Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,20
as smart and lovely as you and Mark.”
Maisy grinned. “We are smart. Mama says we’re going to go to school here.”
“You will,” he assured her. “It’s a week before Christmas so most likely, you and Mark will begin your schooling after the new year comes.”
“Will we get to read?” Mark asked.
“That and much more.” He glanced to Neal. “Bring the wagon around to the right of the house. We’ll leave it at the stables.”
They turned and bypassed the house and came to a standstill at the stables. A groom came out, a frown on his face.
“Can I help you?” he called.
Weston dismounted. “Yes. See to my horse and the one attached to the wagon. The wagon can be brought into the stables.”
“See here,” the man began, taking a few steps forward and then came to an abrupt halt. “Your Grace? Is that you?”
“It is. Have a couple of footmen bring the trunk into the house.”
The groom stammered and then a voice behind him spoke.
“We have no footmen, Your Grace.”
Weston turned and saw the longtime family butler standing there. “Hello, Pratt. It’s good to see you. What’s this about no footmen?”
“I let them go, Your Grace. They had nothing to do with you never here and no guests coming to visit. We’re down to this lone groom and two housemaids.”
“I see. What about Mrs. Pratt and Cook?”
A shadow crossed the butler’s face. “Mrs. Pratt passed in the spring, Your Grace. Cook is still with us.”
He felt guilty not knowing any of this. “I’m sorry, Pratt.” He motioned for the Digsbys to join him and said, “This is Mr. and Mrs. Digsby and their children, Maisy and Mark. Pratt has served the Wallace family since I was a boy.”
Greetings were exchanged and he said, “Mr. Digsby is going to take Mr. Starling’s place. Starling has written to me twice about his wish to retire. Mrs. Digsby, would you consider becoming our new housekeeper?”
She gave him an eager smile. “It would be a pleasure to serve you, Your Grace.”
“Good. Pratt, you and Mrs. Digsby will see to hiring a full slate of servants. Footmen. Grooms. Parlor maids. Scullery maids. I plan to spend a good deal of time at Treadwell Manor from now on and want the house up and running as soon as possible.”
Pratt beamed at him. “That is very good news, Your Grace.”
“Show Mrs. Digby and the children to some rooms. They will be taking over Mr. Starling’s house once he is gone. Then give her a tour of the house. Mr. Digsby, come along with me. We’ll visit a bit with Mr. Starling.”
As they moved toward the house, his valet came running out.
“Oh, my goodness! Is that you, Your Grace? Of course, it is. No one but you and your sister have eyes like that. But you look a mess. Where on earth have you been?”
“It’s good to see you, too, Wilson. This is my valet, Mr. Digsby. Wilson, this is my new estate manager. Speaking of my sister, is she here—or is she going by Her Grace these days?”
Weston had figured in the time he’d been gone that George would have made quick work of things.
Wilson smiled. “Her Grace wed the Duke of Colebourne shortly after you left the house party, Your Grace. They are in residence at Colebourne Hall now.”
“Have hot water brought up. I want a bath to wash the dust of the road from me and then I want to go see them.”
The valet snorted. “You will need far more than a bath, Your Grace. Your hair needs barbering something awful. The beard also needs to go.”
He chuckled. “I forgot how you always seem to boss me around, Wilson. So, you don’t like my beard?”
Wilson’s nose crinkled in disgust. “Not a bit. And neither will the ladies.”
“See to the hot water. I’ll be up once we’ve spoken to Mr. Starling.”
Weston led Neal through the house, stopping at the steward’s office. They entered and found Mr. Starling fast asleep, his loud snores filling the room.
“Mr. Starling,” Weston called. “Mr. Starling.”
The old man snorted and opened his eyes. He peered at Weston a moment and then came to his feet. “Your Grace?”
“Yes, it’s me. And Mr. Digsby, your replacement. I’ve received your letters, Mr. Starling, and am at last ready to grant you your fondest wish. You may retire in the next few days, once you’ve brought Mr. Digsby up to snuff.”
“Ah, thank you, Your Grace. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Digsby.”