The Irish Duke Read Online Free PDF Page A

understandable why she was worried. Have you seen Hastings?”
    “He is down at the lake with my brothers. I’ll take you if you like, Bessy.” Louisa fell in step beside her sister-in-law and they entered the garden.
    “Your mother was terrified the duke would die, for then she and her children would have no place to go.”
    Louisa stiffened. “What do you mean?”
    “John’s oldest son Francis will get the title when your father dies. Woburn, the money, and all the other houses and property will no longer be Georgina’s to do with as she fancies. Your mother will do anything to keep him breathing.”
    “That is a wicked and spiteful thing to say. My parents are devoted to each other.”
    “Well, she certainly has him besotted. He indulges her every whim. It pays her to keep him alive.”
    Louisa stopped walking. “I’m sure you’ll find Hastings. He’s the one squealing like a girl.” She turned on her heel and went back to her mother’s sitting room.
    “Ah, there you are, William. Bessy has gone down to the lake to find Hastings. She would like you to join her,” she improvised. Louisa took William’s plate and empty wineglass, and pointedly set them on the teacart.
    William smiled. “I’d best attend her. I don’t want to put her in a pique.”
    When he left, Louisa confronted her mother. “Bessy says you’re frightened to death of Father dying, because Francis will get everything and we’ll have no place to go.”
    “The wretched girl cannot help causing trouble. I have nursed your father so he will regain his health and I am gratified that he has come on so well. It wasn’t for any ulterior motive that I did it, though she speaks truth that Francis is heir to your father’s dukedom, and of course Woburn Abbey.”
    “I shouldn’t have told you what she said, Mother. I don’t want to upset you.”
    “She’s said far worse things than that, Lu. She’s possessive of William and jealous that he still confides in his stepmother. She won’t be here long. Their London house will soon be ready.”
    Mother doesn’t seem particularly worried about Francis inheriting everything. She seems to take it for granted that Father will take care of us.
    “It’s Rachel’s playtime. Will you come up to the nursery with me?”
    “I think I’ll go and keep Father company in the library.” Louisa headed down the long hallway to Woburn’s library. She knocked politely before she entered.
    “Hello, Puss. Have you come to choose a book to read?”
    “Not really. I have some questions I’d like you to answer for me . . . but only if you’re feeling well enough, Father.”
    “I’m feisty as a fighting cock. Come and sit down.” John Russell had a firm manner and spoke directly and to the point.
    Louisa did not beat about the bush. “When Francis inherits Woburn, where will Mother and the rest of us live?”
    John searched his daughter’s face. “A couple of years ago, when I bought Campden Hill in Kensington, I put the deed in your mother’s name. She chose it because it is next door to Holland House. I had it modernized and enlarged to accommodate all of you.” He smiled ruefully. “Your mother has often complained that Woburn is like a large mausoleum.”
    Louisa let out a relieved breath.
    “She will be free to use the Devon house and estate also. Francis is quite aware that your mother and I built Endsleigh together, and I’m sure he will be generous enough to make no claim upon it. Has someone been alarming you about what will happen should I suddenly die?”
    “No, no,” she denied quickly. “I have no fear that is going to happen. You have made a remarkable recovery, Father.”
    “In any case, your future won’t depend upon your brother Francis. Your husband will be responsible for you, my dear. To ensure that we make an excellent match for you, I have set aside a dowry of five thousand pounds. Suitors will soon be vying for a chance to court you. But you may rest assured. We will