Regency Mischief (29 page)

‘That is harsh, is it not? His wife is starving…’

‘He has only himself to blame. Besides, his wife never sees any of the game; he sells what he steals to the inn
in the village and gets a few drinks in return, I’ve no doubt. He will be lucky if he does not hang.’

‘Oh…I am sorry,’ Lottie clasped her hands in front of her. ‘And I do not condone stealing. I was just moved to pity for his wife.’

‘You do not condone stealing?’ He spluttered incredulously. His eyes narrowed dangerously. ‘Then pray tell me whether you think taking gold coins from a man’s pocket when he is in a drunken stupor is theft? Not to mention going to a bedroom alone with a man in that state.’

‘What..?’ Lottie felt the blood drain from her face. She was stunned, her mind reeling as she tried to take in what he was saying. ‘She… I would never… Where did this happen?’

‘You know full well where we were, at that gaming house in Paris. You were going through my friend’s pockets as he lay senseless.’ Nicolas stared at her intently. She looked so shocked and distressed that it suddenly dawned on him that it could not have been her. What an idiot he was! He should have seen it instantly. ‘Who the devil are you? You’re not her, are you? I thought from the start that something was different. You’ve been lying, trying to make a fool of me…’

‘No, it wasn’t to make a fool of you,’ Lottie hastened to reassure him. ‘I meant to tell you yesterday…to ask if you would let Papa repay the debt over a period of years. Clarice is my twin. She refused to marry you and—’

‘You thought you would take her place. How noble of you—or was it just a clever move to trick me into marriage, because you had a fancy to be the next marchioness yourself?’

‘No, of course not.’ Lottie’s cheeks were burning. ‘If you heard me say that to Papa, it was just in fun…to set his mind at rest. I was going to tell you the truth. I realised last night that I could not deceive the countess. She was so kind and—’

‘You would have deceived me happily enough, I suppose?’

‘At first I thought you deserved it. You have been exceedingly rude to Papa, to Clarice—and to me.’ Lottie raised her head, too angry now to care about what he thought.

‘Do you think you have deserved my concern?’

‘Mere politeness was all that was required. Well, you may set your mind at rest. I do not wish to marry you. Papa will just have to find the money to pay you what he owes. I dare say I shall find somewhere for Aunt Beth and I to live.’

‘So you will renege on the bargain you made?’

‘I made no bargain. And nor for that matter did Clarice. You made that deal with our father. Foolish Papa thought he could persuade Clarice to go along with your plans with the promise of wealth, but she dislikes you and—’ She broke off feeling embarrassed. ‘No, that is rude. I shall not be rude to you no matter what you have said to me.’

‘Your manners do you credit, Miss Charlotte,’ he sneered. ‘If only I could believe in that innocent outrage.’

‘Believe what you wish. Thank you for your hospitality, sir, but I am leaving.’

‘No, you are not.’ Nicolas grabbed her wrist as she would have passed him. ‘You will not make a fool of
me in front of my neighbours and my godmother. Your father signed the contract. He owes me fifteen thousand pounds. If you refuse to marry me, I shall press for payment—and I shall tell the world that your sister is a thief.’

‘You would not…’ Lottie stared at him in horror. ‘How could you threaten to destroy my family? You are as cold and heartless as Clarice said you were. I do not know what happened in Paris, but she must have had good reason for what she did.’

‘Perhaps I am heartless,’ Nicolas said, his expression set in harsh lines. ‘However, when I make a bargain I stick to it—and you will oblige me by keeping your part.’

‘You are a devil! To think I felt guilty—almost liked you…’

‘Perhaps you may come to find my presence bearable,’ Nicolas said. ‘I shall endeavour to put my own disgust to one side and we shall muddle through.’

‘Why do you wish to continue? Surely you cannot wish to marry the sister of a woman you have named a thief? You clearly have no respect for Papa or me. Release me from the contract and I will make certain Papa pays you every penny from the estate.’

‘No. Jilt me and you will be ruined, your father and sister with you.’

‘But why?’ Lottie was puzzled.

‘Because I need an heir. One woman is as good as another in the dark. Your father owes me and you chose to deceive me. You will keep your part of the bargain whether you wish it or not.’

Tears were stinging behind her eyes, but Lottie refused to let them fall.

‘Very well, sir. You can compel me to honour my father’s bargain—but you will have no joy of your despicable behaviour.’ She raised her head, looking him in the eyes. ‘I shall be everything your bride ought to be in public. I will give you the heir you desire, but in my heart I shall always hate you.’

‘I never expected you to love me. Why should you? Love is a myth and ever was. I dare say you will be content in your role as my marchioness—and I need an heir or two, perhaps, just to be certain. Do your duty and we shall go along well enough.’

‘Have it your own way, sir. You hold all the cards, it seems, but you may come to regret this…’ She walked past him and this time he let her go.

‘I
was sorry not to spend more time with you last evening,’ Lottie said when Henrietta came down to nuncheon. ‘I felt a little tired, as I told you, but this morning I am much better.’

‘Are you, my dear?’ Henrietta looked at her speculatively. ‘Well, we shall have them put chairs for us beneath the shade of the chestnut trees after nuncheon. We may sit and enjoy the pleasant weather for an hour and talk as much as we like.’

‘You mean the stand of trees to the right of the house?’ Henrietta nodded. ‘I went for a walk in the park early this morning. A poacher had been shot. I fear Lord Rothsay was not best pleased because I had the keeper bring him back to the house to be patched up and gave him food for his family. He says that the man deserves to be in prison.’

‘Ah, I thought there was something,’ Henrietta nodded wisely. ‘Gentlemen do not care for interference in the
management of their estates. We ladies are expected to smile and plead for anything we think needs changing rather than dictate.’

‘Papa’s estate is small, for he has but one farm left, but he leaves what management there is to me—or he did before we came here. He has no interest in the land or the house. I am not sure what he will do once I am married.’

‘I dare say the arrangement suited your papa—but it will not do for Rothsay. As I believe you have discovered, he has a temper and these days his manner seems stern. He can be the sweetest man—but I dare say you know that, Lottie?’

‘Can he?’ Lottie hesitated and then decided to be honest with the woman she had liked from the first. ‘You must know this is not a love match, ma’am. The marquis offered for me because he needs an heir. I agreed because my father’s circumstances demand that I should make a good marriage.’

‘Oh…’ Henrietta sighed. ‘I suppose I should have known what Rothsay would do. I am sorry. I had hoped to see him deep in love.’

‘I fear I am unable to help you, ma’am.’

‘I am not so sure. I am certain he feels something for you. As a child, Nicolas adored his parents. He felt it deeply when his mama died and his father neglected him. I dare say he would not care to show his feelings openly. There was also that young woman—Elizabeth. Rothsay allowed me to believe he did not come up to scratch, but I think she broke his heart. He reacted by taking a string of mistresses and has resisted all the matchmaking mamas for years. I know he wishes to
oblige me by setting up his nursery, but I think he would not have offered for you if there were not something between you.’

Lottie did not wish to disappoint her further, so she kept the fact of her father’s debt and the marquis’s brutal demands to herself.

If Rothsay had been as cold and brutal with Elizabeth, Lottie could not blame her for refusing him. Yet if she had truly broken his heart, it would explain his aversion to the idea of being in love.

No, she did not believe that Rothsay had a heart to break. He was the most arrogant, heartless man she had ever met! His behaviour that morning had been abominable. If her situation was not so desperate, she would have liked to give him a piece of her mind. However, she kept her thoughts to herself and let the countess talk happily about the wedding and the benefits Rothsay would gain from having a wife.

At two o’clock she left her companion and went up to change into a pretty peach afternoon gown. Henrietta had refused to accompany them to Lady Fisher’s for tea. She preferred to sit on in the shade and have the butler bring her a cool drink.

‘I shall see you this evening, Lottie dear. I believe Rothsay has invited Colonel Brand and his wife, the vicar and the Fishers to dine with us. I dare say I shall rest for an hour before I change.’

‘I shall look forward to knowing you better, ma’am,’ Lottie said.

When she came down at precisely half past the hour,
the marquis was waiting for her. He hesitated, then inclined his head to her.

‘I approve of punctuality in a lady, Lottie. I think I owe you an apology. My manner this morning over the issue of the poaching was brusque and I believe I treated you to a show of temper—but you caused quite a stir.’

‘There is no need for an apology, sir,’ Lottie replied with a cool nod. So he was not going to refer to their argument over her deception? Her anger had cooled, because, being honest, she understood that she had in part deserved his censure, both for tricking him with her identity and rushing headlong into matters on his estate. Still, if the marquis didn’t want to address the second issue she would play along, for now.

‘I interfered in a matter that did not concern me. I have been used to ordering things for the comfort of my aunt and myself. Papa takes no interest in his estate and I acted as I would have at home. I ought to have remembered that this is not my home.’

‘It will be your home, however, and I am sorry that in this instance I was forced to override your instructions. As for the matter of the food, that has been sent to the family in question—but the man has been arrested. If you wished to help the family further, I should not object. I believe the wife to be a decent enough woman. She takes in sewing and there would be nothing wrong in your employing her—should you wish it.’

Lottie turned her gaze on him. His expression gave nothing away, but there was a tiny pulse flicking in his throat and she understood that he was making her a handsome apology by his standards.

‘Yes, I think I shall. If she is competent with her
needle, I shall need someone to help me sew my wedding gown. I was not perfectly sure before we came here, sir. I had a new ball gown made by a local seamstress very quickly, but I shall need something for the wedding.’

His eyes narrowed, darkened, as he regarded her seriously. ‘Are you always this calm and controlled? I thought you might have demanded that your father take you home after our row today?’

If only he knew how much it was costing her to keep her temper in check! Lottie kept her expression bland, though she was unable to smile.

‘My father owes you a debt. I am here to pay that debt, my lord. You made it plain that you would not release us, therefore I have no choice. I believe that such arrangements are common enough.’

‘Yes, they are.’ Rothsay looked uncertain for the first time. ‘Yet I believe there is usually some liking or at least respect on both sides.’

‘Indeed?’ She raised her sparkling eyes to his. ‘Should I like you, sir? Mayhap you will earn my respect in time. Your apology has been accepted. I believe I can behave in a civilised manner—if you can, too.’

‘Then you are determined to go through with it?’

‘Do I have a choice?’

‘Neither of us does, Lottie,’ he commented darkly.

Then his mood seemed to lift.

‘Besides, I know it is my dear Henri’s greatest wish to see me married, and I would do anything to oblige her. So, now that we are agreed…’ Nicolas took her hand to help her into his curricle ‘…you will not have cause to complain of my temper again. I can at least be civilised.’

‘I am certain you can.’ Lottie smiled suddenly, her anger evaporating. His devotion to his godmother must surely reflect some level of compassion in his character. ‘We must try to get along for the sake of our families, sir.’

Lady Fisher turned out to be a pleasant woman, if a little fussy in her manner. She welcomed the idea of a new mistress at Rothsay Manor.

‘It is years since Rothsay bothered to entertain much. When he comes down for his brief visits he brings friends from London, but seldom gives a dinner for his neighbours. His father used to give the most wonderful Christmas parties. The whole house was decked with greenery and smelled of spices and pines—but that, of course, was when the late Lady Rothsay was alive.’

‘Perhaps we shall be able to continue the custom in the future,’ Lottie said. ‘I believe I shall be living here most of the time. I shall certainly want to entertain often, for I love company, and you will always be welcome to call for tea—or a morning visit. I am an early riser.’

‘My son tells me you like to walk and you enjoy the wildlife. We have red deer in our park and in winter they often come close to the house for the food I have put out.’

‘That must be pleasant to see.’ Lottie looked up as Sir Bertie approached. ‘Lady Fisher was just telling me about the deer.’

‘We cull them now and then for the venison, but Mama would make them pets if she could. I tell her that the farmers think them a nuisance if they overrun
their fields—but if we did not take our share the damned poachers would have the lot.’

‘Oh…’ Lottie’s gaze flew towards Rothsay but he seemed not to notice. ‘I dare say poachers can be a trouble to you?’

‘Sam Blake has been one of the worst, but Rothsay tells me that his keeper has dealt with the blighter. If they brought him up before me, I should be inclined to hang the fellow, but I dare say Rothsay will be the presiding magistrate as he is in the county. He says Blake will go to prison for a year. Too moderate by half for my liking, I can tell you.’

‘Is the theft of a few rabbits really a hanging offence, sir?’

‘I know you ladies have tender hearts,’ Bertie said with an indulgent smile. ‘But you have to make an example of these fellows, m’dear. Let them get away with it and there will soon be no law for anyone.’

‘Well, I expect you know best,’ Lottie said, deciding on diplomacy.

‘That’s it.’ Bertie nodded and looked pleased. ‘Leave all this unpleasant stuff to us. You have enough to think of with the wedding in three weeks. All those bonnets and furbelows. You will need to go shopping in London, I dare say—or shall you be satisfied with what is to be found in Northampton?’

‘Three weeks…’ Lottie was shocked—it was the first time the actual date of the wedding had been mentioned. Her gaze flew to the marquis but he was frowning and staring at a picture on the wall, apparently far away in his thoughts.

‘There are some very good milliners in Northampton,’
Lady Fisher said. ‘I dare say they are not up to London standards, but I know of a seamstress I could recommend—and the draper has a good stock of silk just now. I should be pleased to take you in, in my carriage.’

‘Thank you. I believe I may need to purchase a few silks and perhaps a new bonnet.’

‘You must have far more than that—must she not, Rothsay? Your bride needs a wardrobe to suit her position in society, does she not? I dare say you have plans to take her to Paris, and the local seamstress cannot compare to the elegance of a French gown—but she will need a wardrobe for the journey.’

‘What? Yes, I am sure Lottie will need a great many clothes. Countess Selby is sure to advise her, ma’am. I intend to pay a fleeting visit to town myself almost at once. I can order anything necessary while I am there.’

‘I think perhaps I would rather see what is to be found in Northampton,’ Lottie said. ‘Later, I may order what I need from town.’

‘Your clothes are important, Lottie.’ Nicolas focused on her. ‘We have much to talk about. I shall certainly place some orders in town. You should discuss your needs with Henrietta.’

‘Oh, yes,’ Lady Fisher agreed. ‘The countess has wonderful taste and is known everywhere. If she vouches for you, the best seamstresses will fall over themselves to work for you.’

Lottie thanked her, but made no further remark. She did not wish to argue with Rothsay in front of his friends, but she could not see that she would have the least need for a huge wardrobe.

Rothsay gave her a speculative look as they left but said nothing further until they had been driving for some minutes.

‘She means well, you know.’

‘I have no fault to find with Lady Fisher’s advice, sir. Yet I do not think I shall need a huge wardrobe. As I understand it, I am to live here in the country, while you continue your own life in London—is that not what you require from a complaisant wife?’

‘Well, yes,’ he said and frowned. ‘Once we have an heir, you will be free to live where you please—perhaps in Bath? You will have an allowance naturally, to spend as you please.’

‘How generous.’ Lottie’s tone was perfectly pleasant, but she saw a faint flush in his cheeks. ‘I think I shall probably be quite content to live at Rothsay with my children—and Aunt Beth, of course.’

‘Yes, of course. Your aunt. Have you written to her yet?’

‘I thought the invitation should come from you?’

‘I shall attend to it immediately.’

‘Thank you—that would be kind. I am sure she is anxious to know…to see us wed.’

‘Yes, I dare say she may be.’

‘What does that mean, pray? My aunt is a woman of good character and…’

What was he implying? Lottie gave him a fulminating glance and was about to launch into more scathing words when the shot rang out. It whistled harmlessly by their heads but the horses bolted and Nicolas was forced to give all his attention to bringing them under control. He
was beginning to slow them when the curricle hit a bump in the road and Lottie was thrown to the ground.

For a moment or two she lay winded, her eyes closed. As a man loomed over her, she opened her eyes and stared up at him. For a moment she blinked foolishly and then her senses cleared.

‘Are you badly hurt? Damn it, I am so sorry. I thought I had the horses in hand, but the shot took me by surprise.’

Lottie sat up slowly. As her breath came back, she realised that she felt bruised and shaken, but there were no sharp pains.

‘I think I could get up if you gave me your hand.’

‘Forgive me. I was so shocked. I thought you might be seriously harmed…or dead.’

‘No, thank you, I believe I am just a little shocked and bruised.’

‘Thank God for it!’ He sounded and looked distressed and when she rose to her feet, he put his arms about her and held her until she placed her hands against his chest, giving him a little push. He released her instantly.

‘I have never been so shocked in my life. Had you been badly injured I could never have forgiven myself. You are under my protection and this is outrageous.’

‘Do you suppose they were shooting at us—or do you think it a random shot intended to scare the horses? Of course, it might have been that someone misfired.’