Make-Believe Wife

by Anne Herries

  ‘No, perhaps not,’ Roxanne admitted, her throat tight. Each word he spoke was like a blow to her pride and her heart, but she managed to conceal her feelings. She held herself stiffly, speaking carefully. ‘I believe you are telling me not to expect love or attention. You will continue to live in London and visit us occasionally—is that your wish?’

  ‘Yes. I have come round to the idea you suggested, Roxanne. I do prefer you to almost any other lady I have met. You do not bore or irritate me and I think we should suit—but I want your promise that you will not weep and reproach me if I take a mistress or stay in London for months on end. I cannot give you love and you must not expect it.’

  Roxanne hesitated. Could she keep such a promise? Her feelings for him had gradually become deeper since they had first met and she was very much afraid that her heart was already engaged. She ought never to have agreed to accompany him to London in the first place, or to entertain what was meant to have been a sham engagement. Somehow they had been drawn into something far deeper and for her more meaningful. It hurt to realise that for him nothing had changed. Yet Roxanne knew that she could not bear to walk away from him now. She must just bring all her arts as an actress into play and allow him to believe her feelings were not affected.

  ‘You know my situation, Luke. Here at Hartingdon I am safe from Black Bob—and I enjoy living here. I believe I should be happy as its mistress and as the mother of your children. If you truly feel there is no need for a divorce, then we may continue the marriage after the earl dies. However, I must tell you that he seems much stronger of late. He has come downstairs for the last three evenings and says he means to walk in the gardens with me tomorrow if it is fine.’

  Luke inclined his head, the tiny flicker of a pulse at his temple. ‘I am glad to hear it. However, I have it from his own doctor that he could have a fatal attack at any time, so we must take care not to upset him over small things.’ He hesitated for a moment, then, ‘We are of one mind that there is no point in delaying the wedding—if Grandfather agrees?’

  ‘None whatsoever,’ Roxanne said, though her heart raced and for one second her knees felt weak.

  ‘Then it is settled.’ He smiled and her breath fled. ‘I see no reason why it should not be a pleasant arrangement for us both, Roxanne. I may not believe in the fairy tale of romantic love, but I know how to please in bed, and I believe we should suit well enough. Now tell me—has anything much happened since I left?’

  Roxanne flinched, but managed to show no emotion. ‘Yes. I shall tell you in a moment—but first, pray tell me what happened in London. Is your lawyer to place the advert?’

  ‘We have worded something vague, but enough to arouse curiosity if someone feels they lost a similar jewel.’ Luke frowned. ‘You have remembered nothing?’

  ‘I remembered that Sofia once asked me what the prince looked like. At the time it was a part of the game we played, but I have wondered if Sofia had reason to connect the ruby with India and if her game was meant to jog my memory.’

  ‘How could she?’

  ‘When I was ill I may have rambled in my mind, said something that made her wonder.’

  ‘Would she not have asked you outright?’

  ‘Sofia cared for me as if I were her own. She would have done nothing that might hurt me—and perhaps she feared what might happen if my memory did return.’

  ‘Yes, perhaps. It seems odd she made no effort to find your family.’

  ‘She had no money to hire agents. Besides, I had bruises on my arms and legs, and she wanted to protect me. I think if anyone had asked after me, she would have lied to keep me safe.’

  ‘My lawyer was of the opinion that the ruby came from India. He thought it sinister and found the shape odd, which I suppose it is in a way. Had you noticed that if you turn it on its side it has the shape of an eye?’

  ‘I cannot say I had thought of it that way, but I suppose it does—an elongated eye with pointed ends, but, yes, I can see what he means. Did you have it valued?’

  ‘No. I placed it in the bank in London. I hope you do not mind?’

  ‘It may be as well,’ Roxanne said. She took a deep breath, ‘There was an attempt to break into your grandfather’s strong room when you were in London and Mr Higgins was struck over the head when he went to investigate a face at the window of the tower room.’

  ‘Good grief!’ Luke looked at her in horror. ‘Was he badly hurt?’

  ‘Fortunately not. I visited him at home afterwards and he said it was his own fault. I told him that I had seen someone at the window about halfway up the tower. Mr Higgins was not impolite enough to say so, but he thought it my imagination. The tower has since been searched and there were signs that someone had been there, but has now gone.’

  ‘Frightened by what he had done, I dare say.’ Luke frowned. ‘Did the rogue manage to get inside the strong room?’

  ‘No, I believe not,’ Roxanne said. ‘Do you think it was because of the ruby? It does seem a little odd that it should happen now, do you not think so?’

  ‘The ruby?’ Luke considered for a moment. ‘How could anyone know you had given it to me for safekeeping? I placed it there for one night, no more. Only the three of us knew. Unless you told someone, it was impossible for them to know. Besides, there are more valuable jewels in the strong room. It is mere coincidence that it has happened now.’

  ‘Of course you are right.’ Roxanne drew a breath of relief. ‘It was just that the face I saw was not English—the man had dusky skin and I thought he might be Indian, which was why I wondered if he was searching for the ruby.’ It had all seemed to fit in her mind, but now she felt a little foolish. Of course her ruby was not that important.

  ‘Did anyone ever come looking for either you or the ruby when you were with the travelling players?’

  ‘Not to my knowledge. However, Sofia was respected and loved. If she asked the others to keep the secret, no one would have given us away while she lived.’

  ‘So the only man who might look for you is the one you ran from that day at the Heath—might it have been he?’

  ‘No, I do not believe it was, though he would have hit poor Mr Higgins and he might have attempted to break into a door that looked intriguing enough to hide valuables. However, I am almost certain that his was not the face at the window.’

  ‘Then it must have been an itinerant, an opportunist who found himself a place to sleep and attempted to break open a locked door. I am sure the incident had nothing to do with you or the ruby.’

  ‘I am glad of your good sense. I had been feeling guilty,’ Roxanne admitted. ‘Now I can forget it and concentrate on other things.’

  ‘You should certainly not let it bother you. Shall we go in and have some tea?’

  Roxanne took the arm he offered and walked into the house with him. She was glad to have him back, even though there was pain mixed with the pleasure.

  Chapter Seven

  Luke paused in the act of tying his cravat before dinner that evening. His talk with Higgins had elicited no more information than Roxanne had given him earlier—apart from one thing.

  ‘There was a strong smell,’ Higgins said. ‘Just before I was hit I smelled perfume—not the kind Miss Roxanne uses, but something heavy and exotic. Nothing I’ve ever smelled before. I forgot when I was telling her about it, but then it came back to me. One of my men found a length of cloth in the tower and it had the same smell about it.’

  ‘Might the cloth have been used for a turban, do you think?’

  ‘Yes, sir. As you know, my son is an army sergeant and he sent me a tinted drawing of an Indian soldier he served with when he was in India. The cloth that was found could easily be from a turban.’ Higgins seemed puzzled. ‘What do you think a person like that would be doing in the tower, sir?’

  Luke was thoughtful. ‘I think it best we keep this to ourselves, Higgins. At the moment we cannot be sure of anything.’

  ‘Yes, sir. I understand. The men will keep a sharp ey
e out for any strangers. Do you think there is something odd going on, my lord?’

  ‘At the moment I am not certain,’ Luke replied. ‘It may just have been a vagrant who saw an opportunity and then panicked when you arrived. Or it may be more sinister. We shall employ more men and patrol the grounds day and night.’

  ‘Right you are, sir. May I say how happy everyone is that you are spending more time here, sir. Mr Tonkins is a good man and I’ve done my best, but there are times the earl just does not want to listen.’

  ‘He has always been stubborn, but he is frailer than I like, Higgins. Any problems regarding this business should come to me, not my grandfather.’

  ‘You’ll be staying here now then, sir?’

  ‘At least until after the wedding. What happened may be just an isolated incident. Unfortunate for you, but over. However, if anything else happens I may have to rethink my plans.’

  Now, as he tied his snowy white cravat into intricate folds, Luke was remembering the dusky-skinned gentleman who had followed him into the London jeweller’s. He had noticed a rather exotic perfume that day, though of course it could all be a coincidence. Yet Brandon had disliked the ruby, implying that there was something dangerous or sinister about it.

  It could be that there was something significant about that ruby, something that made it worth sending people to England to search for it—but why now?

  Luke had told Roxanne not to worry, dismissing her fears that her ruby might have brought the intruder here, but he could not help wondering if he had been too hasty. The ruby might have more worth to someone than the amount it would fetch in a jeweller’s shop. Luke had not considered it important at first, but now several threads were running through his mind.

  Damn the thing! He had more to concern him than the blasted ruby. Having spoken to his grandfather that afternoon about bringing the wedding forwards, Luke knew that he had committed himself to marriage. While doubts remained, he could not deny a feeling of satisfaction. It was as if he had been resisting subconsciously, but now that had fallen away and he found he was looking forward to the wedding—but first there was the engagement ball.

  While in town he had given Roxanne’s measurements to a French seamstress and she had promised to deliver the gown he had ordered in time. She was coming herself to fit it and make any last-minute adjustments. He knew that Roxanne had some idea of making a gown herself, but the magnificent creation he had bought for her would be a surprise—as would the pearls he had purchased in the London jeweller’s.

  Once again he considered whether the attack on Higgins and the man he had seen purchasing a ring in London were connected. Had he been followed to the jeweller’s that day? Had the man he’d noticed hoped to discover the ruby’s whereabouts?

  ‘Imagination,’ he murmured aloud, fastened a magnificent diamond pin in his cravat and went down to dinner.

  After Luke’s return the days seemed to fly past so quickly that Roxanne hardly had time to think or worry about what she was doing. The incident in the tower had been dismissed from her mind completely and she was thoroughly enjoying each day.

  Luke had purchased a beautiful mare for her. Rhoda, as he informed her the horse was named, was a chestnut and a perfect mount for her, being spirited and yet good natured, even playful. The mare had responded to Roxanne’s touch and voice immediately and, if Roxanne did not watch her, would give her new mistress a sharp nudge in the back with her nose.

  ‘She is lovely,’ Roxanne cried as she thanked him. ‘I am so grateful for your kindness.’

  ‘You must have a horse of your own. The saddle belonged to my mother. It takes time to make one to suit an individual and we shall commission a new one once you have got used to this, which has been worn in and should be comfortable both for you and the mare.’

  ‘It is perfect,’ Roxanne said and ran her hand over the soft leather, which, though not new, had a pleasant feel. ‘I do not think I need another just yet.’

  ‘My mother was an excellent horsewoman, Roxanne. I am certain you can do as well if you are willing to learn.’

  Roxanne assured him that she was and allowed him to help her into the saddle and to explain how she should hold her reins. Although she had been used to riding astride when with the players, she immediately settled to the new position and needed telling only once how to sit and hold her reins.

  Luke watched her walk the mare about the paddock, making only an occasional remark about posture or commands to the mare. After some minutes had passed, he nodded his head and walked up to her as she halted the mare.

  ‘Are you sure you have not ridden this way before?’

  ‘I may have done years ago…’

  ‘When you were a child in India?’

  ‘If I was ever there. Sometimes in my mind I seem to see a beautiful pink palace with cool rooms and fountains in the gardens—but it may just be one of Sofia’s stories.’

  ‘Are there people in your dream?’

  She shook her head. ‘No, I have no real memories, Luke. I think the palace was where Sofia lived with her prince.’

  ‘You are sure she never mentioned anything you told her when you were ill?’

  ‘No, I am not sure of anything.’

  Luke’s eyes were very intent. ‘You have not been lying to me, Roxanne? I would rather hear the truth from your lips now than discover it is all lies later.’

  ‘Are you accusing me of trying to deceive you?’ She raised her head proudly. ‘Why should I do such a thing? I have no wish to be other than I am.’

  ‘Forgive me, that remark was uncalled for. It is just odd that you should have this feeling about India—and now it seems as if there may be a connection. Does that not sound strange to you? In my place would you not wonder?’

  ‘Yes, perhaps,’ she agreed. ‘May we speak of something else now? Your grandfather spoke of dancing lessons, but it may have slipped his memory. The curate is coming this afternoon. If he played for us, would you teach me some steps, please?’

  ‘Yes, of course. I should be delighted. I will call the groom. You have done enough riding for today. You should learn at least one or two dances before the ball.’

  ‘Count in your head, Roxanne…one two three, one two three—and follow me. Trust me and you cannot fail.’

  ‘Thank you, I shall try.’

  Roxanne stood as he placed his right hand at the small of her back and let herself relax, feeling the warmth that flowed through her. The curate’s playing was pleasant and she felt as if she floated on air as they waltzed the length of the gallery, where the ball was to be held.

  ‘Yes, that is exactly right,’ Luke told her. ‘You were born to dance, Roxanne. It is a natural talent that may be learned, but you feel the music and you are like thistledown in my arms.’

  Roxanne closed her eyes. In her head she seemed to hear strange music and for a moment she felt light-headed, as if she were not quite herself. Luke’s voice came from a distance. The dreamlike state still held her and she stumbled, falling into his arms.

  Luke caught her and carried her to a sofa, sitting her against the soft cushions as she stirred. She opened her eyes, looking at him in a puzzled way.

  ‘What happened?’

  ‘You were faint for a moment. Are you ill?’

  ‘No, I do not think so. How foolish of me.’

  Luke placed a hand to her forehead. ‘You do not seem to have a temperature, but you said something just before your faint.’

  ‘Did I?’ She looked up, feeling bewildered. ‘For a moment I thought I was somewhere else.’

  ‘You said a word I did not recognise. I think it may have been another language—perhaps Hindu or some such thing.’

  ‘How could I know an Indian word?’

  ‘Easily, if you were truly brought up there.’ He frowned. ‘This business of the ruby has been playing on your mind. It might be that the face you saw at the window was Indian. A turban cloth was found at the tower when the search was made.’

&nbs
p; Roxanne shivered. ‘That is a little worrying, Luke. What is so important about the ruby that someone would follow us here and attempt to break into your grandfather’s strong room?’

  ‘If we knew that, I think the mystery might be solved.’ Luke offered her his hand as she attempted to rise, catapulting her into his arms. It surprised them both and Luke’s kiss was completely without intention. He kissed her lightly at first, but it deepened to intensity before he let her go. ‘It was the look in your eyes,’ he excused himself. ‘There is no need to fear, Roxanne. I shall protect you.’

  ‘Yes…’ Roxanne spoke in a faint voice unlike herself. ‘I am not afraid, just curious as to why the ruby is so important.’

  ‘Yes, it is curious,’ Luke replied. ‘I think enough dancing for today. We shall send for some tea—and I think our kind pianist should stay and enjoy it with us.’

  ‘Yes, of course, Luke,’ Roxanne said and went off to speak to the curate.

  Luke’s eyes narrowed as he watched her. She looked every inch a lady—but supposing she had lied in an attempt to ensnare him? Supposing she’d stolen the ruby? She might be Black Bob’s accomplice; they could have stolen it together. Perhaps she’d wanted the jewel for herself and run off with it. That might be the reason she was frightened of being found and dragged back to her former life. He knew a moment of intense pain at the thought. If she had played him for a fool, he would feel betrayed.

  Luke was aware of a sense of unease. He knew that he was being drawn into something beyond his control. What exactly did Roxanne want of him? She had refused to enter a sham marriage at first, but now she seemed prepared to become his wife and to give him an heir.

  Could he trust her? More importantly, perhaps, could he trust himself? The feelings he’d had for Roxanne from the beginning had grown stronger, but surely a night in her bed would satisfy his hunger. It had always been that the chase was more important to him and he soon tired once the game was won. Perhaps he was a shallow fellow, incapable of feeling more than a fleeting affection—if that were so, why was he beginning to feel obsessed by Roxanne and a need to know the truth about her past?