What a bizarre turn of events. “Yes, of course. Thank you, Miss Wendover.” She sipped her tea and waited a moment before she said, “Well, then, we are decided? You won’t hold Blixford to his promise of marriage, but will be content to retire to the country and raise your child?”
“I do believe I would be most content, Your Grace.”
Ah, so she was finally going to acknowledge Jane’s recent elevation in rank. “Very well, then, you may consider it done. If Blixford takes any notion not to provide you with what you need, I’ll do so myself.”
“You, ma’am?”
“I’m an heiress, with funds at my disposal. I’d consider it a privilege to see to your welfare, and that of your child.”
“Well, that’s something. Not a broomstick at all. I’m most thankful, Yer . . . Your Grace, and I do apologize again for disturbing your wedding day with such outrageous behavior.”
“I daresay, were I in your position, I might do the same.” She rose and waited for Miriam to follow suit. “We are to leave for Kent in a short while, and will return to London in a fortnight. I’ll speak to Blixford, and his agent will contact you to work out details about the settlement. As I said, if he refuses, which frankly, I can’t imagine, I’ll provide for you. Please don’t concern yourself. Take the next two weeks to enjoy your retirement, perhaps make some purchases necessary for your new life.”
“God bless you, Your Grace.”
Jane smiled at the woman and nodded. “Thank you, Miss Wendover. I’m sure we’ll meet again, many times, as the duke will want to have some interaction with the child. We will be friendly, will we not?”
“I’m humbly grateful for your warmth, but it wouldn’t be proper, would it?”
“Probably not, but we will be friendly nevertheless.” She walked with Miriam toward the door. “I would make one request of you, and trust you will honor it.”
“Anything, Yer . . . Your Grace.”
Just at the door, Jane turned to face the woman and rested her hand upon her arm. “Do not ever become intimate with my husband again. If you do, if I discover he’s in your bed, I’ll take severe action against you and you will not like it. Are we very clear, Miss Wendover?”
Shocking her completely, the young woman threw her arms around Jane’s neck and laughed out loud. “Oh, you are a love! I vow I’m happy for Blix.” She stepped back and grinned at Jane. “You’re just the thing for him, yes you are. I offer my congratulations, Your Grace, and wish you every happiness. You need not worry about me, truly. I was his mistress. I performed a service, just as that stiff butler performs a service to you and your family. Now that he has you, Blix won’t be in need of those particular services any longer, will he?”
Jane couldn’t resist returning the woman’s smile. “No, he will not.”
***
Michael leaned against a Grecian column, one of five placed along the garden path, and watched his father-in-law pace the bricks before him. He was terribly upset. Michael believed, if the man would ever allow it, he might cry. He stopped and faced Michael. “If you won’t betray her confidence, if you insist on speaking in riddles, have the good grace to tell me if my conclusions are correct.”
“You must ask Jane. If you don’t ask, if you don’t take action, it will be as though she’s been mistreated all over again. Surely you can see this? I intend to take care of the problem myself, but I won’t stand aside and allow you to browbeat her over marrying me, when something of such consequence is a dead weight around her happiness and peace of mind, ignored in favor of pointing out my myriad faults.”
“You say she met you in the park this morning to tell you?”
“She did.”
“And you agreed to go ahead with the wedding?”
“I did. Sir, your daughter didn’t ask to be hoodwinked, nor did she place herself in a dangerous situation. She was within the bosom of her mother’s family, seemingly safe. That this happened to her is alarming, and distressing, and I in no small way place some of the blame upon you. When she ran off to Scotland, did it not occur to you to visit on occasion? Had you been a presence there, she would have established that someone was looking out for her, that someone would demand answers from anyone who dared mistreat her.”
Sherbourne had the good grace to look ashamed. He didn’t argue. He resumed pacing, running his hand through his hair again and again. “Jane’s always been a strong girl, backbone of steel and all that. Rides and shoots better than most men, never was afraid of anything.”
“She is not a man, of course, but a woman, in need of protection from unsavory sorts, which doesn’t include me, regardless of your opinion. You hold a grudge about what happened at my sister’s house party, despite my clear intention to do the right thing. As for my recently dismissed mistress arriving on your doorstep, I’m quite certain she is either not actually breeding, or she’s in want of additional funds with which to care for the child. As you well know, children do occasionally result when one takes a mistress. I believe at last count, you have three bastards, scattered about England.”
“Yes, but I don’t have a wife.”
“Neither did I, until two hours ago. As I said, she’s my previous, recently dismissed mistress. I’ll take responsibility for the child, of course, and that will be an end to it. I’ve gone out on a limb to discuss it at all, but I don’t wish to continue this thrust and parry with you. Either accept me for what I am, as your daughter’s husband, or say you will not, so that I may in future not return to your home and cause my wife undue anxiety and unhappiness.”
Sherbourne stopped pacing again and faced him. “Hell and damn, Blixford, I’ve muddled things all out of sorts, and goddamn, I am perplexed and enraged that anyone would violate her and not make it right. I’ve a mind to take off for Scotland within the hour.”
“I’d ask you to speak to Jane, without delay. Your consideration will be of greater help to her at this point than rushing off to defend her honor.” He raised one brow. “I understand she went a long way toward defending her honor already.”
“Blast! I’d forgotten. We thought she was overset and missed her aim, but by God, she didn’t, did she?”
“I’d say she was right on target.” He pushed away from the column. “As for finishing the task, I believe, as her husband, it’s my right to do so. I’d ask your forfeit of any right, Sherbourne, and allow me to gain satisfaction.”
“You’ll have a fight on your hands from my sons. Dashed fond of Jane, they are.”
“Yes, quite. However, I’d not recommend they ever be the wiser, Sherbourne. This is a matter of pride to Jane, and I’ll not have her ashamed before her brothers. You are her father, and it’s important she have your respect and regard, that she understands she is not at fault, and you take responsibility for failing to protect her. As for her brothers, other than Julian’s initial visit at the very beginning, they didn’t take it upon themselves to travel to Scotland either, did they?”
“No,” he said, shoulders slumping as he walked toward the house with Michael. “Her mother would be heartbroken and mad enough at me, she’d no doubt pull out her father’s broadsword and make mincemeat of my liver. Damned if I wouldn’t deserve it.” He slowed and looked at Michael. “I’ve failed her, Blixford, and I don’t mind telling you it’s a pain from which I’ll never recover.”
“Sir, if you’ll allow me to be blunt, your pain is not at issue here. Your daughter needs to know you approve of her marriage, that she remains in your affections, regardless of what has happened. She was most emphatic that I not say a word, because she was afraid you would kill the man, but I suspect she frets you will find fault with her, that this will lower her in your esteem.”
“Ridiculous!”
“Yes, but what else might she think if you say nothing? You’ve made it clear you disapprove of me, yet no one questioned her reasons for shooting a man in his bollocks.”
“I will speak to her, Blixford.” He stopped and extended his hand. “
It would appear I’ve misjudged you, sir, and I offer my apologies. I wonder what manner of man you are, after all? Not many would have gone through with the wedding.”
Michael returned his handshake and lifted one brow. “Not many would have offered in the first place, Sherbourne, but I am not a man of many.” They turned to walk again. “Perhaps you should wait until our return from Kent to speak with her. I don’t doubt today’s events have taken a toll on her, and it might not be the best time to broach a sensitive subject.”
“Worried she’ll realize you’ve broken her confidence?”
“Not at all, for I have not. I mentioned that I thought it odd she didn’t marry anyone in Scotland, and that she met me in the park at first light on a matter of great importance, something that occurred in Scotland, and you drew your own conclusions. I sincerely hope you will stress to her that I did not, in fact betray her confidence?”
“Absolutely.” Sherbourne slapped him on the back. “Have a restful sojourn in Kent, Blixford, and I’ll look forward to having you and Jane for dinner, as soon as you’ve returned.”
“Thank you.”
“Now, suppose I at least tell her I’ve decided not to kill you, after all?”
“Excellent notion, Sherbourne. Not killing her husband will go a long way to strengthening the familial bond.”
As they passed through the garden door and stepped into the small conservatory, Sherbourne glanced at him with a gleam of anticipation. “Much for pheasant hunting, Blix?”
“On occasion, yes. Perhaps you’ll visit Eastchase Hall in autumn and we might go out a bit. My steward tells me we should have an adequate population by fall.”
“Yes, I’ll plan on it, thank you.”
They made their way to the front hall, only to find it empty. Rothschild moved close and nodded to Michael. “Her Grace awaits you in the study.”
“Miss Wendover?”
“Has only just left,” the butler said without expression.
“She left? Are you certain?”
“Very certain. I might add she appeared well pleased after a brief visit with Her Grace.”
“The devil you say.”
“Yes, Your Grace. Quite.”
Striding toward the pocket doors, he slid them open and stepped inside, noting his bride stood close to the window, gazing out at the street. Without turning, she said, “Have you and Sherbourne come to blows?”
“Nothing of the sort,” her father replied before Michael could, smiling as she turned a startled look toward him. He went to her and swept her into a protracted embrace. “As usual, your good sense has led you to a wise decision. I believe I shall approve of Blixford, after all.”
She stepped back and looked up at him. “Sir, you amaze me. What brought about this startling change of heart?”
Patting her shoulder, he said heartily, “Turns out the man has an adequate population of pheasants within his park.”
Jane laughed. “You won’t tell me, then. All right. So long as I know every family meet won’t include the risk of fisticuffs and cursing, I’m pleased.”
Sherbourne dropped a kiss atop her head and turned back toward the door. “I’ll leave you to discuss what needs be discussed, and ask you to join me in the drawing room before you take your leave.”
Michael nodded and waited for the doors to close before he approached Jane.
“You’ve charmed him, or cast a spell upon him, surely.”
“Nothing of the sort. We merely cleared the air of some misconceptions.” He stood beside her at the window. “I’m grieved by the morning’s events, Jane, and would know what you discussed with Miriam.”
She calmly told him of their conversation and he couldn’t decide whether to laugh, or lecture her on the propriety of having tea with his previous paramour. He opted for neither, and instead slipped an arm about her shoulders to draw her to his side. “You are a compassionate woman, I see, willing to offer assistance to a woman it must surely be your instinct to dislike.”
“I did have the very low desire to snatch a handful of her hair and stomp upon her lovely hat. I realize, however, that she’s not competing for your affection, that she’s merely concerned for her future, as any woman in her position would be.” She looked up at him and said soberly, “I did warn her that if she were ever to be intimate with you again, she would regret it bitterly.”
“Did you, Jane? I’m flattered, I must say. But it does take two, so I wonder what vengeance you might mete out to me?”
Her face fell and she looked away. “I find I cannot jest about this, Blixford.”
“Of course not.” He turned her so that he might draw her closer, within his arms. “Never fear. I will be faithful.”
“As will I.” She lifted her face to his. “May we go now? I’m terribly anxious.”
“Is this why you were awkward at breakfast?”
“It’s telling, I know, but I’m nervous about it all, afraid you will find me lacking in some way. I’ve somehow got it in my head that we should hurry up about it, get past the initial discomfiture, and all will be well. Until then, I will be on tenterhooks.”
Her anxiety was oddly endearing. “You are all bluster, wife. I see now, you are not the brave woman I thought, but a frightened girl, hiding behind her pistols.”
Her eyes darkened. “I am not frightened. Merely fretful. There is a difference.”
He bent his head to hers. “Kiss me, Jane.” Far from the pliant, soft woman of yesterday, she was stiff as a board, her lips cold. He ignored the instinct telling him to step away. Moving his mouth across her cheek, he nibbled the lobe of her ear, inhaling her scent at the same time. “Lemons can be tart, sometimes even sour, but add a bit of sugar and they’re divine.”
“Do you consider yourself sugar?”
He growled softly and gathered her nearer. “Not hardly.” He wanted her. As soon as possible. What a novel thought, to desire one’s wife to such an extent. He’d found it difficult to muster the enthusiasm necessary to bed his first three wives. Truth be told, he’d lost a great deal of his enthusiasm for Miriam the past few months. She was a gentle woman with a sad life, and he hoped she’d find some measure of happiness. He considered her a friend, in spite of her choice of work, and would certainly support her child, as was his duty. But he wouldn’t miss her bed.
In a manner of speaking, he felt as though it had been a very long time, despite having bedded Miriam only two nights ago. Running his hands along Jane’s back, he absolutely considered drawing the draperies and taking her upon yon sofa. She’d suggested they hurry up about it. Her reason was anxiety; his was pure, unadulterated lust. This was something he’d held in the back of his mind all of the four years since he ravished her in Lucy’s library.
But he couldn’t consummate their marriage on her father’s sofa. It was too ghastly common, by half, and she deserved better. He kissed her again and met the same response. “You are reacting to Miriam, and I ask you to put her out of your mind. I certainly have.”
“You lie.”
“No, Jane,” he whispered into her hair, “there is only you.”
“Prove it.”
“Would you have me love you in your father’s study?” He shocked himself by hoping she’d say yes.
“I think not.” She stepped away from him and he dropped his arms. “Let’s leave now.”
“The coach awaits your pleasure.”
She moved toward the doors. “I’ve changed my mind about the coach. If you’ve no objection, I’d prefer to ride. We can make good time and lunch at the Red Lion on the Dover road.” Glancing at him over her shoulder, she was sober as a church. “I’ve heard they have lovely private rooms there.”
Forcing himself not to look the way he felt, Michael nodded as solemnly as she’d spoken. “Luncheon at the Red Lion would be an excellent beginning to our honeymoon. Will you be donning a habit, Jane?”
“Yes. I’ll meet you in the drawing room shortly.”
He watched her lea
ve and ruthlessly squelched the ridiculous shout of gladness forming in his throat. He must remember his goal where she was concerned. Get her pregnant as quickly as possible and leave directly afterward. Spending additional time with his beautiful wife was unwise at best, potentially disastrous at worst.
Clearing his throat, he remained in the study and considered the spines of Sherbourne’s books until he was once again in control of his person, able to present himself to the occupants of the drawing room without embarrassment.
Chapter 7
Lucy was relieved when Sherbourne appeared in the drawing room and announced he and Blix had come to an understanding, that by Jove, he would undoubtedly make Jane a fine husband. The Lennox brothers appeared to relax, and anxious to ask questions, but clearly didn’t want to embarrass her.
The next quarter hour was spent discussing mundane topics over tea, which she had been requested to pour, being that no hostess was present. As she gazed about at Jane’s family, she wondered why none of them were married, for surely there were not more handsome men to be had in all England. She’d heard they each held a considerable fortune in their own right, a legacy of their mother’s father, a Scottish tradesman who made his money in woolens. It seemed curious that none of them had taken a wife, although she did recall the second eldest, Jack, was a widower.
Sherbourne himself was something of a puzzle. He was a devilishly handsome man and cut a fine figure, even in middle age. With his black hair beginning to silver at the temples and laugh lines about his mouth, he looked very much like a man who enjoyed life, but retained a certain aristocratic dignity. Perhaps he had loved his wife too much to contemplate marrying again. She could well understand that, if it was true. After Bonderant, she’d not been inclined to consider a second marriage. One was fortunate indeed to experience true love and happiness in marriage, and it was unlikely one could find such a fortunate union twice in one lifetime.
The Last Duchess (The Lennox Series) Page 11