Nicola Cornick

by The Dukes Mistress

  It had been a happily spent day and now, back in her bedchamber, as she readied for dinner, she wished she could remain in this private world. But she could not for it was not reality.

  The journey to Haversham Hall took a mere quarter of an hour. The house was red-bricked and graceful and sat at the back of a huge lawn. The carriage halted in the circular drive and Justin alighted first, and then helped Belle down. He released her hand and she smoothed the silk of her grey gown in a nervous movement and wished she did not suddenly feel so apprehensive.

  The hall was large and cool and much more modern than anything she had seen at Falconcliff. The stout butler showed them to an elegant drawing room where Lady Haversham waited for them. She rose from the chair and came forward to greet them. Her smile was wide and warm, and any doubts Belle felt about her welcome vanished.

  She kissed Justin lightly on the cheek and then clasped Belle’s hand. ‘How nice to see you again. We have seen Justin a few times when he has ridden over to discuss business with Giles and he has said you were well. I feared the rain would never let up and it would be an age before I could invite you, which is why I sent off an invitation straight away as soon as I saw the merest hint of sun this morning. I hope it did not inconvenience you.’

  Belle returned her smile. ‘No. It was very kind of you to have me,’ she said.

  ‘Oh, not at all. Giles should be here shortly. And Caroline and William have been clamouring all day to see Justin.’ She cast him a mischievous glance. ‘I fear they plan to keep you very well occupied until they go to supper.’ She looked back at Belle. ‘My son and daughter. He is their godfather.’

  ‘I did not know that.’ She had no idea Lady Haversham already had children.

  The other woman made a face. ‘How disappointing! I would have thought that he would brag to everyone about them. I suspect he has been occupied with other matters so I will forgive him this time.’

  Just then a small boy and a girl burst through the doors, followed by a harried-looking young lady. ‘Uncle Justin!’ the boy cried. He launched himself across the floor at Justin and then suddenly noticed Belle. He stopped and stared at her with large blue eyes.

  ‘William,’ his mother said, ‘how often have I told you not to dash across the room in such a way? You must learn to enter a room like a gentleman.’ The rebuke was gentle and it was apparent from the softness in her face she truly doted on him.

  ‘Yes, Mama,’ he said, but the mischief in his eye was not repressed.

  ‘I beg your pardon, my lady,’ the young woman said. She and the girl had reached them. ‘I had reminded him he must not run but he was so anxious to see his Grace that I fear he quite forgot.’

  ‘I’ve no doubt the lesson will some day make an impression,’ Lady Haversham said. ‘You may go now, Lucinda. I have promised them they may stay with us for a short time.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Lucinda made a brief curtsy and hurried out of the room.

  William had grabbed Justin’s hand. ‘Do you want to see my puppy? He is very fat and licks my face and his name is Lion because he is very fierce.’

  ‘Which is a very silly name,’ his sister said scornfully. ‘I do not think he will be at all fierce. He is afraid of Betsy. I would have named him Mouse.’

  William gave her a quelling look. ‘Some day he will eat Betsy! Do you want to see him, Uncle Justin?’

  A slight smile quirked Justin’s mouth as he looked down at the boy. ‘Yes, but not at this very moment.’

  ‘And first you must greet Lady Milborne,’ Lady Haversham said. ‘She is Justin’s guest at Falconcliff.’

  Belle found two pairs of solemn blue eyes trained on her. They greeted her politely but with a trace of wariness, as if they were not quite certain what to make of her. She guessed that Caroline must be about eight and William looked to be no more than five. They were beautiful children with their mother’s startling sky-blue eyes and their father’s dark hair.

  She smiled and said very politely, ‘I am glad to meet two more of the Duke’s friends. How do you do?’ She held out her hand and they took turns shaking it.

  Lord Haversham entered the room at that moment. The children ran to him and he embraced them. She felt another tug at her heart as she watched the domestic scene. Her own parents had loved her in such a manner and she had thought that was how she would be with her own children. She glanced at Justin and found his eyes were on her, his expression unreadable. She gave him a little smile and then looked quickly away.

  Lord Haversham turned to Justin. ‘Have you been invited to see the puppy yet?’

  ‘Not only once, but twice. Would there be time before dinner?’ Justin glanced at Belle. ‘If you have no objections.’

  She shook her head. ‘No, of course not. I think visiting a new puppy is of prime importance. I only hope he will not prove to be too fierce and try to eat you.’

  William had clutched Justin’s hand again. ‘He won’t,’ he told her with grave reassurance. ‘He will only eat my enemies.’

  ‘I am glad to hear that.’

  ‘So am I,’ Justin said. He grinned at Belle, and she found herself smiling back at him.

  She realised Lord and Lady Haversham were watching them, so she tore her gaze away from Justin. It was decided Giles would visit the puppy as well, and Caroline, with a great show of bestowing a favour upon them, said she would also accompany them.

  Belle was left alone with Lady Haversham, who smiled at her. ‘Would you like to sit down or would you care for a stroll in the garden? I fear this might take more time than one might expect. They adore Justin and would monopolise him completely if possible.’

  ‘I can see that and that he returns their sentiments as well.’

  ‘Yes, he does. Should we go to the garden?’

  ‘I would like that, but only if you would not be too fatigued.’

  Lady Haversham laughed. ‘No. I am one of those fortunate females who actually feel quite well once I pass the first few months. I am quite sick at first and then I make the most amazing recovery.’ She led Belle through the French windows and to a small terrace. The garden was directly outside. ‘I suspect you are fond of children as well,’ Lady Haversham remarked.

  ‘I am.’ Belle’s smile trembled a little.

  ‘Justin will make an excellent papa some day, although I fear he will be like Giles and spoil his children dreadfully. His own father was very strict and not very affectionate, at least not outwardly, although I believe he loved his son very much. He was devastated when Justin left for the army and I think he suspected he would not see him again.’

  ‘You are speaking of Lord Haversham?’ Belle was puzzled at this confidence.

  ‘No, of Justin.’ Lady Haversham’s expression was apologetic. ‘I do tend to cross my lines even in conversation and wander off in the most odd directions. I only meant to say that I think it would be the best thing for Justin to set up a nursery.’ She paused near a rose bush.

  ‘Yes.’ Belle focused on the rose. ‘I think so, too.’ She did not believe Lady Haversham intended to hurt her, but her words pierced her as swiftly as any sword.

  ‘Justin seems happy,’ Lady Haversham said softly. ‘I do not think I have seem him so for a long time.’

  Belle glanced back at Lady Haversham. ‘Does he?’

  ‘I think so. Even Giles said so and he almost never notices such things. But are you happy as well?’

  ‘Yes. I am. Falconcliff is lovely and Justin is…is very kind.’ That did not begin to describe it but she could not think of what to say.

  ‘And an excellent lover, if the rumours are true.’

  Belle’s cheeks flamed. ‘Lady Haversham, I…’

  Her eyes sparkled. ‘You must call me Marguerite. I did not mean to embarrass you but since I am married and obviously know about such things…’ she cast a look at her gently rounded stomach ‘…and you have been married before, we can be frank. But you do not have to tell me a thing if you don’t wish. I’ve no doubt
Justin would be appalled if he knew we were discussing such a thing. As would Giles. Not that they would ever think about discussing the subject themselves.’

  Belle thought of the less than respectable conversations she had heard between Lucien and his acquaintances concerning the female sex. ‘No, I have not noticed they have the least interest in such things. Yes, he is very good in that regard—not that I have had much experience,’ she added hastily and then wondered what it was about Marguerite that inspired such confidences. Perhaps it was the laughter in her eyes or the sense that she truly cared and would not use the information against her.

  ‘Merely very good?’ Marguerite gave a whoop of laughter. ‘I am not certain he would be at all flattered. But then it is his other sterling qualities you undoubtedly admire.’

  ‘Yes, those, too.’ She smiled at Marguerite.

  ‘I am very glad of that. He needs someone who admires him for the other things he is, such as kind, not just for his title and wealth.’

  She was not quite certain what Marguerite meant to tell her. The sound of voices and childish chatter interrupted any further conversation. She saw Justin, Giles and the two children were striding across the lawn towards them. This time a child held each of Justin’s hands and his head was bent as he listened to Caroline.

  The scene tore at her heart. Marguerite was right—he looked happy and natural as if he were perfectly at home. With a sort of despair, she knew she had fallen in love with him. And, because of that, she must go because she would never be able to give him all he needed to make him happy.

  Justin watched Belle as she sat on the sofa in the drawing room of Haversham Hall. Caroline sat beside her, their two dark heads bent over a picture book. They had dined early and, after dinner, William and Caroline had been allowed to join the adults for a short time before a protesting William was whisked up to bed. Caroline had been allowed to stay up a little longer and she had somewhat diffidently brought out a book and asked if Belle would like to see it. That Belle had been more than pleased to be asked was evident from the warmth that had leapt to her face, but she had just as courteously told Caroline she would be very happy to do so. Belle had been perceptive for Caroline always withdrew when undue fuss was made over her.

  Caroline said something, and Belle’s face was very serious as she replied. He had a sudden vision of Belle at Falconcliff, their own small daughter at her side doing exactly the same thing. In a blinding flash, he knew he had no intention of ever letting her go.

  Justin was still reeling under the thought when Marguerite appeared at his side. ‘I like her very much.’

  He looked down at her, rather dazed. ‘Who?’

  ‘Your Belle, of course.’ She smiled up at him for a moment and then sobered. ‘I was certain I would detest her and when Brandt said you were bringing her to Falconcliff, I was determined I would put a stop to any machinations she had. But then I saw she was not at all what I thought and that she is kind and generous.’

  ‘She is.’ And much more. The nights she spent in his arms had been an union that went beyond that of the physical and he knew he would never tire of her.

  ‘So, what are your intentions? I worried at first that she would hurt you, but now I worry that you might hurt her.’

  ‘My intentions? I intend to marry her.’

  Her smile was wide. ‘Very good. I would suggest as soon as possible.’

  ‘That is my intention as well.’

  ‘That would be wise. Before Lady Georgina gets wind of it. I’ve no doubt she will endeavour to stop you.’

  ‘She won’t.’

  ‘But she will try. She has always attempted to interfere in your affairs. She wants you to marry Lady Clarissa Blackwood, does she not? I daresay she thinks Lady Clarissa will be quite amenable to her influence.’

  He frowned. ‘What do you know of that?’

  ‘It is amazing what gossip one learns even this far from London. My sister-in-law keeps me very well informed.’ She glanced at the pair on the sofa again. ‘I must ring for Lucinda and have her take Caroline up to bed. I suggest you propose to your Belle soon. You really should not waste any time in these matters. Besides, I look forward to being a godparent to your first child.’

  He was too startled to make a reply, although he wanted to tell her to cease her meddling. But she had already flitted off to ring for the nursemaid. He scowled. As much as he hated to admit it, she was probably right. He should not let the matter go on. The only thing that gave him pause was that Belle had refused him before. He knew she was skittish about marriage—he could hardly blame her. But things had changed between them since then. That she was not indifferent to him was obvious. He had no idea whether she was in love with him or not, but he intended to use every argument at hand to persuade her, including that she might already be with child.

  But he did not propose after they left Haversham Hall. She was quiet, more so than usual, and, from the droop of her head, he thought she must be tired. As much as he wanted to secure her consent, he had at least developed a measure of self-control over the years. So he would wait.

  But not for long.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Lord Salcombe and Lady Georgina arrived in the late afternoon of the next day. Belle had just come around the side of the house from the garden when she saw the carriage in the drive. She stopped. She did not recognise the crest, but she recognised the tall, brown-haired man who alighted. He turned to help another occupant down and her heart took a sickening dive when she saw Lady Georgina.

  Justin had said nothing about visitors. But then she had not seen him today except for a brief moment at breakfast. Last night had been the first night since she had arrived that she had spent in her own bed. To her chagrin she had developed a slight headache and had nearly fallen asleep in the coach on the trip home from Haversham Hall. Justin had helped her up to her bed and sent Ellen in to look after her. He had been solicitous, but had seemed as preoccupied as she was and, after dropping a quick kiss on her forehead, had left her.

  She had awoken this morning, her headache gone, but unable to quite shake the melancholy she had felt since last night.

  Lord Salcombe had seen her. His eyes were fixed on her face and she could almost imagine their look of thinly veiled disapproval. She forced herself to go forward and he moved to the side of the carriage to wait for her. By now, Lady Georgina had spotted her as well.

  She forced a smile to her face. ‘Good day, Lady Georgina, Lord Salcombe.’

  Lady Georgina’s cold grey eyes met hers. ‘I see you have made yourself quite at home.’ Her gaze went briefly to the flowers she had picked.

  Belle lifted her chin, refusing to buckle under her disapproval. Salcombe’s expression was harder to interpret. ‘These are for the drawing room. Justin is out on the estate. I am not certain he knew exactly when you would arrive, otherwise I feel sure he would have been here to greet you. You will have to make do with me instead.’

  ‘He did not know we were coming,’ Salcombe said.

  ‘Which undoubtedly explains why he is not here.’ She knew she was not being very cordial, but she felt edgy and defensive. ‘You must come in.’

  Lady Georgina ignored her and took Salcombe’s arm. ‘I do not wish to stand out here all day.’ She started up the steps without waiting for Belle.

  Belle trailed them into the hall where Mrs Keith stood. While Belle had been talking with Salcombe and Lady Georgina, the footmen had brought in the luggage which was now in the hall. Mrs Keith’s austere face lit when she recognised Salcombe. ‘My lord, ’tis good to see you.’ Her expression was merely polite when she turned to Lady Georgina. ‘My lady. I fear the Duke said nothing about your arrival.’ She cast Belle a puzzled look.

  ‘It is a surprise,’ Salcombe said. ‘We did not send word we were coming.’

  ‘I see. Well, then you will be wanting your usual suite, I imagine. It is the one at the far end of the west wing. Should I ready the blue bedchamber for Lady Georgina,
my lady?’ she said to Belle.

  Lady Georgina’s mouth had tightened with suppressed fury. ‘The blue bedchamber will not suit me at all. I would like the one at the south corner.’

  Mrs Keith turned dismayed eyes to Belle. ‘But…’

  ‘That will be fine,’ Belle said. ‘You can prepare that bedchamber for her.’ She was not about to argue that she already occupied the room for she feared it would only cause more distress for everyone.

  Lady Georgina had already started up the staircase to the drawing room. Salcombe and Belle followed, but just outside the drawing room door she was stopped by Salcombe’s hand on her arm. She looked up at him, puzzled that he would touch her. Salcombe removed his hand. ‘I have a message for you from Lady Chloe,’ he said quietly.

  She was startled. ‘Do you?’

  ‘Yes.’ He pressed a note into her hand. ‘She is concerned about your well-being.’

  ‘Thank you,’ she said and wondered how such a thing had come about when it was so apparent he held her in no esteem at all. ‘You are very kind.’

  ‘Not at all.’

  ‘You have spoken to Chloe, then? Is she well?’

  For the first time a smile touched his mouth. ‘I think so.’

  Good heavens. He actually liked Chloe and more than just a little, if she was not mistaken— Which explained why he had delivered Chloe’s message.

  She realised she was staring at Salcombe. ‘I am glad,’ she said softly. ‘Thank you for letting me know.’

  He inclined his head and waited for her to pass into the drawing room. Lady Georgina had already removed her bonnet and pelisse and had seated herself on one of the sofas. ‘I will ring for refreshment. What would you like, Brandt?’