A Marriage of Convenience

by Miller, Fenella J

  ‘Alas, my love, I think this has gone quite far enough,’ he said presently, releasing her, and gazing ruefully down into her dazed face. ‘If you don’t wish to be kissed, my dear Ellie, please refrain from flinging yourself so precipitously into my arms.’

  She finally found her voice. ‘That’s the outside of enough, Leo. How dare you suggest I was encouraging you to kiss me? My embrace was as a friend and you took shameful advantage of me.’

  He smiled, unrepentant. ‘Quite possibly, but then I’m a man and full of the baser instincts.’ He strode off in a direction of the house causing her to run in order to catch up with him.

  ‘That’s no excuse, Leo,’ she told him firmly. ‘You must learn to control your impulses, as I do.’

  His shout of laughter startled the sparrows from their roost in the tall, bay hedge, beside the path. Still chuckling he said, as they entered the house, ‘I’ll promise to control my impulses if you promise to control yours.’

  This sounded vaguely familiar. Hadn’t they made a similar statement the previous night? Why did he go out of his way to confuse her? ‘I believe we’ve already agreed to amend our manners, now we are to to control our impulses. I do declare, my lord, that we shall hardly know ourselves if we continue to improve our characters in this way,’ she replied archly, determined not to let him have the last word again.

  He halted allowing her to cannon into his solid back. He reached round and taking her hands lifted them to his lips to imprint his mouth upon her tingling palms. ‘You’re playing a dangerous game here, Ellie, my love; you’re in over your head. If you’re sincere in wishing our relationship to remain platonic it would be wiser if you stopped flirting with me. You’re a lovely young woman and I’m not made of stone.’ He released her hands and left her standing, bemused by his actions, and half afraid, half excited by his words.

  They hadn’t yet agreed on a time for their ride and Leo’s lengthy strides were carrying him rapidly out of sight. Forgetting all her promises to behave like a young lady, she yelled after him. ‘Leo, please wait a moment.’

  He paused, his long fingers clutching the banisters as if they were a lifeline. ‘Yes, Eleanor, what is it now?’ His tone reflected his vexation. She arrived in a rush at his side.

  ‘Are we to ride immediately?’

  ‘Yes, I was, as you can see, on my way upstairs to change.’

  ‘Excellent, shall I meet you here in ten minutes?’

  ‘Yes, Eleanor. And please refrain from screeching down the corridor like a fish wife.’

  ‘I’m sorry, but you were so far away you wouldn’t have heard otherwise.’

  ‘Eleanor, you’re incorrigible! To think you used to be a quiet little thing who would never say boo to a goose.’ She watched his retreating back and thought, crossly, it was only with you that I was quiet; no one else has ever accused me of being so.

  Hero and Rufus, like their owners, were a well matched pair. The ride was exhilarating for all concerned and when, one and a half hours later, they clattered back into the yard, they were well pleased with the morning exercise.

  Over a late breakfast Leo read The Times and Eleanor read her book. He glanced across, as he folded his paper, at her dark head bent intently over the pages.

  ‘What are you reading so avidly, my dear?’

  ‘A novel called, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by an author named Jane Austen. It is masterly, I can highly recommend it.’ She grinned mischievously. ‘You might find it worth studying.’

  He twitched the book from her hand and flicked through it, his interest aroused by her remark. She watched his expression change to one of disgust. He frowned at her as he closed the book loudly. ‘I hope you’re not suggesting that I’m to become a pattern copy of that imbecile Darcy? He wouldn’t have lasted five minutes at the Battle of Talevera.’

  ‘I should think that might be considered an advantage in some circles,’ she said, enjoying his disgruntlement.

  ‘Would you prefer it if I was a town dandy and not a soldier, Ellie?’

  She answered his question with one of her own. ‘Would you prefer me if I was a docile debutante, Leo?’

  ‘Heaven forefend! I should die of ennui before a sennight had passed. At least married to you, my dear, my life will never be dull.’

  Eleanor felt it only fair that she now answered his earlier question. ‘And I would not like to be married to a tulip of the ton. At least we will have the exciting stories of your exploits to discuss after supper and will not be reduced to gossiping about the latest crim con.’

  ‘What do you know of that subject? I didn’t realize London gossip of that sort reached this far. Which reminds me, I heard from Gareth this morning. He and my delightful sister-in-law, Sophia, will be descending upon us the day after tomorrow.’ He glared at Eleanor as if this was her fault. ‘Though why they want to arrive three days before the wedding, I cannot imagine.’

  ‘I hope they don’t disapprove of me. The marchioness has the reputation for being very high in the instep. They might consider the daughter of an impoverished gentleman no match for the youngest son of a duke.’

  ‘Poppycock! It’s no business of theirs who I choose to marry. They will have nothing to say on the matter or they’ll to answer to me,’ Leo told her forcefully. ‘You’re not to worry Ellie. They will be delighted I’m finally getting shackled, after all, I am almost three and thirty.’

  Eleanor tried not to worry about the forthcoming visit but she knew Leo’s illustrious relations would be bound to dislike her. She wasn’t interested in domestic issues, or slavishly following fashion and she wouldn’t be marrying at all if Aunt Prudence had left her any money of her own. To be a success in the ton a young lady had to make these things a priority. She would never be able to do that; she believed improving one’s mind and improving the lot of those less fortunate than one’s self was far more important than securing a husband and wearing the latest fashions.

  Chapter Eight

  Eleanor, leaving the ball room to change for her daily ride with Leo could not but help noticing the housemaids and footmen were more visible than she was accustomed to. She mentioned it to Leo as they trotted out of the yard. ‘Leo, have you noticed the house appears to be in an uproar? Everyone is rushing around cleaning; did you instruct them to spring clean?’

  He shook his head. ‘Why should I have done so? I leave such matters to you; after all you’re the mistress of the house now, aren’t you?’

  ‘I suppose I am. But I’ve given no instructions to anyone; indeed Basingstoke and Brown have not spoken to me since I returned several weeks ago.’

  Even Leo, who had spent most of his adult life as a serving soldier, knew etiquette had been severely breached. ‘That is outrageous, Eleanor. Anything relating to the household should be discussed with you first. But it’s you who has to ask to see the housekeeper; it’s not her place to approach you. I can scarcely believe you’re ignorant of this fact!’

  She was stung by his disapproval. ‘The house is obviously running smoothly without any interference from me. I thought you understood that I have no interest in things of that kind.’

  ‘Then it’s about time that you did, my girl, it’s a woman’s responsibility to run the house and supervise the children. It is the man’s to see to everything else.’

  ‘I have no idea how to order a house; I should just make a mull of it. It would be better to leave things as they are.’

  ‘No, it would not. I’ll send Basingstoke to you and you must go through the accounts, the menus and discuss the arrangements for my brother’s visit.’ It was clear from his tone there was to be no further argument on this point and Eleanor resigned herself to the dismal prospect of spending hours involved with things in which she had no interest. Her sigh must have been louder than she intended.

  ‘For God’s sake, Ellie, grow up. Everyone has responsibilities and duties and I won’t have you shirking yours. You’ve obviously been overindulged but that is going to stop.’ He s
tared at her, holding Hero still, daring her to make a pert reply.

  ‘Very well, I’ll do as you ask as I don’t have a choice.’ She had begun to think they had reached an understanding but now the overbearing, intimidating stranger was back. For the first time since their rides had commenced she returned to the house feeling dispirited. Even the gallops and the hedges she had jumped had failed to cheer her. Leo’s barked instruction to be in the study within the hour, did not improve her mood.

  Mary, as usual, greeted her cheerfully. ‘I hope you enjoyed your ride, Miss Ellie?’

  ‘No, I did not. I have to take over the running of the household Mary. This is madness; I know nothing of such matters.’

  ‘Well, I’m sure you’ll soon learn, I know it’s not my place to criticise but it’s not right that Basingstoke and Brown are making decisions without referring them to you. It’s disrespectful to your position.’

  Whilst in her bath Eleanor considered the scolding she’d received from Leo, and began to see that maybe she had deserved it. The role of chatelaine was hers whether she liked it or not.

  Half an hour later she was waiting, as instructed, in the study for the housekeeper to appear. She had no idea what was expected of her; Leo apart from ordering her to become the mistress of the house, had offered no advice. She was an intelligent, well-educated and well-travelled young woman, what she didn’t know she would soon learn.

  The interview went far better than she could have hoped. The housekeeper, a pleasant outspoken woman, who knew just how things should be done, explained exactly what Eleanor’s future role was to be. The woman apologised for presuming to clean the house and start preparing the food for the coming celebration but felt it wasn’t her place to remind Eleanor of her duties.

  ‘Thank you, Basingstoke, this has been a most informative meeting. I most sincerely apologise for not taking an interest sooner. In future things will be ordered as they should be.’ she told her, sounding every inch the lady of the house.

  ‘Now, Miss Eleanor, don’t you worry. Everything is in hand and his lordship will have nothing to complain of, I promise you that.’ She rose to leave. ‘Will it be convenient to see you after breakfast tomorrow, Miss Eleanor?’

  ‘Yes, that will be splendid. Good morning, and thank you for your help.’ The study door opened again and she thought it was the housekeeper returning.

  ‘Did you make your position clear, Eleanor?’ Leo asked. ‘Do the staff understand that all decisions pertaining to the household must go through you?’

  ‘Yes, Leo, we’ve settled everything satisfactorily. But please try and remember this is a household and not a battalion of soldiers. The staff doesn’t require to be ordered to perform; they are only too willing to do whatever’s required.’

  Leo appeared startled by her sharp rejoinder. ‘Point taken; I’ll leave everything in your capable hands. You have not disappointed me.’

  She smiled. ‘Odious creature; it’s far too late to wheedle round me now. I shan’t forget the scold you gave me this morning, it quite ruined our ride.’ He chuckled and they went into the dining-room for luncheon in complete accord.

  The post-breakfast meeting with the housekeeper, the next day, went smoothly. Eleanor was now au fait with everything that had been arranged for the imminent arrival of their guests. When the housekeeper politely suggested a conducted tour of the establishment and an introduction to all household staff might be appropriate, she agreed. She wondered why this was necessary as she had known most of them since her arrival at Monk’s Hall five years previously. The morning hung heavily before her; it left her far too much time to fret over the meeting with Leo’s elder brother and his intimidating wife.

  The intricacies of preserving table linen were beginning to pall when Eleanor heard the sound of a carriage pulling up in front of the house. ‘Pray excuse me, I do believe our guests have arrived,’ she interrupted the housekeeper’s friendly monologue.

  ‘My word, Miss Eleanor, you have sharp ears. We can easily continue this another time.’

  Eleanor hurried back to her room to check her appearance was all it should be. Poking and peering in various cupboards might well have upset the extra effort Mary had made to turn her out well that morning.

  Her maid was anxiously awaiting her return. ‘Come along, miss, you’ll be wanted downstairs immediately. Let me straighten your hair and brush down your dress.’

  The very modish, blue cambric muslin with a small check which Eleanor was wearing would pass muster anywhere. The matching blue sash, which tied at the side in two small bows with long floating ends, set off the outfit perfectly. Eleanor was glad she had chosen a dress with long, closely fitting sleeves because wearing a shawl whilst greeting guests could be a recipe for disaster.

  She was impatient to leave for she quite definitely heard voices in the hall. ‘I must go; it would be unpardonable to be late.’

  ‘Of you go then; you look a picture, miss, if you don’t mind my saying so.’

  Eleanor sped from the room, but remembered, as she approached the stairs to slow her pace to a more decorous walk. She had just started her ladylike descent when the strident tones of her future sister-in-law carried clearly from the hall.

  ‘My dear, Leo, what a disaster! My heart goes out to you. To be forced to marry such a wild girl with no idea how to behave, I do declare we feel most strongly the fortune attached to her will scarcely be enough to compensate.’

  She was starting her retreat when Leo stepped forward. ‘My love, there you are; come down and meet Gareth and Sophia; they have just this moment arrived.’ He smiled warmly and walked up to meet her, keeping his back towards the visitors. He took her hands, squeezing them reassuringly, than bent to whisper in her ear. ‘I warned you, sweetheart, but you would insist I asked my appalling sister-in-law.’

  Eleanor’s embarrassment evaporated and she giggled. ‘Hush, Leo, they might hear you.’

  He was unrepentant. ‘She is infamous for her lack of tact, Ellie, and you must disregard anything she says. As I told you before, it’s my business who I choose to marry and I have chosen you.’ He turned, and slipping her arm through his, led her down the stairs. The marchioness, having been comprehensively snubbed by her brother-in-law, was rigid with anger beside her more equable spouse.

  ‘Gareth, allow me to present my betrothed, Miss Eleanor Walters.’ Eleanor offered her hand and curtsied gracefully to the tall, elegant man watching her through amused, pale blue eyes. The marquis took her hand and raising it to his lips, bowed formally.

  ‘I am delighted to meet you at last, Miss Walters. Leo has mentioned you to us many times, over the years.’

  Eleanor glanced sideways at her betrothed smiling urbanely beside her. She could easily imagine what he had said, remembering only too vividly his unflattering remarks three years ago.

  Gareth, still holding her hand, drew her towards his wife. Sophia was slender, her three pregnancies not having thickened her figure one jot. Corn coloured hair framed a classic, heart-shaped face which, if only she would smile more often, would be truly lovely.

  ‘Sophia, my dear, allow me to present Miss Eleanor Walters to you,’ Gareth drawled, enjoying his wife’s discomfiture. Much as he loved her he was not blind to her faults, and it wasn’t often she received such a resounding set down.

  Sophia, every inch the duchess in waiting, inclined her head slightly, and raked Eleanor from top to toe with a gimlet stare. If her intention had been to comment unfavourably on Eleanor’s attire she found, to her surprise that she was unable to find fault.

  Surprise softened her expression and the greeting was almost friendly. ‘I am pleased to meet you, Miss Walters. And, I must ask, where did you acquire such a delightful gown? It is quite out of the ordinary way, you know.’

  Eleanor’s curtsy was far deeper than she had intended; the unexpected complement quite disarming her. She straightened and discovered she was not so much taller than Sophia; indeed they were of a startlingly similar bu
ild. She looked again at the marquis and realised that he was almost as tall as Leo, although less muscular, but there was no doubting their fraternity.

  She stared openly from one to the other, much to their amusement. She turned accusingly to Leo. ‘Leo, why did you not tell me your brother is so like you?’

  Leo laughed. ‘Ellie, sweetheart, I think you will find that, as the younger brother, it is more correct to say I am—

  ‘Please do not pick words with me, Leo, for you know exactly what I meant.’ If the outspoken reply shocked their guests they were far too polite to comment.

  Leo answered in kind. ‘That my brother and I could pass as twins has been remarked upon before. But I think you will find, my dear, the resemblance is on the outside only.’

  Ellie smiled. ‘I am delighted to hear you say so, my lord, for I am finding dealing with one of you is more than enough.’ Still smiling she turned back to the waiting marchioness who seemed undecided whether to be scandalised or amused by their brisk exchange.

  ‘My lady,’ Eleanor began, ‘you asked me a moment ago where I got my gown. I am so pleased that you admire it as I designed it myself.’

  ‘But it is completely à la mode; I can hardly believe my eyes.’ Sophia stepped up to examine the dress, but even under such close scrutiny could find no fault. ‘It is perfectly done, my dear. I could only wish my own modiste was able to cut and finish as well.’

  Eleanor delighted that cordial relations had been established, and more than ready to forget Sophia’s earlier comments, impulsively took her arm. ‘Would you like to come and see my workshop? I have set up the ballroom and there are several girls sewing my bride clothes.’ She paused, suddenly remembering her new position.