Rose was on her feet and her book tumbled to the floor, unnoticed. “I shall marry him and nothing you and Papa shall say will dissuade me. I will hear no more criticism; he is the kindest and most generous of men. Are you not wearing a gown that he paid for?”
Her mother’s face turned an unbecoming shade of red. “You forget yourself, miss. I am your mother and you will speak to me with respect or I shall have you locked in your bedroom.”
“Mama, you will get a sick headache if you continue to upset yourself. Come, let me help you to your chamber. I’m sure that you will feel better when you have rested for a while.” Millie escorted their mother from the room. Rose could hear her parent bemoaning the ingratitude of unruly daughters until they turned the corner at the end of the passageway.
Her indignation at the unjustified criticism of her beloved faded as she considered the implication of her mother’s words. Her parents were still in love; perhaps Papa would listen to his wife and refuse his consent. She could not bear to think of this. To have to wait three long years before she could be with him—she could not endure it. A sick dread settled deep inside. One thing she did know about the man she loved was he would not take kindly to being dismissed by a social inferior. Although she was almost certain he was developing a tendre for her, she doubted it would last a three-year separation.
She must put such thoughts aside. Her father was not due back for several weeks and by that time her mother might well have changed her mind again. She would speak to Perry. If he was especially charming he could soon smooth matters over. From now on she too would bite her tongue and behave like the well-mannered daughter her mother wished her to be.
Sir Richard had eyes for no one apart from Millie, thus leaving Rose to entertain her mother as best she could. After several stilted attempts to initiate a conversation Rose abandoned the idea and accepted she was not forgiven. She was forever getting in her mother’s bad books. Usually Papa or Millie smoothed things over. Sinking into the far corner of the carriage, she mulled over the conversation she had had with her sister as they were dressing.
Her sister had suggested Perry and she elope to Gretna Green. Millie insisted she and Richard would do so if they were forbidden to marry. Rose smiled in the darkness. This was not a solution for her. Imagine! The Duke of Essex eloping? Never.
Her new ball gown had lived up to her expectations. The confection was even more beautiful than the silver one she had ruined. But somehow, tonight, she did not feel like a princess going to meet her Prince Charming. The disagreement with her mother had cast a pall of gloom over what should have been a joyous occasion.
Flambeaux lit the street and a red carpet led from the pavement to the distant colonnaded portico. Two liveried footmen jumped forward to lower the steps and assist them to alight. Her mama marched ahead, followed by Richard with Millie on his arm. She was left to trail along behind. This was not how she’d expected to have viewed her future home for the first time. She was not one to stand on protocol and disliked the fussy etiquette of society, but this would not do at all.
Then down the red carpet strolled her knight in evening clothes. He stood, blocking the path. He nodded politely to her mother who was obliged to pause, thus allowing Rose to catch up.
“Good evening, my love, allow me to escort you.” He gave her mother his most disdainful stare. “As the future Duchess of Essex it is your prerogative to be at my side to welcome our guests.”
Rose walked past her waiting relatives and slipped her arm through his. He winked at her and then resumed his most aristocratic expression. “Shall we go? There are friends of mine I wish you to meet. We shall be entertaining them often once we are married.”
He sounded so certain, so confident matters would work out as they wished she almost forgot her fears. She bobbed and smiled, praying she would recall the names of those she was introduced to. Eventually he drew her to one side. “You’re not yourself tonight, sweetheart. Tell me what’s troubling you?”
When she completed her tale, including Millie’s suggestion, he laughed. “Elope? I hardly think that suitable for us, perhaps for those head over ears in love it might do. We, however, are not so unpleasantly afflicted. We have affection and respect to bond us, do we not, my dear?”
Her hopes were crushed by his casual comment. He did not love her. She had mistaken the matter, read too much into his frequent use of endearments. She hid her misery and asked brightly. “I would dearly like to see Mop; do we have time before dinner is served?”
“I was about to suggest the same thing. You see, my dear, we shall deal excellently together once we are wed.” He tucked her hand through his crooked arm. “I have him safe in an empty room. Joseph, a stable boy, is taking care of him.”
The puppy raised his head and thumped his tail when she entered the room as if he recognized her. He looked quite different now he was clean, but this made it more apparent how thin he was. “Do you think he will recover?”
The tousle haired boy replied cheerily. “Don’t you fret, miss, he’ll do fine. I reckon in a few days he’ll be running about chasing his tail. Tough little beggars, puppies are.”
“I do hope so. I shall come and see him again soon.”
“There, as you can see the patient is making excellent progress. We must not tarry here or we shall be missed.” He paused in the shadows of the vast marble floored entrance hall.
“I’m glad you have my ring on your finger, my love. I wish everyone here to know you are my future duchess. I also want to say you look ravisante. I shall be the envy of every gentleman present.” His finger brushed away her tears. “Don’t cry, sweetheart, Mop will not die.”
He smiled his toe curling smile. “He would not dare, not when he’s living in my house.”
They led the assembled guests from the grand salon, through the open, double doors, into the dining room. Her eyes widened as she took in the splendour of white napery, silver cutlery and glittering crystal ware. The table was big enough to dance on.
He squeezed her arm apologetically. “I’m sorry, Rose, but tonight you must sit at the far end of this ridiculous table. It’s what’s expected of us. I can assure you when you are my wife you may arrange things differently, but my sister holds sway at the moment.”
He guided her to her place and strolled off to the far end of the room, leaving her to sit in splendid isolation, surrounded by people she didn’t know. There were at least fifty at the table. Her mother, Millie and Richard were lost somewhere in the middle of the throng so she couldn’t even talk to them.
She had little appetite but tried everything placed in front of her—including raw oysters. She thought swallowing these sea creatures virtually alive an unpleasant experience, one she did not intend to repeat anytime soon. The meal was interminable and by the end she was feeling decidedly queasy. When the final dishes were removed, Lady Laura Foster nodded in her direction; time to lead the ladies from the room and leave the gentlemen to their port.
As they emerged into the drawing-room, the butler glided up to Mama and passed on a message of some sort. Immediately her mother’s expression changed. Her face was radiant and she looked almost like a young woman again. There could be only one explanation—Papa had returned.
“Rosamond, find your sister immediately. We must return home; your father is waiting for us there.”
Millie was equally overjoyed. As they waited for their cloaks her sister whispered in her ear. “I’m so glad he’s home early—he was not expected for several weeks. Are you not happy, Rose?”
“I am, but I can’t help thinking about what Mama said earlier today. I fear she will talk Papa into refusing Perry.”
“When you tell Papa how much you love him…”
“But I don’t—not really—it’s more an arrangement between friends. I find myself mistaken in my feelings.”
Her sister looked sceptical but was unable to comment further as their cloaks arrived and they had to follow Mama to the carriage. Her mo
ther was full of animated chatter about how long it had been since she had seen Papa. Even Millie was not able to ask the all-important question—would Papa give his consent to their engagements?
Although not a long journey Rose was feeling extremely unwell by the time they reached home. She had thought the oyster had tasted rather strange.
Standing in the open doorway was her father. He jumped down the marble steps and opened the carriage door. He lifted Mama and swung her around as if she were not decidedly plump.
Both she and her sister knew better than to interrupt this homecoming. He was loved by all his family, but especially by Mama. Rose would have to wait her turn to greet him, as was only proper. Keeping one arm firmly around mama’s waist, he beckoned.
“My darling girls, I had not expected to find you here as well as your mama. You do not normally come to town during the Season. I can see you have grown into beautiful young women in my absence. Quickly, give me a kiss, then join your mother and me in the drawing-room for tea in half an hour.”
He smelt of the sea. His face was tanned nut brown and he was a little slimmer than when she had seen him last. “Papa, I cannot tell you how pleased I am to see you back safely. Is David with you?”
“No, Rose, but he’s not far behind. I left him to deal with customs and other business matters; I could not delay another moment.”
She was feeling more nauseous by the minute. “Millie, I am going to cast up my accounts. I think the oyster I ate was tainted. I think it best if you sleep next door tonight. Please apologize to Papa; I shall speak to him tomorrow when I am well.”
“It’s a good thing we came home early. Imagine how horrible it would have been if you had been unwell at the ball?”
Rose could not remain. With her hands clutched over her mouth she fled upstairs not a moment too soon. She spent a miserable few hours before the sickness passed and she was able to sleep. She didn’t wake until noon the next day and by then she was too late.
Perry received the news Rose had gone, and her reason, with mixed emotions. Relief he could now set matters in motion for their marriage and resignation that he must endure the tedium of a ball without his delightful companion at his side.
He led Charlotte out for the first set and duty done, retired to the card room. Sir John Wiggins, the owner of the elusive chestnuts greeted him effusively. “Bentley, just the man. If you want my nags—then they are yours at the price we agreed earlier.”
He shook hands with the gentleman and was well pleased with the deal. He was to take a bank draft round to Wiggins’ dwelling tomorrow morning or the horses would go to another eager buyer. On looking up he saw Richard waving to him from the doorway.
“At what time tomorrow morning will you be in Grosvenor Square to make your formal request?”
“I have business to attend to in the morning. I shall go during the afternoon some time. Do you expect him to give his permission?”
“I don’t see why not. And in your case, Perry, he would be mad to refuse. You are every parent’s dream…a Duke, and not one in his dotage either.”
“I wish…” He had been about to reveal his true feelings…that would not do. “I wish the girls were older. I fear he might refuse on the grounds they are too young for matrimony.”
“Then we have a longer engagement period. I am quite happy to wait.”
No more was said on the matter and Perry made himself scarce until he was needed to bid the guests farewell.
When he got back from delivering the payment for the chestnuts at noon the next day he was well satisfied with his morning’s work. He had left himself ample time to change his clothes and prepare his speech before setting out for Grosvenor Square. He bounded up the front steps. As always an alert footman opened the door before he reached it.
His butler was hovering in the entrance hall. “Your Grace, some items arrived this morning and a letter. I have put them in your study.”
Perry felt a knot settle in his stomach. He opened the door and his worst fears were realized. Stacked tidily on his desk were the jewellery cases. He already knew what he would read in the letter that accompanied these things. Snatching it up he scanned the contents.
Your Grace,
I am returning your gifts with my heartfelt gratitude for your kindness to my daughter in my absence.
I understand her wild behaviour prompted you to act as you did in order to save her reputation. You will, no doubt, be as relieved as she that the reason for you to marry is no longer necessary. I have returned from India a nabob, which also means she is a wealthy heiress and will be able to appear in public without fear of being ostracised. My lawyers will reimburse you immediately for your expenditure on my family’s behalf.
We are removing to the country for the remainder of the year. However, when I’m next in Town, I hope I may shake your hand and thank you in person.
Rose is far too young to contemplate matrimony for she will not be one and twenty for a further three years. When she does return for a full season you would be very welcome to call.
I remain yours sincerely,
With a roar of rage Perry swept the jewellery from the desk. He had been dismissed as if of no account. He was of no further use to her, he was redundant. He tore the letter to shreds and scattered it over the spilt contents of the boxes. He thanked God he had been saved from making a complete fool of himself.
He would never put himself in such a position again. In the short time he had known this girl she had wheedled her way into his heart. When he did marry in order to procreate he would do the choosing and he would make certain he selected a girl he could not fall in love with.
“Are you feeling more the thing, my dear? Your papa and I have been most concerned.”
Rose rubbed her eyes and yawned. “Mama, have you been there long? I am so sorry not to have been able to speak to Papa. I think it might have been the oyster.”
“Very likely; I did not touch them myself. Now, your bath is waiting and so is your papa. Do you feel well enough to join us downstairs?”
“I do, as long as I’m not required to eat anything. I shall be down directly.” She was surprised to find only her father in the drawing-room. She ran to him and he embraced her fondly. “Papa, I have so much to tell you.”
“Let me speak first, my dear. When Millie told me why you became engaged to Bentley I own it deeply shocked me. To have behaved in such a way was foolish indeed; another gentleman might not have acted so gallantly.”
He gestured towards the seat and she sat down meekly, she was obviously going to be taken severely to task. “However, I am delighted to tell you that your circumstances have changed and you no longer have to make such a sacrifice on my behalf. I have returned a very wealthy man.”
“Papa, I must…”
“No, my dear girl, you do not have to thank me. I have returned Lord Bentley’s family jewels with my thanks. If he had appeared first thing, as young Devonshire did, we could have discussed matters in person. He is obviously as relieved as you must be your association is at an end.”
Papa believed he had been doing her a favour; she could not tell him he had broken her heart. Blinking back her tears she pinned on a smile. “I am sure you are correct. Will you excuse me I am not feeling very well. I must return to my chamber.”
“Of course. We are leaving for the country first thing tomorrow. I should spend today in bed. Millie has already instructed your abigail to begin packing your trunks.”
Feeling like an old woman, she stumbled to her feet. There was something she had to know before she left. “And Millie? What of her betrothal?”
“A different matter entirely, my love. Theirs is a love match not an arrangement of convenience unsatisfactory to both sides. Devonshire is to remain in Town; they are not allowed to communicate in any way. However, if they are both still of the same mind he will join us in the autumn.”
She nodded. “I am happy for her. Returning to Hertfordshire is exactly what I want;
I do not enjoy the smoke and the smell of the city.”
Glad she did not meet her sister or mother on her return to her bedchamber for they would have known at once she was desperately unhappy. She would put on a brave face and convince her family she was pleased her engagement had been terminated.
Perry had told her initially he had no feelings for her, but she had begun to believe he loved her as much she loved him. But wouldn’t he have been as eager as Devonshire to speak to Papa if he had changed his mind? The fact he hadn’t come this morning was evidence enough her father had been right. She must console herself with the fact at least he was now free to find someone he could love and not obliged to marry a girl he had no feelings for.
Rose said little on the journey, but her parents and sister had so much to say they scarcely noticed. Her spirits lifted when the familiar landscape appeared on either side of the carriage. Things would be easier to bear when she was at home.
“Rose, are you still feeling nauseous?”
“I am, Mama, the motion of the carriage has disturbed my stomach. I shall be glad to arrive and have firm ground under my feet once more.”
This explanation appeared to satisfy them all, and her parents made no objection when she retired to her bedchamber. In the country she and Millie had adjoining apartments; only in London did they share.
Mary was waiting for her. As usual the trunks and staff had left the previous evening, as had the groom with her mare. “My, you look very pale, miss, I think you would be best in bed.”
Rose didn’t argue. With the curtains drawn around her she could cry without fear of being overheard. She didn’t understand how in such a short space of time her feelings could have changed from infatuation, to dislike, and then to real love. There would never be another. If she could not marry Perry she would remain a spinster.
Miss Bannerman and The Duke Page 13