To Marry a Duke Read online

  ‘What time are you planning to leave on this excursion?’

  ‘As soon as Demelza is ready.’ Richard smiled ruefully. ‘Which could be any time between now and noon.’

  Jago turned to Allegra. ‘I wish to visit the fair with you. We shall take the barouche.’ He nodded at Richard. ‘No doubt you’ll wish to drive that abominable contraption of yours?’

  ‘My high-perch phaeton? Demelza loves it. I would not dare suggest we travel any other way.’

  Allegra had listened to this jocular exchange with rising agitation. She had no desire to spend a day in Tremayne’s company. For some reason the more time they were together, the harder she found it to remain aloof. When they had been waging a war of words it had been simple, her emotional barriers had been easy to maintain, but now she was obliged to be civil, things were different. He was urbane, relaxed and his natural charm sometimes made her forget how much she hated him.

  ‘I am sorry, sir, I cannot accompany you. I have an aversion to country fairs. Too much noise and jostling, quite unacceptable.’

  Richard laughed. ‘That’s fustian, Allegra. You love them. It’s always you that has to be persuaded to leave.’

  She flushed painfully and glared at her indiscreet brother. ‘That was a while ago. I have matured since then and I find I no longer wish to go.’

  ‘Witherton, go and see if my daughter’s ready; inform her we’re leaving in thirty minutes and she will be left behind if she’s not down.’ Tremayne waited until they were alone before responding to her mendacious statement.

  ‘Lady Allegra, do you wish to change from that enchanting confection or will you accompany me dressed as you are?’

  She compressed her lips. ‘My gown is immaterial, sir, as I am not coming.’

  He moved slowly in her direction and she forced herself to remain immobile, praying he would not come too close. She was unaccountably flustered when he did so. He halted, a short arm’s-length, from her. His expression was friendly, his eyes more so. She found herself relaxing, returning his smile. He spoke, his tone gentle.

  ‘You are coming to Great Bentley, my dear, willing or not. You will be ready, at the door, at the appointed time or I shall seek you out and bring you by force. I’m sure you would not wish to make a spectacle of yourself.’ He remained, a slight smile playing on his lips, apparently at ease, but ready to move fast if necessary.

  She gazed at him for a moment, too shocked to answer. Her colour drained away and she swayed slightly. That was his cue to act. He closed the gap between them and before she could protest she was cradled in his arms, her feet dangling above the floor. ‘My dear, you are unwell. I apologize for my highhanded behaviour. I’ll carry you to your rooms forthwith.’ He pulled her closer, crushing her against his solid chest.

  Eventually she found her voice. ‘Put me down this instant, sir. I am not unwell and you know it.’

  ‘Are you not, my dear? I was certain you were about to swoon. You went so pale.’ His voice was bland, but his rock-hard arms remained firmly around her. Allegra thanked God he was no longer moving towards the door.

  ‘I insist that you release me, Tremayne. This instant.’ Her words were forced out from behind clenched teeth. If she could just get a hand free she would box his ears soundly.

  ‘I will set you down if you agree to come to Great Bentley.’ He gave her a little shake, his tone affectionate. ‘You will enjoy a day out, you goose; it’s far too long since you had an outing of any sort.’

  She had no choice. ‘Oh, very well, if I must. But, I promise you, sir, I shall not enjoy it. I am determined to have a miserable time.’

  He restored her to her feet but did not relinquish her arms. ‘Look at me, Allegra.’ Reluctantly

  she raised her head. ‘Playtime is over, sweetheart. It’s time to accept our union is inevitable and begin to appreciate the advantages of such a match and not dwell on the negative aspects.’

  Her throat constricted and words would not come. Unexpectedly her eyes filled. He made her feel so vulnerable, helpless, and she hated it.

  ‘Don’t cry, I didn’t mean to distress you.’ He tugged softly and she found herself gathered into the warm security of his embrace.

  Her blood surged through her veins and for second she leant against him. His heart pounded and she knew he was aroused. Then he dropped his arms and she stepped back hastily.

  Allegra smiled up, believing she was secure in her victory. He reached out and brushed his thumb across her mouth. ‘Are you going to change? You don’t have long to do so, if you are.’

  She barely restrained the urge to stamp her feet in frustration. ‘I am still to come? I thought you had relented.’

  ‘No, my lady, I did not relent, I merely sympathised.’ He bowed, and his dark eyes flashed a message she could not fail to understand. He strolled away leaving her alone, her emotions in total disarray.

  She ran lightly upstairs to put on her bonnet and collect her matching parasol and reticule. A moment’s mischief prompted her to insist that Abbot and Miss Murrell accompany them. As both couples were betrothed, and they were intending to travel in an open carriage, a chaperon was unnecessary. Tremayne would be furious and that almost made up for the fact he had taken the honours in their latest confrontation.

  At the appointed time the ladies were assembled on the lawn. Richard’s phaeton, drawn by two pairs of perfectly matched bay geldings, arrived first. His tiger jumped down from his perch at the rear of the carriage and ran round hold the horses’ heads.

  ‘This is a glorious day for an outing, Allegra, so try not to look so prune faced about it, there’s a good girl.’ Richard’s shouted comment was heard by everyone in the vicinity, including Tremayne, standing quietly behind the ladies.

  Allegra was obliged to hide her scarlet face behind her parasol. Demelza smothered her giggles behind her hand and Miss Murrell pretended not to have heard. Tremayne was not so tactful.

  ‘Oh, come now, Witherton, prune faced? That’s doing it rather too brown. I would say Lady Allegra might look a little blue-devilled, but no more than that.’

  This had the desired effect. Allegra’s mortification turned instantly to ire. Her head shot up and her colour faded leaving just two patches across her cheekbones. She was forced to keep her pithy reply to herself as Richard dismounted and tossed Demelza up onto her seat. He sprang up beside her, the horses were released, the tiger scrambled back to his place and the phaeton left in a flurry of stones.

  Tremayne settled his party comfortably in the barouche then stepped back, slamming the door. Allegra realized he had had no intention of travelling in the carriage with her. He was riding his magnificent black stallion. He touched his hat and waved them off impervious to her dagger stare. She could hear his laughter following them across the park.

  By the time the barouche had left the park she was more ready to enjoy the outing. She sat back, closing her parasol with a decided snap. She stared out of the open carriage. The verges were lush green, peppered with the bright yellow of cowslips. She closed her eyes for a moment to listen. ‘Can you hear any nightingales, Miss Murrell? That was a cuckoo, I am sure of it.’

  ‘I do believe you’re right, my dear. But it’s hard to tell if the nightingales are singing because there are so many other birds doing the same.’

  Allegra finally relaxed. ‘I didn’t wish to come today, but Mr Tremayne insisted.’ She paused, but Miss Murrell made no comment. ‘I rather think I am glad to be here. It must be three years since I attended a fair at Great Bentley. I find I am looking forward to it.’

  ‘Of course you are, my lady. It’s a lovely summer’s day and you are going to spend it in good company.’

  The carriage bowled along the lane, passing pedestrians and pony traps filled with villagers

  also intent on spending a day at the fair. Their passage slowed as they turned into the lane that led to Great Bentley for they were forced to follow behind several like-minded carriages. These events were famous
throughout the area and anyone who had time to spare, and pennies to spend, made an effort to attend.

  There was a clatter of hoof beats alongside and Tremayne appeared. He handled his spirited mount with consummate ease. ‘I’ll ride ahead. Apollo needs to stretch his legs.’ He smiled directly at Allegra and her heart turned over. She watched him urge his horse through a gap in the hedge, her expression a little bemused. Miss Murrell interrupted her reverie.

  ‘My dear, Lady Allegra, I’m so glad you are finally becoming reconciled to your marriage and your reservations about Mr Tremayne are over and your affections engaged.’

  All pleasure in the excursion evaporated. Allegra frowned. ‘You are quite mistaken, Miss Murrell. I do not wish to hear you say such a thing again.’

  Her dear companion shrivelled, her kindly face pinched with hurt and Allegra wished her angry words unspoken. The shock of hearing that in Miss Murrell’s opinion she held a tendre for that man had caused her to speak harshly.

  Miss Murrell was far out in her assumptions. There was no rapport between them. He desired her, nothing softer motivated him and she held him in complete dislike. She sat stiffly against the squabs endeavouring to force the image of a pair of penetrating navy eyes, and a devastating smile, firmly from her mind. She did not want to marry Tremayne; it would be an intolerable mésalliance. She had no alternative. She was trapped. All joy in the day vanished and she squeezed back unwanted tears.

  She groped in her bag for a handkerchief and, with head bowed, surreptitiously wiped her eyes. She must accept the inevitable – at least married to a wealthy man she would lack for nothing. Richard’s nuptials could not go forward if she refused. She was not so sunk in selfishness she would ruin her brother’s life to benefit herself. Acceptance of the situation brought with it a kind of peace and Allegra felt ready to enjoy the day again. She turned to Miss Murrell.

  ‘I sincerely apologize for my rudeness. I am not sleeping well, but that is no excuse. I pray you can forgive me for I do not wish to ruin today.’

  ‘I accept your apology, Lady Allegra. Let us say no more about it.’

  Allegra knew she had offended her friend and that it would take more than a few words to restore harmony between them.

  Chapter Ten

  The journey continued in uncomfortable silence. Allegra gazed raptly at the cow parsley bobbing and curtsying, it’s frothy cream flowers dramatic against the darker green leaves of the hawthorn hedge. Miss Murrell was equally entranced by the same scene unfolding on the far side of the carriage. Abbot sat between them, no doubt wishing she had been left behind to get on with her mending.

  ‘This is quite ridiculous, Miss Murrell. We have been friends for ever and however uncivil I have been, it is your Christian duty to forgive me.’ This speech was delivered to the back of her companion’s best chip-straw bonnet. ‘Do not stay up in the boughs please; we shall both have a wretched day if you do.’

  Slowly the bonnet turned. ‘I have said that I accept your apology, my lady; however I wish to point out to you that since Mr Tremayne and dear Miss Demelza came to reside at the Priory, I believe you’ve changed. I scarcely recognize you as the dear girl I used to teach.

  Allegra’s jaw dropped. ‘I had no idea I had become so objectionable to everyone. It is only Mr Tremayne I dislike. I have become fond of Demelza over the past few weeks. After all she is to be my sister soon.’

  Miss Murrell sniffed and pursed her lips. ‘And you are to become her mama, have you thought of that? The child is neither blind nor stupid. She cannot be enjoying the constant friction between her father and yourself.’

  ‘You are quite correct to admonish me, my dear friend. I have behaved appallingly. I have allowed my own feelings to overcome what is acceptable. I promise it shall not happen again.’

  Miss Murrell looked unconvinced, perhaps believing her volte face was too sudden to be genuine.

  Allegra leant forward to add emphasis to her plea. ‘I am, like my brother, a reformed character. From this point forward I shall be a pattern card of civility, the most conciliatory of brides. I give you my word; there will be no further unpleasantness between Tremayne and me.’

  ‘I’m so pleased to hear you say so, my dear. I shall say no more for your further actions will demonstrate your sincerity, will they not?’

  Allegra sat back satisfied she had repaired the relationship. Her lips curved as she contemplated spending a day with the newly married Griersons. Charles and Lady Arabella were well-known to her and she was eagerly anticipating having a female nearer to her own age to converse with.

  She frowned as something occurred to her. Would Tremayne expect to dance attendance on her all day? She sincerely hoped not. There were bound to be cock fights, and possibly a horse race or two, to occupy him. Although reconciled to her marriage she wasn’t yet ready to spend time in his company.

  It took a further forty minutes for the barouche to travel the last mile to Great Bentley but she had not been bored. She had smiled and waved to dozens of acquaintances and been seriously ogled by three society gentleman recently arrived from London.

  Lord and Lady Hawksmith, Lady Arabella’s doting parents, were famous for the splendour of their summer house-parties. From Bromley Hall it was but a short drive to Great Bentley so it

  was quite possible these top-of-the-trees gentlemen were staying there. Although the season had

  not quite finished many of the haut ton would have already closed up their Town houses and left

  to enjoy their summer in the fresher atmosphere of the countryside.

  Allegra glanced down - glad she had decided to keep on the eau-de-nil walking dress Tremayne had admired. Abbot reached out and adjusted the bow that secured the matching silk lined bonnet.

  ‘There, you look lovely, my lady. It’s no wonder all the gentlemen are staring.’

  It had been so long since she had felt the warmth of admiration and approval from the opposite sex. Allegra felt her face soften, her smile become genuine and the pain and worry of the past years began to slip away. She was going to enjoy this outing, in spite of her initial reservations and her semi-serious threat to Tremayne to hate every minute.

  ‘Oh look, my lady, Lord Witherton and Miss Demelza are already here. That is his lordship’s phaeton being led away.’

  There was no sign of Apollo. Either Tremayne had not arrived or he was also inside the elegant mansion making his bow to their hosts. The groom appeared to hold their horses and a footman emerged from the handsome front door and ran down the marble steps. He skidded to a halt beside them and opened the carriage door with a flourish.

  Allegra descended first, her back straight, her parasol furled. She waited for Miss Murrell to join her then they strolled into the house puzzled neither their host nor hostess was on the step to greet them.

  ‘Where is everyone, my lady? I know Mr Grierson and Lady Arabella are newlywed but surely they are aware that to leave invited guests to enter unannounced is the height of discourtesy?’

  ‘I agree, it is decidedly odd.’ She turned to the waiting footman. ‘Conduct us to Lady Arabella

  and Mr Grierson, if you please.’

  ‘They are in the garden, my lady.’

  The footman led them across the chequered floor looking decidedly uncomfortable, obviously realizing this was a serious breach of etiquette.

  ‘Abbot, I shall not require you. If you wish to return to the Priory then ask Thomas to take you back.’

  Abbot beamed. ‘Oh no, my lady. I should like to visit my sister who lives on the green. What time do you wish me to return here?’

  ‘Be back here by four o’ clock, please. Enjoy your day, Abbot.’ On impulse, Allegra dipped into her reticule and removed a silver coin and slipped it into Abbot’s palm. Then she followed the smartly liveried young man as he took them through the house and out on to the terrace. ‘Good heavens! Whatever is going on over there?’ On the far side of the lawn, her missing hosts, plus Demelza and Tremayne, were starin
g up into the canopy of a large chestnut tree. Of Richard there was no sign.

  The young man paused, keeping his face admirably impassive. ‘I believe her ladyship’s cat is stuck up the tree, my lady, and his grace is attempting to rescue it.’

  The two ladies strolled across the expanse of newly scythed greensward eager to join in the fun. Tremayne heard them approaching.

  ‘Welcome. As you see we have a daring rescue under way. Unfortunately as Witherton ascends so does the wretched feline.’ He directed their attention to the uppermost branches.

  ‘Richard is an excellent climber of trees. There is not one of any size in our demesne that he has not conquered at some time during his formative years.’

  Tremayne grinned, his teeth of flash of white. ‘I sincerely hope you’re correct, my dear. It’s a long way to fall from there.’

  She shuddered dramatically. ‘Do not even think that, sir!’ She craned her neck to watch the delicate proceedings unworried by her brother’s valiant efforts. She felt her bonnet slide backwards and hastily straightened her head. ‘At least that explains why we arrived ungreeted. I am sure they must have an extremely efficient staff here; where are the housekeeper and butler, I wonder?’

  ‘I understand they have the day off, as do most of the servants, to attend the fair.’ Seeing her startled look he added, his eyes twinkling. ‘I know, shocking is it not? But the cook has prepared a magnificent cold collation, I’m told, for our nuncheon. Also there are parlour-maids and footmen to attend us should we have need of them.’

  Demelza, hearing Allegra, spun round her face contorted with anxiety. ‘I’m fearful he will fall, my lady. I know he will. He should not have gone. It’s only a wretched cat, why should he risk his life for that?’

  ‘Don’t fret so, my dear.’ She handed the girl her kerchief. ‘Now, dry your eyes, you do not wish them to be all red and puffy when he returns, do you?’