“Miss Bannerman, I do hope you’re not cold. I can assure you once we have the protection of the trees you will find it less windy.”
Swallowing a lump that had unaccountably appeared in her throat, she tried to think of something to say that would not instantly reveal who she was. “We are very high up, your Grace.”
“We are indeed, and I fear we will remain so even when we are in the park.”
Rose turned her head sharply to see him barely restraining his mirth. “You have
known all along I replaced my sister, have you not?”
“I am not in my dotage, my dear girl. My eyes are working as well as they should. Even dressed in that extraordinary outfit I was well aware of your identity. You are half a head taller and move quite differently to your sister.”
“I suppose I should apologise, but I don’t intend to. If you hadn’t wished to take me up you could have said so when I came out, so I must assume you are happy with the arrangement.”
“Intrigued would be more accurate. Would you care to explain why you and your sister felt obliged to attempt to bamboozle me? Why should driving in the park with me be considered unacceptable?”
“My sister had toothache so I volunteered to take her place.” This sounded a lame excuse even to her ears.
He remained silent as he guided the team through the gates. Inside the park was teeming with similar couples—some in open carriages, others promenading on foot. As this was her first Season, she had not been escorted anywhere and was quite unused to the many knowing nods and smiles that were being directed at her. She shrank back into her bonnet, wishing she were anywhere but so prominently displayed in the most ridiculous and outdated costume.
“Well, my dear, it will not do for you to cower against the seat. You wished to accompany me to this public place and you must do your best to enjoy the experience.”
This was to be her punishment; he wished to embarrass her in front of his friends. She had not thought it through, as usual, and now she was getting her comeuppance. She hated his patronising voice, hated him for subjecting her to such humiliation. He would not come out of this escapade unscathed if she had anything to do with it.
Sitting straight, she turned to him and fluttered her eyes. “Your Grace,” she simpered. “For a moment the significance of being accompanied by someone so extremely illustrious quite overcame me.”
His demeanour changed; he was no longer smiling. “Miss Bannerman, before you embark on something you will regret, let me remind you it would be unwise to make an enemy of me.”
This threat had the opposite effect. Before he could take evasive action she slid along the box until she was pressed hard against his side then she deliberately turned her head so he was trapped within the brim of her bonnet. To anyone observing it would seem as if he was kissing her. He was famous for his avoidance of entanglements so to be seen with a young lady so gaudily dressed should puncture his pomposity.
Her gesture was over in a moment, but she had seen the fury in his eyes and was already regretting her childish manoeuvre. Too late to worry about possible consequences. Her impulsive determination to put him in his place, to make him look ridiculous had surely been a success judging by the gaping and gawping of those in their vicinity.
Instead of reprimanding her or giving her one of his famous set downs, he clicked his tongue and urged his team into a spanking trot. Within moments they were in a deserted part of the park. He drove his team into a clearing and reined in. If it had not been so high from the ground, Rose would have jumped out.
“What were you thinking of? Don’t you realize what you have just done, you stupid girl?”
Even his rudeness did not rouse her. He was entitled to berate her; she had behaved appallingly. What was it about this man brought out the very worst in her?
“Well? Have you nothing to say for yourself?” Dumbly she shook her head. Nothing she could say would improve matters between them. “Look at me, young lady. I have no wish to talk to your bonnet.”
Reluctantly Rose twisted on the seat and raised her head. Instead of seeing anger, she saw regret. “I did not think…I should not have done it.”
“You still don’t realize the enormity of your action, do you?” He was talking to her as if she was a simpleton. “We apparently exchanged a kiss in the most public place in London. I can do one of two things, both equally repellent to me.”
Her eyes widened at his tone. “I should like you to take me home. I’m sure no one will have recognized me for I have not been seen in society apart from the other night. All the damage that has been done is to…”
“You are right. No one will have recognized my companion as Miss Bannerman. They will have deduced they were seeing your sister behaving disgracefully. You have effectively ruined her reputation.”
This could not be true. How could something so harmless have done such dreadful damage? She closed her eyes, trying to digest this unpalatable truth. He was quite right. One did not embrace in public at all, and for an unmarried girl to do so was the end of her good name. Unless…is that what he meant by having to do something repellent?
“I see you have finally understood what you have done. I must marry your sister or tarnish her good name forever. Which do you think I should do?”
His bland tone incensed her. “You do not have to do either.” Without a second thought, she untied the bow at her neck and tossed the bonnet high into the trees. “I don’t believe there could be any mistake about your companion; my sister is well known for having golden curls.”
“The devil take it! You’re quite impossible. It’s high time someone took you in hand and I believe you have just given me permission to do so.”
“I have done no such thing. My reputation is already in tatters after my exhibition at Almack’s. I can assure you I shall be delighted to retire to the country in disgrace.”
He looked at her through narrowed eyes. “But, child, I should not. Whatever your feelings on the matter might be, consider yourself engaged to me.”
He must be touched in the attic to say such a thing.
“I shall not; you might be the most eligible parti in the world for all I care. I do not like you and have absolutely no intention of marrying you.” She glared at him, daring him to disagree. To her utter astonishment he threw back his head and roared with laughter.
Unfortunately during their conversation his attention had not been on his cattle. The reins had become slack in his fingers and his sudden shout threw them into a panic. They took off, bits between their teeth, and Rose was obliged to cling for dear life whilst the Duke fought for control.
The matter was never in any doubt. Within a short space of time he had his team calmed and he trotted them for a further half a mile until they were cool. Only then did he glance over to see how she did. Rose was quite put out. She could have tumbled over the side and broken her neck the amount of attention he had paid her.
“Still here. I’d hoped to have dislodged you and by your demise have solved my problem.”
Her annoyance vanished. “How strange you should have spoken my thoughts exactly, your Grace.”
“You didn’t think to throw yourself over the side in a dramatic suicidal gesture?” His grin disarmed her.
“I considered it, but discarded the idea. I don’t wish to cause my family any more upset than I already have.”
For a moment he seemed disconcerted as if believing her reply to be serious, then he chuckled. “You are an original. It will certainly not be dull married to you.”
“Your Grace, please do not continue to tease me. You have no more intention of marrying me than I do of marrying my butler. There must be another way out of this muddle.”
“If you had not discarded your bonnet it might have been possible for me to marry your sister instead.” His tone was even and his eyes hard. “I can assure you I would much prefer that alternative. But whatever your feelings on the matter, your behaviour today has given us no option.
It will be a marriage of convenience. Do not expect me to pretend to hold you in high regard.”
Rose shrivelled under his inspection and blinked away her tears. She would never show him how much his words had hurt. It had been her intention to sacrifice herself on the altar of matrimony for her family, but never in her worst nightmares had she considered she would be obliged to marry this man. For all her protestations, she still believed he could the man of her dreams. To marry another without love would have been tolerable.
To marry him, feeling as she did and knowing he despised her, was unbearable.
Perry regretted his harsh words. She was little more than a child and had done what she did out of mischief, not design. Her escapade would be all over town by this evening. In order to protect her, he had no choice. His sister had been telling him this past year he should be thinking of entering the parson’s mousetrap. He had no time for love and all that flummery; he might as well marry this girl as any other. Her breeding was impeccable, she was certainly a lively companion…but she was not the wife he had envisaged for himself.
He glanced sideways at her. She had drawn herself upright, her chin thrust out in defiance. He could not fault her courage; he just wished he could bring himself to at least feel affection for her. This situation was going to be difficult for both of them, but so much harder for her. He must remember she was barely out of the schoolroom and could not be more than eighteen years of age.
The least he could do was put it about this was a love match. He would say that when he had rescued her from the tree five years ago he had decided she was the one for him.
The drive back was interminable, and Rose was certain he was as relieved as she to reach Grosvenor Square. The diminutive groom raced to the horses’ heads and held them. She waited until a footman arrived to assist her to dismount. She could not bring herself to look at him; she had ruined both their lives by her stupidity. No wonder he hated her for she hated herself.
“My dear, I shall return in two hours to speak to your mother. We must convince everyone we are besotted; nothing else will do. When does your father arrive from India?”
“He should be back by the end of May. The last letter we received informed us he was about to set sail. David returns with him.”
“Excellent. I can draw up the settlements then. I’m sure you do not wish to be married until he has returned. We will be married in September, which should give you ample time to put together your bride clothes.”
Too dispirited to argue, Rose nodded and descended with the assistance of Symonds to the path. Without a backward glance, she hurried in. She must change into her own clothes before she went to see her mother. Only then did she recall Mama would already know of the deception. She prayed Millie’s afternoon had gone better than hers.
She paused at the door; what if there were still visitors? “Symonds, is anyone with my mother in the drawing-room?”
“No, there was only the one today. Lady Bannerman has gone out a visiting. Miss Amelia went with her.”
Upstairs, Mary greeted her with exclamations of dismay. “Lawks, miss, just look at the state of you! You look as if you’ve been through a hedge backwards.”
“Please, Mary, help me to disrobe. Lord Bentley will be returning shortly to speak to my mother. I wish to take a bath and put on the new gown that arrived last week.”
Her maid was bursting with curiosity but had more sense than to enquire. Rose prayed her mama and Millie would have returned before the expected visit. She must explain to her sister the real circumstances; she was prepared to dissemble with her parent but not with her twin.
Attired in her most becoming ensemble with her hair loosely arranged on her crown and threaded with violet ribbons she believed she looked her best. Her gown was a delicate shade of mauve but what made it special were the tiny violets embroidered on the hem, the cuffs and around the neckline. Her necklace, of two rows of amethysts, enhanced the whole.
Millie arrived in the bedchamber as she was preparing to leave. “Goodness, Rose, you look quite breathtaking. I love the way you’ve arranged your hair. Why have you gone to so much trouble?”
By the time it had all been explained, Millie was wringing her hands in despair. “You cannot go through with this. I shall not let you. This is all my fault.”
“Do you wish to marry your Richard?”
“I do. He came with us when we went on our morning call to the Simpson’s. Charlotte was beside herself for I believe she had designs on him.” Millie clapped her hands. “Mama is quite resigned to my choice and thought our deception romantic.”
“In which case, I shall willingly go ahead with this arrangement. If I’m to marry Lord Bentley and save the family from ruin, then you are free to marry Sir Richard. I would much prefer to be a duchess, if I have to marry for convenience.” The fact her prospective husband cordially disliked her and also believed her singly unattractive was something she would not share, even with her dearest Millie.
Mama looked up from her magazine. “Well, Rose, did the Duke you give you a severe set down for impersonating your sister?”
“No, Mama, not really. In fact I have surprising news for you. We are engaged. The Duke is coming to speak to you at any moment.”
The periodical fell to the floor “My dear Rose, you are funning me. It is ever your way to make a jest of things.
If her Mama thought it a mismatch, an aberration, then how could they hope to convince the ton? Then she recalled her mother had never heard the story of the oak tree. She regaled her parent, liberally embellishing it with romance, and by the time her tale had ended her mother was more sanguine. Making this fabrication believable was not so difficult; after all Rose had been infatuated with him these past five years. How silly she had been with her childish fantasies.
“You sly puss, no wonder you have no wish to attend any balls. You were just waiting for him to come and make his offer.” She pursed her lips and looked hard at Rose. “However, I can’t condone your outlandish behaviour these past few days. You would not have done these things if your papa had been at home.”
This conversation was brought to an abrupt halt when Symonds flung open the drawing room door and announced in a voice that would have done service on a parade ground, “The Duke of Essex here to see you, my lady.”
Chapter Five
Rose gripped the back of the chair. Her mother sailed forward to greet their visitor with more than necessary enthusiasm. “Your Grace, I am delighted to welcome you. In future you must not stand on ceremony, but call whenever you wish.” She stared rather pointedly at Rose who slowly emerged from behind her support. “I cannot tell you how surprised I am to see you here and on such an errand. As I said to my daughter earlier, if it had been Amelia you had been pining for I could have understood it better.”
Rose flinched and hid her embarrassment in a neat curtsy. He reached down and raised her. She was inexorably drawn to him; if she had not known the truth she would have thought him genuinely fond of her.
“My dear, I must speak to your mother alone for a few moments. Is there somewhere you can wait for me to join you?”
Her mother answered for her. “Go to the yellow sitting-room, my love. I have had a fire lit specially.”
He gently pressed her hand and then released it. She curtsied again and all but ran from the room. Her cheeks were scarlet. Keeping up this pretence was going to be far more difficult than she’d anticipated, especially when everybody would be saying the same thing. Hopefully they would not, like Mama had, say it in her presence.
Perry wished he could make things easier for her, but this tangle was of her own doing. It would do her no harm to suffer a little embarrassment. Society knew both girls were in the marriage mart to find a wealthy husband. Rosamond had trapped him neatly; if he did not know better he might have thought it done deliberately.
“Lady Bannerman, in the absence of your husband, I’m obliged to ask your permission to pay my addresses to your daught
er. I shall leave the matter of settlements until Lord Bannerman is returned to this country. I understand he has already set sail from India.”
“He has indeed, your Grace. I’m sure he will be as delighted as I am Rosamond has secured such an advantageous match. I did not expect she would take for she has always been headstrong and forever leading dear Amelia into countless scrapes. But her papa always favoured Rosamond and he would not curb her high spirits.”
“Her lively nature attracted me. And I can assure you, madam, I find her appearance as pleasing as her sister’s. I think she looks quite ravishing in the gown she now has on.” He could think of nothing else to say to praise the young woman he was supposed to be in love with. Then an image of her face, of her remarkable eyes, floated before him. “I can safely say that she has the finest eyes of any woman in London. If you will excuse me, ma’am, I am eager to join your daughter.”
“Of course. We are going to a musicale at the Leadbetter’s in Brook Street this evening, I do hope you will accompany us.”
The last thing he wanted to do was dance attendance on the girl’s family, but he was now obligated to escort them until Lord Bannerman or David returned to do it in his stead. “Unfortunately, Lady Bannerman, I have a prior engagement. However, I shall be at your service tomorrow evening. I expect you will also be going to the come-out ball of Lady Isobel Ponsonby. Do you wish me to send my carriage to collect you?”
“So kind, but we will make our own way there. It is nonsense for you to come, even such a short distance out of your way when the weather is so poor. However, shall we agree to meet at nine o’clock?”
This was the first sensible thing the woman had said.
Miss Bannerman and The Duke Page 4