The Devil is The Duke

They entered the room just in time as a maid was taking Emeera’s breakfast tray. The invalid looked better than she had been the previous night. She could even sit up with the help of pillows propped against her back. The doctor examined her for some minutes then declared she was going to be fine.

“His grace can go back to town,” he said with a smile. “I know duty calls. Your manager will be fine. She just needs an extra day of uninterrupted rest. I’m sure you can manage for a day or two without your manager,” the doctor added, his eyes fixed on the Duke’s as though they shared an inside joke.

“Thanks so much for your medical advice and the extra concern but I am not in a rush to head back to the busy town life. The country air will do me some good I believe. Maybe I can even get to know a thing or two about my own house, like the workers’ names, perhaps?”

It was Dr. Stevenson’s turn to speak but he was flustered and could not rejoin the banter. He smiled tightly and glanced at Mary who was setting out clothes for Emeera.

The men walked outside to the driveway where the doctor’s car was parked. The full night of rain had made the plants look healthier and greener. The wet patches on the ground added beauty to the garden. As they shook hands, the duke said “Stevenson you are a married man.”

“I think I am aware of that.” Stevenson’s tone seemed braced for a battle of words. But Albert was not one for lecture.

“Alright. That’s all I ask.”

Stevenson wanted to open his car door but paused and turned to the duke. “Do you think I could have done it? Do you think I made a mistake?” His blue eyes searched Albert’s, looking for a helpful response.

“No. You are a titled man. You married from the right family.”

Stevenson scoffed. “Titles. Family names. Is that why you will rather employ her than marry the woman you clearly love?”

“I do not love Emeera.”

“Funny how I didn’t have to tell you who I was referring to. Keep telling yourself whatever helps you sleep at night,” Stevenson said and left in his car.

Back in the room, Mary helped Emeera with her toilet. She was quite friendly in a way that was unusual for other servants. “Mary thank you so much,” Emeera said.

“You should thank his grace. He stayed by your side all night. He nursed you better than anyone could,” she said. Emeera smile. Mary adjusted her dress. “He likes you,” she added in a low voice.

“He does not!”

“Trust me, he does. But you should not take it seriously.” The ladies went back to the bedroom and sat together on the couch. “These noble men, they have feelings too. But they cannot pursue them. From experience, they will always marry their class and leave your heart shattered on the floor.”

Emeera realized Mary was talking about Stevenson. She had seen the looks between the two of them but did not think they actually had something. She wanted to know more. Especially how they broke up but it was not her business. Instead she held Mary’s hand and stiffened her lips in a tight smile.

“Sorry. I know I should not be bothering you with my problems when you have your situation to worry about-”

“Oh no it’s totally fine. I appreciate that you told me this,” Emeera said.

That evening, Emeera and the duke went out into the estate gardens as the man believed the air would hasten her recuperation. A footman placed two seats under an apple tree at the edge of the garden and they both sat there.

“Will you be able to return to town tomorrow?” He asked. Emeera nodded.

“Certainly. I am fully recovered I believe,” she replied.

“Emeera, I have something to ask. Is there anything happening at the townhouse that you think I should be intimated?” He asked, his eyes boring into her. She blinked, trying as much as possible to hold his gaze. It was important he did not see her shaky lips or catch her falter.

“What exactly are you making reference to, your grace?”

“I do not know. That is why I am asking you. I rely on you for all information about my estates, so if there is anything you believe that rightfully, I should be made aware of, this is the time to tell me whatever it is.”

Emeera thought of the butler and the pregnancy scandal she had been hiding for days. She wondered if he already knew about it. If this was just test of her loyalty and transparency. But his blank face revealed no suspicion or covered doubts. He was a frank man. If he knew anything, he would straightaway ask Emeera why she failed to mention the story that could smear the estate’s stainless reputation instead of giving her an opportunity to lie to him. “Nothing your grace. l… I am certain there’s nothing to be concerned about.” She knew if she did not make any sound, he would hear her guilty heart beat like it was about to tear out of her chest and spill the truth to the duke, so she coughed repeatedly till he bent over her to pay her back.

“I believe you,” he said and smiled wryly.

“May I inquire as to why his grace asked this question?” She said in a meek tone that he had not heard from her before. Maybe it was still the cold. He made a mental note to send for Stevenson before they left the village. Albert cleared his throat to answer her question but he was cut short by two servants who was quickly approaching them. Emeera recognized the one behind as a footman from the manor. She wondered what was so important that they could not wait for his return.

The Duke who was wondering the same thing and having several ideas, received the men.

“His grace, something serious has happened in the Manor,” the footman said. The duke beckoned to him and he approached and whispered in his ear. The duke looked at him in bewilderment before extending his hand. The footman, at once produced a letter from his clothes and handed over to the duke. The man got up from his seat and went into the house with no explanations, leaving Emeera to wonder what the hell was in that letter.