Page 52 of The Dare Before Christmas

Barnaby held his breath.

“I have seen you around, Mr Godwin, and I have heard much about you, and never once has anyone spoken ill of you. Furthermore, the way you followed Villen to France when you believed he was in trouble, and the care you took of Miss Smith whilst there, speaks of the kind of man who takes his responsibilities to others seriously and puts their feelings and safety ahead of his own. So, if Victoria will have you, I’ll give you my blessing.”

For a moment Barnaby could do nothing but stare at him, so touched and relieved by everything the duke had said he hardly knew which was up.

Bedwin laughed and got to his feet, moving towards Barnaby, who stood hurriedly as the duke held out his hand to him.

“Don’t look so shocked. I know a decent fellow when I meet one, and I think you’ll do, Mr Godwin. I’ll think you’ll do very nicely. Welcome to the family, presuming you’ve not messed things up with Victoria, at least?”

“I certainly hope I haven’t, and thank you,” Barnaby said, dazed and overwhelmed. “I’m honoured that you should say so, and you may depend on me, sir. I shan’t let you down, and I’ll do everything in my power to make Victoria happy. I swear I shall.”

“I believe you, Barnaby, and I think, under the circumstances, you may call me Robert. Now then, let us have another drink to settle our nerves and you can tell me more about this business of yours. As it happens, I’m in the market for a pair of carriage horses….”

Chapter 15

My Lord Marquess,

I also address this to the estimable Mr Humboldt, for whom I have the most profound and sincere admiration for putting up with his employer's unreasonable and outrageous demands.

Wrexham, what the devil were you thinking writing such a letter to me? I know you have been out of society for some time, but the rules have not changed in your absence. You do not write to unmarried ladies. I feel certain the much put-upon Mr Humboldt pointed this out to you, and you wilfully ignored him. Not that I am surprised. From what I have discovered of your character to date, I only wonder that he has not gone away and found a more restful employer to work for. The Zoological Society of London springs to mind.

And do not go supposing this in any way resembles a billet doux, you dreadful man. Your charms, indeed. I do not wonder that poor Humboldt blushes, no doubt with embarrassment for your hubris.

As for any aid rendered, it was my sincere pleasure to do so. Though I am certain anyone would have acted likewise, I was glad to render my service to you and would do so again, should you require it.

Much as it pains me to admit it, you are handsome, Wrexham, but never fear, your dubious charms are tempered by your over-inflated ego and appalling sense of humour. Still, I am sorry to hear you are poorly, and wish you a speedy recovery.

I cannot imagine what we have to discuss, but I look forward to you enlightening me.

Yrs etc,

―Excerpt of a letter to The Most Hon’ble Leander Steyning, The Marquess of Wrexham from Miss Emmeline Knight (daughter of Lady Helena and Mr Gabriel Knight).

19th December 1844, Heart’s Folly, East Sussex.

“Oh, do come on!” Cat exclaimed, shaking her head. “You’ve been rooting about in there for ages.”

Torie scowled at her. “I must find the exact right one,” she said with a huff, before snatching up a small slip of paper and pulling it from the hat. She held the dare aloft and squeezed her eyes shut. “Oh, I can’t look!”

“Come on! Read it,” Aggie urged her, as Cat leaned across the bed and plucked it from Torie’s hand.

“I’ll read it, then,” Cat said, carefully unfolding the paper.

“What does it say? What does it say?” Torie demanded, covering her stomach with her hand as butterflies erupted.

Cat shook her head. “I can’t quite make it out. It’s an old one and very blurry.”

They all watched as Cat squinted, turning the paper this way and that and poking out her tongue as she concentrated on making out the words.

“Find your heart’s… demise? Oh, surely not! Oh, desire! Find your heart’s desire and… I can’t read the rest.”

“Give it here,” Torie said, snatching the paper back, her heart thudding. Surely it couldn’t say heart’s desire when she had been searching for the treasure of Heart’s Folly? But it did! The rest of the dare was impossible to make out, but it had to be an omen. “I must go!” she squealed, leaping from the bed so fast she upset the hat and all the dares spilled out.

“Torie!” Cat exclaimed. “Wherever are you going?”

“To do her dare, obviously,” Emmeline said, laughing.

“Now? But how? Where? I don’t understand what’s happening,” Cat complained.