Fenella J Miller - [Duke 02] (13 page)

“I have every confidence in you; both my mother and I will be delighted if you can persuade him to give up his life of debauchery in favour of soldiering.” He shrugged and for a moment looked vulnerable. “I should not have interfered. I should have let you go to his estate. I’m certain he would have remained with you and your influence would have restored him before six months was over.”

Impulsively she stepped up and clasped his gloved hand in hers. “You must not blame yourself; when Rupert was sober he would have admitted he had tricked me into marrying him. There’s no malice in his nature, he has been led astray by the bad influence of those he mixes with. I give you my word I shall do my best to persuade him to consider the army as a career.”

His fingers closed around her hand. “I can ask for nothing more. My mother and I shall be indebted to you if you’re successful.”

Her heart fluttered. He was going to kiss her again? Instead he released her and turned away. “We must get on or the horses will become chilled. It is inclement for the time of year.”

*

Ralph marched down the stairs. Stepping aside was the most difficult thing he’d done in his life. Every instinct made him want to take her in his arms and kiss her breathless but she was not his. He must put his own feelings aside in the interests of his brother’s welfare. If Rupert could not be cajoled into joining up then the marriage must stand until Anna had weaned him from his unpleasant cronies. The thought that during this period she might fall in love with his brother was tearing him apart.

The ride back was uneventful but Anna was aware Ralph had withdrawn from her; he was once again the haughty aristocrat. He was as aware as she there could be nothing between them but she had begun to believe he viewed her differently. Was this because he had warmed to her wit and lively personality or because she no longer looked a fright?

She frowned at the back of his head. He was riding slightly ahead of her. The long stride of his stallion made it difficult for her mare keep up unless she jogged. She reviewed the events of the past few days. She suspected his interest in her had not commenced until
after
she appeared in a beautiful gown and restored to her normal appearance. What went on inside a person was more important in her opinion. However beautiful they were or what garments they were decked out in should make no difference to how they were perceived.

Being cross with him was a more familiar sensation than those she had been experiencing since last night. Far safer to dislike him and push her growing feelings firmly to one side. She kicked Silver into a canter and arrived at his side in a rush. “My lord, I forgot to mention I shall not be dining with you in future.”

His eyes flashed and his mouth curved down. “Is there something you dislike about the food or is it the company you wish to avoid?” His question was bland—his expression watchful. He reined in and swung in his saddle in order to face her.

“The food is excellent the company also.” She saw puzzlement in his eyes and smiled at his confusion. “No, I spoke to your mother about the problem but she insisted things can’t be changed.”

“Devil take it! You’re talking in riddles. What is it you wish me to alter so that you will join us for dinner?”

“I refuse to sit on my own with several yards of empty table on either side of me unable to converse. I suggested we eat in a smaller room or perhaps laid all four places at one end of the table, but it seems Foster would be put out if we did so.”

“Foster will have to get used to it. I can’t think why I’ve allowed things to continue in this ridiculous fashion. You’re quite right to point it out to me. I promise in future we shall dine somewhere more comfortable.” He smiled at her and her heart did strange things. “Do I have your promise you will join us tonight and every other night?”

“You do. After all if I’m not around to talk to Rupert I shall have no opportunity to persuade him to purchase his colours.”

“Exactly so; I had been about to say the very same thing myself.”

They clattered into the stable yard and further conversation was impossible. She waited for him to lift her down from the saddle but he strode off in the direction of the house leaving this task to a groom. No doubt he was going to speak sternly to the butler; insist in future the family used a smaller chamber and ensure the footman was not dismissed.

That night she took extra time to prepare herself. Further evening gowns, promenade dresses, spencers and pelisses had arrived that afternoon. It had been difficult to select a favourite as they were all delightful and she’d never possessed more than two evening gowns.

“The gold silk with the spangled overdress is right for you, miss. Autumn shades suit you best if you don’t mind my saying so.”

Anna examined her reflection in the long glass and was pleased with what she saw. “The matching ribbon threaded through my hair completes the ensemble perfectly. As the gown has short sleeves I shall take the wrap. It’s fortunate I can now wear the gloves and evening slippers. I felt decidedly uncomfortable without either last night.”

“I can’t credit how quickly your hair has returned to its natural golden brown, miss, real pretty it looks in the candlelight.”

“I must go. The duchess and I are going down together again. I shall need my habit tomorrow; will it be ready to wear?”

“I’ll get on to it right away. I’ll leave it out for you, shall I? I reckon you’ll be up with the lark and gone before I can bring in your chocolate and rolls.”

Sarah was waiting and looked quite lovely in a deep blue evening gown, the neck, cuffs and hem decorated with darker blue bugle beads. A magnificent sapphire necklace and matching ear-bobs completed her outfit.

“My dear, I do believe tonight’s gown is even more becoming than the other one. I see you have your slippers and gloves on. I think that’s why you were so tense last night—nothing at all to do with the seating at the table.”

Anna thought it better not to mention there was to be a new arrangement tonight, Sarah might misconstrue the fact Ralph had changed a centuries old tradition at her request.

*

Ralph watched Rupert meander around the grand salon unable to settle and was delighted to see his brother not cradling his customary glass of alcohol. “Mama and Anna won’t be long, they are both excellent timekeepers.”

“I say, have matters improved between you then? I never expected to hear you use her given name so soon, normally you’re a stickler for etiquette.”

“I’ve decided to give your marriage a chance. Although contracted in a most dubious way I think Anna will be a good influence on you. This is exactly what you need at the moment.”

His brother’s face lit with a smile of such intense happiness Ralph knew he’d done the right thing. All he had to do was convince Anna to let the union stand, at least until his brother could be convinced to join the cavalry or had given up his dangerous friends and other bad habits. He prayed she would not wish to continue the arrangement after the agreed six months.

“You’re a capital fellow, the best brother anyone could have. She don’t love me, you know, but I’ll do me best to convince her she’d be better off with
me
then on her own.”

“Ah, here they come …” Ralph’s words trailed away as the woman he’d fallen irrevocably in love with descended the stairs in a delightful confection of gold silk and sparkly material. Rupert brushed past him and rushed over to greet her.

“Anna, you look pretty tonight. Dashed fine colour that gown is. Do you notice I’m not drinking? I’ve given it up.”

Mama drifted towards him. There was some consolation in having her restored to full health. He must concentrate on that and not dwell on what might have been. “Mama, you look enchanting as always. You will be surprised to see I have arranged for us to dine in the blue room. I want to be able to talk to you and Anna whilst we eat.” He kept his tone light hoping his unhappiness wouldn’t be apparent.

She slipped her arm into his and drew him away. “I see how it is, dearest, I guessed you were smitten when you brought Anna here. Don’t look so sad, things have a way of working out for the best. She will soon be free of the entanglement with Rupert and then you can … “

“But I can’t, Mama, I’ve decided to let things remain as they are. If Rupert won’t become an officer in the cavalry then the only way to save his life from ruination is to let Anna do it. He loves her and would do anything for her.”

Their conversation was interrupted by Foster who appeared looking decidedly put out. “Dinner is served. “ He sighed heavily. “Tonight you are to dine in the blue room.”

*

Anna took Rupert’s proffered arm. She had enjoyed their conversation as he was a dear boy when not in his cups. The meal was superb but she scarcely noticed what she ate as she was too engrossed in the lively debate between herself and Ralph about the iniquitous Corn Laws which were causing so much distress to country folk. Rupert had but one glass of claret and remained attentive and loving although he rarely joined in the conversation.

After dinner she was once more alone with him and he returned to the subject she had tried to avoid. “Anna, we don’t have to wait for the lawyers. Ralph has given us his blessing, why don’t we go to my estate as we’d planned? I’m sure we can make this marriage work..” He smiled and the intensity of his gaze made her feel uncomfortable. “I’m hoping I can persuade you to make the marriage genuine.”

Flustered, she scrambled to her feet. “Oh, the tea tray is here. I expect your mother would like me to make it.”

Sarah greeted her affectionately. “At last, I thought you too young things were going to spend the rest of the evening closeted together.”

Anna glanced across at Ralph but he would not meet her gaze. “Shall I prepare the tea?”

Rupert joined them and flopped down on the nearest chair relaxed and happy. His brother was quite the opposite. “Nothing for me, Anna. What about you, Ralph?”

Abruptly he stood up. “I've just recalled I have an urgent letter to write, it must be taken to catch the mail coach first thing tomorrow.” He bowed politely bent down to kiss his mother’s cheek and strode off.

The evening finished soon after his departure, Rupert escorted her and Sarah to their chambers. “I shall be joining you first thing tomorrow, Anna, when you take your morning ride.” He grinned ruefully. “A bit of a shock to the old system, I’ve not seen an early morning for many a month.”

“I’m proud of you, Rupert. Promise me you’ll consider my suggestion. I think you would make an excellent cavalry officer. Think how smart you would look in red.”

“I don’t want to leave you. I’d much prefer to be your husband. Goodnight.” He swayed towards her intending to kiss her cheek, she quickly stepped away and bid him goodnight from the safety of her parlour.

She couldn’t help wishing Ralph would be riding with her tomorrow and not his younger brother. Although this marriage of convenience had seemed the perfect opportunity to escape from Sir John now she was safe at Shalford she had no wish to continue the charade. As she settled down to sleep something occurred to her. She sat bolt upright.

Good heavens! Ralph had been so withdrawn tonight because he didn’t want her to go away with Rupert. There could only be one reason he had given his approval. He was putting his brother’s happiness ahead of his own. He did have feelings for her as she did for him. Her eyes brimmed—everything was such a muddle and she could see no way forward which could satisfy everyone.

If she had her heart’s desire then Rupert’s heart would be broken. She was his wife. Whatever the reason she had spoken her words in the sight of God. Now the circumstances were changed she believed she ought to honour her vows however difficult this was going to be.

The next morning she was heavy eyed and dressed reluctantly. She made her way directly to the stable yard. She had discovered the journey was quicker down the nursery stairs and into the main part of the building. This also meant she was unlikely to meet Ralph; he was so observant he was bound to detect her unhappiness.

Silver Star was more settled this morning; the exercise yesterday had done her good. Rupert rode a splendid chestnut gelding, his seat was excellent. In fact she was forced to admit if she hadn’t met Ralph she would be very happy indeed to be married to his brother.

After an hour and a half of cantering and jumping ditches and hedges Rupert decided they should return. “The lawyer’s coming this morning. Have you decided what you wish to do? I will go along with your choice whatever it is.”

“Yes, I have. I shall let the marriage stand but only if we leave for your estate tomorrow morning.”

Maybe she could bear the separation if she was away from Shalford. She must make sure he understood she had no intention of making it a genuine arrangement. “Rupert, I must be sure you realize I have not changed my mind about it being a marriage in name only. I shall insist on it being dissolved in a year as we agreed.”

“I might not be too sharp in the brain-box but I’m a man of my word. I’ll just pray you will change your mind.” He smiled. He was the most attractive young man when he was sober. “However I’m hoping one day you will come to see me as a suitable partner and return my love in full.”

*

Ralph watched the woman he loved ride away with his brother. He would take his own morning exercise later after he’d spoken to Johnson who was due to arrive at any moment. The lawyer’s letter had said he was travelling by post; a hideous expense but a necessary one. Such extravagance was a waste of money now the marriage was to stand until the year was over. Having Anna under his roof and not being able to declare his love would become an impossible task the longer she stayed here.