Mesalliance

by Riley, Stella

  ‘Yes. Didn’t you know?’

  ‘No. I didn’t. Why, do you suppose, no one thought fit to mention it?’

  ‘Probably,’ remarked Rockliffe from behind her, ‘because it is less important than you might think. Well, Harry? Have you forsaken the card table in favour of more cultured pursuits?’

  ‘No,’ said his lordship flatly. ‘And what’s more, I’m not going to let myself be roasted twice in one evening. In short, I’m going.’ And went.

  The Duke turned a lazy regard on his wife.

  ‘Now what, I wonder, brought Harry to break the pattern of a lifetime?’

  Adeline opened her mouth to tell him and then, struck by the novelty of knowing something he did not, changed her mind. She said, ‘My uncle has written to say that the family are on their way to town. Harry thought we’d like to know.’

  ‘Ah. Yes. That would naturally explain it.’

  His tone held a trace of something oddly disquieting and she eyed him suspiciously for a moment before saying, ‘Lord and Lady Amberley have a son. Did you know?’

  ‘Philip told me. It seems that he and Isabel are to stand sponsors to the child and, being Philip, it’s a responsibility he is taking very seriously.’ A gleam of humour appeared in his eyes. ‘Since Dominic apparently said that he also plans to ask me, Philip was anxious to seek my advice. It’s a habit with him. I believe he regards me somewhat in the light of parent – but it is not a question I care to probe too deeply.’

  She smiled. ‘No. I can see why you wouldn’t.’

  ‘You comfort me. And now, my dear, I thought we might go and listen to my friend Mr Fox. He has a certain reputation for wit … largely undeserved, of course – but it would never do to say so.’

  *

  On the following afternoon whilst Adeline and Nell were taking tea with Dolly Cavendish, Rockliffe’s man of law – having been charged with certain enquiries – came to St James’ Square to report his findings.

  ‘Your Grace, I have visited the parish of Evesham in the Cotswolds from whence the Horton family originate and likewise the parish adjacent to Sir Roland Franklin’s property in Oxfordshire,’ announced Mr Osborne primly. ‘At Evesham, I found the graves of numerous Hortons but neither there nor in Oxfordshire could I locate a grave bearing the name of Joanna Kendrick. Nor is there any mention of her in the Parish Records.’

  ‘I see.’ The Duke surveyed his hands. ‘No private chapels?’

  ‘None, your Grace.’

  ‘No. I thought not.’ He sighed faintly. ‘How very inefficient of them. It surely cannot be so very difficult to bury a weighted casket?’

  Mr Osborne stiffened.

  ‘I am afraid I cannot say, your Grace. It is not a matter I have ever had occasion to contemplate.’

  ‘Nor I, Mr Osborne – nor I. But you do see my dilemma, don’t you? The absence of a grave suggests the lack of a body … and that naturally leads me to suppose that my original suspicion was correct and my mother-in-law is still very much alive. Only think, my dear fellow – she could walk into my life even as we speak.’

  A haunted expressed crossed the desiccated face and then was gone.

  ‘But why, your Grace, should the lady’s family wish the world to believe her dead?’

  ‘Now that,’ said Rockliffe, ‘is probably the crux of the matter. And I can only think of one reason.’

  ‘Scandal, your Grace?’

  ‘Scandal, Mr Osborne.’

  The lawyer shuddered.

  ‘Then how does your Grace suggest we proceed? Without further information, our hands are tied.’

  ‘Quite. But a chain, so they say, is only as strong as its weakest link.’ The Duke came unhurriedly to his feet. ‘I propose, therefore, to exploit that link.’

  Mr Osborne looked dubious.

  ‘It is a very delicate matter.’

  The dark eyes mocked him.

  ‘Do you doubt my powers of diplomacy?’

  ‘No, no. Not at all. But does your Grace not think that it might perhaps be best to leave well alone? After all, a secret preserved so carefully and for so many years by the lady’s family is unlikely to come out now.’

  ‘On the contrary,’ responded Rockliffe dryly. ‘Now is precisely when it would come out. And forewarned is most definitely forearmed. But be of good cheer, Mr Osborne. I will take the matter into my own hands for a time and see what comes of it. If and when I have further instructions for you, I will notify you of them in due course. Meanwhile I rely, as always, on your complete discretion.’

  Mr Osborne bowed.

  ‘Your Grace may safely do so.’

  ‘A thought,’ remarked his Grace, winsomely, ‘which is a constant comfort to me.’

  *

  Two evenings later and for only the second time in his marriage, Rockliffe walked unceremoniously through the communicating door leading to his wife’s boudoir.

  Seated at her mirror, with only a pink silk wrapper covering her under-dress while Jeanne put the finishing touches to her hair, Adeline saw him through the glass and froze. Then, summoning her resources, she said lightly, ‘If I’m late, I beg your pardon. But it took me quite twenty minutes to convince Nell that, however dashing she may think her new coquelicot stripe, it is not the thing for Bedford House.’

  ‘Certainly not,’ he agreed placidly. ‘In fact, unless she cares to attend a masquerade disguised as a travelling show-booth, it is out of place anywhere. And you are not late.’

  ‘Oh.’ Since he must obviously have had some special reason for breaking his own embargo, this was confusing. Trickier still was the question of whether or not etiquette demanded that, when one’s husband came to call, one should dismiss one’s maid.

  In the seconds that she hesitated, Jeanne solved the dilemma for her by murmuring that, with her Grace’s permission, she would retire to the dressing-closet to lay out her Grace’s cloak. And almost before Adeline knew it, she was alone with the Duke.

  ‘You wished to speak to me?’ she asked. His eyes were tracing the line of her throat, causing odd sensations to take place in the pit of her stomach and making her absurdly shy.

  ‘Ah, yes. I believe I did.’ Without any sign of haste, his gaze travelled back to her face. ‘I came to tell you that my lords March and Carlisle presented themselves a short time ago in the hope that you might grant them the honour of admitting them to your toilette.’

  Adeline stared at him.

  ‘In the hope that I’d what?’

  ‘It is, of course, quite proper for you to do so once the under-dress is on,’ he explained. ‘They will advise you on the placing of your patches -- ’

  ‘I don’t wear patches. I should think everyone knows that by now.’

  ‘ – and on the selection of your perfume and jewels,’ he finished urbanely. ‘I’m afraid, however, that I took the liberty of having these helpful gentlemen denied.’

  ‘Good,’ said Adeline. And then, as an afterthought, ‘Why?’

  Still smiling a little, he advanced to stand beside her.

  ‘Well, it seemed to me,’ he replied softly, ‘that I could advise you on all these matters myself. If, of course, you will permit me?’

  She found that it was necessary to take her time about replying. Finally, she said, ‘Gladly … on one condition.’

  ‘And that is?’

  ‘That you resign yourself to the fact that I’ve no intention of painting my face.’

  His brows rose.

  ‘My dear, I’ve not the slightest desire to have you do so. Your instinct is entirely correct – and I can name at least three ladies who have recently chosen to follow your example.’

  A slow and faintly incredulous smile dawned.

  ‘You mean I’m setting a fashion? Really?’

  ‘Really,’ he agreed. ‘You are becoming known as one of the most stylish women in London. And I’d hazard a guess that, by the end of the Season, you will be in the delightful position of being able to start any trend which may amuse you.�
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  ‘Dandelions in my hair?’ she teased, only half believing him. ‘A gown embroidered with strawberry leaves over a petticoat emblazoned from waist to hem with your Coat of Arms?’

  ‘Why not?’ he laughed. ‘In the meantime, however, we must establish your influence. You are wearing the oyster satin this evening?’

  She nodded.

  ‘Excellent. Then you will require the sapphire set.’

  He unlatched the chest containing the family jewels and perused it for a moment.

  ‘I appear to have neglected to furnish you with the Wynstanton diamonds,’ he observed idly. ‘For reasons best known to herself, my mother stored them at the bank. I’ll have Matthew retrieve them for you tomorrow.’

  Then, selecting the case containing the sapphires and, extracting the necklace, he proceeded to fasten it around her throat. Adeline’s breath stopped and she sat very still as his fingers completed their task and slid down to rest lightly on her shoulders. His eyes met hers in the mirror and then, the merest hint of a question in his smile, he bent to lay his mouth against her neck.

  The door opened.

  ‘Aren’t you ready yet, Adeline? We’re going to be dreadfully late,’ said Nell. And then, staring at her brother, ‘Oh. Am I interrupting?’

  ‘No,’ said Adeline, arising decidedly pink.

  ‘Yes,’ said Rockliffe with rare irascibility. ‘Don’t you ever knock?’

  ‘I didn’t,’ replied Nell affrontedly, ‘expect you to be here. How could I? You don’t usually attend Adeline’s toilette. But I beg your pardon, I’m sure!’ And she swept out of the room again, shutting the door behind her with a distinct snap.

  For a moment or two after she had gone, Rockliffe communed silently with the ceiling. Then he said simply, ‘If I didn’t know better, I’d begin to think that her quite deplorable timing was deliberate. As it is, I’m bound to own the justice of her remarks.’ He smiled suddenly. ‘It’s something, however, that can be mended.’

  Adeline spotted the ambiguity but declined – on the suspicion that it was intentional – to query it. Instead, she said mildly, ‘She was right about the time, too. I ought to finish dressing.’

  ‘Ought you?’ he asked. Then, regretfully, ‘Yes. I suppose you ought. A pity. But I’m sure you’ll say that it wouldn’t do to disappoint Nell.’

  ‘N-no,’ she agreed weakly, wondering what else he had in mind.

  ‘No. I thought not.’ He picked up the sapphire bracelet and clasped it around her wrist. Then, toying abstractedly with her fingers, he said gently, ‘I have given you time, Adeline – and shall continue to do so. I am also, you may have noticed, trying to rectify earlier omissions by courting you. I don’t ask you to meet me half-way … but I would be grateful if you could retreat a trifle less swiftly.’

  Her throat closed and she had to avert her gaze before he could read it.

  ‘I’m sorry. It isn’t intentional.’

  ‘No.’ His hand tightened on hers. ‘Tell me something. Do you trust me?’

  She looked at him then, her eyes wide and candid.

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘Good.’ He dropped a light kiss on her fingers and released them. ‘Remember it.’ And turned to go, leaving her prey to a whole battery of mixed emotions.

  *

  The first person she set eyes on inside Bedford House was her cousin Diana, dancing with Jack Ingram.

  ‘Armageddon,’ murmured Adeline to her husband. ‘The next time you imply that you’d welcome an evening at home, I promise I’ll listen.’

  ‘And I shall hold you to it.’ Rockliffe awarded her a flicker of ironic amusement and raised his glass to survey the company.

  ‘Are we,’ demanded Nell, ‘supposed to appear enthusiastic?’

  ‘No,’ replied her brother placidly. ‘Just beautifully civil. Lady Miriam is sitting with Alice Morton. I suggest we take the initiative and pay our respects. Adeline?’

  ‘Why not?’ Her smile was brittle. ‘We may as well get it over with. But I’d advise against looking her in the eye.’

  ‘The basilisk stare? I don’t think we need fear it. Or not until she is finally convinced that we’re not going to help her stalk a title for Diana. And by then, my loved ones, it will not matter one whit.’

  It was Rockliffe whom Lady Miriam saw first. She stiffened and, ignoring Nell, stared inimically at the strikingly elegant woman on his arm. For a moment the oyster satin and sapphires produced a sense of unreality; then she met long-lashed aquamarine eyes filled with all-too-familiar mockery and, with a word of excuse to Lady Morton, rose to meet her niece.

  ‘Adeline … how very well you look.’

  ‘I am well, Aunt.’ Adeline allowed her smooth cheek to brush my lady’s powdered one and took the opportunity to smile at Althea, standing nervously in her mother’s shadow. ‘I have, after all, every reason to be.’

  ‘Quite.’ Lady Miriam extended her hand to receive Rockliffe’s languid salute. ‘How pleasant to see you again, your Grace. And Lady Elinor, too … Diana will be so pleased.’

  ‘Will she?’ Nell arose from her curtsy and looked thoughtfully at Diana’s twin. Then, as if making up her mind, she said, ‘Is this your first party, Thea?’

  ‘Yes.’ Althea’s fingers twisted on her fan. ‘It is so very crowded, is it not?’

  ‘And destined to become more so, I fear,’ replied Rockliffe with suitable gravity, having himself considered the rooms a little thin of company. ‘But you will enjoy it all so much better when you know a few people. Nell … I see the Delahayes are here. Why do you not present Mistress Althea to Cassie and some of the other young ladies? Lady Miriam, I feel sure, will have no objection.’

  ‘None at all,’ said her ladyship, thawing visibly. And then, as the girls moved away, ‘Poor Thea is so timid, I sometimes despair of her. I only wish she could acquire just a fraction of dear Diana’s confidence.’

  ‘I am sure you must do,’ agreed Rockliffe sympathetically. ‘And vice versa.’

  Adeline smothered a choke of laughter. ‘Has Sir Roland also come to town?’

  ‘No.’ Lady Miriam continued to gaze up at the Duke with faintly baffled suspicion for a moment and then gave it up. ‘No. He felt disinclined to leave the estate at this time. Fortunately, however, I am able to depend on the company and support of my dear brother.’

  ‘Ah yes.’ Adeline smiled. ‘My estimable Uncle Richard. How happy you must be to have him.’

  Able, as always, to recognise but not quite comprehend Adeline’s barbs, her ladyship mourned the fact that it was no longer possible to quell them as she would wish. Then, with mixed feelings, she noted the approach of her favourite child.

  She immediately perceived that there was a stormy glint in the beautiful eyes and prayed that Diana would at least have the sense to be civil. Goodness only knew, she’d been told often enough. Regrettably, however, it did not always make a difference.

  ‘Well!’ said Diana, staring hard at Adeline. ‘Fine feathers certainly make fine birds, don’t they?’

  A step behind her, Jack Ingram’s somewhat forced smile withered completely and it was several seconds before he remembered to close his mouth.

  ‘And manners,’ responded Adeline sweetly, ‘maketh man. Whether or not they also maketh woman is plainly something upon which we can only speculate.’ And then, cryptically, ‘Never mind, Jack. The things we look forward to seldom live up to expectation.’

  Not being possessed either of a devious nature or any marked histrionic talent, Mr Ingram had to expend quite a lot of concentration in order to look as if he didn’t know what she meant. He did not, as a consequence, come up with a suitable reply and it was left to the Duke, his eyes agleam, to say understandingly, ‘I take it Harry is here?’

  ‘Yes,’ replied Jack baldly. ‘And, if you’ll excuse me, I’m rather anxious to have a word with him. Lady Miriam … Adeline.’ And, with an uncharacteristically curt bow, he set off in the direction of the card room.

 
‘Dear me. Was that an exit – or an escape?’ murmured his Grace softly. Then, smiling provokingly at Diana, ‘Still … I’m sure you will be able to take his defection philosophically.’

  Diana, who had never in her life accepted anything philosophically, achieved a small, brittle smile. ‘Naturally. Though I’m at a loss to know why you should think so.’

  ‘Are you?’ His brows rose in mild reproof. ‘You can’t have asked the right questions, then.’

  ‘He is ineligible?’ asked Lady Miriam coldly.

  ‘It would depend, I imagine, on your criteria,’ came the maddening reply. Then, ‘Adeline, my dear … I see Dolly Cavendish is trying to attract our attention. And Lord March. Again. Ah well … needs must, I suppose.’ And with practised grace, he brought the confrontation to an end.

  Diana watched them go, her face stony.

  ‘He’s every bit as foul as she is,’ she muttered savagely. ‘But I’ll teach them to poke fun at me!’

  ‘It seems,’ replied her mother tartly, ‘that you’ve already done so. And I’ll tell you something else, my girl. If you don’t learn to hide your temper, you’ll probably live to see Althea married before you.’

  The mutinous look vanished. Diana laughed.

  Adeline, meanwhile, was looking appreciatively up at her husband.

  ‘I thought we were to be civil.’

  ‘And weren’t we?’

  ‘Not entirely. Unless, of course, I was imagining insinuations where really there were none?’

  His smile was swift and magnetic.

  ‘Oh no. You imagined nothing. And I am never rude by accident.’

  Harry Caversham was not finding the evening one of unmixed pleasure. On the one hand, he was deriving a great deal of amusement out of making it difficult for Jack to speak privately with him … but, on the other, no amusement at all from watching Nell flirt with Sir Jasper Brierley. Finally, in continuance of the one and an attempt to halt the other, he invited the Duchess of Rockliffe to dance and said bluntly, ‘Do you know what Nell sees in that fellow?’

  ‘No.’ Adeline spread her skirts and moved gracefully towards him. ‘She says he adds to her consequence. Personally, I can’t see it but I suppose there’s no accounting for taste.’