To Marry a Duke (6 page)

He retreated. At the door he paused and stared at his
sister. If he married Demelza would her father expect to remain at the Priory?
God help them all if Allegra and Tremayne were forced to reside for long under
the same roof.

*

Allegra selected an amber crepe evening gown with an
overdress of white sarcenet, trimmed with pearls and with a demi-train. The
dress had a light, short jacket, decorated, like the hem with a single row of
pearls.

‘At least I do not need a shawl with this costume, Abbot.’
She turned sideways to examine her profile. ‘The bodice is so well cut that
even without a corset I have a semblance of a curve.’

She reached up to touch her new hairstyle. For the first
time she had allowed it to be dressed in the prevailing fashion, her hair
brought together and confined at the back of her head in two light knots,
reminiscent of an ancient Roman matron. Then a braid had been drawn over a
demi-turban, formed from matching amber satin, and the whole finished with rows
of pearls and a superb sprig of the same jewels ornamenting the front.

‘I hope Mr and Miss Tremayne
appreciate the effort you have gone to this evening, Abbot.’

Abbot smiled. ‘If you’re ready, my lady, I believe I heard
the gong a few moments ago.’

Richard was waiting in her sitting room, elegant in black
evening dress, his wide shoulders and slim hips shown to advantage by his
closely fitting tailcoat and the pantaloons and black slippers

he
wore. He
offered his arm.

‘You look wonderfully, my dear. Shall we go down?’

The doors to the Grand Salon were
open; they were dining in style tonight. Allegra had decided she owed it to
herself, and Richard, to show the Priory at its best. So she had ordered three
courses and dozens of removes, to be accompanied by the best their cellar good
offer. She had also arranged for champagne to be served before dinner. They
would all need it if the evening was not to be an unmitigated disaster.

She need not have worried. Demelza, lovely in a simple gown
of white silk with a silver gauze overdress, her hair piled on her head, black
ringlets artfully escaping to frame her face, looked entirely at ease in her
imposing surroundings. Tremayne, stern in black, his cravat a masterpiece, his
single diamond pin magnificent, appeared equally unfazed by the formality.

Whatever their shortcomings, Allegra was forced to accept
they knew how to go on in society. Miss Murrell had risen to the occasion and
her evening gown of deep purple, with a full turban liberally festooned with
handsome ostrich feathers and diamante, looked every inch the
grande dame
.

Yardley served the champagne himself, a great honour, if
only the newcomers had realized it, and by the time he announced dinner the
assembled company were predisposed to enjoy
themselves
.
Richard offered to escort Demelza who, with a happy smile, willingly rested her
hand on his arm. Tremayne turned to Allegra.

‘Would you permit me to escort you in to dinner, Lady
Allegra?’

‘Thank you, sir, that is most kind, but I prefer to come
with Miss Murrell.’

His jaw clenched, but he hid his annoyance well.

She wished her thoughtless words unspoken but it was too
late to undo them. She would

endeavour
to be charming over dinner to make up for her lapse. The meal, served
a la Francais
, the dishes placed down
the centre of the table, the men serving the ladies with whatever they
required, passed without further mishap or embarrassments.

Richard was on sparkling form, putting himself out to charm.
Demelza was captivated; but then her experience of men was non-existent; she
had no yardstick against which to measure him. In her eyes he must appear a
godlike figure, and she would be overwhelmed that all his attention was
directed at her.

When Allegra led the ladies back to the drawing-room the
girl smiled slightly. ‘Lady Allegra, I wish to thank you for the gowns you sent
me. I have never owned such garments. I feel like Cinderella, I believe at
midnight I’ll turn back into the dull schoolgirl I used to be.’

‘Fustian, Miss Tremayne; you are a lovely young lady. The
clothes merely enhance what God has given you in abundance.’

‘Thank you, Lady Allegra. You’re so beautiful, like a true
princess. And you and Lord Witherton are so alike.’

Allegra smiled. ‘We are twins, remember.’ She hesitated,
should she warn the girl about Richard’s reputation. She heard the sound of
male laughter and the moment was gone. She glanced up and found herself trapped
by the intensity of Tremayne’s gaze. Her head spun and she felt an unexpected
flood of heat.

She stood up. ‘Pray excuse me, everyone, I feel a trifle
indisposed and must return to my room.’

Miss Murrell jumped up. ‘I will escort you, my dear. No, do
not argue, I am coming. I don’t wish you to collapse on the stairs.’

Tremayne bowed. ‘I need to speak to you, Lady Allegra. Would
you join me in the library before you breakfast tomorrow?’

She nodded. ‘Will nine o’ clock be convenient?’

‘I’ll look forward to it. Good evening, my lady.’

As she walked slowly through the dark passageways and
cavernous rooms, her arm linked firmly with Miss Murrall’s, she pondered what
possible reason Tremayne could have for wishing to speak to her alone.

Chapter
Six

Demelza’s eyes widened and then
she giggled. ‘I don’t believe it, your grace; you’re telling me Banbury
stories.’

Richard clutched his hands to his chest and schooled his
expression to one of astonishment.

‘You shock me, Miss Tremayne! How
can you reside here if you don’t believe in St Osyth?’

‘Of course I do, but not the part where she’s decapitated by
a Viking and picks up her head and carries it under her arm to this building
before falling to the ground.’

Solemn faced he pointed to the brown marks on the rough
stone walls. ‘Not even when you see her bloody fingerprints over there?’

She walked over to peer closely at the smudges.
‘Inconclusive evidence, my lord.
But I’m sure St Osyth was a
very devout princess and was indeed martyred for her faith.’ She stared round
her face serious. ‘I love the atmosphere in here. It’s wonderful to think this
vaulted ceiling and these windows have been here for centuries, that we’re
standing on the flagstones where countless others through history have stood.’

He looked round with renewed interest, seeing the antiquity
of the old monastery refectory through fresh eyes. ‘You’re right, Miss
Tremayne. It is a privilege to be here. Having grown up in these hallowed
surroundings I’m afraid I tend to take them for granted.’ He smiled, finding
his young companion delightful company. ‘You must speak to Lady Allegra, she’s
the family historian. She will be able to tell you everything you could
possibly wish to know about our ancestors and this place.’

She
shivered,
her muslin day dress
too thin.

‘You’re cold, Miss Tremayne. Let us go out into the garden,
it’s
warmer there.’

The temperature was considerably more clement outside. ‘Can
we walk around the Priory before we go in to breakfast? I should like to view
the Gatehouse again- it’s a shame it’s no longer used.’

‘If that is what you would like, then that’s what we’ll do.
I’m entirely at your disposal, Miss Tremayne.’ He offered his arm and she
slipped her hand through, revelling in the contact. They strolled in silence
for a while.

‘My lord, may I speak frankly? I wish to ask a question that
I am almost sure is impertinent.’

He hid his amusement. ‘I promise I’ll not be offended. Ask
your question without fear.’

She stopped and stared earnestly at him. ‘If you and Lady
Allegra love this place so much, why did you sell it to my father?’

He was too surprised by her question to answer. He should be
angry, give her a sharp set down, but her innocence, the genuine concern he saw
on her face, stopped him.

‘My father
gamed
the place away. Mr
Tremayne merely bought up his debts. We had no inkling of the situation until
two days ago.’

‘How dreadful for you!
What a horrible
shock it must have been.’ He could see her eyes glittering with unshed tears.

‘It’s not so bad, Miss Tremayne. Your father allowed us to
stay here to grieve in peace for nine months and when we have to leave, in two
weeks’ time, we are taking the family jewels. They will supply us with a more
than adequate income.’

‘It’s not right. A Duke of Colchester has lived here for
hundreds of years. We are the interlopers. I’ll never be happy knowing our
arrival has displaced you and Lady Allegra.’

He patted her hand. ‘Thank you for your concern, my dear
Miss Tremayne, but it’s unnecessary, I assure you. We shall manage very well.’

‘No, I’ll not allow it.’ She snatched her hands from his and
turned away too overcome to speak.

Strangely he found himself wishing to gather her into his
arms, to stroke the dark curls and offer her comfort. He didn’t like to see her
upset. He reached out, intending to touch her shoulder, but she spun back her
expression almost fierce.

‘I have a solution to your problem. I wish you to promise
you will listen and not interrupt.’ She cocked her head, waiting. He nodded.
‘My lord, if you were to marry me your difficulties would be solved. You and
Lady Allegra could remain here, where you belong. I could live here then
without feeling guilty. I know what I’m suggesting is outrageous, but I’m being
practical. Tremaynes are famous for it.’

Richard had listened to her suggestion with mixed emotions.
His initial shock at her presumption was immediately replaced by an unexpected
feeling of affection for the earnest young lady staring up at him. He did not
suspect for a moment the offer was made out of self-interest, that she shared
her father’s desire for her to be a duchess. She was prepared to sacrifice
herself to save him. His throat clogged and his voice was gruff when he finally
managed to answer.

 
‘My dearest girl – I
am overwhelmed by your offer -but I cannot allow you to do it. You do not know
me; we have been acquainted scarcely a day. You are offering to tie yourself to
me for life.’

To his astonishment she threw herself into her his arms
allowing him no time to step aside.

Before he realized what was
happening he had encircled her waist and his mouth captured hers in a gentle,
explorative kiss. Who was the more shaken by the embrace was hard to tell.

After far longer than was decent he reluctantly released her
but retained his hold on her hands. He gazed entranced at her sparkling eyes
and swollen lips and there was an unexpected constriction in his chest. Without
conscious thought he dropped dramatically to one knee.

‘My darling, Demelza, will you do me the honour of becoming
my wife?’

‘Yes please.’

He jumped up but, as he was about to enfold her a second
time, he became uncomfortably aware they were the centre of attention. Word had
spread and several interested spectators had gathered to watch him make a
spectacle of himself and Miss Tremayne.

‘Sweetheart, I think it best if we go in; we appear to have
an audience.’

Demelza glanced round, unconcerned, and smiled at the
gawping gardeners. ‘Good; now I am thoroughly compromised Papa will have to
agree.’

‘Hoyden!
Have you no shame?’

‘None at all,’ she giggled. ‘I suppose you must speak to my
father, ask his permission to address me?’

Richard’s cheeks coloured and he took her arm to cover his
embarrassment. ‘Indeed I must, and it would seem to be a matter of some urgency
to do so.’

*

Demelza left her betrothed under the magnificent oriel
windows that dominated the face of the ancient section of the Priory. She ran
upstairs to share her news in a letter to her bosom bow, Lucy Carstairs. All
thought of breakfast forgotten in her excitement. Lucy would be so jealous that
she had not been the first to find
herself
a husband.

She was so happy. She had stepped
into the pages of one of her favourite romance novels. She was the beautiful
heroine who had been swept off her feet by a handsome prince to live her life,
happily ever after, in a castle. Admittedly her future husband was only a duke,
but he was as handsome as any prince - indeed a great deal better looking than
the overweight Regent she had once seen a picture of in
Ackerman’s Repository
- and her intended did live in a castle.
Well, almost a castle, and if it only had two towers and a gatehouse, at least
it
was
ancient. All heroes dwelt in
ancient houses, of that, she was quite certain.

She ran her tongue along her
still tingling lips and delicious warmth spread through her limbs.

Lucy would hardly credit the news that
scarcely three weeks after leaving the hated seminary for ever, her best friend
had become affianced to a duke and received her first real kiss.

She picked up her skirts and twirled around, laughing out
loud with happiness. When finally exhausted and giddy she ceased, it was to
find two young footmen grinning at her quite rudely. She had not noticed them
removing one of the dark brown portraits from the wall of the blue gallery. She
chose to ignore them and stalked past with her nose in the air, praying her
father never learnt of her outrageous behaviour.

*

Richard paused outside the study, took a deep steadying
breath, and knocked over
loudly.Tremayne
invited him
to enter.

‘
Ahh
, Witherton, how can I be of
assistance?’

Richard was not invited to be seated. ‘I have come to ask
your permission to address Miss Tremayne.’

‘The devil you have! Good God, man, you’ve only known her
five minutes.’

‘It’s long enough, sir, to know
our affections are engaged.’ He felt sick. This was not how the interview was
supposed to go. He hurried on, hoping to remove the look of disapproval from
his future father-in-law’s face. ‘In fact, sir, I’ve already asked Miss
Tremayne to marry me and she has done me the honour of accepting.’

Tremayne’s basilisk glare did not bode well. His silence was
unnerving. Richard stumbled on. ‘This is what you wanted, sir, what we agreed.
I cannot understand why you look so grim. This is good news, surely?’

Tremayne slowly pushed back his chair and strode round to
stand barely a yard away. Richard had to restrain himself from reversing; he
would not allow himself to be intimidated. He straightened his shoulders and
tilted his head to stare directly at him, refusing to back down

‘I hardly think such a precipitate move is good news, but
I’m prepared to be convinced. Explain yourself, Witherton.’

Richard stumbled through an account of what had taken place.
When he finished Tremayne shook his head as if baffled. Then he laughed and the
tension between them vanished.

 
‘She’s the image of
her mother, you know, Witherton, but is like me in personality. I, too, make
impulsive decisions, but I’ve never lived to regret them. Let us hope my
daughter does not do so either.’

The threat behind his jovial words was not lost on Richard.
‘I have already given you my word. I’ll not let you down, sir; I believe I’m
more than ready to take on the mantle of responsibility that marriage entails.

‘I’m glad to hear that. However, I’m not giving my
permission now; I wish to think about it. No, don’t look so dispirited; I’m not
saying no, after all it was my idea to forge a union between you in the first
place. All I’m saying
is
I’ll not allow your betrothal
to be official until I’m sure Demelza is happy.’

Richard nodded. ‘Very well, sir. I can understand your
reservations. How long will you require
to make
this
decision?’

Tremayne shrugged. ‘I’ll extend your departure date until
the middle of May. At that point I shall either ask you to leave or confirm
your engagement to my daughter.’

‘Thank you, Mr Tremayne. Are you going to explain matters to
Miss Tremayne, or shall I?’

‘I shall. See that you don’t overstep the bounds of
propriety. I don’t wish my daughter’s reputation damaged in any way. I hope I
make myself clear?’

Richard fingered his neck cloth nervously.
‘Yes, sir.
I’ll leave you to your papers. Pray excuse me.’

He was shaking when he left the study. He dreaded to imagine
his next encounter with Tremayne when it became clear that his passionate
embrace, the only aspect of the morning’s events he had refrained from sharing,
had been witnessed by half the outdoor staff.

He needed to clear his head, sort out his strategy for
dealing with Demelza’s formidable father. If he couldn’t meet him without
quaking like a
blanc
-manger
he could imagine what his life
would be like in the future. He would have to go cap in hand for every penny,
be for ever begging his pardon and asking his permission. He couldn’t live like
that.

If this marriage was to be successful, or even go ahead, he
had to prove he was not a bacon-brained Johnny Raw, but a competent young man,
well able to manage his estates and provide for a wife and family.

*

Allegra watched her brother, bounding across the turf of the
inner courtyard to the stables, from her sitting room window. Something, or someone,
had obviously disturbed him. She looked at the mantel clock; time for her
appointment to the library with Tremayne. She was also intending to ride as
soon as she was free so had dressed in her royal-blue habit.

With her gloves and whip in one hand and her skirts held up
in the other, she hurried down for the meeting. The library door was open but,
unlike her brother, she had no intention of knocking when entering any room in
the Priory. This was
her
home until
she
left,
whatever the legalities of the matter.

Tremayne was waiting for her. ‘Good morning, Lady Allegra, I
have a document I would like to read to you.’

‘I presume it is on the same subject as my brother’s?’

‘Yes, it is. Would you care to be seated?’

‘No, thank you, I’m not staying. Please give me the paper; I
am quite capable of reading it for myself.’

She held out a hand and to her surprise he picked up the
parchment and placed it on her palm. His hand brushed against hers. She
flinched at the contact and snatched back her arm.

‘I take it you require me to sign this in front of Evans?’
He nodded. ‘What time is he expected, sir?’

‘At noon.’

‘Then I shall return with the document fully scrutinized, at
that time. Now I am going to ride down to the creek; it is too fine a day to
remain indoors.’

The hand he had touched still felt unpleasantly hot, as if
she had placed it too close to the fire. In the hall she spotted the butler.
‘Yardley, have this taken up to my apartment.’

‘Yes, my lady. Will you require a nuncheon to be served
today?’

‘I shall breakfast when I return, but if neither Miss
Murrell nor Miss Tremayne come down before noon then, yes, have a cold
collation served.’