To Marry a Duke Read online

  Before pulling on his gloves he smoothed back his hair and straightened his stock. The black-and-white plumes on his shako danced as he snatched it from the table and tucked it under his arm. He paused— should he return to his apartment for his sword? No, that would be doing it too brown.

  He emerged into the passageway, his boots loud on the polished boards. As he hesitated a footman hurried up to him eager to help.

  ‘Is Lady Allegra free?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes, sir, Mrs Wright has returned to her duties.’

  Gideon nodded curtly and, back ramrod stiff, marched along the endless chilly corridors to halt outside the small drawing-room door waiting for the footman to slide in front of him and open it.

  *

  Allegra had not enjoyed her brief meeting with the housekeeper. To be obliged to tell one’s staff that from this afternoon they would be answerable to another and should no longer apply to her for their instructions, was not a pleasant task but it had had to be done. Richard, as always, would let inertia be his master.

  She shuddered at the image of a veritable mushroom and his family occupying St Osyth’s Priory. Hundreds of years of Witherton blood had graced these halls - how could she bear to think of what was coming next? Her ancestors would be spinning in their graves with rage.

  She looked round as a footman appeared at the door. ‘The Honourable Gideon Pledger, Captain of the Royal Horse Artillery, to see you, my lady.’

  She was struck dumb at the sight of such unexpected magnificence so early in the day. Then she guessed his intentions. He had been recalled to duty and had come to make his adieus. A trifle overdressed perhaps, but the thought of his coming departure softened her normal hauteur.

  Emboldened by what he took to be her approval the captain flung his shako on a convenient settle and dropped dramatically to one knee grabbing her hands as he did so. She froze with horror and attempted to extract them from his grip, to stop him before he made a complete cake of himself.

  ‘Captain Pledger, please stand up. You have quite mistaken the matter. This will not do.’

  He ignored her, in his arrogance believing they were but maidenly protestations only to be expected in such circumstances.

  ‘My dearest, Lady Allegra. I have always held you in the highest esteem but had until now considered you above my touch. I am offering you the protection of my name, my heart, and everything that I own. Would you do me the inestimable honour of becoming my wife? Please, make me the happiest of men.’

  Allegra stared down, revolted by this unnecessary and embarrassing display. What was the wretched man thinking of? She had made her dislike of him quite plain these past months.

  ‘Release me, sir, this instant! How dare you presume to touch me and refer to me in such familiar terms?’ His gloves opened and she snatched back her crushed fingers and backed away rapidly, putting the width of the room between them before she ventured to speak again. ‘Get up from the floor. You are making an exhibition of yourself.’ She watched, as the man, his face a mask of hate, sprung to his feet.

  ‘You think you are too good for me? You have always held too high an opinion of yourself. I offered out of pity, nothing else. What normal man would wish to be shackled to a cold, skinny beanpole like you?’

  Shocked by his venom she was unable to answer, to offer him even a crumb of comfort to save his pride. Instead she spoke without thought. ‘I would sooner marry in the stable than ally myself to a man such as you. You are a parasite. My brother has an open nature and he has never understood your friendship was purely mercenary. But, like a rat in a sinking ship, you will desert him now.’ She lifted her head. ‘Your immediate departure is the one ray of sunshine in all this misery. I do not wish to see you here again, Captain Pledger. Do I make myself clear?’

  For a moment his right shoulder bunched as if he was thinking of striking her, but he picked up his hat and bowed formally, his temper under control, the epitome of politeness.

  ‘I shall bid you good day, my lady.’ She nodded and raised her head. His eyes bored into hers. ‘You will live to regret this; you will discover that even the mighty can fall and they have the furthest to go.’

  The door slammed behind him rattling the glassware in a tall walnut cabinet. Allegra remained staring at the door for almost a minute, her feet refusing to obey her command. Her knees were weak and she had to sit down before she collapsed.

  Somehow she groped her way to the padded settle. Her hands were shaking too much to reach out for the bell. She had never liked Pledger, but only now when it was too late did she realize he was not the weak man she had always thought him.

  Slowly she regained control and reached for the bell. Richard had still to be told that the new owners, the unspeakable encroachers, the Tremaynes, would arrive in less than one and a half hours. Richard would not be pleased to be summoned to her side.

  ‘What is it, Allegra, can a man not have a bit of shut-eye in peace, anymore?’

  Allegra hesitated. Should she tell him about Pledger or Tremayne first? ‘Captain Pledger has left, Richard.’

  ‘I’m not surprised. Gave him his conge did you? I told him not to approach you, but he would do it.’

  ‘Well, you could have warned me and thus avoided an uncomfortable ten minutes for both of us.’

  ‘Is that all, my dear? If so, I’ll toddle along and—’

  ‘No, Richard it is not all. Tremayne and his family are arriving here in one hour and thirty minutes.’

  ‘The devil take it! Whatever for?’

  ‘To take up residence, you nincompoop, why else?’

  He shook his head and groaned. ‘I’ve not sorted out my belongings, nor arranged our lodgings— how can we be expected to leave at such short notice?’

  ‘We do not have to leave. We have two weeks remember? But the man owns the property; he is entitled to live here. Why should he wait until we have gone? The place is large enough to lose an army in for heaven’s sake.’

  ‘Where have you put them?’

  ‘In the west wing. He has asked for two apartments to be prepared so he must be bringing his family with him. Do you know if he is married?’

  ‘I’ve no idea.’ He sighed loudly and scratched his poorly shaven jaw. ‘I suppose I’d better change into my finest. Thunder and turf - do the staff know?’

  ‘Yes, Richard. I informed White earlier and I have asked her to speak to Yardley, he will do the rest.’

  ‘This is a bad day, my dear. But we shall come about, never fear.’

  ‘Miss Murrell suggested I put my faith in the Lord, are you of the same mind, Richard?’

  He grinned. ‘Fate, faith, call it what you will, something always comes up. Shall we go up? I’m certain you don’t wish to meet the new owners dressed in that gown.’

  ‘Indeed I do not. I do not know, quite, how it is I am wearing such a monstrosity but I intend to find out.’

  Word had spread around the staff long before Allegra reached her apartments. Her dresser and maid were waiting for her. ‘Abbot, I have come to change this hideous frock. And by the way, why am I wearing it, I thought I had asked for my riding habit?’

  Abbot curtsied. ‘You weren’t well enough to ride, and this was the first gown I could lay my hands on. I apologize, my lady, if I overstepped myself.’

  Allegra smiled. ‘No, you were quite right, but please dispose of this object. I am sure a member

  of the deserving poor would appreciate it more than I.’

  ‘I’ve put out a selection of gowns, my lady; I thought you might like to choose the ensemble yourself.’

  An array of colour greeted her arrival in her bedchamber. No lavenders or greys and definitely no black. She was about to protest but for once, thought for a moment.

  ‘Yes, Abbot, you are right. I shall wear colour. Are these the gowns we ordered last month?’

  ‘They are, my lady. I remember that you particularly admired this amber silk.’

  ‘Yes. I will wear that one. And I
think I will wear a corset. Do not look so astounded, it is de rigueur, surely?’

  ‘But, your ladyship, pardon me for saying so, you’ve no need for such a restraint.’

  ‘I know, but at least it will push what little bosom I have upwards and give me a more feminine outline.’

  Her dresser and maid exchanged looks but did as they were bid. The gown was a trifle loose but the high waist concealed this discrepancy well. Abbot fastened the clasp of the double row of

  amber beads and stepped back.

  ‘There, your ladyship, you look like a princess.’

  Allegra frowned. ‘I think the gold ribbons threaded through my hair are a mistake, but it is too late to remove them.’

  ‘Oh no, Lady Allegra, they add the finishing touch. Your chignon is the same, none of the ringlets or trailing bits you so dislike.’

  ‘It will do, thank you, Abbot. Did you take the message to Miss Murrell earlier, Jenny?’

  ‘Yes, my lady. Miss Murrell said as she would check the apartments before she comes to you in your parlour. I believe I heard a tap on the door, I reckon that will be Miss Murrell now.’

  Allegra heard her companion chatting to Jenny and swept from the bedchamber to join her.

  ‘Lady Allegra! How lovely you look, my dear. I had quite forgotten how beautiful you are. Black is not a flattering colour especially for someone as fair as you.’

  ‘Thank you, Miss Murrell. And your gown is perfect. Dark green is such a practical colour, is it not?’

  Abbot appeared and draped a gossamer thin, gold cashmere wrap around her shoulders.

  ‘The blue corridor is cold and you could be waiting there a while, you don’t wish to catch a chill, my lady.’

  ‘No, thank you, Abbot. Come, Miss Murrell, shall we go down? The Tremaynes are due to arrive at any minute.’

  Allegra held her shawl close, knowing short sleeves, however attractive, were not a good choice for April. Although the building they resided in was mainly modern, having been constructed by their grandfather, the edifice was so vast it was impossible to keep it at a pleasant temperature.

  Richard was resplendent in bottle green superfine and cream inexpressibles, his pale gold waistcoat a perfect foil for her gown. He scanned her appearance and nodded presumably pleased she had on something attractive.

  ‘Come and stand by the fire, Allegra, Yardley has instructions to assemble the staff as soon as the carriage turns into the park.’

  ‘Has their baggage arrived?’

  ‘Yes, about an hour ago. They should be content in the west wing; at least they’ll be warmerover there.’

  ‘Have they brought many staff?’

  ‘A couple of maids and a valet came in the carriage, they are unpacking. I have had Yardley clear out Gideon’s apartment. Half his belongings were left behind. I have had them parcelled up and shall take them up to Town when I go next.’

  Allegra forced her mouth to curve. ‘I should not bother. He will have attached himself to someone else by then and those garments will have been replaced.’

  ‘I hope you let him down kindly, Allegra. He has long held a tendre for you.’

  She swallowed. ‘Any refusal is a dent for a man’s pride, Richard, but I am sure he will recover soon enough.’

  From her station by the window Miss Murrell exclaimed. ‘Oh my, I can see the carriage. It’s drawn by three pairs of black horses. What a splendid equipage!’

  Richard tugged the bell; the signal for Yardley to assemble all the indoor staff who could be spared from their duties and for the heavy front door to be opened. He took her arm and frowned.‘This will not be so bad. Good God, Allegra, you’re trembling. The man cannot be a monster. After all he has allowed us nine months grace at his expense.’

  ‘He is a usurper, a man of no breeding, and he now has your birth right. How can you be so sanguine?’

  She positioned herself carefully so she could observe but remain hidden in the darkness of the house, Richard stood next to her. The carriage drew up in a scrunch of gravel and dust. Six grooms leapt forward whilst footmen opened the door and let down the steps.

  A tall man, with chiselled features, weather-beaten complexion and cropped black hair, emerged from the carriage first. He was, she noticed, dressed to perfection, no expense spared, every item proclaiming him top of the trees.

  Her teeth clenched as he turned to assist a much younger woman, in fact no more than a girl, from the carriage. This young woman was like a drab country mouse compared to the magnificence beside her. Her bonnet was plain straw with a single blue ribbon, her pelisse dark, of indeterminate colour, and quite definitely years behind fashion.

  How could Tremayne dress himself so well and have his daughter, for she was far too young to be his spouse, dress like a governess? He was a millionaire! Why would he allow a member of his family to walk around like this? Had the man no idea how to behave? Did he not understand what was expected from an owner of the Priory? That poor child must be mortified.

  Rigid with indignation she waited beside her brother for the Tremaynes to come in to take possession of their new home. She already held the impeccably dressed gentleman in dislike, his

  callous treatment of his daughter merely reinforced her disapproval.

  Chapter Four

  ‘Where are we going to live, Papa? Tell me again, please.’ Demelza asked, eyes shining with excitement.

  ‘We’re going to live at a place called St Osyth’s Priory, a magnificent old building that, in parts, harks back to the 13th century or even earlier.’

  ‘Please don’t misunderstand me, you know I love the house you have built for us at Pencarrow, it has every modern convenience and is neither too large nor too small, but it’s not old.’

  Jago chuckled. ‘No, my love, that’s quite true, but then neither is the main part of the Priory.’

  ‘Oh, don’t laugh at me. You know what I mean.’ She giggled. She was more relaxed in his company today than since she had joined him in London three weeks ago. ‘Is it far from Colchester, this Priory?’

  ‘No, we should be there soon. Watch the scenery, Demelza, it’s very—’

  ‘Scenic?’ She enquired, still laughing.

  His eyes narrowed and he stared at his daughter. Had he been mistaken? Her heart shaped face and thick black ringlets dominated by eyes of a hue close to violet, was the image of her dead mother, but the intelligence and humour she was demonstrating could not have come from her. He smiled.

  ‘Baggage! I can see the demure face you’ve been showing me is but a facade. You’re more like me then I realized.’

  She nodded understanding his comment was a compliment. ‘At school I was expected to set a good example to the younger girls but now I’m released I can express my opinions freely.’

  He had a moments misgiving. He had learnt more about his daughter in the short journey than he had in the past weeks. He hoped Sam Perkins wasn’t right; that Demelza would not cavil at his plan to marry her to the Duke of Colchester.

  The coach, manufactured to his specifications in London, was as comfortable as any vehicle could be on the rutted country lanes. Two grooms travelled on the step at the rear. They were armed and prepared to defend their employer and his daughter to the death from any footpads or highwayman lurking in empty stretches of heath land.

  A little after one o’clock the carriage bowled up a gentle slope in the lane and turned in through an impressive gate. The gatekeeper and his wife bowed and smiled as they rumbled past.

  He sat forward. ‘We’ll soon be there, Demelza. This drive takes us through the park- you will see the lake on your right.’

  ‘May I lower the window, Papa, so I can lean out?’

  ‘Certainly not; we shall be visible in a mile or so and I don’t wish you to be seen at the window when we arrive.’

  She had to content herself with gazing out of the window, catching glimpses of the extensive grounds in between the branches of the avenue of trees they were travelling down.
The carriage slowed as it reached the turning circle in front of the north side of the Priory.

  He waited for his daughter’s reaction. He was not disappointed. ‘Oh, Papa, look! There’s atower and ruins. It’s like something from a fairy tale.’

  ‘It’s said to be the finest example of its kind in the country,’ he told her proudly.

  He picked up his beaver and put it under his arm. Demelza straightened her bonnet which had slipped somewhat askew over the twelve mile journey.

  The carriage had halted adjacent to an ancient edifice which immediately caught his daughter’s attention. He waited until a footman lowered the steps.

  He turned to assist his daughter. ‘Come along, my dear, it’s time to introduce ourselves.’ He pulled her arm through his and strolled towards the open front door. He narrowed his eyes but could see nothing in the darkness of the hall. He knew, of course, what the duke looked like. He was tall, of slender build, but a young Adonis guaranteed to make his daughter’s heart beat faster.

  Lady Allegra he had never seen. She had had her two seasons sometime before he purchased his townhouse and started frequenting the haunts of the haut ton. However her beauty was legendary. She had collected and refused a dozen offers from a variety of eligible bachelors. Rumour had it none of them had come up to her high standards; only a duke would do. Then the duchess had been taken grievously ill and Lady Allegra had not appeared in town again.

  For her sake he had allowed them to keep the king’s ransom in jewellery. He did not wish to see her dowerless. With these as her settlement she could still attract a nobleman whose birth matched her own.

  He smiled, if she was as lovely as her reputation, fortune or not, she would find herself a husband soon enough. As soon as Demelza was safely shackled to the duke he would encourage Lady Allegra to find herself a husband. His daughter would never be accepted as the duchess if Lady Allegra was still in residence.