Regency Romance Collection From Christina Courtenay

by Christina Courtenay

  ‘No, no need to worry on that score. I sent someone round to his lodgings to ascertain his whereabouts and was told he is out of town. He must still be rusticating in Bath.’

  ‘Thank goodness for that then.’ She was grateful for James’s foresight in finding this out.

  That evening, dressed in her new ice blue evening gown, Amelia sat down with barely concealed excitement in the box James had procured and prepared to enjoy herself. She glanced at her handsome husband from time to time, and despite the fact that no one openly acknowledged them, there were many people who stared at them from behind their fans or studied them covertly. Amelia pretended as if they didn’t exist.

  ‘You don’t mind the old biddies staring down their noses at you?’ James whispered.

  ‘Not at all. I told you I wouldn’t mind being ostracised, and I meant it. Those people are nothing to me.’

  ‘That’s the spirit,’ he said with the first approving smile she’d seen since Gretna. It made her feel quite warm inside, but she told herself not to be so silly.

  During the first pause they were promenading together in the corridor, amicably discussing the performance so far, when to their surprise a distinguished military man in his early thirties, with a rakish mane of russet hair and a dashing moustache, stopped in front of them and hailed Amelia loudly.

  ‘Miss Ravenscroft, by all that’s holy! I never thought to see you here. What a fortunate coincidence. We have all been wondering what had become of you. Haven’t seen hide nor hair of you since the sad day of your father’s funeral.’

  ‘Captain Marshall, how nice to see you again,’ Amelia was astonished to meet someone she knew here, since she had lived most of her life in Yorkshire, but she recovered her composure quickly. ‘I am very well, thank you. Permit me to introduce my husband, Lord Demarr. James, this is Captain Marshall, a friend of my late father’s and a member of his regiment.’

  ‘Delighted, I’m sure,’ James replied, but his expression didn’t match his words, which puzzled Amelia.

  ‘You must forgive me,’ Captain Marshall said. ‘I had not heard of your marriage. My congratulations to both of you. I do hope you appreciate your wife’s talents as much as the rest of us did, my dear fellow. She’s a capital girl,’ he added in an aside to James, following this with a large booming laugh.

  James scowled and sent Amelia an enquiring glance. She blushed and stammered. ‘Oh, I’m sure my talents are nothing to equal the ladies here, Captain.’

  ‘Nonsense, I’m sure you reduced a few of my men to tears. Saw them myself.’ The Captain laughed again. ‘Did she tell you, my lord, that we used to call her the “Silver Nightingale”?’

  ‘No she didn’t. And now if you will excuse us, we really must return to our box.’ James had an almost murderous look on his face, Amelia noted with a sinking feeling, and wondered why her talent for singing should have made him so angry.

  ‘Hope to see you soon again,’ the Captain called after them cheerfully.

  Amelia was virtually frog-marched back to their box and by the time they reached it she was feeling very ill-used.

  ‘Is it a crime to have acquaintances?’ she asked sarcastically.

  ‘That depends on how well acquainted you are,’ James bit back. ‘Let us watch the rest of the opera, we will discuss this later.’

  The music had lost its enchantment for Amelia, however, and she counted the minutes until it was time to leave. She couldn’t understand what had got into James, but she was determined to find out as soon as they were back at the hotel.

  James sat silently fuming all through the second act and couldn’t wait to get back either. He wanted to know precisely what ‘talents’ had caused other men to give his wife a nickname. ‘Nightingale’ implied singing, but he would wager that was not her only skill. Besides, he wanted to know who all these other men were. His worries ate into him so that by the time they finally reached the hotel, he had worked himself into a towering rage.

  The moment they stepped into the foyer, he took his wife by the arm and virtually dragged her into a small side room, which happened to house an assortment of instruments. He ignored them and turned to confront her, but she yanked her arm free and spoke first.

  ‘What on earth is the matter with you?’ she hissed furiously. ‘If I’m not allowed to speak to people in public other than yourself, you should have told me beforehand, not treat me like some common doxy you can drag around any way you please.’

  ‘And what if that’s exactly what you are, madam?’ he shot back.

  ‘How dare you!’ Her hand shot out to hit him on the cheek, but he caught it easily, infuriating her even further.

  ‘Not so fast, my dear. First, I would like to know who all these people are who didn’t know “where you had disappeared to” and second of all, I would like an explanation of your so called talents.’

  ‘The people in question were my father’s military colleagues. I told you, we used to entertain the officers from a nearby army headquarters from time to time. Those were the people he gambled with too. Some of them were married and often brought their wives. As for my “talents”, I sing a little and play the pianoforte, that’s all. Occasionally I used to entertain my father’s friends.’

  ‘I bet you did.’

  ‘If you are going to be rude, I’m going to bed.’

  ‘Your talent must be quite considerable if it earned you a nickname. Show me.’

  ‘What here? Now? Are you mad?’ Amelia was acutely conscious of all the other people in the hotel lobby and had no wish to make a spectacle of herself. Or more of one than they’d done already.

  ‘Why not? Everyone else seems to have heard you perform, why not your husband?’

  ‘Whatever would the other guests say? It’s very late.’ Amelia glanced at the half-open door. She knew that her voice would carry far beyond this room if she gave it full rein.

  ‘I don’t give a damn,’ James exploded. ‘Just sing!’

  Fury gave Amelia the courage to do as he asked. ‘Very well, but if we are thrown out of here, it will be your fault.’

  She sat down at a pianoforte that stood in the middle of the room and began to strum a few notes softly while she collected herself and decided what to sing. She was out of practice and hadn’t sung for a while, so she decided on something simple and chose one of the lesser arias from the opera they had just seen. She knew it by heart and once she began to sing, albeit haltingly at first, she soon forgot where she was and lost herself in the music.

  Her voice gained confidence, and rang out sweet and pure, and towards the end of the aria she sang with all her might. By the time she had finished, a crowd had gathered in the doorway and everyone began to clap enthusiastically. James said nothing, just offered her his arm as she stood up and prepared to leave. She swept past him, however, still angry, but smiled mechanically to acknowledge the applause. Then she went straight up to her room, slamming the door behind her.

  If he was going to be this dictatorial, how on earth was their marriage going to work? One thing was for sure, she would not put up with it.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  James was in a quandary. He had a feeling he had just made a great fool of himself and it was not a feeling he relished. His wife had proved to him that she did indeed possess a rare talent. In fact, he would not be surprised if she had reduced grown men to tears with a voice like that, but it still rankled that she had sung to other men, married or otherwise. He was beginning to wonder why that should matter to him so much.

  It would seem he was jealous, but how could that be? Being jealous meant that he would first have to be in love, and he refused to acknowledge any such thing. He didn’t even dare believe in Amelia’s innocence, so he couldn’t possibly love her. Or could he?

  No. He decided that without trust there could be no love. He had to be sure and what was needed was a breathing space, some time for reflection. Everything had happened with such speed, they had to slow things down a little. The best
thing would be for him to leave Amelia at his home in Surrey for a few weeks while he attended to some of his other properties. Perhaps after some time away from her he could begin to think clearly again. He had found that being with her played havoc with his senses and his brain didn’t seem to function like it normally did.

  I have to get away.

  When Amelia woke the next morning, James had already gone out.

  ‘Said as how he had some business to take care of,’ the maid informed her.

  Amelia wondered what to do while she waited for him yet again and decided she had better just stay in the hotel. She had no idea why James had acted so strangely the night before, but during the night she had calmed down and come to the conclusion that it had probably all been a misunderstanding. She knew she needed to be patient until she learned more about him. They were, after all, virtually strangers still, and no doubt she would understand him better once they got to know each other properly. But it made her cross that he had the power to upset her so.

  She went downstairs to look for a periodical with which to pass the time, and sat down in the lounge by herself. She had just finished the first page when a footman came over to her with a card on a silver salver.

  ‘There’s a gentleman who’d like a word with you, my lady.’

  Amelia looked at the card, which bore the name of Captain Marshall, and groaned inwardly. She wasn’t sure she ought to see him without James being present, but on the other hand she was sitting in a room full of people so there couldn’t be any impropriety in simply talking to the man.

  ‘Very well, show him over here, please,’ she said to the footman.

  Soon after, the captain’s booming voice rang out. ‘Lady Demarr, how do you do?’ He bowed over her hand, but she snatched it back as quickly as possible.

  ‘How nice of you to call. Please take a seat,’ she said. ‘How did you know where to find me?’

  ‘Oh, we military chaps have connections, you know.’ He tapped his nose with one finger and smiled.

  ‘I see. Well, what can I do for you?’

  ‘Nothing, m’dear, nothing at all. It’s the other way around, actually, I came to ask if there was anything I could help you with?’

  ‘Me? No, really I’m fine.’ Amelia was confused by his offer, but didn’t know what to say.

  Captain Marshall looked around furtively, then bent forward to whisper theatrically, ‘Just thought I’d come and ask, you know. Your husband didn’t seem to be in a very good mood last night. Not treating you badly, is he? Be honoured to take care of him for you if he was.’ He nodded for emphasis.

  Amelia was aghast. The last thing she needed at the moment was some other man championing her cause. She didn’t think James would like that at all. ‘No, Captain,’ she said firmly, ‘everything is fine, I assure you. No one could ask for a better husband, truly.’ She tried to look as sincere as possible and evidently succeeded since the captain looked satisfied.

  ‘Just thought I’d make sure, m’dear. Owe it to your father to look out for you.’

  ‘Thank you, it’s very kind, but there is no need. I’m very happy with my marriage.’

  ‘And I’m very happy to hear that.’ A new voice entered the conversation and Amelia felt her spirits sink. James. Why did he have to arrive now of all times?

  ‘The Captain was just leaving,’ she said nervously. She looked at James to see what his reaction had been, then rather wished she hadn’t. His face was set in a very forbidding expression, his icy gaze on the captain, who swiftly took his leave.

  ‘Shall we take lunch in our room, madam?’ James asked, still icily polite.

  ‘Yes, of course.’ Amelia wondered if it was her fate to be forever in disgrace, but she didn’t see how she could have avoided talking to the captain. When they reached their room, James turned on her at once.

  ‘Can I not leave you for five minutes without finding you smiling at some gentleman? I do not expect to find my wife sitting in the common lounge talking to someone, is that understood?’

  ‘Perfectly. Should I have asked the captain up to our sitting room then, where I was without a chaperone?’

  ‘I do not want you to entertain gentleman callers at all,’ he fairly shouted. ‘Perhaps you need a little reminder as to who your husband is?’ And without warning, he took her in his arms and began to kiss her ruthlessly.

  Amelia had no doubt it was meant as a punishment, but she could not help her enjoyment of the kiss and soon responded in kind, thus unwittingly beating him at his own game. He broke it off looking thoroughly frustrated.

  ‘I think in the circumstances it would be best if we set off for my country estate immediately. If you would be so good as to pack?’

  He stalked off towards his room and slammed the door, leaving Amelia feeling exasperated once again. What an infuriating and difficult man he is! But so attractive at the same time. She sighed. Would she ever understand him?

  The last leg of their journey was accomplished in stony silence. Amelia knew where they were going, since James had told her previously that his home was near East Grinstead, but she had no idea how long it would take to get there. She refused to ask though.

  It didn’t take more than half a day, in fact, and when they arrived Amelia couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise. He had said that he owned a ‘small property’, and Amelia hadn’t much cared about the size of her prospective new home, but what lay before her was nothing less than a mansion. As the carriage swept through a well-kept park, a beautiful house in the Palladian style came into view, with neatly laid out formal gardens all around it.

  ‘This is Marr Place?’ she asked incredulously, and James, obviously pleased with her reaction, unbent enough to reply.

  ‘Indeed. Do you like it?’

  ‘Like it? It’s magnificent! I thought you said you had a small property.’

  ‘Well, it’s small in comparison to some. My grandfather’s house is much larger. I haven’t lived here for very long myself,’ he added. ‘I’ve been abroad until recently.’

  Amelia did not reply, but stared at the house instead. She couldn’t believe she was going to be the mistress of such a grand establishment. It was too good to be true, but also daunting in the extreme. What if she couldn’t manage such a large household? She shook herself mentally and told herself sternly not to be so silly. Of course you can manage!

  The carriage came to a halt next to a curving flight of steps leading up to the front portico. As James helped her alight, Amelia marvelled anew at the beauty of the house, but her attention was soon claimed by the front door opening, and a butler who greeted them with a bow.

  ‘Ah, Jamieson, forgive our sudden arrival, but we finished our business in town a trifle early,’ James said to the butler. ‘I’m sure that with your usual efficiency you have already arranged everything to our satisfaction.’

  ‘Indeed, my lord. We have been ready for days. May I take this opportunity to wish you joy and on behalf of myself and all the staff to welcome her ladyship to her new home.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Amelia smiled at him. ‘You are very kind.’

  Next, she was introduced to the housekeeper, Mrs Flint, and this lady escorted her upstairs to her room, which proved to be an entire suite on the second floor overlooking the park. It was decorated in shades of moss green and gold and Amelia could not but approve of this choice as green was one of her favourite colours.

  ‘This is lovely!’ she exclaimed.

  Mrs Flint looked pleased, but said, ‘To be sure, we hope you will find everything satisfactory, although I expect you’ll want to make some changes.’

  ‘Oh no, not in here at any rate. This is just perfect.’

  ‘I’m glad you like it, my lady. Now I will send up one of the maids to help you with your unpacking. Her name is Maryann and if you approve of her, she can be your maid, as I understand from his lordship’s letter that you didn’t bring anyone with you.’ There was a knock on the door. ‘Ah, here she is now with some
hot water and towels.’

  ‘Thank you, Mrs Flint, you have thought of everything.’

  Amelia was soon pleased to approve the housekeeper’s choice of maid for her, as Maryann was a very capable country girl, cheerful and willing to help. Together they set about repairing the ravages of the journey.

  Amelia wanted to look her best before seeing her husband again. Not because I want to impress him, she thought. That was clearly impossible. But it would make her feel better and there was no harm in trying, was there?

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Amelia was asked to join his lordship in the library as soon as she was finished, and with a last look in the mirror she followed a footman downstairs. She felt unaccountably nervous, despite knowing that she did look her best in one of her new gowns, and wondered what mood James would be in now.

  The library proved to be very grand, its walls covered with bookcases from floor to ceiling, with little niches in between which housed tiny antique marble statues. The high ceiling was covered in lavish plaster decorations and the windows were draped in burgundy velvet, a colour scheme echoed in the furnishings and thick Oriental carpet. The footman announced her, then bowed and took his leave.

  James watched her as she approached, then indicated that she should take a seat near the fireplace. He took the chair opposite.

  ‘I have been doing a lot of thinking since yesterday evening,’ he began, ‘and I have decided that perhaps we need some time away from each other to enable us to get used to this strange bargain we have struck. I own a stud farm not far from here called Westfield, and I propose to go and stay there for a while. It is no great distance, so you can contact me at any time if necessary.’

  Amelia was taken aback. ‘I see,’ she said calmly, although inwardly she wanted to rail at him. They had made a bargain, that much was true, but surely it would be better for them to live together if they wanted to get used to it? She said nothing, however, merely asked if she would be in charge of the household while he was gone.