The Duke's Bidding

Chapter 18

Watson was alerted by one of the footman that they had new guests. As he made his way to the front doors, the sounds of men shouting and carriages rolling over the cobblestones brought a smile to his lips. The Duke was here. At least, that is what he  assumed the maelstrom of noise was. Earlier that week he had sent a missive to his Grace, the Duke of Ashbourne, notifying him of the young master's return and the commotion it caused among the servants. Therefore, it had not been unexpected to receive a large caravan, the Ducal entourage, bringing His Grace, servants, and outriders. 

It was surprising then to arrive at the front doors to find the sight before him. The front courtyard was strewn with four hackneys and a single unmarked carriage. The drivers and some half a dozen brawny men were unloading box after box of goods, stacked in neat piles across the court yard. Occasionally, they would run up to a gentleman dressed in a dove gray overcoat, consult him and next follow his instructions. 

The tall man was dressed in fashionable English attire. He disinterestedly  gave instruction to the group of men and quietly returned to his conversation with a shorter yet comically dressed man.  At that moment, the carriage doors flew open and a short, dark haired lad jumped down, browsed the scene before him, stretched and joined the two men. 

After what seemed like an eternity, literally, the trio scaled the steps towards the manor doors. The elder man was wearing a dress, or was it a tunic? It was beautiful with intricate silver patterns over a dark navy background. The sleeves were wide and his hands barely showed from them. The material shimmered as the early morning light passed over it. The trouser had loose legs and resembled a dress. His boots were pointed and slightly raised off the ground.

The attire of the two shorter men, make that a man and a young miss was quite unusual, so much so that it had taken Watson a moment to collect himself and snap out of his own thoughts. The girl looked to be in her late teens, petite, and narrow eyed. Her skin was a yellowish brown and her hair was braided and tied intermittently.   She was dressed similarly to the man, her green tunic slightly longer than his, dragged behind her.  The man had his hair tied and wore a small metallic brace around it, perhaps to hold it in place. Her hair was long and straight, no waves, no curls, just the few braids keeping it in-check. 

 As surprising as these two new arrivals were, nothing shocked Watson more than when he was able to better focus on the face of the gentleman wearing tailor-fitted English attire. Watson at once recognized the young man, he remembered bouncing him on his leg and teaching him how to ride his first horse--Carter had finally returned.

Jensen Carter,  was the son of one of the crofters at Cedar Lane. When the small pox outbreak took his parents, the Duchess instructed the household to take the lad in and care for him. Emma Watson specially took this task to heart as they themselves were not blessed with children of their own. Over the last eight years Carter had occasionally written to them, letting them know that he was alive and well but little else. 

Carter had put on at least two stone and from the way the others deferred to him, it was obvious that he commanded authority. He approached the elder man. He was taller than what Watson remembered. His skin was warmly tanned, his hair was shorn short and grazed his cravat. His clothes were properly tailored and quite fashionable. To think that this was the same kindhearted boy he remembered from all those years ago brought joy and pride to Watson. They had missed him.

***

Carter was apprehensive of his first visit to the Manor house. It had been eight long years since he left Cedar Lane, and while the place all felt familiar, he had changed. During the years he had served as John's valet, he had been often treated as a friend, rather than a servant, yet the idea had never been far from his mind. Things were different now. A few years back, John had talked him into investing in their cargo and the two had made a small fortune together. While John had gone to purchase his ship and become its captain, Carter took on the role of the first mate and continued investing into their future runs. Together they had made a fortune, the likes of which others dreamed of. 

He approached Watson and after a quick moment of hesitation squared his shoulders and spoke with a strong baritone voice . "Hello Sir," he said.

Watson looked away from Carter, took a deep breath and recomposed himself. It took a second take to acknowledge the changes in the lad, but they were all remarkable.  "It has been too long my boy," he said. He opened his arms and embraced Carter.

Relief filled Carter as he accepted the old man's gentle rebuke. "I know." He was home. 

"Emma will be so happy to see you." Mr. Watson said, almost a murmur to himself. 

Carter stepped back and smiled as he turned towards his companions. 

"Tan Tan, Mei,  I would like to introduce you to Mr. Watson--He is... my father."

The tears that Watson had so forcefully ebbed earlier, were now filling his eyes. His son was home. "Welcome, Mr. Tan Tan. Miss Mei."  The two foreigners extended their arms, joined their fingers, and then bowed their heads with reverence. What an odd feeling to have others bow to him, Watson thought. 

"Can you  put them in the guest wing Watson? and some breakfast will be much appreciated."

Watson hesitated, unsure of the station of these new guests. "Will the guest rooms on the 2nd floor do?"

"It should be fine. Now where is John?"

Watson frowned, then immediately replied, "I will let his Lordship know you have arrived, he breakfasts in the family dining room. I will let him know you are waiting to see him."

The fact that Watson had emphasized the words "His Lordship" did not escape Carter. With a frown of his own, he headed towards the main parlor. Did he have to get used to using titles again? Tan Tan and Mei followed and Watson took off to arrange the guest rooms.

***

Author's Note: I know this is short chapter, but another one is on the way. Thanks for reading and your patience!