by Gill, Tamara
“Well then, I suppose we should be off,” he said, placing his champagne glass on the table.
Louise nodded, turning to Mary and the duke. “Thank you for all you’ve done for me over the years, Mary. I will always be grateful.”
Mary waved her thanks aside, pulling her into her arms. “None of that. We’ve always been sisters and we shall continue to be so even after our marriages.”
Louise returned the embrace, blinking to stem the tears that threatened at having to leave her friend, her home and a place where she’d always felt welcome and respected. To leave and travel with Lord Graham, enter a home where the servants no doubt knew the dubious start to their union would be humiliating. They probably thought she’d trapped and tricked the marquess.
“Remember, Louise, to be true to yourself and the marquess will soon see that he has married a rare gem among the paste littering the ton.”
Louise chuckled. “We shall see I suppose, but in any case, I shall make the most of the marriage and try my best.”
Mary let her go and they started toward the door where the duke and marquess had already walked through. “I know you will and I hope with all my heart that you find happiness. I know this is not what you wanted, and I’m sorry this has happened, but also another side of me, a selfish side I suppose, cannot help but be thankful that I’ll have you in town. A neighbor across the park in fact.”
“That close?” Louise said as they made the front steps.
Mary pointed across Grosvenor Square to the row of townhouses across the green. “The marquess lives in that large property with the black door, so we shall see each other regularly and I do want to see you as often as possible.”
Louise smiled. “I know, and thank you. I shall call on you later this week and we shall have tea.”
Luke studied Miss Louise Grant, now Louise Ashby, Marchioness Graham who sat across from him in the carriage, her attention fixed somewhere outside the window. He had thought over the day, their wedding and ultimate marriage he’d be stuck with until his death and he’d come up with a plan that would suit all those involved. Even Louise he was sure.
He would take her out to his country estate in Kent, settle her in the Graham family seat and return to town, finish up the Season, his parliamentary duties and return to Ashby House in the fall. The carriage rocked around the corner, heading for the southern road out of London and he spied the moment she questioned their direction.
“Mary said that your home was across the park. Are we not returning there, my lord?”
He tore his gaze away from her, disliking the fact she looked quite pretty in her day gown, her eyes wide and bright with query.
“We’re traveling to Kent this evening, not far from Maidstone in fact. My estate is not far from London, four hours by coach. Your luggage will arrive tomorrow.”
Her brow furrowed. “But Mary said… That is to say I thought I was going to be living with you. In London.”
He chuckled dismissively and she flinched. He ignored the pinch of conscience that he’d hurt her feelings yet again and strove to ignore his emotions. What did Louise expect, after all? He’d told her that he would give very little in the marriage and she had too. This was no love match, or even a mild affection match. They were simply two people who had been forced to wed due to his own error of judgement and Society’s narrowminded views.
He rubbed a hand over his jaw. To be forced to wed simply because he’d entered the wrong bedchamber was absurd. That he was married at all, a bona fide bachelor of the ton. It was well known among his friends that he never wished to marry, or beget heirs. He had his cousin set to fill those shoes and responsibilities.
His father, god rest his soul, would not be pleased by his decision in life, but he simply could not find it within himself to long for such things. Not that he wasn’t fond of children—several of his friends had married and produced offspring—but to think they could be taken away within a moment of time, due to illness or an accident… He shuddered.
No. He did not want to experience such heartache.
Losing his parents and sister had been enough pain for one lifetime. He did not want to go through that again.
“She was mistaken. We’re to travel to Ashby House and that is where you’ll stay. Of course I shall not impose myself on you this evening, even though consummation is recommended, but we have time for such matters. You need not fear me on that score.” His gaze traveled once again over her delectable, womanly curves, her delicate hands that rested in her lap without gloves. He would have to ensure that she was properly attired. He would have the best modiste sent from London to make up a new wardrobe for her. No wife of his would be shabby and without fashion sense.
Her eyes flashed fire. “I’m not afraid of you, my lord. You may sleep with me or you may not, it makes little difference to me.”
He turned his full attention to her. A light, rosy hue kissed her cheeks. He bit back a smile. She may speak forward and without shame, but her words had embarrassed her a little.
“Do you wish for me to come to you tonight? I will of course, but not without your approval. It would be no chore, I can assure you, and I promise to make it worth your while.”
She shifted on her seat, giving him a dismissing sniff. “I shall pass, my lord. But thank you for your kind offer in any case.”
They rode along in quiet for a moment, the sound of the wheels on the dusty gravel road along with the coachman who spoke to the horses every now and then the only sound to break the silence. “Well, do let me know if you change your mind.”
Chapter 5
The Marquess Graham’s estate was too pretty for words, just like its master. Louise stood outside the mammoth front door. The windows flickering with the reflection of the afternoon sun was blinding. Not to mention the size of the home was, in her common opinion, simply ridiculous. Who needed homes as large as this? She took her newly minted husband’s arm as he led her indoors and was sure upon entering the hall that the entire village of Sandbach’s population could fit under its roof.
“Your home is very grand, my lord. Very beautiful.” Her eyes darted everywhere, unable to comprehend that she was now mistress of such a grand estate. Gold-lined paintings of the marquess’s family hung on the walls, delicate furniture sat in corners and before windows. The curtains hung the full length of those windows, billowing upon the marble floor. Opulence was everywhere she glanced about, trepidation running through her that she’d fallen into the role of wife and caretaker of all these fine things left no small amount of fear.
The staff lined up before the staircase and his lordship introduced her to everyone in a matter of minutes. Louise tried to remember who was whom, but with so many of them it would take her many weeks before she would be able to memorize each of them.
“And this is our housekeeper, Mrs. Dunn. She’ll ensure you know your way about and what is required of you as mistress of the house.”
Louise clasped the older woman’s hand. “It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Dunn. I think I shall rely on you quite a lot after seeing the marquess’s home.”
The housekeeper’s eyes widened and darted between her and the marquess. “Shall we go upstairs? I will show you to the marchioness’s rooms if you like.”
Luke gestured for them to go, before he turned and started for the door. “Are you not coming with us?” Louise asked, halting her steps.
He took his time in turning around to face her. “Apologies, my dear, but I have business in town. Mrs. Dunn will ensure you’re settled and well cared for. I shall be back when I’m able to get away from London.”
Louise kept her attention on the marquess as he turned about and left, closing the door with a decided bang and seemingly putting an end to their newly minted marriage also. She gritted her teeth. How dare he do such a thing to her? It was not her fault they were in such a predicament. If he’d only been able to keep his desires in check both of them would be living the life they both wanted.
A little voice taunted that this life was a lot better than the one she was going to have in York. To be nursemaid and tutor to six children would have been taxing for anyone. Not to mention being away from Mary and her siblings would’ve also been trying. At least married to a marquess gave her freedom to better care for those she loved.
“Come, my lady. I think you should see your rooms. When we received word that the marquess was marrying, he instructed us to prepare your rooms. He ordered new curtains and linens for the bed. No expense spared and I must admit to thinking the room is quite the prettiest in all the house.”
Louise pushed all thought of the marquess—Luke—from her mind and followed the housekeeper. The upstairs to the home was no less extravagant than the downstairs, and the staff bustled about, lighting and changing candles, placing hot-house flowers in vases, some swept and dusted the many pieces of furniture the marquess owned. The house was a hive of activity, a place of employment for many it would seem.
“How many staff does the marquess have at this estate, Mrs. Dunn?”
“This is the largest estate of the marquess and he has eighty-five at last count. But bear in mind that includes gardeners, stable hands, gamekeeper, those types of trades. It’s not all house staff I should mention.”
Louise mulled over the number. If there were eighty-five people here, how many people across all his estates did his lordship have? And now she too was responsible for these workers, and in turn, their families who relied on them. “Please be assured that if there is any issue with anything that any of the staff have, any concern at all, do not hesitate to come to me. I will always be available to them.”
Mrs. Dunn stared at her a moment, before she nodded, a small upturned twist to her lips. “Thank you, my lady. I shall endeavor to do so.”
They came to a stop before a set of double doors. Mrs. Dunn turned the handle and pushed them open, revealing the room. Louise gasped, stepping into the great space, at a loss for words. For there were no words to describe such a beautiful space. The marquess had not spared expense with redecorating her suite, as Mrs. Dunn had mentioned. Pastel colors covered the chairs, the bedding and curtains. It was as if summer had kissed the room and left it blooming. Flowers of the same soft color palette sat atop her mantle, and a small, round table with two small chairs sat beside the large bank of windows. A pretty place to write letters perhaps.
Louise walked over to the windows and looked out on the vast property beyond. Lawns for as far as the eye could see spread out before her, a river, flickering under the summer sun ran between the trees beyond and she sighed, a feeling of peace, contentment and happiness overflowing her. This was her home now. She was a marchioness.
Oh, the wonderful things she could do with that position.
“Mrs. Dunn. I have two siblings who live with my aunt in Sandbach, Cheshire. Please have two more rooms cleaned and prepared for their arrival. They’ll be here within the week.”
“You have siblings, my lady?” Mrs. Dunn beamed at the news. “Oh, it’s been many years since we’ve had more than his lordship under this roof. To have a wife and her siblings. Well, that is wonderful, my lady.”
“My brother and sister are both fifteen, almost sixteen. They’ve been living with my aunt for some years. I’m sure you’ve probably heard already that I was the Duchess of Carlton’s companion prior to marrying the marquess.” Louise saw little point in trying to hide who she was, she had nothing to be ashamed about in any case. “I could not have my siblings with me then, but I certainly can now. I know my aunt would like to travel and has not been able to due to her commitments with my siblings. But that can change now and if I’m to be here at Ashby House without the marquess, I shall have my siblings here instead.”
“So they shall live here permanently?” Mrs. Dunn asked, her eyes bright.
“Yes, they will.” And if the marquess had any issue with her inviting her family to stay, he could come out to Kent and tell her himself. Louise untied her bonnet and slipped it off, placing it on a nearby chair. “What I’ve seen of the house so far is simply beautiful. Will you show more of it to me before dinner?”
Mrs. Dunn bobbed a quick curtsy, gesturing toward the door. “Of course, my lady. Please follow me.”
Louise stepped out of the room, no longer Miss Louise Grant, a lady’s companion. Instead, she was the Marchioness Graham. And if she could not have the affection of her husband, she would at least gain the affection of his staff.
Luke rode hard atop his mount toward London, needing to distance himself from his bride. A woman whom he had every right to lay claim to, to take into his bed and bed her good. Instead, he hauled back to London as if the devil himself were after him.
And perhaps he was. At least the female version of the archangel.
Town was not so very far away, and within a few hours the outskirts of London started to pass him by. He was thankful for it. Tonight he had the Clinton ball that he’d been looking forward to attending. Even if he were only married hours ago, that did not mean that his life should alter or stop simply because of a woman.
He cursed the mistake that led him down this path. If he happened upon Lady Scarboro this evening, he would demand she own up to her part of his downfall. For he had fallen. He shook his head. Married. Not only married but married to a woman with no rank or lineage. A lady’s companion.
It wasn’t to be borne.
But somehow he must. Luke pushed his mount on, determined to continue with his life as was, and be damned the weight that now hung about his neck. With Louise settled at Ashby House she would be well cared for and happy, as he shall be in town.
She expected nothing and he in turn wanted nothing. Of all the marriages he could have had, at least in this respect it was tolerable.
Chapter 6
One month later
* * *
Louise sat in the drawing room and read for the second time the latest missive from Mary. Her friend was decidedly annoyed and put out at the marquess, who she reported went about town as if he’d not married at all. Mary begged her to return, to take up her place as his wife at his London home and put to rest the rumors that the marquess had continued his life of carelessness as if he were still a bachelor.
“I think the duchess is right,” her sister Sophie said, staring at her with an annoyed air. “Who does this new husband of yours think he is? He cannot go about town just as he did before. His life has changed. He has a wife.”
Louise sighed, folding the missive and slipping it into the small pocket on her gown. Sophie was right of course and so was Mary. The marquess from all reports was making a farce of their marriage. And as poor as she was, as low as she’d been on the social sphere, she was now a marchioness and that at least gave her a voice. A voice to stick up for herself and the future she wanted.
“You ought to march into London and show the marquess you’ll not put up with such treatment,” her brother Stephen said, striding into the room. He wore a newly purchased riding jacket and pants and his knee-high boots gave him an air of a country gentleman.
Within a week of being at Ashby House, Louise had her siblings brought to stay, and over the past month all of them had transformed somewhat to the people the world expected them to be. At least outwardly they suited the accommodations they now called home, even if Louise felt like an interloper every minute of every day.
Hence why she’d not traveled to town when Mary wrote to her asking where she’d disappeared to. To enter the ton, walk side by side with the very people she once worked for, a companion, an invisible woman behind a one of means, was not something that Louise thought she could do.
Nerves twisted in her stomach at the thought of being so bold and she stood, coming to join Sophie on the settee before the unlit hearth.
“The marriage is not one in the truest sense. I did not expect anything from the marquess and he in turn did not want anything from me.”
“So what?” Sophie said, raising her brows. “T
hings change and what…you’re expected to rusticate here in Kent for the rest of your young life, alone and without the prospect of children because the marquess cannot give up his wayward lifestyle?”
“Sophie, lower your voice, the staff will hear you,” she chided.
“Let them hear us,” her brother cut in. “We ought to pack you up and leave. We’ll come with you, Louise. The marquess needs to know that he’s no longer a bachelor. That he has a wife, my sister, and I’ll not let him treat you in such a way.” Her brother stared into the dark hearth, his fingers tapping idly on the marble mantle. “I thought these toffs had honor. Your husband doesn’t seem to have any.”
Louise let all that her siblings were telling her sink in. Over the last few days they had stated this exact plan multiple times. They were angry with the marquess, she could understand that, but to travel to town, to invite themselves into his home felt wrong somehow. “What if we travel to town and he refuses to let us stay?”
Stephen threw up his hands. “Let him try. You’re his wife, not some wench off the street. And if he does treat you with so little respect, I shall call him out and put a bullet through his cold heart.”
Louise stood, coming over to her brother and taking his hand. “When did you become so honorable and sweet? You’re a good man. Do not ever change.”
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I shall never change, but as for your husband, he certainly needs to before he loses the wonderful gift that is our sister.”
Sophie came over and hugged her about the waist. “If you go to town, we shall come too. We shall support you in winning the respect of the ton and their lofty prejudices. The marquess has a wife, and so he now needs to act like a husband.”
She smiled at her siblings. How she had missed them and their encouragement. If her marriage was a disaster, at least it had enabled her to have her siblings back under her roof. To be able to feed and clothe them without the worry that circumstances may change that could jeopardize that.
