The Duke's Deception Read online

  ‘Bore me? No, never, my dear girl. It is merely that I left my bed too soon as I was

  determined to see you are comfortable. I could not sleep for worrying.’

  This was stretching credulity too far— he did not appear a man overburdened with cares of any sort. She bobbed a curtsy.

  ‘Thank you, sir. I am sure I appreciate your concern. But I can promise you I’m happy here and have no need of your assistance.’ She left unsaid the fact that she preferred it to stay that way but the implication was clear.

  ‘Well, my dear, I’m afraid you will have to get used to my appearance. I shall not shirk my responsibilities. I intend, soon as you have received your new wardrobe, to escort you about the place, let everyone know I am your guardian. A mere shabster could do no less.’

  She recovered quickly from her horror at this statement and pinned on a smile of false delight. ‘I had no idea you intended to be such an attentive guardian, sir. I shall look forward to your frequent visits. But, alas, it could be some time before I am appropriately dressed and can leave the house.’ She dropped her eyes demurely before continuing. ‘I am certain you would not wish to be seen out with a dowd upon your arm. You are, as anyone can see, a man in the first stare of fashion.’

  ‘That habit is quite fetching, my dear, nothing wrong with it at all. I shall escort you on your morning ride until your gowns are ready.’

  Did she detect a slight crispness to his tone or did she imagine it? ‘That will be delightful, but my horse, Sultan, is lame at the moment so I shall not be riding again until he is sound.’ The fact that she had just ridden out quite happily on a different mount escaped neither of them.

  *

  Theo barely curbed his strong desire to step forward and shake his ward. If he continued this conversation any longer he would be unable to restrain himself. He did not enjoy being made a fool of by a slip of the girl, however delectable. He summoned up his most simpering smile and bowed with exaggerated courtesy.

  ‘In that case, my dear, I shall expect to see you mounted on a suitable hack from Lord Grierson’s extensive stable. I shall be waiting outside at nine o’clock tomorrow morning.’

  Surely not? Yes - the chit’s hands were clenched.

  ‘Very well, sir; I shall be there.’ She fluttered her eyelashes.. ‘But is nine o’clock not too early for you? Perhaps midday would suit you better?’

  His smile was as false as hers. ‘Alas, it is the wretched birds, you know, I find myself unable to sleep past dawn.’ He reached over to the desk upon which he had left his whip and gloves. ‘Pray, don’t let me keep you from your breakfast, Miss Devenish.’ Without another word he strolled past and left her alone in the library. Being this wretched girl’s guardian was going to be more tiresome than he’d thought.

  *

  Marianne was uncertain to whom the honours of the encounter had gone. She shook her head ruefully. An encounter with Sir Theodore was like trying to catch a minnow in a stream. One minute you had it in your hands the next it had slipped through and you were left with nothing. That was how she felt, empty, as though she had almost understood something important then it had, like the little silver fish she had hunted in her childhood years, vanished leaving her dissatisfied and cross.

  Her stomach gurgled noisily reminding her she hadn’t eaten. Smiling she hurried from the

  library to seek sustenance in the sunny breakfast parlour. This time the chamber was occupied by Lord Grierson and his two sons who stood up and nodded politely. Of Emily and her ladyship there was no sign.

  ‘Be seated, my dear, I’ll serve you myself. What would you like?’ her new papa greeted her cheerfully.

  ‘Some ham and coddled eggs, with bread and butter would be perfect, thank you, my lord.’

  Charles smiled at her. ‘Would you like chocolate, coffee or porter, to drink?’

  ‘Coffee, please, Mr Grierson.’

  She nodded to Edward, already munching his way through an impressive plateful. ‘Good morning, Master Edward.’

  Edward nodded his mouth too full to answer. Lord Grierson placed a laden plate in front of her.

  ‘There you are, my child. You are far too thin but a few weeks with us will soon sort that out.’

  She stared with dismay at the pile of food. ‘If I am unexpected to eat all this every morning, my lord, I will soon be the shape of a barrel.’

  He chuckled. ‘Nonsense, my dear. Eat up - good wholesome food never hurt anybody.

  This all comes from my farms. You will not get better anywhere in Essex.’

  ‘I shall do my best, sir.’ Her plate was still half full when she pushed it away. ‘I am sorry, I

  cannot eat another morsel but it was delicious.’

  ‘Excellent! We don’t take luncheon here, so it’s best to eat your fill at breakfast.’

  ‘When should I expect Lady Grierson and Miss Grierson to appear, my lord?’

  Unexpectedly Lord Grierson frowned at her not answering her query. ‘This will not do, my child. I cannot be forever hearing, my lord, my lady, miss this and mister that. We don’t stand on ceremony at Frating Hall.’

  ‘Then how shall I address you, sir?’

  He beamed, his decision made. ‘You are as a daughter to us now, so you shall call me as my children do, Papa. How about that?’

  ‘Thank you, sir…Papa - that is a kind suggestion. I am an orphan and have no other parents who can possibly object to the arrangement.’

  Charles, who had finished his meal, smiled his eyes friendly, his expression open and honest. ‘If that’s how things are, you’ve become another sister and I shall, in future, address you as Marianne.’

  ‘And I shall call you Charles.’ She pushed back a chair relieved a footman had not leapt forward to assist her. ‘I am going to love it here.’ Then her smile faded. ‘But I hope you will understand that I’m not used to living in a large family and must sometimes be on my own.’

  Lord Grierson nodded. ‘Of course you will. We are a rambunctious lot. Too much to bear I am sure. The library I’m sorry to say is rarely used, for we are not a bookish family. What say you take that as your own place? I’ll make certain no one enters without your permission.’

  Tears filled Marianne’s eyes. She didn’t deserve such consideration. ‘Thank you, Papa, that is kind of you. The library will be perfect.’ She smiled warmly at the three men who were all standing as she prepared to leave. Lord Grierson prevented her.

  ‘And, another thing, child. You will have new rooms from this morning, it’s all in hand. Emily meant well, we all did, but realize now someone brought up as you have been would not be used to sharing.’

  Marianne felt her cheeks redden. ‘I didn’t intend to upset Emily. I know she offered to share her own apartment out of kindness. I spoke hastily. I can only plead that my headache forced my incivility and will make my peace with her when she descends.’

  ‘No harm done, my dear. You will be best of friends whether sharing or not. Now, run along and see where your mama has put you. I will see you at dinner, no doubt.’

  She escaped the breakfast parlour her face still pink. She would do as she was bid and

  inspect her new accommodation for there was nothing else to do until Emily and Lady Grierson rose from their beds. She ran lightly up the stairs. There was going to be so much to occupy her here; gone were the long empty days of Upton Manor in which she had only her wild rides in the country to alleviate the boredom.

  She had never attended a soiree, an assembly or even participated in such mundane activities as a picnic or a visit to a country fair. She knew nothing about shopping either and was eagerly anticipating becoming involved in a few of these activities now that she was here.

  Her mouth curved involuntarily as she recalled the meeting with her guardian. He was even to her inexperienced eyes a very attractive young man. What a shame his intellect did not match his appearance.

  Chapter Five

  Marianne was delighted with the new chambers
at the side of the house and although darker, being north facing, they overlooked the park. Emily, last night’s disappointment forgotten, arrived at the parlour door. She was accompanied by her maid with her arms full of clothes.

  ‘Marianne, I have brought a selection of dresses. As we’re almost the same size I thought you might like to select a few for yourself. You could borrow from me until you have your own.’

  ‘That’s kind of you, Emily, especially after my appalling rudeness last night.’

  ‘Of fiddlesticks to that! You were tired and had the headache. It’s hardly surprising you were out of sorts.’ The garments spilled enticingly over the settle and Marianne who had considered herself above such trivial interests as fresh gowns, dropped to her knees to examine them more closely.

  ‘Oh how lovely! This particular shade of green is a favourite of mine and the material is so fine – is it cambric or muslin?’

  Emily shrugged. ‘I have no idea. As I do not like the sleeves and it has no frills or bows, I’ve never worn it. It’s far too plain for me. Take it, it’s yours to keep.’

  Marianne stood up holding the high-waisted garment at arm’s-length. The gown was perfect for her. ‘Thank you, Emily; you’re a darling to give it to me. I am about to change from my habit so will put it on immediately.’

  ‘Are there any others you would like to borrow?’

  Marianne glanced down but saw nothing else that interested her. The rest were of insipid pastel shades over adorned with ribbons, bows and ruche. ‘This is all I require, thank you. I have my old dress which I can use as a morning gown and I have my habit to ride in. And now I have this lovely confection for afternoons. Mrs Dawkins promised she would have some items completed by tomorrow so I can manage until then.’

  The maid gathered up the rejected clothing and both she and Emily departed leaving Marianne to bathe and change.

  ‘There, miss, that looks a treat! It could’ve been made for you it fits so well.’ Jane adjusted the mint green sash that tied under the bosom so the floating ends fell fetchingly to one side.

  Marianne gazed in awe at her reflection. ‘Is that really me, Jane? I had no idea I could look so well. What a difference a pretty dress makes.’

  ‘It’s a pity the matching slippers don’t fit, but the skirt’s long enough to cover your feet. But you must keep your old slippers tucked underneath when you’re seated.’

  ‘I will. I shall go down now as I want to explore the house. At the moment I feel like a stranger her. I must learn to find my way around without recourse to footmen.’

  When her abigail opened the door Marianne could hear voices on the stairs. ‘Listen,

  Jane, I think Emily must have a visitor. I should stay in here. I don’t wish to intrude.’

  She stepped back as two figures rounded the corner making her escape impossible.

  ‘Marianne, look who has come to see me. It is my bosom bow, Lady Arabella Hawksmith from Great Bromley.’

  Marianne met the cold stare of the young lady who stood poised and elegant beside Emily. The girl didn’t curtsy, merely nodded. Marianne knew etiquette demanded she should dip, she was outranked, but she didn’t. She inclined her head as disdainful as her ladyship.

  Emily noting nothing amiss ran forward. ‘That gown looks wonderful on you, does it not Arabella? I knew it would suit you.’

  Lady Arabella’s expression changed and her mouth curved into a resemblance of a smile. ‘I never liked that gown, Emily, I consider it an ugly colour – but indeed, it is exactly right for you Miss Devenish.’

  Through gritted teeth Marianne replied. ‘Thank you, Lady Arabella, I am delighted you approve.’ She stared pointedly at the girl’s acid yellow muslin gown liberally festooned with bows and ribbons. ‘For it is obvious your taste is dissimilar to mine.’ The implication being that hers was superior was not lost on Arabella.

  Emily looked from one to the other and smiled hopefully. ‘I am sure you both look perfect and I specially admire your gown, Arabella.’ Arabella preened and all might have passed smoothly had Emily not added. ‘But when our new gowns come they will be the latest thing. The fashion plates Mrs Dawkins has used only arrived from Town this week.’

  ‘Are you implying my clothes are unfashionable? That I am no more than a country miss?’ Arabella’s caustic tone caused Emily’s face to crumple.

  Marianne glared at Arabella. ‘Of course she didn’t mean to criticize you, Lady

  Arabella. Emily has been singing your praises ever since I arrived yesterday. She has nothing but admiration for you as I’m certain you’re aware.’

  Lady Arabella flushed and lowered her eyes for though full of her own consequence, she seemed fond of her friend. ‘I beg your pardon, Emily. I didn’t mean to speak so sharply. I’m afraid I have the headache.’

  Emily instantly smiling again drew Marianne forward. ‘I wish you two to be friends for I couldn’t bear to think you hold each other in dislike.’

  Marianne was quick to reassure her. ‘I am sure as Lady Arabella and I become better acquainted we will fully appreciate each other’s worth.’ She smiled brightly at both girls before continuing. ‘Shall we go down? I would like to be shown around the gardens. I believe there’s a rose garden and a walled garden where all your vegetables are grown, is there not, Emily?’

  Emily led the way chatting about the garden, the park and anything else that flitted into her mind leaving Marianne and Lady Arabella to follow behind in uneasy silence.

  The roses were not in their full glory it being only May but nonetheless this was a pleasant place to walk. Emily halted at a leafy bay enclosing a rustic bench which faced a splendid Tudor archway.

  ‘Shall we sit here and rest a while? There’s so much we have to discuss that I hardly know where to start.’

  Arabella nodded and carefully brushed the bench with her mittened hand. ‘Emily, I am told Sir Theodore Devenish is a friend of Lord and Lady Grierson? Is this true?’

  Emily nodded. ‘Indeed he is; and Marianne is his ward – they are related you know.’

  ‘In that case perhaps it’s to you I should apply for information, Miss Devenish.’

  ‘I’m not sure I can help you for I only met him yesterday. I was expecting Sir Richard and Lady Devenish would be my guardians. I was shocked to discover Sir Theodore in their stead.’

  Arabella’s perfectly arched eyebrows vanished beneath her coiffed black hair. ‘I imagine you were as much a shock to Sir Theodore for he can only be a handful of years your senior. Hardly old enough to assume responsibility for another.’

  ‘I didn’t enquire as to his age, Lady Arabella. His being a bachelor caused me to come here not his lack of maturity.’

  Arabella smiled and rose gracefully from the bench. ‘I had come over to tell you, my dear Emily, that we are holding a ball to celebrate my name day. I do hope you will both be able to attend?’

  Emily looked perplexed. ‘But is your birthday not July? That’s a full two months away. I do hope I’m going to see you before then.’

  Arabella fidgeted with her sash and Marianne filled the awkward pause. ‘It is wise to start planning such an important event a good time in advance, is it not Lady Arabella? I expect you are hoping Emily might help you.’

  ‘Yes, that is exactly what I hoped. Will you Emily? I would value your opinion, especially on the selection and arrangement of flowers.’

  ‘The roses will be at their best, and lupins and delphiniums and many other pretty blooms. Shall I come to Bromley Hall tomorrow in the morning? You can show me where you and Lady Hawksmith wish to display the arrangements.’

  Arabella glanced politely at Marianne. ‘Will you be accompanying Emily, Miss Devenish? You would be most welcome.’

  ‘Thank you, no, I have a prior engagement. My guardian and I are riding out together.’

  Arabella’s eyes flashed and her smile became fixed. ‘How lovely. There’s nothing I like better than a ride before breakfast. Perhaps Emily and I could join you – it
would be such fun.’

  Emily’s mouth dropped open. Marianne hid her smile. She was sure neither of them ever rose from their beds much before eleven o’clock and would not dream of engaging in a pastime as energetic as riding so early in the day.

  Marianne spoke up. ‘That’s a delightful idea, Lady Arabella, but unfortunately it would be best to wait until I have spoken to Sir Theodore. He might not like to be accompanied by three young ladies instead of one.’

  Arabella barely concealed her annoyance. ‘Well, I must depart. It has been a pleasure making your acquaintance, Miss Devenish. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Emily. Good day to you both.’ She spun, sending her skirt hems flying and stalked off towards the front of the house where her barouche would be awaiting her arrival.

  ‘Oh dear! You’ve upset Arabella, Marianne. She doesn’t like it if you disagree with her.’

  Marianne wished to say she cared little for what Lady Arabella liked or disliked but refrained. ‘Never mind, Emily. I’m sure she will have forgotten all about it by tomorrow.’

  ‘And she hates rising early so I expect she will be glad you refused her when she has the leisure to consider the matter.’

  They had begun to walk back towards the house when Charles, Edward and Lady Arabella appeared around the corner surrounded by a miscellany of dogs. Lady Arabella was holding on the arm of Charles, whilst Edward walked along beside them all three obviously content to be in each other’s company.

  Marianne watched the interplay scarcely crediting the change in Lady Arabella. Her face

  was alight, her beautiful eyes sparkled and there was no sign of artifice or arrogance. She smiled. Charles and Arabella made a handsome couple. He towered over his partner. His eyes never left hers and his expression told Marianne all she needed to know on the matter.

  Charles Grierson was head over ears in love with Lady Arabella but if the girl reciprocated was hard to gauge. That she enjoyed his company was obvious, but if her affections were truly engaged was hard to tell.

  Charles greeted them cheerfully. ‘We discovered Arabella escaping without speaking with us. We couldn’t allow that so have persuaded her to return’