Fenella J Miller - [Duke 02]

by Bride for a Duke

  He could not stay at Shalford. He would go to one of his estates in the North for a few weeks and leave Rupert a clear field. If his brother failed to persuade Anna to become engaged to him after that then he would be free to stake his own claim. He must pray he was not making the biggest mistake of his life.

  Chapter Twelve

  Anna could hear someone calling her name; they sounded a long way away but were most insistent she opened her eyes. Reluctantly she did so to find Dr Fletcher sitting beside her patting her hand.

  “Well, well, my dear girl, you do seem to be a trifle accident prone.”

  She attempted to move her head and wished she hadn’t. “Did I knock myself out? How silly of me.”

  “You did, but no real harm done, I’m happy to tell you. You have a sizeable bruise on your temple but the cut was not serious enough to require sutures. Your lovely face will not be marred by a scar.”

  “Have I a concussion? Do I have to remain in bed to recover?”

  He shook his head and beamed at her. “Not at all, you may get up later today if you wish to. You were only stunned. In fact you recovered consciousness some time ago but immediately fell asleep. I take it you did not have a restful night last night?”

  “I didn’t, but apart from a thumping headache I feel perfectly well. I should like to get up right away.” She glanced down and realised she was in her nightgown. “Perhaps I could ask you to ring for my abigail, sir?”

  Molly bustled in clucking like a mother hen. “Lawks! Whatever next? What with you tripping over and the duke demanding for his trunks to be packed it’s been a right to do this morning.”

  “Westchester is leaving? Are you quite sure, Molly?”

  “I’m certain, miss. Her grace and Lord Shalford were talking about it. Her grace asked to be told as soon as you were awake.”

  “Don’t send the message yet, Molly, I wish to get up. I expect I’ll have a black eye but that can’t be helped. It could have been a lot worse. I’ll wear one of my new promenade gowns; I don’t care which for they are all so pretty.”

  In less than three quarters of an hour she was freshly gowned and ready to go downstairs, her hair arranged in such a way that it almost disguised the injury. Rupert and Sarah were in the grand salon and she decided to join them. She wasn’t an invalid and had no wish to be visited in her chambers.

  She wished to find out what was driving Ralph away without even waiting to say goodbye. It must be an urgent business matter. On her way she passed Foster who actually smiled and bowed, she almost curtsied in return. He was such an impressive gentleman, far too grand for a mere butler. The murmur of voices drifted into the entrance hall.

  She paused in the open doorway to steady herself as she felt a tad dizzy after her rush down the long staircase. Immediately Rupert was at her side.

  “Anna, whatever are you doing down here? You should have remained in your chamber.”

  “I am perfectly well, thank you, Rupert.” He looked decidedly sombre and her heart sunk to her slippers. “What is wrong? Why are you both looking so serious?”

  “I have something dreadful to tell you and I pray you don't hate me when you hear the news.”

  When he had finished she was all but speechless. “We’re not married at all? The ceremony was a hoax?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid so. I cannot tell you how sorry I am. I shall do everything in my power to make it up to you. I just hope you can forgive me for putting you through such a distressing time.”

  He guided her to the nearest chair and she was grateful for his support. She realised how lucky she was; if they had left Shalford she would have been ruined and obliged to marry Rupert whether she wished it or not. She closed her eyes and was relieved to hear him leave the room.

  “You may sit up again, dearest girl, we are alone. Rupert intends to become a cavalry officer and give up his rackety life style. Unfortunately Ralph left before Rupert made his decision known.”

  “Why did he go, Sarah? I thought he would be delighted at the news…” She swallowed the lump in her throat unable to go on.

  “He felt it better to be away from Shalford for a while and give you and Rupert time to get to know each other. I had not known him to be so altruistic and wish on this occasion he had put his scruples to one side.”

  A glimmer of hope surged through her. “Are you saying, Sarah, Ralph feels the same way that I do?”

  “I should hope he does, my dear. Otherwise his behaviour towards you would be outrageous. I tried to tell him however long he was away it would make no difference; you would never agree to marry Rupert.”

  “I should think not. He is not ready for marriage, he is far too immature. It is better for him to buy his colours and have some excitement in his life.”

  Sarah rushed across the room and embraced her. “My darling girl that is exactly what I hoped to hear you say. You do love Ralph, don’t you?”

  “With all my heart—it will be the longest few weeks of my life waiting for him to return.”

  “Fiddlesticks to that! I will send after him immediately. I shall have to explain to my younger son that he is chasing moonshine if he thinks to persuade you to love him. He is well aware of your feelings.”

  “In which case, I shall take a stroll in the grounds. For once the weather is clement and more like early spring today. I promise I shan’t go far.”

  “There is a delightful summerhouse where you can rest. If you are not returned within the hour I shall send someone out to look for you.”

  She had just stepped into the entrance hall when her heart skipped a beat. She came face to face with the man she loved. “Ralph, I thought you had gone.” He looked a trifle dishevelled, not his normal immaculate self at all.

  “I came back—I found I couldn’t leave without speaking to you first.”

  His eyes glittered like topaz and a wave of dizziness all but overwhelmed her. She swayed and without a by-your-leave he snatched her up.

  “Sweetheart, you should not be here. Have you no more sense than a pea-goose?”

  “Thank you for your concern but Dr Fletcher told me I could rise if I wished. I know about the marriage.” He seemed reluctant to put her down; his heart was pumping beneath her hand. “I shall not swoon, I’m perfectly well, Ralph.” Her gentle reminder prompted him to stride into a small chamber and lower her gently to a sofa.

  “I shall fetch something to revive you. Stay where you are.”

  The door closed softly behind him. She drew her feet under her and resting her head on the padded back she closed her eyes trying to make sense of the astonishing information that she was not, and never had been, married to Rupert.

  Her heart skipped a beat, she was now free to … well, to love elsewhere. Ralph had called her sweetheart. Sarah was certain he felt the same as she. The information was too much to take in.

  Thinking of her erstwhile husband brought home to her the enormity of his behaviour. She had agreed to go and live with him and be recognized as his lawful wife. If she had done so when they were not married she would have been beyond the pale. Ostracized by society whether the fault was hers or not.

  She sighed and stretched out her legs as her bruised foot was decidedly uncomfortable squashed beneath her. The crackle of the sweet smelling logs on the nearby fire was relaxing. She had no wish to drift asleep and sat up shaking her head to clear it. She should go to her own chamber, but a strange lethargy was pinning her to the sofa. For some reason she couldn’t find the energy to stand. It had been a confusing morning and her head ached, perhaps it would not matter if she dozed for a few minutes.

  *

  Ralph spoke briefly to his mother, ordered refreshments to be fetched and hurried back to the ante-chamber. Anna had gone—the room was empty. Then he saw her stretched out on the sofa sound asleep. His breath caught in his throat. She was so beautiful, so perfect in every detail.

  He strolled across and sat opposite deciding he would wait until she woke. He fetched a warm comf
orter, one his mother used on occasion, and gently draped it over her. Then he resumed his position quite happy to spend the rest of the day gazing at the woman he intended to make his bride at the earliest possible opportunity.

  How could he have fallen in love so quickly? He was about to retreat as quietly as he had arrived when her eyes flickered open. When she saw him she was radiant—her smile etched itself on his heart.

  *

  Anna saw his expression change from tender to something else entirely. His eyes darkened, his shoulders tensed and he leant towards her. He didn’t move; he was waiting for her signal. Her head told her to remain aloof, that she had just stepped out of a frying pan and should not step straight into the fire. She extended her hand towards him. In one bound he was beside her dropping to his knees.

  “My darling, I know I should not but I cannot help myself. It has been torture for me standing back and allowing Rupert to be with you. Thank God there's no barrier, legal or otherwise, to prevent us being together.”

  His eyes burned into hers, she was held captive by his ardour, could scarcely catch her breath. Her hands slowly came up to frame his cheeks. Her fingers traced the outline of his jaw and his bristles prickled her fingertips. His skin was as hot as his eyes.

  Slowly he closed the distance between them. She was transfixed. What they were doing was breaking every rule but still she couldn’t stop herself. His arms reached around her waist and she was lifted from the sofa and crushed to his heart. His mouth closed over hers. Nothing had prepared her for the intensity of feeling this kiss provoked. This was nothing like the one she’d received before, not a gentle press of his lips on hers but a statement of intent.

  His lips travelled slowly over hers then left a trail of fire across her cheek, down her neck and when she could almost bear no more he returned to her mouth. She was drowning in a sea of pleasure and wanted it to continue forever. Her hands tangled in his hair, every inch of her held against his taut frame, not understanding what was happening between them but loving every moment.

  He turned, placed her on the sofa and then slid in beside her. His fingers traced the curve of her cheek and she arched her back to press closer to him.

  He drew back and gazed down at her. “You are irresistible, my darling. I want to make love to you.”

  He remained poised, waiting for her response. She smiled. He dropped his head and moved his lips along her throat leaving a trail of fire behind. Then she was rudely dropped back on the sofa and he was standing behind a chair. What was wrong? Had her wanton behaviour offended him? She felt as though a bucket of icy water had been tossed over her. She shivered and was ashamed.

  “Darling, don’t look like that. I took advantage of you, my only excuse is that I love you to distraction and these past few days have thought of nothing else but having you in my arms. I believed I would never have the right.”

  She relaxed and smiled tenderly. “Don’t apologise, my love, you would not have come to me if I hadn’t invited you. Are you not going to ask me if I reciprocate your feelings?”

  His shout of laughter defused the tension. “I should hope that you do, sweetheart, or I have sadly misjudged the situation.”

  Anna patted the space beside her encouragingly. “Then, my love, come and sit next to me.”

  He shook his head. “I dare not, I almost pre-empted our wedding night. I don’t trust myself when I’m so close to you.

  The heat spread from her toes to her crown at his outrageous comment. She didn’t know where to look. How could he say such a thing when they were not even officially betrothed? Before she could protest he was on one knee in front of her.

  “My darling girl, make me the happiest of men. Do me the inestimable honour of becoming my wife.”

  “I am delighted to accept your kind offer, Ralph. Now kindly get up off your knees and stop making a cake of yourself.” He straightened and sat beside her taking her hands in his. They looked so small inside his grasp. She raised her eyes to meet his loving gaze. “Are we run mad to do this after such a short acquaintance? How do we know we will suit?”

  “Do you love me? I’ve yet to hear those words from you.”

  “I love you, Ralph, but I can’t think why as you’re the most overbearing, highhanded gentleman I’ve ever come across.”

  He pulled her hands to his mouth and gently kissed each fingertip in turn before answering. “And you, my darling, are the most aggravating, argumentative, headstrong young lady I’ve ever come across.” His smile made her toes curl. “Therefore we are ideally suited.”

  “I should like to be married in June—it’s April now so this will allow us ample time to get to know each other better before we say our vows.”

  A discreet cough from the direction of the door jerked them apart. Sarah stood there dabbing her eyes with a miniscule cotton square. “My dears, I can’t tell you how pleased I am to see that you have wasted no time in declaring your feelings.” Her tone made it quite plain that for some reason she disapproved.

  He gave Anna’s hand a warning squeeze and then rose smoothly to his feet bringing her up with him. “Mama, you must be the first to congratulate us. Anna has agreed to marry me. I’m sure we have your full support and approval, do we not.” The warning in his voice was quite unmistakable.

  “Of course you do. I’m sure Rupert will offer his sincere congratulations as well.”

  Anna felt wretched. Why was Sarah not pleased? She should have spoken to her first before expecting Ralph proposal. Had she inadvertently betrayed the trust Sarah had placed in her? If Ralph hadn’t kept his arm firmly around her waist she would have run to his mother’s side.

  “Rupert has nothing to do with this.” He smiled his special smile at Anna. “Although I shall always be grateful to him for introducing us, if it hadn’t been for his outrageous behaviour we would never have met.”

  No—she would comfort her friend. She stepped out of his grasp and walked smartly across the salon. If she allowed Ralph to dictate to her so soon in their relationship then a precedent would be established. They would be constantly at daggers drawn because one thing she did know—she had no intention of being a subservient wife.

  “Sarah, my lady, we discussed this earlier. You know Rupert and I would never have

  made a true much of it. I think of him as a dear brother. Remember, both you and Ralph wanted me to persuade him to join the army? This debacle has produced exactly the result you wanted.”

  Ralph strolled over to join them and gave her a darkling look. No doubt he would wish to take her to task when they were private.

  “Also, you will recall telling me, Mama, not to despair as matters would resolve themselves in my favour. I don’t understand why you are so reluctant to celebrate with us.”

  Sarah stuffed her handkerchief into her reticule. “I know it’s quite irrational but I hoped when this business with Rupert was resolved I would have Anna to myself for a few months at least before being banished to the Dower House.”

  Anna flung her arms around her friend. “You shall not move out of this house unless you wish to. Perhaps when it is overrun with the patter of little feet you might find it more peaceful elsewhere but until then I should be bereft without your companionship.”

  Too late she realised this was not her decision to make but her future husband’s. Yet again she had spoken out of turn. She spun to face him expecting to see a look of disapproval on his face. Instead his smile was the widest she’d ever seen.

  “I can see I shall have my work cut out to be master in my own home in future with you two forming a coalition against me.” He chuckled and shook his head in mock despair. “To think I had intended to banish you, Mama, the very moment we were married. Now I shall be obliged to live with the two women I love more than life itself. How shall I bear such a hardship?”

  “Go away, you aggravating boy, dearest Anna and I have a wedding to plan.”

  “I’m considering sending to London for a special licence…”
he began, having winked outrageously at Anna before he spoke.

  “You’ll do no such thing, Ralph. We shall have the banns called in the village church as all our family have done for generations.”

  “Sarah, he is funning. We have agreed we shall be married in June.” She dared him to contradict and he chuckled and raised both hands in surrender.

  “There, Mama, plenty of time to do everything necessary.” He waved his acknowledgement and strolled off.

  Anna thought him the handsomest man alive and also the kindest and most considerate. Certainly it would not be a peaceful marriage, but it would never be boring, that was for sure.

  “Thank the good Lord he is gone. Now we can start our planning; we have hardly long enough to arrange a wedding breakfast, send out invitations, and complete your new wardrobe. However, if we have only two months then we must make do with that.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Anna spent the next few days closeted with Sarah discussing wedding plans but each time the door opened she looked up hoping to see Ralph. “Sarah, my head is spinning with all the names of people I’ve never heard of who must be invited to the wedding breakfast. Pray excuse me if I leave you to your lists for a while, I wish to stretch my legs.”

  Her future mother-in-law looked up her expression distracted. “Yes, dearest girl, you run along and find Ralph. No doubt he is prowling about waiting for you to come to him.”

  Good heavens! Was she so transparent? She would have to be more careful if she wished to keep anything from Sarah. She emerged into the hall to see him striding towards her.

  Quite ignoring Foster and two footmen he opened his arms and she walked in. She breathed deeply loving his aroma of lemon scented soap, horses and masculinity. She lent her cheek against his chest knowing she was loved, protected, had by some miracle found the man who was her perfect match.