“Would you like the navy to send Colin home for the wedding?”
She giggled. “Oh you are teasing me. I imagine Colin would be annoyed to be singled out from the rest of the sailors, and for a wedding! But Charlie would love to come to London to visit the London library where he may study Wellington’s battle formations. Bella and Beth will visit the park with me and we’ll see the sights. Edmond will like Castlebridge excessively too, he expressed a great interest in the chapel.”
“Then I am pleased for them all,” he said solemnly, while a smile flirted with his lips.
He walked with her to the door. “There is something I must do this afternoon, my love. I shall take my leave of you.”
She smiled shyly. “Then we shall see you at dinner.”
He kissed her hands. “I look forward to meeting the rest of your family.”
The fact that his family had grown somewhat larger in the space of a few hours, appealed to him, as he ordered his coachman to take him into York where he would seek direction to the residence of Walter Judd. He found himself looking forward to their meeting with relish.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
London, two days later
“Jenny!” Bella giggled. “Did you see that gentleman ogling us through his pince-nez? His shirt collar pushed up under his chin. He could barely turn his head!”
Jenny took her sister’s arms to cross the street, with Aunt Leonora’s maid and Andrew’s footman in tow. They climbed into Andrew’s barouche. “They are known as Bond Street beaus, Bella. Just ignore them.”
Her sisters stayed with her at Aunt Leonora’s townhouse in Mayfair, only a few streets from Andrew’s huge stone mansion in Grosvenor Square, in order to restore some semblance of propriety. It failed to quash the gossips, however, because as soon as the announcement of Jenny’s and Andrew’s engagement appeared in the Gazette, one of the more gossip-oriented newspapers ran an effusive article about the widowed duke who’d found love again with a baron’s daughter from Yorkshire. Fortunately, no mention of her being his governess had yet been discovered, but the scandal sheets followed suit, and tongues began to wag, Aunt Leonora informed her, as her card group spoke of little else.
London was thin of company, with most of the ton retiring to their country estates for the hunting season, and Andrew assured her that many would not return until parliament sat after Christmas; and talk would die away after they were married, especially with the royals always providing something more outrageous.
Jenny tried not to think of her father’s parting words. “You are most fortunate,” he said. “It appears you have become indispensable to the duke, because of your excellent care of his children. And the only way for that to continue, is for him to marry you. I hope that doesn’t mean you’ll become a drudge.”
While she refused to believe her father was right, it did cast an element of doubt in her mind. Andrew was always attentive and affectionate. But was it just affection he felt for her rather than love? They had shared a most alarming experience as they worked to keep William safe. It had drawn them together. Was she foolish to wish for a deep passion? Andrew had been so broken-hearted after Lady Catherine died, he hadn’t sought to remarry for years. How could Jenny, who was not even a beauty, replace Catherine in his heart? Or was she being unreasonable to even want to? Should she be satisfied with less? She feared it might break her heart.
“I have one more fitting for my bridesmaid dress,” Beth said as the carriage rocked through the busy streets. “I can’t wait to try on again. It’s quite the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen!”
Hours were spent at Madam De Launay’s salon while the girls’ dresses were made, and Jenny was fitted for a new ballgown. Andrew had insisted on a completely new wardrobe, explaining that as soon as dinner parties, routs, breakfasts, and balls began, she would have need of it. Madam was known to have created gowns for the cream of society, and her salon was very elegant. The bridesmaid’s dresses of white tulle trimmed with pink ribbon sashes and five rows of silk roses at the hem and sleeves, were almost finished, in what Jenny considered to be a remarkably short time. But Madam De Launay did employ a number of seamstresses.
“Jenny is still hemming her wedding gown,” Bella said with a laugh. “You’ll be the first bride to marry in a half made gown, Jenny.”
Jenny grinned. “I finished it last night, while you two were asleep.”
“I’m relieved,” Bella said. “You don’t want dark shadows under your eyes on your wedding day.”
Jenny’s stomach tightened again with nerves. She hoped Andrew would think her pretty. It wasn’t an elaborate gown, but rather simple in style, the satin good quality, and the Belgian lace had been her mother’s, and was very fine. She would wear her mother’s pearls and Bella was very good at arranging her hair. It was a simple affair in Castlebridge with only family and a few of Andrew’s friends in attendance didn’t require a lavishly adorned gown. Although the ball which was to be held in December at Castlebridge certainly would. Andrew’s secretary, Mr. Bishop had already sent out four hundred gilt-edged invitations. Jenny knew that there would be much to do to arrange such a grand affair and assumed preparations were already underway. It would be required of her to oversee it. How odd to be liaising with the housekeeper. What would the staff make of her? Jenny hoped their recent benevolence would withstand the shock of her becoming their new mistress. She had managed a small staff after her mother died, but nothing of the size of Castlebridge.
She would be a duchess! The thought brought on a crippling attack of nerves, but she breathed deeply and vowed to tackle it heart and soul, determined to make Andrew proud.
Andrew had declined the few soirees and dinner parties they’d been invited to, until Jenny had her new gowns. He escorted her and her sisters to Hyde Park in the barouche which caused quite a traffic jam on the South Carriage Drive, when they were stopped by those riding and promenading, keen to speak to Andrew, and be introduced to Jenny and her sisters, while curious glances appeared at carriage windows. Beth was struck dumb by the experience and had to be told not to stare.
Jenny was quite happy to fill in the short time left before her wedding in less stressful pursuits. Her sisters accompanied her when she shopped for her trousseau, including her underwear, nightwear, shoes, gloves, and hats at the most fashionable stores. The fact that Andrew had an account there made the shop assistants eager to serve her, fussing like moths around a lantern. Boxes and packages were delivered to her aunt’s townhouse hourly.
Aunt Leonora, who was in her sixty-fifth year, confessed to finding the whole affair vastly diverting, and was delighted that Andrew insisted she have a new costume made for the wedding. Surprisingly, she had expressed some eagerness to co-chaperone Bella during her Season next year.
They arrived back at the house and darted inside, laughing about a lady’s outrageously tall hat they’d seen. In the bedchamber, Jenny shared with the girls, they began to open boxes and strip away paper. Bella pulled out a beaded reticule of a beautiful deep indigo blue. “This is quite lovely.”
Jenny smiled at her. “Then you shall have it.”
“Thank you, dearest,” Bella kissed her cheek.
“Aunt Leonora and I discussed your Come-out next year,” Jenny said. “And we have decided we will both be chaperones.” She hoped Bella would be excited by the prospect, but her sister merely studied a royal purple velvet hat with the broad, flat brim, turning it in her hands.
Bella replaced it in its box and sighed. “That is very good of you both.”
“You will be assured of an excellent Season, Bella. You’re so pretty, and now with a duke for a brother-in-law…”
“Yes, I know,” Bella said in a flat voice. “I am most fortunate.”
Jenny put an arm around her shoulders. “But you don’t want it.”
“I should, Jenny. You’ve been so good…”
“It’s because of Glyn, isn’t it, dearest?”
Bella sighed again
and nodded.
“Why not write to him and ask him to come to London?” Beth said.
Bella shook her head. “I couldn’t do that, Bethy.”
“But why not?” Beth asked.
“He may not be able to get away, or to afford such an expense.”
If Glyn were to approach their papa now, might he have a better chance? Jenny wondered. “No, he may not,” she said. “But you’ll never know unless you ask him.”
Bella shook her head. “We leave London at the end of the week, and it’s pointless when Papa won’t budge an inch.”
“Then why don’t you elope?” Beth said. “Once you are married, Papa cannot object.”
Jenny laughed. “You are a minx, Beth.”
“I know,” Beth said with a grin. “But life is for taking chances. Look at Jenny. If she hadn’t taken a position as a governess she would be married to Mr. Judd.”
Jenny went cold at the thought. She hadn’t asked Andrew what he and her father had discussed, but he’d told her she would never hear from Judd again. She was profoundly relieved, but still did not want her sisters to return to Yorkshire and was glad that Andrew had invited them to live with her at Castlebridge.
A rap on the knocker made them rush to the door. It opened to reveal the smiling face of their eldest brother, Jarred.
They all squealed and hugged him and dragged him into the parlor for tea.
Jenny thought he looked lanky and thin, and his hair needed cutting. He sat beside her on the sofa while the others crowded about him. “I couldn’t believe it when I got your letter. I can’t wait to hear how it came to pass, but not today, I cannot stay long. I must return to the Inns of Court.”
Jenny told him of Andrew’s promise to guarantee Jarred a place at university, beginning in the next semester, should he wish to, and that he would also ensure some time off for him to come to Castlebridge for the wedding.
Her brother was speechless for several minutes. He cleared his throat. “I should like it above anything, Jenny.”
“Then you will come to the wedding?”
Jarred grinned. “Just try to stop me.”
*
Andrew sat in White’s library with Castlereagh. He wasn’t completely confident when he’d decided to ask him to stand up as his best man. But when Andrew saw him, he decided against it. Castlereagh seemed forgetful and distracted. He was severely overworked and suffering great criticism, which seemed to have impaired his fine mind.
“The congress system is teetering on the edge of collapse,” Castlereagh said, tapping a finger on the leather arm of his chair. “There’s sure to be more trouble, the dissidents might be better organized next time. I give it another year.”
Andrew nodded, filled with compassion for his friend. “I am in agreement with you. What shall you do, Robert? You need to rest.”
Castlereagh nodded. “My doctor has advised it. I am about to retire to Cray for a time, perhaps Loring Hall will perform its magic and heal me.”
“I’m sure it will,” Andrew said forcing enthusiasm into his voice.
Castlereagh rubbed his forehead. “You had something to tell me.”
Andrew smiled. “I am about to be married.”
“Then I must congratulate you, my friend,” Castlereagh said. “I hope you have chosen wisely. The Baroness, isn’t it?”
“No, the lady’s name is Jenny Harrismith. She is the daughter of Baron Wetherby from York.”
Castlereagh stared at him. Then a grin flittered across his face. “By Jupiter, that is good news, Harrow!” He reached across to thump Andrew on the arm. “I thought it would be the German lady.”
Andrew wondered how he would think it possible after the business with Ivo, but he merely nodded.
“Rather quick, I must say. Fallen head over heels, one might hope.”
“You will like her, Robert, she is a wonderful young lady, brave, resourceful, kind, compassionate…”
“And comely?”
Andrew smiled. “Very.”
Castlereagh nodded wisely. “Head over heels.”
Andrew left White’s saddened by the state of his friend’s health. Carrying his valise, he strolled to Lady Naughton’s house. A smile from Jenny would raise his spirits.
After greeting Lady Naughton, he requested a quiet moment with his bride to be. Jenny came into the parlor soon after. Dressed in a primrose colored gown, her hair done in a new and flattering style with curls framing her face, she came forward holding out her hands to him. “I am so glad to see you! I have so much to tell you.”
He pressed a kiss to each hand. “You are not tiring yourself, sweetheart? Do your preparations go well?”
“Very well indeed.” She invited him to sit. “What a pity you have missed Jarred. He has just returned to the Inns of Court. When he learned he could attend Oxford, he was speechless! He wishes me to thank you although he shall himself at the wedding.”
Andrew sat beside her on the sofa. “No need for that, it is my pleasure to do it. I’m pleased that your father has agreed to it. It can’t have been easy for him to admit to a failing.”
“No, it would not be, but Papa has seen the sense of it, and his own time spent at Oxford meant a lot to him.”
Andrew still struggled with her father’s shabby treatment of his children, but he pushed the thought away, and opened the valise he carried. He withdrew the jewel boxes from Rundell, Bridge & Rundell jewelers, and those from his bank that he’d visited earlier. He placed them beside him on an occasional table. “I have something for you, your sisters and your aunt.”
Jenny put her hands to her cheeks. “Oh my goodness.”
“I intend to spoil you, Jenny.” He smiled enjoying her delight. The first time in her life that anyone had spoiled her, perhaps. “I can have the size adjusted, if need be.” He flipped open a small box to reveal a diamond ring set in gold.
He took her hand and slipped it onto her slim finger. “This was the duchess’.”
She held the diamond ring up to the light causing it to flash. “Oh, it’s exquisite, Andrew. And fits perfectly.”
Andrew had chosen one of the daintier diamond necklaces and earrings from the Harrow jewels kept at his bank. The Harrow diamond tiara was at Castlebridge, should she wish to wear it to the wedding. “I trust this will go with your gown?”
She gasped. “How beautiful! They would dress any gown. Now I shall perfectly look the part.”
At the hint of something in her voice, he took the box from her hand, and put it to one side. He smiled into her lovely eyes. “You will make a fine duchess, Jenny. Of that I have no doubt.” He slid his arms around her waist and took her mouth in a kiss. She reached up a hand to his nape.
The door opened, and Lady Naughton appeared. She paused, and cleared her throat, while Bella and Beth, lacking the same delicacy of mind, pushed past her.
“What have you there, Your Grace?” Beth asked.
Jenny shook her head. “Bethy, you really should learn patience.”
Andrew stood. “A gift.” He handed both her sisters a small box.
“Oh! How divine!” Thrilled, Beth put it on and held up her arm to admire the dainty diamond bracelet.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Bella said with a shy smile.
“And this for Lady Naughton.” Andrew handed her the larger box.
Her cheeks flushed, their aunt took out the sparkling diamond and ruby brooch. “It is magnificent, thank you, Your Grace. May I offer you refreshment?”
“No, thank you, Lady Naughton. I must go. I shall see you all at the wedding. And what a bevy of beauty there will be to decorate my chapel!” He held his arm out to Jenny. “Walk with me to the door, Jenny?”
At the front door, Andrew lifted her chin with his finger and scanned her face. He dropped a light kiss on her lips. “You are content? Nothing worries you?”
With a smile, she reached up to touch his cheek. “Goodness no, why should there be? I would be most ungrateful.”
&nbs
p; After leaving her, Andrew walked toward Grosvenor Square. Was Jenny perfectly happy? Had he caught something in her eyes, a slight shadow of doubt? Or was he searching for something that didn’t exist? It was just that he knew her. While the ring and the diamonds delighted her, she was not one to be bowled over by presents, even jewels. Her family was more important to her, the comfort and security of far too many souls, in fact, seemed to rest on her slim shoulders. He couldn’t help but admire her selflessness and generosity. She had claimed his heart and given his life meaning.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
It occurred to Jenny that Bella was acting oddly. Her sister seemed preoccupied and had disappeared for nearly half an hour while shopping with Aunt Leonora. Jenny was so busy, she pushed it to the back of her mind, intending to broach it with her. But now they were about to depart for Castlebridge, and it was hardly the right time for confidences. Her aunt’s maid traveled with their trunks and bandboxes in the chaise while Andrew’s coach waited in the street to take them to Oxfordshire, drawing attention from passersby.
When Beth had one foot on the coach step, she suddenly squealed and dashed onto the road. A passing hackney driver yelled at her. A small shaggy dog had just passed beneath its wheels. Beth scooped it up, and hugging it to her chest, returned to the coach.
“The poor animal,” she cried, climbing inside with the thin dog in her arms. “He was almost run over! He is all skin and bone.”
“Dear heaven,” their aunt cried. “We shall be covered in fleas, and goodness knows what else!”
Jenny laughed as the dog burrowed in between her and Beth and rested its head on its paws, for all the world as if it traveled in a fine coach every day of the week.
“I don’t know what His Grace will say,” Aunt Leonora said mournfully. “He will not be allowed to join the duke’s hounds.”
“With a bath and some good food, I daresay he will shape up well enough,” Jenny said with a giggle. She didn’t think Andrew would object.
With six horses and two postilions, they reached the estate in the early afternoon. Her sisters were astounded by the size and grandeur of Castlebridge, even Beth fell silent when two footmen in livery came to put down the steps and usher them through the tall front doors to the waiting butler.
Regency Scandals and Scoundrels Collection Page 69