Make-Believe Wife

by Anne Herries

  ‘Nothing,’ the earl said and shook his head. ‘I cannot understand it, Luke. How could she have disappeared so completely? Had she been seen walking the roads we should have heard. She has not visited an inn or attempted to buy food at the markets or someone would have reported it to us for the reward money. I fear that she is either dead or kidnapped.’

  ‘From what I now know, I think she was taken by the servants of a wealthy Indian man,’ Luke said, his mouth pulled into a grim line. ‘I believe they want the ruby. It may have some religious significance, but that is merely a guess. Why they did not simply come and ask for the damned thing I do not know. I would willingly have given it.’

  ‘That gypsy fellow told you it is cursed,’ the earl said and his hand trembled. His eyes held an urgent appeal as he said, ‘You don’t think…she’s not dead, is she? Our girl’s not gone?’

  ‘No, Grandfather. I’m sure she is still alive. I would know if she were dead.’ Luke ran tormented fingers through his thick hair. He had dark shadows beneath his eyes and his face looked haggard from lack of sleep. ‘She can’t be dead. She must be a prisoner somewhere. I’m certain she would have written to you otherwise. It is too cruel to just disappear like this. I do not believe Roxanne is that careless of another’s feelings, especially someone she cares for. If she could have got word to us, she would by now.’

  ‘We must pray for her safe return,’ the earl said. ‘Have your agents heard nothing?’

  ‘I shall ride to the village and ask if there is a communication for me,’ Luke said. ‘Do not look so distressed, Grandfather. I shall find her. I swear to you that I will never rest. She shall be brought home…’ The words he added in his own mind were not meant for his grandfather’s ears.

  Even if she is dead I shall find her body and bring her home to us. His throat closed and the agony in his mind was fearful. Roxanne, my love, please be alive. Your death will kill him…and me.

  ‘Come, sit here near me,’ Prince Ranjit said and captured her hand, leading her to an elegant little sofa. He took the gilded chair just opposite and waited for her to sit before sitting himself. She recalled that his father the Maharajah Jankara had had impeccable manners and he, too, behaved as a gentleman should. ‘Please tell me what happened to you, Miss Pearson. My father has been trying to find you for many months. Your family had no knowledge of your whereabouts and believed you dead.’

  ‘Some years ago I found myself in danger and I ran away from my aunt’s home. I became very ill and was rescued by a wonderful lady; she cared for me and became like a mother to me. Her name was Sofia and she lived with a band of travelling players. She had been a lady and the mistress of aristocrats and princes and we travelled together until she died.’

  The prince nodded and Roxanne realised he already knew this part of her history. Somehow he or his agents had managed to trace her, not only to the camp, but also to the Hartingdon estate. He wanted to know the things his men had not already discovered about her life.

  ‘My father gave me a ruby to keep for him, your Highness,’ she said. ‘He said I must keep it with me always because it would make our fortune. He was returning to England to set up a home for us. However, my uncle and aunt coveted the jewel and they planned to sell me to a revolting man—a man who meant to use me in a way I cannot bring myself to mention. This was the reason I ran away.’ She paused, then, ‘Can you tell me where my father is living, please? Has he been looking for me?’

  ‘Forgive me, Rose Marie,’ the prince said and leaned forwards to touch her hand. ‘Your father believed you dead—a letter came from your uncle saying that you had run away and were believed to have died of a fever in the poorhouse. They said you had the ruby with you when you left—did you?’

  ‘Yes, I took the ruby when I fled—but my father?’ Roxanne’s throat tightened. ‘Please tell me, sir.’

  ‘Your father had planned to return to England and make a home for you. However, when he believed you dead, he decided to remain in India. He left my father’s employ and lived in solitude doing good works amongst the poor and sick. He died of a fever about eighteen months ago.’

  ‘My father is dead?’ A single tear trickled down Roxanne’s cheek. For years she had forgotten the tall handsome man she’d adored as a child, but the last few days had brought him back to her. It hurt to know that he had died not knowing that she was alive and well. ‘Then I shall never see him again.’

  ‘I am so sorry to be the bearer of this sad news,’ the prince said and touched her hand again. ‘When he knew he was ill, Sahib Pearson left you a letter and also a small inheritance, which I have placed in a bank in London for you. You see, in the last months before he died, he had begun to believe you were not dead, though his reasons for this belief are not clear. He sent the letter with another of explanation to my father and asked that you might be searched for. It was then that he told my father of the ruby he’d given you. It was only at that time that my father learned yours had possessed the eye for a time. My father sent his men to England to search for you, but it was many months before we traced you to the camp of the travelling players and by then you had disappeared once more.’

  ‘You did not begin your search until eighteen months ago?’

  The prince shook his head. ‘Until we had your father’s letter, the eye was thought lost and you were believed to have died.’

  ‘The eye? Was it stolen? Surely my father would not have stolen from yours?’

  ‘No, the ruby did not belong to us—it is the eye of the goddess Bersheira and it was stolen by thieves who raided the temple. My father believes that your father bought the eye in good faith. He did not know that it was stolen from the goddess, for he would never have bought it and given it to you. Until the eye is returned to its rightful place, all those who touch it are cursed. Since it was stolen the people of our province have suffered in many ways: sickness, fires in the villages, mysterious deaths and other evils. They believe that they will be cursed until the eye is returned and it was for this reason that my father decided to send me to discover you and the eye. I arrived in England only a few weeks ago. Our men had failed and it was I who finally discovered the man who revealed your whereabouts to me.’

  ‘Black Bob—was it he who told you?’

  ‘The leader of the travelling players, yes. I had advertised with posters for a missing girl who disappeared five years ago and offered gold for information of her whereabouts. We had heard vague whispers of a girl travelling with the players, a girl who had lost her memory, and I wondered if it might be you. But until he came to me I had no idea of where you might be. Then I saw the advertisement for a lost jewel and I began to link the pieces together. When that rogue told me you had a fabulous jewel I was sure it must be you.’

  ‘Why did you not simply come to me and ask for its return? Was it necessary to kidnap me?’

  ‘You must forgive me, Rose Marie. It was not my men who attacked you—though we took you from the aggressors and brought you here.’

  ‘Not your men? I do not understand.’

  ‘My father has a brother—my Uncle Sangyo,’ the prince said and looked angry. ‘He is a ruthless man and covets my father’s throne. Sangyo believes that, if he finds the eye and returns it to the goddess, the people will place him on the throne when my father dies instead of me.’

  ‘So it was your uncle I saw in the tower—it was he who tried to break into the earl’s strong room and he that hit the bailiff?’

  ‘I fear this may be so,’ Prince Ranjit said. ‘I was in London for a time on other matters and, when I was informed of your whereabouts, did not immediately send men to the earl’s estate to watch for you. When I did, they reported to me that Sangyo was lurking, intent on mischief. I decided to let him make his move and then punish him. Until he tried to abduct you I could not prove he was guilty of anything. He has been made a prisoner and sent home, to be punished by my father. It was necessary to do this or he would have remained a threat to us all.’

/>   ‘Yes, I understand,’ Roxanne said. ‘Though I cannot help wishing that you’d acted sooner for you might have spared me an unpleasant illness, sir. Had you asked for the ruby it would have been given to you.’

  ‘I have suffered for your suffering,’ the prince told her. ‘I must beg your forgiveness and shall do what I can to make reparation for your pain. I am sincere in my regret, Rose Marie.’ He hesitated, then, ‘Do you still have the ruby?’

  ‘No, I gave it to my fiancé. Lord Clarendon has placed it somewhere for safekeeping. He will, of course, give it to you if you take me to him and offer him proof of your identity. I remember my friend Prince Ranjit, but the years have changed us both, sir. I think Lord Clarendon would require proof that you are the prince before giving you the ruby.’

  The prince frowned. ‘It is easy enough for me to supply proof of my identity, but this man—Lord Clarendon—he is truly your husband?’

  ‘Yes—at least, we are legally betrothed and intend to be married soon, sir.’

  ‘I see…then it is my duty to take you to him,’ the prince said. He gave her a brooding look that told of his displeasure in the discovery that she was betrothed to another. It seemed that Shulie was right to suspect the prince had entertained ideas of making her his second wife. ‘I am disappointed. I had hoped we might renew our friendship—the warm affection we had as children, Rose Marie.’

  ‘I am called Roxanne these days,’ she said and smiled at him. ‘You are right to think I remember you with affection, sir. You were as a brother to me when I lived at the palace and we played as children. I have to thank you and Shulie for your care of me, Highness. I believe that your wife saved my life. She is both beautiful and wise. I think she will give you handsome and clever sons.’

  ‘We have no sons yet,’ the prince said and frowned.

  ‘You will have sons, I am certain of it,’ Roxanne said. She hesitated, then, ‘Perhaps it is the curse of the eye that has prevented you from having a son thus far, sir. When you return it to the goddess, she will favour you and your wife will give you healthy sons.’

  The prince looked struck by her words. He took her hand, bringing her to her feet, then bowing to her before placing a kiss on the back of her hand.

  ‘The Lord Clarendon is a fortunate man,’ he said. ‘I envy him his wife, Rose Marie. Your words are wise and I am sure that you speak truly. It was my destiny to find the eye and restore it to the goddess. When this is done, Shulie will give me sons.’

  ‘Yes, I am certain this is your destiny, sir.’ Roxanne smiled at him. ‘If you would please take me to Hartingdon, I shall arrange for the eye to be returned to you.’

  ‘I shall escort you myself,’ the prince said. ‘It has been a privilege to speak with you, Rose Marie. If things had been otherwise…but a betrothal is sacred and I must follow my destiny.’

  Chapter Eleven

  Luke sighed as he dismounted and gave the reins of his horse into the hands of a waiting groom. He was tired and hungry and, as he noticed the carriage and horses waiting in the courtyard, resentful of whoever had come calling at such a time. He was in no mood for visitors. What he needed was a hot bath, food and some sleep. His search had once more been in vain and he was beginning to think he would never see Roxanne again. The thought was like a heavy weight, dragging him down.

  ‘My lord…’ the groom began, but Luke waved him away in frustration. ‘But, my lord…’

  Ignoring the man’s attempt to attract his attention, Luke walked into the house. He was heading for the stairs and his own room when Mrs Arlet came rushing into the hall.

  ‘Thank goodness you’re back, sir,’ she cried. ‘She’s home, my lord. Miss Roxanne is in the back parlour with the earl this very minute.’

  ‘Home? Roxanne is here?’ Luke stared at her in disbelief. A great wave of euphoria and relief rushed over him, making him weak. He had been at the end of his tether, afraid that she must be dead, and now he could hardly believe she was here. He must go to her at once, tell her how sorry he was for the things he had said to her. If need be he would beg for her forgiveness.

  Flinging open the parlour door, Luke stopped abruptly on the threshold as he saw that his grandfather and another gentleman were in conversation but there was no sign of Roxanne. Luke instantly recalled the stranger as being the rich Indian he’d seen in the jeweller’s shop in London. Where was Roxanne? Had she run off again?

  ‘Where is Roxanne?’ he burst out as his heart suddenly plummeted in fear. ‘I was told she was here.’

  ‘Luke,’ the earl said and both he and the stranger stood up. ‘This gentleman is Prince Ranjit and the son of the ruler of a great province in India. He saved Roxanne from rogues who might have taken her life. His wife has nursed our girl through a severe illness and now he has brought her back to us.’

  ‘Then where is she?’ The question came out of Luke in a rush of agony.

  ‘I am here, my lord.’ Roxanne’s soft tones made him swing round to discover that she was standing a little way behind him in the hall. ‘I went up to change my gown, for I wish to return this to the prince.’ Luke saw she was carrying a rich silk gown that looked as if it had come from Paris. She was now wearing a simple grey gown that he’d purchased for her in London. His eyes ran over her, seeing her as pale and tired, a shadow of the girl he adored, and his heart caught with pain. ‘I am sorry to have caused you so much trouble. Grandfather says that you have been searching for me. Had I been able I would have let you know where I was. It was not possible.’ Her eyes conveyed a message that silenced him.

  Luke inclined his head, standing back to allow her to enter the parlour before him. He followed and took up a position between the prince and the door, standing rather than sitting, his manner one of belligerence that seemed to say he was prepared to throw the intruder out if he attempted to take Roxanne with him.

  ‘Perhaps someone would explain,’ he said in a carefully controlled tone, his hands clenched at his sides. ‘You seemed to have disappeared from the face of the earth, Roxanne.’

  ‘Yes, I think the prince wanted to keep our whereabouts a secret until he was certain that his uncle’s men were all taken and rendered harmless. It was Prince Sangyo that attacked our bailiff and his men that tried to abduct me. I was fortunate that Prince Ranjit was able to rescue me, otherwise I fear I might have died.’

  Luke’s brow lowered. He glared at the prince, but resisted the impulse to throw himself on the man and strangle him. How dare he sit there looking so pleased with himself—and why did Luke get the feeling that the prince wanted more than the ruby?

  ‘May I ask why that ruby is so important that your life was at risk in the first place?’

  ‘It is a sacred thing—the eye of a goddess—and Prince Ranjit’s people have been cursed since it was stolen. My father bought it from the thief. He did not know that it was stolen and I have agreed that we should return the ruby to Prince Ranjit so that he can take it back where it belongs.’

  ‘What proof do you have that he will return the ruby and not sell it?’

  At a movement of anger from the prince, Roxanne held out her hand. ‘I know you are angry, Luke. Please save your anger for later. Prince Ranjit is my friend. I knew him as a child and he has letters for me from my father and others from his own father. He is the man he claims to be and I trust his word. He is an honourable man, as is his father. I know that the ruby must be returned to the goddess and I beg you to arrange it with your bank, Luke. Please do this for me as soon as it may be arranged. We shall speak of other things later.’

  Luke clenched his teeth. She claimed the man was her friend and the accord between them was obvious. From the way the prince looked at her, he admired her, wanted her—and she seemed dazzled by him.

  After the way he had treated her it would not be surprising if she preferred the exotic prince to a man who had bullied and insulted her.

  Prince Ranjit rose to his feet. His manner was haughty as he approached Luke.

&nb
sp; ‘May I assure you that my father was willing to pay the price asked so that the ruby could be returned. He would have paid twice its worth to a jeweller—but Rose Marie has given it of her own free will.’

  ‘Rose Marie…?’ Luke’s gaze went over her, his heart catching. She was so beautiful and she deserved so much more than he could give her. He loved her, but he had discovered his love too late and she must hate him. ‘Is this what you truly want, Roxanne?’

  ‘Yes, of course it is. You know that we always meant to give it back if we could discover the rightful owner. My father has left me an inheritance and the prince placed it in a bank in London for me. I have ten thousand pounds, which is more than sufficient for my needs.’

  Now that he had had time to look at her, he saw that Roxanne looked different. Despite her pallor she was confident and sure of herself, with a glow in her eyes that he had not seen before. She no longer needed his help. She had a fortune of her own—and an ardent admirer in the prince. Luke had no claim on her. If she wished to be free, he must let her go.

  He inclined his head to the prince. ‘Very well. If you will come to the library with me, sir. I shall write a letter to my bank and they will release the ruby into your care.’

  ‘As you wish, sir.’ The prince bowed to the earl. ‘I thank you for your hospitality, sir.’ He took Roxanne’s hand and kissed it. ‘Should you wish it, my father would welcome you to our palace, Rose Marie. I myself have a deep admiration and warmth for you; it would be my pleasure to serve you if you came to me. May the gods watch over you and keep you from harm.’ He shot a look of dislike at Luke and then followed him from the room.

  Roxanne stood undecided for a moment, but the earl shook his head at her. ‘Let them settle it between them, girl. Sit down and tell me again what happened. Is that rogue truly what he says—and do you believe that it was his uncle’s men that attacked you?’

  Roxanne smiled, drew her chair close to him and reached for his hand. ‘Yes, Grandfather, I do,’ she said. ‘Prince Ranjit is a terrible liar. When we were children he often lied to us to get his own way, because he was spoiled and a little selfish. We always knew when he was lying and I’m certain I would have known this time. His uncle wants to rule in Prince Ranjit’s stead after the present ruler dies. If he could have found the ruby and taken it back to the temple, the people might have rejected the prince and placed him on the throne.’