The Accidental Duke (The Mad Matchmaking Men of Waterloo Book 1) by Devlin, Barbara (love letters to the dead .TXT) 📕

is a sign of deep and abiding admiration for a man I consider family. We served in the trenches. We witnessed war, we faced death, and we survived, together. Before that, he supported me during numerous adversities, most of my own making, almost from the cradle. Believe me when I say I would give my life to preserve his.”

“I do believe you.” A knock at the door brought her up short. “Come.”

“I beg your pardon, my lady.” Travers held wide the oak panel. “Lord Greyson, Lord Warrington, and Lord Michael Donithorn are just arrived. I installed them in the drawing room, your ladyship.”

“Excellent.” Arabella stood. “Let us join them and strategize, because I shall go mad if left to my own devices.”

“Perhaps, we could consider sending the Mad Matchmakers to make a thorough survey of the areas surrounding Weybridge.” Patience attempted to take Arabella’s escort, but Beaulieu shamelessly anchored the general’s daughter at his side. “Lord Beaulieu, I am quite capable of walking on my own accord. I assure you; I have been doing it for years.”

“An interesting proposition, but I am left to wonder how much of your suggestion is rooted in a desire to rid yourself of my company.” Beaulieu steered Patience into the hall, and Arabella led them into the foyer. “However, I am honor-bound to guard Lady Rockingham, so you must learn to tolerate my presence or devise another scheme to rid yourself of my much in demand companionship. Who knows, you might enjoy my special attention, which I am more than willing to bestow.”

“Silly, ridiculous cretin.” Patience humphed, and Beaulieu burst into laughter.

“That is quite enough, you two.” Arabella rotated on a heel and folded her arms. “Lord Beaulieu, you test the limits of my charity and forbearance. Patience, I dearly love you, but you must not take the bait, because his lordship is a past master at trickery and temptation. Now, I have no time or inclination to arbitrate your association, so I expect you to behave as befits your station.”

“I’m sorry.” With her head bowed, Patience at least had the sense to appear contrite.

“I will not apologize.” Beaulieu lifted his chin. “I shall be hanged if I do.”

“Patience is right.” Arabella stomped a foot. “You are a silly, ridiculous cretin.”

“Well, at least we understand each other.” Beaulieu arched a brow and clucked his tongue.

“What is going on out here?” Looming in the doorway of the drawing room, Greyson rested fists on hips. “Lady Rockingham, commiserations and felicitations are both in order, I am sad to admit.”

“Unfortunately, you are correct.” She extended a hand, and he placed a chaste kiss to her knuckles. In turn, Lord Michael and Lord Warrington made similar greetings. “We eagerly anticipate the Duke of Swanborough’s acknowledgement of my father’s letter, which challenged the validity of the marriage contract and rightful custody of my person, given Lord Rockingham’s admittance to an asylum. Of course, my husband’s location is merely speculation, as we have had no word from him.”

“I have a man surveilling Swanborough’s residence, and I am told the duke emerged from his traveling coach, in the forecourt, early this morning.” Warrington scratched his chin. “We thought it best to journey here, given we are all charged with preserving your safety.”

As if on cue, someone pounded on the front door.

Arabella hugged her belly and her insides tightened.

The tension in the room weighed heavy, as Travers crossed the foyer, and all eyes focused on the main entry.

“Hold hard, Travers.” Papa strode forth. “I shall see who pays call.”

“Of course, my lord.” The butler bowed and stepped aside.

Again, the unknown visitor pummeled the door.

Papa turned the latch in the bolt and swung wide the thick, oak panel, to reveal the Duke of Swanborough, along with two liveried footmen.

“Ainsworth, what is this meaning of this?” A vein pulsing in his temple, and his face flushed beetroot red, the duke stormed over the threshold, waving an unfolded piece of paper in his upraised fist. Then he spied Arabella and narrowed his stare. “You are to come with me, this instant.”

“I don’t think so.” Lord Beaulieu drew her to stand behind him. “If you want Lady Rockingham, you will have to get through me.”

“And me.” Lord Warrington stepped forward.

“And me.” Lord Greyson stood tall.

“And me.” Lord Michael squared his shoulders.”

“And what of you, old friend?” Swanborough bared his teeth. “Am I thus hailed?”

“I would ask the same of you, old friend.” Papa moved to confront the duke, toe-to-toe, and Arabella clutched her throat, else she might scream. “You invoke our lifetime allegiance, as you threaten my only child. I would submit you drew the first sword. I merely meet your challenge. What have you to say for yourself?”

“What do you mean?” Swanborough shrank and retreated. “You knew of my plan and my justification. Now you pretend a slight? Who is the disingenuous party?”

“You never mentioned anything about kidnapping my daughter.” From his coat pocket, Papa produced Shaw’s letter and thrust it at Swanborough. Arabella swayed, but Patience provided unshakeable support. “And I never agreed that she should be imprisoned under the supervision of a so-called doctor whose credentials breach the limits of any semblance of probity.”

“Shaw’s methods may not be the most popular, but he has unmatched success.” Swanborough licked his lips. “As to Lady Rockingham’s confinement, I reneged in the best interests of my son, as I saw fit. I am convinced Shaw is the best possible hope my son has of resuming a normal life.”

“A normal life?” Arabella pushed forward, with Beaulieu and Patience perched at either side. “Do you even know your son? Do you not recognize that he suffers lingering effects of battle and naught more? Lord Rockingham is not mad. He is human. Yes, he lost an arm. He is different, in that I will not argue. But that does not mean he is less than you or any man. He is merely unique.”

“Lady Arabella, you do great credit to your family, as well as Lord Rockingham. However, you are