“I am sure they will be only too delighted to receive any invitation your Grace may wish to extend to them,” Mr. Ashton said.
“That may be,” the Duke replied. “However, I have a lot to do, as you well know, Ashton, not only at the Castle, but also on the Estate, which has been sadly neglected.”
“I was afraid that is what your Grace would find,” Mr. Ashton said apologetically, “but I know the staff have been doing their best.”
The Duke nodded. He was aware of this too.
He left the Study and went into the hall.
From one footman he took his top-hat, from another his gloves.
Outside his Travelling Phaeton, drawn by four horses, was waiting.
He had purchased the team the day after he had come to London on his accession to the title.
He had known that if he had to travel regularly betwee
