‘Very soon; we must wait for Cousin Jack. I think he’s upstairs changing as we speak. I’m sure he’ll not take as long as Beth and I did to get ready.’
‘Will there be jugglers and stilt walkers at the party, Lottie?’ Harry asked eagerly.
She laughed. ‘I doubt it, love, but there will be music and dancing to watch.’
‘Are we eating in the big dining-room tonight as it’s a special occasion?’
‘We are, Beth. Mrs Blake has worked miracles in there. Do you wish to go and look or would you like it to be a surprise?’
The children were involved a lively discussion on this subject when Jack arrived. ‘Are you ready to leave? I can hear music playing in the barn.’ Charlotte had made one alteration to her appearance, it didn’t go unnoticed. ‘Thank God! No coal scuttle! That bonnet is far prettier, my love.’
‘But, it does not match my ensemble - but as a dutiful bride to be - I put my personal preferences to one side and put on this plain chip-straw.’
‘It is hardly plain, sweetheart, you have half a garden decorating the brim.’
She giggled. ‘I think the bunch of forget-me-nots especially fetching.’
Charlotte took his arm and with the children hopping and skipping in front they left the house to join the festivities in the barn.
‘The torches are lit already, the flames look so pretty dancing in the wind,’ Beth exclaimed.
‘It will be full dark in an hour or so and will look even better than,’ Jack replied.
He bent down and lifted Harry onto his shoulders. ‘There, young man, you can see everything from here. Please don’t wriggle or I might be forced to tip you into the hedge.’
Harry laughed. ‘It is like riding on a giant, you are so tall. Look, Beth, there’s no one huger anywhere in the barn.’
Charlotte took Beth’s hand and they followed him into the noise and jollity. Straw bales had been found and placed around the edge of the barn to provide makeshift seats. The centre had been swept and liberally sprinkled with clean sawdust. The ale and cider had been positioned at the far end and the trestles laden with bread and cheese, pies, pasties and cakes stood behind the bales, hard against the far wall. Torches and lanterns flickered all around the building hiding the holes and making it appear magical.
‘Lottie, it’s lovely and everyone looks so happy. I’ve never seen so many smiling faces.’
‘It’s certainly a difference to when we arrived. Look, Beth, they’re starting a country dance. Shall we sit; they have set out some chairs for us over there.’
She watched as Jack circulated, Harry, ecstatic on his shoulders, greeting people and shaking hands, every inch a duke. She could hardly believe he hadn’t been bred to do this very thing. Papa had been the same - and he was certainly no aristocrat - so it must have been dealing with the common soldier all his life that made him at ease with villagers.
The hour they stayed flashed past in a kaleidoscope of colour. Beth and Harry had joined in the dancing with the village children. She and Jack had sat like royalty, watching. As they were leaving one of the village woman stopped Charlotte.
‘Begging your pardon, Miss Carstairs, but could you spare me a moment before you go?’
She stepped aside, into the shadow of the barn. ‘Of course, what is it you want to tell me?’
‘Well, miss, it’s like this. My Ben, he’s a good lad, but he was over Ravenscroft way last night and he noticed some smoke from the chimney.’ Charlotte nodded, waiting to hear why this was significant. ‘It were empty up to then, you see, Miss Carstairs. It were sold a while back but no one came to live there. Ben went to have a look but apart from the smoke there were no light and no sign of no one living there.’
This was news indeed. ‘Thank you, I’ll tell Lord Thurston right away.’ The village lady dropped a curtsy and vanished into the heaving barn. Charlotte understood why the woman had not wished to tell him herself, her son Ben had obviously been poaching in the woods of Ravenscroft.
She hurried over to Jack who was waiting politely with the children. Harry and Beth were eager to begin the second part of the treat and begged to run ahead. It had been decided that they would all dress for dinner and this meant a second change of garments.
Annie materialised beside them. ‘Come along, you two, I’ve been waiting for you. I have your things all laid out ready and Jenny has agreed to help us tonight, seeing as you were bound to be in a hurry.’
Charlotte waited until they had gone before passing on her information. He understood immediately the significance. ‘We have them. They must think they’re safe three miles from us, but they’re not. I’ll find Captain Forsythe and send him over right away.’
‘You will not go with them tonight?’
He slipped arm around her waist. ‘No, my love, tonight is for us. I’ll have to trust Forsythe and his men to deal with things without my assistance. All they have to do is surround the building and wait until I arrive to take command.’
‘Then you are going to go?’
‘I have no choice. But I’ll stay for dinner, I promise I’ll not leave until you retire.’
‘Thank you. This evening means so much to me and to the children.’
Upstairs Mary had her evening gown ready. This was in the newest fashion, the skirt falling from directly under her bosom and it required no corsets or stays to improve its appearance. She stepped out of her promenade dress and raised her arms for the silk and sarcenet creation to drop softly over her head.
The neck was square-cut and edged with delicate pale green lace. Mary tied the sash, in a darker shade of emerald green and handed Charlotte the ribbon that held up the demi-train.
‘There, miss, you look like a princess, what with your lovely red hair and all.’
Charlotte turned slowly admiring herself from every angle in the long glass that had arrived in her room that very day. ‘I wasn’t quite sure about the colour, emerald green is not considered suitable for someone my age, but it’s the exact shade of my eyes and I couldn’t resist it.’
She stroked the sarcenet overdress, loving the way it glittered and reflected the candlelight. The small cap sleeves also finished with the green lace, made her arms seem longer. Sadly she eyed the matching silk gloves, but Jack had asked her not to wear them. He had said he found the practice of wearing gloves in the house quite ridiculous.
‘I’m ready and I think I can hear the children coming.’
Harry, in smart black velveteen waistcoat and matching breeches, his snowy white shirt a pleasure to behold, came in first. Beth, in a gown of palest yellow sprigged-muslin, followed close behind.
‘Come along, children, we must go down. I heard Cousin Jack pass by some time ago.’
Chapter Twenty
Meltham ushered them formally into the drawing-room. Charlotte watched the children’s reaction and she was not disappointed.
‘Cousin Jack, you look like a prince,’ Beth said, her eyes round.
‘And Lottie looks like a princess,’ Harry added not wishing to be left out.
Charlotte’s cheeks flushed under the power of Jack’s gaze. ‘This is my grandest gown. I must admit it does make me feel like someone out of a fairy tale.’
He moved to her side, taking her left hand. ‘I have something here for you, sweetheart, that will perfectly complement your ensemble. I wanted tonight to be memorable.’ From his waistcoat pocket he withdrew a small velvet casket and flicked it open.
She stared in awe. ‘This is so beautiful. Is it an emerald? Look children, see how it sparkles.’
He removed the ring and pushed it over her knuckle. ‘It’s the same colour as your eyes. I know it was extravagant, but once I had seen it nothing else would do.’
‘It’s stunning.’ She has held out her hand, turning it so the stone reflected the candlelight. ‘It is exactly what I would have chosen for myself. I love it, thank you.’
He captured her hand and took it to his lips, kissing her palm lightly. ‘
It is a beautiful ring for a beautiful lady.’
She was aware the children watched them with avid attention. Hastily she removed her hand and dropped a playful curtsy, saying. ‘Thank you, my lord.’
Orgeat was served to Beth and Harry and the butler handed Charlotte a small crystal glass of sherry wine. ‘This is delicious. I remember my parents drinking it in Spain, but I was far too young to be offered any.’
Harry nudged Beth. ‘Mr Meltham is coming, do you think he might smile tonight?’
‘Hush, Harry. He’s come to announce dinner.’
‘Your grace, Miss Carstairs, Miss Beth and Master Harry, dinner is served in the grand dining room.’
Jack bowed politely and offered his arm to Beth. ‘Miss Beth, would you do me the honour of accompanying me into dinner?’
She dropped a deep curtsy. ‘Thank you, Lord Thurston, I should be delighted.’ Harry’s mouth pursed - he had wanted to go with Cousin Jack.
‘Master Harry, would you please escort me into dinner?’ Charlotte curtsied to him and prayed he would respond.
‘I will take you, Lottie.’ He folded himself at the waist and held up his arm as he had seen Jack do.
The dining-room, freshly painted, was lit from end to end with candles. The sideboard was laden with several covered dishes and the huge table sparkled with shining silver cutlery and polished wood. Tonight the butler had chosen not to cover the walnut surface a damask cloth.
‘This is splendid, Meltham, thank you’ Charlotte said.
The butler nodded, carefully keeping his lips together but his eyes gleamed with pleasure.
‘Ah ha! Do I see gifts awaiting my attention at the head of the table?’ Jack asked.
‘You do. You do. Open the big one first. Please, please, do that one.’
‘Harry, that is quite enough. Come and sit down next to me. Cousin Jack will open his gifts when he is ready.’
He smiled amiably at the little boy. ‘If you’re fatigued then I should be happy to carry you up to your room.’
Harry swallowed nervously. ‘I’m not tired, I’ll sit quietly, I promise.’
‘I am pleased to hear you say so. I should hate you to miss such a special occasion.’ No one was in any doubt he would not tolerate any more nonsense. That was all it took, a gentle reminder, and Harry was all smiles and compliance. Charlotte caught his eye and smiled her thanks. To her astonishment he winked. She was obliged to put her hand over her mouth to swallow her giggles.
The footman held out a chair for her. She noticed both children were treated with as much deference as the adults. Charlotte had arranged for dinner to be served ‘a la Francais’, all dishes placed in the centre of the table, this way the children could select their favourites. There was to be only one course, more would be too much this evening.
Once they were seated Jack picked up the large lumpy parcel. ‘What have I here, I wonder?’ Harry wriggled with excitement but somehow managed to keep silent. Jack examined it from every side then carefully removed the paper. His look of stunned surprise was unfeigned. Harry could no longer keep quiet.
‘I made it for you. I found the stones and Lottie made the paste. It has a pattern on it.’
Charlotte could see Jack’s throat convulsing as he struggled to keep his composure. ‘It is amazing, Harry. I shall treasure it for ever.’
Harry glowed. ‘It doesn’t open very well.’
Jack had noticed the lid of the box was firmly glued to the base. ‘I shall use it as a paperweight; it doesn’t need to open.’
She wanted to throw her arms around him, he was saying all the right things, leaving Harry in no doubt his present was properly appreciated. Jack raised an eyebrow, wishing to know which Beth’s gift was. Charlotte smiled when he touched the correct one.
‘This one next; it’s an interesting shape and if the contents are as pretty as the wrapping then I am about to be delighted.’ Beth beamed. He undid the silver gauze ribbon and peeled back the tissue. ‘Good heavens! This is exquisite. Did you do this for me Charlotte? I had no idea you were such a talented artist.’
Beth whispered, almost too overcome to speak. ‘It’s mine, Cousin Jack, I did it for you. Lottie gave me watercolours for my Christmas gift last year.’
He held up the small painting and studied it closely. ‘You are extremely talented, Beth. Do you think you could produce a picture of Thurston Hall?’
‘I could, I’ll start tomorrow.’ Her face fell as she remembered they were confined to the house. ‘Will it be safe to go outside to sketch?’
‘Yes, if Annie is with you. I should like a view looking up from the ornamental lake towards the terrace.’
He quickly opened Charlotte’s offering and praised her stitching, then thanked them all profusely for a second time. He had become aware of the butler’s anxiety to place the food on the table before it became inedible.’
Harry dropped his cutlery and rubbed his rounded stomach. ‘That was a lovely dinner. I’m quite stuffed.’
‘No room for dessert then?’ Charlotte enquired. The mention of the surprise to follow produced fresh ripples of excitement in the children. The table was cleared and the footmen carefully removed some of the candelabra from the centre of the table.
The door swung open and a giant birthday cake was carried in. The children had known a cake was to be made but the magnificence of this edifice stunned them. It towered more than two feet high and sparkled with crystallised fruit of all descriptions set into a soft white topping of white sugar paste. This confection was placed in the cleared space on the table and the two footmen who had carried it stepped back.
‘It’s so big, Lottie, there’s enough for a hundred people.’ Beth was awestruck.
Charlotte’s immediate thought was where Betty had found such extravagant ingredients at such short notice. And her sister was right, there was more than enough to give all the staff the generous portion. Harry knelt on his seat in order to see the spectacle better.
Her throat closed and tears pricked her eyes at the sight of her formidable betrothed unashamedly wiping the tears from his cheeks with his napkin. They waited for his comment. His voice was gruff when he finally spoke
‘I have never had a cake for my anniversary before. Indeed, I don’t believe I have ever seen such a wonderful thing in my entire life.’
Harry stretched out a fingertip and reverently stroked the side. ‘Is it for looking or eating, Cousin Jack?’
He chuckled. ‘Definitely eating, of course. Meltham, hand me the knife this instant.’ He cut four generous slices and silence fell as they tasted this rare treat. ‘It eats as good as it looks, and one cannot say fairer than that,’ Jack said as he lay down his silver cake fork. ‘Meltham, I wish a quarter of this cake put aside for our own consumption but divide the rest into sufficient pieces for all to enjoy.’ His quiet emphasis was understood.
‘Yes, your grace. I’m sure the children in the village will not forget this evening.’
Harry’s eyes were scarcely open and even Beth was flagging. Annie was summoned to collect the sleepy duo. Jack stood up and addressed the maid.
‘I’ll carry Master Harry he’s almost asleep on his chair.’
Charlotte left the table also. ‘I’ll wait in the drawing-room, Jack.’ She was escorted there by the butler. ‘We shall require nothing further tonight, Meltham. Neither Lord Thurston nor I wish to have a tea tray served. I suggest when your duties here are completed that you and the rest of the staff join in the festivities in the barn.’
‘Thank you, Miss Carstairs, I’m sure the younger members will be pleased to go. I shall lock up everywhere, apart from the servant’s exit. But be assured, I shall designate someone else to do that duty. Goodnight, Miss Carstairs.’
She believed the evening had been the most enjoyable of her life, even the dinner she and Jack had shared a week ago didn’t compare. She smiled sleepily, perhaps the sherry wine and two glasses of claret made everything about the occasion seem magical.
‘Botheration!’ Her exclamation echoed round the enormous room as she attempted to extricate her trapped skirts.
‘Allow me to assist you, sweetheart,’ a deep voice purred from beside her and before she could protest, Jack’s hands cupped her posterior lifting her free of the entanglement. Her intention had been to use her hands merely to steady herself but as soon as they came into contact with his chest everything changed. They found their way around the strong column of his neck and without conscious thought she began to pull his face down to hers. His fingers curled into her buttocks and she swayed her hips in response to his caress.
‘Please, darling, don’t do that; I’m barely in control as it is.’ His voice sounded different, deeper, almost as if he was in pain. She stilled but continued to explore his features with her lips.
His hand slid upwards lifting her clear of the chair until she was crushed against him. His hot mouth found hers and his kiss melted her insides. She was burning from his touch, not just on her lips but everywhere. Slowly she withdrew her mouth and stared up into his face. She knew what she would do, what would make this night unforgettable for them both.
‘I wish to be your wife tonight, not wait another eight days.’ She felt him tense.
‘If you’re quite certain, my darling. You will have no regrets tomorrow?’
‘It is my birthday gift to you. I am quite sure.’
He did not need telling a third time. He swept her up into his arms and strode out of the drawing-room, taking the stairs two at a time. He carried her past her bedchamber and along to the far end of the corridor to his own. He paused outside the door.
‘Do you wish to come in with me? It is not too late to change your mind, but once you are inside I know I shall not be able to pull back. I have thought of nothing else since I first set eyes on you outside the Crown a month ago. I burn for you, my love. I am consumed by a fire that only you can put out.’
The Duke's Challenge Page 23
