To Marry a Duke Read online

  Jones suggests you wear a patch; have you considered doing so?’

  ‘A patch?’ Richard half smiled. ‘I could start a new fashion – patches were all the rage not so long ago, although smaller and worn on the cheeks - but it’s an idea. Thank you, sir.’ He progressed slowly up the first few stairs, leaning heavily on the arm of his valet. ‘How’s Demelza taking this? And Allegra?’

  Jago joined him. ‘Allegra’s desperate to see you, she has news for you. Don’t shut her out, Witherton. You must know her sensibilities are not so fine she’ll be upset by the consequences of your accident.’ The fact that he didn’t include Demelza in his speech did not escape Richard.

  ‘As soon as I’m comfortable I shall send for her, sir.’

  Jago watched his future brother-in-law complete his laboured ascent before returning to the morning room where Allegra waited impatiently for news. She greeted his appearance with a smile.

  ‘Well, Jago, how is he? Can I go up and see him?’

  ‘Yes, my love, you can. He intends to send word as soon as he’s settled.’

  ‘I cannot wait to give him the good news. Did he mention Demelza? Ask to see her as well?’

  He shook his head. ‘He asked how she was, but didn’t ask to see her. I think he’s preparing himself for the worst.’

  ‘Will Demelza cry off? Break the betrothal?’

  ‘It’s a distinct possibility, I fear. But I’ll not interfere. You’re not the only one who has changed, my darling.’

  He held out his hand and she took it. Together they strolled out into the garden redolent with the sweet scent of honeysuckle and summer jasmine. They settled on a stone bench, warm from the sun.

  ‘Tell me, Jago, in what way have you changed?’ She saw his cheeks colour and for a moment he looked like a penitent schoolboy.

  ‘I decided, when I was refused entry to the homes of the haut ton, that if I could not walk freely in the highest establishments then my grandchildren would certainly do so.’ She nodded, smiling to encourage him to continue. ‘I began my search for a suitable match for Demelza three years ago. I noticed your brother then, he was too young, of course, but so was Demelza. But he had everything I wanted. Excellent breeding, intelligent, and neither a hard drinker nor a gambler. And he was the handsomest man on the marriage market.’

  ‘I can hardly credit you have been planning this for so long. That you knew about Richard, about me, before I knew of your existence.’

  He ignored her interruption. ‘Your brother was perfect. But he had no reason, at that time, to wish to tie himself to the daughter of cit.’ He gave her a quizzical look. She flushed at this reminder of her earlier incivility.

  ‘So when my father appeared and started gambling away our home and wealth, you stepped in?’

  ‘Exactly. I can assure you I didn’t instigate his ruin; he did that by himself. I merely brought up his scripts, made sure my banker offered him mortgages when he ran out of funds.’

  ‘And when did I feature in your schemes?’

  His arms tightened round her waist and with his freehand he tilted her face. ‘When I saw you on the morning I first arrived here.’

  He swallowed her startled exclamation with a swift kiss. When he lifted his head she was in no doubt what had prompted his sudden decision to make her his bride.

  ‘I can hardly believe you had that document drawn up so quickly. I would not have thought a man with your reputation could be so impulsive.’

  He chuckled. ‘When I see something I want, sweetheart, I take it. And I wanted you.’

  She stiffened in his embrace, remembering his cruel words on this very subject. ‘My darling, I will apologize again for my cruelty when we were at Great Bentley Hall. I’ll admit it was desire prompted me at first, but that changed, almost immediately, to love.’

  ‘And I continued to treat you so callously. I too must beg your pardon; I deeply regret my behaviour.’ She rubbed her face against his shoulder. ‘I am sorry to tell you, my love, I only recognized my love for you two days ago. It is strange how blind I was to my feelings.’

  ‘Have you ever fancied yourself in love before?’

  Startled, she sat up. ‘No, of course not! How can you suggest such a thing?’

  ‘If you had, you would have acknowledged the emotion sooner. Anyway I don’t give a damn when you discovered it, as long as you’re certain of your feelings now.’

  ‘Of course I am. But, Jago, my dear, please refrain from using such bad language. My ears are permanently burning from your profanities.’

  In answer he scooped her onto his lap. ‘I shall endeavour not to swear, if you promise to kiss me whenever I want you to.’

  A polite cough from the door broke the embrace. Richard’s valet had come to tell them his master was ready for visitors. She scrambled to her feet. ‘I’ll come at once.’ She forgot to bid Jago goodbye in her eagerness to see her brother.

  Richard’s room was darkened, the shutters and curtains drawn. For a moment she could not see him in the gloom. ‘Please do not hide from me. I love you; your injuries do not bother me.’

  Reluctantly he moved towards her and she ran into his fond embrace. She stepped away and still gripping his hand pulled back the curtain. In the dappled sunlight that filtered through the shutters she examined him.

  ‘You are no longer the most handsome man in the country, but even with one eye you will still be devastating.’

  ‘I’m disfigured, Allegra, don’t pretend it is otherwise.’

  ‘But I have come to tell you that you have regained your birthright.’ She explained all that had taken place in the library that morning. When she had concluded her tale he was dumbstruck.

  ‘I can hardly believe what I’ve heard. My home, my wealth restored? I no longer need to marry to maintain the Priory?’

  She nodded; pleased her news had animated him. ‘Does this news make a difference to your relationship with Demelza?’

  He threw back the shutters with a bang. ‘It does indeed. If I’m not obliged to marry then I do not have to hide away in case I scare her away. She can see me, make up her own mind. I’ll not hold her to her promise. If she wishes to break the engagement so be it.’

  ‘You would give her up so easily? I thought you loved her?’

  His smile was sad. ‘I do, that’s why I must let her go if that’s what she wants. Take her to London; there must still be a few soirees and musicals to attend. Give her a brief taste of society. When you are her mama you can give her a proper season. Obtain vouchers for Almack’s, maybe present her?’

  Allegra was quiet for a moment. ‘I shall do as you suggest, Richard and take Demelza to Town. I would also like to introduce Jago to my friends and acquaintances. They will not dare refuse him now.’

  ‘Then the matter’s settled. Shall I send for Demelza, speak to her as well?’

  ‘I suggest you leave it until we return. Either she will come back determined that she is in love with you or ask to break the connection. Then you will know it was not your injury that sent her away, but that her affections were not truly engaged.’ She hugged him a second time. ‘Go to bed Richard, you look fagged to death. I shall speak to Jago and then make the necessary arrangements

  to open Witherton House.’

  Before dawn, two days later, Abbot, Jago’s man, Sam Perkins, and Demelza’s maid set off. It had been agreed that both their town houses were to be opened. As the Tremayne establishment was also in Brook Street Allegra deemed it more appropriate he resided there.

  At a little before nine o’clock the travelling carriage, the height of modernity and with every imaginable luxury, waited outside. Three pairs of matched blacks stood chomping at their bits. Thomas was driving, John, an under-groom, an expert with a blunderbuss, was to sit beside him. Two further grooms were travelling on the rear step, cudgels tied securely to their waists. Jago had his pistols primed and ready, tucked into the pockets in the door of the coach. He had no intention of taking chances with his preci
ous cargo.

  ‘We are to break our journey at Chelmsford, at the Saracen’s Head. I have bespoke rooms for us. The baggage cart will meet up with us there,’ he told the ladies as the caoch trundled down the drive.

  ‘Shall we get to London by tomorrow night, Papa?’

  ‘I sincerely hope so. However, in order to do so, we must depart before seven o’clock. Do you think you can be ready by then?’

  Demelza grinned. ‘I can rise early if I wish to. I’m so looking forward to visiting Town. In my last letter from Lucy she told me that she was intending to visit at the end of May, so she should be in London already. Her parents have taken rooms at an hotel, Grillons, I think it’s called.’

  ‘They are just making a short visit?’

  ‘Yes, Lady Allegra, Lucy wants to see the Tower and the menagerie, and go to watch the fireworks at Vauxhall Gardens and to the theatre to see a play by Will Shakespeare—’

  Her father halted her in mid-sentence. ‘Then we must ensure you and Miss Carstairs meet up and you can make your visits together.’

  Delighted with his suggestion Demelza turned her attention to Miss Murrell, sitting opposite, and they deliberated at length on such important matters as gowns and fal-lalls. Allegra smiled at her intended. He responded by stretching out his booted feet catching her own within them. They had no need to chatter of inconsequential things, they were content to sit in silence. Eventually even Demelza ran out of words and, like a small child, curled up her feet and prepared to place her head in her father’s lap.

  Allegra leant forward and untied the ribbon that secured Demelza’s bonnet.‘There, you will be far more comfortable now, my dear.’

  ‘Thank you, Mama.’

  A quiet giggle followed this remark and her father stroked his daughter’s glossy black hair. He glanced up at Allegra and his loving smile sent waves of heat coursing round her body. She had made the right choice. He was the one man who could make her happy.

  She relaxed into the well upholstered squabs and her eyelids drooped. It had been more than three years since she had paraded in the salons of the haut ton. She was known as being very high in the instep, a real stickler for protocol. How would these acquaintances react to her betrothal to exactly the sort of man she had recently despised? Jago wanted to be part of all walks of society, not just accepted by the gentlemen in their clubs but by the ladies in their drawing rooms. She frowned as she considered how best to tackle this problem.

  ‘What is it, sweetheart? Is something worrying you?’

  Her eyes flickered open and she saw the concern etched on his dear face. ‘Nothing, my love; at least nothing that need bother you. I was considering which invitations to accept, indeed who might still be holding parties so late in the season.’

  The night spent in Chelmsford passed pleasantly enough. The rooms, although a trifle cramped, were well kept and the bed linen crisp and clean. Jenny was more than adequate to attend to their needs. The early start was not to Demelza’s liking and she promptly fell asleep again immediately the carriage was on the move. Very soon all four occupants were dozing, all bareheaded, their hats neatly stowed under the seats in the compartments provided for that purpose.

  The day was warm and even stopping twice for refreshments failed to relieve the tedium of the journey. Jago spoke to Thomas before they resumed.

  ‘We’re somewhat later than I’d hoped to be, Thomas. This means we’ll be obliged to cross the heath and run through Feathers Wood at dusk. Those places are notorious for footpads and highwayman. Have your weapons prepared, make sure they’re loaded and give two to the boys on the step.’

  ‘Yes, sir. We’ll keep our eyes peeled. If we’re accosted, what do you want me to do, whip them up or brazen it out?

  ‘Use your initiative, Thomas. Do what feels safest. But I’m certain all this preparation isunnecessary, we shall, like the majority of travellers, reach our destination unscathed. The landlord told me the local militia flushed out all the riffraff last week; there have been no attacks since then.’

  ‘But you’re right to be alert, sir, that way we all know what to do.’

  Allegra poked her head from the open window curious to know what the delay was. ‘It is unbearably hot in here, Jago, we are in the sun. If you are going to be much longer can the carriage be moved into the shade until we are ready to depart?’

  ‘I’m coming now.’ He jumped in, his weight rocking the carriage dramatically and causing Demelza to lose her balance.

  ‘Papa, you’re not suited for a carriage. You’re far too large,’ she admonished him, giggling as she pushed herself upright again.

  ‘Believe me, I’d much prefer to be riding Apollo, but I couldn’t allow you three delightful ladies to travel unaccompanied could I?’

  ‘Fustian! It is too far to ride and you know it,’ Allegra told him laughing. ‘Although if you had travelled post you would be in town by now.’

  He grinned, arranging himself more comfortably in the corner. ‘I could, my love, but I would be considerably the poorer for the privilege. Travelling post is exorbitantly expensive.’

  Allegra arched her eyebrows a fraction and he chuckled. ‘I know; I’m as rich as Croesus but miserly in my spending.’

  ‘I do hope not, sir, for I intend to be an extravagant wife. I shall demand a new gown for every day of the week.’ Still laughing the party settled into their respective places.

  ‘When do you think we will be there, Papa?’

  ‘Another few hours, I’m afraid. But the sun will set soon and then it will be more comfortable in here.’

  The carriage continued at a leisurely pace, the horses were not as fresh as they had been the day before. By using three pairs the load was less but even these fit and healthy beasts began to tire after forty miles of pulling a full carriage under a hot sun.

  As the interior of the coach cooled Allegra noticed Jago had become more alert. She watched his eyes stray several times to the pockets in the carriage door.

  ‘Jago, what is in the door that interests you? Are you secreting jewellery of great value?’

  He shook his head and raised a finger to his lips. He did not want her to wake Demelza or

  Miss Murrell. She leant forward to hear his answer.

  ‘There are pistols in the door; I don’t like travelling this stretch when it’s getting dark, so it’s best to be prepared,’ he whispered.

  Allegra nodded and reached into the leather pouch beside her and drew out a gun. She was an excellent shot and familiar with this type of fire arm. ‘I shall put it here, in the pocket inside my skirt. If we were accosted a bandit would not expect me to be armed.’

  He did not argue but followed her lead and removed the second loaded gun, tucking it into his belt. ‘You’re a constant surprise to me, my love. I’m learning new things about you every day.’

  ‘My father taught Richard and I together.’ She patted her travelling bag. ‘I have something similar in here. Remember, I am well used to travelling this route.’

  The coach gently swayed to a stop. Thomas called down. ‘I’m just lighting the lanterns, sir, nothing to worry about.’

  This gave Jago the opportunity to change position. He indicated to Allegra that she should shuffle along the seat and then took her place by the window. She could feel the pressure of his thigh against hers, the thickness of his buckskin unmentionables and the folds of her French green cambric travelling dress not sufficient to prevent his body heat sending a quiver of excitement round her already overheated body. She was glad in the darkness of the interior her wanton behaviour could not be observed.

  Lanterns lit, the coach resumed its journey. The coachman urged the horses into a spanking trot. Jago was not alone in his dislike of travelling this particular patch as night approached.

  His arm left the safety of his lap and travelled around her waist, pulling her even closer. She dared not look up, expose her mouth to his, what they were doing was quite risqué enough. She felt his fingers sliding upw
ards until he cupped her breast. Her head fell sideways onto his chest and heat pooled in a most unexpected region.

  Then his weight shifted violently and she cried out as she was flung to the floor. The carriage rocked and she could hear Thomas fighting to control the horses. From her position crouching by the door she watched Jago, pistol in hand, disappear into the darkness. She could hear Miss Murrell comforting Demelza whilst Jenny cried.

  ‘Get on to the floor, away from the open window. Quickly, do it now,’ she ordered. It was best not to take chances. She heard them slide down beside her in the well between the seats. They were being held up. Cautiously she peered through the slit of the door, expecting to see a row of footpads, or at least a highway man on his horse brandishing pistols and demanding their valuables.’

  Even in the gloom she could see the road ahead held nothing more alarming than a fallen tree.

  The grooms from the rear step were frantically trying to drag it aside. There was no sign of Jago anywhere.

  She sat up, quickly hiding her pistol. ‘The road is blocked; I am going to see if I can help. It is safe to resume your seats.’

  From the carriage to the road was a long drop without the steps and she decided to edge out feet first. She slid her legs over and was carefully feeling for the ground when Jago spoke quietly from somewhere behind her.

  ‘For God’s sake, stay inside, it’s an ambush, I’m sure of it.’

  She froze. Her stomach lurched and for a second she was unable to think clearly. No wonder the grooms were working so hard, at any moment they expected to be mowed down by an unseen attacker lurking in the darkness of the woods.

  She moved, not back into the comparative safety of the carriage, but out into the danger. If Jago was there, risking his life for them, she would be with him.

  Keeping the door half closed she slithered through the gap and dropped silently to the ground. She rolled under the carriage, between the wheels; from there she could see but remain invisible.

  Slowly her eyes adjusted to the twilight and she stared around. The grooms were working to remove the tree, but where was Jago hiding?