The Contract Bride (Runaway Regency Brides Book 6)

by Regina Darcy

But she only had half her new mistress’s attention. Josephina’s thoughts were preoccupied with the feeling of utter bliss that assailed her every time her thoughts lingered on her new husband.

  ***

  Sylvia and Maria were at first quite cowed by the news that their new brother-in-law was taking all his Darlings, as he put it, to the dressmaker.

  And the milliner.

  And the shoemaker.

  It seemed that there were vastly more items of attire that they would require now that they had a brother. The girls were wide-eyed as Joshua ushered them into shop after shop, charming the attendants who waited on them by saying that they were making ready for Christmas and new wardrobes were needed for all of them. Through it all, they had remained close to Josephina, one sister on either side, giggling and smiling, the happiest she had seen them in a long time.

  The girls examined fabric, exclaimed over materials that seemed much too exquisite for their use, and were pleasantly worn out when they were once again in the carriage and on their way home. They did not know that Joshua had paid in advance for all that he had ordered, with the instructions that the garments were to be sewn and delivered as soon as possible so that they might have them before Christmas.

  “This has been such fun,” Maria said. “I never thought to spend an entire afternoon in shops.”

  Joshua smiled. “I am told that this is a necessary part of a young lady’s schedule,” he said. “We shall do the same before the season begins, so that you may take part in the festivities. Sister Maria, I fear you are yet too young, but Sister Sylvia’s debut will be next year, and we must plan accordingly.”

  “My debut? But Father said—”

  “Your father and I have discussed all of this,” Joshua interrupted her. And so they had, although not in quite the manner that the sisters assumed.

  Joshua had told Lord Huntington that he would not have his wife’s family causing him embarrassment by failing to uphold their rank or his status, and therefore, Miss Sylvia would have her debut, at Joshua’s expense. Lord Huntington had frowned, opined that it was a great waste of money, but as it was his son-in-law’s money and not his, he had no objection.

  Naturally, Lord Huntington did not seem at all put out by the fact that someone else was to offer his daughter what she needed, nor did he seem to mind once he learned that Joshua wished to do it all. In fact, he had seemed quite pleased with himself at the prospect, and half expecting Joshua to take them off his hands altogether.

  Poor creatures.

  “A debut! Then I shall not need to be a governess,” Sylvia marvelled.

  “Only if you wish to,” Joshua said, amused.

  “Oh, I do not wish to at all,” she told him. “I don’t like children. I expect I shall like your children,” she added hastily, not wishing to seem rude. “When you have them, that is.”

  Joshua said nothing, but his silence did not appear to be critical.

  Josephina quickly changed the subject. In the ordinary way of things, she would have wanted to be a mother, but that was not to be. Would she remarry, she wondered, after the divorce? Then her cheeks grew hot.

  One of the ways she could have the marriage annulled was because there had been no—no—

  Abruptly, she forced that thought out of her mind, sensing that there was no point in dwelling on any of those matters now. After all, she had only been married for a day, and there was still plenty of time for her to decide on life after marriage, as a free woman, with her own prospects and the ability to choose.

  “Josephina, are you unwell?” Joshua asked, noticing the colour in her cheeks. A look of concern appeared on his face. He seemed ready to pounce and assist in any way he could.

  “Oh, yes, very well,” she replied brightly. “I am thinking of how Sylvia would behave if she were a governess.”

  “She would likely lock the children in a closet and go off to her room to read novels,” Maria said. “Then she’d forget all about them until their parents wondered where they were.”

  “In that case,” Joshua said, “it is better that you do not become a governess. And what of you, Maria? Your debut will be coming up in three years.”

  Maria and Sylvia shared a quick look, their eyes widening in delight. The two of them grew animated as they discussed the prospect of their futures, once a dismal topic amongst the Darling sisters, but now one that brought them great joy and comfort.

  Dressed in the height of fashion in identical cream coloured dresses, Josephina believed they had never looked lovelier, but she could not think of a way to thank Joshua for all that he was doing for them, going above and beyond as he was.

  Three years until Maria’s debut!

  Why, in three years, Josephina thought, she would no longer be married.

  What would happen to Maria, even if Joshua promised to see that she had her coming out as Sylvia was to have? If Josephina became a divorcee, would not the scandal utterly ruin Maria’s chances of making a good match? This was a subject she must discuss with Joshua once they were alone. After all, generous as he was, Joshua could not be expected to still provide for her sisters once their contract was over, and it would not be prudent for her to expect otherwise.

  Besides, she did not wish for her sisters to suffer because of her decision, not when they were finally being given good opportunities and the chance to thrive and blossom as they were meant to.

  ***

  How can this be?

  Joshua watched as the Darling sisters began to talk enthusiastically of their new frocks, but he found himself time and time again concentrating only on Josephina.

  In all earnestness, he had been focusing on her all morning.

  Since they left the estate, they had shared in many conversations, often falling back and letting the sisters guide them into different stores. And the more they talked, the more he found himself drawn to her.

  She was smart, witty, and despite her shyness, quite remarkable in many ways. He would catch himself staring at her lips as she talked, losing himself in her eyes as she looked at him, and enjoying the proximity of her to a degree he did not believe he ever would after Tabitha.

  He knew their marriage was just a contract meant to be mutually beneficial. But the longer he was around her, the more time they spent with each other, the more he found himself entertaining the notion for something more permanent.

  Could this be the first embers of…love, perhaps? But whatever could have been kindled between him and his wife, he had buried deep inside him.

  He raked his hand through his hair.

  He could not deny that he still had feelings for Tabitha, that deep down he would always have a love for her that would not wane.

  But did that mean he could never love again?

  That is was wrong to have strong feelings, for someone else?

  Someone who might reciprocate them in full?

  He frowned.

  Someone like Tabitha?

  But how was he to know if she felt the stirring of similar emotions?

  He shook his head at his own foolishness.

  I am such a dunce. Not only does my heart still belong to another. But I am considering risking it once more for the sake of love?

  No.

  Not again.

  Despite what his mind was concluding, Joshua knew his heart was not listening.

  EIGHT

  Joshua had been correct when he said that Josephina had but to put herself in her lady’s maid’s hands and the maid would know what to do. Lisbeth Marks had grown up in service in a ducal household, and she had learnt her craft at a young age, when she had been set to sewing buttons on dresses. From there she had advanced to the point where she was now, a confident lady’s maid who regarded Josephina’s abundant tawny hair, lithe form, and perfect posture as a canvas upon which she could paint a masterpiece in silks and furs.

  Josephina was nervous, her stomach in anxious knots since her eyes first opened. She had hardly been able to eat a single thing all d
ay, not even with Lisbeth coaxing and encouraging her to keep up her strength.

  Indeed, her lady’s maid was quite a delight, a petite young woman with delicate features, kind honey coloured eyes, bright hair, and a brusque efficiency that immediately set Josephina at ease. She instantly knew she was most certainly in good hands.

  Joshua had invited some of his friends to supper, the first engagement at which Josephina would play hostess. Lisbeth had said that the sage silk dress would be ideal for such an occasion; it was quite fashionable and yet had a simple design which allowed Josephina’s natural beauty to blossom.

  Josephina had not expected the bodice to be low cut, the sight of her dress leaving her cheeks tinged with colour although Lisbeth had assured her that it was not nearly as scandalous as what other ladies of the ton might be wearing.

  “It’s very dignified, ma’am,” Lisbeth said, sounding very pleased. “Leave it as it is. If you had a necklace to wear, it would be just the thing . . . ”

  Slightly embarrassed, Josephina admitted that she had none. Truth be told, jewellery was the last thing she had on her mind. As the hour approached, Josephina made her way to the lounge, her maid in tow.

  When Joshua saw his wife standing before him, awaiting his verdict, he dashed away immediately. Lisbeth and Josephina exchanged worried glances.

  When he returned, it was with a carved wooden box in his hands, his lips curved into a bright smile, bright blue eyes filled with excitement.

  “I bought you this for a wedding present,” he said. “But we have been so busy since then that I have entirely forgotten it. I hope you like it.”

  Josephina gasped, and even Lisbeth, who had seen quite an assortment of baubles in her years of service, was stunned by the exquisite craftsmanship of the necklace. She knew that this was a piece of jewellery which would have cost quite a sum, and she regarded her mistress’s husband with new respect.

  “My lady,” she said, “’’tis perfect for you with that gown and with your hair.”

  “It seems that Mrs Hendrickson is meant to wear pearl and gold,” Joshua smiled. “May I?”

  Josephina nodded mutely. Her hair had been piled high upon her head in a cunningly wrought fashion thanks to Lisbeth’s skill, leaving her neck bare. As Joshua fastened the necklace, his hands brushed against her. His touch seemed to ignite fire upon the surface of her skin, and she inhaled sharply as if breath were leaving her.

  Joshua quickly fastened the necklace. He, too, had been moved by the contact with her bare skin, and he was in a hurry to remove himself from the danger.

  His little bride was no child; she was a woman, with a woman’s lissom curves and mysterious allure. Standing behind her, away from the candour of her brown eyes, he was afflicted by a wave of desire that was surprising in its frequency.

  “There,” he said roughly. “I hope it will give you pleasure.”

  Josephina turned around. “It’s the most beautiful thing I have ever owned,” she said softly as she touched the pearl with reverence.

  His heart clenched.

  There it is again. This time it is certain.

  He could not take his eyes away from her.

  She was a beautiful sight, even more than he had taken her to be at first. Adorned with the necklace and the beautiful dress, she was a diamond of first water. And he could not deny the feeling that rushed through him, one of both admiration and desire.

  Oh, to take her in his arms.

  He was almost sure that she had enchanted him, and he could no longer hide the truth from himself. After all, it had been days since he had thought of Tabitha, relishing in the company of his bride and occupying his time and thoughts with only her.

  Yes, his heart could belong to someone else. He was sure of it now.

  And it seemed that Josephina would be that someone.

  Joshua took a deep breath and then exhaled.

  It felt good and liberating to admit the truth to himself.

  But tonight was not the time to dwell on the nature or depths of his emotions.

  No, tonight was about Josephina.

  With this supper, Joshua wished to introduce Josephina to his circle without imposing an excessively formal event upon her, so that she would have time to acclimate to her new role.

  He sensed her trepidation as they moved in unison and started to descend the carved staircase, his arm linked to hers. Waves of nervous energy rolled off of her. He wished to comfort her, to assure her that she had nothing to fear, but he sensed that she needed to brave this on her own. Bringing it up would only make the ordeal far more trying.

  Besides, he expected his charming wife to be a success.

  “I cannot believe what a dunce I was,” he said lightly, “forgetting to give you your wedding present until tonight.”

  “Oh, but I did not expect one,” she replied with a smile. “It is the loveliest thing I have ever owned, and I did not thank you properly for it.”

  “I have thanks enough seeing how well it looks upon you. Come, you must not blush,” he teased. “May I not give you compliments? You deserve them. It is very good that the ladies who will be here tonight are not inclined to be jealous, for otherwise, they would be green-eyed at your beauty.”

  “Oh, you flatter me,” Josephina replied blushing. “They will think me a country mouse, I am sure.”

  “Why should they?”

  They had reached the final stair and paused. Joshua reached up to brush a curl that was proving wayward in her coiffure. The colour in her cheeks deepened as she looked up at him, her head tilted backward, and a beguiling smile lighted up her features.

  “Because I am.”

  “I am an untitled man. My family made its fortune in the trade which has built the Empire. I have no aristocratic ancestors and no coat of arms,” he said. “I have without a doubt married above my station.”

  “Oh, but—”

  He put his finger against her lips, steeling himself for the scalding thrill that he felt at the touch. “They know nothing but what they learn from you, dear Josephina,” he said. “I assure you, they will think me a most fortunate man to have such a lovely and charming wife.”

  “Your guests are arriving, sir,” Stratton, the butler announced.

  “Very good, Stratton.”

  Josephina felt as if her heart had expanded to the point that it was blocking her lungs from breathing. She greeted their guests with a wide smile that, as Lord Arden said to his wife later on, was as good as a warm fire on a cold night.

  Joshua did not hold himself to rigid etiquette during intimate suppers. So it was that, while Josephina was seated at the end of the table opposite her husband, the guests were arranged according to Joshua’s knowledge of who would be best matched in conversation.

  “A pretty thing,” Lord Arden said to his wife who had been seated at his side, even though such a practice would never have been supported on formal occasions.

  “Very pretty, and well-bred, as well,” said Lady Arden, who, although kind, was a stickler for manners. “She will cure him of that other business.”

  And so it was that the guests assessed the new bride, finding her an attentive listener whose ready smile and courtesy were most gratifying for an evening of congeniality.

  Robin Hastings, who was seated at Josephina’s right, asked why it was that he had not met her before.

  “I am sure that, if I had, I should have wooed you before ever Joshua got the chance.”

  Josephina looked surprised, reaching for her drink and taking a sip before she responded.

  “Have you been away from England, sir?” she asked, offering him a wide smile.

  “Why, no,” he answered.

  “I have been here all the while.”

  It was not a coquettish comment, although Hastings found it quite witty.

  “Then I have been blind, my lady,” he said. “For I am certain that such beauty would have captured my attention.”

  She parried his effusive compliments with k
indness because she did not in the least credit them with truth. She found out that he was a poet, and once she knew that, she relaxed. Poets said outrageous things to every woman, she supposed.

  When he told her that her eyes were like lanterns, she remarked that, as her eyes were brown, they would render very dark light. To all his other blandishments, she responded in kind until he gazed at her with lovelorn melancholy.

  “You do not believe me,” he reproached her.

  “I believe that you are a poet,” she answered him. “And a poet must find inspiration wherever he looks, must he not? Could you not use your skill to praise the wondrous flavour of the venison which Cook has prepared, for I vow it is as fine as anything I have ever tasted?”

  At first he stared at her in disappointment, but then, unable to resist the appeal of her amused smile, he relented.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” he called out, “Mrs Hendrickson has charged me to compose a poem in honour of the venison. What say you? Shall I do so?”

  There were groans and laughter, but also encouragement from the guests.

  “Go ahead with it, Robin,” Joshua said. “Otherwise we’ll be obliged to listen to a lamentation for lost love.”

  Robin rose to his feet, cleared his throat and pressed his hands to his chest in a rather dramatic fashion. Josephina delighted in the gesture, finding the company of Joshua’s friends to be far better than she had imagined, a lively and kind group of people who seemed to take pleasure in simple things.

  “This noble haunch,” he began, “that through verdant grove did wander, “Til it surrendered its life to end up on this platter, “Now gives delight, such as we have ne’er before seen, “As it graces the table of the fair Josephine!”

  He bowed to the guests on his left and right, and finally, to his hostess, before sitting down to enthusiastic applause.

  Later, the guests gathered in the drawing-room where a clamour rose for their hostess to sing for them. As Josephina hesitated, unsure whether the family entertainment that she enjoyed with her sisters would be of sufficient merit to share with her husband’s guests, Mr Hastings went to the piano.