Nicola Cornick

by The Dukes Mistress

  ‘That does not matter. I cannot live my life to please my relations.’ His mouth was set.

  ‘But it is one more thing. And when there are no children, they will resent your marriage even more. There are the other things as well. The rumours that circulated in London about me and about you. I cannot accept your offer. I cannot allow you to sacrifice all that matters to you to marry me.’

  She had no idea if he’d even heard her. ‘Do you love me?’ he demanded fiercely.

  She closed her eyes. If she told him the truth, she feared he would never accept her answer. She opened them. ‘I…I am very fond of you. I care for you and will always wish you well.’

  His face was grim. ‘I think you are afraid to love. Otherwise, you would see that all of your objections are not insurmountable.’

  ‘The fact that I am barren is not,’ she said quietly. ‘It precludes me from ever marrying.’

  ‘So you will live your life without love.’ His eyes bore into hers. ‘You spoke of guilt. Do you think I will live my life without regard to the knowledge that you are outside the pale because of me? Think of that, my dear.’

  ‘I do not hold you responsible for that. I chose freely to become your mistress.’

  ‘I must correct you. You chose to become my mistress because I forced you. Do you not recall that it was either your virtue or your sister-in-law?’

  ‘I always knew that some day I must redress the wrong done you. I was willing to pay whatever price you asked.’

  ‘So, you came with me, a martyr who was prepared to sacrifice body and virtue in payment for her sins? Or your husband’s? Was that the only reason? I had thought you were without guile, but how much of the pleasure and giving when you lay in my arms was an act?’

  ‘None of it was.’ She spoke quietly and tiredly.

  ‘That only makes it worse, then. You gave me part of your soul as well. That, my dear, was hardly sporting of you. You have put me at a complete disadvantage. I will leave you now. I have no desire to find myself further in your debt.’ He executed a short bow and then left her.

  This time she did not watch him walk away.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Marguerite waited for her on the terrace that led from the drawing room to the garden. Her face was filled with concern. ‘Are you all right?’

  ‘I am, thank you.’ To Belle’s chagrin, her voice trembled.

  ‘Oh, my dear!’ Marguerite dashed forward and caught her hands. Her face held such compassion that Belle nearly broke down then.

  ‘I pray you will not say anything kind to me or I will probably burst into tears.’

  ‘Then I will have to abuse you! How could you refuse Justin?’

  ‘He told you that?’

  ‘No, but I knew he meant to offer for you. He looked so despondent when he left a little while ago, that I knew you could not have accepted him. Whatever prevented you? Was it Lady Georgina? She is a truly terrible old lady and has always meddled in Justin’s affairs, but you cannot let her frighten you!’

  Belle drew away. She could dissemble, but as always when faced with Marguerite’s forthright kindness she found herself wanting to tell her. ‘No, it was not Lady Georgina.’ She forced herself to meet Marguerite’s eyes. ‘I am barren. After I saw him here with the children I knew I could never accept him.’

  Marguerite’s face was troubled. ‘Are you certain you are barren?’

  ‘I am certain. He tried to tell me it did not matter, but I know it does. Perhaps not at the moment or even a year from now, but it will. And it already matters to me.’

  ‘I see.’ She studied Belle’s face for a moment. ‘Then you have made up your mind.’

  ‘Yes.’ She was puzzled by the odd note in Marguerite’s voice, almost as if Marguerite did not quite see that it was the only choice she could make. That, in fact, there really was no choice at all.

  Lady Georgina cornered Justin as he stalked to his study. ‘I want to talk to you,’ she said.

  ‘I fear I am occupied at the moment.’ He reined in his temper. She was not to blame for the reason Belle gave for refusing him, but he resented her presence all the same. Most of the time he tolerated her, but barely. She had been his father’s only sister. In her own way she had loved his father, which was why he did not completely wash his hands of her. And because he was the head of the family he was responsible for her.

  ‘You have hardly given me a moment since I arrived. I dare say you are angry with me for sending Lady Milborne away but you must see it was for the best.’

  He stared at her. ‘Did you send her away?’

  ‘Not directly, perhaps, but she did understand that it would be impossible for her to stay any longer now that we have arrived.’ Her lips curved in a little smile.

  ‘Then I hope you will understand that if she had not gone to stay at Haversham Hall and been forced to go elsewhere, that I would have gone with her.’

  The smile disappeared. ‘You are very foolish. She has no reputation. Have you heard the tales? Her husband forced her to participate in his little parties, which were no better than orgies.’

  ‘The person who started the tales had better hope that I do not discover his or her identity. Because if I do, I will see that person never sets foot in society again.’

  Justin did not wait for her answer. He moved past her into his study and closed the door. He was beginning to feel sure he knew exactly who had started the rumours.

  He knew his aunt would stop at nothing to destroy Belle as long as she perceived the younger woman as a threat.

  He could not allow her to do that. His aunt wanted him to wed a woman of her own choosing. She saw Belle as a hindrance that must be removed.

  Very well. He would marry where his aunt wished. But only under certain conditions.

  He watched the sea below him. The clouds had rolled in and the sea reflected the greyness of the sky. He doubted very much that he would bring his unknown bride to Falconcliff.

  In fact, he doubted that he would return to Falconcliff at all.

  Justin called on Giles and Marguerite the next morning. He was shown into the small parlour where they were still at breakfast. Giles had just said something that made Marguerite smile and she touched his hand. An envy that was almost painful pierced him.

  Marguerite glanced up and saw him. ‘Justin.’ Her face sobered and she rose. ‘How are you?’

  ‘I had wanted to talk to you today. You and Giles.’ He paused, not certain how to begin. ‘I have something to ask of you.’

  Giles frowned. ‘What is it?’

  ‘You have often told me that you are in my debt. I am about to call in my vouchers.’

  He confronted Lady Georgina next. She was in his drawing room, seated on one of the straight-back chairs she favoured. A cup of tea sat on the table next to her.

  ‘Good morning, Westmore,’ she said. She was elegantly dressed as usual and perfectly composed. ‘Please sit down.’

  He leaned against the arm of the sofa instead. ‘I have a proposal to put before you.’

  ‘What is it?’ She looked at him, her eyes narrowed a little. ‘I pray it has nothing to do with that creature.’

  ‘What creature is that?’

  ‘You know quite well.’

  ‘Perhaps you will enlighten me.’

  ‘Lady Milborne, of course.’ She laughed a little. ‘Oh, do not look at me like that! You know quite well I dislike her and would do anything to keep you out of her clutches. As long as you are besotted with her, you will not do your duty and marry.’

  He smiled coldly. ‘I am quite willing to do my duty, but there is something you must do in return.’

  ‘You are willing to marry? My dear Westmore, I…but who do you have in mind? Is there someone?’ Then she stared at him. ‘No! It cannot be Lady Milborne! I swear if it is…’

  He interrupted her. ‘It is not Lady Milborne. Nor do I have a specific candidate in mind.’

  ‘Lady Clarissa, then. I have always thought she
would be most suitable. She has the breeding, and is certainly considered a diamond of the first water! She is most accomplished and I’ve no doubt will be a most admirable Duchess.’

  Since that description could fit any number of eligible young ladies, he found her qualifications a dead bore. ‘I suggest you listen to what I want you to do before you plan the wedding.’

  ‘Very well. What is it?’ she asked impatiently.

  ‘You will leave for London the day after next. As I will. Giles, Marguerite and Lady Milborne will travel to London as well. You will hold a soirée a week after your arrival.’

  ‘Really, Westmore, you are dictating in a remarkably high-handed fashion. But if it pleases you, of course. I can invite a number of eligible girls—’

  ‘You will invite Lady Milborne as well as Giles and Marguerite.’

  ‘Invite Lady Milborne? You are mad! I would never do such a thing! Have you completely lost your sense of propriety?’

  ‘Not at all.’ He kept his gaze on her. ‘If you do not invite Lady Milborne, there will be no marriage to Lady Clarissa or to any other eligible young lady. But that is not all I require. You are to acknowledge Lady Milborne in public. In fact, if you fail to acknowledge Lady Milborne on any occasion, I will not only make no offers of marriage, but I will refuse to acknowledge you in return.’

  She gasped. ‘You cannot be serious! You are mad!’ She gave an odd laugh. ‘No, you’re not mad, you are still besotted! I suppose I should be grateful you only intend to keep her as your mistress instead of as your wife!’

  His eyes locked with hers. ‘She is not my mistress. I trust there will be no rumours to that effect.’

  ‘I have no idea why you are doing this! After what she did to you!’

  ‘She did nothing to me. So, do I have your word?’

  ‘Very well. If only to see that you are safely married and with an heir on the way. I hope that will cure you of this obsession.’

  He moved away from the sofa. ‘I intend to put these terms in writing so there will be no misunderstanding about what I want from you.’

  ‘Good heavens, Westmore. I am a relation, not some sort of merchant you are dealing with!’

  ‘None the less, there will be a document. I will leave you now as I’ve other business to attend to before we depart for London. By the way,’ he added, his voice deliberate, ‘the only reason I am not to wed Lady Milborne is because she refused my offer.’

  Her mouth fell open but Justin left the room before she could say a word. He had one last call to make.

  Belle pulled her shawl more firmly around her shoulders. She sat on a bench at the far end of the Havershams’ property. The estate was further from the sea than Falconcliff but she could still see the water in the distance.

  She supposed she should return to the house. She had been out here nearly an hour and Marguerite would worry if she was gone too long.

  She rose and started back down the well-kept path that ran along one edge of the grounds. She had just passed the summerhouse when she saw a man coming towards her.

  Justin. Her heart pounded. Her first impulse was to dodge into the summerhouse and hope he did not see her, but it was too late. He had already spotted her. She stopped and waited for him.

  He came to a halt a few feet from her. ‘Good day, Belle,’ he said. His expression was cool and reserved, as it had been that night when she had first seen him again.

  ‘Good day.’ At least her voice did not tremble.

  ‘Are you going back to the house?’

  She nodded. ‘Yes.’

  ‘I will walk with you. I have some matters to discuss with you.’

  ‘And what are those?’ She started to walk.

  He fell into step next to her. ‘I have come to the conclusion that you are correct. I have certain responsibilities in my position. So when I return to London I will heed your advice and find a wife.’

  She kept her voice calm, despite the sick feeling in her stomach. ‘I think that is wise of you.’

  ‘Do you? I am glad.’ He slanted a look at her. ‘I do not suppose you would consider continuing our liaison.’ His voice was completely indifferent.

  She stopped. She had no idea whether it was a question or a statement. Or whether he meant to insult her or hurt her or both. She met his gaze without flinching. ‘I would not do something so despicable to your future wife. I lived with an unfaithful husband, and even when there is no love between husband and wife, it is still painful to know your husband considers you of less value than his mistresses.’

  Something flickered in his eyes. ‘Belle…’ he began.

  ‘I would prefer to end our conversation, your Grace.’ She began to walk again.

  He easily caught up with her. ‘Wait. I promise I’ll hold my damnable tongue. There is something else. One more duty I have.’

  ‘I’ve no desire to be your confidante in these matters.’

  ‘This concerns you.’

  ‘You have no duty towards me.’

  ‘I do. I have taken away your good name, I will see to it that it is restored.’

  ‘That will be impossible.’

  ‘Not at all.’

  ‘I do not wish you to even attempt to do so.’ She did not look at him.

  ‘And allow you to continue to martyr yourself while I escape unscathed? No, my dear Belle, you will at least grant me this.’

  She was stung. ‘I do not consider myself a martyr! I have only tried to do what I thought was right!’

  ‘Which is precisely what I am doing. I’ve already spoken to Giles and Marguerite. I will leave for London the day after next and you will leave with Giles and Marguerite the following day.’

  She glanced at him. ‘I don’t wish to return to London.’ They had reached the lawn just behind the house.

  He caught her arm. ‘Let me go,’ she said.

  ‘Not until you listen to me.’

  She turned to face him. ‘Very well. I am listening.’

  He dropped his hand from her arm. ‘You will return to London because I intend that you will be restored to society. There are still a few weeks left in the Season, which will enable you to be seen in Giles and Marguerite’s company as well as my cousin’s. Once you reach London, you will stay with Marguerite and Giles as their guest. They will host a small party shortly after your arrival. You will attend as many public functions as possible and we will make it clear that anyone who does not receive you will be deprived of our company as well.’

  ‘All of this is not necessary.’

  ‘It is. You have been staying at Haversham Hall for the past three weeks as a guest. Brandt will vouch for that. As well as my aunt.’

  ‘She must loathe that.’

  He smiled, but there was no amusement in his face. ‘Not at all. She realises it would be to her detriment to have rumours of our liaison leak out.’

  ‘I see.’ She could not imagine how he managed to bring that about.

  ‘Are you in need of funds?’

  She flushed a little. ‘No, I have what I need. Thank you.’

  He inclined his head. ‘Not at all.’ He paused for a moment and then spoke. ‘I will bid you farewell, then. I will undoubtedly see you in London.’ He was as cool and impersonal as if they were strangers. Which was for the best. Otherwise she would be devastated.

  ‘Yes.’ She hesitated and then held out her hand. ‘Goodbye, Justin.’

  He took it, his hands briefly clasping hers before releasing it. ‘Goodbye, Belle.’

  She did not watch him walk away.

  Chapter Seventeen

  ‘Lovely!’ Marguerite said. She turned Belle towards the looking glass. ‘I do not think you should ever be allowed to wear grey again.’

  ‘Most certainly not.’ Madame Celeste adjusted the sleeve of the peach-coloured silk gown. She stepped back and surveyed Belle. ‘Perfect. You will rival any lady present tonight.’

  The colour was lovely. Her skin glowed and her eyes seemed darker. But the bodice a
ppeared to be nothing more than a band of silk and there seemed to be an excessive amount of bare flesh showing above it. She glanced at Marguerite. ‘Is it not rather low?’

  ‘It most certainly is not! You cannot continue to dress like a Puritan and hide away your assets.’

  ‘I would like to keep at least some of my assets hidden.’

  Marguerite laughed. ‘Do not worry. No one will be shocked.’

  ‘Perhaps a fichu of some sort?’

  ‘No!’ Marguerite exclaimed.

  Madame Celeste pursed her lips. ‘It would quite ruin the effect.’

  She gave up. She had discovered Marguerite intended she would re-enter society with a flourish. The three days she had been in London had been spent in a whirl of visits to nearly every fashionable shop in London that dealt with a lady’s needs. Tonight would be her first foray into society. They were to attend the opera and Marguerite had insisted she must have a new gown.

  Madame finished the fitting and promised the gown would be delivered in good time for tonight’s affair. Just as Belle and Marguerite were about to leave, the door of the shop opened. Maria and Chloe entered. Belle stopped, her heart pounding. She hardly knew what to say.

  Chloe saw her first. ‘Belle!’ She flew at Belle and Belle’s arms closed around her.

  She scarcely heard Marguerite’s, ‘Good day, Lady Ralston,’ and Maria’s rather flustered answer.

  She released Chloe, who stepped back. ‘Oh, Belle, you are back! I have missed you so!’

  ‘And I have missed you.’ She looked over Chloe’s head at Maria, whose own face was confused. ‘Hello, Maria.’

  Maria’s lips tightened, and for a moment Belle did not think she would answer, but then she said,

  ‘Belle.’

  ‘Belle is staying with us,’ Marguerite said.

  ‘Is she? I did not know that,’ Maria said. She cast Belle a confused look. ‘I did not know she was in London.’