The Duke's Alliance: A Soldier's Bride

by Fenella J Miller

  'Do you think he knows why we are both looking so dishevelled?'

  'What makes you think so?'

  'He winked at me. Why else would he do something so risqué if he did not know?'

  'If he does, then he will be envious rather than disapproving. I don't suppose he has ever done anything so…so unusual in his life. I have been thinking, sweetheart, that once you are settled you must join with me in finding him a bride. I fear that if we do not do so he will be for ever interfering in our lives.'

  'Good gracious! If he has not chosen to marry, has not even come close, and yet he is already past his prime, I think we must assume he is a confirmed bachelor.' She hesitated not sure if she should continue on this delicate subject. 'Does he keep a mistress in London that he visits?'

  'How do you know of such things? I hope you are not intending to ask him?'

  She was about to protest that she was not so silly and then saw he was having difficulty keeping his face straight. She punched him on his arm. 'Answer my question. The answer is crucial to your plan.'

  'He does, or he did, but I've not been in England for a while and things could have changed. There is something you should know about my family. All of us without exception have known within a day or two that we have met the person we wish to marry. Beau has been hunted all his adult life by predatory matrons hoping to foist their daughters onto him. He has learned to stay away from places where he was likely to be pursued.'

  'Then it is small wonder he has not been able to find himself a young lady he can love. I shall give the matter some thought. Having a project to complete will provide me with something to do apart from the frivolous nonsense most wives are expected to take part in.'

  He moved away from her and the close connection they had forged by their disgraceful behaviour was severed. What had she done to upset him this time?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Beau cantered away from the carriage relieved his brother and his new wife appeared to have settled their differences. He did not doubt their regard for each other, nor did he think for one minute they were not ideally suited – however, he could foresee problems for both of them.

  Perry had intended to make his life in the military, become the colonel of a regiment in time, and now he had been forced to resign his commission and return to a life he had found less than satisfying. Being the Duke of Silchester, running the vast estates here and in the north was not enough for him, so how could he expect his younger brother to be satisfied with so much less?

  It was a conundrum and he could see no satisfactory conclusion. He smiled wryly. He had thought that gallivanting off to Spain would satisfy his ennui, but it had not. The novelty of being obliged to sleep in the open, live like a peasant, had soon worn off and he was eager to get back to his life.

  Bennett, the brother closest to him in age, had also been a soldier, as had Carshalton, the man who had married his eldest sister Madeline, and yet both of them were content in their domestic life. He must discuss the matter with them and ask them how they had adjusted so well.

  Sofia was unlike any of his siblings or their spouses, was unused to moving in the highest circles, being expected to behave impeccably at all times, and he doubted she would adjust easily to her new life. God willing, she would soon be increasing and then have infants to occupy her time. This did not solve the problem of his brother. Perry was a man of action and being idle would not suit him.

  He had only two small estates to occupy his time – but there were other things he could do. Perhaps his brother could become involved in some business venture. Shipping was a trade but not one that would be considered below the notice of the Sheldon family.

  Since receiving the funds from Bennett's marriage settlement the family coffers were full. He had invested wisely and he was confident he could give half the money to Perry and Aubrey so they could jointly buy into a commercial venture of some sort.

  He had not told his brother that his twin, Aubrey, and his new wife, Mary, had just returned from their travels and were now residing in the newly refurbished east wing of Silchester Court. They were identical in appearance, but different in character. It would be wonderful to have all the family close by again.

  Billy ate up the miles and in two hours he was cantering on his own land. His arrival had been seen from the house and a groom was waiting to take the sweating horse. The butler greeted him effusively.

  'Welcome home, your grace, the family are waiting to be summoned. How far behind you is Lord Peregrine?'

  'Two hours at least. There will be no gathering today. Have messages taken immediately informing my siblings that they are to be here at eleven o'clock tomorrow morning instead.'

  Peebles bowed. 'I shall see to it immediately, your grace. Will dinner be required downstairs?'

  'No. I shall eat with Lord Aubrey. Inform the kitchen that trays are to be sent to Lord and Lady Peregrine. Have hot water waiting for them.'

  He was on his way to his apartment to change his soiled garments when the estate manager waylaid him. 'Welcome back, your grace, might I be permitted to have a word with you before you go upstairs?'

  'Carstairs, I take it this is urgent and cannot wait until tomorrow?'

  'I fear not, I have been lurking here all day in the hope of catching you.'

  'Come, we shall go to my study.' He snapped his fingers and the footman, waiting to open the door for whichever room he approached, stood to attention. 'Have coffee and bread and cheese sent to us.'

  The room was immaculate, he would have been surprised if it was not, but the desk was alarmingly high with documents and letters waiting to be dealt with. Bennett had been tasked with acting as head of the family in his absence so he was surprised to see so many things awaiting him.

  'Sit, Carstairs, and tell me what has agitated you.'

  'There has been unrest on your estates in the north and three farms and a manor house have been razed to the ground.'

  'When did this happen? Are any of my people injured?'

  'No one has been hurt but your tenants and the family leasing the house are homeless. Now that you are back I can travel there and see for myself what is going on.'

  Beau gestured to the piles of paper on his desk. 'I thought Lord Sheldon was dealing with all this.'

  'Lord Sheldon is not here. He was called to London by the Prime Minister shortly after you left and has not yet returned.'

  'I have only been away two months and yet I have returned to chaos. I am sure that Lady Sheldon will have more information about my brother and I shall ask her when I see her tomorrow. I intend to start on this backlog of paperwork tomorrow. You must travel post-chaise, I need you to be there as soon as possible. Send word by express when you know more. Your first task is to find my tenants somewhere temporary to live.'

  His estate manager shared the refreshments whilst they talked of events in the neighbourhood. This was not the homecoming he had envisaged for his youngest brother. He had hoped to be able to devote his time to Perry and Sofia, help them to settle in. Now he would have to leave them to their own devices as his estate would need his undivided attention.

  *

  Silchester Court was as magnificent as she feared, not at all the sort of place she was going to feel comfortable in. The closer she got to what was going to be her home for the foreseeable future the more miserable she was. The fact that Perry remained on the far side of the carriage, his expression shuttered, looking as unhappy as she, did nothing to restore her equanimity.

  The carriage didn't pull up with a flourish outside the imposing portico with its marble pillars and elegant steps, but continued around to the back. The steps were let down and they were ushered into the house like unwanted guests.

  This must be the duke's doing, and it merely served to reinforce her reservations. For a horrible moment she thought they were also going to have to ascend to their accommodation via the servants' stairs but Perry guided her to a handsome wooden staircase which was obviously fo
r the family to use.

  'We shall come down by the main stairs, sweetheart, but better to slip in unnoticed whilst we are so dishevelled.' He put his arm around her waist and she was somewhat reassured by the connection.

  'I thought we were to be living in a separate wing?'

  'We are, but obviously that has not been renovated to suit us as nobody knew I would be coming back with a bride – in fact – the family had been told I was probably dead.'

  'So where are we going to be living? In a guest apartment?'

  'No, of course not. You will have a set of rooms adjacent to mine on the family side of the house.'

  Her heart sunk at his words. They were not to share, but to live separately, it could not have been made clearer that she was an unwanted extra in this toplofty family.

  'At what time do I have to come down?'

  'We are not eating downstairs. I shall go and see my brother, you must have a tray in your sitting room.'

  She blinked back her tears at his rejection and shrugged off his arm. She entered the chambers she had been allocated without further comment. She was hoping he would follow her, would call her back, but he strode off and she heard the door shut on his own apartment.

  Polly, her new maid, was yet to arrive but a pleasant girl was waiting to attend to her. A hip bath had been filled and was sitting on the floor behind a pretty lacquered screen in the substantial dressing room.

  'I shall put on my nightgown and robe, I'm not going down again today.'

  'Very well, my lady.'

  After her ablutions were completed, her hair brushed thoroughly and plaited, she wandered into the bedchamber. The first thing she noticed was that there was no communicating door. If Perry wished to come to her he would have to walk along the main corridor.

  Her bed was large and comfortable, the furnishings were modern and the decoration recent. The sitting room was equally well appointed – there was even a bookcase crammed with the latest novels. She wandered to the window and gazed out. Stretching in front of her were acres and acres of parkland, deer grazed amongst sheep obviously there to keep it looking tidy.

  She hoped somewhere there were flowerbeds, parterres, perhaps even a maze, as endless greensward was not to her liking. From this side of the massive building one could not see a lake, that is if they had one.

  'I have changed my mind. Put out a promenade gown and a suitable spencer and bonnet. I intend to go for a walk, I have been cooped up for too long in the carriage. Do you wish to accompany me?'

  'No, my lady, I have far too much to do.'

  Once dressed, Sofia took the back staircase again as she knew it led to the rear of the building. She was less likely to be seen if she remained on this side. Then she straightened her shoulders and marched down the side and eventually around the corner and onto the terrace that ran the entire width of the Court.

  Immediately her spirits lifted as she could see there were indeed rose gardens, pretty walks and in the distance a magnificent lake and a maze. Exactly what she wanted to explore. She set off briskly, the grass was dry underfoot, but the sun gave little warmth, unlike it did in Spain. Zorro was at her side almost immediately and she enjoyed his company. He was a connection to her previous life.

  The roses were all but over, but there were still plenty of blooms there to stop and sniff. The intricate arrangements of box hedges and flower beds was interesting but what really intrigued her was the maze. She had never been inside one and was determined to do so right now.

  The sun was low on the horizon, it would be dark soon so she had better hurry as she had no wish to be outside then. The hedges that made up the maze were at head height, when she was inside she would not be able to see over the top.

  There was a container full of wooden flags. Presumably one took one in and then waved it above one's head if unable to find the way out. Excellent – this meant she could go in with impunity. She picked up one of the flags and began to explore the narrow paths. In a short space of time she arrived at the centre where there was a pretty statue and a marble bench.

  There was something in her boot and this would be an ideal place to sit and unlace it and investigate. Whilst she was so doing the sun disappeared and immediately the maze seemed less attractive, more menacing.

  She was being nonsensical. Good heavens, had she not ridden out with the partisans on many occasions without being frightened? What was there to worry her about a maze?

  The stone that had been annoying her was removed and she quickly did up her boot. It had belatedly occurred to her that her dinner would be arriving at any moment and she would not be there to eat it. She had no wish for a hue and cry to be set up so had better leave immediately.

  'Zorro, wherever you are I need you to lead me out.'

  *

  Aubrey had been overjoyed to see him. 'I sensed something was wrong which is why we returned to this country earlier than planned. You look remarkably well considering everything that has transpired over the past few months.'

  'As do you. Married life obviously agrees with you.'

  Mary had left them to talk alone which was considerate of her. Although she was four years older than his brother one wouldn't notice the difference by looking at them. She was a beautiful young woman and obviously his twin and she were deeply in love.

  'I thought perhaps you had returned because you are expecting an addition to the family.'

  'No, we are not inclined to have children.' His brother grinned making him look years younger. 'I should rephrase that, we are not unduly bothered if we do not have a family. What about you? Do you hope to set up your nursery?'

  'Like you, I'm not in any hurry to share my life with screaming infants. However, I think Sofia wants a large family – so either way one of us will be pleased.'

  'Well, it is not you that has to bear them for nine months and then push them out into the world. I detect a certain reservation in your voice when you talk of Sofia. Why did you marry her if you did not love her?'

  Perry explained the circumstances and his brother immediately understood that he had had no choice in the matter. 'She will find it difficult adjusting to the restrictions of this life. Why don't you take the yacht and go away for a year as we did?'

  'God forbid! Neither of us enjoyed the crossing from Portugal to England and vowed never to set foot on the sea again. I thank you for your kind offer, but sailing is not for us.'

  The rooms that had been turned into a self-contained, and very attractive, house for his twin had been examined and admired. 'Beau said he was going to do the same for us, but until this happens we will have to remain with him. I fear he will be in no hurry to set things in motion as I think he is looking forward to having lively company for the winter.'

  The door opened and Mary came in. 'I'm sorry to intrude, but I saw Sofia go into the maze a while ago and she has yet to emerge. It will soon be too dark for her to see.'

  'I thought she was going to remain in her apartment. I intended to show her everything tomorrow after we have seen the rest of the family.'

  'Do you wish me to come with you, brother?'

  'No, I'll find her easily enough. Forgive me, I can hardly abandon her to return here to dine with you, so I will see you tomorrow.'

  He exited through the French windows and didn't bother to walk along the terrace to the central steps that led down to the lawn but vaulted over the balustrade as he had always done when a boy.

  A cold wind had got up, it was like to rain and it would be decidedly unpleasant to be caught out in it. Autumn in England was quite different to this season in Spain. Here there could be frost as early as October.

  He doubled across the grass, the way infantry travelled when in a hurry. His night vision had always been excellent but since his sight had returned he was finding it difficult to see clearly even when there was a full moon.

  When he got within hailing distance he called out. 'Sofia, raise the flag and then I can come in and find you.'

  He w
as now no more than a yard or two from the entrance and expected her to reply with relief that he had come to her aid. Instead she spoke from right behind him.

  'I no longer have the flag, I returned it to the receptacle. What made you think I needed your assistance in exiting the maze?'

  He was not best pleased at her behaviour. 'Mary did not see you come out and was concerned for your well-being. How the devil are you out here?'

  'I had Zorro, he found me a gap in the hedge to wriggle through.'

  He scrutinised her more carefully and could see no evidence that she had done such a thing. There was not a single bit of greenery attached to her gown. Her bonnet, however, was askew.

  'Here, let me straighten your headgear.' She remained still whilst he did so but didn't seem especially pleased by his intervention.

  'I intended to dine with my brother, why don't you come with me and meet him and my sister-in-law?'

  'Was I invited?'

  'You will be very welcome, you do not need a formal invitation. He is my twin – my mirror image – he cannot wait to meet the woman I have fallen in love with.'

  The tension between them lessened somewhat at his words. 'I should very much like to meet them both, but not tonight. My dinner will be arriving at any moment in my apartment and my maid will send out a search party if I am not there to eat it.'

  Then she was out of his reach and running lightly across the grass without even a fond farewell. He had a deal of fence-mending to do before things were put right between them. What had upset her so much she did not even say goodbye?

  Devil take it! This wouldn't do. He raced after her and caught her up easily before she reached the side entrance. He positioned himself between her and the door. The dog thought this was a grand game and barked beside them. 'Quiet, go to your bed.' He was astonished that the animal immediately was silent and loped off into the dark leaving him to speak to Sofia in peace.