Chapter Twenty-five
The room was empty of unwanted helpers; they had taken the hint and gone. Leo looked surprisingly small in the massive bed. At the sound of the communicating door opening he tiredly glanced around. Then his mouth curved into smile of joy and his eyes glittered with an emotion he quickly disguised.
‘Ellie, my dear, come in. I’ve been worried about you.’
She glided towards the still figure in the bed. To her dismay it appeared Sophia had been untruthful. Leo was far from well. His face had an unhealthy pallor and he hardly had the strength to raise his head. ‘I’m afraid I cannot say the same, Leo.’ His expression of surprise at her blunt statement made her smile. ‘I meant I was unaware you’d been hurt until an hour ago. You don’t look at all recovered.’
He patted the tapestry seated chair placed conveniently beside the bed. ‘Thank you, Eleanor; it’s good to know I’m doing so well.’
‘Idiot! I meant Sophia told me you were almost better but I can see that’s not the case at all.’ She smiled. ‘If you have had both the duke and Gareth in here fussing, it’s hardly surprising you’re not making progress. I have had them sent away; Sam and I can take care of you now.’
‘There’s no need for you to concern yourself, my dear. Sam can manage. You have also been unwell and mustn’t over tax yourself on my behalf.’
She sensed a certain reservation in his tone. Did he not want her help? She sat back, thinking rapidly. Was he too sick to discuss the issues that had separated them? ‘Leo, we need to talk. I know you’re unwell, but I have things I must say to you and I cannot leave them unsaid any longer.’
‘You’re quite right. There also things I must say to you.’ He smiled sadly as if anticipating her words would give him pain ‘Shall I speak first? After all I am, as you so kindly reminded me, “not looking at all recovered”.’
Eleanor braced herself to suffer what was obviously going to be unpleasant news. ‘Very well, my lord, what is it you wish to say to me?’ She sat back, her expression polite, her eyes guarded.
‘Ellie, this is hard for me to say. In fact the words are choking me, but say them I will.’ He swallowed twice. ‘I wish to annul the marriage; to give you your freedom. The duke has given me the estates that my mother left me and my title is no longer one of courtesy only.’ He glanced across as if expecting to see relief and happiness on her face. He saw the tears trickling down her cheeks. ‘I thought you would be pleased. I’m giving you Monk’s Hall and the funds Aunt Prudence left. You are an independent woman now. Is that not what you always wanted?’
She struggled to reply, her throat was so thick with tears. ‘No, of course it’s not. I love you Leo. I want to be your wife, I want to have your children, share Monk’s Hall with you; not grow old and lonely on my own.
He stared at her as if stunned by her revelation. Then to her astonishment he stretched out a suspiciously strong arm and tumbled her onto the bed. ‘My darling girl; I can’t believe you love me after all I’ve done to you. I’ve loved you since I first set eyes on you as a gawky schoolgirl of fourteen years.’ He grinned at her look of disbelief. ‘It’s true, my love, it’s just that I didn’t recognise this fact until I thought you had gone for ever.’ She wriggled upright, her face suffused with happiness.
‘And I have loved you since that time, but I discovered the fact a little sooner.’
He reached out and with his thumb rubbed away her tears. ‘Tell me, when did you realise that you loved me?’
‘It was when I thought Rufus had killed you. I thought I was going to lose you and I knew without you my life would be meaningless.’
He took her hand and pulled her down to nestle contentedly against his sound shoulder. He settled his arm about her waist and with a smile of total contentment on his face, he fell asleep, trapping her beside him. She raised her head and drank in his beloved features; noticing with a pang how thin his face had become, how deep the lines were either side of his mouth.
But he was no longer the pale, drawn man she had seen on her entrance; his face was now a healthy pink and his mouth relaxed, even in sleep, into a happy smile. Satisfied, she laid her head back gently and closed her eyes, allowing her breathing to slowly attune to his.
His Grace, the Duke of Rothmere, stood outside the bed chamber door as determined to gain admittance as Sam was to keep him out. ‘Stand aside, man, I wish to speak to my son.’
‘I am sorry, your grace, his lordship is resting and must not be disturbed.’
‘I will be the judge of that. Get out of my way, I say. I will not be argued with.’ The raised voice brought both Sophia and Gareth hurrying down the corridor.
‘Your grace,’ Gareth remonstrated gently, ‘come away. Eleanor is with Leo, did you not know that?’
‘Good God!’ The duke beamed at Sam. ‘Good man! Well done, well done indeed.’ He turned, still smiling. ‘Leo will get well now; all the boy needed was his wife beside him.’ He chuckled. ‘I never thought to see a soldier so reduced by love.’
Leo woke first. ‘My darling, I’m afraid you will have to move.’
Sleepily she yawned, then fully awake, realised the problem. ‘I’m so sorry, Leo, I must have fallen asleep.’
He grinned and gingerly flexed his arm, trying to restore some life to it. ‘Don’t apologise, sweetheart, that was the first real rest I’ve had for several weeks. A stiff arm is a small price to pay.’
She shifted across the covers and regained her feet. ‘It’s getting dark, Leo. We must have been asleep for hours.’ She pulled the bell strap. ‘We need the lamps lit and the fire is almost out.’
A knock on the door startled both of them. ‘Come,’ he called.
Sam stepped in, a sheepish grin on his face. ‘I heard you stirring, my lord, lady. Shall I light the lamps and rekindle the fire?’
‘Have you been outside the door all this time, Sam?
His man nodded. ‘You needed some peace, my lord. You’ve had precious little of it these last few days.’
Leo ran his hand over the dark stubble on his chin. ‘I think hot water is called for. Ellie, my love, leave me in Sam’s capable hands. Don’t go far; as soon as I’m respectable I wish you to return.’
‘I think you look like a brigand, Leo. I rather like it, it complements your personality.’
‘Impertinent chit! Have you no respect?’
‘None at all. How long will he be, Sam?’
‘Give us an hour, my lady. Shall I send for you?’
She nodded. ‘Yes, please. I will be downstairs somewhere, I expect.’ She left the room leaving Leo still chuckling.
Mary was waiting anxiously for her mistress. ‘There you are, my lady. Good heavens, that dress looks as though you’ve been asleep in it.’
‘I have, Mary. Do I need to change or can you repair the damage?’
Mary surveyed the crumpled gown and shook her head. ‘It won’t do, I’m afraid. It’s almost time to change for dinner anyway. I’ll get out a suitable gown.’ Eleanor looked mutinous. ‘You have guests, my lady. They will expect you to dress.’
‘Oh, very well. I didn’t wish to remain downstairs for dinner. I intended to share a tray with Lord Upminster. We have so much catching up to do.’
‘My lady, the duke and the marquis and marchioness, have dined alone for three nights; it wouldn’t be right to ignore them now you’re well.’
Eleanor submitted to Mary’s ministrations and an hour later was resplendent in a peach silk dinner gown, with her hair swept up into a knot on top of her head. She stared at her reflection. ‘It’s a shame I had to sell my amber beads. They went so well with this dress.’
There was a soft tap on the communicating door. ‘That will be Sam telling me I can go in.’ She heard the door open.
‘I rather thought you would need these this evening, my love.’ Her eyes flew up to meet Leo’s in the mirror. He was dressed formally in his evening black, the empty sleeve on the right the only indication of his injury. He step
ped close and placed an open jewel box on the dressing table. Inside was her amber necklace.
‘I don’t understand; I sold these in Norwich a few days ago.’
He smiled. ‘And I bought these in Norwich a few days ago. Don’t look so surprised, darling girl, I knew you would have to sell your jewellery and Jenkins had the funds to purchase them.’ He ran his hand over the golden stones. ‘They are lovely, but not good enough for you. We’ll go to town and purchase something more suitable.’
‘Town?’ Eleanor replied faintly. ‘In season?’
He grinned. ‘I’m a reformed character; I intend to take you to every ball and soiree of importance. I will even dance a cotillion with you.’
She spun, her dress a blur of colour, and placed a hand on her husband’s arm. ‘It’s very kind of you to offer, Leo, but I would much prefer to stay at home with you.’
He clasped her hand in his and raised it to his lips. Smiling down at her he kissed first the tips of her fingers, then turned it and pressed his mouth to her palm. He raised his head, his eyes dark with love. ‘I rather hoped you would say that, my love, but I felt I had to offer.’
Impulsively she stretched up and placed a feather light kiss on his mouth intending her gesture to merely indicate her pleasure. He released her hand and placed his one arm around her waist to bring her hard against him. His mouth sought hers and she tipped her head to receive his kiss.
A slight sound from Mary standing behind them caused him to raise his head. ‘I’m afraid, my darling, that duty calls.’ He dropped his arm moved back a step, and lifted the amber beads from their box. ‘Shall I fasten these, for you, sweetheart?’
She grinned. ‘With one hand? That would be impressive!’
‘We shall do it together. If you stand still, I’ll hold them whilst you do up the clasp.’
It would have been more sensible to hand the necklace to Mary, but she wanted to prolong the moment of intimacy.
‘There, my love, you look ravishing.’ he looked closer and frowned. ‘But you’re far too thin. You’ve not been looking after yourself properly. All that will change now I’m here to take care of you.’
‘I’m not the only one who has lost weight. You’re a shadow of your former self, my love.’
He pulled her arm through his. ‘Obviously we cannot manage without each other. A matter that has now, I sincerely hope, been permanently remedied.’
They heard the dinner bell ringing and the sound of voices passing the closed door. ‘We must go down, Ellie. It’s the least we can do after my father, Gareth and Sophia, have come all this way to see us.’
She was aware he was leaning on her, not the other way round. She glanced anxiously at his face, noting the tense lines around his mouth. ‘You’re not well, Leo. This is ridiculous. You should be in your bed.
‘I am fine, my dear, please don’t fuss. We’re going down to dinner, not for a five-mile route march.’
She remained stationary. ‘We will only go down, Leo, if you promise me you’ll return to your room as soon as the meal is over.’
‘Very well; now, shall we go?’
Their three guests swivelled in their chairs to greet them as they entered the dining-room.
The duke moved over to his son. ‘Come and sit down, my boy, we are all delighted to see you up and about again.’
Leo allowed himself to be led towards the table, a pale smile fixed his lips. ‘Thank you, your grace. We didn’t wish you to eat alone for a fourth night, did we, my dear?’
Ellie had already been seated but didn’t reply until Leo was safely installed in his chair as well. ‘No, we did not. But I’m afraid I am still feeling a little weak, so hope you will excuse me if I retire early, your grace?’ Murmurs of assent rippled round the table. Leo flashed a grateful glance, as her departure would allow him to also leave early.
During the second remove of jugged hare, quails in honey, assorted buttered vegetables and cream vanilla jellies, the duke turned to his youngest son.
‘Well, Leo, my boy, what you going to do with Wenham Manor, now? You and Eleanor are not intending to live here, are you?’
‘Good grief! I hope not!’ Leo looked at his wife. ‘Do you want to return to Monk’s Hall, Ellie?’
‘Yes, of course I do, it’s my home.’ She blushed and corrected herself. ‘It’s our home.’
The duke beamed. ‘Excellent, excellent, it is too far to travel for a visit to this benighted neck of the woods.’
Leo sat back, his colour much restored after consuming a hearty meal. ‘I had thought, Ellie, my dear, that maybe John Jones would like to become our estate manager here? He seems to have been doing an efficient job so far.’ Eleanor’s smile of delight at the suggestion made verbal agreement unnecessary. ‘In that case, I’ll speak to him tomorrow’
Impulsively she leant across the table and clasped his hand. ‘Thank you, Leo; it’s a wonderful gesture. I know John wishes to marry Mary and now he can do so. I’ll miss her; she has been a friend as well as an employee these past five years, but she deserves to be as happy as I am and so does John.’
It was as though they were alone in the room. Leo’s eyes glowed and his hand tightened over hers. ‘I love you, Ellie, and intend to spend the rest of my life making you happy.’
‘Eerrr..umm….’ the duke cleared his throat politely. Leo didn’t release her hand at first, but when she pulled, he immediately let go. He sat back with a contented smile and spoke directly to Gareth.
‘It’s going to be some time before matters are sorted out here, Gareth. There is Foster’s house to sell and I will have to engage lawyers to draw up an agreement for Jones to sign. These things cannot be accomplished overnight.’
Gareth took the hint. ‘And we have to return to Rothmere. We have been away from the children too long already, have we not, Sophia my dear?’
For an instant Sophia looked blank. The three boys were well catered for by a team of nannies and tutors and would scarcely have noticed their fond parents’ departure. Gareth raised an eyebrow in the duke’s direction.
‘Indeed we have, my love. Now that our patients are almost well again, we will not linger.’ She smiled at her father-in-law. ‘Your grace, can you be ready to depart tomorrow morning?’
‘Depart? So soon?’ Rothmere wasn’t a stupid man and must realise he’d been outmanoeuvred. ‘Yes, of course I can, my dear Sophia. We will depart as soon as we have broken out fast.’
Leo, having achieved his objective, nodded to his father. ‘If you will excuse me, your grace, it has been a long evening and I am beginning to flag.’
Eleanor took her cue. ‘As I am, your grace. It has been a delightful and when we are re-established Monk’s Hall I hope you will all come and visit?’ She smiled mischievously at Sophia. ‘Please bring the boys, Sophia, I can understand how you hate to be apart from them.’
Sophia’s look of horror at the helpful suggestion was almost Eleanor’s undoing. Somehow she managed to hide her amusement as a footman pulled out of her chair.
Her sister-in-law recovered quickly. ‘Thank you so much for the kind invitation, my dear Eleanor. Gareth and I will be delighted to visit when the weather improves.’
The gentlemen politely rose. Eleanor took Leo’s arm and felt it quivering beneath her touch. She dared not look up and catch his eye. He bid his family a choked goodnight and they hurried from the room. They managed to reach the stairs before they dissolved into laughter.
He leaned against the wall tears of mirth trickling down his face. ‘Oh God, Ellie you’re incorrigible!’ He spluttered. ‘Laughing so much has set my shoulder off again.’
Instantly she sobered. ‘Leo, I’m so sorry. Let me help you upstairs. I’ll call Sam to take care of you.’
He pushed herself upright, his expression tender. ‘It’s not Sam I wish to take care of me tonight, my darling, it is you.’ He traced the outline of her parted lips with his forefinger and her knees trembled. ‘Are you ready, little bird? I’ve waited a life
time for this moment, and if you’re sure then I don’t wish to wait another minute.’ The heat in his eyes consumed her with passion and she almost fell into his embrace.
Leo braced himself and lifted her from her feet, holding her captive; her softness moulded to his hard contours; he plundered her waiting mouth in a kiss that told her all she needed to know about his feelings.
A long time later he relaxed his hold and lowered her gently. ‘This is not the place for this, my love. Will you come with me and let me show you how much I love you?’
She placed her hand on his empty sleeve. ‘Are you sure you’re well enough? You’ve just spent three days in your bed.’
‘And that is where I hope to spend the next three days, my darling, but this time I don’t intend to be alone. Will you join me, darling girl?’
Speechless with joy she placed her hand trustingly in his. Together at last they headed for the bedroom to share their love in the way all lovers do.
Downstairs, in the dining-room the duke stood and raised his brimming glass, a rare smile softening his austere features. ‘Let us toast my youngest son and his beautiful wife. May they be as happy for the rest of their lives as they are this night.’
Epilogue
Monk’s Hall, October 1817
‘What time is his grace expected, Leo?’
‘The letter said by midday, and it’s almost that now. Let go, madam, you will strangle me.’ With a fond smile he carefully unravelled his infant daughter’s plump fingers from his cravat.
‘Shall I take Isobel? By the time your father arrives you’ll be in no fit state to receive him.’ Eleanor put aside the letter from Mary she had been reading and strolled over to join her husband and baby at their vigil by the window.
‘Mama, Mama,’ Isabel chortled and launched herself from her father’s arms. Only his quick reactions saved the baby from a fall.
‘Good grief, Bella darling, I wish you wouldn’t do that. I just aged ten years.’ The baby screeched with joy from her position, suspended by the rear of her smocked dress, in her father’s right hand.
A Marriage of Convenience Page 19