?" John rubbed his hands on his legs, they were still aching from the long ride, "—God, this is such a bloody mess." He ran his right hand through his hair, as was his habit from long ago, and leaned forward. Elbows on his knees, John gazed into the fire.

Robert considered how to best answer John's question. "I noticed a large lump on her head, likely, that's why she has the memory loss. In most cases I have seen, the memory comes back. It is just a matter of when. It could be tomorrow or a month from now. It could be triggered if she sees something familiar. There really isn't any way of knowing for sure."

Robert contemplated mentioning how sometimes the memory does not come back, especially if it was lost due to something traumatic, but decided to keep his own counsel, at least for now. The last thing John needed was another worry. "The good news is she has already talked to you. Let's focus on getting her back on her feet, and then we can worry about her past."

John did not know what to do. He ran his hand through his hair again, and Robert remembered this gesture of unease from long ago. His friend was worried about the girl. How unlike the John he knew. This was going to be interesting after all.

***

Author's Note:  How is everybody doing? Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. What do you guys think of Robert's situation? Did you find it interesting? I wonder what mischef our trio will get into next. Stay tuned and Happy reading!