He pulled up a chair and sat next to her – far too close for her composure.
'Doctor Faulkner says you should be well enough to ride tomorrow but we have to leave before that. My grandmother didn't stop at the hostelry as planned – God knows where she is. And I had to tell our host I carried a special licence in my pocket and he's determined to fetch the curate so we can be married before we leave here.'
She wasn't sure which piece of news was the more worrying. 'If we were who we said we are then his suggestion would be sensible. What did you tell him?'
'I said we'd intended to marry at my family home in Kent, and that you would be devastated to be required to marry without your bride clothes being ready.'
'How ingenious! I cannot think how a rough soldier was able to think of something so sensible – I wouldn't have expected you to even know about bride clothes.'
'I've heard talk of such nonsense in the mess. Refusing to marry me because you don't have the correct ensembles won't work as a reason, sweetheart. Any young lady who was prepared to ride through the night with her betrothed would be eager to marry as soon as the opportunity presented itself.'
'Does that mean we have to creep away like burglars in the night? It seems a poor way to return his hospitality. Once this matter is settled I shall get my brother to visit him and explain…' She stammered to a halt as the enormity of her situation registered. If she was to appear in public again she had no alternative but to make this betrothal genuine and marry Grey.
He had already come to this conclusion and took her hands in his. 'Don't look so stricken, little one, being married to me won't be so bad. I'll make you a good husband.'
'I wanted to marry for love not because I had no choice.'
His smile was sad. 'A lot of unions begin without strong feelings on either side, but I see no reason why this should be an impediment to a satisfactory marriage.' He raised her hands to his mouth and a shiver of something she didn't recognise flickered down her spine.
'There are other things involved between a man and a woman, sweetheart. Do you understand of what I speak?'
His eyes burned into hers and she was transfixed. Slowly he kissed each knuckle in turn and her breath caught in her throat. She wanted to tell him to stop but for some reason the words wouldn't come.
Slowly he stood up and without releasing her hands leaned down. His lips brushed across hers. Something strange was happening to her – she couldn't think straight – her heart was racing and she couldn't stop herself from responding.
Her hands were free and of their own volition they reached out and encircled his neck drawing him down. His kiss deepened and one hand pulled her closer whilst the other cupped her face. She was lost to all sense of propriety, wanted something more from him but didn't know what this was.
'Captain Clark, have you taken leave of your senses?' Doctor Faulkner said loudly from right behind them.
Grey slowly raised his head as if nothing untoward had taken place. He winked at her and then turned to face his accuser. 'Good morning, sir, one would have expected a gentleman to knock before entering a lady's room.'
'I am a physician, and this is my home. Your behaviour is disgraceful and I must ask you to leave immediately.'
'We shall be happy to do so as soon as Miss Devenish has broken her fast and got herself ready.'
Madeline knew this wasn't what the doctor had meant and felt sorry for the man being put in this invidious position.
'That wasn't my intention – I've no desire to evict you from my house, merely from this chamber.'
'In which case, I'll do as you request and apologise if kissing my bride-to-be does not meet with your approval.'
The two men were talking as if she was invisible and now that her initial embarrassment had faded she was ready to take part in the conversation. She pushed herself upright and drew breath but Grey, who was still holding her hand, squeezed it sharply.
Obviously he didn't want her to participate and she must be careful not to exacerbate the situation. 'I shall come and see you again, my love, but only if you're in a position to receive me.' With a causal wave he strolled out. She wasn't sure if she was pleased or sorry to see him depart.
'Miss Devenish, have you walked on your injury this morning?'
Her cheeks flushed anew as there was only one reason she could have left her bed. 'I have, and it was not as bad as I feared.'
‘Excellent news. I suggest you remain where you are until this afternoon and then move into your sitting room and see how you feel.'
'Do you think that when I can walk about easily I will also be able to ride?'
'Absolutely not – if you are set on leaving here so precipitously then I suggest you borrow my carriage to convey you to your destination.' He gave her a direct stare. 'From Captain Clark's prevarication, am I to assume that you don't actually have the required document that would allow you to get married today?'
She coloured under his scrutiny and couldn't deny his accusation. 'We didn't anticipate having to spend the night anywhere, sir, and thought we could call the banns as soon as we were with his family in Kent.'
'Then I shall suggest to your future husband that he sends one of his men to London to obtain the special licence. If he travels post he can be there and back in twenty-four hours. This should be no obstacle as you will be unable to continue your journey on horseback for several days.'
She could do nothing but acquiesce to his suggestion. 'Could I ask you to inform the captain?' She twisted her fingers in the sheets before risking a glance in his direction. To her surprise he was looking sympathetic. 'This was not how I anticipated my marriage, but we must do what is right. I apologise if our behaviour offended you.'
To her astonishment he chuckled. 'I might be a bachelor, Miss Devenish, but I'm well aware how things are when a couple is as much in love as you two are.'
Chapter Thirteen
Grey received the news that he was to send Jenkins to London for a second time with resignation. He also sent Smith with a message to the duke informing him of what had taken place. He was still mystified by the fact that his grandmother had chosen not to stay where they'd agreed or, he must assume, be there to take up Madeline.
The only explanation he could think of was that she decided she wished to have no active part in his arrival at his ancestral home. He hadn't expected his uncle or cousin to be overjoyed to see him and Madeline, but he hadn't thought things might be so bad that his elderly relative felt the need to distance herself from the event.
This escapade was a mistake – what had he been thinking of to embark on such a scheme? Had he known all along that he would be obliged to marry Madeline because of it? He hoped that he'd demonstrated how passion was enough to make their union successful, and that the romantic love she'd thought essential to happiness could be dispensed with.
Mutual respect and affection, coupled with desire, was more than most couples had when they embarked on matrimony. Being forced into a hasty marriage wasn't ideal for either of them but he was determined to make a success of it. He would do his damnedest to be a good husband. He was sure once the nursery began to fill she would forget her dreams and be content with what she had.
His trunk was with his grandmother and he only had the overnight essentials with him. If he was to be married tomorrow then he wished to do so in smart togs and not the ones he had on.
The doctor went on his rounds leaving Grey to his own devices. He was loath to return to speak to Madeline until he had been sent word she was fully clothed and in her sitting room. His valet must act as his messenger as his two men had already set off on different errands.
He found Slater staring morosely out of the window in his temporary abode. 'I've a task for you. I wish you to go after Lady Carshalton so that you may bring me my baggage. Hopefully you'll catch up with her before she reaches Blakely Hall.'
His valet looked dubious. 'That's all very well, sir, but what am I expected to do with your trunk once I
have it? I can hardly bring it back on the packhorse.'
'Of course you can't – I'm not a simpleton. Her ladyship must return with you – I'd like her to be here when I exchange my vows. I'm sure she'll be only too happy to come – but if she is already at her destination, don't go after her.'
Half an hour later Slater was on his way riding the gelding Grey had borrowed. If his valet cut across country he might well be lucky and reach the carriage before it turned onto his uncle's property. He refused to remain apart from Madeline a moment longer – there were things they needed to talk about before tomorrow.
*
The girl who'd been allocated to Madeline was inclined to gossip. However, being able to hear what was taking place elsewhere in this establishment made her incarceration less boring. Although her instructions had been to remain where she was until this afternoon she refused to remain in bed a moment longer.
'I intend to get up now. I believe you've already pressed the one gown I have with me so I shall wear that. Do you have the experience to dress my hair?'
The girl dipped briefly. 'I do, miss, I've acted as a lady's maid for other guests.'
A tedious and painful twenty minutes passed before Madeline was clothed and able to sit at the dressing table to have her hair arranged. She was pleased with the result. 'Thank you, that looks splendid. Would you be kind enough to assist me into the sitting room? I'll sit on the chaise longue so that I can put my feet up.'
This time she was able to hobble quicker than before but the thought of riding in the near future filled her with horror. Molly, the maid, had already informed her that Jenkins, Smith and Slater had ridden off which meant that only she and Grey remained of their small party.
She was about to ask the girl to find him when he knocked and put his head around the open door. 'Excellent, sweetheart. I'm glad you're dressed because now I'll cause no further offence to our charming host by visiting you in here.'
'No doubt you would have done so regardless of his disapproval. Come in, Grey, please tell me what's going on and where you've sent your men.'
'I shall do so but first I have to tell you we are to be married tomorrow afternoon – in fact as soon as Jenkins returns with the special licence.'
She should have been horrified by his announcement but she'd already resigned herself to this fact. After the way they'd behaved earlier there was no alternative. 'Actually I'm relieved to hear your news. I'm sorry you've been pushed into this union, but I give you my word I'll be the best wife I can in the circumstances.' Her heart was heavy as she spoke again. 'I wish there were stronger feelings on both sides, but we respect and like each other and after this morning I know that becoming your wife will not be too unpleasant.'
He bent down, carefully picked up her legs and then slid in beneath them. 'I'll make you happy, sweetheart, and unlike many brides you will still be close to your family home. Lord Sheldon and his wife will be back in a week or two and will reside no more than two miles from Heatherfield.'
'In that case, Grey, we must discuss what's to happen next. Are we to continue to Blakely Hall as planned or return to Heatherfield after the ceremony? Which reminds me, what happened with Lady Carshalton?'
'For some reason she didn't stay at the hostelry as expected, but I've sent Slater after her. Hopefully he will return before dark with my grandmother. I've also sent a letter to the duke – so it's possible he will turn up here as well.'
He announced that both his family and hers were about to descend upon this establishment as if it was perfectly normal to foist one's relatives on a complete stranger. 'I sincerely hope you asked Doctor Faulkner if he was prepared to accommodate these extra guests before you sent the letter?'
He grinned, quite unrepentant. 'Of course I didn't, my love, he might have refused and then where would we be?'
'In which case I suggest you do so forthwith. How big is this house? Are there sufficient guest rooms to accommodate those you invited so cavalierly?' She almost tumbled from the chaise longue as she recalled something else they'd quite forgotten. 'You must tell the doctor who we are – we can hardly keep up the pretence now.'
His expression was comical. 'Good grief! My wits are wandering. Of course I must do that when I tell him he's to expect further uninvited guests.' He smiled and stroked her leg sending ripples of pleasure to a most unusual place.
'To answer your previous question about this place, sweetheart, it's not as big as Heatherfield but still substantial. I'm sure there are at least another two guest rooms available – if there aren't then your brother and I will have to share.' He said this with a commendably straight face but she didn't rise to his teasing.
'And I suppose that your grandmother must come in with me? I quake in my boots at the thought of being required to share with that redoubtable lady.'
'Nobody will have to share, Madeline, so don't look so perturbed.' His expression became more serious and he picked up the hand that was lying on the coverlet closest to him. 'Did your mother explain to you what happens in the marriage bed?'
She snatched her hand back and stared at him open-mouthed. Until he mentioned it she hadn't even considered he might consummate the union immediately. 'I scarcely know you. Surely you don't expect me to become your true wife so soon?'
His eyes blazed and then the darkness was gone. 'I don't expect you to, sweetheart, but I would like you to. You are the most desirable and loveliest young woman I've ever met and it's only natural that I should want to make love to you.'
This conversation was totally unsuitable and she was scarlet from top to toe. 'Please go away – this discussion is over. I want your word this will remain a marriage in name only until I'm ready.'
'You have my word – you shall remain inviolate until you invite me into your bed.'
His wicked smile made her hot all over again and he showed no sign of doing as she asked. If her hip were not so sore she would attempt to kick him from the daybed.
He leaned back apparently unconcerned by her agitation. 'I've been thinking about what you said earlier – I think it wise not to go back to my home until we have the man behind the attacks in custody. If you're agreeable, sweetheart, I'd like to continue to Blakely Hall and introduce you to my estranged relatives.'
'Actually, I should like to do that, especially as we will be married. I wasn't looking forward to the visit before, although I understood the necessity for leaving our homes. I shall be more sanguine meeting your estranged relatives when I am your wife.'
'I'm relieved to hear you say so. The duke's making further enquiries in London on my behalf and I should have news before long.' He lifted her feet a little so he could stand up. 'I'll go and speak to the doctor now. I hope he isn't too dismayed to discover he might have the Duke of Silchester arriving on his doorstep at any minute.'
'I should be overjoyed if Beau came – I'd really like there to be a member from either side of our family to stand as witnesses to our nuptials tomorrow.' She couldn't restrain her giggle. 'I don't envy you your conversation and wish I could be a fly on the wall when our host discovers our deception.'
'I don't think he'll be unduly surprised that we're not who we say we are – he's an astute gentleman and must already be puzzled by our strange story.' He bent down and before she could protest his mouth closed over hers in a gentle kiss. 'I'll come back later and tell you how he received the news.'
After he'd gone Madeline closed her eyes and let her thoughts drift. Would Beau bring Lottie and her luggage with him? She would prefer to have something elegant to wear at the makeshift ceremony tomorrow – after all she wouldn't be a bride again – at least she hoped she wouldn't.
*
Grey finished his explanation and waited for Dr Faulkner's reaction.
'I wondered how long it would be before you were forced to tell me the truth. I can understand your reasons for the masquerade, but I'm relieved that your adventure was not in fact an elopement.'
'I can only apologise, sir, but we cobbled
together the story without considering the consequences. I'm hoping that whoever has been orchestrating these attempts on my life won't decide to follow the duke. I don't want to visit further disruption on your home.'
'I have half a dozen stout outside men who all know how to use a firearm. They are at your disposal.'
'Thank you. With your permission I'll reconnoitre your boundaries and speak to your men.'
'Go ahead; as a military gentleman I'm sure you know best how to arrange matters. Now, if you will excuse me, I've paperwork to attend to. I'll speak to my staff and you can be sure everything will be ready, if and when, Lady Carshalton and the duke arrive. Dinner will be delayed until five o'clock – hopefully they will be here by then.'
This was the first opportunity Grey had had to examine the property from the outside. As expected the usual offices were below stairs, and directly behind the kitchen was a cobbled courtyard. To the left was the laundry and to the right the dairy. The far side of the yard had an archway that led to the stables and coach house. No doubt the various doors either side of the arch were storerooms of some sort.
This was indeed a grand establishment for a country doctor – the man must have deep pockets. The stables were, like the house, of modern construction and the animals had comfortable stalls with plenty of room to lie down if they so desired.
After speaking to the coachman and the two grooms he was satisfied they could handle a musket if necessary and actually seemed excited at the prospect of being involved in something dangerous. He was then directed to the gardens where he found the other three men busy about their tasks.
By the time he returned to the house everything was in place. The six men would be on the lookout for strangers and all had access to weaponry if needs be.
The housekeeper greeted him with far more enthusiasm than she had done the previous night. She curtsied deeply. 'My lord, everything is ready for when Lady Carshalton and his grace arrive. I've also made arrangements for rooms for their personal staff. It would be of great assistance to me if I was to be given some information about how many there might be accompanying his grace and her ladyship.'
The Duke's Alliance Book Two: A Dangerous Husband Page 11
