Page 73 of The Not So Perfect Duke

And there will be no getting away from his duke duties either. Damon willed away his headache, for he had no longer time or patience for such indulgences. August Donaldson was not the only one embarking on a new life.

“I am. I want to finalize the staffing as well. We will meet here in the study at seven sharp. Withdraw one hundred and seventy-five pounds, instead.” He could afford a little extra for Donaldson.

“Yes, Your Grace.” Kingsley bowed and departed.

Damon raised his glass to no one in particular. “To a fresh start.”

Chapter 21

Five days had passed since Althea last saw or heard from Damon. Thankfully, she had plenty to keep her occupied, enough to distract her from missing him terribly. It also kept her from reflecting on her complicated health question. During this time, Althea also concluded that many others have had worse health news than she and deal with various maladies in everyday life. So, if Althea has to use a cane for whatever reason for however long it takes—so be it. No more lamenting her fate.

Althea sat at the dining room table with the various ledgers in front of her. By cross-referencing the transactions, she formulated a pattern of the dealings and crafted a report of her findings. The scheme not only brought in vast amounts of money for the late duke but also showed numerous smaller payments made to numbered accounts.

She only left the house once, two days past, when Corbett showed up unannounced to say Doctor Stevenson had an opening, and if she came right away, the biopsy would be done. She had no time to contact anyone to accompany her. Perhaps it was for the best. Althea asked Corbett to keep it to himself for the time being, for there was no need to alarm anyone. The results would take a week or less.

She reached down and gently touched the plaster on her leg. Corbett told her there would be a general soreness and tenderness that would dissipate after two days. Would Damon and her family be annoyed when they discovered she traveled to the appointment without letting them know? No doubt. But this was something she had to do for herself. To face her crisis head-on with her chin held high.

Mrs. Bartle entered the room. “A telegram for you.”

Althea hadn’t heard the bell; she had been so deep in thought. She took it from the housekeeper; the note was from Edwina Callen.

“Miss Callen has located Adina Desmond’s mother and asks if she can bring her to London.”

Over tea yesterday, she explained the case in general terms to Mrs. Bartle. Along with bringing the housekeeper up to date on Althea’s ongoing health issues. Mrs. Bartle had been with her family for years, and Althea adored her.

“That is good news. Do you want the lady to stay here?” Mrs. Bartle asked.

“It depends on when they arrive. You had better prepare Eleanora’s old room in case. Miss Callen says she has enough money for two train tickets. I must send a response.”

“As luck would have it, Archie is downstairs having a bite of lunch, and I’ll be leaving once he’s finished. There is a meat pie in the icebox for your supper.”

Althea smiled at the housekeeper. “Thank you. And how often does Archie drop in to see you?”

“Bah, he likes my cooking, that is all. He’s a good lad and growing like a weed. He’ll be off to school soon, and I won’t see him as much. If I can give him a little mothering now and then, all the better. For both of us.” Mrs. Bartle dabbed at the corner of her eye with the hem of her apron. “Drat it. I never expected to get so attached to the boy.”

“I am glad for you both. With all the lonely and orphaned children out there, we all should do what we can.”

“It will never be enough, will it?” Mrs. Bartle sniffled.

“No,” Althea replied sadly. “We can’t save them all.”

“That randy duke of yours has turned out to be a bit of a dark horse. Who knew he had a compassionate heart under that perfect exterior?” Mrs. Bartle said, her mood brightening. “I’ll send Archie up as soon as he’s finished eating.”

Dark horse, indeed.

Archie arrived ten minutes later. “Miss Althea. Mrs. Bartle says you want a telegram sent?”

“Have a seat for a minute, Archie.” The lad took the seat opposite. “Are you happy here, working for us?”

“Yes, miss. You’ve all been good to me. Allenby is working to secure any money I’m owed from my father’s will, and I’m off to school in September.”

“Are you looking forward to that?”

Archie nodded. “I am, hard to believe. I want a good life.”

“Have you thought about what you want to do when your schooling is complete? I ask because Miss Eleanora will not be able to continue to work on full caseloads, not with a husband and possibly children in her future. I also may have impediments on my full attention.”

Archie gave her a crooked grin. “You mean Chellenham? He’s an impediment, all right.”