At a rate of interest she could well imagine.
Touched by his past, relieved that he trusted her enough to tell her about Roger, and most of all yearning to ease the pain he still obviously felt, she put her arms around him. “You’re a good man, Dev. You haven’t just helped your half brother. The charity schools you fund will help many more young women like his mother. I’m so proud to be your wife!”
He smiled then with true joy and happiness. “As I’m proud to be your husband. And I think it’s past time I sent a wedding announcement to the Times.”
Thea started to laugh. “I imagined that, too, when I was dreaming of becoming your wife.”
“It seems I have a wife who’s imaginative as well as determined.”
“As I have a very imaginative husband. Or do all husbands do...what you just did?”
“I suspect not, although more fools them.”
“Do you like doing that?”
“I like that it gives you pleasure.”
A soft knocking at the door interrupted them, followed by the subdued voice of Thea’s maid. “If you please, my lady, it’s time to dress for dinner if you’re going to come down.”
“Just a moment,” Thea called out, starting to get out of bed.
Dev held her back. “Let’s stay here. You need to rest, and I think I do, too.”
“The doctor also said I should eat,” she replied with a twinkle in her eye, “and what will the servants think if we linger here?”
“That we want to be alone,” he said, “but heaven forbid we outrage the servants with our impropriety!”
“We can be as improper as we like later,” she said, her voice low and sultry as she watched him get out of bed.
Dev’s eyebrows rose and then he slowly smiled.
* * *
A few days later, Mrs. Wessex sat beside Thea in the morning room discussing the arrangements for the upcoming ball. Dev had raised no more objections and had even added a few more names to the guest list.
“We shall have to decide on the flowers,” the housekeeper said. “They will, of course, have to match your gown.”
“Naturally,” Thea said, although she was still not used to having unlimited funds or new ball gowns, either.
Mrs. Lemmuel had finished the last of her new clothes and the sapphire-blue ball gown trimmed with Brussels lace, the skirt tucked and shirred, the bodice as low as could be considered proper, was a marvel. Wanting it to be a surprise, she hadn’t let Dev see it yet, although he did know it was blue.
“I beg your pardon, my lady,” Jackson intoned from the doorway. “Lady Gladys is—”
“Here, and I hope you don’t mind me barging in like this,” the young woman said, rushing into the room, this time deftly sidestepping a small table. She wore a bright yellow pelisse and a small navy blue tricorn hat trimmed with the same yellow. Her dress was likewise navy blue, falling in folds from the empire waist. Her boots were soft brown leather and her lace gloves as white as a summer’s cloud.
“I’ve been dying to come for a visit,” she went on, “only Papa fell off his horse and sprained his ankle. You might not think that’s much of an excuse, but the poor dear is the most impatient patient and I’m the only one who doesn’t get annoyed with him. I understand him, you see. He hates enforced idleness. Wants to be up and about despite the good doctor’s orders.”
Thea could appreciate that. It took a good deal of persuasion to get Dev to agree that she didn’t need to stay in bed all day. Not that she minded the persuading or didn’t guess what he really meant. And she’d been wondering why her friend hadn’t been to call. “Will you please bring us some tea, Mrs. Wessex?”
The housekeeper, who hadn’t been quite able to hide her pique that their conference had been interrupted, rose and swept out of the room.
“Oh dear, I didn’t mean to offend Mrs. Wessex!” Gladys cried with real dismay as she sat, her spectacles glittering in the morning light.
“It’s all right. We can finish that discussion another time,” Thea replied. “I’m sorry to hear about your father’s injury.”
“He’ll be fine in another few days, Dr. Havish says. Not like the duchess, I’m sorry to say.”
“What’s happened to the duchess? Is she ill?” Thea asked with sincere concern. She didn’t like the woman, but she didn’t wish her any harm, either, and she could well imagine the toll her daughter’s scandalous behavior had taken on the older woman.
“Not sick exactly, but Mater says you’d hardly know her. She’s like a shadow. Of course the moment Mater heard she wasn’t doing well, she went to see her right away with her favorite tonic. I can tell you’re surprised. I wasn’t. Mater’s a kindhearted person, and for all her differences with the duchess, well, they’re of an age, so I think Mater felt for her. Not that I’d ever entertain the notion of running off with a man even if I was desperately in love, which is about as likely as a trip to the moon.
“And while Mater can be quite blunt, she can also be soft-spoken if the situation warrants, as this one does. She’s been to see the duchess every day—a kindness for the duchess and it gets Mater out of the house as well, so all parties benefit.”
“Perhaps I should visit the duchess, too, if company helps,” Thea suggested.
Gladys flushed and shook her head. “I applaud the urge, but it would be better if you didn’t. Just the mention of your name or Dev’s sets her to ranting. She still blames you, you see, for her daughter’s behavior. Easier to blame you than her own child, I suppose.”
Thea sighed and nodded her agreement. “How is the duke?”
“Not nearly as downcast as his wife, that’s for certain. But then, he’s got something else to rally his spirits,” Gladys said, her cheeks turning a brighter shade of pink.
Although Thea had an inkling of what had brought the blush to Gladys’s face, she couldn’t resist feigning ignorance. “And what might that be?”
“The poor man is still under the impression his son will be returning soon. He seems to forget the marquess is nothing if not inconsistent.” Gladys spoke with uncharacteristic pertness and Thea wondered if Dev was right about Gladys’s feelings for Paul after all.
“You’re looking well, I must say!” Gladys declared, clearly keen to change the subject. “My word, such a fright you gave me! And how is your husband? Delighted about the little stranger?”
“Yes, he’s very happy about the baby,” Thea was pleased to reply.
Mrs. Wessex entered the room, bearing a tea tray that she set down before Thea and Gladys. “Thank you,” Thea said, deciding it might be better to wait for the housekeeper to leave the room before speaking again.
The notion of reticence didn’t seem to enter Gladys’s head, however. “Are you still having the ball?” she asked as Thea handed her a cup of tea.
“Yes.”
“Excellent!” Gladys exclaimed. “Mater thought maybe not, but I couldn’t see a little thing like being with child, especially when it’s early days, stopping you. And a wise thing it is, too. Plenty of people are simply dying to meet you.”
That was not as thrilling to Thea as Gladys seemed to expect. “I hope I’m not a disappointment.”
Gladys gave her a warm, reassuring smile. “You can’t be.” She set down her tea, jostling the cup so much, it nearly tipped, before she leaned forward and spoke with grave intensity. “There is something I simply must discuss with you. Do you think my new ball gown should be lavender, pink or Nile green?”
Chapter Seventeen
“It’s true,” Dev said softly, appearing behind Thea as she stood in front of the looking glass in her bedroom. The night of the ball had finally arrived and it was almost time to go downstairs to greet their guests. “I have the loveliest wife in England and the cleverest and bravest, too. Indeed I can
think of only one thing she lacks.”
Frowning, but with smiling eyes, Thea turned to face him. “And what would that be, sir? It cannot be a handsome, kind, loving husband, for that I surely have. I also have a fine roof over my head, plenty of food to eat and nice clothes to wear, a child on the way and...” She twirled, letting the silk skirt of her empire-waist blue ball gown trimmed with lace three inches wide flare. “A very pretty ball gown.”
Something of her delight diminished. “That I hope plenty of people will see.” She clasped her hands. “Oh, Dev, what if nobody comes?”
He gave her a reassuring smile that made him look even more dashing in his evening clothes. His cravat and collar framed his strong jaw, and his black tailcoat emphasized his broad shoulders, as his breeches and stockings revealed his leanly muscular legs. “Dr. Havish told you not to worry, and really, there’s no need. I’m sure everyone we’ve invited will come. Perhaps not the duke and duchess, but otherwise, nobody’s sent their regrets, have they? And the roads are dry.” His smile grew a little sly. “I suspect there are plenty of people curious to see my bride.”
“That’s not completely reassuring,” Thea replied, bending over her dressing table and adjusting one of the little curls her maid had spent several minutes arranging. “They’ll surely think you married beneath you,” she added, straightening.
“If they think that, they’re fools.” He came closer and reached into a pocket, withdrawing a long velvet box. “Much as I’m appreciating the space between your neck and the edge of your bodice, it looks a little barren. This should help.”
“Oh, Dev!” she gasped as he opened the box to reveal a silver and sapphire necklace, the filament thin, the jewels large. “It’s beautiful!”
He put the box on her dressing table and took out the necklace. “Let me put it on,” he said, and she dutifully turned her back to him. “This was my mother’s, and it was her mother’s before her. It was the one thing of hers my father never sold.”
“I’ll love it for her sake, too, then,” Thea said quietly, fingering the necklace after he closed the clasp. She turned to him again and saw the love shining in his eyes. “I wish I could have known her.”
“She would have liked you, although she might have found you a bit intimidating,” he admitted.
“As I’m sure my father would like you once he got over losing to you,” she said, suppressing a sigh. “I wish we knew where he was!”
He embraced her gently. “If he sailed to Canada, it would take at least this long to get a letter from him, and Roger’s men have found no evidence that he’s met with foul play.”
She returned his hug. “You’re right, of course. Now we’d best go down and prepare to meet our guests,” she said, placing her hand on his arm.
They had no sooner reached the entrance to the ballroom than they heard a commotion in the hall.
“Who can that be? It’s a little early for any of the guests to be arriving,” Thea said, glancing warily at her husband.
“We’d best go see,” he replied, and she could tell by his expression that he was equally puzzled and concerned.
Until they saw Roger, dressed in pristine, fine-fitting evening clothes and a red-faced Caroline in a cream-colored ball gown, her thick blond hair plainly styled but needing no embellishment to be beautiful, standing in the foyer.
Thea had sent them invitations but hadn’t expected them to attend. A swift glance at Dev, following close behind, proved he was equally surprised.
Anyone seeing the solicitor in evening dress would find it easy to believe he was the son of a nobleman, while Caroline looked grimly determined or as if she’d rather be anywhere else.
In spite of Caroline’s expression, Thea hurried forward to welcome them. “Good evening, Lady Caroline, Mr. Bessborough.”
“We’re delighted you could come,” Dev added as he came to stand beside her.
Caroline slid a rather displeased glance at Roger. “My legal counsel said it would help the suit if I acted as if all was well.”
“And since she is clearly unable to play the weeping victim,” Roger said, likewise obviously displeased. “In such a situation, it’s best not to try to act it.”
“Well, in any case, here you are!” Dev said while Jackson took away Roger’s hat and greatcoat and Thea’s maid appeared to escort Caroline to one of the bedrooms that was to be used as a lady’s dressing room. The disgraced noblewoman went off with her head high and a scathing backward glance at the attorney.
“Trouble with Lady Caroline?” Dev asked as they made their way to the ballroom brightened by nearly five hundred candles, the light reflected and magnified by the mirrored walls. Large bouquets of hothouse roses, white like the lace of Thea’s gown, stood on tables, their scent perfuming the room. The raised platform at the far end of the room where the musicians would play was already prepared with stands for their music.
“She is a very stubborn, opinionated woman,” Roger replied.
“Rather like my wife,” Dev noted.
“In other words,” Thea said with a toss of her head, “she speaks her own mind and doesn’t easily go along with your suggestions.”
“My legal advice,” Roger corrected.
“Whatever you wish to call it. But she did come with you. Has she been to see her parents?”
“Her mother refused to see her, and her father wasn’t there.”
That was unfortunate, if not surprising. “Where are you staying?”
“I’ve taken rooms for Lady Caroline and myself at the inn in Dundrake.”
“We’ll be happy to have you both stay here,” Thea offered.
“Perhaps Lady Caroline will avail herself of your kindness. I must return to London first thing in the morning.”
“Very well, I’ll ask her,” Thea said.
With a nod, Roger moved away toward the anteroom where the refreshments would be served. Meanwhile, Jackson appeared at the main entrance to the ballroom. He had barely taken up the position he would have as the rest of the guests arrived when he immediately announced, “The Earl and Countess of Byford, Lady Gladys Fitzwalter!”
The earl and his wife and daughter came forward, smiling and looking about with admiration and approval, at least on the countess’s part. Thea rather suspected the earl didn’t notice a room’s décor any more than he paid heed to the latest fashion in men’s clothing.
His wife no doubt did, though, and Thea was glad to see her satisfied appraisal.
“Good evening, my lord, my lady, Lady Gladys,” Dev said.
“Good evening to you and your charming wife,” the earl declared, giving Thea a nod before addressing Dev again. “Have you heard about my new hunter? Lovely animal and a bargain, too!”
“You can tell him all about the beast later,” Lady Byford said. Like her daughter, she wore a gown that might have come from Paris, or perhaps ancient Greece, judging by the flowing folds of lavender satin. It was beautiful without being overpowering, and trimmed by a thin band of gold, understated and well suited to the older woman’s maturity.
Momentarily ignoring Dev, the countess fixed her gaze on Thea. “How are you, my dear?”
“Quite well, thank you.”
“So Gladys informs me, but I think you’re a little too pale. I’ll send you some of Dr. Delamonte’s tonic. It will revive you, I’m sure!”
Thea merely smiled in response to the countess’s offer before the older woman moved farther into the room. “You look lovely tonight,” she said to Gladys.
The Nile green of Gladys’s gown brought out the color of her eyes and suited her complexion perfectly. Like her mother’s, her gown was inspired by classic Greek statues, and its low-cut bodice emphasized her stately figure, long neck and excellent posture. Her brown hair had been dressed in braids coiled around her head, with littl
e curls on her forehead, making her look both pretty and mature in the best way. To be sure, the spectacles took something away, but her radiant smile and excited visage easily overcame any detriment they posed. “Do you really think so? I’m still not sure the green was the best choice.”
“It’s perfect. You look like a wood nymph.”
“As long as I don’t look like an old tree,” Gladys replied with a rueful grin. “Truly Mrs. Lemmuel is outdoing herself these days. Your gown is delightful. I especially like the little cap sleeves and the lace around the bodice. Next time I shall ask for lace, too.” She looked around the ballroom. “I see we’re the first to arrive.”
“Mr. Bessborough and Lady Caroline are here. Didn’t you see her in the dressing room?”
“Didn’t go. Just handed my cloak to one of the footmen,” Gladys admitted. Like Thea, she surveyed the ballroom again and neither she nor Thea saw the solicitor.
“That’s odd. He was here,” Thea said. She tapped her husband on the shoulder. “Where’s Mr. Bessborough?”
“On the terrace indulging in a cheroot, I expect,” Dev replied.
“Filthy, disgusting habit!” the countess declared, having moved closer while her husband headed for the warmth of the fireplace. “Come along, Gladys. I don’t want to stand in a draft all night.”
Gladys gave Thea and Dev another rueful smile before she followed her mother into the brightly lit ballroom. The members of the small orchestra hired for the evening began to take their places, preparing to play a selection of chamber music as the rest of the guests arrived.
It was soon apparent that Thea had been worried about the number of guests for nothing. Everyone they had invited came, with one exception: the Duke and Duchess of Scane.
Then Caroline came into the ballroom from the door leading to the anteroom. Heads turned, and a few of the more waspish women whispered behind their fans.
Without a word between them, Dev and Thea immediately moved toward her and greeted her warmly.
Thea went on to add, and loudly enough for any curious onlookers to overhear, “I hope you’ll consider staying here with us for a few days. We’d be happy to have you.”
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