A Scandalous Marriage

by Cathy Maxwell

  “Where was this?”

  “I’d taken the children to a horse fair. Julian was there with friends. He is very vocal about his sister’s marriage.”

  Leah felt all the happiness drain from her. She had thought that Julian was in Spain.

  “Be careful, Devon. He wasn’t sober, and he looked as if he’d been in his cups for days. He’s angry at his parents, too.”

  “I’ll watch for him,” Devon said.

  “Thought you would want to know. Didn’t want to say anything in front of Leah. Especially with Mother being so aggravating over the ball.”

  “Yes. Thank you. I’ll see you in Grandfather’s rooms in a moment.”

  Leah came out from behind the screen. “Perhaps if I talked to Julian—”

  “You’ll do no such thing. I’m the one he is angry with, and I will settle the matter.” He tucked in his shirt. He appeared pleasantly mussed. Her body still hummed with contentment. It was hard to worry about Julian when she felt so relaxed.

  Devon started fiddling with his neckcloth. She reached for her robe.

  “Devon?”

  He struggled with the knot. “Yes?”

  “When are we going to tell your grandfather the truth about Ben? It has been six weeks.”

  His fingers went still.

  Leah looked away. “Your grandfather is feeling much better. He grows stronger and stronger, Devon. The more time that passes, the harder it will be. And I must confess, I don’t want Venetia’s hostility. It isn’t my place to say so, but I almost wish you could give Rex the title and we could put both of them behind us and create a world of our own.”

  “I know. But I can’t do it yet. I mean, he seems stronger, but Dr. Partridge warns that his heart is weak. Maybe after the ball.”

  “Maybe you are not being fair to your grandfather. He dotes on Ben, and I think he really has changed.”

  Devon seemed dubious. “Not even a Mrs. Oswald can change the basic nature of the man. What if we tell him and he turns from Ben?”

  “Or you? Perhaps that is what you are afraid of? That he will reject you again.”

  Her observation must have struck its mark, because he withdrew, saying, “Leah, you don’t understand—”

  “I do, Devon. You feel you must do this in your own way. But remember, Ben and I are involved, too.”

  “I know.”

  She placed her hand over his heart. “Then trust us. Ben and I will be here for you, no matter what.”

  He covered her hand with his own. “I do trust you, Leah.”

  He kissed her then, and left to answer his grandfather’s summons. Leah hugged herself, wanting to believe that what he’d meant was that he trusted her enough to forgive Draycutt. For a second, she closed her eyes, remembering the feel of his touch on her body.

  Devon. He knew her soul. He was her life.

  She went to check on their son.

  Devon stayed late with his grandfather. Leah had intended to wait up for him, but she hadn’t been able to keep her eyes open. When she rose for the middle of the night feeding, he was still not in bed beside her.

  However, he was there at six. He rubbed his face sleepily when she accidentally woke him as she rolled out of bed to feed Ben.

  “Where have you been?”

  Devon hugged his pillow. “Looking for Julian.”

  Her heart stopped. “Did you find him?”

  “No.”

  Leah leaned forward, placing her hand on his shoulder. “Devon, you didn’t go alone, did you?”

  “Yes.” He yawned.

  She took his hands. “You must not look for Julian by yourself. Promise me you won’t.”

  “Leah,” he drew out the syllables of her name with tired irritation.

  “Promise. Please.”

  “Whatever.”

  She stood. “I will talk to Papa. He’ll find Julian.”

  But Devon had fallen fast asleep.

  Leah lay awake beside him. Today was the day of the ball.

  Hours later, she left Devon sleeping and went downstairs to find Venetia a whirling dervish of activity.

  Since any offer of help she made was rebuffed, Leah decided the wisest course was to stay out of Venetia’s way. She took Ben to visit her mother, who again assured her that Julian was in Spain.

  “If he had returned, he would have come to us first. We are his family. We have not heard a word from him. You can’t trust what Lord Vainhope said.”

  Her mother changed the subject. She was excited about the ball. “Think, cara, everyone will be there. They will all see how beautiful my daughter is and how much her husband loves her and they will all be envious.”

  “Loves me?” Leah laughed even as her heart skipped a beat. “Mother, what makes you think that?”

  “It is there in his eyes. And he loves you too,” she told the baby. “You are a lucky woman. Very lucky.”

  “Mama, he married me for the baby.”

  She frowned. “You are more naïve than I imagined.”

  “You don’t know,” Leah said sadly. “I love Ben, but I wish I’d never made that mistake with Draycutt. I wish I could still have Ben but be pure for my husband.”

  Her mother hugged her. “One mistake does not ruin a life.”

  “But the size of the mistake—”

  “There are those of us who have done worse. It’s the past, Leah. You cannot change it.”

  “I wish I could.”

  “Cara, forgive yourself,” her mother said with exasperation. “Look at how you have forgiven me for chasing you away. If I’d had my way, Ben would not be alive.”

  “You only wanted to do what was best for the family,” Leah murmured.

  “No, I wanted to save face.” She took Leah’s hand. “I should have told you this before now. Years ago, I gave up a baby. It is painful not knowing where your child is. My aunts took it from me and my family sent me to England.”

  The admission stunned Leah. “Does father know?”

  Her mother nodded. “He is such a good man. He really is. I love him to the depth of my bones, but he has a weakness. Julian and William have it too.”

  She took Leah’s hand, her squeeze conveying fear, regret. “But I have done worse. Their weaknesses are nothing compared to mine.”

  “Mother, you have been the strength of our family. We all love you. There is nothing you could do that we would not forgive you.”

  “I pray it is so. Because someday, I fear I will have to atone for the sins I have made, even those I did in innocence.”

  “Perhaps you should remember the advice you gave me and forgive yourself. I am finding it hard to do.”

  “It is,” her mother agreed. She forced a smile. “But don’t worry about us, especially today when we have such a ball to anticipate. Everything is better now, cara. Lord Kirkeby has been more than generous, and your father has promised to quit gambling. The duns no longer knock on our door.”

  “Perhaps we Carrolltons have no choice but to learn our lessons through hard experience. It seems to be our destiny.” In spite of the element of truth in her comment, she’d meant it to be taken lightly.

  “Perhaps,” her mother agreed, finally smiling. “You have grown wise, daughter.” The praise pleased Leah. She had to leave then. The hour was growing late.

  Instead of immediately dressing for the evening, she turned Ben over to his nanny and went in search of Devon. She found him in the study, going over papers.

  He was happy to see her but immediately sensed something wasn’t right. She told him what her mother had confessed.

  “It is to your credit you can forgive,” he said when she’d finished.

  Leah nodded. “But I will not treat Ben in the same way. I will let him have his own life and become his own man—just like you. No son could ever ask for a better father.”

  To her surprise, Devon blushed, and before she realized it, she said the words she’d held back, the ones she’d feared he’d reject again. “I love you, Devo
n.”

  He jerked his head up as if he scarcely believed what he’d heard. “What did you say, Leah?”

  “I love you.”

  “Again.” He stood and came around the desk.

  “I love you.” She rose to her feet. This time she said the words louder and with more conviction.

  He stopped in front of her. “One more time. Please, Leah.”

  She shouted then. “I love you!” The “you” was smothered by his mouth. It was a greedy, hungry, joyous kiss.

  “And I love you,” he answered when they both had to pause for a breath.

  “You do?”

  “Oh, Leah, from the moment I first laid eyes on you.”

  Before she could make comment, Lord Kirkeby’s gruff voice said from the doorway, “We know! We know! You love him too!”

  Startled, they turned to discover they had an audience. Lord Kirkeby’s wheelchair was surrounded by Dr. Partridge, and Wills, and several chambermaids stood gathered around him. They all broke into grinning applause. Now it was Leah’s turn to blush hotly, and Devon laughed, placing a kiss on her forehead.

  There was no more time for confidences. The family ate an early dinner, and then everyone had to hurry to prepare for the ball. It was going to be crush. No one had refused the invitation.

  Later that evening Leah was in a panic. She’d spent the last hour trying to get dressed and couldn’t seem to make any headway.

  Then Fiona brought Ben in for a feeding. Leah sat at her vanity table, dressed in her undergarments, holding her baby. One stocking was tied with a garter, the other hung down around her ankles.

  Devon walked into the room and started laughing.

  “Stop it,” she commanded. “Or I won’t come down at all.”

  He sat on the end of the bed. “I’m not certain we want you to.”

  Ben stopped nursing long enough to give Devon a smile and then went back to his business.

  Devon reached over and brushed the back of his fingers against Leah’s cheek. “I’m going to tell Grandfather tomorrow morning.”

  “Oh, Devon.” Relief washed through her. “It will be best.”

  He didn’t respond but went behind the screen set up in front of the fire to bathe. Soon his baritone voice was raised in a rousing song.

  Leah laughed. His silliness took the edge off the moments leading up to the ball.

  Fiona claimed the baby. Devon was still splashing, and Leah slipped behind the screen. “Do you want me to wash your back?”

  “Later.” He slid down in the tub, and she noticed he was aroused. “I don’t wish to spend all evening downstairs. Do you?” he asked.

  Desire sparkled through her. “Oh, no.”

  He grinned. “That’s the right answer and for that, you are going to win a prize, viscountess.”

  “What sort of prize?” she asked with suspicious humor.

  “Grab my jacket hanging from the corner of the screen.”

  She did as he said.

  “Check the pocket,” he said.

  “What am I looking for?”

  “You’ll know when you find it.”

  Her fingers closed around a small box. She pulled it out. “This?” She drew a sharp breath. The box lid bore the crest of Rundell and Bridge, London’s leading jeweler.

  “Open it.”

  She lifted the lid and thought she’d faint. Inside was a huge ruby ring surrounded by diamonds and sapphires.

  “I should have given it to you earlier in the study,” Devon confessed, “but I didn’t have it. I’d planned on dropping it in the tub, like the soap that day, and make you search for it. But then I started to fear we might get diverted,” he said with a roguish twinkle, “and forget about the ring. Then the servants would throw it out with the bathwater and—”

  She silenced him with a kiss. “It is the most glorious ring.”

  “Here, let me have it.” Taking the ring, he pulled her left hand forward. He paused a moment, thinking before saying, “I pledge my heart, my worldly goods, but most of all my soul to you, my wife, Leah Marshall.” He slid the ring on her finger. It just fit.

  She threw her arms around his neck. “Maybe we don’t need to go downstairs at all,” she whispered in his ear.

  Devon moaned. “We must go downstairs. The party is in honor of your parents. Imagine what would be said if we didn’t make an appearance. Plus, I have particular friends coming I want you to meet.”

  “Like whom?”

  “Lady Dorchester,” he said, and she smiled, remembering the masquerade. “And my good friend the Baroness de Severin-Fortier. They are anxious to meet you, since they had a hand in our courtship.” He told her the story behind the masquerade. “They are both convinced you are a sorceress.”

  “I am.” She leaned against the tub. “Devon, hold out your hand.”

  He did as she asked. She raised her hand, their palms inches away from each other—and there it was, the magic. Their hands met, their fingers lacing with each other’s, and they smiled at each other, as deliriously happy as children.

  The moment was interrupted by a knock on the door. It was her dresser. With a sigh, Leah came to her feet.

  Devon frowned. “This house is so ridiculously old, it’s not even worth modernizing.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “It would be nice to have a separate dressing room and water pumped upstairs. Or how about a water closet on this floor?”

  “It sounds delightful,” Leah answered, pulling on her dressing robe. “But what can you do? Montclef is the Marshall family home.”

  “Perhaps not after I tell Grandfather the truth tomorrow,” he responded seriously. “I’ve been thinking that it may be best for us to find our own home. A clean break perhaps. But something with modern conveniences.”

  “A home of our own,” she enthused. “Mother was telling me of a new home being built in Mayfair.”

  “We could look there or build a country estate. We could do anything.”

  “Yes, yes, I would like that. A clean break from the past.” The dresser knocked on the door again, this time with more insistence.

  Devon sighed and sank down in the tub, ready to remain a prisoner behind the privacy screen while Leah dressed. “Go on, let her in and tell me when you are done.”

  When she’d finished dressing, Leah felt she sparkled like the stones in her wedding ring.

  She wore an off the shoulder dress of rich blue silk. Paste jewels trimmed the sleeves, and her hair was piled on top of her head and held in place by diamond studs. The studs had been loaned to her by Lord Kirkeby, as was the diamond collar around her neck.

  It took far more time for her to dress than Devon. He played with Ben in the nursery while she finished. When at last she opened the door, he gave a low, appreciative whistle. “Madame, you look spectacular.”

  Devon himself appeared a true nobleman in his black velvet evening clothes. The starched white of his shirt and neckcloth made an elegant contrast.

  He offered his arm, and together they made their way toward the stairs. Devon paused halfway down the stairs. “Nervous?”

  She considered the question and then shook her head. “I’ve been more concerned that you loved my son more than you loved me.”

  “And have I convinced you otherwise?”

  “Yes,” she said softly. “I believe you love us equally.”

  “I’m sorry that you discovered that,” he said with a wink. “I was hoping to be more convincing later.”

  Deep within her, she felt the heat of anticipation. “I beg you to do your best.”

  “I will,” he assured her, and she was suddenly overwhelmed by her good fortune. All the pain, fear, and insecurity she had suffered were now firmly buried in the past.

  As they joined the receiving line, she found herself filled with renewed confidence. Her opinion of herself no longer rested on the thoughts of others. She held herself with pride. After all, a viscountess answers to no one.

  Her paren
ts stood between her and the marquess, in his sedan chair. He was dressed in sartorial splendor. His black evening clothes were embroidered in a silver thread and trimmed in gold braid. His eyes burned with intelligence, but he seemed drawn and pale to Leah. The excitement of the ball might be too much for him.

  On the other hand, her parents looked radiant. For the first time in a long time, she was certain her father was completely sober. Pride filled her chest and she leaned over to Devon, standing beside her, and placed a quick kiss on his cheek.

  “What was that for?” Devon asked, surprised.

  “For being the wonderful man you are.”

  Devon smiled, pleased to be worshipped.

  Soon, the rooms were so crowded that it was hard to move. She and Devon joined Rex and Venetia and her parents for the opening dance. Her mother was a vision in blood red silk, which brought out her Spanish coloring. Men openly admired her and rushed to claim the next dance, but she would not leave her husband’s side. They looked so happy together that it almost brought tears to Leah’s eyes.

  Devon introduced her to a husky, broad-shouldered gentleman. “Leah, you remember the earl of Ruskin. Rusky has been taking care of my noble Gallant,” he said, referring to his horse with obvious affection.

  “That animal is a disgrace,” Rusky declared.

  “That animal is my pride and joy.”

  Leah arbitrated peace between the two men by offering her gloved hand. “We met last Season, and thank you for the use of your coach. It was appreciated.”

  Rusky bowed over her hand. “I am happy to be of service, my lady.” He then frowned at Devon. “How do you do it, Huxhold? You managed to capture the Season’s reigning beauty without even being in town.”

  “It’s my charm,” Devon answered. His words were met by a chorus of guffaws from those around them.

  Of course, all was not perfect. Leah caught the hint of whispered gossip, but she didn’t care. Nothing could spoil this evening for her.

  Devon caught sight of something past her shoulder, and nodded. “There is Rex and my aunt.”

  They were standing separate and apart from the other guests. “I would be interested in knowing what they are discussing with such passion. I would wager my horse it isn’t decorations or guest lists.”