The Duke's Alliance: A Soldier's Bride

by Fenella J Miller

  'My love, there are servants who can take messages. There is no necessity for you to yell in order to bring me to your side.'

  'Fiddlesticks to that! I was going to have my hair arranged elaborately but I don't think I will bother.' She spoke rapidly to the girl and it took just a few moments for her long plait to be curled around her head and pinned in place.

  'There, I am ready. I cannot wait to explore this beautiful city, we have ample time as dinner will not be served until nine o'clock.'

  He took her hand and kissed her knuckle. 'Dinner will be served at whatever time we decide is convenient to us.'

  'Then we are eating before we go out?'

  'No, my brother and I have decided we rather like eating late so today at least we shall dine in the dark. Come along, sweetheart, I want to show you around this grand house before we promenade around the square.'

  There were some further half a dozen bedchambers on this floor, and servants' quarters and the nursery floors above. Everywhere was immaculate, a little ornate for her taste, but one had to admire the abundance of gold on everything.

  'This is the most impressive room, my love, and I wish to keep it until last,' Perry said as he pushed open huge double doors with a flourish.

  'A ballroom – it's absolutely stunning. See how high the ceilings are? Look at the murals, the marble pillars, I've never seen anything quite so beautiful.' She ran from one delight to the next exclaiming in amazement.

  She turned to see her husband and brother-in-law watching her, their smiles were indulgent as if she were a child at a party and not a woman grown. Her pleasure trickled away to be replaced by annoyance. If they thought her childish then she would behave as they expected.

  She clapped her hands as if she were a silly debutante. 'We must have a ball here before we leave. I can wear my wedding gown. You must both arrange for evening dress, as well as the other things you need, to be made for you.' She smiled brightly and the two men exchanged glances.

  'There is nothing I should like better, my love, than to hold a ball here so we can celebrate our marriage in style. However, as we have only just arrived and know no one to invite, I think…'

  'We have the Duke of Silchester in our party, I am certain that his name on an invitation will bring all the prestigious families flocking to meet you. The Spaniards love a party, and especially a spontaneous one.'

  She tilted her head in what she hoped was a coquettish way. She was rather enjoying this playacting as both gentlemen were looking more and more bewildered by her behaviour.

  'I shall understand, your grace, if it is because of the cost of such an event that you hesitate. I know that my husband has no funds, and I certainly brought none to this marriage.'

  It wasn't done to speak of such a vulgar thing as money, as she very well knew, and to suggest that her husband was totally dependent on his brother for everything would put the cat amongst the pigeons.

  'If you are determined on this, my dear, then I shall be delighted to set things in motion,' Beau said through gritted teeth. Perry was staring at her through narrowed eyes and she wished she had not started this masquerade.

  She picked up her skirt and curtsied as if to the King himself. Then laughed at their expressions. 'I was jesting, I am not such a ninnyhammer as to demand such a thing. I do apologise if you thought me serious.'

  The duke laughed. 'I'm glad to hear that, Sofia, I was beginning to think that the sun had addled your wits.'

  Perry took her arm and his grip was firm enough to make his anger clear. 'Forgive me, brother, I need to speak to my wife in private. We shall join you shortly.'

  She wanted to call Beau back but his long strides took him from the ballroom before she had time to do so.

  'Let go of my arm, Perry, you are hurting me.'

  Instantly she was released but he did not apologise. 'You will not put on such a display again – is that quite clear? You might have thought you were jesting, but you embarrassed both of us by your poor taste.'

  She poked her tongue out at him. 'If you treat me as a child then you can expect childish behaviour. Now, is that all or do you have further things to say to me?'

  He tugged her elbows and tumbled her into his arms. 'You are a baggage, but I love you anyway.'

  It was sometime before they left the ballroom and joined the duke who one might have expected to be irritated, but he was wandering about examining the murals and paintings as if they hadn't been an unconscionable time.

  Chapter Twelve

  The following day the seamstress arrived with a bevy of helpers to take measurements. It soon became clear to Sofia that they had no idea what she wanted and were determined to make her gowns in the Spanish-style.

  'Señora, I have changed my mind. I should just like two cotton nightgowns without embellishment, four petticoats and half a dozen pairs of stockings. We are returning home and I shall replenish my gowns when I get there.'

  The woman seemed unbothered that she no longer had a big order and promised to have what she wanted delivered later that day. Either she had dozens of girls sewing for her, or these items were already made.

  Perry was being measured next door and she knocked and walked in without waiting for his permission. 'I don't want to stay here more than another day or two, I should like to set out as soon as possible for England. I am just having nightwear and underpinnings.'

  He looked relieved and told the unfortunate tailor he didn't need jackets and breeches but two shirts and some more stockings. These were also going to be delivered that afternoon.

  'I cannot tell you how relieved I am, sweetheart, not to have to remain here for several weeks. I would do so if that is what you want, but as you don't, I am delighted.' He held out his arms and she ran into them.

  'Have I told you today how much I love you?'

  'Once or twice, but I think your actions last night were enough to convince me of your devotion.'

  His arms tightened and his eyes blazed. She was rather enjoying being a married lady after all. 'Do you think I could already be increasing? I would really like to be settled before that happens.'

  His laugh was deep and sent her pulse skittering. 'It is quite possible, darling girl, that you were increasing before we were married. You must know when you had your last monthly courses.'

  'This is a strange conversation to be having, but they have never been regular and I have no notion how long it is since the last one. They can be as far apart as two months sometimes.'

  'In which case we are none the wiser. Shall we give Beau the good news? He has gone out to find someone who will deliver the letter to your mother that you wrote last night. He has also let the family know that I am well, married, and will be returning shortly.'

  'I have one request to make, my love, and you will think it quite ridiculous.'

  He raised an eyebrow and she giggled. 'I stand in fear and trepidation to hear what it might be.'

  'I am going to wear my wedding dress tonight and I wish to dance with you in the ballroom, imagine that I am at a grand party. It is quite likely that by the time I am able to attend my first ball I might well be in an interesting condition and unable to do so.'

  He kissed her and shook his head. 'That is a contradiction, sweetheart, but I know what you mean. I will certainly dance with you tonight. I shall ask them to serve dinner in the dining room with as much ceremony as they can muster.'

  'Good heavens, please do not do that. Things are quite formal enough without asking them to fuss even more.'

  The duke returned having been successful in his mission and was even more thrilled than Perry had been to hear they were to return almost immediately.

  'Jenkins and Smith have yet to locate a carriage.'

  'I am perfectly content to continue to ride, in fact I would prefer to do so. Now we are not to have a trunk full of new garments there is no necessity for the carriage, is there?'

  He nodded solemnly and his expression was amused. 'I cannot argue with your logic,
my dear. Are you happy to leave tomorrow?'

  'I am indeed. I do hope you can get a refund on the rent…' She stopped and clapped her hands on her mouth as if she was trying to push the words back. She looked at her husband expecting him to be angry but he exchanged a look with his brother and they both started to laugh.

  When they were finally silent she was able to speak without setting them off again. 'As you found my question so amusing, your grace, perhaps you would deign to answer it?'

  'It is none of your business, young lady, but as you insist on knowing I shall tell you the arrangement is on a day-to-day basis. I will inform the major-domo we are leaving tomorrow and then settle the account.'

  They ambled around the stunning city but she was relieved when they returned to the house shortly after midday. 'I am going to rest, gentlemen, I shall see you at dinner.'

  Tonight she didn't care if her escorts had no evening rig, she intended to look as beautiful as she could. The two maids were delighted to be asked to arrange her hair in an elaborate style. She had no jewellery, but the gown was so elegant it required nothing further. There was a full-length glass in the dressing room and she admired herself from every angle.

  The new petticoats and silk stockings had arrived earlier than expected and so she would not be obliged to go down in bare feet as she had the night before. She had thought Perry might disturb her nap but he had not come into her room. In fact, she had no idea what he had been doing with himself for the remainder of the day.

  'There, my lady, you look like a princess. So beautiful with your English hair and eyes,' one of the maids said. As Sofia's hair was dark and her eyes hazel she hardly thought she was the typical English rose but did not bother to argue.

  'Make sure that all my belongings are packed in the saddle bags ready for us to leave first thing.' She indicated what she would be wearing the next day and they were shocked that she would be wearing men's attire. 'I shall pack this ensemble myself when I retire. I shall not need you again and I thank you for your assistance these past two days.'

  Perry tapped on the door and walked in. There was no need to ask him if he approved, his expression said it all. 'You are the most beautiful woman in Christendom and I am the luckiest man. Take my arm, my love, and I shall take you down to dinner.'

  'You have had your hair cut, and that is a new shirt you are wearing.'

  'Do you like the new look?'

  'It suits you short – but then it suited you long as well. In fact, husband, you would be handsome wearing sackcloth and ashes.'

  She slipped her hand through his arm loving the feel of his muscles beneath her fingers. There was something about him tonight, something she couldn't put her finger on. She glanced sideways at him and he smiled his wicked smile making her forget everything else.

  Beau looked magnificent as usual. They might not be wearing evening pantaloons but their boots were polished to a high shine, their topcoats immaculate and both had frothy white neckcloths above handsome silk waistcoats.

  'You have both purchased a new waistcoat as well as stocks – did you go out for them whilst I was asleep?'

  'No, they were delivered with our shirts and things. I thought we could eat al fresco as the evening is so clement.'

  *

  The dinner was sumptuous, the champagne cold, but he scarcely noticed what he put in his mouth. He had a surprise for his beautiful young wife and he couldn't wait to show her.

  When the final plate was cleared he stood up and held out his hand. 'Will you dance with me, my lady?'

  Her smile was radiant. 'I should be honoured, my lord.'

  She slipped her gloved hand into his and he pulled it through his arm. He led her back into the house and as planned the sound of a string quartet drifted through the house.

  The look she gave him made the effort he had put into this worthwhile. She released his arm and grabbed his hand; by the time they reached the ballroom they were both running. He could hear his brother laughing behind them.

  The musicians continued to play for a few moments and then paused. He nodded and the beautiful sound of a waltz swirled around the room.

  She curtsied, he bowed, and then he swept her away. All Wellington's officers were expected to dance superbly and he was no exception. By the time the last notes faded, instead of being at arm's length she was crushed against his chest.

  'Thank you, thank you, darling Perry. That was the most magical experience. How many times will you dance with me?'

  'As many as you want, sweetheart, but you must partner my brother at least once or he will be disappointed. You are the most beautiful girl here tonight.'

  She giggled and he loved her even more, if that were possible. After their third waltz Beau was waiting for his turn.

  'I think this is going to be a country dance, your grace.' She said this with a commendably straight face and his brother replied as if this were a sensible suggestion.

  'Then we shall lead the set, my lady. It is sometime since I have danced so you will forgive me if I do not live up to your expectations.'

  The quartet played the opening chords of another waltz and Beau swept her away. Perry moved to the side to watch them, or rather to watch her. His brother rarely danced but he was light on his feet and they made a pretty couple.

  She was laughing at something he said and for a second he wanted to snatch her away, to not allow her to dance with anyone else but him. He had not thought himself a jealous man, and especially not of his brother, but she was his world and he wasn't prepared to share her with anyone.

  His first task when they returned would be to get his siblings involved in finding the duke a bride. He didn't for one minute think Beau would do anything untoward, but he was a dangerously attractive man and it would be safer for everyone if he was married.

  No sooner had he thought this than he was ashamed. How could he consider for one second that his beloved Sofia might fall in love with another man? The dance drew to a close and he indicated to the musicians that they could go. The hour was late and they were intending to leave at first light and all needed to get some sleep. He sincerely hoped that he and his wife would have considerably less sleep than his brother.

  'I shall never forget tonight,' she said and ran to the end of the ballroom where she twirled and curtsied to them both before dancing back. 'This will always be my favourite gown and I intend to wear it so often that you will be sick of the sight of it.'

  He gathered her close and with his arm firmly around her waist guided her upstairs to their palatial apartment. 'A lady of the ton would rather die than be seen in the same gown on consecutive occasions. You will have a new wardrobe and half a dozen ballgowns to choose from.'

  She looked at him in astonishment. 'I shall wear what I like, I will not be dictated to by anyone. I have no intention of allowing you to buy me dozens of unnecessary gowns. I would prefer you to give the money to those who are struggling to put food on the table.'

  'I had not known you were a revolutionary, sweetheart. Whatever your wishes on the matter you are now a member of the Sheldon family and must dress appropriately.'

  She didn't respond but when they walked into their apartment she slipped from his grasp. 'It is late, Perry, we both need to get as much sleep as possible before our long journey. Good night, thank you for a wonderful evening, I shall see you in the morning.'

  The door to her bedchamber was closed firmly behind her. He could demand his conjugal rights, but that wasn't his way. Once she had met his sisters she would understand what was expected of her so there was no point in being at daggers drawn when they were still so far from home.

  The journey to the coast was uneventful. It would have been more enjoyable if he had been able to share a bed with his beloved. He enjoyed her company during the day, she was as amusing, argumentative and adorable as always but every night had some objection to them making love and he respected her wishes. His dog appeared to have changed allegiance now he was no longer needed as a gu
ide. He spent every available minute at Sofia's side and he was glad she had someone of her own.

  He observed his brother becoming captivated as the days went past, the more he saw them together the more concerned he became. He was pleased they were good friends but wished they did not laugh so much. Indeed, if he was honest, Sofia was more animated in Beau's company than she was in his.

  It was with some relief that they finally reached the port and were able to board the waiting ship that would take them back to England. He had been away for over two years and so much had happened in his absence. Aubrey had got married, so had Giselle and there had been several babies born.

  'I shall share with you, Beau, and let Sofia have the cabin to herself. We might be needed to help with the horses.' His brother didn't argue. 'Smith and Jenkins are going to sleep with the animals – I gather none of them enjoyed the crossing last time.'

  'We must pray it will be calm. The weather is remarkably clement for October, but we have a long way to go and storms can appear out of nowhere.'

  'It would be ironic indeed if after you have sent the good news of my return we all perished in the sea.'

  'Tarnation take it! What the hell is the matter with you, little brother? You have a face as long as a wheelbarrow most of the time. One would have thought you would be overjoyed to be going back with a beautiful young wife on your arm. Yet you have been a veritable curmudgeon the entire journey.'

  'Things are not going smoothly between us. I fear that Sofia will not settle into her new life. She has been running wild in the hills for these past two years doing God knows what, and now we expect her to behave like a young girl with no experience of the world.'

  His brother slapped him none too gently on the shoulder. 'Do not include me in that sentence, Perry. Sofia is no different from our sisters apart from the fact that she has no interest in fashion. She will find her way, give her time, do not hedge her in with etiquette and protocol.'