The Duke's Alliance Book Two: A Dangerous Husband (15 page)

She was about to ask if he got lonely. Then recalled Perry telling her that Beau had a
chere amie
in Town that he visited whenever he felt the need for feminine company. Before she'd met Grey she'd wondered why her brother wasn't content to spend time with his sisters. Now she knew a little more about what took place between a man and a woman in the privacy of their bed, she understood why he visited London so frequently.

'I'll gladly open up the house in Grosvenor Square for you and Grace. As long as I'm not expected to dance attendance on any of you, you may do as you wish.'

He glanced at the clock. 'I'd better find my accommodation and leave you to prepare for this evening.'

The evening gown Lottie had selected for her was in pale green silk with a silver gauze overskirt. She thought she looked well enough considering the circumstances. Grey tapped on the door and strolled in at the appointed time looking even more handsome in his evening rig.

'You look enchanting, sweetheart, far too elegant for a country dinner. Is your hip better than this afternoon?'

'It is, thank you for enquiring. I'm intending to walk to the dining room – if I lean on your arm I believe I can manage perfectly well. Have you spoken to Lady Carshalton yet?'

'I attempted to but the dragon refused to let me in saying that my grandmother was sleeping. I hope she is more amenable this evening otherwise we could be in for an unpleasant time.'

'I'm sure you're worrying unnecessarily, she was probably just out of sorts because of travelling.'

'I sincerely hope you're correct, my love. Now, shall we go?'

Instead of offering his arm he put it around her waist so he was taking most of her weight. In this manner they set off on the short distance to the dining room and she was glad she hadn't had to negotiate more than one flight of stairs in order to get there.

'The voices are coming from the drawing room. Are you able to walk that far?'

'With your assistance, of course I can.'

He had the good sense to pause outside the double doors and remove his arm from around her waist so they could go in without upsetting his grandmother any further with another breach of etiquette.

Her brother was standing beside Lady Carshalton and they appeared to be on the best of terms. There was no sign of their host; she must suppose he'd been called away on a medical emergency. Beau looked up at her entrance and smiled warmly. 'You look lovely as usual, my dear, and walking almost unaided too.'

Madeline braced herself as Lady Carshalton also turned. She couldn't curtsy, her damaged hip wouldn't allow that, but she bowed instead. To her astonishment the old lady bustled over, her wrinkled face wreathed in smiles.

'Lady Madeline, I cannot tell you how delighted I am to hear from my grandson that you are about to join our family. I would have preferred a more conventional occasion, but needs must. I've sent one of my men with a letter to my son informing him of the good news. I'm sure he will extend a cordial invitation to you and old animosities will be forgotten.'

Madeline released Grey's arm in order to embrace her future grandmother. 'Thank you, ma'am, I'm glad you are happy that Grey and I are to be married so precipitously.'

Chapter Fifteen

The sound of rain hammering against the windowpane woke Madeline the next morning. Not an auspicious start to her wedding day – that's if Jenkins had managed to return with the necessary certificate. The ceremony was to take place at midday and the local rector was coming to perform the service.

Beau had agreed to send the announcement to The Times on his return to Silchester Court. Giselle and the twins would be bitterly disappointed to have been excluded from her wedding but there was nothing that could be done about it.

Lottie would bring in her morning chocolate at seven o'clock as usual, so there was no need to get up before then. She had slept surprisingly well considering this was her last night as a spinster. This was because unlike all other young brides she didn't have to concern herself about what would take place in the marriage bed that night.

A ripple of excitement ran through her. Grey was the handsomest man she'd ever met, even more attractive than her brothers and they were all considered to be well-set-up gentlemen. She wasn't ready to become his true wife at the moment, when the time came she thought she might rather enjoy the experience. Although she wasn't exactly sure what this would involve.

If Grace had returned from her wedding trip she could have asked her what to expect but her new sister-in-law was still away and wouldn't return until December. Mama had died before this conversation could take place and she could hardly discuss such a matter with her brother.

Lady Carshalton had been in good spirits and had congratulated both of them on their forthcoming nuptials. She was a delightful old lady and obviously very fond of her grandson.

The dressing room door opened and her maid appeared with her tray. 'Good morning, my lady, it's a good thing you don't have to go anywhere today. The roads will be knee deep in mud after all this rain.'

Madeline sat up. 'Did Jenkins get back from London during the night?'

'He did, my lady. I've asked for hot water to be sent up so you may take a bath and I can wash your hair. There'll be ample time for it to dry before you have to get ready.'

'I don't think I could get in and out of the bath so will make do with a wash.'

‘Very well, my lady. I can still do your hair if you'd like me to.'

The hours flew past and Madeline had no time to be anxious about marrying a man she barely knew. Her hair was freshly washed and had been dressed in a becoming style. The ensemble she'd selected suited her to perfection – the green cambric and matching spencer complemented her colouring.

'There, you look pretty as a picture. It's a shame you've decided not to wear the bonnet.'

'It would be inappropriate as I'm not going outside – and I don't need the gloves either.'

She took a final look in the long glass and, satisfied with her appearance, she went into the sitting room to await the arrival of her brother. Beau was going to escort her to the drawing room where the wedding would take place.

A few minutes later he arrived looking every inch the Duke of Silchester in his smart blue topcoat, buff inexpressibles and highly polished Hessians.

'You look beautiful, sweetheart, exactly as a bride should.' He took her hand and threaded it through his arm. 'If you're unhappy with this match, my dear, it's not too late to say so. I'll take you to India and by the time we return everyone will have forgotten what took place.'

'Thank you for making that offer, Beau, but I'm happy for the wedding to go ahead. Grey and I are well-suited. It's not a love match like Bennett's, but I sincerely believe we can have a happy union.'

'I'm glad to hear you say so, as I've no desire to travel abroad. I'm still concerned about the risks involved with you becoming Carshalton's wife, but he's assured me he'll keep you out of danger.'

They made their way downstairs and she was too nervous to say anything else. As she reached the open double doors to the drawing room she was greeted by a flurry of piano music.

The furniture had been pushed to one side and a very short row of upright chairs had been placed in front of a lectern. Behind this stood a small, rotund gentleman with a bald pate and a disapproving expression. Presumably this was the man of the cloth come to marry her to Grey.

Her husband-to-be was standing to the right but he wasn't facing the rector, he was turned towards her. His eyes blazed with something she didn't recognise and she almost tripped over her feet.

Lady Carshalton was sitting facing forwards and didn't turn round or stand up – for some reason her unpleasant dresser had taken the seat next to her mistress. Why was this servant present at her wedding ceremony?

Doctor Faulkner had the place next to Bates and he got to his feet immediately the music started. A mousey young woman was seated at the pianoforte and playing remarkably well.

Beau guided her the length of the room and then placed her hand on Grey's arm. 'Take care of my sister, Carshalton, or you will have me to answer to.' This comment was spoken quietly; only she and Grey heard it.

Her brother moved aside leaving her standing next to the man who was about to become her husband. Her mouth was so dry her tongue appeared to have stuck to the roof of her mouth. She doubted she would be able to speak her vows when asked.

'You look beautiful, darling, I can't tell you how happy I am to be marrying you today. I don't deserve such luck.'

The weight on her chest lifted at his words, and she smiled at him but was too overcome to respond. The service progressed and somehow she managed to mumble her first response. Grey spoke so loudly the rector recoiled and then he winked at her.

Her next vow was spoken clearly and within a short space of time he was pushing a plain gold band over her knuckle and they were pronounced man and wife.

'I promise you'll never regret this, sweetheart. I know I'm not the ideal husband – you could have done so much better.'

He sounded so wretched, so sure he'd got the best of the bargain, that she closed the gap between them and stretched up on tiptoes to place her lips on his. He drew her tight so her breasts were pressing against his shirt front. She forgot everything apart from the touch of his mouth on hers as he kissed her with such tenderness her knees might have buckled without his strong support.

*

Grey was reluctant to release his new bride but he couldn't help but be aware of the rector positively quivering with rage at their display.

'Well, Lady Madeline Carshalton, the deed is done. The duke and my grandmother just have to witness the ceremony and everything's legal.'

His young wife gazed at him, her beautiful green eyes wide and her lips parted invitingly. He was about to kiss her a second time when she spoke. 'I wish the rest of my family could have been here to see me married and that it could have been in our own chapel.'

'And so do I, sweetheart, but events conspired against us. We have our celebration ball to look forward to.'

The duke appeared at his side. 'Doctor Faulkner has arranged for a wedding breakfast to be served in the dining room. Lady Carshalton and I will join you as soon as we've signed the certificate.'

Instead of turning to him, Madeline flung herself into her brother's arms. Grey stepped away allowing them to be alone. She was so young, scarcely out of the schoolroom, and now he'd snatched her away from the loving care of her brother and dragged her into God knows what.

The duke stroked her hair, kissed the top of her head and gently spun her round. He pushed her in his direction. She looked lost and her eyes were tear-filled when, if this had been a love match, she would have been glowing with happiness.

He put his arm around her waist and drew her close. 'Don't look so sad, darling girl, I promise things will not be as bad as you fear. Once you're well enough to travel we'll continue our journey to Blakely Hall. I know nothing about my ancestral home so it will be a new experience for both of us.'

She leaned trustingly against him. 'I'm not unhappy about marrying you, I just wish that it could have been next summer as we'd planned. I'd always dreamed of a June wedding and that it would take place at Silchester.'

'That would have been perfect, my love, but we must be satisfied with what we've got. Are you able to walk to the dining room or do you wish me to carry you?'

'I can walk quite well as long as I have your arm around me. I've been thinking, Grey, are you expecting my maid and I to sit with Lady Carshalton? I really don't want to spend time closeted with her and Bates.'

'I don't blame you. Your brother has kindly agreed to lend us his carriage for the journey. He will ride the horse I borrowed from him back to Silchester. I've yet to decide how your maid and my valet are to travel.'

They'd arrived at the dining room which had been transformed. Every available surface was covered in flowers and a sumptuous buffet awaited them on the sideboard. Bottles of champagne stood ready to be poured for the toast.

Madeline was delighted. 'This is everything it should be, how kind our host has been to us. I cannot imagine why such a charming and wealthy gentleman is not already married.'

'I don't suggest that you ask him, sweetheart. He might purport to be a country doctor, but there's far more to him than that. I've invited him to visit us when we return to Heatherfield. I like him and intend to get to know him better.'

A slight frown marred the elegance of her brow. 'Should I not have been consulted about this proposed visit?'

'I beg your pardon, of course I should have told you of my plans…'

She giggled endearingly. 'Told – not asked for my views? I see how things are to be in future, sir, I'm to be a downtrodden and subservient wife allowed no opinions of my own.'

He couldn't stop himself. He lifted her from her feet and kissed her soundly before restoring her to the carpet not a moment too soon. 'You're as likely to be downtrodden as I am to sprout wings and fly.'

The remainder of the day passed pleasantly and he was well-satisfied. The duke was to leave at first light and he bid his sister a fond farewell before they all retired. It was purgatory kissing his wife at the door and not being allowed to go in with her.

As he turned to go she called him back. 'Thank you for allowing me time to adjust to my married state. I don't believe there are many husbands who would be so kind.'

'You may have as much as you need, my darling, but I'm praying it won't be too long before you send for me.'

If he took her in his arms again he doubted he would have the resolve not to persuade her into bed. He stepped away and bowed from a safe distance. 'Good night, Madeline, we shall breakfast tomorrow at eight o'clock.'

'I'm hoping we can depart for Blakely Hall tomorrow. I'm sure I'll be perfectly comfortable in a carriage and Lady Carshalton told me that she's leaving after breakfast.'

'I didn't know that – I thought she was waiting until she had a reply from my uncle. We discussed the matter and we decided it would be best not to go if we're still not welcome.'

This wasn't strictly true as his grandmother had been most insistent that they go regardless of the reception they might receive. She seemed determined to reconcile the two sides of the family however unpleasant it might be for himself and Madeline.

Before he could stop her his wife left the sanctuary of her sitting room and hurried up to him. 'I'm so glad you said that, I was really not looking forward to being an unwelcome guest. Do you think Doctor Faulkner could be persuaded to accommodate us for a few weeks?' She was so close the faint scent of rosewater filled his nostrils.

'I'll talk to him tomorrow. He's rattling around in this large establishment and might well enjoy the company.' If she didn't go he was in danger of forgetting his promise and taking shameful advantage of her.

Then she stretched out and placed her hand on his chest. 'I can feel your heart pounding. Mine is doing the same.'

'Sweetheart, please go away. I want to make love to you and if you remain where you are I won't be able to stop myself.'

He'd expected her to scamper away but she did something quite remarkable. She moved closer and put her arms around his neck. 'I've decided I want to be your true wife. This is our wedding night and we should spend it together.'

'Are you sure?' His control was slipping, but he held himself back. He'd do nothing to upset her.

Her answer was to pull his head down so she could place her lips on his. He swung her up into his arms and shouldered his way into her apartment and didn't stop until he reached the bedroom.

Gently he set her down and cupped her face in his hands. 'There's still time for you to change your mind, darling, I'll understand.' He could feel her trembling beneath his fingers. 'I'll take things slowly and you can tell me to stop whenever you want.'

Her smile was radiant. 'I'm a little nervous because I don't know exactly what's going to happen between us. Mama passed away before she could explain the intimacies of the marriage bed to me.'

'You don't need to know the details, my love, what we are about to do is as natural as breathing.'