The Duke's Deception

by Fenella J Miller

  about us.’

  Marianne didn’t enquire who was in fact paying their wages. She supposed these arrangements had been made by the lawyers but thinking about such things made her tired. When the summons came for her to go down and meet her guardian it was past five o’clock. Being kept waiting for over two hours had not improved her temper and she was not disposed to like a young man who treated her with such incivility.

  Chapter Two

  The footman led Marianne across the chequered hall and along the light, carpeted passageway. She had time to admire the recently placed gold and green striped wallpaper and the matching fabrics of the window dressings before he stopped outside the library.

  The young man knocked and pressed his ear to the wood. He nodded and opened the door, standing back to allow her to enter. She heard the quiet click as it closed behind her.

  She sank into a deep curtsy keeping her eyes fixed to the floor, unexpectedly nervous now she was face to face with the man who had control of her life and fortune. She struggled to find the anger that had sustained her on her journey to this room but it had been replaced by anxiety.

  A deep, well-modulated voice bid her stand-up and she raised her head. ‘Welcome, Miss Devenish. We could be brother and sister could we not?’

  The man leaning nonchalantly against the wall, smiled and flapped a hand in the direction of the chintz covered chaise-longue. Marianne sat, as quickly as her shock allowed on the indicated day-bed. She shook her head making her hated ringlets dance.

  ‘I beg your pardon, sir, I am forgetting my manners. I am pleased to make your acquaintance and thank you for so kindly taking me in.’

  Her guardian made her a magnificent leg and strolled to a matching seat placed opposite. He folded himself elegantly and stretching out, crossed his booted legs at the ankle.

  ‘Well, my dear, this is an awkward situation is it not? You expecting old Uncle Richard and I expecting no one.’

  Marianne drew breath to answer then decided his comments were rhetorical and folded her hands in her lap and waited for him to continue.

  ‘It will not do - you realize that? I cannot have a young miss living here. I am a bachelor.’

  She nodded, John’s information was apparently correct. ‘Then where am I to go, sir?’

  He smiled happily. ‘It’s all arranged. You are to reside with Lord and Lady Grierson at Frating Hall. They have a large family and a daughter, who is eighteen, as you are. You will be better suited to a family than stuck here with me, shall you not?’

  She shrugged. ‘I will do as I am bid, sir. If you require me to go to Frating Hall, I’m happy

  to oblige.’ Marianne felt pricking behind her eyelids. She was beginning to feel like an unwanted parcel. Could he not have seemed a little sad at having to part with her? But she didn’t wish to be seen as a watering pot by this languid young man so blinked back her tears.

  *

  Theo’s eyes narrowed when he saw her distress. His natural instinct was to reassure her but he was unable to do so without stepping out of character. ‘I shall be sending a bank draft to Lady Grierson to cover your expenses.’ He paused and raked her from head to toe. ‘She has instructions to clothe you as befits your future status - and herself and Miss Grierson also. You cannot appear in society however meagre, dressed as you are.’

  His criticism served its purpose. He saw her beautiful blue eyes flash with anger, but she hid it well. Only an expert would have detected it.

  ‘My wardrobe is almost non-existent. It was impossible to transport all but the barest

  necessities on horseback. It will be delightful to be allowed free rein in my choices and to have a friend to share the pleasure with.’

  ‘That reminds me, my dear girl, it will not do to go around the countryside astride on that gelding of yours. I will supply you with a more suitable mount and keep him for myself.’

  She was on her feet glaring at him before he had completed his sentence. ‘You will do no such thing, sir. Sultan is my horse and he goes with me. I can ride him as well side-saddle as astride.’

  Theo glanced upwards apparently admiring the elegant plastered moulding, allowing his anger to subside before giving his reply. He uncoiled easily and closed the distance between them with one stride. The girl for a second was intimidated by his size, then relaxed when she saw his expression.

  ‘No need to fly up into the boughs, my dear. It’s no matter to me if you keep your mount or not.’ He smiled fatuously but if she had been paying better attention she would have realized the amusement was not genuine. ‘And providing a suitable mare would necessitate travelling to Town - far too fatiguing in this weather.’

  He stepped past her and tugged the bell. ‘My carriage is outside, your entourage ready. I will escort you to the door, my dear.’

  *

  A surprisingly firm hand gripped her elbow and guided her back along the corridor to the spacious entrance hall.

  The butler opened the front door with a flourish and Marianne found herself at the bottom of the steps. She was lost for words. He handed her into the carriage and closed the door. He leant in his expression bland.

  ‘I shall allow you time to settle and refurbish your wardrobe before I call at Frating Hall to see how you go on.’

  ‘Thank you, sir. I shall look forward to your visit.’

  He nodded apparently satisfied with her response. He waved to the coachman. ‘Drive on; the Grierson’s are waiting eagerly for your arrival.’ Without a backward glance he turned and sauntered up the steps and vanished inside.

  ‘Miss, I can hardly credit it! Sir Theodore could be your brother so alike are you.’

  ‘It is extraordinary is it not?’ Marianne agreed. ‘Jane, have you and John discovered anything of interest about the Griersons? Sir Theodore spoke highly of them but as he is not a man of superior intellect I can’t rely on his opinion.’

  ‘I’ve heard only good of them, apart of course from living above their means. There are two boys, one older and the other younger than you and three girls. One, Miss Emily, is your age the other two still in the schoolroom.’

  ‘Yes, my guardian, told me about Emily Grierson. It will be pleasant to have a contemporary to converse with for the first time.’ She leant back and closed her eyes ending the conversation. She sighed, wondering if she would fit in with her new family. She had few social graces and was used to doing as she pleased. Perhaps the money would not be enough and the Grierson’s would reject her also? What if she offended them or attracted another unsuitable beau? Would they get rid of her as her grandmother had? Marianne wiped her eyes with the dainty linen square Jane handed her.

  The carriage lurched sideways throwing her violently against the window and remained tilted at an alarming angle. She rubbed her bruised forehead and peered anxiously through the glass expecting the vehicle to tip right over.

  John appeared and wrenched open the door. ‘Are you injured, Miss Devenish? The driveway to Frating Hall is riddled with potholes and we’re temporarily stuck in one.’

  ‘It’s no matter John. If we’re already on the drive, we can walk from here.’

  ‘Very well, miss. I’ll send Tom ahead to alert them of your arrival.’

  There was no advantage in lowering the steps as they would have pointed uselessly into the

  sky. John reached in and gripping her arms swung her through the door and placed her on the rutted driveway. As he turned to rescue his wife Marianne looked around with interest.

  She saw the neglected state of the drive, the unkempt trees and shrubs but they did not concern her. This was no more than she was used to for Upton Manor had been left to decay after her father’s untimely death. There had been sufficient funds to keep it up but her mother had chosen otherwise. What caught her attention was the house glimpsed ahead; the soft red brick of its walls and the glitter of the myriad large windows were welcoming. This edifice was a delightful change from the dark grey stones and tiny leaded panes of the place
where she had grown up.

  ‘Look, Jane, what a lovely house! See it faces west and has an open aspect and I can spy a church tower over there behind that stand of oaks. How wonderful to be able to walk to service every Sunday!’

  Jane nodded. ‘Some parts of it are in sad need of repair. And there are several tiles missing and if I’m not mistaken there are birds nesting in the guttering.’

  Marianne smiled. ‘Small matter, Jane, it looks a happy house. I shall not heed a leaky roof if the people who dwell under it are kind and friendly.’

  They watched Tom canter off down the avenue made dark by the overhanging branches of the unloved trees. Leaving John and the others to right the coach she set off towards the large, ivy clad building.

  ‘There are deer in the park and I can hear nightingales singing in the trees. That has to be a good sign, surely?’

  ‘That’s as may be, miss; nightingales sing anywhere, they’re not fussy who lives in the vicinity.’

  ‘You’re correct, Jane. But I still believe this place has a contented feel in spite of the obvious dilapidation.’

  They rounded the curve of the drive and were able to see the whole of Frating Hall. The building was bathed in late afternoon sunlight, its mellow red bricks appearing almost pink. This was indeed a beautiful house.

  ‘It has been recently restored, in part, I think,’ Marianne exclaimed. ‘The front is modern, the windows well proportioned. They must once have had funds to have been able to improve the property so much.’

  ‘Well, they have none now or this drive would be in better repair and their roof would have

  been mended,’ Jane replied sourly.

  Before they were in hailing distance the front door opened and a flood of figures poured from it waving gaily. In spite of her reticence Marianne found her mouth curving and her arm rising in response. A slight, dark haired figure detached itself from the group. Gathering up her skirts the young lady, decorum thrown to the winds, ran pell-mell towards them.

  Marianne increased her pace eager to make the acquaintance of the girl speeding towards her.

  ‘Oh, I am so glad you are here, Miss Devenish,’ Emily Grierson gasped as she skidded inelegantly to a halt beside them.

  ‘I am pleased to meet you, Miss Grierson. It’s kind of your family to offer me a place to live at such short notice.’

  ‘Fiddlesticks to that! They would accommodate the devil himself if he offered to pay as handsomely as Sir Theodore is for you.’ Not allowing Marianne to comment Emily slid her arm through hers and chattering non-stop led Marianne to meet the family who were to become her own for the foreseeable future.

  Quickly realizing Emily didn’t require a reply Marianne had time to examine the huddle

  outside waiting to greet her. The tall, spare, grey-haired man must be Lord Grierson, he could be no one else. The short, plump lady her dark hair escaping in disarray from a lace edged cap, was Lady Grierson. The two little girls in blue calico and crumpled aprons were the youngest daughters, Beth and Eleanor, which left only the two young men to sort out.

  The tallest, his dark hair flopping engagingly over his forehead had to be the heir. Charles was dressed in battered, unpolished top-boots and buff breeches, a white shirt, hastily knotted neck-cloth and brown stuff jacket,. The stocky figure, equally unkempt of dress, must be the younger brother, Edward.

  The grip on her arm tightened as they drew closer. ‘Here we are, Miss Devenish, come and meet my family. You can see they are as eager as I to greet you in person.’

  Lord Grierson stepped forward and held out his arms. Marianne did not hesitate but walked

  straight in to receive the first embrace she had ever had from an adult male. He held her at arm’s length his eyes twinkling.

  ‘Welcome, my dear child, welcome indeed. I am delighted to meet you and apologize for the parlous state of my drive.’ He chuckled. ‘But with your help I shall be able to put all things to rights.’ He kept hold of her hand and drew her towards his wife.

  ‘Here is Lady Grierson, my dear; she is to be a mother to you now.’ Marianne dropped into an awkward curtsy, unable to extract her hand from his.

  ‘None of that, my love. You are to be one of the family. Let her go, do, my lord, and I shall give the dear child a hug.’

  Marianne was instantly enveloped in a pair of plump arms, her face pressed firmly into an

  ample bosom. The two young men bowed, their open smiling faces and friendly greetings removing any doubts she might have had about being associated with unknown gentlemen.

  Eventually given room to breathe and speak she smiled at her new family. ‘Thank you for your warm welcome, Lord Grierson, Lady Grierson; it’s good of you to take me in and I shall endeavour to be no trouble to you.’

  Surrounded by her new friends she was escorted into what was to be her home. Scarcely given time to find her bearings she was hurried upstairs to the apartment she was to share with Emily.

  ‘Here we are, Miss Devenish,’ Emily babbled. ‘This is our very own withdrawing-room, is it not a sweet little parlour?’ She allowed Marianne no time to answer but dragged her on to the interconnecting door. ‘This is our bedchamber. See, we do not have to share a bed, there is already a second one in here for you.’

  ‘Yes, I see, thank you.’

  ‘Your maid will sleep upstairs with mine.’

  Marianne knew she had to intervene. ‘Miss Grierson, please, there are some things you have to understand if this arrangement is to work successfully.’

  Emily’s mouth rounded and she stared surprised at the firm tone used by her new sister. Glad to have the space to speak Marianne began to explain. ‘Jane is married to John Smith; they will have need of joint accommodation. Tom and Billy will also require to be housed together. These people are more than servants, they are my friends and I wish them to be treated with respect.’

  ‘Are you cross with me, Miss Devenish? Please do not be, I cannot bear it when people are cross.’ Emily’s eyes were tearful and she wrung her hands.

  Marianne stepped forward. ‘No, of course I’m not cross. But I do need to make my requirements clear. Shall I go back downstairs and speak to Lord Grierson?’

  Emily nodded. ‘Yes, I will take you. Papa will sort out everything to your satisfaction.’ She smiled ingenuously. ‘Your money is a godsend, Miss Devenish, without it there was not the wherewithal to pay the bills this quarter.’

  Marianne hid her smile. It would appear she was to be surrounded by pleasant well-meaning simpletons. ‘I’m glad I can be of help. Now, Miss Grierson, will you direct me to Lord Grierson, I wish to explain my needs before any more misunderstandings occur.’

  Lord Grierson pronounced himself delighted to house the staff anyway she pleased. A small cottage attached to the stables was offered for John and Jane, and Tom and Billy were given a large room above the fodder store.

  Lady Grierson informed both girls that the local mantua-maker was to visit that very evening after dinner, which was to be served immediately.

  ‘We keep early hours here, my dear. Lord Grierson does not hold with eating late.’ Lady Grierson beamed and nodded vigorously and her cap slipped further askew. ‘We have supper before we retire so you will not go hungry, I can assure you. As you have nothing to change into we are dispensing with formality tonight. We will dine as we are.’

  After a substantial dinner served a la francais, the dishes placed in the centre of the vast polished table and handed back and forth amidst much laughter and friendly banter, Lady Grierson led her daughter and their guest through to the comfortable drawing-room, leaving Lord Grierson and his two sons to the port and a game of billiards.

  Emily, directed to the pianoforte played a selection of pretty tunes with verve and surprising competence and Marianne was left alone in blessed peace to take stock of her surroundings.

  Finally she was able to relax. Unused to company, apart from her maid, the noise and bustle of a large family was overpowering. And they all, apar
t from Charles, talked so volubly. Her ears were ringing from it.

  If she was to survive three years at Frating Hall she would have to find herself a sanctuary, somewhere she could be quiet and have space to think. The tinkling notes of the piano soothed her jangled nerves and she closed her eyes allowing her mind to drift back over the past few hectic hours. The handsome face of her guardian appeared before her. What a shame he was a feather-brain, but at least he wasn’t vicious and likely to misappropriate her funds.

  But what if Sir James discovered her whereabouts? Would Sir Theodore be able to protect

  her then? She shook her head. For all his bulk a man more interested in the shine on his boots than his ward would be of little use against the determination of such a villain.

  She shuddered and sent up a fervent prayer that using a different name and hiding in the Essex countryside would prove sufficient to keep her out of trouble until she reached her majority and was no longer vulnerable.

  Chapter Three

  ‘Not long now, Miss Devenish, if you please. I’ve almost completed my measurements.’

  Marianne obediently raised her arms and the diminutives seamstress scuttled round measuring tape in hand. A young assistant laboriously recorded the final set of figures on her page.

  ‘There, Miss Devenish, all done. If you would like to peruse the copies of La Belle Assemblée and Ackerman’s Repository that I have laid out in your parlour, I will continue with Miss Grierson’s measurements.’

  ‘Thank you, Mrs Dawkins.’ Marianne smiled at Emily who was already standing on the stool in her chemise. Neither of them had been given the opportunity to order even one new gown recently, let alone a whole new wardrobe.

  ‘Mama says we should only have white and pastel shades as we are only just out.’

  ‘Is that correct? Well, Miss Grierson, you must do as Lady Grierson instructs. I shall do as I please.’