by Anne Herries
‘Luke…I hoped, but was never certain…’
‘You do care for me a little? I know I am far from perfect—but you do truly love me?’
Roxanne smiled tenderly. ‘I think I fell in love with you the moment you opened your eyes and looked at me, but I did not admit it until much later. I was afraid that you would never love me—afraid that if you sensed my feelings you would feel trapped.’
‘I did for a short time,’ Luke admitted honestly. ‘I did not want to feel love, because I know that it can bring so much pain. I saw my mother’s misery and my father’s chafing at the bonds that tied him to a woman he did not love. I was a coward to run from love, Roxanne—but I swear I shall never give you cause to doubt me again.’
‘Then we shall be married as soon as it can be arranged,’ Roxanne told him. She offered her hand, her eyes bright with love. ‘I believe we should tell Grandfather. He cares for us both so much, Luke. Before we came here he was lonely and unhappy. The breach between you was too wide for either of you to cross. Now I think you have reached an understanding?’
‘Because of you the breach has closed and we are a family once more.’ Luke reached out to touch her cheek. ‘While you were missing, our mutual despair drew us together and we realised that we loved each other. Grandfather told me I was a fool and he was right. I had no idea how fortunate I was that day my horse took a tumble in the woods.’
‘If I had not run away from Black Bob that day, we might never have met.’ Roxanne shuddered and moved closer to him. ‘How much we might both have lost, Luke.’
‘I think it was our destiny.’ He leaned down to kiss her once more. ‘Come, we should put Grandfather’s mind at rest, though I am certain he already knows.’
‘I think the old rascal is truly content now,’ Luke said as he took Roxanne’s hand. The earl had retired to bed after eating supper with them in the parlour and they were strolling in the moonlight, enjoying the warmth of a summer night. ‘He seems much better now, though at times I see that he is still frail.’
‘We must make his life as full as possible,’ Roxanne said. ‘We shall live here for most of the time, Luke, though I know you have other estates and a house in London.’
‘Once I thought the country boring, but it cannot be so when you are here, my love. It may be that I shall have to tend to business at my own estate from time to time and if you cannot accompany me I must leave you here—but I shall return as soon as I can.’
‘Perhaps one day we shall spend more time in London or at your own estate, but for Grandfather’s sake we must be here as often as we can, dearest.’
‘You are as caring as you are beautiful,’ Luke said and drew her near, bending his head to kiss her mouth. ‘I want you so much. I can hardly bear to wait for our wedding night, Roxanne.’
‘And why should you wait?’ she whispered against his mouth. ‘I do not think you need to consider my modesty or my reputation since the servants all knew what happened on the night of the ball.’ She gurgled with delicious laughter and pressed herself against him. ‘Take me to bed, Luke. I am as impatient as you—and it is only another ten days to our wedding.’
‘Wicked seductress,’ he murmured and touched her cheek. ‘Since it is too late to save either your reputation or mine, I believe I shall take you at your word.’
‘You look beautiful, Miss Roxanne,’ the housekeeper said when she brought up the posy of white roses and lilies tied with red ribbons. ‘It’s a shame that you’ve no family to share your special day.’
‘My family is here,’ Roxanne said and impulsively kissed her cheek. ‘You are as a friend to me, Mrs Arlet. Everyone has made me welcome, right from the first moment I came here. If I have no mother, I have my memories and I have my friends. Grandfather is to give me away. Why should I need anyone else?’
‘You’re a proper lady, miss, and no mistake,’ Mrs Arlet said. ‘We’re all so happy that you and his lordship intend to make this your main home.’
‘We shall honeymoon in Paris and we shall spend a few weeks in London sometimes, but I love this house. Lord Clarendon knows that and it is the reason that he has agreed to live here.’
‘We are all so excited, Miss Roxanne. His lordship was telling us about the plans he has for bringing the house and estate up to modern standards.’
‘Yes, I know. Grandfather had allowed things to stagnate a little, but Clarendon will change all that—and that is as it should be. I know the earl is delighted with the way things have turned out.’
‘Is there anything I can do for you, miss?’
‘No, thank you. I am almost ready. I shall come down in a few moments.’
‘I’ll leave you with Tilly then.’ Mrs Arlet nodded as the maid entered bearing some floral tributes, gifts and cards. ‘We all wish you happiness, Miss Roxanne.’
‘Thank you,’ Roxanne replied and nodded as she went out, closing the door behind her. ‘So many people have sent gifts,’ she said as her maid laid the packages on the dressing table. ‘Where have all these things come from?’
‘Some were delivered by hand, miss. I think his lordship sent this one.’
Roxanne took the small package she offered and opened it, smiling as she saw the diamond-and-pearl earrings, which would go with the pearls he had given her and the bracelet of pearls and diamonds that the earl had sent her earlier that morning. She read the card, smiled and then slipped them into her ears. Looking at her reflection, she nodded in a pleased way. She picked up a posy, held it to her nose and smiled, then indicated another small parcel.
‘What is the other package?’
‘That came from London this morning, miss.’ She picked it up and handed it to her.
Roxanne opened it and gasped as she saw the huge pearl. It was pink, flawless and shaped like a teardrop. Set in gold at the pointed end, it could be worn as a pendant. She picked it up, looking at it as it lay in her palm and thinking that it must be very valuable, then saw the card that had lain beneath it.
For a pearl beyond price, she read and frowned as she saw the signature. This comes from Prince Ranjit on behalf of his family.
Replacing the pearl in its nest of black velvet, Roxanne fastened the pearls Luke had given her about her throat.
‘I shall go down now, Tilly,’ she said. ‘Please finish packing my things for me. There are only a few trinkets for my dressing case. Everything else we have not already decided on can remain here. Clarendon says that we should not take too much, because he intends to buy clothes in Paris.’
‘Very well, miss.’ Tilly couldn’t keep the note of excitement from her voice. ‘I’ve never been to France, miss.’
‘I visited with friends when we travelled as a group,’ Roxanne said with a smile. ‘I liked it well enough then, but I think it will be wonderful this time.’
Picking up her posy, she walked from the room and negotiated the stairs with care, her train flowing behind her. The earl and most of the servants had gathered below to greet her. She kissed the earl and then turned to a young woman whom she had met for the first time and immediately liked the previous evening.
‘Mrs Fox, I am so glad you could come to us—and I hope you like the gown we chose for you. Luke has told me so much about you. Your husband was his dearest friend and I am so pleased that we are to be friends.’
‘It is a lovely gown and it was kind of you to invite me to be one of your attendants,’ Beth Fox said. ‘Please, you must call me Beth. I owe so much to Luke, as you know. After my darling Harry died and I was left alone with a child and no money, Lord Clarendon found me and provided me with a house of my own. I believe you stayed there for a short time before I moved in?’
‘The charming house in Hampstead? Yes, I stayed in your guestroom for a short time. Luke told me your story recently,’ Roxanne said with a smile. ‘Your father and your husband’s family rejected you because they did not approve of the marriage. It was unkind of them to leave you to fend for yourself with a young child to bring up alone.
I am glad Luke helped you and I want you to visit with us whenever you choose.’
‘Luke is fortunate in his choice of a bride,’ Beth said and kissed her. ‘Many would have believed the whispers and thought me his mistress—though it has never been so, nor could it be. We both loved Harry and felt only friendship for each other.’
‘Luke is an honourable man and those who think otherwise malign him,’ Roxanne said. ‘Now that you are here for our wedding people will see that they were mistaken. Luke ought to have told Grandfather the truth before, but his stubborn pride would not let him defend his honour. It made him angry because the earl believed the tittle-tattle that you were his mistress.’
‘You are all so kind. I was not sure I should be welcomed by the earl, who was a close friend of my father-in-law, but I have been invited to bring my son and stay whenever I wish. The earl is so generous, Roxanne. I am not surprised you are so fond of him.’
‘Grandfather has made me welcome here from the beginning,’ Roxanne said and went to his side, taking his hand. ‘Shall we leave? I should not wish to keep Luke waiting.’
Luke turned his head as the organ began to play. Roxanne had just entered the church, standing at the far end of the nave with his grandfather, Beth and some young girls as her bridesmaids. She was so beautiful. His heart caught with pride as she walked towards him. As she reached his side, he offered his hand and she took it. He smiled and whispered, ‘You look lovely, my dearest one.’
‘Thank you.’
Her hand trembled slightly and he pressed it as the ceremony began.
‘Dearly beloved. We are gathered together to see this man and this woman joined in Holy matrimony…’
The words droned on and Luke gave his responses in a firm strong tone. Roxanne’s voice was clear and light, carrying to the rear of the church. Luke reached out to lift the white veiling that fell from her satin bonnet and leaned forwards to kiss her softly on the lips.
They advanced towards the high altar to be blessed and then to the vestry where they both signed their names. Then the bells rang out joyously and they were walking into the sunshine. A small crowd awaited their coming and rushed forwards to shower them with flower petals and rice.
After receiving good wishes and small tributes from the villagers, Luke took his bride’s hand and hurried her to the carriage drawn up in the lane. He helped her inside, waiting until the door was closed fast before drawing her into his arms to kiss her.
‘My sweet love,’ he murmured huskily. ‘I was afraid this day might never happen, but it has and I am the happiest of men.’
‘Thank you for my surprise gifts,’ Roxanne said and touched the magnificent earrings she wore. ‘You have given me so much…’
Luke smiled, touching her cheek with his fingertips. ‘The earrings are just one of many gifts I intend to make you, my darling. I have others for this evening when we are alone—and in Paris I shall buy you all the clothes and trinkets you could desire.’
‘You are intent on spoiling me,’ Roxanne said and leaned closer to kiss him. ‘I love the gifts you’ve given me, Luke—but it is your love I prize more than any jewel.’
‘My love is yours for ever,’ he murmured huskily. ‘I shall show you later how prized you are, Roxanne.’
‘This is the happiest day of my life.’
She reached up and kissed him.
‘My beloved.’ Luke drew her close as passion surged between them. ‘How fortunate I feel.’
The large reception hall was overflowing with guests. They spilled over into the parlours and out on to the terraces in the sunshine, the sound of laughter and chattering voices resounding throughout the house.
The bride and groom stood together to welcome all their guests. It was a glittering occasion, for friends and relatives had come from all parts of the country to stay and witness the wedding.
‘I never thought I should see this day,’ the earl said to Roxanne when she brought him a slice of rich fruity wedding cake with thick white icing. ‘I don’t know when I’ve ever seen Luke look this happy, girl. I never expected to see him head over heels in love, but there’s no doubt of it. It’s a transformation and one that gives me a deal of pleasure.’
‘We are both very fortunate,’ Roxanne said and took his hand, holding it to her cheek. ‘I owe this to you, Grandfather. Luke told me what you said to him—the way you made him realise that he was in danger of losing everything he truly wanted.’
‘I told him the truth about things he should have known long ago,’ the earl said, shaking his head. ‘If it made the difference, I’m glad.’
Music had begun to play. Luke came to Roxanne and took her hand, leading her out to the middle of the floor. They danced together, a slow stately performance, then suddenly the music changed and he swept her into his arms as they waltzed.
‘I want to take you somewhere quiet and make love to you,’ he whispered against her ear. ‘How much longer must I wait?’
‘Luke…’ Roxanne drew back, her mouth soft and seductive as she smiled. ‘Be patient, beloved. We shall be together very soon now—and we have the rest of our lives to make love.’
‘Hardly enough,’ he murmured throatily. ‘I want you for ever. Eternity is not long enough for all the things I want to tell you.’
It was as if Luke had suddenly discovered a well of emotions and feelings that he’d never known existed and they spilled over, engulfing her in a tide of love and desire.
‘Well, I shall go up and change very soon,’ Roxanne told him. ‘You could follow me if you wish and…’ She left the words unsaid, but her eyes told him all he wished to know.
Roxanne slipped out of her wedding gown and put on a soft silk wrap. She took the brush in her right hand and began to stroke it over her hair, letting the dark red tresses fall over her shoulders and down her back.
‘Come back when I send for you, Tilly,’ she said. ‘I want to rest for a little while before I change for this evening.’
‘Yes, miss—I mean, my lady.’ The girl blushed and bobbed a curtsy. ‘Ring when you need me.’
Roxanne nodded and smiled. She was dabbing a little light perfume at her wrists when the door opened and Luke entered. She stood up and moved towards him, a smile of invitation on her lips.
‘I told Tilly I wished to rest before I change for the evening,’ she said huskily. ‘I am not tired, but the sheets have been turned back. Shall we rest for a while together?’
Luke moved in closer and reached for her, his arms sliding about her waist. ‘Those of the guests who are staying have gone up to change for the evening and the others are departing. I do not think we shall be missed for an hour or so, dearest.’
‘Luke…’ Roxanne lifted her face for his kiss, melting against him as his lips took possession of hers. ‘I love you so very much.’
Then she was in his arms, responding to his kiss, and the next instant he was carrying her to the bed, placing her carefully amongst scented sheets.
Going to him without reserve, Roxanne shuddered with delight as his hands stroked up the arch of her back. Luke reached for her wrap, slipping it back off her shoulders to kiss her soft skin. The touch of his warm mouth on her breasts and then the inside of her thighs made her whimper with pleasure and she trembled, arching to meet him, lips parting as his kiss swept her away on clouds of exquisite pleasure.
Luke removed his own clothes and she saw the urgency of his need as he lay down beside her and drew her into his body. She felt the burn of his desire next to her thigh and then her legs were parting and he was between them, thrusting up into her. She gave a cry of pleasure, opening to him, wanting him deeper and deeper inside her. Her back arched and her hips thrust forwards to meet him as the desire pooled and grew into a raging need.
Together they reached for and found that wonderful place that is known only to true lovers. Luke gave a great shout of joy and triumph as he came inside her and she found her climax rolling through her as it came and came again in waves.
>
Afterwards, he lay with his head against her breast, their sweat mingling as they held on to each other, replete and content.
It was some time later that they left the bed. Roxanne sat at her dressing table and began to brush her hair.
‘I must go and change,’ Luke said and lifted her hair to kiss the back of her neck. He moved round to look at her and watch as she brushed her hair, perching on the edge of the dressing table, reluctant to leave despite his avowal that he ought to go. He picked up a small box casually and opened it, then stiffened as he saw what lay inside. ‘Where did this come from?’
Roxanne looked and saw the magnificent pearl. ‘Oh—that arrived just before the wedding. Tilly brought it up with some other things. Prince Ranjit sent it on behalf of his family.’
‘It must be almost priceless,’ Luke said and frowned, taking it out so that it lay on the palm of his hand. ‘You did not choose to wear it today?’
‘Of course not. I wore the gifts you gave me—and Grandfather’s bracelet. Why should I wear that pearl, Luke? It is lovely, but I think we should send it back. I have no need of such gifts from the prince.’
Luke’s expression eased, anger and tension gone. ‘I would return it except that to do so would cause offence. I shall acknowledge the gift, Roxanne. There is no need for you to do anything.’
‘I shall not wear the pendant, but if you think it rude to return it…’
‘It can stay in the strong room. Perhaps one of our children or their wives will take a fancy to it in the future.’ Luke smiled and leaned forwards to kiss her lips. ‘He said you were a jewel of rare value. I replied that I did not need to be told. I was well aware of your value to me. I was so angry that I wanted to kill him for daring to think you could be his for a sum of money.’
‘You have no need to be angry, my love.’ Roxanne stood up and put her arms about him. ‘No jewels could buy what we have, Luke. Love such as we feel for each other is a gift from God. It is all that either of us need now or in the future.
