Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,21
out a cottage on the property, Mr. Starling,” he said. “I’d like to give Mr. Digsby and his family the house attached to the steward position.”
“No need for that, Your Grace. I’ve made plans to join my brother in Bristol. He’s a widower. We’ve decided we started life together and will end it that same way.”
“Then I will see to your pension. You know you have been an important part of Treadwell Manor for many years and I appreciate your service. For now, share a little about the estate and tenants with Mr. Digsby. Tomorrow, I will take him riding about the property.”
“Very good, Your Grace.”
Weston left them poring over ledgers and went upstairs. Stepping into the duke’s rooms made him feel like an imposter. These rooms had been his father’s. He’d only spent a brief time in them because a majority of the last several years had been lived in London. He would have to get used to the idea that he was the Duke of Treadwell and take up the responsibilities he’d neglected for so many years.
Going to the mirror, he looked at the reflection of a stranger staring back at him. His hair, always thick and unruly, was wild. Coupled with the beard, he looked quite rough, much as he imagined a pirate might appear. It surprised him that this was the man who’d been able to strike a deal with Sir Winston. Fingering the beard, he knew Wilson to be right. Women would not care for it. It gave him a devil may care look, the very thing he wanted to divorce himself from. It was going to be hard enough convincing Polite Society that he had turned over a new leaf. The beard would definitely have to go.
Once his bath was readied, he sank into the hot water gratefully, soaking a bit before scrubbing the dirt from him. Wilson cut his wet hair and shaved him. When Weston gazed into the mirror, he recognized the man peering back at him.
“You did have a few clothes here, Your Grace,” the valet said. “I plan to burn the ones you arrived in.”
He chuckled. “Do as you see fit.”
Wilson dressed him and Weston felt like his old self, though even more confident. He was on the right path now and would see that nothing lured him from it.
“I’m off to see my sister and Colebourne.”
“They will be very happy you’ve come home, Your Grace.”
Returning to the stables, he only had his choice of two horses, not wanting to use either one which had come the long way from Brixham. He would need to add to the stables over time. Mounting a large bay, he rode the two miles to Colebourne Hall and was met by a groom and the butler in front of the house. The butler signaled for the groom to take his horse and then greeted Weston.
“It is a pleasure to see you, Your Grace. Please, come in.”
“I am looking forward to seeing Colebourne and my sister.”
“Their Graces have just gone into the library for tea,” the butler said as they entered the house.
“I’d like to surprise them. Let’s forego announcing me,” he suggested.
The butler bit back a smile. “A capital idea, Your Grace.”
Weston bounded up the staircase and went down the corridor to George’s library. As he reached the door, a maid exited.
“I plan to stay for tea,” he informed her. “Bring another cup if you would.”
She bobbed a curtsey, her eyes wide. “Yes, Your Grace.”
He entered the library and saw Sam and George on a settee, their backs to him. Creeping toward them, he leaned down and wrapped his arms around Sam from behind.
She gasped and turned. “Weston!”
He released her and came around to greet her. Sam flung herself at him, squeezing him tightly. Over her shoulder, he saw George rise, a huge grin on his face.
“If it isn’t the Devil himself come to call at Colebourne Hall,” his friend joked.
Weston soundly kissed Sam and then threw his arms around George, slapping his back. “It’s been too long, old friend.”
“Where have you been?” Sam demanded. “You missed our wedding, you know.”
He released George and took her hand. “I am sorry for that. You’ll have to tell me all about it. How this oaf charmed you into marrying him.”
One eyebrow arched. “This oaf is the man I love. And he loves me.”
“Madly,” George agreed. “Sam is the only woman for me.”
She pulled Weston down and sat beside him. George took the nearby chair.