Miss Bannerman and The Duke

by Fenella J Miller

  “Indeed, there was not a moment to lose. We must be downstairs ready to receive our visitors as I fear our mother will not be able to rise from her bed today. You know how she is when she becomes overwrought.”

  “Will Lord Bentley be very angry you have asked him for money?” Millie’s face crumpled. “I shall not come down until he has gone, please do not ask me to. I am trembling at the very thought.”

  Rose was not looking forward to the meeting either but refrained from saying so. “Of course you may stay up here. I shall tell him you are taking care of Mama. What do I do if Sir Richard arrives? Shall I have him sent away?”

  Millie wrung her hands. “I don’t know, I can’t think straight. I do so wish to see him, but I don’t want him to know how dire our situation is. What should I do?”

  “I shall take care of things. You go and sit with Mama and I shall come up and tell you what happens during the meeting.”

  Perry had broken his fast and was waiting impatiently for the appearance of his sister. He wished to put in motion the making of new gowns for the Bannerman ladies. He had foregone his usual morning ride.

  Had Rose missed him?

  He was pacing his study when the butler appeared holding a silver salver in front of him.

  “A letter has arrived by hand, your Grace. The footman did not wait for a reply but said the matter was urgent.”

  “I shall be going out. Have my horse brought round immediately.” Perry didn’t need to read the letter, he could think of only one person who would write to him. His heart dropped to his boots. He tore open the sheet and read the contents. He’d known the letter would be from Rose but expected the missive to tell him she was terminating the engagement. A wave of relief engulfed him. Financial ruin? This was something he could deal with. His dismissal would have been far more difficult. He realized how much he wished the marriage to take place.

  He quickly scribbled one letter to his lawyer asking Mr. Radcliff to attend him immediately in Grosvenor Square. A second note would go to his bank warning them he would be requiring a substantial withdrawal of funds later in the day. Satisfied he had done everything to expedite matters he strode through the house, bounded up the stairs, and headed for his apartment at the rear of the building. Ten minutes later he was astride Lucifer and heading for Grosvenor Square.

  There was a feeling off apprehension pervading the house. Mama’s incautious remarks had been overheard and spread below stairs. The entire staff was awaiting the arrival of Lord Bentley with as much anticipation as she was. Not only could the family be in the streets, but also those they employed would be homeless. She had read the letter from the bank so many times the ink was smudged. Was the mortgage referred to only on the London house or did it also include their main estate in Hertfordshire?

  Clutching the wrinkled paper she sank into a chair, leant her head back and closed her eyes. She needed a few minutes to gather her wits before Perry arrived. No, she was not comfortable using his given name even in her own thoughts. He must remain Lord Bentley for the present.

  She stiffened, read the paper once more and a surge of rage replaced her anxiety. Why had she not noticed this before? The missive was not addressed to her father as it should have been, but to her mother. The bank could not possibly believe her mother was a position to deal with matters. A wife had no authority in her husband’s financial affairs.

  Good grief! These villains must have discovered she was affianced to one of the richest men in England. Using this knowledge they had decided to terrify her mother into appealing to Lord Bentley for help. Why hadn’t she read the letter more carefully? Too late to repine—the damage was done and the Duke was on his way.

  Holding the meeting in her father’s study would be appropriate; after all the matter they were to discuss was of a business nature. The fire was already lit. The room was pleasantly warm, although decidedly dark for the sun did not reach this side of the house until later in the day. Not bothering to summon a servant, she pushed a spill into the flames and touched it to the wicks of all the available candles.

  She stared around the room, trying to make up her mind where to sit. Should she be seated at all? Coffee and pastries had already been ordered and would arrive as soon as Lord Bentley was settled. She was dithering about the chamber when he strode in. Before she could protest he gathered her into his arms.

  “Sweetheart, you must not distress yourself. I shall take care of everything for you. Did I not tell you as my future bride no one will show you disrespect?” His arms tightened. He was going to kiss her again.

  Pushing hard against his chest she protested. “Please, your Grace, release me. There is something I have to tell you most urgently.”

  “I beg your pardon, my love. Shall we be seated or are we to stand for this revelation?” His expression was tender, a slight smile curving his lips. He was irresistible in this teasing mode and she needed her wits about her.

  “It makes no difference. Here, read this letter and tell me what you think.” She pushed the paper into his hands and retreated behind the large mahogany desk. His expression changed. He had grasped instantly what had taken her an hour to understand.

  “Devil take it! Someone at the bank shall pay dearly for this.”

  His eyes were hard. She was glad his fury was directed elsewhere.

  “How dare they attempt to extort money from Lady Bannerman? I shall deal with this. I give you my word they will not bother you again.” He glanced in her direction. He was about to join her behind the desk when a parlour maid appeared carrying the tray of refreshments.

  “Kindly put it here, Betty, I shall serve. There’s no need for you to wait.” Rose busied herself pouring the coffee. “Do you take cream in your coffee, your Grace? Sugar?”

  “Neither, thank you. Nor do I require a pastry. Kindly stop fussing and come here and sit down with me. I shall do nothing to alarm you.”

  She edged cautiously from behind the desk not sure she believed him. There was a definite gleam in his eye. His idea of what might alarm her might not correspond to hers. She picked up a cup and saucer and held them like a shield in front of her. “Your drink is on the tray, your Grace.”

  His chuckle released the tension and she risked a glance at him. He was standing no more than her hand’s width in front of her. Her hand jerked and a stream of scalding coffee drenched her hand. With a squeal of anguish she dropped the cup sending the remaining contents down his breeches.

  His language burnt her ears. “I am so sorry, your Grace, I have quite spoilt your…”

  “Heavens above, Rosamund, you are a danger to yourself and those around you. Show me your hand.”

  Obediently she held it out; a pink mark ran across her knuckles. “I shall go at once and see to it.” She carefully avoided looking at the area of his person which was wet. “I am sorry to have caused you injury. No doubt you will need to return home and change.” Not waiting to hear his reply she fled from the room. This incident had just confirmed what she already knew to be true.

  Somehow she would persuade him to break off the engagement. She must do something to convince him he would be making a mistake if he married her. She was quite certain he would not allow her to terminate the arrangement as matters stood. She could not bear for him to be unhappy. She loved him too well to let him marry her and be disappointed with his choice. She was not the girl for him. He deserved someone better.

  Although a lady could break an engagement without incurring the censure of the ton, a gentleman could not. He had done the right thing by offering for her. When she jilted him she would be disgraced. He could be free of an unnecessary entanglement and able to find himself another wife.

  Only as she reached the sanctuary of her apartment did she recall the actual reason for his visit. He had said he would deal with the bank. Did this mean he would pay the mortgage or leave things as they were until Papa returned? She could not let him do this for his involvement would tie her irrevocably to their betrothal.


  Chapter Ten

  With a resigned sigh, Perry collected the shards of broken porcelain and placed them on the tray. His breeches were beyond help. At least the coffee had been cooler when it splattered him. If he remained on his feet and made sure his jacket tails were hanging straight then most of the stain was hidden from view.

  He had arranged for his lawyer to meet him here so could hardly depart. The wet patch was deucedly uncomfortable; perhaps if he stood closer to the fire the material would dry more quickly. He must decide what action to take. He was certainly not going to pay. They had no right to demand such a thing in the absence of Lord Bannerman.

  He smiled grimly. He would make it his business to ruin this bank. They would not be left with the wherewithal to continue to trade by the time he had finished with them. A strong smell of damp cloth and coffee filled the room. This reminded him he had not yet drunk his own brew. He strolled across to the desk, swallowed down his cup and refilled it from the jug.

  Rose seemed to be permanently in the centre of some catastrophe or other—he wasn’t sure he was ready to have his well-ordered life turned upside down. The door slammed against the wall and his beloved rushed in. Her pretty gown was unchanged, her face pale and her eyes wide with something he hoped wasn’t apprehension.

  “Lord Bentley, I thought you might have left. I’m so glad you’re still here for there is something most particular I wish to say.” He seemed unsurprised by her precipitous entry and waved her to a chair. She ignored his gesture; she was not staying long enough to require a seat.

  “I thought we had decided, sweetheart, you are to call me by my given name.” His disarming smile confused her. “However, Lord Bentley is a slight improvement on, your Grace, I suppose.”

  “I believe we also agreed you would cease to sprinkle your conversation with unnecessary endearments, my lord.” Reluctantly her lips curved. “I realized I had not made it clear we no longer require you to intervene on our behalf. My father will be home by the summer and will take care of things then. I’m certain he will remove his business from that particular bank immediately.”

  For a second he was a formidable stranger and then the moment passed. “Leave arrangements to me, my dear. In the absence of your father and brother I stand as head of your household. My lawyer will be arriving momentarily and will ensure Lady Bannerman will not be bothered again.”

  She frowned, not sure if he had answered her question as she wished or was prevaricating. “Will you give me your word you will not pay off the mortgages? That you will wait until my father is home before becoming financially involved with my family?”

  “I promise. Now, my love, might I suggest that you return to your apartment and change your gown? I am sure you do not wish to be seen in such disarray by any visitors.”

  A mischievous impulse made her curtsy as if she were indeed a child being sent to her chamber. “Yes, sir, I shall do so at once.”

  “Saucy minx, I can see I shall need to take your in hand once we are wed.” His eyes glinted. His body tensed as if he were about to pounce on her.

  With more speed than dignity she rushed from the study almost colliding with the butler, and a stick thin, black garbed gentleman, who were about to enter. She muttered an apology and fled along the passageway eager to hide her burning face. She would change her gown and see Mama and give her the good news.

  Rose was obliged to put on a plain morning gown as she had spoiled her only fashionable ensemble. The only redeeming feature of this outfit was the russet colour of the material. Millie and her mother were tearfully awaiting news of what had taken place in the library.

  “At last! It has been an age since you went downstairs. What did Lord Bentley say? Will he save us from destitution or are we to be turned into the streets like beggars?”

  “Mama, it would not have come to that. The bank had no right to apply directly to you. They were intending Lord Bentley would step in and pay off the mortgage. There’s no need for him to do that, matters can be left until Papa returns.”

  “I don’t understand, Rose. Are you saying the bank could not foreclose even if Lord Bentley did not help us?”

  “I am. I have thanked him for his willingness to help but made him promise not to settle anything. Far better these difficulties are dealt with by Papa and not a stranger.”

  “What are you saying, you silly girl? Lord Bentley is your betrothed. He is to be my son-in-law in the autumn. He is part of our family, not a stranger.”

  Fortunately Millie intervened before Rose said something she might later regret. “Is he to escort you to the musical evening at the Benton’s this evening, Rose?”

  “I’ve no idea, we didn’t discuss that. Do you wish me to go down and ask him? I don’t believe he has left yet.” Her announcement sent her mother in to a spasm. The thought that such an illustrious gentleman had been abandoned so cavalierly was too much for her jangled nerves.

  Rigby, their mother’s dresser, shooed them out, promising she would take care of her patient better in their absence. The smell of burnt feathers followed them into the passageway.

  Rose clutched her sister’s arm, overcome by an inappropriate desire to giggle. “I did not mean to upset her. The Duke is waiting for his legal person to attend him. I was not required to remain.” She laughed. “Anyway I had to come up to change my gown because I tipped coffee all over it.”

  Millie giggled and linked her arm with hers. “That’s two gowns destroyed in less than a day. My dearest, even for you, that’s a record.”

  “I forgot, he says I am not to go about in public until he has replaced my wardrobe. Heaven knows how long that will take.” Her sister’s eyes rounded. “Don’t worry, Millie, you and Mama are to have new garments too. He was determined on it. He said he had deep pockets and was pleased to spend it on his future family.”

  “A complete wardrobe? For all of us? How wonderful, Richard need not be ashamed of me in future. I have been aware that we are not dressed in the first stare of fashion, country seamstresses do not produce gowns that do in the ton.”

  Rose squeezed Millie’s arm affectionately. “I would not have applied to him today if he had not already told me he was willing to offer financial support.”

  Perry rode from Grosvenor Square satisfied he had done everything necessary to protect his future wife and family. His lawyer informed him Lord Bannerman had not in fact, as rumour had it, made poor business decisions. Bannerman had taken out the mortgages in order to invest in a fleet of cargo ships. Sheer bad luck, not lack of judgement, had placed the family in financial difficulties.

  He was greeted with effusion on his return. His sister had received his message and was eager to set matters in motion. “Perry, do you wish me to send my own modiste to Grosvenor Square or do you have someone else in mind?”

  “I shall leave matters to you, Laura. After all, you produced a triumph in a matter of hours yesterday. I am relying on you to guide Rose and her family in their choices.” He turned to his man-of-affairs who was waiting politely to speak to him. “Well, Adams, what is it? Can’t you see I am occupied?”

  Adams bowed. “It is a matter of the utmost urgency, your Grace. A letter has come from your estate in Surrey which requires your immediate attention.”

  “Very well, I shall be with you directly. Laura. It’s quite possible I shall have to go out of town for a while, but I give you my word I will return in good time for your ball.”

  “I should think so too. I was thinking we should perhaps make an official announcement of your betrothal at the event. Serve champagne after supper? What do you think?”

  He shook his head. “I think not, Laura. My engagement is already known. There’s no need to broadcast it further, especially as Lord Bannerman is not aware his wife has given me permission to marry Rose.”

  His sister looked at him as if he were a candidate for Bedlam. “Are you suggesting, Perry, that Bannerman might refuse his consent? No father in his right mind would tur
n down the most eligible bachelor in the country. Good Lord, the girl will become a duchess whilst she is barely out of the schoolroom.”

  “Exactly so; I’m beginning to think she is far too young to embark on matrimony. At times I am dealing with a child not a woman grown. I am uncertain she will fulfil the role of Duchess of Essex efficiently.”

  “Poppycock! She will grow into the position.”

  “I do not intend to marry in the autumn. I think it better if we have a long engagement and get to know each other better.” He frowned. “I’m not sure she’s ready for the responsibility of becoming my wife.”

  “Are you having second thoughts, brother? You cannot cry off. Unless Miss Bannerman changes her mind you are committed. I thought you head over years in love with the chit after your performance last night on the dance floor.”

  “I am fond of her, and will do everything in my power to keep her from harm, but as for love? I’m not sure what that is. Surely it’s far better to respect and like your partner than to be entangled in a lot of emotional nonsense?”

  On that note he nodded and strode off to his study to discover what had agitated Adams.

  Lady Bannerman, on receiving the information she was to acquire an entire wardrobe at no expense, immediately recovered her spirits. “Oh my! Are you sure, my dearest Rose, that his Grace is happy to have all bills sent to him?”

  “Everything, Mama, even incidentals. Papa will think he has returned to a trio of fashionable strangers.” Rose was not entirely comfortable about the arrangement, but was relieved the Duke was not obliged to redeem papa’s debts. The expense of new gowns for them all in comparison was a mere bagatelle.

  By the time the exquisite mantua maker and her helpers had departed with their measurements the clock had struck three. She drew her sister to one side.

  “Millie, I must speak to you. Please come to our apartment so we might be private.”