Regency Mischief (31 page)

Sighing, Nicolas crushed the letter in his hand, tossing it to one side. He supposed he ought to return and
sort this mess out. His business had been finished in an hour for it had merely been an addition to his will. Lottie must be provided for in the event of his death. He had visited various merchants, giving them instructions for the wardrobe Lottie would need as the new marchioness. There was no need for him to wait on their delivery, for the clothes and other things would be sent direct to Rothsay—so why had he delayed?

Walking to gaze out of the window, Nicolas faced the dilemma he had created for himself. Lottie was expecting a marriage of convenience. She had agreed for the sake of her family—in truth, he had given her no choice. What he had done was despicable from start to finish. He should have set her free the moment he realised who she was…or, rather, who she wasn’t.

He had despised the woman he had seen rifling his friend’s pocket in Paris, but he had formed a deep admiration for Lottie. She was different in every way from her sister.

The trouble was he was in danger of liking her too much. Long ago, he had discovered that unrequited love hurt. Even his mother’s gentle but detached way of loving her son had been painful, and his father had ignored him after her death—apart from an occasional pat on the head or an instruction to work hard for his tutors.

It was quite ridiculous to hope that Lottie could ever care for him after the way he had treated her. He was in any case not sure that he wanted to love or be loved. He would do much better to continue as he had started, but that was easier from a distance than if he were with her.

That kiss in the moonlight had shocked him. It had
been a mere experiment, just to accustom her to what it felt like to be kissed—but he was very much afraid that he was the one who had been most affected. Lottie had taken it in her stride. Yes, she had seemed to melt into him while he held her, responding so sweetly that he had wanted to make love to her instantly. Yet afterwards, she had behaved in that calm, composed manner that seemed to suggest it meant nothing at all.

Damn it! He wanted more than a complaisant wife. He wanted to know that, when he made love to her, she would want him as much as he wanted her.

He turned with a grim smile on his mouth. He couldn’t hide for ever. The ball was in five days and he must be there in time to make sure that everything was in order.

‘Lottie, do come and see all the packages that have arrived for you,’ Aunt Beth cried as she entered the house that morning after her customary walk to the lake. ‘I have never seen so many all at one time. Whatever can be in them?’

‘Rothsay said he would order a few things for me in London.’ Lottie frowned. ‘I told him not to be extravagant—I shall not need a huge wardrobe here. Besides, Lily Blake has made me such a wonderful wedding gown that I think I shall ask her to make all my clothes in future.’

‘Yes, she has created something of a miracle,’ Beth said. ‘Far more stylish than we ever managed alone, dearest. I think she is wasted as the wife of that rogue.’

‘Lily loves him, Aunt.’

‘Yes…’ Beth shook her head. ‘We women are such
fools where men are concerned. My poor sister was much let down by your father. I do not know where he has got to these past few days.’

‘He went home,’ Lottie said. ‘He promised to return for the ball.’

‘We must hope he does not let us down.’ Beth frowned. ‘Rothsay has been a long time. I would have thought he would be here by now. If he is not here for—’ She broke off, for there was the sound of the knocker and a footman sprang to attention to open the door.

Lottie turned, heart pounding as she saw the tall figure of the marquis enter. She had forgotten how handsome he was, how strong and masculine. Her heart caught as her eyes absorbed every detail of his appearance; it looked as if his dark hair had recently been cut short in a new style and it suited him.

‘Rothsay, you are home,’ she said and went forwards to greet him, offering her hand. ‘I am glad to see you back. My aunt tells me several packages have arrived for me. I have not yet had time to examine the contents, but I think I should scold you for extravagance.’

‘My wife must do me credit, Lottie. I cannot have the gossips saying I have a dowdy marchioness.’ He took her hand, held it briefly to his lips. His eyes went beyond her to Aunt Beth. ‘Lady Hoskins, I presume. Forgive me for not being here to welcome you to my home, ma’am. I am sure Lottie has made you comfortable. You are, of course, welcome to stay here for as long as you choose—though while in London I have instructed my agent on the purchase of a house for Lottie’s benefit in Bath, and you may prefer to visit the spa together sometimes.’

‘Really, Rothsay—did I not tell you I was perfectly content here?’ Lottie’s eyes sparked.

‘Well, you must do as you choose,’ he said easily.

‘Thank you, sir,’ Beth said. ‘I like Bath very much. I am certain Lottie will enjoy visiting the town when she desires a change.’

‘Just as you say, ma’am. I see you are a lady of good sense. Lottie, my love—may I speak to you in private for a moment?’

‘Yes, of course.’

‘In my library, if you please.’

Lottie followed as he strode through various apartments to the large room in the east wing. She had visited it but once in his absence; it was clearly his own preserve and he had left books lying out on the table, as if he wished to return to them without having to hunt. Brandy and glasses were waiting on a side table for his convenience. Mrs Mann had asked if she ought to tidy them away. Lottie had told her to leave all as it was until he returned.

She stood waiting just inside the door as he gazed out of the long windows at the view of the gardens.

‘This business of Blake is unpleasant. I am sorry you had to be troubled with it while I was gone.’

‘It was not a trouble, my lord. I was merely concerned that I must give orders to increase the patrols. I know that you do not consider I should interfere in your business, but—’

‘Good grief, Lottie! What else could you have done in the circumstances? You said you had not told Henrietta or your aunt?’

‘Neither of them will be tempted to go beyond the
immediate gardens. They do not need to know of any unpleasantness.’ She looked at him as he turned to face her at last. ‘You were not attacked as you travelled home?’

‘No, not at all. I dare say it is all a lot of fuss for nothing—but you did exactly as you ought. I should have thought of it before I left, but I was not thinking too clearly.’

‘You could not have known that Dickon Blake would decide to take revenge for his cousin’s imprisonment. Lily told me Sam is still in prison, as no doubt you have learned.’

‘It is not only Sam’s incarceration that has angered Dickon. He has only recently been released from prison himself. I sentenced him to a year and he must have been freed just over a month back.’

‘So it could have been he who fired at you?’

‘Most probably. I shall have someone look into it. Extra keepers are all very well, but we must seek the cause and discover what is in his mind. I do not want to leave you alone until this business is resolved, Lottie. I shall hope to have it sorted before the wedding, but in the meantime the patrols will keep you safe.’

‘I am certain of it. I have been far too busy to walk further than the lake and I have not yet ridden out—I was not perfectly sure which horse you would wish me to use.’

‘I fear I have not treated you well, Lottie. I should have returned sooner. It was wrong to just leave everything to you. If you wish, we could ride out together tomorrow morning.’

‘I should like that very much,’ she replied. ‘I am glad
you are not annoyed because I was forced to take charge. Henrietta could not have dealt with that kind of unpleasantness, you know.’

‘Yet you take it in your stride?’

‘I am accustomed to managing my father’s estate. Very little distresses me,’ she replied, a smile on her mouth. ‘I believe we have covered everything we could. You were warned not to travel alone and the keepers have increased their patrols.’

‘You are an unusual woman, Lottie. My mother would have screamed or fainted had she been asked to deal with such a decision.’

‘I doubt it. Most ladies are capable of far more than gentlemen imagine. We are not, as we are so often termed, the weaker sex—though at times we may acquiesce to being thought so.’

‘Is that so?’ She looked at him in surprise for there was a new teasing note in his voice that she had not heard before. ‘I believe I have a lot to learn about the fair sex, Lottie. I am but a man and cannot expect to understand the workings of the female mind. Besides, I think
you
are the exception and not the rule. I stand ready to receive instruction.’

‘Now you are being provoking.’ A laugh escaped her. ‘Henrietta is right. You are the most provoking man.’

‘I dare say I am—but perhaps you can teach me better manners?’

‘Perhaps…’ Lottie’s heart raced. In this new mood her fiancé was very attractive. She must keep a tight rein on her feelings or she would end by falling head over heels in love with him. ‘We have a great many gifts from your friends and relatives, Rothsay. Aunt Beth and Henrietta
have been enjoying themselves going through them. All the cards are displayed with the gifts on a table in the long gallery. You may care to glance at them later.’

‘I shall certainly do so. I dare say Great-Uncle Freddie has sent a silver tea-and-coffee service? It is his usual gift. I believe we may have upwards of four already, but I shall thank him with the proper gratitude.’

‘You mean Lord Freddie, I suppose,’ Lottie said. ‘He sent me a very kind letter and a long string of beautiful coral and pearls, and a pair of duelling pistols for you. His letter said he thought you might appreciate them more than silver.’

‘Indeed? How perceptive of him. I have always admired his pistols, which I know he once used in a duel with a rival.’ Rothsay laughed. ‘I am very surprised.’

‘Well, I believe he may just have known that you had quite a bit of silver here at Rothsay. However, Lady Botham has sent us a silver service with both tea and coffee jugs so the tradition has been preserved.’

He chuckled. ‘You see the amusing side of it, Lottie. I should have been just as happy to receive cards of congratulations, as expensive gifts, but it is a tradition, I suppose, and we must not offend anyone. We should send thank-you cards to everyone.’

‘I have already replied to most,’ Lottie said. ‘I thought it best to attend to the replies once so many gifts began to arrive, otherwise it is easy to forget something and that is offensive, do you not agree?’

His right eyebrow arched in what she could only think a quizzical manner. ‘I find myself agreeing with everything you say. You will make an admirable marchioness, Lottie.’

His words were those of praise, but something in his tone made her look at him sharply. He was not smiling and she sensed a change of mood.

‘Have I done something to annoy you, Rothsay?’

‘What could you have done? You have everything well under control, do you not, Lottie?’

‘I have tried to do what I thought would earn your approval.’

‘Indeed? Then you have succeeded. I have no fault to find, Lottie. You are everything you ought to be. Excuse me, I dare say you have much to keep you busy—and I must speak to my bailiff.’

Lottie frowned as he turned and walked from the room. He was angry or annoyed about something and for the life of her she could not think why.

N
icolas had no idea why Lottie’s efficiency had made him suddenly angry. It was foolish to resent the fact that she seemed to have the servants hanging on her every whim in just a few days. She was displaying all the right qualities necessary for the next marchioness, managing perfectly well, it seemed, without his help.

Was this how it would be when they were married? He would take himself off to London for a few weeks and return to a calm, smiling wife who could cope perfectly well without him?

Surely he had been fortunate beyond any expectation. He had chosen his bride so carelessly and he might have been hoisted with an adventuress who cared for nothing but spending his money. Lottie seemed more interested in scolding him for extravagance and caring for his estate in way that had been sadly lacking these past years. The perfect wife—except that she showed no sign of having missed him.

Nicolas laughed at himself. He was the one who had shunned love or anything like it for years. He was the one who had set the terms for their relationship—yet now he found himself wanting more.

He had noticed a new atmosphere in the house as soon as he entered; there was life and purpose, where before it had merely been a cold empty place waiting for someone. It appeared to have been Lottie everyone was waiting for. She had certainly made the place her own. She looked confident, composed and had smiled in welcome when he arrived—why, then, did he wish she had run to him, wanting to be caught in his arms and kissed?

She had asked him if she should like him after his abusive words to her, the threat that had made her his prisoner as much as his wife. Nicolas wished he could recall those bitter words. He knew now that she had not deserved them.

He had erected an invisible barrier between them. It was up to him to remove it brick by brick. Perhaps then she might come to like him, if not to love him.

Lottie frowned as she checked her lists, making small changes, adding little things to the tasks she must complete in the following week. The ball was the next evening, and everything was in place for the lavish supper, which would be served at ten o’clock. Henrietta had insisted champagne must flow like water all evening, and there were other wines for those who did not like the sparkling variety. The servants had worked hard to prepare the various delicacies and clean the house from
top to bottom. However, there were still things to be settled for the wedding.

Because so many flowers would be used for the ball, the hothouses might not be able to supply all those needed for the wedding itself. Henrietta had mentioned a nursery run by a Northampton firm and she had sent to them to ask what would be available. The fresh salmon was coming from Scotland, more supplies of champagne would be sent from the marquis’s extensive cellars in town, and would arrive on the morning before the wedding. Everything else would be supplied from the estate itself since they were almost self-sufficient. Even some of the candles they used were made locally with wax from their own hives.

Over the past weeks, Lottie had discovered the little cottage industries that relied mainly on supplying the big house and its villagers. Carpenters, a blacksmith, masons, farmers, a small brewery, a potter and an elderly lady, who made the most beautiful lace, were just a few of those depending on the marquis and his household to some degree.

It was a big responsibility and she wondered if that was the reason Rothsay disliked spending time at his home. For Lottie it was rapidly becoming the most beautiful place in the world. She enjoyed her work and her leisure, taking rambling walks when she had nothing more pressing to do. It was during her walks that she had met many of the marquis’s tenants and was pleasantly surprised by the friendliness shown to her. Everyone was pleased she had come, they told her, for the master needed a wife to look after his interests.

If anyone had asked her what she would like best in
life, Lottie would have told them it was to live with her loving husband in a beautiful place where she could be useful. Here she had all she could possibly desire—except for one thing.

She could see no sign that Rothsay cared about her. He was on his best behaviour now, polite and complimentary of her efforts on his behalf. However, the distance between them was still there. It seemed he had not forgotten that he had been cheated, though he had accepted her in her sister’s place.

It would not do to dwell on what was missing from her life. Lottie had faced the world as it was since her mother had died of a broken heart, and her father continued his downward slide. Rothsay would never love her, but, if she continued to show good sense and make no demands, he might in time come to feel affection for her.

She was about to go in search of her aunt and Henrietta, for it was nearly time for tea, when she heard a querulous voice seconds before the door of her private parlour was flung open. Everyone knew that this was the room she chose when she was busy working or wanted a few moments of reflection and it was by unspoken agreement that she was left alone here. Only this particular lady would ignore that and enter so abruptly.

‘Cousin Agatha,’ she said and rose to her feet with a smile. ‘How nice that you could come.’

‘No thanks to that father of yours, Lottie. I particularly asked that he should come and escort me, but I’ve seen nothing of him and I was forced to travel with just my servants.’

‘I am sure they took good care of you, Cousin.’

‘That is not the point…but there, I should not fuss at
you. Your father is a wastrel and nothing will change that, Lottie. You must make sure that he doesn’t try to scrounge from you once you are married. I doubt Rothsay will put up with it. He is a bit of a cold fish I hear? I suppose you took him for the title and the money?’

‘If you suppose that you are wrong,’ Lottie said. ‘As it happens, I have great respect and regard for Rothsay. I was just about to go in search of Aunt Beth and the countess. If you will accompany me, we shall have tea.’

‘Henrietta Selby, I suppose.’ Cousin Agatha’s thin mouth twisted wryly. ‘I know her of old. She at least is a decent sort. Don’t tell me it’s a love match. You’ve only known him a short time—besides, Clarice told me the whole story.’

‘Did she? Perhaps Clarice does not know the whole story.’

‘Humph…like that, is it? Well, if you care for him I shan’t say another word about it. Clarice is a fool—she will end up in worse trouble if she is not careful. She came to me for money before she went off to Paris. I gave her a hundred guineas and told her not to expect more. She will run through that in five minutes, I dare say. She knows better than to come to me again, so you may expect a visit before too long.’

‘Please, Cousin Agatha, may I ask you not to be so outspoken here? I do know how thoughtless Clarice is but I would prefer that others did not know of her foolish ways.’

‘Foolish ways, is it? I should put another interpretation on it, but I won’t pull caps with you, Lottie. I’ve always thought you the best of the bunch, my girl. You’ve a
chance to make something of yourself now. See that you make the most of it.’

‘Yes, I shall.’ Lottie smiled at her. ‘I truly will, Cousin—and I am happy you have come to stay.’

‘I’d be a fool to turn down a chance like this,’ Cousin Agatha said and laughed. ‘Whatever you might think of me, Lottie, you know I ain’t that.’

Nicolas paused outside the drawing-room door. He could hear the sound of feminine laughter and several voices. It was a long time since he had come into the house and heard something as pleasant. He walked in and his eyes sought Lottie. She looked very at home as she passed tea to the young maid. He noticed it was not Rose, but knew already that Lottie had promoted her to be her own personal maid. For a moment he almost felt a stranger in his own house, and then Lottie noticed he was there and her face lit with a smile of such warmth that he felt as if something had punched him in the stomach.

‘Rothsay, please come in. We are all ladies, as you see, but the gentlemen will start to arrive later. Lord Freddie expects to be here for dinner this evening. He waited for your cousin Marcus to come home so that they could travel together—and your cousin Raymond will be here later this evening.’

He was drawn into her charmed circle immediately and walked to the fireplace, standing to get an overview of the room.

‘I see we have a new guest, Lottie.’

‘This is Cousin Agatha,’ Lottie said. ‘Lady Fox is my father’s cousin, but I have always addressed her as cousin.’

‘Indeed? Then perhaps I may also,’ Nicolas said and inclined his head to the rather stout lady, who looked to be just a few years younger than Lottie’s aunt. ‘You are very welcome here, ma’am. I hope you will enjoy your visit.’

‘Humph…you ain’t quite the cold fish I was led to believe, Rothsay. I wondered if you were good enough for Lottie, but you may just do.’

‘Thank you, ma’am.’ A little quiver at the corner of his mouth told Lottie he was amused and not angry at the lady’s outspokenness. ‘Lottie, where is your father? I have something to discuss with him.’

‘He went off for a few days. I dare say he will be back for the ball and the wedding.’

‘Yes, I see.’ Nicolas frowned. He could hardly blame his future father-in-law when he had done much the same thing. ‘No doubt my relations will descend in force tomorrow. May we expect any more of your family, Lottie?’

‘No, I think not,’ she said. ‘We are all here apart from Papa.’ A faint flush stained her cheeks. ‘I believe my sister will not come.’

‘Clarice is still in Paris, as far as any of us know,’ Cousin Agatha put in. ‘She has friends there, I dare say. Besides, it might be awkward if she came, Lottie. You are better off without her.’

‘Yes, perhaps.’

Nicolas saw that she was embarrassed. He looked at his godmother and saw the speculation in her eyes. There was no use in denying it, he must put the record straight now.

‘I fear I have not been entirely honest with you from
the start, my dear Henri. Though I was engaged to be married to Clarice, Lottie is actually that lady’s twin sister. For reasons I’d rather not go into, it was Lottie who turned up to deliver the news that Clarice had reconsidered our betrothal. But it was fortunate indeed for me; by changing her mind Clarice has given me the gift of being free to propose to her sister—and I have been luckier than I deserve in finding such a lovely bride.’

Cousin Agatha gave a derisory snort, but said nothing more. Henrietta looked from one to the other and smiled.

‘Yes, I believe I understand, Nicolas. You must tell me more another time. Do sit and have some tea, dearest. It makes my neck ache to look up to you.’

Nicolas sat. Lottie shot him a grateful look and poured his tea just as he liked it. He understood why Lottie had not particularly wanted to invite Cousin Agatha. The woman was a liability, but he would have a word with her in private. He did not wish Lottie to be embarrassed in front of strangers—and Lady Fox must be quite certain of his support for his future wife.

‘Lottie—may I speak to you alone please?’ Nicolas caught her as she was leaving to change for the evening. ‘I should like a few words in private—before the hordes arrive. I fear we shall not have a moment to spare once that happens.’

‘Of course. Do you wish to go to the library?’

He led the way and she followed, then turned as he closed the door behind them, an apology on her lips.

‘I am sorry, but Cousin Agatha has always spoken her mind. My sister borrowed some money from her, to
pay for her trip to Paris, I must presume. Agatha does not approve of Clarice.’

‘No, I dare say not. She seems to approve of you, however?’

‘Yes, for I stood up to her when Mama died and she wished Clarice and I to leave Papa and go to her.’

‘Well, we all have relations who cause us some unquiet moments. You will meet my cousin Raymond this evening.’ Nicolas hesitated. ‘I wanted to tell you that I have had my lawyer draw up a new contract for our marriage, which I should like you to sign. Your father must also when he returns. To neglect this might have led to complications if anything should happen to me. In order that your jointure is protected and our sons’ inheritance secure I have made the changes necessary.’

‘I see…’ Lottie understood the reasons for his visit to town. ‘Yes, it should be done properly. I shall sign—and Papa will do whatever you tell him when he returns.’

‘Had it not been so important I should not have left you here to cope alone.’ He produced a document from his pocket and placed it on the table with pen and ink. ‘Please take a moment or two to read it, Lottie.’

‘I am sure you have been impeccable,’ Lottie said, looking up at him. ‘Does this mean the other contract has been destroyed?’

‘I thought it best to start again. Your father has his copy, of course, but no doubt he will accept the new one in its place. I believe the terms are more favourable than before.’

‘I hope you have not given Papa anything more than the release of his debts. He will waste the money at the gaming tables.’

‘He is to have an allowance, but in return must be discreet. Your own settlement has been increased. I do not wish you to go short of anything, Lottie.’

‘I am certain you have been too generous, Rothsay. I have not yet had time to look at all the gifts you sent me from town, but I think you were extravagant, sir.’

‘Not sir, please, Lottie. Rothsay or Nicolas, if you prefer.’ He watched as she signed. ‘You did not wish to read the contract?’

‘I do not think it necessary. As I told you before, I shall be content here. Really, the estate is a perfect place to live. We have almost all we need here, you know. Yes, we do have to send to Northampton or London for luxuries, but most of what we require comes from the farms and the hothouses—or the local businesses and craftsmen.’

‘Is that so?’ He looked at her thoughtfully. ‘I have left the management of this estate to others, except for brief visits. You seem to have learned a lot in a brief time, Lottie. I hope you have not found it too onerous a task preparing for the wedding?’