The Duke's Deception Page 3

  Marianne sailed from the room determined nobody was going to dictate to her what she should or should not wear, least of all Lady Grierson. Her hostess had already selected at no expense to herself, fabrics and patterns enough for a dozen new gowns.

  In the parlour the second girl waited pencil at the ready to record her choices. Marianne sat on the shabby chaise longue and waited for the girl to hand her the pile of fashion plates. Her enthusiasm for clothes had waned as the evening progressed.

  ‘This would suit you, Miss Devenish. The new look with the high waist is ever so easy to wear.’

  Marianne glanced down at the sketch of a gown in spotted dimity, with short gathered sleeves and a scooped neck edged with ribbon. The one was very like another. As she had no desire to attract attention it surely would be safer to dress plainly? She had behaved foolishly in Bath, her inexperience almost being her ruin; now she wanted to remain quiet, not draw attention to herself until she had learnt how to go on from Emily and Lady Grierson.

  ‘That one will do. In fact, I’ll leave your mistress to choose. I want plain gowns, no-frills

  or unnecessary ruffles and ruches. I prefer the necklines to be high and the sleeves no shorter than elbow length. Apart from that, I don’t care.’

  ‘But, Miss Devenish, what fabrics do you want? Mrs Dawkins can’t make things up if she doesn’t know your preferences.’

  Marianne flicked through the samples finding nothing she liked. ‘I don’t wish to have pastels or white. Why have you only brought those to show me?’

  The girl thought for a moment before replying. ‘Lady Grierson gave us clear instructions on the matter but I’m sure we can accommodate your requirements; we have a huge selection stored in our Emporium in Colchester.’

  Marianne shrugged, losing interest in the whole proceedings. ‘I care little what colour or materials you use. Just remember I don’t want fussy gowns, nor do I want pastels or white.’

  ‘The list Lady Grierson gave stated you will need two evening gowns, a ball gown as well as morning dresses, afternoon dresses, habits and as many matching shawls, pelisses and redincoats as you wish. Do you wish madam to select all these?’

  ‘Yes, indeed. I have no experience in such matters. I’m leaving it entirely to Mrs Dawkins discretion. I’m sure she’ll know what is suitable.’ She headed for the door wishing the fitting for Emily was also completed and she could retire.

  Holding her candlestick aloft she stood undecided in the passageway. She had no desire to join her garrulous hosts, kind and welcoming they might be, but she could not face another barrage of inconsequential chatter. She craved the companionable silence she had shared with her staff for most of her life.

  Although full dark there was a handsome moon which would give more than adequate illumination for a visit to the stables. She always felt more settled after spending time with her dapple grey gelding, Sultan. The sound of supper trays arriving in the drawing-room hurried her passage.

  She had no wish to be dragged in to share tea and cakes. The back entrance would surely lead outside.

  In the tiled hall she was faced with several dark corridors which all seemed to lead in the

  correct direction. She selected the one on her left and crept along more like an intruder than an honoured guest. She heard the sound of male voices approaching and inexplicably decided to conceal herself.

  She stepped into a window embrasure snuffing out her candle as she did so allowing the heavy curtains to hide her. She held her breath and waited for the Grierson boys to pass, sincerely wishing she hadn’t been so foolish. She didn’t mean to eavesdrop but was given no choice.

  ‘It’s too light to go out tonight, Charles. We’ll have to leave it until it’s overcast again.’

  ‘We have ’til the end of the month, but if they are not delivered by then we’ll not be paid you know that, Edward.’

  ‘Then there’s ample time left to accomplish our task. The weather’s set fair and the moon will still be full. I have…’

  She didn’t hear the reply as the voices and footsteps faded into the darkness. She remained hidden trying to make sense of what she had overheard. Why would they wish to deliver anything in the dark? Surely no legitimate business was conducted at night?

  Her fists clenched and she froze as an awful possibility occurred to her. The only thing delivered when people were asleep was contraband. Could she be living in a house of smugglers? No - there must be another explanation.

  All desire to go outside vanished and now she had no candle. She had no choice, she would have to follow the wall until she arrived back in the entrance hall. How she would explain her clandestine appearance she had no idea and prayed she would not be forced to do so. Her luck held and she met no further members of the family. She was left with the option of the supper tray or returning to her parlour in which were the mantua-maker, her assistants, and Emily Grierson.

  As she hesitated at the foot of the stairs Miss Grierson appeared. ‘Oh, there you are, Miss Devenish. Are you coming in to supper? Mama will wish to know what we’ve selected.’

  ‘No, please excuse me to Lady Grierson, I have the headache and intend to retire.’

  Emily arrived in a rush beside her. ‘Of course you must go up, dear Miss Devenish. Shall I fetch you a tisane from the kitchen, it is no trouble.’

  ‘Thank you, Miss Grierson, but my abigail will attend me. She’s well used to dealing with my megrims.’

  ‘If you are sure then, I will come to bed as quiet as a mouse I promise you.’

  Marianne spoke without thinking. ‘I would much prefer to sleep on my own. I am not accustomed to sharing. This is a vast house; surely there is somewhere else I could be placed which would not oblige you to share with a stranger?’

  Emily’s woeful expression and tearful eyes made Marianne feel ungrateful.

  ‘Mama had thought you would like to be with me, that we could become friends that way. It’s no trouble for me to share my rooms, I do assure you.’ The girl brushed her tears away. ‘I will sleep elsewhere tonight, Miss Devenish, and not disturb you. Tomorrow we will make a different arrangement more suitable to your tastes.’ She dropped a formal courtesy. ‘I will bid you goodnight, Miss Devenish.’

  Marianne returned the gesture. ‘Goodnight, Miss Grierson.’

  Far too late to apologize, the damage was done. She had needlessly upset Miss Grierson who had volunteered to share her apartments out of kindness. Feeling wretched for she had so wished to please her new family, Marianne retraced her steps and was relieved to find the parlour and bedchamber empty apart from her maid.

  ‘Jane, I’ve behaved disgracefully. I upset poor Miss Grierson for no reason.’

  ‘Oh dear, and she is such a kind soul, no malice in her anywhere. It’s not like you to speak harshly to anyone.’

  ‘I told her I didn’t wish to share with her, that I wanted an apartment of my own.’

  Jane nodded unsurprised. ‘Well, if that’s all, I shouldn’t fret. You’re not used to sharing and no more should you. For by right you should have the best rooms in the Hall.’

  ‘It was not for that reason I spoke. It is her chatter. I can’t live with that. I have grown up in solitude and prefer to keep it that way.’

  ‘Don’t you like Miss Grierson?’

  Marianne smiled. ‘She is a dear girl but her understanding is not great and she never stops talking.’ She stifled a yawn. She almost told Jane what she had overheard but decided it would be unfair to pass on what was purely conjecture. Time enough to discuss her fears when she was certain Charles and Edward were actually involved in something illegal.

  ‘Is your cottage satisfactory, Jane? Will you and John be happy there?’

  ‘It’s a deal more comfortable than the room we shared at Upton Manor. With a lick of whitewash and a few gee-gaws it will be a palace. The lads are happy too. The room they have is large and has furniture and shelves aplenty.’

  ‘That’s excellent news. I’ll not require
you anymore this evening. Come to me as usual at eight o’clock. Goodnight, Jane.’

  ‘Goodnight, Miss Marianne.’

  Unable to settle Marianne curled up on the wide, padded window seat and scanned the landscape she could see from her window. The room was at the side of the house and overlooked the stables and a range of barns and even these appeared charming in the silver light.

  She rested her cheek against the coolness of the glass and closed her eyes thinking how her life had changed. She had brothers and sisters and had acquired a guardian and not the one her grandmother had intended. Her brow creased as she considered Sir Theodore Devenish. Her initial impression of his intelligence was not favourable but after careful consideration she was not sure she had assessed him correctly.

  In spite of his languid air and affected manners his physique was that of an athlete and his dark blue eyes had held a glimmer of something she could not quantify. But she knew little of respectable gentlemen; her only experience of men had been the unsavoury characters who had courted her during her short stay in Bath.

  She shivered; the cotton nightdress kindly lent to her by Emily was too thin to protect her from the night air. May was three quarters gone, but so close to the North Sea the month still had a nip to it. Snuggled under the comforter she forced her limbs to relax, willing sleep to overtake her. She heard footsteps outside on the cobbles but decided not to climb out and investigate.

  Chapter Four

  The rattle of the window curtains dragged Marianne from her slumbers.

  ‘Good morning, Miss Marianne; it’s a lovely day, not a cloud in the sky.’

  ‘Good morning, Jane. Must you be so cheerful? I am in low spirits this morning. I’m going to find it hard to behave as I ought.’

  Jane hurried across. ‘Now, don’t fret, miss. You’ll soon be comfortable in company. And you’d be surprised how much is forgiven of an heiress.’

  ‘I am not used to that either - I had no notion that there was any money for we lived so frugally at Upton.’

  Jane clucked her disapproval. ‘That was a disgrace, if you’ll forgive me for saying so, miss. You shouldn’t have been kept in seclusion when there were funds aplenty for parties and gowns galore.’

  ‘But if I’m not to attract unwanted attention, or let Sir James know my whereabouts, should I not remain at home and not go out at all?’

  ‘I expect you’re right. It’s a pity you have such distinctive looks, miss. Not many young women are blessed with corn coloured curls, sky blue eyes and a perfect form to match.’

  ‘You exaggerate, Jane, but I thank you for the compliments. It’s not my intention to parade in extravagant gowns. I’ve asked Mrs Dawkins to ensure everything is plain, high-necked and long-sleeved. Emily seemed to think pastels and white were the only acceptable colours, but as I’m not going to be attending functions I decided to have what I wanted.’

  Jane looked unconvinced. ‘Colours are considered unsuitable for girls your age, miss, so it might be best if you refuse as many invitations to make morning calls as you can, at least until you’re more sure of yourself and can carry them off.’

  ‘I’ll do that willingly. But I’m a guest here and I’ll be obliged to attend some functions with Lady Grierson and Emily. After all Sir Theodore has dipped deep into my funds to finance our new clothes. He will expect us to wear them, will he not?’

  Jane handed her a bowl of chocolate. ‘Time enough to worry when they arrive. Neither Lady Grierson nor Sir Theodore can expect you to go out in public until then.’

  ‘Do you know when breakfast is served here? I should hate to miss it; I ate little at dinner yesterday and didn’t go in for supper.’

  ‘At ten o’clock, I expect, like most places. You’ve plenty of time. I’ve sponged and pressed your gown and your habit is also ready.’

  ‘I will wear my habit. Sultan has not been ridden since we arrived at Bentley Hall. He will be eager to stretch his legs.’

  The stable yard was a hum of activity. Enquiring equine heads hung over stable doors enjoying the bustle. Marianne stepped carefully round the piles of steaming horse dung searching for her own mount. She saw Tom before she spotted Sultan.

  ‘Mornin’, Miss Devenish, was you hoping to ride Sultan?’

  ‘Yes, Tom, I was. Is something amiss with him?’

  ‘He’s lame in his off-hind, miss. Nothing serious, a trifle overheated, that’s all. I’ve turned

  him out in the paddock to graze.’ Seeing her disappointment he hastily continued. ‘All the others are sound though. Shall I saddle up Jason for you? John’s not ridden him today.’

  ‘Will you accompany me, Tom? And perhaps one of the Frating grooms could come as well to give us directions? I should like to discover more about this place.’

  Fifteen minutes passed before the horses were saddled. Jason, as content under a side saddle as any other, waited patiently for Marianne to be tossed aboard. Sam, the young groom appointed to be their guide led the way.

  The park was small but verdant and offered several opportunities for a gallop and the fields were bordered by fences ideal for jumping.

  ‘Tom, look at that - there’s a gap there big enough to drive a cart through.’

  ‘I see, Miss Devenish. Good thing there are no cattle grazing here. There’s a lot needs doing on this estate but the staff are well fed and happy, it’s only the land and buildings that need attention.’

  Marianne reined in gazing with pleasure across the open fields. ‘I like it here, Tom. The

  landscape is not dramatic but the trees are handsome and the fields in good heart.’ She turned to Sam waiting just ahead. ‘Where does that lane lead to, Sam?’

  ‘Down to the village, Miss Devenish. Do you wish to take it?’

  ‘Not now. I believe we’ve been out long enough. I have to change before breakfast and I do not wish to be late.’

  A handsome chestnut stallion was being led into the cobbled yard as they clattered back. Sam grinned. ‘That’s Sir Theodore’s mount; I’d know him anywhere for he visited Lord Grierson as soon as he arrived in Great Bentley. That horse is a mad devil. I doubt as any other man in England could ride him without breaking his neck.’

  Too surprised by his remarks to answer Marianne dropped easily from the saddle and with a quick wave of thanks almost ran back to the house. She wasn’t sure if she was more taken aback by the fact that her foppish guardian was a bruising rider or that he had dragged himself out of bed before noon. She entered by a side door and raced up the stairs and burst into her small drawing-room.

  ‘Good heavens, miss, is something wrong? You startled me,’ Jane exclaimed.

  ‘My guardian is here. Imagine - before we have taken breakfast! What can he be thinking of?’ She headed for the bedchamber intending to change out of her habit.

  ‘I should stay in that, miss. It’s the one decent garment you own. It’s a blessing Lady Frasier never minded you spending money on anything related to horses.’

  She waited whilst Jane quickly sponged off the dust and grime accumulated from the ride. ‘There, you’ll do. The military cut and dark green material suit you. Have you asked to have your new habit made in the same style?’

  Marianne shrugged. ‘I’ve no idea. I left it entirely up to Mrs Dawkins. As long as she avoids pastel colours and white, I’ve given her a free hand.’

  Jane sniffed. ‘Well, we must hope her taste is good and you don’t end up decked out like a village maiden.’

  ‘No fear of that, Jane. I also made it abundantly clear I wish there to be, no frills, ruches or an excess of ribbons. Now - am I ready?’

  ‘You will do. Try not to run downstairs; remember you’re a guest here.’

  A footman escorted her to the breakfast parlour, a spacious room positioned on the south side of the house thus getting the full benefit of the morning sun. The room was empty. It had just struck ten. Where was everyone? Or more to the point where was Sir Theodore? She turned to the footman.

  �
�I believe Sir Theodore is visiting? Could you direct me to him please?’

  ‘Certainly, Miss Devenish. He is in the library with Lord Grierson.’

  Marianne paused. Should she disturb them? She wasn’t sure of the correct etiquette. The young man saw her hesitation and guessed its cause.

  ‘Lord Grierson and Sir Theodore enquired as to your whereabouts, Miss Devenish,’ he told her helpfully.

  ‘Thank you. In that case take me to the library please.’ She knew, for her mother had told her so, that in the grandest households the occupants would not dream of thanking a servant but she preferred to treat them with respect.

  The footman held the door open and she stepped in, remembering to curtsy politely in the general direction of the two gentlemen standing conversing by the window.

  ‘Come in, my dear child, we’ve been hoping you would join us,’ Lord Grierson waved a hand in greeting.

  Sir Theodore stepped forward, his expression open but his eyes watchful. ‘Good morning, Miss Marianne, did you enjoy your ride?’

  ‘Yes, thank you, sir. It’s a pretty place you have here, Lord Grierson.’

  ‘I’m glad you approve, my dear. Now your guardian has some private matters to discuss with you, so I’ll leave you together.’

  Before she could protest that she did not wish to be left unchaperoned he disappeared. Devenish strolled over and opened the door, wide, before returning to his place by the window.

  ‘How are you settling in? Is everything here to your liking?’

  ‘Yes, sir; I am to have my own apartments and my staff are well accommodated. I have no

  complaints.’

  ‘Excellent! It would be just too tedious if I had to find you somewhere else to reside.’ He

  stifled a yawn and admired his reflection for a moment in the handsome mirror hung above the empty grate.

  ‘I apologize if I’m boring you. I have not yet learned to make small talk,’ she said sweetly. She caught a glimpse of something flicker in his eyes and wondered if her assessment of his intelligence was possibly incorrect.