The Accidental Duke (The Mad Matchmaking Men of Waterloo Book 1) by Devlin, Barbara (the best electronic book reader .txt) 📗

male domestics, and not a single one struck her as complaisant. “Although, I am not sure what anyone can do to help us.”

“We do not need much.” He surveyed the apartment and strode to a small desk, where he opened a drawer. “We have stationery and an inkwell. I can write a missive to your father, if only we have someone to dispatch the message. While it is a simple plan, we require no grandiose efforts. That is the beauty of it. We need but one person’s assistance to succeed.”

“My lord, you are brilliant.” She shot from the mattress. “Surely, my father will save us, and he could be here in a day. He would never stand for his daughter being taken prisoner.” She reflected on the possibilities and nursed a glimmer of hope. “I wager a pretty shilling the Earl of Ainsworth would show that Dr. Shaw a thing or two.”

A knock at the door gave her pause, and her husband pressed a finger to his lips.

“Come,” Anthony stated, as he turned toward the door.

“Beg your pardon, my lord, but I am sent to attend Lady Rockingham.” A rather young maid offered a none too elegant curtsey. With her dark brown hair pulled taut beneath a crisp white mob cap, and round spectacles, she strode forward. To Arabella, the servant said, “My lady, my name is Emily. I am here to unpack your belongings and ensure your comfort. Shall I have the footmen prepare a bath?”

“Perhaps, after Lord Rockingham and I meet with Dr. Shaw, and hello, Emily.” Arabella’s thoughts ran wild, because she had just spied her target. If anyone could be coaxed into aiding their cause, it was the slightly awkward servant. Somehow, she had to win the maid’s confidence, in order to persuade the girl to betray the doctor, and she had to work fast. “Why don’t you have a seat, and tell me about yourself? If we are to be friends—and I do hope we can be friends—I should know something of your history.”

“You wish to know me?” Emily blinked. “No one ever sees me, my lady. My mama says a good maid blends into the background from whichever angle you look at her.”

“You can’t be serious.” Determined yet calm, Arabella cast a quick glance at Anthony, who nodded, and approached her prey. “Because I see you, and your mama is mistaken, if I may be so bold. I see a charming woman of refined carriage and discerning taste.” She sat on a bench at the foot of the bed and patted the cushion beside her. “Please, have a seat, and let us enjoy a nice little chat. I do so hope we can be friends, given I am far removed from London and my usual acquaintances.”

“You want to be friends, and you want me to with sit? And will you tell me of London, because I have never traveled to the city.” Emily bit her bottom lip and shuffled her feet, as she wrung her fingers. “But Dr. Shaw told the staff that we were not to speak beyond that necessary to serve your ladyship.”

“Oh, bother the doctor.” Holding her belly, Arabella yielded to giddy laughter. “If you are to act as my lady’s maid, then you know you must do as I say, and I require your friendship. Of course, if you do not wish to—”

“Oh, no, my lady.” Emily sputtered. “I-I mean, yes, please. I should like, very much, to be your friend, because I have never known a fine lady like yourself.” Then she peered toward the sitting room, where Anthony paced before a window, and plopped down. Leaning close, she whispered, “Is it true what they say? That Lord Rockingham is mad?”

“Oh, my dear, he is no such thing.” Arabella should have guessed Shaw would have swayed the domestics to do his bidding. Still, she believed she could win Emily’s confidence with the right appeal. “Indeed, we are not sure why the duke has taken such drastic measures to secure treatment for Lord Rockingham, when his lordship is already under the care of a very fine professional.”

“Really?” With an expression of pure curiosity, Emily’s eyes grew wide. “Dr. Shaw told us Lord Rockingham is dangerous, and you must be protected, at all costs.” She clenched a fist to her chest. “Please, know that I will defend you with my life. Can you tell me what is wrong with his lordship?”

“Stuff and nonsense.” Arabella waved dismissively. “I assure you, there is no reason to fear for my safety, because my husband is the last person who would ever hurt me. And there is naught wrong with Lord Rockingham, other than a missing arm. Since when is that a crime or a condition to strike terror in the heart of man? In fact, he is a brave war hero, but His Grace the Duke of Swanborough does not appreciate my husband’s sacrifice. What manner of society disapproves of a man because he lacks a limb? Are we to institutionalize everyone in possession of a minor difference? Why, we should sooner imprison half our countrymen.”

“Bloody hell, I should say so.” Emily shrieked and bowed her head. She appeared on the verge of tears when she stated, “Forgive me, my lady. I am too forward for a proper lady’s maid, and I spoke out of turn. I regret it has always been a fault of mine, which is why my mother says I have never been able to secure a long-term position. To put it simply, I talk too much.”

“Posh.” The scheme progressed perfectly, but Arabella suppressed her excitement. “Who am I to judge, given I have often been told I suffer the same affliction, so I can hardly complain of your behavior. In truth, I welcome your company.”

“Really?” Emily smiled. “My lady, I should be honored to call you a friend.”

“Then we are a pair.” Spying an opening and an opportunity to foster fellow feeling, Arabella giggled and clasped Emily’s hand. “And no