by Anne Herries
‘In either case the result might have been the same.’ He looked at her in a very odd way. ‘Do you not realise that you have come very close to death, Lottie?’
She took a deep breath, refusing to give way to hysterics. ‘Well, yes, I realise there might have been terrible consequences, but neither of us is much harmed. I think we should concentrate our thoughts on who might have done this, do you not agree? Is it more likely to have been a stray shot from a gamekeeper or a poacher?’
‘Do you feel able to continue?’ he asked and gave her his hand as she inclined her head. ‘My keepers would not fire across the road. It must have been a poacher—or someone who intended me harm.’
‘Do you have enemies, sir?’ Lottie looked at him in shock, discovering that her chest felt very tight of a sudden. She imagined the consequences if the shot had found its mark and her heart jerked. Rothsay might have died. The thought of that left a hollow feeling in her heart; things were far from easy between them but still she would hate the thought of losing the man who would be her husband. ‘I had thought it must have been an accident but…who would hate you enough to do such a thing? You have Sam Blake safely locked up?’
‘Yes, though there may be others I have sent to prison before this. I do not often sit in court, but there were some trials last summer that I was asked to give judgement on. A gang of violent poachers was broken up and most went to prison, though I believe one escaped punishment. I do not recall his name.’
‘Then the shot might well have been meant for you, though it might have just been a keeper’s shot gone astray. We were not travelling at speed and a pistol aimed at you would surely have hit its target?’
‘Perhaps.’ He frowned. ‘My keepers do their duty, Lottie. You must not take them in dislike because of what happened this morning.’
‘I assure you I have not, but accidents will happen.’
‘I shall make enquiries. If a man was that careless I should not continue to employ him. You might have been riding here alone.’
‘I dare say you are right and it was someone with a grudge against you. Forgive me, I should not interfere in your business. I must remember to keep my opinions to myself.’
‘That would be a pity.’ He smiled at her. ‘You were extremely brave, Lottie. I do not think I know another young lady who would have taken this in her stride as you did.’
Lottie felt her cheeks heat. She turned her face aside, as she said, ‘I am not hurt. Pray say nothing of this to the countess. I would not have her anxious over your safety or mine.’
‘No, indeed, you are very right. We shall keep this incident to ourselves.’ He glanced at her before taking up the reins. ‘I hope you will forgive me for not taking better care of you?’
‘There is nothing to forgive, sir. Pray do not mention it again.’
‘Very well.’ He gave her a look that she found difficult to interpret. ‘You continue to surprise me. I am beginning to think I have not made such a bad bargain after all.’
Lottie did not answer. Her cheeks burned, for his words had been more revealing than he perhaps realised. Had he been regretting his bargain? If so, why had he not simply released her immediately she and her father arrived? No one would have been any the wiser and he could have made whatever excuse he pleased, leaving him free to find a wife more to his liking.
Had Lottie been privileged to read Nicolas’s thoughts, she would have known that they had been very similar at one time. Nicolas had wondered several times why he had not settled with Sir Charles at the start. However, at this moment his feelings had undergone a sudden and startling change.
When he saw her lying with her eyes closed, Nicolas had at first thought she might be dead. The feeling that swept over him at that moment had been one of utter desolation. Relief had followed so quickly that he had had no time to examine his reaction or to understand why he had felt such a sense of loss.
She had retired into dignified silence, which left him time to consider his reactions. How could it matter to him whether this young woman lived or died? Except that he would feel distress at causing harm to any young woman of his acquaintance.
Was that it—just a natural concern for a young life?
Nicolas was nothing if not honest and he faced the truth without flinching. Lottie had somehow managed to get partly beneath the barrier he kept in place. At first he had thought her a beautiful scoundrel, a hardened adventuress—but Lottie was not her twin sister. He believed she was neither a thief nor a light-skirt, though her sister might very well be both.
He frowned, for it might prove inconvenient to have Lottie’s twin as a close relation in the future. He would have to try to make some arrangement that protected his wife and his name from Clarice’s misbehaviour—but that was for the future.
In the meantime he needed to sort out his feelings for this beautiful, brave and spirited young woman sitting silently beside him. He had begun to find her company stimulating, though sometimes uncomfortable as she challenged him openly.
The look in her eyes as she spoke of the lines he had drawn for their marriage had struck him more deeply than he liked. Of course he could not expect her to stay always in the country, hidden away as if he were ashamed of her. He would not want to live with her in town, of course—but she might have her own establishment in Bath if she chose.
He could visit her there or here in the country if he felt the need, but she must be able to entertain and live a proper sort of life. Yes, he decided, that would do very well—and yet somehow it was not quite what he wanted.
As she changed for dinner that evening, Lottie examined her arms and legs, discovering some nasty bruises that were just about to come out. She did feel rather battered and shaken, but had not wanted to make a fuss. She would, however, need to wear a stole this evening to cover some of the marks.
She was thoughtful as Rose brushed and styled her hair for her. The look of horror in the marquis’s eyes as he’d looked down at her had been rather satisfying. It was good that he had some concern for her, because she was beginning to like him more than she had expected. He was stern and she had evidence of his temper, but he could be pleasant company when he chose. She hoped that they might come to an understanding as they became more comfortable with one another.
He was not in love with her. She would be foolish to look for romance in her marriage, but if they could perhaps become fond of one another it might be an ideal arrangement.
Lottie sighed as she went downstairs. She was to meet more of her neighbours that evening and must manage to give an impression of a happy young woman about to be married.
The marquis had spoken of going up to town for a flying visit. Lottie would have preferred it if he had stayed so that they could get to know one another, but three weeks was a short enough time to prepare her wedding gown. She would hardly have time to miss him.
‘Well, I do not see why you must leave us to amuse ourselves here alone,’ Henrietta commented, giving her godson a sharp look after the guests had left that evening. ‘Surely there is nothing so important that it cannot wait for a few weeks?’
‘I have some business I must see to with my lawyers,’ Nicolas told her. ‘Besides, Lottie will need some new clothes. If she will supply me with her measurements, and you will advise me on what seamstresses I should employ, I shall endeavour to supply the lack.’
‘I intend to take care of my own wedding gown,’ Lottie said. ‘I should like one or two afternoon gowns and perhaps a new bonnet—but you may safely leave that to me.’
‘You need not fear to trust him,’ Henrietta said. ‘Rothsay has excellent taste. I shall give him a note to my own seamstress and she will provide you with what you need for your honeymoon. If you go to Paris you may buy more there, of course.’
Nicolas frowned. ‘If you will give me what I require, I shall do my best to please you, Lottie. We shall discuss what else you need on my return.’
Lottie inclined her head, but said nothing. Henrietta looke
d from one to the other and shook her head. It was clear to her that once again they had had some kind of disagreement.
‘Well, I shall do it now for I know you like to start early in the morning. While you are in town, you may ask my doctor for some more of the excellent mixture he makes for my indigestion.’
‘Of course,’ he said. ‘Are you ready for bed, Lottie, or shall you take a turn in the garden with me?’
‘I shall take the air with you, if you wish,’ Lottie said. ‘It is a pleasant evening.’
Nicolas offered his arm and she took it, her hand so light that he hardly knew it was there.
‘I wanted to make sure that you had all you need for the moment,’ he said as they went out into the garden. ‘I had not intended to leave before the wedding but there is something I must attend to—will you be all right here? Your aunt should arrive in a day or so and you have Henrietta for company, as well as your father.’
‘Please do not concern yourself, my lord. I have plenty to keep me busy. The invitations are not yet written and I have a gown to make.’
‘I could have the gown made in town.’
‘It will not be necessary. I have always made my gowns and I like my own style.’
‘Your gowns become you, but you might wish to have something a little more…’
‘Stylish?’ Lottie laughed. ‘I shall not be offended if you speak your mind to me. If I intended a Season in town I should certainly seek the help of a seamstress—but I think that is unlikely.’
‘It may not be in the future. You may visit town occasionally, I dare say. I am hoping we shall at least be tolerably good friends, Lottie.’
‘Yes, I am certain we shall,’ she said. ‘I am prepared to forgive and forget—if you are?’
‘Can you forgive?’
‘I think it only sensible to put the past behind us. We shall begin again, my lord.’
‘Shall we, Lottie?’ He turned, looking down at her in the moonlight.
She was beautiful. Even when he despised her as Clarice, the adventuress, he had known that she stirred his senses. Without knowing why he did it, he reached out and drew her to him, his head bending to reach hers. He kissed her tenderly and then hungrily as he felt her response. Her body was soft and yielding, the scent of her intoxicating, filling him with an urgent need for something he did not understand. For a few moments he held her crushed against him, feeling the burn of desire in his loins. He was tempted to sweep her into his arms and take her somewhere he could make love to her right away, but he controlled his urges.
‘A kiss to seal the bargain,’ he said, trying for lightness. ‘Goodnight, Lottie. I shall be gone only a few days—and then we shall entertain our neighbours in earnest. Henrietta will set you right if you ask her.’
‘Goodnight, Rothsay,’ Lottie said, sounding so calm that he was irritated by her lack of emotion. ‘Do not concern yourself. I am quite able to amuse myself while you are gone.’
Lottie pressed her fingers to her lips. She could still feel the impression of his lips, the burn of his kiss. Had she wondered if it would be difficult to do her duty and provide the heir? One kiss in the moonlight had shown her it would be only too easy. She had wanted him to go on kissing her for ever, but she was foolish to let herself hope for more than she knew he was willing to give.
The marquis would be a skilled and passionate lover. She had been told that he had indulged himself with a string of mistresses after his attachment to Elizabeth was broken. Lottie frowned as she wondered what the woman he had wished to make his wife looked like. Her curiosity was aroused, but it would be most improper to ask Nicolas about his former love.
Lottie put the slight irritation from her mind. Nicolas had made it clear that she could not look for love or romance in their marriage. His kiss was merely to seal their bargain but it had shown her that she felt more for him than she had expected or wanted. She knew that she would enjoy the intimate side of marriage. She would be neither embarrassed or reluctant when he came to her bed—but she was not sure how she would feel when he left it.
If she allowed herself to like him too much, she might find that her heart was broken. The one thing Lottie must never forget was that this was a marriage of convenience.
Nicolas wanted an heir. He had decided to be generous and considerate to her, which was an improvement on his manner at the start.
Was it enough? It had to be, because she did not think she had the strength to break off their engagement now.
Alone in her room, she bent down to stroke Kitty and laughed ruefully.
‘Am I a fool? Should I flee now while I can?’
Kitty purred and Lottie nodded.
‘You are right. It is already far too late.’
Chapter Five
Lottie awoke to a sense of loss, though it took her a few moments to realise why. Was it only three days since Rothsay had gone to London? It seemed an age. She had begun to miss the sound of his voice and the ring of his boots on tiled floors. Oh, how ridiculous! She did not really know the man at all and she certainly could not spend the rest of her life moping when he was not here.
She threw back the covers with determination. She had done as she’d thought and arranged with Mrs Blake to come to the house and help her to sew her wedding gown, and this morning she was going into Northampton with Lady Fisher to choose some silks. The invitations had gone out for the ball and the wedding. There was more than enough to keep her busy, because the servants awaited their instructions and it could not all be left to Henrietta, who, Lottie was aware, was far from well.
She washed her hands and face in cool water and dressed. Rose would bring warm water up later and she would change, but first she would go for a walk to the lake. She had got into the habit of feeding the swans. It had become her first task of the morning and gave her something to do before breakfast. After the incident with the poacher she had stayed clear of the park in the early hours, preferring to walk only as far as the lake before breakfast.
It was so beautiful out at this hour. The peace of her surroundings was taking away the small ache she had experienced on waking. She would see Rothsay very soon for he was sure to return before the ball.
Lottie thoroughly enjoyed her trip to Northampton with Lady Fisher and bought some yards of a deep cream silk shot through with gold. Trimmed with some old lace that her mother had given her before she died, it would make a perfect gown for Lottie’s wedding and could afterwards be worn for special dinners. Brides often wore their wedding gown in the first year of marriage; Lottie could see herself making good use of hers. She knew exactly what she wanted, the bodice tight with a dipping neckline trimmed with lace, and three-quarter-length sleeves frilled at the elbows with the same lace. She would not wear a bonnet, but an arrangement of fresh flowers from Rothsay’s hothouses in her hair.
Her head filled with plans for the wedding, she thanked Lady Fisher when she was set down outside the house later that afternoon.
‘Will you come in for some refreshment, ma’am?’
‘Thank you, Lottie. Another time, perhaps? I am expecting visitors this evening and must be there to greet them.’
‘Oh, that will be pleasant for you.’
‘I am not sure. I find Hunter a difficult guest but he is my late husband’s nephew so I must oblige him sometimes. I wish that Bertie was at home, but as you know he left for London this morning.’
‘Yes, Sir Bertie said adieu to me yesterday,’ Lottie said. ‘You must miss him when he is away, ma’am?’
‘A little, but I have many friends. Please call whenever you have time, Lottie.’
Lottie thanked her and waved as the carriage was driven away. She was feeling pleased as she went into the house, because now that she had the silk she needed, she would be fully occupied with the making of her gown.
‘Did you enjoy your trip, Miss Stanton?’ the housekeeper asked.
‘Yes, thank you. I have several parcels. Perhaps they could be taken upstairs?’
<
br /> ‘Yes, of course, miss. You have a visitor waiting in the front parlour with the countess. I took her some tea. Would you like me to bring fresh?’
‘Aunt Beth has arrived?’ Lottie’s face lit up. ‘That is excellent news, thank you. Yes, I should like some tea, please.’
She walked hastily to the small front parlour, hearing the sound of laughter. It sounded as if Aunt Beth and Henrietta had hit it off already, and, as she entered, she saw that they were perfectly at home together.
‘Lottie, my dearest one.’ Beth stood up, her face wreathed in smiles as Lottie went to embrace her. ‘How are you, my love?’
‘Perfectly well, thank you,’ Lottie said and kissed her on both cheeks. ‘I am so pleased to have you here. I see you are already acquainted with Lady Selby.’
‘It is the most fortunate thing,’ Henrietta said. ‘We were acquainted as girls. Beth is some years my junior but we met in Bath when I was first married and she had just come out.’
‘So many moons ago,’ Beth laughed softly. ‘I had no idea that Rothsay was your godson, Henrietta.’
‘I was great friends with his mama,’ Henrietta said. ‘He was such a charming boy, you know. I confess he won my heart when he was no more than five or six, and I have loved him as the son I never had.’
‘It is a pity he had to leave on business,’ Beth said, her eyes thoughtful as her gaze rested on Lottie. ‘You need to get to know one another, Lottie.’
‘We have the rest of our lives,’ Lottie dismissed her suggestion, as if unconcerned even though it echoed her own feelings. ‘There is so much to do in a house like this, dearest Aunt. I refuse to give Henrietta all the trouble of this wedding, though her advice is invaluable for I should not have known how to start.’
‘Well, I am here now to help, too,’ her aunt said. ‘Have you settled the menus? They are most important—your guests will expect only the best in a house like this, Lottie.’
