The Marquess Meets His Match

by Maggi Andersen

  She wanted to ask him more but knew he wouldn’t tell her. And it might cause a strain between them when the evening had been so pleasant.

  During the opera, those in the surrounding boxes continued their conversations. “Don’t they care for the opera?” she asked Robert. “Or are they debating the merits of the new singer?”

  “They might have seen this opera several times. But I expect them to make their opinion of the performance known.” Robert bent his head close to hers. “The Prince of Wales is in the royal box with a lady. He appears to be in his cups.”

  Fascinated, Kate watched the prince as he patted the lady beside him on her large bosom.

  “I consider him quite oafish.”

  Robert placed a hand on her arm which warmed her through her sleeve. “Think it by all means, but do not voice it in company.”

  “Very well, but others are voicing it.” Kate watched a running commentary on the prince’s behavior pass from box to box.

  The audience paused from their chatter to hiss at a singer at the end of his aria.

  Robert turned to her and winked, and Kate had to agree that his performance was sadly lacking.

  High class courtesans were seated in a box not far from theirs, flirting with the gentlemen who called in. A blonde waved her fan at Robert and called something Kate couldn’t hear. She glanced at his profile. “Who is that lady in the rose-pink gown? She called to you.”

  “No one of any interest.” Robert’s tone made her firm her lips on another remark. He made no effort to acknowledge the woman, who pouted and turned away. A mistress? Past or present? She was lovely and most likely tall. Kate suffered an annoying flush of jealousy. She turned away, determined to enjoy the opera.

  A loud cheer went up when the star singer appeared. Several minutes passed before he began to sing.

  At interval, she and Robert rose to leave.

  “Did you enjoy the opera?” He settled her evening cloak over her shoulders.

  “It was enthralling,” Kate said. And it had been.

  They stood at the door waiting for their carriage to be brought. In a sudden deluge, grooms rushed about with the umbrellas. A lady standing beside them darted out into the rain, sheltered beneath her footman’s umbrella.

  “Did you notice her hat?” Kate asked Robert. “There was quite a large boat decorating it.”

  “It’s to be hoped it doesn’t sail off without her,” Robert replied with a grin.

  Kate chuckled. “I shall have one made.”

  “You will not.”

  “Why not? If they’re all the rage,” she said teasing him.

  “Because you’re my wife, and I refuse to allow it.” His smiling eyes held hers, and she wondered if what they spoke of had little to do with the hat. Her ermine-trimmed claret velvet cloak and the beautiful silk gown were in perfect taste.

  “You dress elegantly, Kate. You have natural good sense and don’t choose to adopt the more outrageous fashions, for which I’m grateful.”

  She smiled, pleased with his answer because it came from the heart. Their carriage arrived, and they hurried out through the rain.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Please pack the new French linen batiste,” Kate instructed the maid who carefully wrapped each gown in silver paper and placed them in the trunk. “I will wear it to the wedding.”

  Brigitte, who considered anything French to be superior, gave a nod of approval. “Merci! With the silver embroidered garlands and flowers, you shall outshine the bride.”

  “What nonsense,” Kate said with a laugh. “Merry is a lovely girl.”

  “Shall I adorn your hair with a bandeau of ostrich feathers?” Brigitte asked.

  “That is an excellent notion.”

  Brigitte preened under her praise. “Has his lordship seen you in this gown, my lady?” she asked with a sly glance.

  Kate shook her head. “You know I am yet to wear it, Brigitte.”

  “Then his lordship is in for a very nice surprise.”

  She wondered if Robert would notice. He had told her that she dressed elegantly. She wasn’t sure if that meant she looked regal, but it pleased her very much that he’d said it.

  He’d advised her that he would be dining with friends this evening. He had not done that for some time. Kate tried not to dwell on the possibility of him visiting a mistress, but her unruly thoughts returned to the blonde lady in the box at the opera.

  In the morning, when she came downstairs to breakfast, the staff were busily preparing for their journey to Bath. They would leave within a few hours. Last night she had woken when Robert arrived home quite late. Yet here he was looking fresh as he stood to greet her at the table. She smiled a welcome, her heart aching that they saw so little of each other, and when they did, it was more like two polite strangers. Could this trip change things between them? Away from the routine, they might become more relaxed with each other. Or would their problems travel with them?

  In the late afternoon, the coach entered the village of Ruscombe where they spent the night at an elegant house, the seat of Lord Chief Baron Eyre. The baron had offered its use to Robert as he remained in London. But in his absence, they were treated royally by the servants, and after an excellent dinner, retired to separate bedchambers.

  Late the next day, their coach, swaying on its cushioned springs, traveled through the town of Bath. Kate watched with interest as they passed streets of elegant houses.

  Robert sat with his back to the horses. He’d grown quiet during the day.

  “Shall we take the waters?” Kate asked, wishing for conversation.

  “Not I. Nasty stuff so I’ve heard.”

  He looked so unhappy her heart gave a wrench. “Robert, you don’t appear to be enjoying this trip.”

  “Just a problem with a business I’ve inherited.”

  “Would you prefer to talk about it?”

  He shook his head. “No, thank you, Kate. It’s a matter of replacing the manager. I’ve discovered some discrepancies in the books and believe he’s been cheating me.”

  “Oh, how worrying. Will you advise the local magistrate?”

  “My solicitor is attending to it.”

  She was reminded of how hard Robert worked. He had an enormous staff, but still carried a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. She was proud of how he dealt with it without complaint. Sometimes, after grappling with a problem for hours in the library, he emerged exhausted. It was all she could do not to go to him and soothe him. But the fear he wouldn’t welcome it, held her back.

  “And I suppose weddings aren’t high on my list of entertainments. Most men will say the same,” he added with a slight grin.

  “It’s not because your mother and her husband will be there?” She realized she was on dangerous ground, but the need to bring things out into the open made her voice her concerns.

  His aloof gaze met hers briefly before he turned back to the window. “I cannot say the prospect fills me with delight.”

  His tension was all too obvious. It was evident in his body, his back was too straight, his muscled thighs taut, his long fingers tapped the window ledge.

  And she’d just made things worse. He hadn’t forgiven her for her interference. She doubted he ever would. With a deep sigh, she played with the tassel on her reticule and fell silent.

  The carriage slowed in a lane and turned through a pair of wrought iron gates with Roseleaf Manor emblazoned on them in gold. Ahead, the roof and chimneys of a mansion appeared above woodland trees.

  The house was of pale brick with six tall columns across the front façade. Along with several footmen, the Hargroves, and their irrepressible daughter, Merry, waited beneath the portico.

  “Kate!” Merry rushed forward and threw her arms around Kate’s neck, leaving her breathless and laughing.

  She then hugged Robert who looked pleased. “You’ll soon be a married lady, Merry. Can’t go about hugging men.”

  Merry grinned at him. “Pooh. You’re my
cousin.”

  Merry reminded Kate of herself some years ago. What had happened to her irrepressible spirit? She seemed to have lost it.

  Hugh Foster greeted them with his natural reserve. Kate considered him perfect for Merry. He would keep her safe, but on a loose rein, never crushing her spirit.

  “I am so pleased to meet you at last. I trust your trip was uneventful.” Mrs. Hargrove, a small bright-eyed lady, led them into the marble foyer. Merry resembled her closely. And Kate approved of her husband. He seemed a sensible man.

  “We were very fortunate with the weather,” Kate said. “The rain held off and the roads remained passable.”

  “Barton will see to any needs you might have,” Mrs. Hargrove nodded toward the dark-clad butler who had greeted them at the door. “Meanwhile, you’ll wish to remove the travel dust. William will show you to your chamber. Then please join us in the small salon for a glass of wine. Due to the morning wedding, we shall spend a quiet evening with whist or faro. Merry requested charades, but I have dissuaded her,” she said with a smile. “She has agreed to play for us, however. She’s quite proficient at the pianoforte.”

  “How delightful. I look forward to it.”

  “I do hope you’ll be comfortable, Lady St. Malin. We’ve put you and his lordship in the blue wing.”

  William, a tall, fair footman, led them upstairs. He opened the chamber door and stepped aside with a bow. “Your luggage will be brought up as soon as it arrives, my lady. I shall bring hot water directly.” He bowed and left them.

  Kate found herself alone with Robert in the airy bedchamber papered in robin-egg blue wallpaper, the bed and the windows dressed in pale gold damask, the furniture delicate French pieces.

  They were to share a bed. Why hadn’t this occurred to her?

  Her pulse beating hard, she wandered over to the four-poster bed. Would they mend this awful rift among these snowy linens? She peeked at Robert and found him standing close behind her.

  He leaned over and prodded the bed. “Comfortable.”

  She swallowed, not fooled by the casual comment. “It’s just a bed like any other.”

  “Is it? Shall we try it out?” His eyes turned hot. He didn’t try to touch her, but the air crackled with expectation, robbing her of breath.

  Her knees weakened. “We don’t have time, surely,” she said lamely. The prospect, however much it enticed her, seemed overwhelming. “They are expecting us in the salon.”

  “Let them wait,” he said, his voice a gruff command. He stroked her cheek lightly with a finger, his eyes on her mouth. “What do you say, Kate?”

  She wanted to desperately but would a frantic coupling change anything? Was it his intention to get her with child so that he might install her in one of his properties and forget her? That is what she feared most. It was what she’d been holding out against. Was she a fool to hope they would grow closer in time, so that he would never wish to leave her? And when they made love, it would be more than mere desire, but love and respect and a need for each other, the bond that held a couple together.

  She gazed into his handsome face, and her heart filled with love while her defenses melted away. She wanted to take that chance. Wanted to get close to him anyway she could. “Robert…”

  A knock came at the door.

  Robert didn’t take his eyes from her. “Come.”

  The footman and a maid brought in the hot fragrant water and towels. “Your valet has arrived, milord. He awaits you at your convenience in your dressing room next door. Shall I send up your maid, Lady St. Malin?”

  “Yes, thank you,” Kate said with a stab of disappointment.

  The hot expression faded from Robert’s eyes. “I shall leave you to dress, Kate.” He left the room.

  Kate went to the window and stared at a distant summerhouse in the lush gardens, barely taking note of it. She wished she understood what drove Robert to make advances at such inconvenient times. He preferred their love making to be like a liaison, it seemed. He did not want to embrace the marriage bed or indeed, be married.

  She shrugged and leaned on the sill. It was growing cooler, and the trees were turning their bright autumn colors. She and Robert had remained in London throughout the heat of summer. Perhaps now, he would want to repair to the country for the shooting, as parliament was in recess and London would soon be thin of company. She thought of Cornwall with a surge of wistfulness, was it almost a year since they’d been there?

  Brigitte arrived to help her wash and change her gown.

  When she was dressed, William escorted her downstairs. The sound of laughter and conversation and the clink of glasses greeted them as they neared the salon.

  Kate paused at the door. Guests sat around the room on sofas and chairs while the footmen served wine and sweet biscuits. Robert stood by the window in conversation with a lady in a fashionable yellow and white striped gown. He laughed at some comment she made.

  The blonde-haired woman was none other than Arabella, Lady Elphinstone, Robert’s old flame. Of that Kate was sure, for the way the lady gazed up at him left no doubt.

  When he saw her, Robert excused himself and came to her side.

  “You have found someone to amuse you, it seems,” Kate said softly, hating herself for her jealousy.

  “That’s beneath you, Kate,” Robert murmured. “Lady Elphinstone is an old acquaintance. Nothing more.”

  “But you mean something to her.” Kate watched as Arabella crossed the room to them.

  Lady Elphinstone curtsied low. “How pleasant to see you again, Lady St. Malin.”

  “Indeed.” Kate returned the curtsey. “Are you acquainted with the bride, or is it the groom, Lady Elphinstone?”

  “Mr. Foster is a second cousin.”

  “Then you must be pleased with his choice of bride. Merry is delightful.”

  “I am, indeed. Are you staying above a day or so? I intend to ride. There’s an excellent bridle trail.”

  “I’m afraid not,” Kate said. “I didn’t come prepared for riding.”

  Arabella’s gaze flickered to Robert. “Perhaps you would care to ride, St. Marlin? I well remember how fine a horseman you are.”

  “Unfortunately, we must leave after the wedding,” Robert said. “We have an engagement in London.”

  Kate caught the warning glance he gave Arabella. Fury rocked her, twisting her insides.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll leave you to reminisce,” Kate said. “Lady Charlesworth is alone, and I wish to speak with her.”

  Not looking back, Kate didn’t know if Robert remained to talk to the countess or not. She fought to convince herself that she didn’t care. But her lip trembled, and she was afraid she’d cry.

  Lady Charlesworth frowned. “You are upset, my dear. But we can’t talk here.” She rose. “I seem to have left my handkerchief in my chamber.”

  Merry’s mother hurried over. “A footman will fetch it for you, Lady Charlesworth.”

  “No, thank you, my dear. I prefer to stretch my legs. Keep me company, daughter-in-law?”

  “Of course.” Kate gave in and looked back as she passed through the door. Robert had left Arabella and was now speaking to a gentleman she didn’t know.

  In Lady Charlesworth’s chamber, the lady removed her handkerchief from her reticule where it had been all the time. “Now. Please sit and tell me what has made you so unhappy. Has it something to do with my son?”

  “I’m being foolish,” Kate said, sinking onto the chaise. “I suspect Lady Elphinstone was once involved with Robert. I suppose I’m jealous.”

  His mother shook her head with a moue of distaste. “Frightful woman, Lady Elphinstone. I doubt you need to worry about her, Kate. Robert might have married her before his uncle died. He chose not to.”

  “Why didn’t he? Do you know the reason?”

  Lady Charlesworth smiled. “A lady who is a member of my sewing circle relishes gossip, and because my son was involved, delighted in telling of his affair. It has
been said that Lady Elphinstone likes variety in the bedchamber. Bacchanalias, apparently,” Lady Charlesworth whispered the word. “It appears that Robert does not. Perhaps my son is more conventional than he realizes, for he put a quick end to their relationship when he discovered it. It was some time ago, and I think you’ll find he hasn’t taken her up again.”

  Kate wished she believed it. But Arabella was beautiful and sophisticated, and she wasn’t finished with Robert.

  “Try not to let it affect you too much, my dear. You have him in your bed. Win his love. You have far more to offer than she.”

  Impossible to tell her mother-in-law that she had done precisely that, and despite his attempted seduction earlier, Robert was yet to show any real desire to repeat it. She was glad now that they hadn’t made love earlier. To find him with Arabella afterward would have hurt her more. She could not match the countess in sophistication, in the bedchamber by the sound of it, nor in artfulness.

  Later when everyone retired, Robert joined her in their room. “What did you and my mother discuss after you left the drawing room?” The sharp tone to his voice made her tense, even thought she’d expected it.

  “A variety of things.”

  He folded his arms and leaned against the bedpost. “Something that required privacy?”

  Kate thought it unwise to tell him the truth, and she refused to betray his mother. “You were mentioned, naturally. After all, you are her son. She is interested in how you are. She loves you.”

  He nodded. “I am sorry about Lady Elphinstone. She is inclined to plain speaking. You must try to ignore her.”

  “Plain speaking? The woman is smitten with you.”

  “You’re imagining things, Kate.”

  She doubted it, for that lady stood between them turning the air in the room chilly. He strode to the door. “I’ll leave you in peace and sleep in my dressing room.”

  “Robert…?” She wanted to call him back, have them talk, even laugh about it. But he was gone.

  Kate lay in bed wishing for sleep, thinking back over the evening. After she and Robert’s mother had returned to the salon, Lady Charlesworth must have observed her son’s stony face where he stood near the fireplace talking to the groom. And Lord Charlesworth looked equally uncomfortable. Fortunately, the other guests knew nothing of the undercurrents which swirled around them as they walked into the dining room for dinner.