*
Richard stared at Evans not quite believing what he had heard. ‘Let me get this straight, Evans. If I agree to marry Miss Tremayne, I have the Priory and all our estates restored to me, debt free, and things will be as before?’
‘More or less, your grace. But Mr Tremayne is insistent that Miss Tremayne must be unaware of this arrangement or there will be no deal. You have to win her. It must appear to be a love match or there will be no match at all.’
Richard could hardly believe his luck. He had to marry some time, set up his nursery, and if
Miss Tremayne was not exactly what he would have chosen, she was a taking little thing and it would be no hardship to take her to his bed, no hardship at all. He smiled at the lawyer.
‘I don’t anticipate any difficulty there. Miss Tremayne fancies herself half in love with me already. Hand me the pen, I’ll sign, and gladly. Marrying beneath me is a small price to pay to regain my heritage.’
‘How dare you speak of my daughter so disparagingly? Let me tell you, she is worth ten of your kind.’
Richard’s quill sprayed blots across the document. He recoiled at the fury on the other man’s face. ‘I beg your pardon, sir. No offence intended, I do assure you. I shall be honoured to marry Miss Tremayne, I meant—’
‘Don’t bother to weasel your way out of it. You do yourself no favours.’ Tremayne flicked his eyes over Richard disparagingly. ‘I chose you, Witherton, because in spite of your gambling and whoring you do not appear vicious. Also you have the blond looks most young women favour. This matter is not entirely settled. I now have serious reservations about my decision.’
Richard could feel his life line slipping away. He would not be the first, and certainly not the last, impoverished aristocrat to marry an heiress of less than impeccable bloodlines in order to restore his fortunes. He could not let a moment’s foolishness ruin his life.
He straightened and took one step closer to the intimidating man who watched him through narrowed eyes. He bowed. ‘I appreciate your generosity, sir, I beg your pardon if my thoughtless words offended you. I’ve been raised to think myself as almost above princes; it has made me overly proud. I can assure you in future I’ll be more considerate. I also promise you I’ll treat Miss Tremayne with the utmost respect and consider myself a lucky man indeed if she agrees to be my wife.’
Tremayne considered his words, his face impassive. He nodded, but his expression remained grim. ‘Very well, Witherton, I shall say no more on that subject. However, there’s something else I wish to bring to your attention.’
Richard ran his finger round his stock which seemed overly tight.
‘Why did you allow Lady Allegra to come in this room when you know she has not set foot in here since your father killed himself?’
The colour drained from Richard’s face and for a moment he thought he too would swoon. ‘Brandy, Evans, quickly.’ Tremayne pushed Richard roughly onto the chair vacated by his sister
earlier and handed him the glass. ‘Here, lad, drink this down in one swallow.’
Richard drank and the spirit flooded through his veins and his colour returned. ‘I had forgotten, sir. How can I have been so stupid? Oh God! I would never have deliberately caused her such distress – she’s my twin - my other half. I would rather die than hurt her.’
To his astonishment Tremayne slapped him on the back and laughed. ‘Cut me no Cheltenham tragedies, my boy. Hysterical females are one thing - but young men?’
Richard found himself grinning back. ‘I cannot imagine what has come over me today. You must think you are about to tie your daughter to a complete booby.’
‘If I thought that, Witherton, I’d not be here. Now, do you understand what’s required of you?’
‘Yes, sir, I do. I’m happy to sign. It’s more than this family deserves. I’ll not let you down.’
‘See that you don’t. Give him the pen, Evans.’ Tremayne watched a satisfied gleam in his eyes as the pen scratched across the paper.
Richard signed his name with a flourish, straightened and nodded. ‘If you’ll excuse me, Mr Tremayne, I wish to go upstairs and apologize to my sister. Has she recovered from her faint?’
‘She has. However, I have not cancelled the doctor’s visit; it’s as well to be sure.’
*
The door closed softly leaving Jago and Evans together. ‘That went better than I could have anticipated, Evans. Are you sure he understood all the clauses?’
‘Does it matter if he did not? He has signed it. He is bound to do as you bid or forfeit his heritage.’ Evans sanded the parchment and rolled it carefully before securing it with a silk ribbon. ‘Being obliged to give up his mistress and cease gambling is a small price to pay for restoring his home and fortune. He will not object, I am certain of it. He is a decent young man; he has sowed plenty of wild oats and it is time for him to take over the running of the estate and the responsibilities of a wife and family.’
‘Leave Lady Allegra’s papers with me. I’ll speak to her tomorrow morning when she’s fully recovered.
The lawyer’s brow wrinkled. ‘I must warn you, Lady Allegra is not as biddable as Lord Witherton. She has always been the leader, the strong one of the family. She nursed her mother through her illness, gave up her chances of making a brilliant match without a qualm. And she ran the estate, acted for her father and brother, whilst they were gallivanting in Town.’
‘I had noticed the farms and cottages are in excellent repair and the fields in good order. Is that down to her?’
‘It is, sir, very keen on looking after her own is Lady Allegra. She believes it is part of her duty to protect and nurture anyone who lives or works on Priory lands.’
Jago looked thoughtful. ‘Thank you, Evans. I believe that information will prove useful in my
quest to win her hand. I’ll expect you here by 11 o’ clock to complete this business.’
*
Richard was relieved to leave the study – although he was beginning to like Tremayne, the man unnerved him. He headed for Allegra’s apartment anxious to put matters right between them.
‘Come in, Richard, do not look so worried, I am perfectly well.’
He dropped to her side and clasped her hands. ‘My dear, I should have remembered. I’m so sorry.’
‘Enough, I have forgotten it already. Now, tell me, what was in that document? I took none of it in ’
He hesitated. Should he tell her the true contents or leave her in ignorance of the bargain he’d stuck with Tremayne? ‘The papers were confirming Tremayne’s ownership of the Priory. I signed them, of course.’
‘I suppose you had no option – we are all but paupers now; beholden to that man for everything.’
‘Things could be far worse, my dear. He’s giving us the Witherton jewels; we’ll be rich enough once we’ve sold them.’ He hated deceiving her, but it would be better if Allegra believed his marriage to Miss Tremayne was a love match. She might object to the plan otherwise on the grounds that the agreement was unfair to his future bride.
She sighed and waved him back. ‘You know my feelings on that score, Richard. Go away and let me read in peace. I shall see you this evening for dinner.’
He retreated. At the door he paused and stared at his sister. If he married Demelza would her father expect to remain at the Priory? God help them all if Allegra and Tremayne were forced to reside for long under the same roof.
*
Allegra selected an amber crepe evening gown with an overdress of white sarcenet, trimmed with pearls and with a demi-train. The dress had a light, short jacket, decorated, like the hem with a single row of pearls.
‘At least I do not need a shawl with this costume, Abbot.’ She turned sideways to examine her profile. ‘The bodice is so well cut that even without a corset I have a semblance of a curve.’
She reached up to touch her new hairstyle. For the first time she had allowed it to be dressed in the prevailing fashion, her hair brought together
and confined at the back of her head in two light knots, reminiscent of an ancient Roman matron. Then a braid had been drawn over a demi-turban, formed from matching amber satin, and the whole finished with rows of pearls and a superb sprig of the same jewels ornamenting the front.
‘I hope Mr and Miss Tremayne appreciate the effort you have gone to this evening, Abbot.’
Abbot smiled. ‘If you’re ready, my lady, I believe I heard the gong a few moments ago.’
Richard was waiting in her sitting room, elegant in black evening dress, his wide shoulders and slim hips shown to advantage by his closely fitting tailcoat and the pantaloons and black slippers
he wore. He offered his arm.
‘You look wonderfully, my dear. Shall we go down?’
The doors to the Grand Salon were open; they were dining in style tonight. Allegra had decided she owed it to herself, and Richard, to show the Priory at its best. So she had ordered three courses and dozens of removes, to be accompanied by the best their cellar good offer. She had also arranged for champagne to be served before dinner. They would all need it if the evening was not to be an unmitigated disaster.
She need not have worried. Demelza, lovely in a simple gown of white silk with a silver gauze overdress, her hair piled on her head, black ringlets artfully escaping to frame her face, looked entirely at ease in her imposing surroundings. Tremayne, stern in black, his cravat a masterpiece, his single diamond pin magnificent, appeared equally unfazed by the formality.
Whatever their shortcomings, Allegra was forced to accept they knew how to go on in society. Miss Murrell had risen to the occasion and her evening gown of deep purple, with a full turban liberally festooned with handsome ostrich feathers and diamante, looked every inch the grande dame.
Yardley served the champagne himself, a great honour, if only the newcomers had realized it, and by the time he announced dinner the assembled company were predisposed to enjoy themselves. Richard offered to escort Demelza who, with a happy smile, willingly rested her hand on his arm. Tremayne turned to Allegra.
‘Would you permit me to escort you in to dinner, Lady Allegra?’
‘Thank you, sir, that is most kind, but I prefer to come with Miss Murrell.’
His jaw clenched, but he hid his annoyance well.
She wished her thoughtless words unspoken but it was too late to undo them. She would
endeavour to be charming over dinner to make up for her lapse. The meal, served a la Francais, the dishes placed down the centre of the table, the men serving the ladies with whatever they required, passed without further mishap or embarrassments.
Richard was on sparkling form, putting himself out to charm. Demelza was captivated; but then her experience of men was non-existent; she had no yardstick against which to measure him. In her eyes he must appear a godlike figure, and she would be overwhelmed that all his attention was directed at her.
When Allegra led the ladies back to the drawing-room the girl smiled slightly. ‘Lady Allegra, I wish to thank you for the gowns you sent me. I have never owned such garments. I feel like Cinderella, I believe at midnight I’ll turn back into the dull schoolgirl I used to be.’
‘Fustian, Miss Tremayne; you are a lovely young lady. The clothes merely enhance what God has given you in abundance.’
‘Thank you, Lady Allegra. You’re so beautiful, like a true princess. And you and Lord Witherton are so alike.’
Allegra smiled. ‘We are twins, remember.’ She hesitated, should she warn the girl about Richard’s reputation. She heard the sound of male laughter and the moment was gone. She glanced up and found herself trapped by the intensity of Tremayne’s gaze. Her head spun and she felt an unexpected flood of heat.
She stood up. ‘Pray excuse me, everyone, I feel a trifle indisposed and must return to my room.’
Miss Murrell jumped up. ‘I will escort you, my dear. No, do not argue, I am coming. I don’t wish you to collapse on the stairs.’
Tremayne bowed. ‘I need to speak to you, Lady Allegra. Would you join me in the library before you breakfast tomorrow?’
She nodded. ‘Will nine o’ clock be convenient?’
‘I’ll look forward to it. Good evening, my lady.’
As she walked slowly through the dark passageways and cavernous rooms, her arm linked firmly with Miss Murrall’s, she pondered what possible reason Tremayne could have for wishing to speak to her alone.
Chapter Six
Demelza’s eyes widened and then she giggled. ‘I don’t believe it, your grace; you’re telling me Banbury stories.’
Richard clutched his hands to his chest and schooled his expression to one of astonishment.
‘You shock me, Miss Tremayne! How can you reside here if you don’t believe in St Osyth?’
‘Of course I do, but not the part where she’s decapitated by a Viking and picks up her head and carries it under her arm to this building before falling to the ground.’
Solemn faced he pointed to the brown marks on the rough stone walls. ‘Not even when you see her bloody fingerprints over there?’
She walked over to peer closely at the smudges. ‘Inconclusive evidence, my lord. But I’m sure St Osyth was a very devout princess and was indeed martyred for her faith.’ She stared round her face serious. ‘I love the atmosphere in here. It’s wonderful to think this vaulted ceiling and these windows have been here for centuries, that we’re standing on the flagstones where countless others through history have stood.’
He looked round with renewed interest, seeing the antiquity of the old monastery refectory through fresh eyes. ‘You’re right, Miss Tremayne. It is a privilege to be here. Having grown up in these hallowed surroundings I’m afraid I tend to take them for granted.’ He smiled, finding his young companion delightful company. ‘You must speak to Lady Allegra, she’s the family historian. She will be able to tell you everything you could possibly wish to know about our ancestors and this place.’
She shivered, her muslin day dress too thin.
‘You’re cold, Miss Tremayne. Let us go out into the garden, it’s warmer there.’
The temperature was considerably more clement outside. ‘Can we walk around the Priory before we go in to breakfast? I should like to view the Gatehouse again- it’s a shame it’s no longer used.’
‘If that is what you would like, then that’s what we’ll do. I’m entirely at your disposal, Miss Tremayne.’ He offered his arm and she slipped her hand through, revelling in the contact. They strolled in silence for a while.
‘My lord, may I speak frankly? I wish to ask a question that I am almost sure is impertinent.’
He hid his amusement. ‘I promise I’ll not be offended. Ask your question without fear.’
She stopped and stared earnestly at him. ‘If you and Lady Allegra love this place so much, why did you sell it to my father?’
He was too surprised by her question to answer. He should be angry, give her a sharp set down, but her innocence, the genuine concern he saw on her face, stopped him.
‘My father gamed the place away. Mr Tremayne merely bought up his debts. We had no inkling of the situation until two days ago.’
‘How dreadful for you! What a horrible shock it must have been.’ He could see her eyes glittering with unshed tears.
‘It’s not so bad, Miss Tremayne. Your father allowed us to stay here to grieve in peace for nine months and when we have to leave, in two weeks’ time, we are taking the family jewels. They will supply us with a more than adequate income.’
‘It’s not right. A Duke of Colchester has lived here for hundreds of years. We are the interlopers. I’ll never be happy knowing our arrival has displaced you and Lady Allegra.’
He patted her hand. ‘Thank you for your concern, my dear Miss Tremayne, but it’s unnecessary, I assure you. We shall manage very well.’
‘No, I’ll not allow it.’ She snatched her hands from his and turned away too overcome to speak.
Strangely he found himself wishing to gathe
r her into his arms, to stroke the dark curls and offer her comfort. He didn’t like to see her upset. He reached out, intending to touch her shoulder, but she spun back her expression almost fierce.
‘I have a solution to your problem. I wish you to promise you will listen and not interrupt.’ She cocked her head, waiting. He nodded. ‘My lord, if you were to marry me your difficulties would be solved. You and Lady Allegra could remain here, where you belong. I could live here then without feeling guilty. I know what I’m suggesting is outrageous, but I’m being practical. Tremaynes are famous for it.’
Richard had listened to her suggestion with mixed emotions. His initial shock at her presumption was immediately replaced by an unexpected feeling of affection for the earnest young lady staring up at him. He did not suspect for a moment the offer was made out of self-interest, that she shared her father’s desire for her to be a duchess. She was prepared to sacrifice herself to save him. His throat clogged and his voice was gruff when he finally managed to answer.
‘My dearest girl – I am overwhelmed by your offer -but I cannot allow you to do it. You do not know me; we have been acquainted scarcely a day. You are offering to tie yourself to me for life.’
To his astonishment she threw herself into her his arms allowing him no time to step aside.
Before he realized what was happening he had encircled her waist and his mouth captured hers in a gentle, explorative kiss. Who was the more shaken by the embrace was hard to tell.
After far longer than was decent he reluctantly released her but retained his hold on her hands. He gazed entranced at her sparkling eyes and swollen lips and there was an unexpected constriction in his chest. Without conscious thought he dropped dramatically to one knee.
‘My darling, Demelza, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?’
‘Yes please.’
He jumped up but, as he was about to enfold her a second time, he became uncomfortably aware they were the centre of attention. Word had spread and several interested spectators had gathered to watch him make a spectacle of himself and Miss Tremayne.
To Marry a Duke Page 5