Please wear them for me tonight.
Kindly inform Lady Bannerman I shall be calling for you in my carriage at nine o’clock.
I remain yours,
The black slash across the page must be his signature. Thank goodness this was something she could read aloud. When she had finished, her mother shook her head in disbelief.
“Those stones are legendary, my love, I do not believe they have been seen in public for many years. You are greatly honoured. Small wonder he wishes to accompany his heirlooms himself. However, I cannot allow you to travel unescorted even though you are engaged. I shall write to Lord Bentley at once and tell him we shall meet him at the ball.”
“Are you not going to show us, Rose?” Millie was eying the box with excitement.
“If I must.” Her mother’s remark had stung; if even her own parent did not think her worthy, then how could she expect to earn affection from him? The smaller box containing the betrothal ring could wait until last. She must undo the gold filigree fastening on the larger one first. This weighed heavy in her lap; it must contain several pieces.
She flipped the lid open and gasped. Inside was the most extravagant diamond necklace, ear bobs and a tiara. There were also two bracelets to match the rest. She was not surprised this had not been seen in public; there was a king’s ransom here. Surely such items should only be worn on royal occasions?
“I shan’t wear these tonight, Mama. I believe they should be kept for my wedding day. They are far too grand for a mere ball.”
“For once I agree with you, Rosamond. I think perhaps a compromise must be made. When you are dressed I shall come to your apartment and help you choose which pieces to wear. The betrothal ring—you have not looked at that. Whatever it’s like, that must be prominently displayed.”
The ring was equally ostentatious. A huge square cut diamond surrounded by smaller stones. This would not suit her slim finger at all. “Shall I try it on?” Her mother nodded vigorously. Rose slipped the ring over her knuckle and the weight of the stones immediately sent it sideways. “I shall be terrified of losing this; the ring is far too big. I hope Lord Bentley understands.”
Preparing for the ball was a pleasure rather than a penance. She had decided to wear only the headpiece and ear bobs—any more would be too much. She stood in front of the full-length glass, staring back at a stranger. “Millie, I can’t believe what a difference an expensive gown has made to my appearance. I feel like a princess from a fairy tale.” Her lips curved as she thought of one particular heroine she would rather not be. “As long as I am not Cinderella and my outfit turns to rags at midnight, I shall be happy.”
“You are even more beautiful tonight, Rose. Your partner will be the envy of every gentleman. No one will doubt he has made an excellent choice.”
“I wish I had been able to wear at least some of the parure. I fear the Duke will be displeased with me.”
“The necklace is quite hideous. It’s hardly surprising no one has seen a duchess wearing it in recent years.” Millie laughed as she shut the jewellery box. “Mary, make sure these are given to York so he can lock them in the safe.”
Mary swirled the silver domino around Rose’s shoulders. “There, miss. This is warmly lined so you will not be cold.”
Millie called out from her position by the window. “Good gracious, Lord Bentley has come here after all. Do you think he didn’t receive Mama’s note?”
“What shall we do? I can hardly leave him sitting outside. I must go down and speak to him at least.”
On impulse Rose pulled up the hood and tied the ribbon of her domino at her neck. She would not reveal how little of she had worn of the Duke’s family heirlooms until they met later.
Symonds was waiting at the doorway and opened the door as she rushed up. “I shall not be long, I must speak to the Duke.”
The carriage door swung open as she left the house and he stepped out. “Good evening, my dear. I’m glad to see you are a punctual young lady.”
“I am famous for my punctuality, your Grace. You have only to ask a member of my family and they will say the same.”
His rich, dark chuckle filled the night. “Then should I be suspicious of your prompt arrival?”
She froze. She must time for he was far too astute to deceive. “I’m afraid you are correct. There something I must tell you …”
“Not out here on the pavement, sweetheart. I shall come in; you can tell me what has disturbed you.”
The ever vigilant Symonds threw open the front door with a flourish and bowed them into the vestibule.
Rose took a deep breath. “I didn’t wear the jewels. They are too elaborate for someone my age.”
He chuckled. “Is that a polite way of saying they are old-fashioned?”
She nodded. “I think they are more suited to an older woman, and to a far grander occasion than tonight.”
“Sweetheart, this is my fault. To tell you the truth I did not bother to look at the contents of the box. If you say the jewellery is hideous then I shall take your word for it. I shall have it reset for you in a more modern design.”
“Oh, please do not. The jewellery has been as it is for so long it would be a pity to change it. The only item that needs resizing is the ring. I dare not wear it whilst it is so loose.”
“You must give it to me. Can you fetch it now?”
“No, it is safely locked with the other items in the safe in the study.”
“Then I shall collect it later. You will need to find me a ring of yours so I can ensure this one is correctly sized. I must go, my dear. I only called in to give you this.” He dipped into his pocket and produced a slim, velvet box. “I think you will find this more to your taste. I shall be honoured if you wear tonight for me.”
He smiled at her and strode into the night before she had time to thank him for his gift. She opened the box and gasped. Nestling on a silk bed was the prettiest silver locket she’d ever seen. Far better than the diamonds she had rejected.
She dashed upstairs and met Millie and Mama on their way down.
“La, child! Why are you dashing around like this—you will spoil your gown.”
Rose held out the box. “I’m going to put this on. Lord Bentley came specially to give it to me.”
“How kind of him! He’s obviously enamoured. Be quick, my dear, we mustn’t keep the horses waiting.”
The drive was short but even so Millie’s chatter, and her mother’s constant reminders to behave made it seem interminable. The carriage stopped and two footmen opened the door and let down the steps. Burning flambeaux lit their way along the splendid red carpet. The house was abuzz with guests for Lord Ponsonby was famous for his hospitality.
Mama took the lead. The monstrous feathers in her turban were bobbing wildly in the flickering light.
“Millie, I feel quite different this evening. It must be this beautiful gown.”
“Not only that, dearest. The fact you are to marry the most eligible parti in England is making you more confident.”
Like a ship in full sail, their mother entered the imposing vestibule. Millie clutched her arm. “Over there, the Duke is waiting for you.”
There were dozens of others milling about in the spacious entrance hall, and a further queue of people slowly mounting the wide staircase which led to the ball room on the first floor. However, she saw him immediately.
He was wearing a black evening cloak, but had adopted the new fashion of pantaloons and evening slippers. She didn’t blame him, even the sturdiest of limbs did not look their best encased in silk stockings.
A flunky glided up beside him and he deftly tossed his hat and gloves across, then unhooked his cloak which joined the other items. He was dressed entirely in black, his waistcoat silver, his intricate cravat held in place by a single diamond pin.
He looked magnificent. How could she have believed she was good enough for him? He could have chosen any girl but her behaviour had forced him to take her. It would not do
. Somehow she would extricate them both from this tangle, find a way to release him and leave him free to find himself a suitable bride. But not tonight—she would have just this one evening to enjoy being the future bride of a Duke.
“I must speak to him. Tell Mama I have gone to the retiring room.”
“Be quick, Rose. She is talking to a friend and will not notice you have gone for a few minutes at least.”
She couldn’t go to him in full view of the arriving guests. Where could she go? He was already moving purposefully in her direction so he could follow her. There was a quiet alcove on the far side of the vestibule. They would still be visible, but not so prominent as before.
With all the talk about the diamonds outside her house she had quite forgotten to thank him for her beautiful gown.
Perry had never seen anything so lovely as the girl standing wide-eyed in front of him. A wave of something he did not recognize rushed through him. Since the debacle yesterday he had resigned himself to the inevitable, but now everything had changed.
“I cannot wait to see you in your finery. I hope you have noticed my attire is worn to complement your ensemble.”
“This is my first official ball, sir. Apart from the other night I have not attended any similar functions.”
His hand touched hers briefly. “I am delighted to hear you say so; with luck everyone will forget that first appearance.”
She untied the ribbon of her cloak and removed it. He caught his breath.
“You are ravissante. That gown is perfect. You must never wear anything but silver in future. I shall be the envy of every gentleman tonight.”
“I should have thanked you straightaway, your Grace. I feel like a princess. I cannot think how you could have arranged such a thing so quickly.”
“My sister knew exactly what to do. My only worry was the slippers might be uncomfortable.” Her smile transformed her face. Why did she not do so more often?
“They are perfect. Tonight I shall pretend I am someone important. Dressed like this, I shall not be looked down on.”
He took her hands and drew her close to him. “No one will ever insult you again, my love. You’re under my protection. As you are my future wife, they will have to answer to me.”
He looked so fierce on her behalf she could not help herself. She touched his hand. “You are a kind man. I believe I could come to like you when you are not scowling and taking me to task.”
His look of stupefaction was worth the breach of protocol. Gathering up the skirts of her silver dress she spun and hurried back to join her sister and mother.
“Rosamond, what were you thinking of? Has there not already been enough talk about your fast behaviour?”
“I was just thanking him for his gifts. I believe as his betrothed it is for him to say if my behaviour is displeasing.” Taking her sister’s arm she fled to the relative safety of one of the ladies’ retiring rooms. “Millie, I don’t know what gets into me when I am with him. I behave quite outrageously. He was so pleased with me and now I will have disgusted him again.”
“He was smiling in a most particular way, Rose. If he was cross he has a remarkable way of showing it.”
“Am I perfect in every detail, Millie? No smuts on my nose?”
“You are. You look beautiful. I’m so excited Sir Richard is to join us as well. I should think the Duke will wish to introduce you to his family tonight.” She twirled and her golden curls flew out around her.
“Enough, Millie, you will disarrange your hair.”
“Imagine! Our party will be escorted by two of the most eligible gentlemen in Town.”
“I know; we must be on our best behaviour.”
When they returned to the vestibule the area was more crowded. She had no difficulty locating her partner for he stood a head above everyone else. His eyes met hers and he surged towards her. Where lesser mortals might have had to ask guests to excuse him, he knew they would step aside to let him through. It must be a strange sensation being so important. He nodded to her sister but drew her apart.
“At last! Only by my fiercest expression have I been able to forestall a plethora of hopeful young ladies. Word of our betrothal has obviously not filtered through Society as yet. We must endeavour to mention it to everyone we meet. Lady Bannerman, Miss Amelia—shall we go?”
He tucked her arm securely through his and guided her to the staircase. At his side it did not seem so daunting being the centre of attention. He smiled down at her and she responded.
“Come, I wish to introduce you to my sister and my youngest niece. It is her first season also. “
“I take it there’s a considerable age difference between you and your sister?”
“Sixteen years. I have three older sisters. My parents had despaired of producing a son and then I arrived most unexpectedly.” His expression was sombre. “Unfortunately, having a child so late in life proved disastrous to my mother’s health. She died when I was still in leading strings. My father was heartbroken.”
“I am sorry for your loss. It must have been difficult growing up without your mother.”
He raised an eyebrow. “I was the most spoilt child in the kingdom. Everyone from my papa to the loneliest minion was there to serve me. I believe this is why I have such—as you have frequently told me—a high opinion of myself. I was educated to think I was a superior being.”
The Duke was such fun when in this teasing mood. “Am I to apologise for speaking the truth?”
His mouth curved in a tender smile. “Do you know, sweetheart, you are the first person to have had the temerity to do so? I think your candour attracted me.” For no apparent reason his smile vanished and the muscles bunched under her hand. He was once again a formidable aristocrat.
Chapter Seven
Perry cursed his inadvertent comment. The last thing he wanted to do was to give her the impression he had anything other than the mildest interest in her as a woman. She was scarcely out of the schoolroom, far too young to be frightened by such things. Had he not already overstepped the mark by kissing her?
Time enough—when they had been married a while—to gently introduce her to the pleasures of the marriage bed. Although worldly in some ways, in this matter she was very much an innocent. He must treat her as he would his niece and not alarm her in any way.
He glanced down; she was walking proudly at his side, every inch a duchess in waiting. She had spent her life being compared unfavourably to her sister; from now on things would be different. She would be treated with respect, admired and feted by all who met her. Why, within a few weeks she could be exactly the bride he had always wanted: beautiful, intelligent and obedient to his wishes. He would not complicate matters by showing her unwanted affection. She had made it abundantly clear, given a choice, she would not marry him at all.
In her silver-heeled slippers and tiara she was almost as tall as him. It made a pleasant change to escort a young lady who did not make him feel like a clumsy giant. His lips curved when he remembered the touch given so guilelessly; could it be her opinion on this union were also undergoing a volte face?
The silence had gone on for too long—she could not bear it. “Lord Bentley, are you to dance tonight? What should I do if another gentleman wishes to escort me?”
His head shot round. His eyes were fierce. “I would prefer you to dance only with me, my dear, but unfortunately it would not be fair to ask you to refuse other partners.”
Good heavens—if she did not know better she might think his reaction that of jealousy. She smiled, ignoring his frown. “And which dances, your Grace, shall we perform?” She was trying not to show her amusement. An imp of mischief prompted her to tease him further. “Indeed, sir, might we not waltz without permission? After all, you are such an illustrious personage no one could possibly object.”
His laughter turned several heads. “You’re a baggage, my love. It would serve you right if I insisted on dancing every single dance with you and cause further scandal.”
“It would be more a punishment for you, I am a poor partner. I always trip over something and usually it’s my own feet.”
“With me it shall be different. I am, of course, the most able dancer here tonight.” This was said with a commendably straight face. Rose was seeing a different side to him tonight. Perhaps he was not so high in the instep if he could poke fun at himself like this.
They reached the head of the line and curtsied and bowed their way along it. Once released, he took her hand again and led her through the crowds. Her mother and sister trailed along behind. He stopped at the edge of the ballroom where the musicians in the gallery were tuning up.
“Remember, sweetheart: the waltz is mine.”
“I do not know half of the dances. I shall look ridiculous if I join a set for one of those.”
His fingertips lightly brushed her cheek. “I only intend to dance when it is a waltz.”
“With you glowering at my side I don’t think anyone else would dare to approach.”
He chuckled. “I shall not be with you every moment. I’m certain you will be surrounded by young gallants eager to escort you on the dance floor. If you will forgive me, there are gentlemen I have to speak to.”
The first waltz was not for an hour at least. She had no wish to dance with anyone else but if she didn’t she would be obliged to sit like a wallflower.
Her mother bustled up. “Rosamund, Amelia, come with me. We must secure a place on the edge of the ballroom. With such a press here tonight there are not likely to be empty seats for long.”
“Mama, I do not wish to dance with anyone apart from the Duke. May I have your permission to find somewhere quiet to wait?”
“No, my dear, you must stay with me. Goodness knows what mischief you will get up to on your own.”
Sir Richard arrived at their side. “Good evening, Lady Bannerman. Allow me to escort you to a comfortable corner.”
“Thank you, Sir Richard, most kind of you.”
Miss Bannerman and The Duke Page 6
