Duke nodded. “Violet in particular. She was determined to be of aid. I’m only sorry we did not get to you sooner.”
“I’msorry you went through such worry, son.” His smile wavered slightly. “I should have taken more precautions after you were attacked.”
“But how could you expect to be kidnapped, William?” Aunt Sarah asked.
“My thoughts exactly,” Duke agreed.
“I was not in my right mind when I heard what happened to you.” His father drew in an audible breath through his teeth. “Had I been thinking more clearly, I would have noticed the men intent on snatching me and been prepared.”
There would probably be no insisting that Duke’s father could have done anything different. Duke was only grateful he had come through his ordeal in such fine health and with his sanity. He counted himself lucky to have such a father.
“Anyway, I shall have to thank the young ladies myself soon.” He slowly set down another card, revealing a high trump card.
“Oh for goodness’ sakes.” Aunt Sarah threw up a hand in frustration and shook her head with a smile. “I’m not going to play with you anymore if you keep doing this to me. A lady has some pride.”
“As does a gentleman,” her opponent rejoindered. “I have just been captured and nursed and tended to. Allow me to regain at least a little of my masculinity.”
“By besting me at cards?” She folded her arms, cards tucked in one hand before her posture softened. “Very well, but after this we play the game of my choosing.”
“A fair deal indeed.” He glanced Duke up and down. “Do sit down, Marmaduke. You are making the room look messy.”
“I cannot stay. I have business to attend.” Namely some plans to make should he manage to persuade Violet they should be together permanently anytime soon. He wondered if a fine gift of some kind might smooth the path, but Violet wasn’t overly interested in jewels or lavish ornaments. He rubbed the back of his neck. Perhaps she might like a fern. “I just wanted to ensure you are well.”
“I am excellent indeed and once these lovely women stop insisting I need to rest, I shall be up and about.” He placed his cards down and looked to Duke. “They are quite the women these Musgraves.”
“I agree.”
“You should snap one of them up—Violet preferably. She would do you some good.”
Duke tightened his mouth to prevent it from twitching. He should have known nothing would pass his father by. “Believe me, Pops, I do not disagree with you.”
Aunt Sarah gasped. “Oh how wonderful! We should have a Christmas wedding.”
Resisting the need to groan, he straightened his stance. Duke was going to regret saying anything to these two. “We are not quite there yet.”
“Well, do not waste any time, son. A woman like that shall not remain unwed for long.”
He had no intention of arguing the matter with his father or reminding him that the Musgraves were not exactly considered eligible by Society, even someone as beautiful and charming as Violet. His father refused to see things as others did and Duke appreciated that.
A tentative knock at the door prevented the next hand of cards being dealt. Duke pulled it open to find one of the kitchen maids outside the door. He frowned. What was she doing upstairs?
Her hands trembled as she offered out a folded letter. He spied his name scrawled upon the rough paper. “I-I was meant to give you this later.”
“Later?”
“They threatened me, you see.” Her chin wobbled. “Me and my family. I was to give it to you at three but...Lady Violet has only just left and if you go now you can stop—”
“Stop what?” Duke unfolded the letter and scanned the contents. His heart battered against his ribcage, and he crushed the letter in one hand. “Damn it all to hell.”
The maid stared at him, chin trembling. “I’m so sorry, sir. I could not wait as they said. If something happens to Lady Violet, I would never forgive myself.”
Duke eyed the maid who could be scarcely an adult and briefly marveled at her bravery. If Patrick Doyle and his men threatened her and her family, she had some courage to come to him now.
“You were right to come,” he assured her. “We’ll ensure your family’s safety.” He glanced back at his father and Aunt Sarah who watched the interaction with horror. “I must go. Violet is in danger.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Frost lingered on the ground bringing with it a swirl of mist that hadn’t abated even with the bright sunlight. Violet rubbed her nose to ensure it still existed and huddled under the blanket, pressing her feet against the warming brick tucked snuggly into the bottom of the curricle.