Something Scandalous

The idea of staying in this godforsaken country for more than a moment necessary bothered him terribly. He had to get back to Virginia before Abigail’s father married her off to another man. A wealthy American man. Something Mr. Mason was certain Will was not. While many would consider Will wealthy now, in no manner would Mr. Mason consider an English duke an ally to the United States.

“Your supper, Your Grace.” One of the footmen who had attempted to throw him out of his new home stood at the threshold.

“Thank you…?”

“Kenneth, sir.”

“Thank you, Kenneth.”

The footman set down the tray on the table where Will’s feet had previously been settled. “Your Grace, I must apologize for earlier. I was only doing as Lady Elizabeth requested. She had no idea who you were.”

“I understand, Kenneth.”

“It’s just that…”

Will glanced up at the footman’s terrified face and understood. “You will not be turned out.”

Relief washed across the young man’s face. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

The man hurried from the room as if he feared Will would go back on his word. What a rigid society. Everyone concerned about not insulting a man because of his title. A rush of homesickness came over him. He hoped Alicia and David were doing well. His sister had always had a tough exterior but was a sentimental, softhearted woman. She would miss them all dreadfully.

Almost as much as he missed her already.

He reached for the bowl of stew and sighed. The aromas floated past his nose, bringing back memories of his stepmother’s wonderful cooking. She would have hated the idea he was here, but would have enjoyed the thought that he planned to sell off as much as possible. After he finished the delicious stew, he walked to the stairs, determined to find his room and finally sleep in a nonswaying bed.

“The maids just finished in your bedchamber. Your room is the first door on the right.”

“And the children?”

Kenneth smiled. “They are on the third floor. Good night, Your Grace.”

“Good night, Kenneth.”

Will walked up the stairs and opened the door to the first room. Peering inside, he found the girls soundly asleep. Thank God. He wanted no more conversations for the night, only his soft bed. He departed the room and walked farther down the hall to the next room on the left. The boys were all asleep, except Michael.

“Are you all right, Michael?” he whispered.

“Go away, Will.”

Will smiled. When Michael told him to go away, it meant come talk. Will sat on the edge of the bed and glanced about the room. “Nice to have a bed again?”

“I suppose.”

Will reached out and rubbed his stepbrother’s head. “We won’t be here for long.”

“James said that once you see all the money you have here, you won’t wish to leave.”

“Your brother is a fool.”

“I know that.”

“What I want is in America,”

Will said, thinking of Abigail’s sweet, innocent face. “Selling off everything will enable me to have what I want, and give you all a better life. So chin up, boy. I just need a couple of months.”

“James said you could have all that here, and more. Being a duke is a really important thing.”

“I thought we already established that James is a fool.”