A Preacher's daughter for the smitten Duke (Regency Romance) (Regency Tales Book 6) by Regina Darcy Page B

away from the Church of Rome?” Her r’s were most pronounced when she was agitated, as was clearly the case.
    The men let the subject drop. An agitated Mrs Tobias was the last thing they wanted. They preferred a quiet and peaceful existence, and she could make their lives very miserable. Mr Hayward’s position as steward did not protect him from her wrath. As she had been with the family since before the duke’s birth, her position was set in stone. His was a much more recent tenure, and though he was a powerful servant, he trod carefully around her. However, as soon as dinner was over, the steward made his way up to the duke’s study, where the young Lord was ensconced with a glass of the best malt whiskey. After his discreet knock was answered with an invitation to enter, Mr Hayward approached the duke where he sat at his desk.
    “Good evening, Your Grace,” he began. “Please forgive this interruption, but something has occurred of which I felt it my duty to apprise you.”
    His Grace, the Duke of Ashton looked up as his steward approached. He smiled good-naturedly and asked, “What has happened, Mr Hayward?”
    “I was taking stock of the condition of your lands, Your Grace, and came upon the tent of a wandering preacher just on the edge to the southwest, close by Worthing Road on the way to the village. It is a clear breach of trespassing laws, Your Grace, and I would be more than happy to send the man on his way.”
    “Has he stolen from us, or done anything illegal of that nature?” His Lordship asked, standing up and crossing to the window to look into the night.
    “Indeed I could not say, Your Grace,” the steward replied, “but surely removing him from the premises would inhibit any such activities on his part?”
    “Indeed it would, Mr Hayward,” the young duke replied, turning back to face him, “which is why I will ride out myself to see what is afoot, and act upon any discoveries that I make. But thank you for bringing it to my attention. You continue to prove yourself a loyal and trustworthy servant.”
    He smiled, dismissing the servant, who left the study in ill humour, though he was careful that none of it showed in his aspect. Mr Hayward thought it beneath the duke to ride out to beat trespassers off his land. Besides, that was his job, one in which he often found uncommon delight. Still, he had been given a most excellent compliment, and he would continue to show himself worthy of the trust that the duke placed in him. In the meantime, he must meet with the butler and housekeeper to discuss plans for the upcoming house party.
     

TWO
     
    Two days later, at noon, Percy sat astride his horse walking the southwest perimeter of his land. He had taken, his stallion Hunter, for a run through the lands to the west, and this gentle amble was the steed’s chance to rest. He would dismount soon and let the animal wander freely, while he tried to find out more about his newest tenants. At twenty-seven, and only a year into his tenure as Duke of Ashton, Percy had been slow to adopt the ways of his other highborn neighbours, or the London set who often visited.
    He never expected to inherit the duchy, having been born a second son. This is why he had taken a commission as an officer in the army. The war that was raging across Europe against Napoleon had taken its toll on him though. It was with both relief and profound regret that he returned home upon the death of his brother, who had left no heir. Now he was alone and responsible for an enormous estate and its people.
    He was a simple man, with simple tastes who, while he could more than hold his own in polite circles, had very little interest in maintaining a facade of respectability that did not match his beliefs. He enjoyed a mug of ale as much as the farmer at the inn, and he took every man at his word unless he had reason to believe otherwise. And while he was no fool, he was no snob either, like many of his friends and relations.
    What this