Never Kiss a Toad

Chapter Eighty-One

By the time Toad had regained his chair, Blakeley appeared at the door.

"If His Grace of Haverford arrives before Lady Sarah, please bring him to me. If she arrives first, bring her here at once, and I will countenance no interruptions thereafter by anyone, for any reason, including Haverford, until I expressly reverse myself."

"Your Grace, Lady Sarah will require a chaperone."

"No interruptions by anyone, for any reason. And in no way may the dowager take it upon herself to gainsay me. Is that clear?"

"Your Grace! Lady Sarah is..." Blakeley trailed off, but then, he cleared his throat and ploughed on, in the same voice he had used when Toad was a child and causing mischief that would have to be reported to his parents. "Your Grace, while I am entirely sympathetic with your position, Lady Sarah is betrothed to Lord Maddox. It is quite improper to closet yourself with her with no chaperone, sir."

"I do not give a damn about Maddox or propriety. Please have some coffee sent, and tell Mrs Dench I wish to see her. You are dismissed."

"Yes, Your Grace."

A few minutes after the door closed behind Blakeley, the housekeeper entered. She was new since Toad's younger days at Wellstone, and did not suffer from the propensity the older servants displayed to speak to their master as if he were still the scapegrace heir.

"Mrs Dench. Move Lady Sarah's things from the Rose Bedroom to the duchess's chambers."

Piero protested. "It is beyond the pale to assign her a bedroom adjoining yours. You cannot imply—"

"I imply nothing. Mrs Dench, move her things." The housekeeper bit her lip and twisted her hands in her apron, but did not argue.

"Wellbridge," Piero warned, "this will not end well."

"Can I not order things moved about my own home any time I like? Am I not a duke?"

Piero snorted. "Do stop saying that, Your Ghastly Grace, lest your Lady Sarah find out who you really are before you can consummate your vows."

"Move her things, Mrs Dench. Go and do it now." The housekeeper cast one pleading glance at Piero, sighed, and left. She could disapprove as much as she liked, as long as she did what she was told.

Piero shook his head and finished his drink. "A big risk you take, Wellbridge. No woman wishes to be told what to do."

"She will be delivered to me upon her return, and I will speak to her, and she will agree to be my duchess. I am certain, no matter what Maddox says or does, that we will be wed before the week is out—before the day is out, if she allows it, and I intend to push the issue."

With a quick step to the window, Toad said, "Speak of the devil and he doth appear. What the bloody hell is Maddox doing riding up the road? He is meant to be at Chirbury House. He told me himself not two days ago. I am beginning to think this entire endeavour cursed."

A footman appeared with the requested coffee and a plate of sandwiches. As Toad began pacing in front of the fireplace, Piero crossed the room to stand in his way. He put a hand on Toad's arm. "Calm yourself. He is a guest here and you the master. Let him explain himself."

More brandy might do him just fine right now, so Toad poured more, then filled Piero's glass. "Yes, I know. This will be the last. My future wife's bloody fiancé has come for a call; we must make allowances for an extra tot or two."

Piero filled two cups with coffee and handed Toad one, removing the brandy glass from his other hand. At that, another knock on the door. "Yes, Blakeley? What is Lord Maddox's business?"