Desperate Measures (Regency Undone) (9 page)

‘
Well, goodbye to you all,’ the Dowager said, embracing them one by one as they stood in the entrance hall waiting for the coaches to be brought.  ‘I must thank you Claudia for suggesting what has turned out to be a very enjoyable birthday celebration and I apologise if I appeared less than enthusiastic when first you mentioned it.  I feared it would be too much for me but it has been wonderful to have all my children and grandchildren here under my roof together.  I have very much enjoyed receiving you all.’ 

‘
And we too have enjoyed it, Mama.  Have we not brother?  It has been good to get to know Isabelle a little better too.’

‘
Grandmama says she will buy a tree just like ours, Papa, for when we come at Christmas,’ Charles exclaimed excitedly.  ‘Can we bring our presents to place around it?’

Guy raised an eyebrow but even he could not be unaffected by Charles
’s enthusiasm.  ‘I am quite sure you and Isabelle will give me no choice in the matter,’ he said, suppressing a smile.  ‘I can see this will become a tradition that stays if I am not careful.’

‘
Be gentle with Florence,’ Claudia instructed Lionel, as he picked up the little girl and carried her down the steps.  She is not at all well,’ she said, turning to Isabelle and embracing her.  ‘I do hope she is not infectious.’

‘
We wish her better soon,’ Isabelle said.  ‘And she is in good hands I am sure.  We will look forward to seeing you again in a few weeks, for Christmas.’

Conversation in the coach was minimal on the journey home.  Guy seemed lost in thought and Charles’ incessant chatter was more than enough to keep Isabelle occupied.  Guy had made no demur this time when Charles had automatically climbed into their coach with them and Isabelle was glad of it.  It seemed to her that he maintained a distance between himself and his son and it saddened her.  Charles was so keen for his father’s approval and Isabelle felt it almost as much as the little boy did when Guy was dismissive of him.

She studied him covertly as they neared the end of their journey.  Was he thinking about what had happened between them last night?  She had barely been able to look him in the face this morning so acute was her own embarrassment.  And that had irritated her.  Why should she feel embarrassed?  What she had done was no more than she had done on numerous occasions to Richard, and yet with Guy it had felt so different.  It had not disgusted her to be so intimate with him; in fact she had almost derived a strange enjoyment from touching him in that way and bringing him to pleasure, which had confounded her. 

She sighed.  She felt she had crossed a barrier; had entered a private part of his life that she did not feel comfortable entering.   And she was not sure where it might take her.

‘
Is everything well, Isabelle?  You sigh as if you have the weight of the world upon your shoulders?’

Her gaze moved to his then quickly away again as she saw the gleam in his eye that suggested he guessed what thoughts occupied her mind.

‘I was just thinking that we are nearly back.  And I am glad of it.  It has been a pleasant stay with your mother but it will be good to be home.’

‘
Is that how you think of Sheldon now?  As home?’

She looked at him in some surprise as she acknowledged the answer to his question. 
‘Yes, Guy,’ she said simply.  ‘I do.’

They had not been back ten minutes before the butler came into the morning room with a missive for Guy. 
‘From the Earl of Avalon, Your Grace.  He appeared a little agitated and asked if you could respond immediately upon your return.’

‘
Thank you, Hems worth.’

Guy took the note from the tray and read it briefly.

‘Is all well with Ralph and Sophia?’ Isabelle asked, noting the frown that settled on his brow.

He folded the letter and placed it in his pocket.

‘All is fine.  If you will excuse me I will go to my study and draft a reply.’

She did not see him for the rest of the day and had to wait until supper that evening before she could raise the matter again.

‘I trust all was well with Ralph’s letter?  You appeared a little agitated when you read it?’

‘
It was nothing.  You have remembered I take it, that I am off to London tomorrow morning for a few days?’

Isabelle tried to rid herself of the feeling that he was avoiding the subject of Ralph as she answered his question. 
‘Yes, I have remembered.  It is to do with a land purchase you said?’

‘
Yes.  These things always take several days to complete and are better handled if one is on the spot to chivvy everyone along.  You would be welcome to join me if you so desire?’

Her response was instantaneous. 
‘Thank you Guy, but I feel I am better served here seeing to the house and Charles.’

‘
As you wish.’

‘
What is the land you are buying?’

He looked surprised at her interest. 
‘It is to do with a project I set up a few years ago in Hatfield for homeless boys and girls.  They are given a place to reside and taught in the ways of either farming the land or a trade, so that when they are sixteen they may find useful employment.  The girls are prepared for service employment.  It has been quite successful and an adjoining piece of land has come up for sale that could house another thirty or so children.  It is a drop in the ocean when you consider the numbers of waifs and strays roaming the streets of London, but it is a start.’

It was the first time Isabelle had heard him speak with real enthusiasm about anything and she found herself enthralled by the light in his eyes as he talked.  It was catching. 

‘I would love to visit that place sometime,’ she said. 

‘
I am not sure it is the sort of place I should take a lady of quality.  It is hardly what you are used to.’

‘
Oh, but seriously, Guy.  I would like to see it.  I hope I am not so poor spirited that I would be shocked at what I see, and I am interested in your work.’

He looked pleased. 
‘Very well.  I am sure it can be arranged.  I will take you myself next week when I am returned from London.’

‘
Thank you.’

As she climbed into her bed that evening, alone once again in her own room, she found it was another adjustment she was having to make about her husband.  His mother was right.  He was a good man.

She tossed and turned in her bed that night, her head full of conflicting thoughts that kept her awake.  She thought about Guy mostly, so different to her first husband.  And so different to how she
’d first imagined him to be.  He did nothing to endear himself to anyone, and his family honour aside he seemed not to care what people thought of him as a person at all.  Yet clearly he had a heart.  And clearly he did care about some things. 

Sleep was slow to come. She did not like to acknowledge that it might be because she missed the warmth of her husband
’s body beside her. 

Isabelle came down to breakfast the following morning just as Guy was preparing to depart for London.

‘I hope to be back Wednesday or Thursday, depending on how long it all takes,’ he said.  ‘I do not enjoy London as I was used to, so rest assured I will return as quickly as possible.’  His mouth curved into a smile, and Isabelle stared at it fascinated.  ‘I am sure you will be counting the days to my return.’

She forced her own countenance to relax a little as she nodded demurely. 
‘Of course, Your Grace.  Charles and I will miss you.’

She looked up startled as she felt his finger lifting her chin. 
‘Have you forgotten my name      already, Isabelle?’ he murmured.  ‘That is something of a slap in the face after we have been so intimate.  Maybe I should give you something to further remember me by.’ 

And before she could even take a breath his lips were on hers, warm and disturbing as he took his taste of her.

All she was aware of was heat.  From the top of her head to the tips of her toes it seared through her, making her body burn in the strangest of fashions.  But then just as her sanity was beginning to kick in and she would have drawn away from him, he did it for her; pulling back to look down at her with an unfathomable look in his eye. 

‘
Goodbye, Isabelle.’ 

And he was gone - leaving her with the firm imprint of that mouth on hers, resisting a bizarre inclination to run after him and tell him she
’d changed her mind and would rather like to go to London with him after all. 

***

She was seated in her favourite window in the library reading her book when the sound of horses and wheels outside in the courtyard made her look up.  Looking out of the window she was surprised to see Sophia hastily disembarking from the coach and heading towards the steps of the large house.

‘
Sophia!’ she exclaimed, rushing into the hall to greet her.  ‘What a pleasant surprise.  What-?’

‘
I must speak to you in private, Isi.  I am so distressed I do not know what to do.’

‘
But of course.  Come through here into the library.  Hemsworth, more tea and another cup if you would be so kind?’

‘
Of course, Madam.’

Isabelle ushered her friend into the room and offered her a chair.  But Sophia shook her head, pacing agitatedly up and down the room.  She looked elegant as always, her beautiful
blond hair swept into a chic hairstyle that Isabelle was sure must have taken an age to acquire.

‘
I hardly know what to say, Isi.  How to tell you.  Even if
I
should
tell you.  I can scarcely believe it myself.’

‘
Sophia.  Whatever it is, I can’t believe it can be that bad?’ 

‘
Oh, but it is, it is.  I think Ralph is having an affair.’

‘
No
.’ Isabell
e
was stunned.  ‘Of course he is not.  He
would
not.  He loves you too much.’

She found that her friend
’s words had shaken her, crushed her newly budding confidence that maybe some marriages could be happy.  Ralph and Sophia’s marriage was the one true union she had ever witnessed that gave her hope.

‘
Oh Isi.’  Tears streamed down Sophia’s face as she rummaged in her reticule and withdrew a letter.  ‘I could not believe it either, but he has been acting so strangely this last couple of days and today I found this amongst his papers on his desk.  I should not have looked, I know.  But I
knew
something was wrong.’

She handed the note to Isabelle who scanned its contents quickly.  It did not take long.  The note was short and to the point.

My Lord, I need to speak with you urgently.  It is a matter of great import and secrecy.  Please meet me on Friday morning at eleven o’clock at the Farmer’s Inn.  I remain your loving servant, Serena.

Isabelle looked at Sophia blankly. 
‘I don’t understand.  Who is Serena?’

‘
She was Ralph’s mistress prior to our marriage.  He told me he had ended their relationship well before our wedding.  But look how she signs it, his
loving
servant.’

Her face tightened into a fierce scowl. 
‘I will show her who is his loving servant.  How dare she?’  Her face crumpled again.  ‘But Isi, she talks of a matter of great import and secrecy.  What if she is with child?  What if it is Ralph’s child?  How could I ever bear such a thing - especially when I have just discovered that I too am expecting again?  Oh, how could he do this to me?’

‘
Now Sophia do not get carried away.  That is wonderful news about your baby, and I’m sure you have it all wrong about Ralph.’

She moved swiftly over to comfort her friend, offering her a handkerchief and making her sit down in a chair as the butler arrived with their tea.  It seemed that everyone but her was
being blessed with children, she thought bleakly.  And for the first time in her life the realisation hurt.

‘
Here,’ she said softly, when the butler had departed the room.  ‘Drink this.  I have put plenty of sugar in it to perk you up.  And then we will think on what to do.’

Isabelle took a gulp from her tea, then looked at her friend. 
‘I already know what I am going to do,’ she said, the light of battle in her ey
e
.
 
‘I have thought about confronting Ralph with what I know but of course he will deny it.  And if it was innocent would he not have told me about it?  We discuss everything together.  No.  The only thing is for me to be there too and confront them both.  It is not something I wish to do, but …’ she broke off, the tears welling up again.  ‘I feel I have no other choice.  I would ask you to come with me but I know Ralph will be cross enough that I am there without me turning up with an army of accusers.’

‘
Oh Sophia.  I cannot think that is a good idea.  Ralph will not be at all pleased that you are following him around the countryside,
mistrusting
him.’

‘
Well in that case he should not give me
cause
to mistrust him.  It is the only way, Isi.  I need to know the truth.’

No amount of persuasion would change her mind, and it was with a heavy heart that Isabelle waved her off an hour later, having had a promise extracted from her that she would not mention it to Guy or indeed, anyone.  She could not believe for one minute that any good could come of her friend
’s actions.

It was a matter that occupied her thoughts almost to the exclusion of all else over the next few days when it seemed she had nothing else to claim her attention, and she was grateful that today was Thursday and they had received word from Guy that he would be returning in time for supper.  She found herself contemplating his return with mixed feelings.  It wasn’t that she had missed him of course, it was just that sometimes she had missed having someone to converse with, which had meant that her days and nights had seemed inordinately long.  Now she found herself bustling around making sure everything would be to his liking on his return.  She had requested his favourite dinner of roast partridge and as a special treat she had told Charles that he could dine with them.  Not only had she thought that would be a nice idea, she also felt it would alleviate any awkwardness she might experience getting used to her husband’s company again. 

‘So what have you been doing in my absence, Charles?’ Guy enquired of his son that evening over dinner.

Somewhat to Isabelle’s surprise he had accepted her suggestion that they eat a little earlier so that Charles could join them and it pleased her to see that he appeared to be making an effort with his young son.

‘Mama and I have been wrapping your Christmas gift,’ the little boy said enthusiastically.  ‘Only I’m not to tell you what it is ‘cos it’s a surprise.  And I have a gift too, but I spect it won’t be a cravat like your ‘cos little boys don’t wear cravats.’

Isabelle only just managed to stop herself from bursting out laughing and for a moment her eyes met Guy’s in shared mirth as Charles carried on chatting, totally unaware of the gaffe he had just made.

‘Have you got Mama a present, Papa?’

‘I might have,’ Guy said. 

‘Well you can tell me what it is if you like but we mustn’t tell Mama, must we?’

‘Absolutely not,’ Guy said gravely.  ‘So it’s probably better if I tell you tomorrow when she’s not here.’

The little boy clapped his hands together.  ‘I’m excited.  How many more sleeps is it until Christmas comes?’

Isabelle smiled.  ’A good many yet,’ she said.  ‘And now I think it is probably time for us to call Nanny down to get you ready for your bed.’

‘Ohh …’ Charles’ face fell in disappointment, but before he could get really upset, Guy surprised her by pushing back his chair and saying. 

‘Come Charles, I will carry you up to the nursery on my back, if you promise me that you will be especially good and quick for Nanny tonight?  It is much later than your usual bed time.’

‘Oh yes, yes,’ the little boy squealed, jumping instantly up from his chair.  ‘Will you come too Mama and read me some more of my book?’

By the time Charles was ready for bed, his story read, it was approaching half past eight.  Guy had unnerved Isabelle by sitting quietly in the room as she read the next chapter of Charles’ story and now as they rose to leave he said abruptly. 

‘You do well with the child Isabelle and for that I thank you.’ 

Isabelle shrugged but she was secretly glad of his approval.  ’It is not difficult.  He is so easy to please.  But it is you he worships of course.  His one desire is to grow as big and strong as his Papa.’

‘Yes, well … let us hope he does.’

His manner had cooled and she did not understand it.  They were walking past her room now and she sensed him hesitate before he said whimsically 

‘I apologise Isabelle, but it seems my urges are again beginning to get the better of me.  Would it be too much of an imposition?’

She looked at him taken aback.  ’Er, it is quite early still, Your Gr … Guy.’

‘It need not take long,’ he murmured. 

His eyes had locked on hers in such a way that she found it difficult breaking free from that gaze.    His look held her spellbound.  Nodding her head she preceded him into her room.