‘This is lovely, my dear. The material is exquisite, the cut superb. It is exactly right.’
‘My wish is to show Leo he’s not marrying a child. He appears to be rather confused on that subject.’
‘In that case you will succeed. Not even Leo could imagine you were anything but a fully grown woman in this.’
Eleanor was delighted. ‘I’m so glad you approve. I was worried it was too simple for a wedding dress.’
‘He will love it, I am certain of that,’ Sophia answered smiling. ‘Now return to bed, Eleanor, for I want to talk to you.’
Eleanor, guessing what kind of talk Sophia was probably referring to, skipped hastily back under the covers. Her guest pulled up a dainty padded chair and sat beside her.
‘Leo has been beside himself with anxiety; it was all we could do to stop him visiting your bedchamber.’
‘I’m glad you did; I have cast up my accounts in front of him once and I would have hated to have done so a second time,’ she replied with a rueful smile.
‘It was most improper of him to wish to visit you in here, but it does demonstrate his interest in your well-being.’ Sophia broke off for a moment. ‘I understand you wish your marriage to be in name only, is that correct?’ Eleanor nodded, blushing slightly. ‘Do you still hold the same point of view, my dear? I cannot help noticing your feelings now seem to be engaged and wondered if you could, possibly, have changed your mind.’
This was exactly what she had done. Making this decision had been the cause of her horrible headache. ‘Although I’ve changed my mind, Sophia, I’m not yet ready to become a true wife. You see, although I have been acquainted with Leo since I was fourteen years old and first came to live here, it’s only since my return from India that I’ve begun to know him properly.’
‘Quite so, my dear, I fully understand. A few weeks are not nearly long enough for an engagement. If circumstances were different you would have had several months to get to know each other better before your wedding.’
‘I know almost nothing about him,’ Eleanor told her, ‘apart from the fact that he was a colonel in the infantry and a hero at Waterloo.’
Sophia nodded. ‘Well, I can tell you about his youth, if you would like to hear it?’
‘Of course I would. There’s one thing that puzzles me, and that’s why he has no money of his own. Surely the Duke of Rothmere is a very wealthy man?’
‘You are correct in that assumption. His father is one of the warmest men in England. Let me explain. Gareth was scarcely four years old when Leo was born and their poor Mama died soon after the birth.’
‘How dreadful!’ Eleanor was deeply saddened by the thought of the two little boys left motherless.
‘The duke,’ Sophia continued, ‘blamed Leo for her death and never forgave him. He was ignored, or mistreated, by his father and the only affection he received came from Gareth.’
‘So that’s why he became a soldier so young, to get away from home. But how could he afford a commission if he had no money of his own?’
‘His grandmamma, the Dowager Duchess, paid for it; her small legacy, and his half pay as a colonel, are the only funds he has.’
‘I believe he is to resign after we’re wed and devote himself to running the estate. There is much to do: it has been sadly neglected since Uncle Joseph passed away. I’m afraid Aunt Prudence had no interest in such matters.’ The sound of a bath being filled in the dressing-room next door reminded them of the time.
Sophia rose to go. ‘I will let Gareth know straightaway of your feelings on the subject of marriage and he can inform Leo; I am certain he will be content to wait until you are better acquainted.’ She smiled benevolently at Eleanor. ‘It is a profound relief to me I do not have to discuss what happens in the marriage bed just yet; time enough to explain everything when you visit us at Christmas.’
Eleanor giggled. ‘Sophia, I know all about what happens between a man and a woman. One would have to have been blind not to see when it was demonstrated so openly in some of the places we visited.’
She swung her legs out of bed and grinned at Sophia’s shocked countenance. ‘I must admit I couldn’t see why anyone could possibly wish to engage in such a strange, and uncomfortable looking, pastime. However, since I met Leo again I’m beginning to see that maybe I was wrong.’
‘Eleanor, my dear, you should not talk of such things, even to me. I honestly think too much travel is not a good thing for a gently bred young lady.’
Mary came quietly into the room to indicate the bath was ready. ‘I will see you downstairs at eleven o’clock, Eleanor. And you must not worry; I am sure you will never regret marrying Leo. He will make you very happy.’
‘I do hope so, but sometimes I wonder. I know he is intelligent, handsome, charming, kind and brave but he is also arrogant, overbearing and has the worst temper of anyone I have ever met.’ As she listed his good and bad points she realised her doubts had made her speak more forcefully that she had intended.
‘I admit he is no paragon, but like his brother, my dear Gareth, he will make you an excellent husband. His rough edges will wear away, just give him time.’ With these last words Sophia swept regally from the room, her mission accomplished.
After a leisurely bath Eleanor sat in front of the fire, her hair swirling like a shiny brown waterfall about her shoulders, whilst her maid rubbed it dry. At a few minutes to eleven she was dressed and stood in front of the full-length glass fascinated by her own reflection. Her height, her slenderness and her swanlike neck were all enhanced by the dress. Mary had arranged her hair in a coronet, allowing a few stray curls to escape on either side of her face.
She smiled at her reflection and spun round slowly, the dress following her every movement, enjoying the feeling of confidence it gave. ‘I am ready to go down. This is one occasion I will not keep his lordship waiting.’
Leo was waiting, with growing impatience, in the great hall below. He was resplendent in his full regimentals. The short, scarlet coat emphasised his broad shoulders and the heavy gold frogging added to his splendour. His tightly fitting buckskins and black polished Hessians completed the ensemble. He looked superb.
Gareth, dressed in a blue superfine, tailed coat, and gold embroidered waistcoat, with tightly fitting beige pantaloons, was smart, but no match for his brother. Sophia, in a gown of cherry-red worsted, with a matching pelisse, and a bonnet that Gareth had rudely described as ‘looking exactly like a bright red coal scuttle covered in fruit’ was dressed in what could only be called ‘the first stare of fashion’.
Leo looked around when he heard the sound of footsteps coming lightly along the upstairs corridor. He marched swiftly to his place at the foot of the stairs, ready to greet his bride. At the sight of the beautiful young woman floating towards him he was struck silent. He found his voice at last.
‘I must be the luckiest man in Christendom,’ he said quietly, his eyes never leaving hers, ‘to be marrying such a vision of loveliness.’ He offered her his arm and she placed a trembling hand upon it, grateful for the support it gave. Her fingers closed involuntarily and she could feel the muscular strength beneath the cloth.
Leo led her out to the waiting carriage and handed her in. Mary rushed forward and carefully arranged the dress to avoid it creasing during the short ride to church. The marquis and marchioness travelled in their own carriage behind the bridal pair.
‘That dress is stunning; Ellie, my sweet, you have surpassed yourself.’ Leo told her, unable to drag his eyes away.
‘Thank you, Leo, I’m glad you like it,’ she replied, carefully controlling her voice, trying to disguise the growing tension she felt sitting so close to him. The fabric of her gown and his buckskins were the only barrier between them. Eleanor tried, unsuccessfully to ease her thigh away from his, sure the heat generated by their touch must be flooding her face with tell-tale pink.
He took her gloved hands in his just as the carriage lurched to a stop. ‘You will not regret this marr
iage, Ellie, I promise you. I will try and control my foul temper and behave as a member of the ton.’ She returned the gentle pressure of his fingers, overcome by his promise to try and reform his ways for her.
She smiled shyly. ‘And I promise I will try my best to conform and to behave as I know I should.’
‘A pact then, little bird,’ Leo said quietly, and he raised her hands to his lips and kissed, first the tips and then, turning them over, each palm. His gentle touch sent tremors around her overheated body.
The footman, who had accompanied them on the box, opened the carriage door. The steps were let down. The moment had come. The marriage of Miss Eleanor Walters to Colonel, Lord Leo Upminster, was about to take place.
The church seemed dark and unwelcoming and the vicar nervous. Even the vases of flowers, placed especially for the occasion around the church, failed to make it inviting. Leo led her to the altar and, in the presence of God, they exchanged their vows.
Afterwards when he spoke her name she glanced up, startled, hardly able to comprehend she was now a wife, a member of the aristocracy and no longer plain Miss Walters but Lady Upminster.
‘I believe, at this point, sweetheart, I am allowed to kiss the bride.’ His voice was light and teasing. She blushed and her lips parted expectantly. Although the kiss was brief it left her breathless and she clung on to his coat, fearing she might fall.
‘Congratulations, Leo and Eleanor,’ Gareth said. ‘May I be permitted to embrace my new sister?’
Reluctantly Leo stepped aside allowing his brother to take her in his arms and place a chaste kiss on her cheek. Next Sophia hugged Eleanor tight and whispered that all was well and that Leo had been told.
The wedding party left the church and returned to the waiting carriages. On the return journey Leo sat, face sombre and pensive, his long legs outstretched and Eleanor’s hand held firmly in his. ‘Eleanor, do you realise you have just placed your life in the hands of a man as ill-suited to married life as any you are likely to meet?’
‘I’m sure you’re no more unsuited to marriage than any bachelor of your age,’ she said soothingly. ‘It’s only natural you should feel some qualms, but I promise to try not to be a burden to you. I will not require you to be dancing attendance on me all the time.’ She stopped, arrested by the expression on his face. He was looking at her as though she had run mad.
He smiled, shaking his head as he spoke. ‘Do you think I am concerned about my adjustment? No, Ellie, it is you I am thinking of. Do you realise being married means you are no longer independent, you are my wife, answerable to me for everything you do? It is my duty to protect and advise you, as it is yours to behave as you should and do as you’re told.’ This last statement was spoken with a decided glint in his eye. Her protest died unspoken.
She smiled. ‘I have promised to try and behave and you have promised not to lose your temper, which is a good start, surely?’ She leant her head, trustingly, against his shoulder, and needing no further encouragement he released her hand and encircled her shoulder, pulling her even closer.
‘Look at me,’ he urged, his voice heavy with passion. Obediently she raised her head. ‘Darling, I know you want to wait, but you can see how much I desire you and I believe you feel the same way.’ As his mouth closed over hers her reservations were crushed under the power of his passion. How could she deny him what he wanted when she loved him and believed she wanted it too?
Chapter Eleven
The marquis and marchioness departed immediately after the wedding breakfast leaving Eleanor and Leo to spend the afternoon together. The coach was barely out of sight before she caught hold of Leo’s sleeve.
‘Can I ride now they’ve gone, Leo?’
‘Only if I accompany you, remember.’
‘Please come; I’m sure you would enjoy a gallop across the park as much as I would.’ She frowned. ‘Is your shoulder well enough?’
‘I’m fully recovered, thank you. .And you’re right, I would like to go out.’ He glanced at the sun, already low on the horizon. ‘We have only an hour or so of daylight left so, if we’re to ride, it had better be now.’
‘I have to take off this dress but will be back down in ten minutes.’
He smiled wickedly. ‘As I also have to come upstairs would you like me to assist you in anyway, my love?’
‘No, Mary and I will manage, but thank you for your kind offer.’ She blushed and sped up the stairs to her chamber before he could embarrass her further. In spite of her haste he was beside her as she reached the door. He blocked her path; his broad shoulders appearing to fill the entrance.
‘I’m your husband now, Ellie; you mustn’t bolt every time I tease you.’ He brushed his fingers lightly across her face. She tried to find an answer that wouldn’t sound silly but her brain refused to work and no words came. He was sapping her strength to resist.
Hardly aware she was moving she closed the gap between them and stepped into his embrace, her arms encircling his neck. His arms locked behind her and he leant back, lifting her from her feet as he kissed her passionately.
After several minutes he pushed her gently away with a shaky sigh. ‘I think that’s enough for now, my love, or it will be dark before we reach the stables.’ He scanned her face and then, kissed her once more, hard, on her swollen lips and strode off to his own room. ‘Be downstairs in ten minutes, Ellie, or I’ll leave without you.’
She entered her bedchamber and was pleased to find Mary waiting, the new riding habit already out. Ten minutes, to the second, later she was downstairs to meet her husband.
‘I am impressed,’ he said grinning, ‘A punctual wife is a novelty. I’ve only been here two minutes myself.’
‘Don’t sound so smug, you had far less to remove than I did or I would have been here sooner.’
‘I did offer to help you, remember, but you unkindly refused.’ He was openly laughing now, enjoying her growing annoyance at his teasing.
‘Oh do be quiet, Leo. You’re being deliberately provocative.’ She marched off, back straight, head high, trying to ignore his chuckles as he followed her down the passage.
‘Now, now, Eleanor; it was only this morning that you promised to honour and obey me and already you’ve broken your vows.’
‘They will not be the only thing I break,’ she threatened, intending to sound cross.
‘Baggage,’ he replied affectionately. ‘I can see you’re going to run me ragged and I shall decline into a sad and browbeaten man, a shadow of my former self.’
‘Lord Upminster, you are an idiot, and I’m only surprised no one has told you so before.’ The smile she gave him quite took his breath away.
He pulled her hand through his arm, drawing her close. ‘Do you know,’ he said pleasantly, ‘I believe no one else has ever had the temerity to address me so disrespectfully.’
She struggled to remove her hand but his grip was unyielding. ‘Do you wish me to apologise?’
‘Apologise?’ he murmured thoughtfully. ‘No, I had been thinking more of a penalty to be paid for every insult.’
‘Penalty? What sort of penalty? I would much rather apologise, you know, Leo.’
‘I have not yet decided. But I promise you will be the first to know when I do, my sweet.’ He reached out and lightly gripped her chin, turning her face to his. His expression changed, instantly, to concern when he saw the fear in her eyes.
‘God damn it!’ he swore. ‘I was teasing you, little one; please don’t look so scared, I didn’t mean to upset you.’ He pulled her into his arms and held her, cupping the back of her head and pressing her face protectively into his shoulder. Slowly the tension left her body; she relaxed into his warmth, feeling a little foolish at her overreaction.
Eleanor changed again for dinner, choosing a yellow damask day dress, the most demure she owned. The memory of the two passionate exchanges, one in the carriage on the return from the church and the other outside her bedroom door, had frightened her by their intensity.
She wasn’t sure she was ready to become a full wife and was regretting having encouraged him by her responses. She hoped her choice of gown would indicate to him how she felt because she could never discuss such an intimate subject with a man, husband or not.
Leo had changed into a black evening coat, a snowy white, elaborate cravat and a grey silk waistcoat and black pantaloons. She refused the sherry he offered and sat stiffly on the edge of a chair, mute with embarrassment in front of the overwhelming presence of the man in evening dress.
It was a relief to both of them when dinner was announced. He offered her his arm and they walked sedately through to the small dining room. She could feel the carefully leashed power under her fingers and her heart missed a beat and she swallowed nervously. Bravely she risked a glance at his face and saw his expression was serious and remote.
Dinner was torture. She was incapable of finding anything sensible to say and was able to reply to all his conversational overtures with only one word answers. In the end he gave up the attempt to involve her and the meal was completed in near silence. As the final covers were removed he spoke, his voice sounding unnaturally loud after the prolonged hush.
‘I will not join you for tea, Eleanor. I have business to attend to in the study.’ He stared at her pale face, all signs of the happy carefree girl, he had teased earlier, had disappeared. ‘I have to go to London tomorrow to see the lawyers, and sign all the papers relating to the inheritance.’ He waited, expecting some kind of response.
‘Yes, I understand. Will you be gone for long?’ She couldn’t help hoping his absence would not be short.
‘Several weeks, I’m afraid. I have also to visit Horse Guards and resign my commission. I should definitely be back in time to leave for our visit.’
‘What about Rufus? Can I ride when you are away if John accompanies me?’
He nodded. ‘Yes, you can. Also, if there any changes you wish to make here, in my absence, please feel free to do so. I want you to be happy, Eleanor, and have no wish to stint you in any way.’
A Marriage of Convenience Page 7