A Marriage 0f Convenience_Historical Regency Romance

by Janet Woods

  ‘Now you may speak,’ Dominic said.

  ‘I’m full of admiration for a man who can creep up on me unobserved. What took you so long, Mr LéSayres?’

  The man’s jibe was ignored. ‘Where is Miss Ellis?’

  Rafferty jerked his thumb towards a window in the cottage. ‘In there, resting. She’ll be asleep by now. The lass has had a hard time of it.’

  ‘Take me to her.’

  ‘As to that you’ll have to ask my sister, Jancy. Right now she’s cooking breakfast. Happen she might invite you to stay if she’s in the right mood and you mind your manners. Then again, she might chase you round the kitchen table with a carving knife.’ Rafferty Jones was completely relaxed now. ‘If you’re not going to use that gun I would suggest you kindly point the damned thing elsewhere.’

  ‘I haven’t decided that yet, it depends on the answers I get.’

  ‘If you’d intended to shoot me you would have done it first up. In answer to your unspoken question, the young lady you’re seeking had been locked in her room at Oakford House for three days and four nights, and without sustenance of any kind … not even water. I found her early this morning and brought her here to my sister, to be cared for.’

  Dominic engaged the man’s eyes. They were black and unreadable. ‘Is Miss Ellis injured?’

  ‘Some. Her face is badly bruised, and she was rambling a little the last time I set eyes on her. As to the rest of her you will have to ask my sister, who soothed her mind and bathed her body and got some water inside her before she lost her wits altogether … and damned ungrateful the girl was for my help. You’ve got a handful there.’

  There was something Dominic liked about this man, even though his honesty was highly questionable. ‘What were you doing at Oakford House?’

  ‘Passing by … and I noticed the door was open.’

  ‘You must have extremely good eyesight since you can only see the roof from the road.’

  ‘Fancy that. I’ll have to remember it the next time I go there. My sight is keener than most and I must have mistaken the attic window for the front door. Luckily for the young lady, I’d say.’

  ‘Is there anything else I should know?’

  ‘Nothing that would be of great interest, I reckon. The place was in a frantic mess as if a great wind had made its way inside and whirled it all about. Some bits and pieces might have strayed.’

  ‘But not into your pockets.’

  ‘I’m as honest as the next man in these parts, but no … not into my pockets. I wanted to pay for the donkey and cart. Lady Florence was a friend of mine and she doted on that young woman. I was sorely troubled by the state she was in.’

  ‘Would you say the Curtis couple were involved in this crime of violence against Miss Ellis?’

  ‘I can’t rightly say, not for love nor money, since I never witnessed the deed being done. The girl will be able to tell you more. Or you could track the couple down, it shouldn’t be too hard for I’ve heard that the Bonnie Kathleen, has sprung a leak and it’s moored at one of the Poole shipyards.’

  Dominic raised an eyebrow. ‘Bonnie Kathleen?’

  ‘The ship the Curtis couple are to sail on?’

  ‘And Brigadier Crouch’s regiment, I believe.’

  ‘Where did you get that information from?’

  ‘It’s common knowledge, since the soldiers are creating a ruckus all over the place.

  So fortune had intervened with an opportunity to have the villains sequestered for a short time. Dominic smiled. ‘Thank you for that small piece of information, it will give me time in which to breathe.’

  ‘I reckon the Curtis couple will be running out of money soon and looking for an easy way to earn enough to buy more provisions for the journey.

  Dominic had already considered that. The voyage to Australia took several weeks, and reprovisioning didn’t come cheaply.

  The man had stated his position loud and clear and Dominic’s memory was jogged. ‘We met at Lady Florence’s funeral, did we not?’

  ‘Reckon we might of, at that. You couldn’t take your eyes off Miss Ellis for most of the time.’

  ‘Neither could most of the men there. Can you blame me when she’s such a nesh little piece.’ Trying not to laugh Dominic held out his hand. After a moment Rafferty took it. ‘You can tell yon lanky fellow hidden behind the tree to come out now. As silent as sewer rats, the pair of you.’

  ‘The lanky fellow is my brother, Earl LéSayres. Should we take the latter part of your sentence as a compliment or an insult?’

  ‘As you wish.’

  There was a click and Alex stepped out from behind the tree, a wry smile on his face. One strike buried the axe blade in the chopping block with the ease of a knife through butter.

  His gun joined Dominic’s. ‘Do take it as a compliment, Dom, and then we won’t have to go through all this taradiddle again.’ He took in a deep breath and then cast around like a hunting dog. ‘Is that breakfast I smell?’

  A woman’s face appeared at the partially open window. ‘Who wants to know?’

  Dominic introduced them. ‘This is my brother, Lord LéSayres.’

  ‘Welcome to my home, my Lord, a welcome is also extended to yourself, Mr LéSayres. Do come in. I’ll find you a place at my table.’

  ‘Thank you, Miss Jones. Regarding Miss Ellis … how is she?’ Dominic asked, worry uppermost in his voice. ‘May I see her?’

  ‘Would you deprive an invalid of a healing sleep, sir? Curb your impatience and allow her to wake naturally, it will be soon enough.’

  ‘Will she recover?’

  ‘Yes … given time, if she is looked after and her remaining strength doesn’t abandon her. When she wakes I’m going to feed her a small bowl of chicken broth. It will be the first food inside her since four days hence, and it should warm her insides and stimulate her appetite. Take my word, Mr LéSayres, Miss Ellis is in no danger now but she will feel all the better for a little tender care.’

  And Dominic was prepared to ensure she was cosseted to within an inch of her life. Already he had an ear cocked for the faintest of human sounds coming from behind the door to the adjoining room.

  They feasted on thick slices of fried bread, eggs, pork sausages and rashers of crispy fried bacon dipped in hot tomato chutney.

  Replete, Dominic leaned back in his chair. ‘That’s the best breakfast I’ve ever had.’

  ‘Likewise, but it’s a shame to waste that,’ and Alex expertly speared a stray sausage left on Dominic’s plate.

  A mug of tea washed it down.

  Then a tired, scared little voice hesitantly called out Jancy’s name and Dominic shot to his feet. The woman was quicker and headed for the room Grace occupied, a bowl of broth in her hands.

  Dominic half-stood to catch a glimpse of her and Grace smiled at him through the open door. She looked as though she’d been used as a punching bag!

  Jancy came between them. ‘Give us a few moments, I want to get some of this broth into her, and she will want to tidy her hair before she receives visitors. I’ll call you. Mind you don’t bang your head on the beam when you come inside.’

  When Dominic finally gained admittance Alex dogged his heels. They found Jancy seated on a chair near the window and Grace propped up against the pillows. The broth was on the table, untouched.

  Up close, Grace’s face was in a pitiful state and the men gazed at each other, appalled that a woman so young could absorb such punishment.

  Lifting her hands to her face she covered the bruises with her palms. ‘Dominic, you’ve come, but don’t look at me,’ she mumbled through swollen lips.

  ‘Did you think I wouldn’t look for you?’ He took her hands in his and drew them to his mouth, kissing each one. ‘This is my elder brother, Lord Alexander, Earl LéSayres.’

  The similarity between the brothers was marked, except the earl had blue eyes. The presence of one LéSayres man was powerful, two, rather intimidating.

  For once she forgot to compla
in about Dominic’s kisses, just said, ‘I don’t want anyone to see me like this.’

  ‘My brother is here to be introduced. When you’ve recovered enough to travel he will escort you to his home, where you can be properly cared for.’

  Grace gazed at the familiar-looking stranger. How very like Dominic he was. ‘You are very kind, my Lord, but I don’t want to be a problem to anyone. Won’t your wife object?’

  ‘The countess suggested the arrangement in the first place. We’ve discussed the situation of your employment and accommodation with my brother a few days ago, and have already made plans that should carry you over until you can be settled in your own accommodation. Vivienne is quite looking forward to your visit … though we didn’t expect someone quite so sorely battered when we formulated our plans. Rest assured, you’ll be welcomed in my home.’

  Dominic scolded, ‘Why haven’t you eaten that broth?’

  ‘My face hurts and I can’t chew it.’

  ‘Jancy made broth so you don’t have to chew anything, but just swallow it. Let’s see what we can do if I help you.’

  ‘I don’t want to eat.’

  ‘Of course you do. Look how thin you’re becoming. You will disappear altogether if we’re not careful, and then what will I do without a clerk?’

  The earl’s smile was one of great charm. ‘You’d better do as you’re told because my brother is as stubborn as they come.’

  Dominic tucked a napkin under her chin, scooped out a spoonful of broth from the bowl and held it to her mouth, saying with great menace that drew a painful laugh from her, ‘Eat it.’ When she swallowed he offered her another spoonful.

  He melted her mutinous look with a smile. ‘There, that wasn’t too bad. Jancy’s gone to the trouble to make this and the least you can do is eat it. Another one … come on, Gracie girl, you know I’m going to win.’ Another spoonful followed another, then another. Somewhere along the way her appetite returned.

  ‘Sorry to be such … trouble.’

  He sighed. ‘There, the bowl is nearly empty now … just a spoonful or two left. There’s no need to apologize to me. I said I’d come back, but I was late and it was unforgiveable of me.’ A lump gathered in his throat. ‘Look at the state you’ve managed to get yourself into without me here to look after you. Did Brian Curtis do this to you?’

  The shine disappeared from her eyes and she nodded. ‘He wanted to know where the strongbox was and wouldn’t believe I didn’t know.’ As she gazed at him through wounded amber eyes, anger burned in him. She should be blaming him not regarding him with such affection.

  She opened her mouth for the remaining spoonful.

  Afterwards he took the bowl to Jancy. ‘I’d appreciate a few moments alone with Miss Ellis. I’ll only keep you a moment or two. Alex, you can stay.’

  When the woman had left the room he sat on the edge of the bed and gently took Gracie into his arms.

  Alex turned his back and wandered to the window, there to gaze through the ivy. It allowed Dominic a thin veneer of privacy.

  Grace rested in Dominic’s arms, her head against his shoulder. Her hair smelled deliciously of lavender. It was in its natural state, except it was gathered into a green ribbon tied in a bow, to stop it falling into her eyes. Yet it tumbled over her shoulders and was tossed through with fiery glints.

  ‘Tell me what happened, Gracie.’

  Her tale matched that of Rafferty Jones. ‘Mr Jones frightened me at first with his banter, and I fainted. He must have realized I was ill and wrapped me in a blanket and brought me here to his sister. I would have died without his intervention.’

  ‘That’s all we need to know,’ he said when she began to tremble, and he nodded to Alex.

  The earl excused himself, cursing when he banged his head on the beam. Gracie gave a quiet chuckle wrapped in a sob and said, ‘Mind the beam.’

  Neither spoke or moved, they just held each other. After a while she relaxed against his shoulder and her breathing became even and regular. She’d fallen asleep again … more of an escape after the horror she’d endured than of tiredness, Dominic thought. He lowered her carefully back on to the pillows and pulled the quilt up to her chin.

  There was a knock at the door and Jancy returned. Obviously she wasn’t going to allow her charge to be left in the company of two men for long. He placed a kiss on the very tip of Gracie’s nose, which seemed to be the only part of her that remained undamaged.

  Jancy regarded him with approval and whispered, ‘It wouldn’t be wise to move her yet. The attack would have shocked her and she’ll have periods of melancholy when she will sleep, or weep. She has extensive bruising on her body.’

  Fury flashed through him. How could any man treat a woman so badly? ‘I’ll kill him when I catch up with him.’

  ‘Killing him will make things harder, for Miss Ellis would have that on her conscience as well. She would also lose the respect she feels towards you. She has a good heart and appears to be the type of woman who would rather forgive and forget.’

  The woman was right. Gracie might display flashes of temper but she wasn’t vindictive. ‘I promised her a maid and you seem to me to be a sensible woman. Would you be interested in taking on the position in a temporary capacity? Then I will leave it to Miss Ellis to decide if it is to become permanent. I paid scant attention to her reputation when I made arrangements for the Oakford House staff, and I need a woman who can look after her.’

  Jancy didn’t even stop to consider it, just nodded. ‘I’ve been looking for a position. Your lady won’t be well enough to move for a day or two. Raff shouldn’t have brought her here … he should have taken me to her.’

  ‘Your brother did his best, considering.’

  ‘Considering what?’

  ‘That he didn’t want to be caught inside Oakford House in case he was accused of ransacking it, or worse, was accused of being the perpetrator of injury to Miss Ellis. He said he’d heard there were soldiers passing through the district, creating trouble at some of the inns. He thought it would be wise for both him and Miss Ellis to avoid them.’

  ‘Some would call it a likely tale, sir.’

  ‘It’s exactly that, since I’m expecting Brigadier Crouch in a few days. It would have been easy to come to the wrong conclusion under such circumstances. My brother would have soon smoked out a lie, though. So yes, we do believe Mr Jones’ tale to be the truth. I’m grateful for his intervention and for yours. Your brother will be properly compensated, and so will you.’

  Relief filled the woman’s face. ‘Thank you, sir.’

  ‘Miss Ellis is sleeping now. I’ve been considering a plan for her welfare and will need any power of persuasion you can put to good use. I will put my plan before you all in case you have any valid suggestions.’

  ‘Miss Ellis seems to be strong willed.’

  Dominic grinned and held up a hand. ‘No doubt Miss Ellis will see the benefit in my plan and will do as she’s told.’

  ‘Yes sir, there’s no doubt at all that she’ll appreciate your plan,’ she said, and Dominic didn’t miss the irony in her voice.

  Thirteen

  Grace woke from sleep with her stomach aching from hunger, her mouth dry and her lips cracked through lack of moisture. Although clear of mind, her body felt stale. She groaned when she moved, testing each aching muscle before she put it to use. Crawling out of a cosily quilted nest she stepped carefully to the washstand, there to scoop water from the washing bowl and splash it over her face. She shivered as the sudden change in temperature brought her to life.

  The room she was in was familiar. It resembled every cottage she’d ever been in, with its low beams and its blackened stains over the mantelpiece. In the corner a screen offered privacy for the comfort of the occupant.

  Her clothing hung over the chair, washed and ironed, the hose displaying several darns where once there had been holes. One of Lady Florence’s discarded winter shawls was folded on the seat. There was only one shoe.

 
; She remembered a woman called Jancy and called out her name.

  The woman bustled in, wreathed in smiles. ‘You look much improved, Miss Ellis. Your young man has appointed me to the position of lady’s maid for the time being. Mr LéSayres says the final decision will be yours. Would you like to dress?’

  Grace didn’t bother to correct her. If Dominic had hired Jancy to look after her and the woman didn’t mind moving to Poole, Grace was not going to throw his generosity in his face, nor question his judgement. ‘Where are we, Jancy … do you know?’

  ‘In my brother’s cottage.’

  She remembered Rafferty Jones. ‘Ah yes. He gave me a fright.’

  ‘The fool didn’t realize how ill you were. When you passed out, he ran all the way here, carrying you in his arms. Fair worn out with running, he was, when he could have used the donkey cart. Now he’s explained his actions to Mr LéSayres who says there’s no fault in either his intentions or his actions, and Raff feels like a right lump for acting so daft.’

  ‘I’m happy that he did and must thank him for saving my life … for there’s no doubt that he did. I thought I saw Mr LéSayres earlier. Is he still here?’

  Jancy said, ‘He was here early this morning. He came to check on your condition and see how you fared. Now he’s gone back to Oakford House to clean up the mess and collect your belongings.’

  Disappointment filled her at missing him.

  ‘He shouldn’t be too long. In the meantime I’m going to give you a nice relaxing bath and see to those bruises.’

  ‘I seem to have lost a shoe.’

  ‘Aye, you have, but no doubt Mr LéSayres will find it. He seems to have a keen eye for detail.’

  Ten minutes later Grace folded herself into a metal tub, her chin almost resting on her knees. Jancy wedged a chair under the door handle and set to work. Soon Grace’s skin began to tingle under the gentle massage of a fragrant soapy sponge, while Jancy provided her with a detailed description of the injuries she couldn’t see with some relish. ‘That scar on your shoulder is the worse one. I reckon he used a poker. Luckily, he missed your noggin.’