Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 97740 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97740 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
‘As I see it,’ the Duke says, speaking up, ‘you aren’t getting very far without some assistance.’
He is, of course, right. ‘Will you help me?’ I ask.
‘It would be my pleasure.’
‘Wait a minute.’ Frank raises an uncoordinated pointed finger and aims it at the Duke’s face. ‘You’re Johnny Winters.’
‘It’s Your Grace,’ I point out to my intoxicated brother.
Frank snorts and I cringe. ‘I do not addr… ess murderers with re… re… spect.’
‘Perhaps you should,’ the Duke retorts, his lips straight as he takes a threatening step towards my brother. ‘Or this murderer might murder you too.’
‘Enough!’ I cry, putting myself between them before fists start flying and, worse, duels are arranged at dawn. ‘No one is murdering anyone.’
‘Don’t count on it, Eliza,’ the Duke hisses, looking rather deadly.
‘Wait.’ Frank aims his pointed finger to the heavens as if enlightenment has just this minute made it past the fog of alcohol. I shrink. ‘You know each other?’
‘No,’ I say on a laugh.
‘Yes, actually,’ the Duke fires smugly.
I shoot him a threatening look that I fear will not threaten him in the least. Thankfully, he backs down, though I can see with worrying clarity that he does it with the greatest of reluctance. ‘I saw Miss Melrose on the street. I recognised her from Belmore Square and, as any gentleman would, asked if she was all right.’
Good. That’s good.
‘Oh,’ Frank frowns and starts rubbing at his head. ‘I suppose I should call it a night.’
‘I think that is by far the best idea you have had for a while,’ I chirp, thrilled by Frank’s announcement. ‘I have a story for you to write about a disgraced duke causing havoc in the milliner’s.’ I smile at Johnny who rolls his eyes.
I sigh. ‘Let us get you home,’ I say to Frank.
‘Did I ride here?’
‘You could not have ridden here.’
‘That’s funny,’ he slurs, swinging his eyes up and down the street, confused. ‘I’m certain I did.’
‘I think perhaps,’ the Duke says as he steps forward, casting a disapproving expression upon Frank, ‘your brother is getting confused over who has ridden what.’ He raises an eyebrow.
‘You are a disgrace, Your Grace,’ I mutter, not as shocked as I should be. I have, without question, been subjected to considerably more than my innocent eyes and ears should take.
‘Tell me something I don’t know, Eliza.’
‘I think I’m a bit drunk,’ Frank chuckles, staggering towards me.
‘Frank!’ I shriek. I will be squashed against a brick wall!
‘Give me strength.’ The Duke grunts and catches Frank, steadying him, saving me from my imminent fate. ‘He obviously can’t handle his drink.’
‘I fear he’s in mourning,’ I say.
‘Did someone die?’
‘No, they did not.’ I look at my brother with all the pity I feel as the Duke kindly holds his limp body up. ‘As I understand it, I believe Frank may have formed a certain attachment to a certain lady who is now being married off to… how must I put it?’
‘Plainly.’
‘Someone prehistoric.’
‘Oh.’
‘Indeed.’ I shake my head. ‘I do hope this doesn’t mean he will return to inappropriate dalliances again.’
‘Inappropriate?’ the Duke repeats, making me scowl to myself.
‘You may know her.’ I pull my hood up and move to Frank’s other side to help, not that I am much assistance. ‘Lady Dare,’ I mumble, moving in closer to my brother, trying in vain to support his ever-increasingly sagging form.
‘Mama?’ Frank mumbles. ‘Mama, can I have a bedtime story?’
I smile fondly. ‘Awww, he’s dreaming.’
‘He’s legless, Eliza.’ The Duke huffs and puffs, jolting Frank to get a more beneficial hold on him. ‘Keep to the shadows and your face down.’
Unseen. I don’t need to relay the plan to Frank. His chin is resting on his haphazardly fastened cravat, his face pointing to his feet as he mumbles and moans.
By the time we make it to the edge of Belmore Square, I am somewhat breathless, although, I must admit, I have hardly been helpful in the transportation of my drunken brother. In fact, I suspect the Duke considers me more of a hindrance judging by his constant long, loud draws for breath. Patience. He’s searching for patience.
‘You can leave him on the steps,’ I say. ‘I will have Dalton get him to his be––’
A small giggle sounds.
‘What was that?’ the Duke whispers, slowing to a stop, Frank now practically hanging down his front.
‘I do not know.’ I release my useless hold and turn towards the gardens, hearing the sound again. It pulls me towards the entrance.
‘Eliza,’ he hisses behind me. ‘Eliza, come back here immediately.’
I frown as I step into the gardens. ‘Clara?’ I call.
A gasp sounds, and fast-moving footsteps ring out. I see the shadow of a person dash across the cobbles and my little sister, very sheepishly, steps out from behind a large laurel bush. ‘Are you mad?’ I blurt, taking her arm and guiding her towards the house.