"Thank you, Bates," replied Adam. "And my mother is exactly who I wish to see. Where is she?"
"Upstairs in the morning room, Your Grace. I will announce you."
"By no means," said Adam. "I mean to surprise her."
"Very good, Your Grace."
Adam dashed up the stairs two at a time and burst into the morning room. His mother was sitting by the window, her head bent over a piece of stitchery. She looked up, surprised, and a cry of delight broke from her as she stood and ran to him, clasping him tightly in her arms. "Oh, Adam. It's so good to have you home. I have missed you dreadfully, the more since your father's death." She looked up at him, her eyes tearing slightly. Adam was no longer the charming boy who had left home. "How you've changed. You look very much the man now, my dear."
"It's good to see you, Mother." Adam hugged her and stroked her back. "I'm sorry to have been away from home at such a difficult time. Forgive me for not returning when I heard the news."
"Well, you were far away. Your father had been dead for weeks before you received my letter, I'm sure. But still, I have missed you," said Emily.
"I'm home now. How have you been?" Adam held his mother at arm's length and surveyed her closely. She was still very lovely, but she had lost the youthful glow that she had possessed before he had left.
"I miss your father dreadfully," she admitted. "He made my life very full. But now I have Allegra, of course, and she is very good at filling my time and making me laugh."
"Ah, yes. My wife, the duchess." Adam released his mother and took a step back. "Do you like her, Mother?"
"She is a charming girl, Adam," she said. "Your father and I made a good choice. I hope you'll come to care for her."
Adam bit his lip. "What is she like?"
"Oh, very gentle and kind. But she also has a lively wit and a quick mind. She has been quite a success in society," confided Emily.
"I have some idea of her success," said Adam, a touch of anger creeping into his voice. "I was in the park yesterday and witnessed a disgraceful display by a hoyden on a black stallion. She was galloping wildly with two men in hot pursuit, who she then proceeded to flirt with outrageously. I then saw this same female with half of the libertines in London at her feet at the ridotto at Ranelagh last night. Imagine my horror when I learned that this brazen flirt was my supposedly demure bride!"
Emily laughed. "Did she do that indeed? Allegra is forever kicking up a dust. She is the most amusing child."
"Amusing!" Adam threw his hands in the air. "Hoydenish, I would say. Her behavior was not missish at all."
"But she is not a miss," Emily pointed out. "Allegra is a married woman. She is your wife."
"That is all the more reason for her to behave herself!" snapped Adam.
Emily raised her eyebrows. "How stern you are. What happened to my carefree son, who thought so poorly of society's strictures?"
Adam stared at her, his green eyes cold. "Don't try to distract me, Mother. The behavior of my wife is very much my business."
"Well, she doesn't know you are about. When the two of you get to know one another, you will come to an understanding. She is a little headstrong, my Allegra. But she is very dear."
"Dear!" sputtered Adam. "Her behavior was not dear in the least. It was appalling. And what happened to her? She was a little dowdy when I left, and that woman last night was like a flame to moths. Every man in the room was panting after her!"
The Dowager gave him a curious look. "She has grown up. It happens to girls, you know. They become women. Well, my dear, come sit down and tell me about your travels. You'll meet Allegra soon enough, and I'm sure you'll love her as I do."
Emily dispatched a servant to fetch Allegra, and Adam sat down grudgingly to regale his mother with a few tales of his travels. But his mind was not engaged; it kept turning back to the dashing horsewoman in the park and the tantalizing beauty at Ranelagh. He grew increasingly angry that his wife should be so hoydenish, should be dressed so daringly, should be making so free with unknown gentlemen.
Some time passed. There came a light step on the stairs and the door to the morning room opened. Allegra floated into the room. She was robed in a pale green gown over a dimity petticoat, quilted and embroidered. Her shining titian hair tumbled about her head in a mass of artless curls, and it glowed like a crown on her proud little head. A gentle smile curled her delicate lips and blue eyes, no longer laughing but now smiling dreamily, floated in a face of finest porcelain. In the lace at her bosom, a single diamond pin winked and glittered. Adam gritted his teeth when he saw it was the stone she had won from him the night before.
"Mama dear," she called. "You wished to see me?"
Emily rose and took her hand. "Good morning, Allegra. We have a visitor."
Allegra looked up at Adam with a mischievous smile and extended him a delicate white hand. He bowed over it, feeling awkward and clumsy. Allegra was every bit as lovely as she had seemed the day before, and the intimacy of the morning room, with only one other person present, made him more than ever aware of their situation. This was his wife, the woman he was expected to live with, to sire children by. The thought of Allegra in his bed sparked a sudden flash of desire in his body, and he fought it back. What was he thinking of? He loved Louisa.
"This is Adam, my dear," said Emily. "Your husband and my son."
Adam did not know what reaction he had expected from Allegra, but it was not what he received. She laughed merrily, a sound like silver bells.
"My lord, welcome home. I'm sorry I wasn't waiting to receive you, but we weren't informed of your arrival date, and I'm afraid I danced until early this morning. I hope your trip was pleasant."
"There was some rough weather in the Channel," said Adam stiffly. "But I survived." Her casual manner annoyed him. She should be at least slightly embarrassed to be confronted with her husband after their meeting last night, but she seemed to be completely unconcerned.
"You seem to be recovered. You look very well indeed," said Allegra. "Perhaps you can join us tonight. We are attending Lady Bellamy's rout. It will be pleasant to have a man to accompany us, although it's most unfashionable to have one's husband for a gallant, so perhaps we shall do as well without you."
The Dowager watched nervously as Adam's face grew darker. "Yes, please do come," she urged. "Unless, of course, you're too tired to go out. Perhaps you're still weary from your journey."
"Not at all. I would be pleased to accompany you."
"Then perhaps you should rest," said Allegra artlessly. "We shall be out very late again tonight."
Adam frowned at her. "Perhaps I should. I wouldn't wish to have insufficient energy to serve as your escort."
Emily hastily stepped in. "Your baggage is in your father's old room. Please make yourself comfortable, Adam. Will you join us for tea?"
Adam's tore his eyes from Allegra's face and he looked at his mother. "Why am I not in my own room, Mother?"
"You are the duke now, my dear. His room adjoins the duchess's. Allegra is in my old room."
"You drove my mother from her room?" Adam turned to Allegra accusingly.
"I insisted," said Emily quickly. "I didn't care for the room anymore with your father gone, you know."
Adam's face softened. "You miss him, don't you?"
"Very much." There was a small pause. "Now I must go make sure your room is properly ordered; I will be back in a little while."
Emily kissed Adam tenderly on the cheek and left the room. The silence stretched out as Allegra and Adam avoided each other's gaze.
"Your mother is a very kind woman," said Allegra.
"She is indeed," said Adam. He turned to his wife and surveyed her as she stood gracefully by the window. She hadn't grown many inches since she he had last seen her, he realized. She was still diminutive and small-boned, making him feel over-large and clumsy. But there was nothing else about her that hadn't altered. Her hair, which had once been a carroty red, now shimmered like freshly hammer
ed gold. Her freckles were gone as well, replaced by a complexion as white as milk and as fine as porcelain. Her brilliant blue eyes dominated her charming face, and her lips, now curled in an inquiring smile, looked eminently kissable. But more than anything else, her body was different. Gone was the gangliness, the odd proportions and the excessive skinniness. Instead there was a lady, with a tiny waist and softly rounded curves that hinted at all sorts of carnal delights. Adam swallowed.
"You have changed a great deal, Allegra."
Allegra blinked, wondering how to answer him. It had taken a great deal more nerve than she had thought it would to face him this morning. Though she hated to admit it, Adam's handsome face had haunted her childish dreams after their marriage. And now he was restored to her, except that he was even more beautiful than when he had left. The years had erased the remnants of boyishness, and now she was presented with someone who was very much a man. Broad shoulders filled his coat, and his tight breeches showed her clearly his slim hips and muscular thighs. His features, still forming when he had left England, were now firmly chiseled, his chin firm, his cheekbones high, his eyes a vivid green. She looked at his hands, reflecting dazedly on their obvious strength. She turned away with a tiny shrug and tried to collect herself.
"You haven't," she replied. "Oh, you look a little older, and you have filled out a bit. But you're still very handsome--and you're still frowning."
Adam cocked an eyebrow. "Is that how you remember me?"
"You scowled dreadfully all during our wedding. And that's the only time we've ever met."
"Except for last night." Adam's voice was sharp with annoyance.
Allegra laughed as though he had made a joke. "Oh, that was two strangers encountering one another at a masked ball. But my husband...no, I have seen him only once before."
"I also saw you earlier in the day," said Adam.
"Did you?"
"You were riding in the park."
Allegra dimpled and waved a hand airily. "Oh, the gallop. No wonder you look so severe. I know I shouldn't have done that, but it couldn't be resisted. It was early and no one was about, and a respectable walk just doesn't satisfy me. London can be so confining, and a good gallop clears my head. You do have a knack for discovering me in my more carefree moments, Adam."
He frowned. "It would oblige me if you did not gallop in the park again. Nor attend public balls, either."
"Why ever not?" asked Allegra, her eyebrows rising.
"It is hardly behavior I expect from my wife."
"You expect a certain kind of behavior from me?" Allegra chuckled. "I hardly think that on five minutes acquaintance you can begin to dictate to me, Adam, nor to have realistic expectations about my ideas and behavior. I attended an entertainment last night in the company of my brother. What could be more respectable than that?"
"I would hardly consider your brother a suitable escort. He's a brash young man, and his care of you was certainly lacking last night."
"But my brother was a particular friend of yours before you left England, wasn't he? Surely you can trust me to the care of your friends?"
"The gentleman you left Ranelagh with was not your brother. My wife should be leading a life which does not include making a public spectacle of herself."
"I? A public spectacle? I believe you have no right to judge me, particularly since your own life is hardly scandal-free. Even in London we have heard something of your doings on the Continent."
"You are my wife, and you should be a credit to me," said Adam. "Your behavior is very much my concern."
"How serious you are," cried Allegra. "One would think you were a staid and sober middle-aged man, not the dashing young gallant who wagers diamonds with unnamed ladies. Surely you won't deny me my little pleasures? I am, after all, a lady of fashion. Indeed, this Season I am the fashion."
Adam was aghast. He had been sufficiently stunned by the discovery that the dowdy and tearful child he had left four years ago had grown into a woman of beauty and grace. Now he was learning that she was not merely beautiful, but also headstrong and impetuous. He had expected to have to deal with a mild milk-and-water maiden with plain features who would jeopardize his reputation as a dashing man-about-town. Now it seemed Allegra might jeopardize his reputation in other ways.
"I do not find the changes in you attractive, Allegra," he said. "Meekness and docility are qualities to be prized in a woman."
He was amazed to hear to hear the words come out of his mouth. This was not a sentiment that had occurred to him previously.
Allegra leaned on the back of a silken chair and looked at him from under her long lashes. He saw that they were dark, despite her fair hair, and stood out against her almost translucently fair skin. Adam could not help but notice the alluring swell of her white breasts above the very low décolletage of her gown. He swallowed. He would have to discuss Allegra's wardrobe with her as well. He couldn't have her going out in public with her breasts very nearly uncovered.
"There is no pleasing you, Adam," she said thoughtfully. "You were unhappy when I was dowdy and docile, and now you are displeased to find me beautiful but less biddable. But perhaps Lady Manning combines beauty with docility?"
Adam jumped at the mention of his mistress's name, and stared at her in amazement. "What do you know about Lady Manning?"
"Only what everybody in London knows," Allegra assured him. "The gossips are not ashamed to drop a warning in the ear of a young bride. I'm told she's your mistress."
Adam's posture became stiffer, if that was possible. "Lady Manning is an acquaintance of mine. She showed me kindness when I was a stranger in Paris."
Allegra smoothed the fabric of her skirt with delicate fingers. "I see. Well, I suppose you have the right to acquaintances--as do I."
Adam gaped at her. "And what do you mean by that?"
Allegra turned her wide blue eyes on him. "Why nothing, Adam. I was only saying that any acquaintances of mine must necessarily be as innocent as your friendship with Lady Manning."
Adam took a step closer to her. His rising sense of frustration was almost overwhelming him. How dare his wife challenge him in this way? The thought of her with another man almost made him choke, and he was too angry to wonder why the idea should be so upsetting to him. "I believe that we need to come to a fuller understanding of our relationship," he ground out.
"Our relationship is simple, Adam. We are married," observed Allegra airily. "But that is no reason we can't be friendly. Come, let us agree to pursue our separate ways. Surely you didn't return here thinking to find me a blushing bride? I may have been a tearful child on the day of our wedding, but even I can remember your fury. You, I am sure, have no intention of imposing yourself upon me."
Adam stared at her. Her words exactly reflected his state of mind before he had encountered her, and yet, when he heard her say them, they seemed highly objectionable. He tried to gather his thoughts so as to express them exactly.
Allegra seated herself with a flurry of silken skirts and rested her charming chin in her hand. "I also seem to recall some views as to your wife that you expressed to the lovely lady you met last night. Let me see...'My wife is nothing to me' and 'I do as I please and my wife may do as she pleases.' I believe those were the sentiments you expressed. And most realistic ones they are, too."
At that moment Emily entered the room. "All is well with your luggage, Adam, dear," she said. "And how have you two children been getting along?"
Adam was silent. "I think perhaps we are beginning to understand one another," said Allegra softly. "Are we not, Adam?"
He bowed to her silently. "Mother, I feel the need to rest a time after my travels, especially if I am to accompany two such lively ladies out on the town tonight. Pray excuse me while I go to my room."
"Certainly, my dear," said Emily. She kissed him on the cheek. "It is so good to have you home, and I am pleased you and Allegra are getting along so well."
Adam kissed her hand, and nodded abrupt
ly to Allegra.
"Your servant, ma'am," he growled, and stalked out of the room.
"Oh dear," said Emily. "He looked like a thundercloud. What have you been saying to him, Allegra?"
"Nothing that he didn't need to hear, Mama," Allegra said reassuringly. "Your Adam and I have a pretty puzzle to untangle."
"Do try to be understanding, child. He always was rash, and I fear the last four years have done little to change that. I love you both and want to see you happy together."
Allegra smiled at the Dowager, who had become most dear to her over the past years. "I will try, Mama," she said. "But I cannot guess what will happen. However, I know that I will not allow Adam to dictate to me. He shows signs already of becoming an absolute tyrant! But that can be dealt with later. I have a busy afternoon ahead of me, and if Adam will waste the whole of it sleeping, I must amuse myself somehow."
She turned just as the door to the sitting room opened and a very modish lady entered. She wore a dark blue robe of fine wool trimmed with grey lace open over a shimmering white taffeta petticoat. Her appearance gave the impression of a woman of taste and wealth who was also somewhat impatient with the more extravagant frills of fashion. She smiled on the two women and greeted them warmly.
"Mama, Allegra, how do you this morning?" she asked, stripping off her gloves. "Is it true what I've heard, that Adam is returned?"
"Yes, he is," responded Emily, "Though he has gone upstairs to rest. He'll be sorry he missed you."
"Rest? Adam? My goodness, whatever is wrong? I've never known Adam to rest."
"Perhaps it is a bit more than resting," admitted Emily. "I fear that Allegra and Adam have not gotten along well in their first meeting."
Caroline Ansley, Countess of Eskmaine, looked not at all surprised. "And who could expect that they would?" she asked. "Adam was always a selfish brute, and Allegra is still a child."
"A child!" Allegra was offended. "Really, Caroline, I'm insulted."
"Then you are definitely still a child," said Caroline, seating herself and arranging her skirts about her. She was Adam's older sister, and her resemblance to her brother was strong, for she had the same green eyes and golden hair. She was woman renowned throughout the ton for her beauty, taste, wealth, and sense. She had married the Earl of Eskmaine at the age of twenty, and was now the mother of two small heirs to her husband's estate. Her marriage had been, by all accounts, a loving one, and her husband's death of a fever several years before had caused her to retreat a bit from the world. Allegra was somewhat in awe of the Countess' brisk commonsense, but appreciated her obvious affection for her sister-in-law.
A Most Unusual Situation: A Traditional Version Georgian Romance (The Gravesmeres Book 1) Page 4
