“And had you not received this news . . . ?”
“I would be anticipating summer in the highlands.”
“So, may I surmise your return to England was specifically with the intent to marry me?”
“Of course you may, for that is the truth. And lest you think you are truly my only choice, I hasten to say, you are not. I have a considerable fortune, as you know, and there are several impoverished titles who would be happy to overlook my ruination and subsequent ill treatment of you four years ago if it gave them access to my funds. Marriage to any one of them would reinstate me in polite society.”
“But you do not wish to marry any of them?”
“I wish to marry you, Blixford. However, as I said, if you withdraw, I will not cry foul.”
“Suppose I did withdraw. What would you do?”
She swallowed again. “I believe I would hire a companion, travel the Continent for a few years, and return to England when I am too old for anyone to care about my ruination. I would live out my days as a maiden aunt to my brothers’ children. Perhaps I would raise horses. Or teach pistols to intrepid young ladies.”
“You would not marry another?”
“Doubtful, Your Grace. Frankly, after my experience with MacDougal, I find the thought of marriage to anyone but you repugnant. At one time, I didn’t think it mattered so much, that one could grow to love one’s husband and experience satisfactory intimacy. I was very foolish.”
They were nearing the end of the lane. “Tell me, Jane, how and when you became infatuated. I admit to curiosity. I’d barely met you before Lucy’s house party.”
“The day of Annabel’s funeral, you were your usual stalwart self, rather emotionless, I thought. As you were leaving, you looked toward the front of the chapel and saw the pink roses I had placed there. Your expression was genuine and heartfelt and I believed I glimpsed the man behind the duke, so to speak. Perhaps it was fanciful, and it’s possible I read much more into it than was actually there. But I was intrigued and certain I was meant to fall in love with you.” She glanced at him, noting he was staring ahead, looking lost in thought. Had he heard her? “I was sixteen at the time, yet to come out. Still a child, really.”
“And yet, you pursued me when the time was right, did you not? I didn’t imagine it, did I?”
“No, Your Grace. I pursued you tenaciously, convinced you would see what an excellent match we’d make. You wounded me grievously in the library and I didn’t think I could ever forgive you for it.” She gave him a sad smile. “Would that you had finished things. We’d be married these four years past, you’d have your heir, I would not have been used so vilely by my cousin, and all would be well.”
“Would that you hadn’t scurried off to Scotland.”
“I suppose all things are more clearly seen at a distance, are they not?”
“Hmm, yes. I suspect, were I to withdraw, I would regret the decision in the not so distant future.”
Her spirits rallied. “Oh? Why is that?”
“Perhaps I feel responsible in some way for what happened to you. And there is my need for an heir. As I’ve said before, Jane, I desire you. What you’ve told me, while upsetting, doesn’t alter my decision. We’ll be married in a few hours and won’t speak of MacDougal again.”
“Yes, Your Grace. Thank you.”
“Now,” he said with an uncharacteristic smile, “I believe we shouldn’t waste this opportunity. No one is yet about, not even grooms exercising mounts, and we have this fine horseflesh beneath us. What do you say we run to the other end of Rotten Row?”
“Shall we race?”
“You’re at a disadvantage, Jane. Pendragon is a Thoroughbred, built for speed.”
“Ah, but Grendel doesn’t like to lose. I believe we’re up to the challenge. Unless you’re afraid you might lose?”
“I’m afraid of nothing, my lady. Are you ready?”
“Lead on, sir.”
She urged Grendel ahead and the mare leapt into a run, delighted at last to have her head. They thundered down Rotten Row, neck and neck. She bent lower and urged Grendel to make haste. The mare was all heart, bunching her muscles to give everything she had to the race.
Unfortunately, the stallion was more powerful, and as they neared the end, he pulled ahead and won by a neck.
Blixford appeared well pleased with his win, even had the audacity to crow about it. “Blood will tell, always. I daresay horsemanship has something to do with victory, as well.”
“Grendel, we’ve been maligned. Will you suffer the indignity without a word?”
The mare danced toward his stallion and nipped at his flanks, causing him to jump forward. He turned about and bared his teeth at her.
Wisely, Grendel backed up.
“I believe the spoils are mine, my lady. I would have my forfeit now.”
Bowing low, Jane said, “Your servant, sir.”
“Nothing of the kind. Come here.”
She nudged Grendel closer, despite the mare’s resistance. Leaning over, she pecked his cheek in a decidedly matronly manner. “There. Satisfied?”
His eyes glittered. “No.” He snatched her from Grendel’s back and settled her in front of him before he bent his head and kissed her deeply and soundly. “Now, I’m satisfied.”
Jane found her smile dying as she stared into his dark eyes. “You’re a remarkable man. I promise you won’t regret marrying me.”
“If I thought there was the slightest likelihood I’d regret it, I wouldn’t marry you.”
“I thought I was your last chance.”
He dropped several kisses across her face. “Like you and your fortune hunters, there are those who would risk death to become a duchess. Few and far between, but they are there, available.”
“It’s comforting to know I’m not the only means to an end. That you chose me, despite the fact that your other choices are somewhat unsavory, does marvelous things for my feminine pride.”
He kissed her again, rather ardently, especially considering they were atop a horse, and didn’t stop until the sound of applause caught their attention. Turning her head, Jane saw a group of riders congregated nearby. In the lead was her brother, Robert. He winked at her.
Blushing furiously while Blixford set her back upon Grendel, Jane murmured, “Are you terribly grieved, Your Grace?”
“Bloody hell, Jane, we are to be married. It’s the crack of dawn. If they’re offended, it serves them right for intruding.”
She decided against pointing out their location in a public park. “On the contrary, Blixford, I believe they were applauding.”
“Yes, so they were.” When she was seated properly, he turned his mount toward the street and she followed, daring one last glance at Robert and his friends. Her brother saluted her. The remaining gentlemen followed suit.
***
Despite words to the contrary, Michael experienced momentary anxiety when the kindly Reverend Hastings reached the portion of the ceremony involving questions. To her credit and his relief, Jane said in a firm voice, “I do.”
Shortly, it was done. He had a new wife. Another duchess. He offered a silent, fervent prayer to God that she would not die.
Lucy was in attendance, having come up to London last evening, as soon as she received his note. She appeared to be the sole personage, save perhaps the reverend, who was pleased with the proceedings. Sherbourne and his sons didn’t smile and gave grudging congratulations. They did demonstrate significant affection toward Jane, each embracing her fiercely before they made their way to the dining room for a wedding breakfast.
Michael knew it was irrational, but he was unaccountably angry with all of them over what happened to Jane. It appeared they took her strong, resilient nature at face value and assumed she could hold her own in any situation. Why had they not sent a female relative, a paid companion, someone, anyone, to Scotland to keep an eye on her? From his conversation with Sherbourne, he’d ascertained none of them had paid her a visit during her sojourn. S
he’d not returned home, hadn’t seen any of her family in four years. It was as though they were glad to have her out of sight, and took it a step further by placing her out of mind as well.
He didn’t doubt they held her in high regard and great affection. Their thoughtless, if unknowing, abandonment of her was simply a product of their arrogant assumption that no one would dare take advantage of a Lennox. He was a duke, for God’s sake, and even he was not so presumptuous, particularly when it came to his sister.
He’d dissuaded several suitors in the years since Bonderant’s death, pointing out very clearly that their advances were not appreciated. Lucy assured him she was capable of spurning eager suitors, but Michael knew some men didn’t hear the word no nor could they comprehend why a lovely woman like Lucy would remain alone in her widowhood. They also couldn’t resist Bonderant’s wealth, left to his son and within Michael’s care until he reached his majority. Lucy was tempting to any man, but particularly to those in need of funds. Michael saw it as his duty by her, and Bonderant’s memory, to apprise the more wily of them that further pursuit of his sister would result in dire consequences.
As her brother, he took particular care to see to her well-being, and saw it as a fiduciary responsibility to assist her in managing the estate at Margrave Park. He was considerate of her feelings, and her loneliness, traveling to visit at least three days of every month, issuing an open invitation for her to come to Eastchase Hall at any time, for as long as she liked. For damn sure, at no time would he allow her to traipse off across the country, unprotected.
Sherbourne raised his glass and offered a toast to their prosperity and happiness. Michael thought he had some difficulty forming the words. The man despised him. His sons were less than enthusiastic in their acknowledgement of the toast.
Lucy, however, was vocally appreciative. “Well said, my lord! I look forward to furthering my acquaintance with my new sister.”
“Thank you, Lady Bonderant,” Jane said with a smile.
She looked very fetching in a gown of pale blue silk, adorned about the neckline with intricately woven ribbons of varying shades of blue. Additional ribbons wound through her dark curls, affixed to her head in an artful arrangement. Michael wondered how many pins he’d need to discard before it came tumbling down. Was her hair still to her waist, as it had been four years ago? He hoped so. Was there anything more pleasing than a woman’s hair swaying against her naked back?
Turning his attention to his breakfast, he conversed with Robert, seated to his left. “Are early rides something of a standing tradition amongst your family?”
“Yes. Riding neck-or-nothing later in the day is frowned upon, and while we’re known to thumb our noses at some of the strictures of society, we do try not to step too far outside the lines.” He swallowed the remainder of his champagne and waited for the footman to refill his glass before he turned his blue eyes, so like Jane’s, back toward Michael. “For instance, I daresay none of us have ever exhibited a public display of affection, regardless of provocation. It’s not really the thing, is it?”
Before he could get his back up, Michael noted the distinct gleam of humor in Robert’s eyes. He was funning him, perhaps offering approval in his own way. Lifting his flute, he took a drink, then said gravely, “Not the thing at all. I’d assume a gentleman caught in such shocking behavior had surely lost his head in the moment, perhaps too exultant in victory to remember he was in plain sight of passersby. In fact, besting a woman known for her superior skills on horseback might lead a gentleman to demand a forfeit and devil take the consequences.”
“By damn, Blixford, I believe I may have to like you, after all.” He clinked his flute to Michael’s and grinned. “Dashed fine of you to beat Jane. She’s far too superior and needs a comeuppance on occasion. Be warned, however, she’ll exact revenge by beating you soundly next time.”
“In truth, it was a matter of superior horseflesh that allowed the win.”
“Undoubtedly, but you see, Jane will appear for the next race on a horse certain to outdistance yours. She does hate to lose, and will go to great lengths to assure it doesn’t happen again. In fact, I’ve no doubt her first purchase as your bride will be of a four-legged variety. Prepare to spend a fair portion at Tattersall’s, very soon.”
“Most ladies would ask for jewels or bonnets.”
“You’ve not married most women, Blixford. You’ve married Jane. I advise you to set all preconceived notions of femininity aside. She’ll never fail to surprise you.”
“Yes, I’ve already found this to be true.” He met Robert’s gaze. “Nevertheless, she is a woman and as such, in need of protection, don’t you agree?”
“Of course. Do you doubt it?”
“Not at all, although I confess I’m curious how she managed to travel to Scotland all on her own. It’s not something gently bred young ladies do.”
“I suggest you ask Jane. I believe the answer may surprise you. In fact, you should know all there is to know about your bride, and were I in your shoes, I’d demand she come clean and sally forth.” He took another drink of champagne before he set back to work on his smoked trout, eggs and sausages. “You no doubt believe us to be lackadaisical to have allowed Jane such freedoms, but she would have it no other way, I assure you.”
Michael doubted that very much. His anger at the Lennoxes grew. He glanced to his right and saw that Jane was deep in conversation with the reverend. He refocused on Robert. “I find it odd in the extreme that no arrangements were made for a female relative, or other woman of gentle breeding, one with Jane’s best interests at heart, to attend her and provide chaperonage during her stay in Scotland.”
“Odd? How so? She was with family, Blixford. Our own mother’s favorite cousin, in fact. Can’t get much better chaperonage than that, can one?”
He had a point, but Michael still couldn’t understand their carelessness when it came to Jane. She could ride and shoot as well as many men, but dammit, she was not a man. She was vulnerable to men without honor. “She did mention the MacDougals,” he led, hoping Robert would follow.
“Sound Scottish family,” Robert said with a nod. “Landed and titled, though I forget just now of what rank is Elizabeth’s husband.” He rested his fork and knife upon his plate and looked at Michael. “I daresay we won’t see any of them again, however, or further acknowledge our kinship. Evidently, Jane took umbrage to something said by their eldest son, Brian, and lost her temper. Most women would leave it at a rude shout and be done. Jane shot the man. I’m certain she aimed for his leg, but due to her heightened state of anger, she was agitated and missed. Practically unmanned him, if you see what I mean.”
Michael stared at him, unable to comprehend how he could be so dimwitted. “I’ve been led to believe your sister is a crack shot. Have you considered the possibility that she didn’t miss?” He lifted one brow suggestively.
Robert’s eyes widened. “Of course not! Jane would never do such a thing. That she shot him is shocking enough, but to insinuate she aimed to unman him is out of the question.”
Resisting the urge to shake Robert by the shoulders until his teeth rattled, Michael drank his champagne and let the subject turn. He was struck with wondering if he, himself, was sometimes this obtuse? A novel thought and one he would have to ponder.
In future, her family’s neglect wouldn’t matter. She was his responsibility now, and he would make certain she was protected from any and all threats to her person, her well-being, and her happiness. He looked to his right and caught her gaze. “After breakfast, you and I will be on our way to Beckinsale House in Kent. It is the smallest of my estates, actually somewhat cozy. I believe you’ll enjoy a brief stay there before we return to London for the closing sessions of Parliament.”
“I’m certain it will be delightful, thank you.”
Something in her manner seemed off kilter. Her eyes, ordinarily boldly meeting his, were firmly fixed upon his shoulder. “Is anything amiss?”
&
nbsp; Astonished, he watched her cheeks flush pink. “I find myself feeling out of sorts and a trifle awkward.”
“Because your family dislikes me?”
“They don’t dislike you, Blixford. They would react in this manner to any man I chose to marry. Give them time and they’ll warm up, I assure you.”
“Well, then, if your agitation is not due to your family, why are you feeling awkward?”
The blush deepened. “Perhaps this is a subject best left for later, when we’re alone.” She smiled across the table at Julian, then very prettily said to Michael, “I believe I’m done with breakfast and anxious to be on our way.” She glanced at his plate. “You’ve not finished your trout.”
He lowered his voice and said conspiratorially, “I actually dropped my previous serving into the joyous jaws of the mouser lurking about beneath the table. Deuced butler replenished me immediately and the damned cat has abandoned his post beside my chair.”
“Do you mean to say you don’t enjoy smoked trout?”
“I confess, ‘tis true. Poached, perhaps, or even thrown about with butter and lemon, but something about smoked trout is unpalatable.”
She met his gaze and grinned, as he’d known she would. “I’ve married a finicky man. Blixford, you’re a wealth of surprises.”
“As are you, my dear. Shall we rise and call an end to this, then?”
“I should like that above all things. Not only am I ready to go, I find these new slippers pinch and I’m most anxious to cast them into the fire at the first opportunity.”
***
In her bedchamber, Jane changed from her morning gown into a traveling dress of plum velvet, trimmed with pink ribbon and tiny rosettes. When she was buttoned up, she dismissed her maid and finished her toilette by herself, in order to converse more openly with Lady Bonderant, whom she’d asked to accompany her.
She lounged in a chair before the fire, her pretty silk slippers resting upon a dainty footstool. “What a lovely bride you are,” she said warmly. “I vow, it’s as it should be, you married to Blix. I said as much four years ago, but my brother is the obstinate sort and he wouldn’t consider it. That is, until his own nature overrode his will.” She caught Jane’s startled look and smiled. “We shall have no secrets. We’re sisters now. I’m fully aware of what happened, and truth be told, I didn’t blame you for jilting him. Blix is at heart a kind soul, but he’s an autocrat. I demanded he tell me why you left, for I was most certain you felt an affection for him and your actions belied any affection.”
The Last Duchess (The Lennox Series) Page 9