She nodded and swallowed the lump in her throat.
'Good. Remain here whilst I collect your sister.' He stepped around her and she was about to follow him as she had no wish to stand about on her own in the trees. He spoke without turning. 'I don't agree with physical punishment for those weaker than myself but in your case I'll make an exception if you have the temerity to disobey.'
He vanished into the camp leaving her stunned by his last remark. Her knees gave way and she slithered down the tree trunk until she was in a miserable heap at the bottom.
Why had he been so harsh? How could he threaten to beat her? Scalding tears trickled down her cheeks and she gulped and tried to hold them back. Sometime later a soft cloth was pushed into her hand.
'Here, sweetheart, take this and dry your eyes.'
Paul had found her and was here to offer support and comfort. She was incapable of speech; sobs shook her and she turned towards him. He scooped her up and settled her on his lap and his shirt was sodden by the time she recovered her composure.
'He wouldn't have beaten you; he loves you, but you scared us both. It was his anger and relief that you were unharmed that made him so stern.'
'I don't understand. How did I scare you?'
As soon as he explained the circumstances she understood. She scrambled to her feet, blew her nose noisily on his handkerchief, and then faced him. 'You did tell me I shouldn't do this. Richard was right to be so angry. Is my face very red? I must go and find him and beg for his forgiveness. I cannot bear that I caused you both so much unnecessary distress by my selfishness.'
'You are prepared to risk being put across his knee in order to do this?'
She stamped her foot. 'You just told me, sir, that it was an idle threat. Which is it?'
'You must decide that, Sarah.'
She was about to protest then saw his lips twitch. 'This is hardly the time for jollity, Mr Marchand. I don't like you, I don't like you at all. You are the most annoying gentleman.'
'I know, for I've often been told that before. Come, Sarah, let me escort you to the gentleman in question. That way I can protect you from his wrath if necessary.'
Instead of answering she kicked him hard in the shin and ran away laughing. Despite the fact that he was wearing boots he would have a bruise. It served him right for teasing her.
He caught up easily, caught her hand and put it on his arm. His smile made her toes curl in her boots. 'Would you like to know what happened to the grooms who were supposed to be taking care of your horses?'
'I would indeed. To have let Star get free is a gross dereliction of their duties.'
'I found them drunk behind one of the caravans. They had purloined a leather bottle of home-made brew.'
'Good heavens! That's dreadful – what did you do?'
'I dismissed them without reference and tipped a bucket of something extremely unpleasant over their heads.'
She looked up at him and returned his smile. 'I do hope they won't be riding back with us.'
'They won't be riding anywhere. They will walk back to collect their belongings and any back wages.'
Richard's voice carried to them from across the clearing and she couldn't stop her hand clenching. Immediately Paul put his own over her fingers.
'He will already have forgiven you. He has a fearsome temper but it doesn't last for long.'
'He said I'm to be confined to my apartment until he gives me leave to come down.'
'Then I'm quite certain that you'll be given permission to resume your normal life tomorrow.'
His quiet reassurance was enough to calm her nerves. For some reason she was reluctant to let go of his arm and he seemed in no hurry to release her. Her sister was happily talking to Richard and he seemed to be drinking something from a silver mug with great enjoyment.
Somehow, he sensed they were looking at him and looked up. His smile was genuine and he beckoned them over.
'I was about to come and look for you both. There's no need to look so apprehensive, sweetheart, I've recovered my temper now. Have you come to apologise again?'
Finally, she released her hold on Paul's arm. She stepped forward and curtsied. 'I most humbly apologise for my stupidity, your grace, and beg your forgiveness.'
He rose smoothly to his feet and held out his arms and she ran into them. He held her close. 'You are a baggage, my dear, and should know better than to do such things. I thought you the sensible member of the family.'
She stepped away. 'I thought so too, Richard, but for some reason these past two weeks I've been behaving out of character. Look, I believe we've been invited to sit down and eat.'
The meal was quite delicious, the juices from the meat were mopped up with bread baked in a clay oven in the centre of the fire. For a duke and his family to be eating so informally and in such a setting would scandalise members of the ton, but she cared not for that.
When they departed an hour later arrangements had been finalised for the Romanies to come to the garden party and provide the entertainment.
Beth rode next to Richard and two boys from the camp came with them on their ponies each one leading a spare horse. If one ignored the unpleasant interlude with Richard it had been a most enjoyable outing. Paul returned to the Dower House and she was sorry to see him depart.
As she was about to run upstairs and change her brother touched her arm. 'Remember, Sarah, you remain in your rooms until I tell you otherwise.' His tone was bland but she knew he meant every word and she wasn't going to argue.
*
Richard went in search of his wife eager to regale her with the events of the day. She was waiting for him in their bedchamber.
'Two grooms returned here covered in human excrement. They insist that Paul did it. What exactly had they done to deserve such treatment?'
She was laughing with him by the time he'd finished his explanation. 'I'm curious, darling girl, as to why you're sitting in your petticoats at this time of the day.'
'I would have thought that was obvious, your grace. I was waiting for your return.'
A considerable time later, freshly bathed and dressed they emerged from the apartment and made their way to the drawing room. As Sarah wouldn't be joining them there would only be the three of them to dine tonight.
'There you are, I've been waiting this age for you to descend. I'm well aware that you've only been married a short while but bedroom sport in the afternoon is not something that I approve of.' His mother-in-law was looking more prune-faced than usual and gave him a frosty nod.
He laughed and so did his wife. He left it to Amanda to smooth things over and went to speak to Foster.
'Lady Sarah will require a tray in her apartment tonight. Therefore, we will dine on the terrace. It's a perfect night for such a venture.'
The butler hurried away to organise this unusual request and Richard wandered back to sit beside his beloved. He waited for a pause in the conversation before speaking.
'I believe that Paul and Sarah are going to make a match of it and far sooner than any of us expected. You only have to look at them together to see that they are besotted with each other.' If he'd expected this announcement to receive shocked exclamations, he would have been disappointed.
'My darling Richard, we were just discussing that very thing. I know they've only been acquainted for three weeks but Mama and I believe their love is genuine. However, I'm not sure that he will consider himself a suitable match for Sarah.'
'If we consider him good enough to become part of this family then he'll have to accept our verdict. I'll invite him to dine with us tomorrow night – in fact, Mama, with your permission I'll include Peterson and Miss Westley.'
'Good heavens, young man, are you determined to play matchmaker? What will we do about Beth if Miss Westley is to marry the doctor? Where will Sarah and Mr Marchand reside? This might be a commodious establishment but it isn't big enough for three families.'
'Mama, we have a dozen bedchambers, numerous reception rooms an
d acres of park. More than sufficient for eight adults – nine if you count Patrick amongst our number.'
'Amanda, surely you are not suggesting that Miss Westley should remain under this roof if she is married to the doctor? He will wish her to reside in Ipswich with him – a wife's place is with her husband.'
'Your grace, you must not become agitated about this. We're speculating – have no actual evidence that there are to be any further nuptials. Time enough to consider the details when it happens, don't you think?'
'Richard, have you arranged for us to eat outside? How delightful – I can't think of anything better on such a beautiful evening. Sarah will be sad to be excluded.' His beloved deftly turned the conversation to a safer topic.
'I hope you're not suggesting that I allow her to avoid any sort of punishment for her rash behaviour?'
'No, my love, merely stating that my sister will be sorry to have missed it. Come, I believe that dinner is about to be served on the terrace.'
Chapter Seventeen
Paul was in two minds whether to accept the invitation to dine with the family but decided a refusal might be misconstrued and considered impolite. The note from Amanda said that they were dressing for dinner tonight. If she hadn't warned him, he would have appeared too informally.
The first of his new outfits had arrived and it was fortuitous that one of these was his evening rig. His valet had settled into his role and was eager to turn out his new master looking his best.
'You'll need to drive yourself, sir, you can't ride in evening clothes.'
'There's a gig in the coach house that will be perfect for such an excursion as long as one of the horses here will go under harness.'
'Don't know about that, sir, but I reckon Sid, the groom, will sort something out for you.'
'I'll ask him now. I won't be back until it's time for me to change. I'll need quantities of hot water as I've no intention of arriving smelling of the stables.' Today he was visiting two nearby farms and the village. He would be in the saddle all day.
On his return he saw the gig, sparkling after a thorough clean, was waiting to be attached to a suitable carriage horse. The gelding he'd been riding all day was taken to be groomed, fed and watered before being turned out into the meadow.
'Sid, have we something here to pull this vehicle?'
'I haven't, sir, but I sent the lad to fetch one that will do. He ain't back yet from the stud, but I reckon he'll be here soon.'
'Good. I need to leave in an hour and a half.'
After completing his ablutions, he shaved – this was something he preferred to do for himself. He'd adopted the recent fashion of trousers and evening slippers rather than knee breeches and silk stockings. When Thomas had finished fussing with his stock Paul stood up not bothering to check his appearance in the mirror. Why else did one have a valet if it wasn't to see that one was turned out impeccably?
There was a lively chestnut gelding between the shafts which he viewed with some suspicion. The beast tried to take a lump from his shoulder when he walked past.
'Are you quite sure this horse is safe to drive?'
The groom grinned and nodded vigorously. 'He's a mite excitable, sir, but he'll settle once you've travelled a mile or two.'
Paul climbed into the vehicle, released the brake and snapped the whip above the horse's laid-back ears. He could feel the tension coming through the reins and deliberately relaxed his hands. The horse would sense any nervousness on his part and behave accordingly.
The gelding leaned into the traces and moved away smoothly. Sid was right, once they were in motion his ears flicked forwards, his head came up and he appeared to be enjoying the experience. The short journey was covered without incident and he was sanguine that his fears were unfounded.
He jumped from the gig, tossed his driving cape, gloves and beaver onto the seat and quickly pulled on his white evening gloves. He found wearing gloves indoors a decidedly silly practice but knew it was de rigueur. If the major was barehanded then these would be tossed aside immediately.
The front door opened as he approached and the butler himself was there to bow him in. 'His grace has requested that you join him on the terrace, Mr Marchand.'
'Thank you, I'll find my own way.' Paul could hear voices through the open French doors in the drawing room and hurried towards them. He wasn't tardy so the others must be down early.
He paused in the doorway. He smiled in relief as he'd feared that Sarah might still be confined to quarters. She was wearing a lovely confection, a gossamer-thin material of silver shimmered over an underskirt of a blue, the colour of her eyes.
She saw him at once and came towards him her eyes alight with pleasure. 'Mr Marchand, I've not seen you in evening clothes before and I must say you look very handsome in black and white.' She curtsied and he bowed.
'I thank you for your compliment, my lady. Might I be permitted to say that you look lovely tonight. That ensemble is perfect with your colouring.'
She smiled playfully and tapped him on his gloved hand with her fan. 'Are you suggesting, sir, that on other occasions I wasn't looking at all attractive? That only the addition of this gown has changed your opinion of my appearance?'
His laughter at her nonsense turned the attention of the others towards them. He didn't give a damn what they thought any more – in a blinding moment of clarity he understood that he was neck and crop in love with this wonderful girl. Despite his protestations to the contrary to the major a short while ago he was determined to pursue this wonderful girl and marry her at the earliest opportunity.
'Fishing for compliments, my lady? You're the most beautiful girl I've ever set eyes on. You will outshine anyone else whatever you're wearing.' He'd been about to say in her petticoats but stopped himself in time as this might have been considered wildly inappropriate by anyone listening to their conversation.
'I wish to retract what I said yesterday about not liking you. I find that quite the opposite is true.' Her smile was blinding as she continued. 'I wish you to call me by my given name again and dispense with the formality. I noticed that Richard already calls you Paul. Might I be permitted to do the same?'
'I am forced to admit that I was still calling you Sarah in my head. This must be the most unconventional ducal family in the country.'
She opened her fan and hid her face behind it before answering. 'Apart from my dear mother of course. She is a stickler for etiquette and it's she you must convince of your suitability.' Instantly she realised what she'd said and her eyes widened and colour fled from her cheeks.
He took her hand and pulled her back through the door so they were more private. 'My love, I thought it too soon to mention my feelings for you. I love you and if I can persuade your formidable guardian to accept my suit, I will make you an offer.'
Richard spoke from behind them. He had an unpleasant habit of creeping up on a fellow when least expected. 'I rather think, my friend, that it's my sister you must persuade not me. I'll not be the one marrying you after all.'
He took his cue and dropped to one knee. 'Sarah, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife? I cannot offer you luxury or …'
'Fiddlesticks to that, Paul. Once we're married my fortune will be yours and we'll have more than enough to live in a very comfortable manner.'
This wasn't the accepted response to a proposal but it was good enough for him. He surged to his feet and snatched her up. She came into his arms as if meant to be there and he kissed her tenderly.
'Congratulations, Paul. I thought this romance would take longer to reach fruition but I think the sooner the two of you are married the better.'
Sarah remained within his embrace but turned to look at her brother. 'Are you suggesting that we might do something improper before the knot is tied?'
'No, sweetheart, it's that you've been running me ragged and I'd much prefer to hand your care over to someone else.' His face was stern but his eyes were dancing. 'As your husband Paul will have the right to apply w
hatever discipline he feels suitable.'
'He'd no sooner chastise me physically than you would, Richard. Did you know this proposal was likely to come and that's why we were told to change tonight?'
'I thought it likely after what I've seen yesterday. Shall we go in and announce the good news to the others?'
*
Sarah walked in beside her future husband and there was no need for anything to be announced. The champagne was already waiting on a tray and Amanda rushed across and embraced her.
'I'm so happy for you. To think that a short time ago you and Paul had yet to meet.' She turned to him and took his hands. 'Welcome to the family. Are you planning to marry soon or have a long engagement so that you can get to know each other better?'
'This has happened so unexpectedly, your grace…'
'I am Amanda to you now. We don't stand on ceremony in this family as no doubt you have noticed.'
'Thank you, Amanda. I was trying to say that we've not had time to discuss anything. We can do that tomorrow.'
Sarah was so happy she thought she might actually float into the air if he hadn't been holding her hand. 'Richard wants us to get married as soon as possible as he finds me a nuisance and wishes to pass me on to Paul.'
This sally was greeted with laughter as she'd intended. She led him over to her parent who wasn't looking particularly overjoyed at the news. 'I hope that you're as happy with my betrothal as I am, Mama.'
'I approve of the engagement, my dear, but not of the indecent haste with which it's been agreed. In my day a young lady would not dream of accepting an offer until she had been acquainted with the gentleman for several months.'
Paul pulled round a chair and sat down next to his future mother-in-law. 'Your grace, I understand your concerns. Sometimes it takes longer for a couple to recognise that they love each other but in our case it happened almost instantly.'
'Good heavens, young man, love has nothing to do with it. A young lady with the pedigree of my daughter, if she were to appear on the marriage mart in London, would have every eligible gentleman at her feet. She could then select a few that were suitable and only allow herself to fall in love with one of those.'
The Duke's Decision (The Reluctant Duke Book 2) Page 16
