The Duke was somewhat less surprised at the news than his new wife, for, after all, only a few days ago, he had given Oliver his blessings when he had hesitantly asked his permission to court Georgiana. He had not expected things to go this far, this fast, but he quickly recovered his composure and offered his hand to Oliver along with a firm slap of congratulations on the Marquess’ broad back.
“You have your fortune again, my Lord, and the ton are well on their way to accepting you into your rightful place. That brings you both responsibilities and opportunities. The government has a pressing need for men of good character. I believe that many possibilities lie before you. And Lady Georgiana is more than capable of supporting you, in whatever you may do.”
He paused as he stroked his chin in contemplation. Oliver wondered, suddenly, if the Duke knew of the offer that Setford had made. Georgiana was beaming and Cordelia shook her head in wonder.
“It seems my husband has taken a liking to you, my Lord, and that fortune has finally shown you the good favour you most surely deserve.”
She was looking at her sister and smiling from the depths of her heart, pleased beyond compare to see Georgiana so radiantly happy.
~~~~~
Oliver and Georgiana walked to the stone folly in the gardens, despite the threat of rain, and settled there to talk. Georgiana wondered why he looked serious again, when, moments before, he had been beaming with happiness.
“Georgiana, my love, I have something else to ask you.”
She tipped her head to the side, considering him as he spoke, her eyes bright with curiosity, and just a little concern.
“I know that we must talk of our wedding, and when and where that should happen, and a thousand other things, but I have been offered, just this morning, an opportunity which might influence all of that. And I need your opinion on it. For, now, it is not just my decision to make.”
Georgiana took his hands in hers and waited, allowing him to explain in his own time. He told her of the offer that Setford had made, that morning, and of his conflicted emotions about it. She could see, in his eyes, and hear, in his tone, how much he wanted to go, to see America again, and to do something worthwhile, that might help so many people if it succeeded. But she could also see how hard it was for him to ask, to place before her the possibility of being away from her, for long months, when they had only just truly found each other. At last, he came to the heart of his question.
“Darling Georgiana, I want to do this. But, if you cannot bear it, I will not go. For you matter more to me than anything. That is what I realised, last night and this morning – all of my other cares and woes are nothing in the face of my love for you. So – it is your choice. Can you bear for me to do this, to go, so soon after we will wed?”
Georgiana smiled, and pulled his head down to her for a kiss, savouring the sweetness of his touch.
“Oliver, though it pains me to even think of being apart from you, I can see how much you want to go. I can live with that. I will have much to do, with Casterfield Grange and Dartworth Abbey to care for – I am certain that I can manage a few months, although I would wish it to be as short a time as possible. And, perhaps you can turn this directly to our advantage too – for perhaps there is an investment opportunity in America?”
A broad smile lit his face, and he hugged her tightly to him, amazed at how lucky he was to have found such a woman.
“I had not thought on that, but, now that I have some funds to work with, you are correct, I would indeed look into such an investment. Your cleverness never ceases to amaze me. Let us, then, arrange things with all speed – if the banns are read this week, we can marry as soon as Cordelia and the Duke return from their travels, for they do not plan to be gone above a month. I want as much time with you before I go as possible!”
A whirlwind of arranging swept them up from that moment, and Baron Setford, in the Duke’s absence, proved of remarkable assistance. He was a man who could, it seemed, perform magic, with a quiet word in the right people’s ears. His first act was to provide Oliver with a man of business, to assist with his planning for everything – from the wedding, to travel, to the first repairs to Dartworth Abbey. The man was a genius, and, unlike some other men-of-business that Oliver had met, actually respected both his, and Georgiana’s, wishes.
~~~~~
A month went by at amazing speed. Cordelia and the Duke returned, refreshed and happy, and Cordelia threw herself into the final stages of the wedding preparations. It was Georgiana’s choice to have the wedding in the local church near Casterfield Grange, and the wedding breakfast at Casterfield Grange itself. Cordelia would have preferred to hold the ceremony at Canterwood Downs and the breakfast in the more formal setting of the Duke’s grand and elegant house, but she bowed to her sister’s wishes.
Faster than she could ever have imagined, the day was upon them.
Their wedding had turned into an alarmingly grand affair, with what seemed half the ton attending. It amused Georgiana greatly to see all of these people who had treated Oliver so poorly now celebrating his wedding. It was ridiculous what a difference visible wealth made.
The actual ceremony was simple, and they had both chosen to dress in the most simple and elegant garments possible – no excess ostentation at all. Perhaps they could start a trend for the ton, Georgiana thought with amusement, as the vicar finally spoke the words that made them man and wife.
They had chosen to walk the short distance from the church to Casterfield Grange, taking delight in the sun and the fresh air, although it utterly scandalised many of the society women present, who rapidly climbed into their carriages rather than besmirch their hems with dust. Georgiana looked around her, glad to be home – a home that she would share with Oliver, until Dartworth Abbey was fully restored, after which time they would split their time between the two homes.
Despite the unseasonably cold year, Georgiana’s roses had bloomed beautifully, and their scent welcomed them as they walked into the house. Her fears about the new farm manager and gardeners had been unfounded, and everything was thriving. She gratefully dropped onto the comfortable couch placed on the terrace, Oliver beside her, and watched as the servants magically produced a fabulous feast of food and drink for their guests. The Duke had opened his celebrated wine cellars and despatched wagonloads of sublime vintages to bless the wedding celebrations.
He had sent his personal pastry chefs and his Spanish coffee master to make sure that the occasion was as lavish and memorable as possible. He did it to please his young wife and her sister, in memory of their father, but also because he felt a sense of obligation to the young Marquess. He had misjudged the man and intended to make good for his error of judgement. There was, he felt, a deep satisfaction in realising that he had, now, actually fulfilled his promises to two dead men. He would rest better knowing those obligations were satisfied, and in such a neat and complementary manner.
After the wedding, Oliver and Georgiana settled into Casterfield Grange, as Dartworth Abbey was still barely habitable, although Oliver did spend some time there, ensuring that the repairs were proceeding apace. Baron Setford had, in his usual unassumingly efficient way, produced a gentleman of excellent background, a close associate of Gerald Otford, the new Baron Tillingford, who was available to reside at Dartworth Abbey, and take on the care of the place for the time that Oliver was away.
Setford had explained his availability as a combination of a wish to be away from his family, and a need to be doing something, now that he had returned from the war in France. As the second son of an Earl, there were few socially acceptable occupations available. Oliver had liked the man at once. Lord Barton Seddon was quiet, but astute, and his obvious courtesy and care for others recommended him. The man also, apparently, had a keen eye for horseflesh, and wanted to breed them. That was an activity that Oliver could wholeheartedly support. An arrangement had quickly been made, to everyone’s satisfaction, and now the time of Oliver’s departure was approaching a
t speed.
He was glad that, in his absence, the house that his father had neglected, with its grand ballroom and beautiful reception rooms, would be fully restored. Oliver and Georgiana often talked deep into the night, of their plans for the future and the ways in which they might increase the prosperity of their lands and their tenants. They had decided, after considerable thought, that Oliver would, whilst in America, seek out land to buy in Virginia or possibly further north, to create a plantation that would also add to their wealth.
His departure only a week away, Oliver’s excitement was growing. He would miss Georgiana terribly, but he could not deny his enthusiasm for seeing again, the place that had, in so many ways, been the making of him. A message arrived one evening, from Baron Setford, informing Oliver that the merchant he had mentioned, Mr. Raphael Morton, on whose business Oliver would ostensibly be travelling, had decided to travel with him, and that Setford would bring the man to Casterfield Grange to meet him, the following day.
~~~~~
Raphael followed Setford up the steps to the door of the pleasant manor in Berkshire, wondering if he would like this man he had agreed to travel with. Gerry had assured him that the man was good and honourable, honest and forthright, in a way that he was certain Raphael would appreciate. He had taken his word for it. In truth, Raphael’s thoughts were mostly elsewhere. This chance to do more travel, to see more of the places that his ship’s captains told him of when they returned with rich cargoes, was something he had grabbed at, upon Setford’s suggestion.
But he knew, in his heart, that he was going for the wrong reason. There were things here in England he needed to resolve, if he were ever to be truly happy again. He just didn’t know how to solve those problems. So, if he was honest with himself, he would have to say that, right now, he was running away from his problems, instead of facing them. Ludicrous at his age, but there you have it. It was the truth.
They were greeted at the door by the Marquess and his wife, who were both happily informal with him, and, unusual indeed for the nobility, seemingly unconcerned that he was untitled, a merchant who sullied his hands with trade on a daily basis. He was used to being treated with disdain, despite the fact that he was far, far wealthier than most of the titled men he had met. Raphael felt the tension begin to drain out of him. Perhaps this journey might be quite pleasant after all.
“May I present Mr. Raphael Morton, owner of the renowned ‘Morton Empire Imports’. Raphael, the Marquess and Marchioness of Dartworth.”
Raphael bowed, and then was surprised when the Marquess stepped forward to take his hand in greeting.
“Please, Mr. Morton, Raphael, if I may, let us dispense with formality between us. My name is Oliver, please feel free to address me as such. If we are to travel together, it would seem ridiculous not to be on friendly terms.”
“I thank you, Oliver, for your kindness.”
Oliver laughed, a cheerful and unaffected sound. “I assure you, it is you who are kind to me, travelling with me, providing me passage on your ship, and providing me a reason to be where Baron Setford wishes me to be.”
The Marchioness spoke up, in a bright friendly voice.
“Come gentlemen, let us repair to the parlour. It may be summer, but it is still not so warm standing here upon the doorstep! And Mr. Morton, please do call me Georgiana – I am also fond of a rather shocking lack of formality.” Her smile lit her face, and, for a moment, although they were, in almost all ways, strikingly different, it reminded him of Sera. His heart ached a little in his breast.
Allowing himself to be herded into an elegant parlour, he pushed such thoughts aside, and concentrated on the man he had come to meet. Two hours later, they were all completely comfortable with each other, and Raphael had learned much of Oliver’s history. His respect for the man grew, the more he learned. But it was time to leave – in a few days’ time, he would set off with this man for a journey of months – enough time to talk then. He rose, Setford with him, and prepared to take his leave.
“Oliver and Georgiana, I must thank you wholeheartedly for your hospitality. I look forward to our journey. And, Oliver, one other thing I feel I must say. I am grateful to you, for taking up Setford’s suggestion, and agreeing to Lord Barton Seddon caretaking your estate in your absence. Bart has not had a good time of it, since we returned from war. You have given him a greater gift than you can imagine.”
~~~~~
Setford smiled to himself, saying nothing as the carriage returned them to London. Everything was working out very nicely, very nicely indeed.
Four years later – August 1820.
The fields were ripening with wheat and barley and oats as Georgiana, Marchioness of Dartworth, looked out across the sunlit landscape of her beloved estate and smiled. The orchards were full of fruit and she was looking forward to harvesting the ripening crop of plums and cherries to make preserves, that would remind them of summer’s sweetness in the long winter months to come. A lingering taste of a glorious summer and a hint of the happiness that she shared with her loving husband.
She ran her hand over her swollen abdomen and thought of the birth of their next child, a blessing to come in the late days of October. Her pretty little daughter was playing with her dolls on the perfectly polished floor of the drawing room. Her blonde hair caught the sunlight and her laughter could be heard throughout the great household.
“Charlotte, my darling, it is time for you to put your dollies back in the doll’s house and tell Cook that we are ready for luncheon. Will you run and tell her for me, please?”
Charlotte scrambled to her feet, scooping her dolls up into her small arms and depositing them in a tangled heap inside the beautifully carved doll’s house. At just two years old she was still a little unsteady on her feet at times, but never fussed unduly. If she tumbled over, she simply picked herself up and continued. She ran to the kitchens to be scooped up in her turn by the household’s cook, who lifted her high and held her aloft like a bird in flight. She was so much like her mother, and had certainly inherited her intelligence and sense of independence. And everyone simply adored her.
“Tell your mama that luncheon will be served in five minutes, my poppet. Now run, run, run and tell her!”
The kitchen staff laughed at the little girl’s serious look as she sped off on her short little legs, a bundle of energy and joy that captivated everyone’s hearts.
Charlotte was panting as she held her mother’s knees.
“Mama? What you said this morning, is it true? Is Papa really coming home today?”
Georgiana smiled.
“Why, yes, I most certainly hope so, my angel, and we shall be most pleased to see him, won’t we?”
Charlotte clapped her hands in excitement just as her son’s elderly tutor knocked on the drawing room door and respectfully announced, with a small bow, that the morning’s lessons had been concluded.
Georgiana opened wide her arms as her son and first-born child bounded into the room to give her a mighty hug. At nearly four, he was happy, bright and intelligent.
“And what has young William learned today, Master Hobbs?”
“His mastery of the game of chess is progressing well, your Ladyship, and his language skills grow apace. But he shows too little application to the science of mathematics and may, regrettably, be lost to the art of Euclid.”
Whilst most might find this a remarkable range of topics for a boy so young to study, Georgiana had seen no reason not to feed his amazing capacity to learn. The true complexities of the subjects he would learn in later years, but his grasp of the basics was already astonishing for his age. In response to Master Hobbs comment, Georgiana laughed.
“William, how do you expect to run the estate if you cannot calculate your sums and understand geometry?”
“But Mama, classical history and philosophy is so much more interesting. And if I need help with my sums, I can always engage the services of my tutor.”
“You see, your Ladyship? Wil
liam has the wit to pardon every oversight and shortcoming. He will undoubtedly go far in this world.”
“Pray, good Master Hobbs, would you care to join us for lunch? I should like to hear you converse with William and demonstrate for me his newly acquired skills in languages other than English.”
“With the greatest of pleasure, your Ladyship. The boy truly has a rare gift for languages both ancient and modern.”
Georgiana nodded her agreement with his assessment.
Suddenly there was a commotion in the grand entrance hall and Georgiana turned her head to see what could be the source of the fuss and noise.
A footman opened the drawing room doors and in strode Oliver, the dust on his attire indicating that he had, at just that moment, arrived from London. He was smiling with joy as he gathered his son and daughter into his arms and hugged them.
“Papa, your whiskers are tickling my face!” shrieked Charlotte, but Oliver refused to let go of her, and his precious little daughter was obviously delighted to be swept up in her loving father’s arms. William had been a precocious child from the start, being the result of the intense month which they’d had, between their marriage, and Oliver’s journey to America, with Raphael. Oliver had been overjoyed to return, and discover that, soon, he would be a father.
Now, William had his head pressed against his father’s chest as Oliver stroked his hair. The group might have stayed in that position for hours, except that, at that moment, Cook knocked loudly upon the open door to announce that luncheon was served. Oliver stood and went to his beautiful wife, kneeling at her side and folding his arms around her. He was too overcome to speak.
“I do declare that I have missed you terribly, my love.”
She spoke the words quietly in her husband’s ear and he breathed in the perfume of her hair and skin and rejoiced in his heart that he was home at last.
“Come.” He said at last. “Let us all eat, for I am starving and in need of sustenance, and the light of your sweet company.”
Redeeming the Marquess: Sweet and Clean Regency Romance (His Majesty's Hounds Book 6) Page 15
