'That's as may be, but if you want your good name to remain intact you would do well to consider my offer.'
This was the outside of enough. 'Your offer wasn't serious, sir. Admit it, you're as opposed to this match as I am.'
'Marriage to you would certainly not be dull. Shall I suggest a compromise? We'll announce our engagement tonight which will stop any unpleasant gossip – but you're free to end the betrothal as soon as you go to London in March. I give you my word I'll not take advantage of this temporary arrangement.'
'Our engagement would not be genuine?'
'No, it certainly would. Until you go to London next year and then you may send me a polite letter saying you've reconsidered and are terminating the agreement.'
She stood up and began to pace the carpet, her thoughts in turmoil. Their behaviour this evening would definitely give rise to speculation, but would it be serious enough to warrant such a step? Surely as the daughter of a duke Society would accept her eccentric behaviour and such a drastic move wouldn't be necessary?
'Do you dislike me so much, Madeline, that even to save your reputation you're unprepared to link your name to mine.'
She turned to face him and was surprised at his expression. His eyes were watchful and he looked almost sad.
'I shall agree to your suggestion but only if my brother thinks it wise. Before I do so, however, I must make some stipulations.' She had his full attention now; he sat up straight and watched her through narrowed eyes. 'During the next few weeks I'm prepared to attend functions with you, will remain at your side as if I was your genuine affianced, but if ever we're forced to spend time together in private then there's no need for us to converse at all.'
'I'm sorry, Madeline, but I can't agree. As far as the rest of your family are concerned this must seem real. Think about it – such behaviour would soon be talked about by your servants and before you know it you will be subject to more unpleasant speculation.'
She wasn't absolutely sure she was subject to any speculation – after all the only people who were aware that she'd been spending time alone with him were members of her family or close friends. Surely they wouldn't draw unnecessary conclusions?
'Are you suggesting we dissemble? After your pitiful performance in the charades earlier this evening I doubt that anyone will be convinced.'
'I can assure you, sweetheart, that no one will question my commitment. After all, I'm elevating my status by marrying into one of the most prestigious families in the country.' He smiled and this time she didn't make the error of believing he was serious.
'And I, sir, will become fabulously wealthy. This will be considered a perfect match.' She couldn't stop a gurgle of laughter from escaping. 'The fact that we cordially dislike each other is a mere bagatelle when balanced against the advantages of our marriage.'
He joined in her laughter and the atmosphere between them changed. 'In which case, Madeline, are we agreed? You will become my betrothed until you cancel the arrangement next March.'
*
Grey watched the play of emotions across her lovely face and bitterly regretted being compelled to force her into this uncomfortable situation. She deserved better than him. He was – as she had pointed out – little more than a rough soldier unused to mixing with the ton.
He prayed he wasn't putting her life in danger by linking her name to his. He would do his damnedest to keep her safe until she could get rid of him next year.
‘Very well, but I want your word that if my brother or your grandmother asks when we intend to tie the knot, you tell them it won't be until next summer at the earliest as we are going to get to know each other better.'
'Agreed. I want your word that you will allow me to take care of you.'
Her eyes flashed. 'I have brothers who can do that. I've no need for any other protectors.'
He had no time to explain as the door opened and the duke walked in. 'Well, am I to congratulate you both?'
She looked at him and he held his breath – then she moved to his side and her smile was radiant. 'Yes, Beau, you are. I'm surprised you've agreed but naturally I'm delighted that you have.'
'The pair of you have left me little choice in the matter. I don't understand how two members of my family can have become besotted with one another in so short a time. First Bennett, and now you.' He turned and his eyes were no longer friendly. 'Carshalton, we need to talk but that will have to wait until tomorrow. Be here at ten o'clock.’
Grey nodded briefly. He refused to be intimidated by this formidable aristocrat. 'Unfortunately I have a business meeting with my factor first thing tomorrow, your grace, but I'll come as soon as that's done.'
'Are we going to tell everybody tonight or leave it until tomorrow, Beau?'
'I shall announce your engagement after I've spoken to the others – perhaps before the dancing begins would be an ideal moment.'
'I forgot to say, the musicians I engaged have failed to arrive and Giselle and I will be required to provide the accompaniment.'
The duke raised an eyebrow. 'You'll do no such thing. Unless you can find someone else there'll be no dancing tonight.'
Grey knew Madeline was going to argue. 'Don't worry, my love, I'm sure there's someone amongst your guests who will be delighted to step in. I intend to dance with you and couldn't do that if you were playing.'
He slid his arm around her waist and drew her close. Her brother's lips thinned. For all he'd given his permission Grey was pretty sure the duke had no intention of allowing his sister to actually marry someone as unsuitable as himself.
'I'll leave you to arrange matters, Madeline, whilst I go and speak to the twins and your sister. No doubt they will be as… as delighted as I am by your unexpected news.' The duke strolled away leaving an uncomfortable silence in his wake.
'Don't be upset, sweetheart, it's not you he's angry with. It's his duty to take care of his family. Before we return to join the throng shall we sit down and talk about what's likely to happen over the next few weeks?'
He guided her to the daybed and joined her, ensuring there was a respectful distance between them. 'Being engaged to me would give you more freedom to enjoy yourself without fear of offending the tabbies. You might even consider remaining attached when you go to London – it will allow you to ignore the attentions of other gentlemen.'
'And if I meet someone I don't want to ignore? What then? I can hardly spend time with another gentleman whilst still engaged to you.'
'If that happens you must cry off immediately – I'm sure you can think of a suitable excuse for breaking the engagement.'
'In which case… in which case, Grey, I'll no longer cavil. I'm not exactly sure how these things work. I seem to remember Bennett believed that once he was betrothed to Grace he should take over the role of her father and that she was then answerable to him.' She fluttered her eyelashes outrageously and simpered. 'I do hope, my lord, that you don't expect to assume my brother's position?'
She was enchanting when she chose to be, and he rather thought he was going to enjoy this masquerade. 'Much as I would like to take you in hand, my girl, the duke is more than capable of continuing in that position.'
He offered his arm and after a moment's hesitation she took it. 'Of course, I'll expect you to hang on my every word when in public.' He pulled her gently to her feet and had an irresistible urge to kiss her, but refrained. He had no intention of taking unfair advantage of this innocent – he rather envied the lucky man who would eventually have that privilege.
'I forgot to mention that my grandmother was none too pleased at being made to return her winnings. I'll be in her bad books for a while.'
'I am sure that you will soon charm her into a better humour. Far more importantly, I wonder if our supper remains on the table after all this time.' She shook her head sadly. 'I doubt that it is, but there are probably a few things left on the buffet table and I cannot go another minute without sustenance.'
*
Madeline was reliev
ed that her sister and brothers received their extraordinary news with equanimity. There had been no difficulty finding willing matrons to take turns at the piano and the remainder of the evening was quite delightful.
When Grey, for he would be that to her in future, appeared to lead her onto the floor for a third dance she shook her head. 'We’ve already danced twice and this is a waltz.'
His smile made her toes curl and when he took her hand she allowed herself to be led forward. 'I am your future husband, sweetheart, and if I say we can dance as often as we like – including the waltz – then there's no one here to gainsay this.'
'Fortunately for you the duke's in the card room so can raise no objection. Anyway, after our scandalous behaviour this evening I hardly think matters could be any worse.' The comment was intended to be light-hearted but his smile faded.
'I've no wish to cause you any further embarrassment, Madeline…'
'Fiddlesticks to that! I intend to waltz with you and care not for the opinion of anyone else. If you are satisfied I'm not behaving immodestly then that's enough for me.'
His eyes blazed. He needed no further encouragement and as the first bars of the tune echoed down the room he swept her away. He was an expert and within a few turns of the floor she was confident of her own steps and began to enjoy the dance.
Being held so close to a gentleman was a heady experience and when the final chords died away she was giddy with excitement. 'I can see from your expression, my love, that you enjoyed the waltz. Shall we join in the country dance or stroll around the grand hall and catch our breath?'
'I'm not dancing with you a fourth time, sir, even Beau would be incensed at that. I'd be delighted to promenade with you. I can't believe it's already past midnight and no one has yet departed.'
'You can consider your evening a resounding success. That reminds me, I'd better see if Lady Carshalton is ready to return. I've not seen her since she went into supper in high dudgeon some time ago.'
As before there was no sign of his elderly relative, even in the card room. After a fruitless search they came to the conclusion that the garrulous old lady had taken herself back to Heatherfield.
'I've sent a footman to the stables to see if my carriage is still there. If it isn't then I fear I'm going to have to stay here tonight.'
'We have plenty of spare rooms. I'll speak to Peebles and he'll arrange for a temporary valet and find everything you will need.'
The tea tray had been taken into the drawing room and she could hardly leave her younger sister to oversee this ritual. 'What about your meeting tomorrow morning? I doubt your carriage will be back in time to return you.'
He grinned, making him look years younger. 'There is no meeting; I invented it in order to annoy your brother.'
'Then you may have your appointment before you leave. I expect he wishes to discuss the settlement – I suppose you must go through with that as if we intended to be married next year.'
'I'll answer as I would if this was genuine. I've no need of extra funds. I'll tell him your money will remain yours to spend or save as you wish.'
He said this with such sincerity she was quite taken aback. 'Then he will be satisfied. I'm at a loss to know why he acquiesced so easily. Although we spent time together this evening I can't believe it was reason enough for my reputation to have been in tatters.'
'I'll ask him when we meet tomorrow but I think I know the answer. Someone must have overheard me when I said I was going to ask for permission to address you. Word would have been all over the county tomorrow so he was left with little choice in the matter.'
Madeline could recall exactly what had taken place at the supper table. 'I'm sure you're correct. I can only apologise again for provoking you, for being so uncivil…'
'The fault is mine, I lay no blame on you for the situation we find ourselves in.' He turned her so she was facing him and raised both her hands until they were resting on his waistcoat. She could feel his heart pounding beneath her fingers. 'This won't be so bad, sweetheart, we can ride together and I'm hoping to persuade you to come up with me on my phaeton.'
'I'll do no such thing – but I'll be happy to ride with you. Look, the footman is returning.'
He moved over to talk quietly to the servant and then returned to her. 'It's as we thought, she left some time ago. He's conveying the information to your butler so we can return to the drawing room and enjoy the remainder of the evening.'
When Madeline eventually retired she was almost beginning to believe she was really engaged. The congratulations and toasts in their honour made it seem real. Would it be so very bad to marry him? He was the handsomest gentleman she'd ever seen, was wealthy and titled and if she was honest he did make her heart beat a little faster.
Chapter Ten
Grey stretched out on top of the bed in the guest chamber he'd been allocated and reviewed the extraordinary events of the evening. He'd discovered that his grandmother was a hardened gambler and then become engaged to the delectable Madeline.
He should be unhappy, angry at finding himself in this situation, but instead he was surprisingly sanguine. Spending time with her would be no hardship.
He was eight and twenty, a wealthy man, perhaps the time had come for him to step into parson's mousetrap. She wasn't, perhaps, the sort of girl he'd have chosen but she was intelligent, kind, resourceful and undeniably lovely.
Whatever his feelings on the matter he wouldn't take liberties, wouldn't make it impossible for her to retract if she wanted to. It was going to be dammed difficult being in close proximity and not be able to make love to her.
He was drifting off to sleep in a happy daze of good wine and cognac when he jackknifed. His stomach roiled and for a moment he thought he'd cast up his accounts. A few months of civilian life and his military brain had deserted him.
He said he would protect Madeline but she would need protecting from him as things stood. There was someone in his employ working with those who sought to murder him and he'd yet to discover their identity. Once word of his engagement circulated she would be in the line of fire – what better way to bring him to his knees than threaten the woman he was supposedly in love with?
This was an unmitigated disaster and of his own making. Tomorrow, when he had his meeting with the duke, he'd explain his concerns and give his word that he would keep his distance. Perhaps it would be better if he removed himself from the neighbourhood – he could escort his relative to his ancestral home and finally meet his uncle and cousin.
He flopped back into the pillows happy that he'd come to a sensible solution that would keep Madeline safe, but he slept fitfully despite his decision.
He was woken from his restless slumber the next morning by the rattle of curtains and the banging of the shutters as they were opened. Peebles had finally sent him the valet he'd been promised.
'Good morning, my lord, I beg your pardon for disturbing your slumber, but his grace wishes to speak to you immediately.'
As Grey hadn't bothered to undress the night before he was heading for the dressing room before the man had finished speaking. A quick glance at the overmantel clock told him it was not yet eight o'clock. To be summoned so early didn't bode well.
In a short time he was shaved. He was a trifle conspicuous in his crumpled evening rig but he had nothing else to wear. He had no idea where he was to attend this meeting, but no doubt there would be a footman hovering about eager to give him the information he required.
To his surprise the duke was pacing the grand hall. 'Excellent, come with me, we must talk in private.'
His grace strode off and Grey took the last few stairs in one bound and hurried after him. The room they entered was a small, private chamber with only a table and a couple of armchairs in it. The fire had been lit and took the early morning chill from the space.
'Close the door, I don't wish us to be overheard.'
Grey did as instructed and waited to hear what had disturbed his host. 'Something is wrong – t
ell me why I've been summoned here.'
'I've had disturbing news from London – it arrived by express two hours ago. I took the liberty of making enquiries of my own after my sister was almost killed at your house. I've just received the answer.' He paused and then continued. 'Someone influential is orchestrating these attempts on your life.'
'How the hell do you know that? How did you gain access to such information?'
'My brother was a serving soldier; I used his contacts to elicit this news. You cannot remain here, your life is in grave danger; I've been reliably informed that there will be more attempts. Even with the militia patrolling the neighbourhood it will be impossible to prevent such men infiltrating the area.'
Grey hesitated and then decided to tell the duke about the murder of the man who had been given the task of delivering the letter and knife to Horse Guards. When he'd finished his tale the duke shook his head. 'I wish I'd known this yesterday for I would never have announced your engagement if I had. You must both go away from here – leave in secret – and whilst you're residing somewhere safe I'll lead the hunt for the perpetrators.'
'I can only apologise for involving your sister in my problems. I'd come to the same conclusion myself and have the ideal solution. I'll escort Lady Carshalton back to my ancestral home and Madeline can accompany us. This way she will be chaperoned and when news of our visit eventually becomes common knowledge no one will think it odd that I took my future wife to meet my family.'
'We think alike. However, nobody must know of your departure. I shall announce to the world that Madeline has contracted the measles and will be confined to her apartment for the next few weeks.'
'My grandmother had already told me she's intending to return home in November so nobody will think it strange if she decides to leave earlier. Madeline can travel with her. I'll ride, and leave at night. My staff can announce that I too have contracted the measles and am also confined to my quarters.
'I'll not travel alone; I'll take two men with me but leave the rest patrolling my grounds as if I'm still in residence. I'm certain the informant is an outside man and... Dammit! I've not thought this through. If I take any of my horses, or men, they will be missed from the stables and my absence will immediately be discovered.'
The Duke's Alliance Book Two: A Dangerous Husband Page 8
