A Suitable Bride

by Fenella J Miller

  ‘My lord, I didn’t expect to see you with Miss DuPont.’

  ‘I’m sure you didn’t, madam, but here we are. We’re determined to claim victory in this event and are on our way to the clock tower which is on the far side of the stable block.’

  One by one they deciphered the clues, sometimes Miss Newcomb providing the answer, sometimes himself, but far more often it was Grace who deciphered the riddle first. By the time they collected the final piece of paper an hour and a half had passed.

  During this time more than the puzzles of the treasure hunt had been solved – he now understood why this particular young lady was making him behave so out of character. For some inexplicable reason his heart had decided she was the one for him when his head was telling him the opposite.

  *

  Grace handed in their clues delighted they’d managed to accomplish the task in so short a time. ‘That was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, thank you both for helping me.’

  Lord Sheldon had been quiet for some time and she rather thought he’d lost interest in the whole proceedings. However, he smiled. ‘It was my pleasure, Miss DuPont. Now, if you would excuse me I must spend time with my other guests.’

  She watched him stroll away unsure exactly how she felt about this gentleman.

  Aunt Sarah took her arm. ‘I doubt that any other team will complete the hunt so quickly, my dear, so I think you stand a good chance of being the winner.’

  ‘I hope so, we need all the gold we can accumulate before we leave here. By the way, did you send your letters to your friends yesterday?’

  ‘I did indeed. There’s a silver plate by the front door for any guests to place their correspondence and the duke franks them. I expect I’ll get replies sometime next week.’

  Grace was still thinking about Lord Sheldon’s strange behaviour. ‘I’m at a loss to understand why his lordship decided to join us and then left so hurriedly. Did I do something to offend him?’

  ‘Not whilst we were solving the clues, I thought we all got on splendidly considering who he is. But you must remember, my dear, that he can’t be seen to be giving you more attention than the other young ladies or this will give rise to speculation.’

  ‘Good heavens! Anyone who thinks so must be touched in the attic, for I’m the least eligible young lady present.’

  ‘You are one of the prettiest girls, one of the liveliest and almost certainly one of the richest – all you lack is pedigree. I know of several impecunious aristocrats who have married beneath them in order to fill their coffers. Why should Lord Sheldon not do the same?’

  Grace snorted inelegantly. ‘Aunt Sarah, this is one of the foremost families in the country. Only a girl with an impeccable background would be acceptable.’ She had no wish to discuss this further as she had better things to think about than a tall, blue-eyed gentleman. ‘I’m wondering if I should join the card tables each evening as I’m sure there’s money to be won playing Loo.’

  ‘There’s also a risk that you would lose. I should avoid gaming, my dear, and stick to the things that you know you excel at.’

  They found a secluded arbour in the rose garden and as soon as they were settled Grace removed the itinerary from her reticule.

  ‘Tonight there’s to be a musical evening and it says here one must enter one’s name on a list in the drawing room if one wishes to perform.’

  ‘I hope you’re going to play. I doubt that there are many young ladies as proficient as you on the pianoforte.’

  ‘I’ve no wish to draw any more attention to myself. It wouldn’t do to appear to excel at the ladylike pursuits as well as the outdoor ones. I shall attend and appear suitably appreciative of the performances of others.’

  She ran her finger down the paper. ‘See, there’s to be a cricket tournament tomorrow and there’s to be a prize for the winning team.’

  ‘I’m considered an excellent bowler, my dear, would you like to practice as I can’t recall you playing this game before.’

  ‘I can throw a ball, but I’ve never tried to hit one with a bat. I wonder if we can find the equipment without having to ask.’

  They headed for a quiet part of the grounds and Aunt Sarah began her lesson. After a highly enjoyable hour or so Grace believed she had the requisite rules in her head and the skills to be able to join in.

  ‘We must go at once and sign the list and make sure that we’re included in one of the teams. Gentlemen have an unfair advantage in this game as we shall be sadly hampered by our skirts. I’d no idea cricket could be so aggressive.’

  ‘It’s part of the fun, my dear. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed today – whatever the outcome of this visit I shall look back on these few weeks with pleasure. I doubt that either of us will ever have such entertainment again.’

  ‘Oh, please don’t say that. How dreary you make our future sound. Once I have access to my trust fund we’ll be able to do whatever we want. God willing the war with France will be over by then and we can travel on the Continent.’

  ‘We shall have to hurry, Grace, if we don’t want to be tardy. I doubt that his grace will cover for your absence a second time.’

  ‘I shall be ready in good time. Come to my sitting room in one hour and we’ll go down together.’

  Annie had hot water waiting and within the allotted time Grace was ready. ‘I’m not sure about the amount of bosom on display, do you think I should put in a fichu?’

  ‘No, miss, it’s not nearly as low as some I’ve seen here. I think that colour is perfect on you.’

  ‘I know that debutantes should dress only in white, but I’ve no wish to look like a ghost. Jonquil is an unusual shade for an evening gown, but not too bright, so I don’t think it will offend the matrons.’

  Her maid fastened the stunning amber and diamond necklace in place. ‘There, that finishes the ensemble perfectly. I think Miss Newcomb has just come in so you’re ready in perfect time.’

  Grace decided the evening was too warm to require her to take her matching gossamer wrap. She stared down at her silk gloves and frowned. ‘I don’t care what the rule is; I’m not going to wear these tonight. It’s far too hot for gloves.’

  She quickly peeled them off, shook out her skirts and whisked into the sitting room where her companion was waiting. ‘That’s a delightful gown, Aunt Sarah, russet silk is perfect on you. However, I’m not as fond of your matching turban with the egret feather.’

  ‘I wish to blend in with the other matrons, Grace my dear, and I noticed that many of them are similarly dressed. They tend to forget to whom I’m affiliated and I can pick up a lot of interesting gossip.’

  Grace did a quick twirl sending her skirts out in a cloud around her ankles. ‘Do you like this ensemble? It’s slightly more daring than last night’s gown but I’m feeling more confident and believe I can carry it off.’

  ‘Jonquil is ideal with your colouring – as long as a young lady doesn’t wear bright colours I don’t think anyone can object. I noticed that several girls were wearing pale blues and pinks last night. You look quite delightful and I’m sure you’re by far the prettiest girl here.’

  *

  Bennett had spent an excruciatingly tedious afternoon talking to some of the hopeful debutantes. None of them had anything pertinent to say and all they did was simper and giggle and flutter their eyelashes at him. Madeline, looking enchanting in a pale green confection, was waiting for him in the drawing room.

  ‘Beau is to announce the winners of the treasure hunt before we go into dinner. I’m sure you already have a good idea who that will be.’

  ‘The speed with which Miss DuPont and her companion solved the clues was remarkable. I doubt that anyone else would have matched their time.’

  ‘They were a full half an hour ahead of every other competitor. Your Miss DuPont has entered her name in all the competitions. She was seen practising for the cricket tournament and if what I’ve heard is true, she and Miss Newcomb will be an asset to any team.’
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br />   ‘Is she to perform tonight?’

  ‘Her name isn’t on the list – I doubt that anyone so skilled in outdoor pursuits is likely to be as good at the more ladylike activities.’ His sister paused and her eyes widened and he turned to see what had caught her attention.

  It was as if a fist had punched him in the chest. For a second he found it difficult to breathe. Gliding across the grand hall was the most beautiful young woman he’d ever set eyes on. Grace looked like a princess – put every other hopeful young miss in the shade.

  He no longer cared who she was or why she was here – his mind was made up. He would have no other for his wife and would spend every available moment from now on courting her until she fell in love with him.

  As he stepped forward intending to waylay her, a hand dropped on his arm. ‘No, brother, she will not do. I must speak to you in private.’

  Beau’s expression was grim and Bennett’s stomach roiled. He was about to refuse to accompany his brother but decided against it. ‘Very well, but I’m telling you now, there’s nothing you can say that will deter me from making her an offer.’

  He strode beside the duke into the nearest small chamber where they wouldn’t be disturbed. Beau closed the door and gestured to a seat. Bennet remained where he was.

  ‘I have just received word by express from London. It seems Lord Peabody is in hock to DuPont and was forced to bring the girl here. The family’s fortune comes from trade. Her great-grandfather was a blacksmith, for God’s sake. She will not do. You must forget her and find yourself a wife from an acceptable family.’

  ‘Have you finished?’ His brother nodded. ‘I shall marry Grace DuPont whatever you have to say on the matter. If you’re worried that our progeny will taint the line, then you know what to do about it. Find yourself a suitable duchess and provide your own heirs.’

  He walked out his anger barely contained. He loved the duke, knew he was passionate about the family, but had not thought him so proud that he’d stand in the way of his own brother’s happiness. He would speak to Grace tonight, call a halt to this house party farce, and then return with her to her family home and ask her father for her hand in marriage.

  He strode outside, needing to calm down and clear his head before he mingled with the crowd. His evening pumps would become mired, but he cared not for that. How could the man he looked up to, loved and admired, behave so callously? He was being forced to choose and it would break his heart to cut himself off from his family – but do it he would.

  He doubted he would return to Silchester Court. Once Beau made up his mind he never changed it. If his beloved Grace wasn’t to be welcomed here, then neither was he. His siblings could visit him at his estate, or ignore him, that would be their choice.

  He would keep his word and transfer his wife’s dowry to the family, but that would be an end to his contact with the duke. He decided he’d better return to the drawing room – the prize for the treasure hunt would have been given and dinner would have already been announced. He’d been outside too long.

  The drawing room was full, and there was a strange atmosphere in the room. Why hadn’t everyone gone into dinner? If his brother was anything less than courteous to Grace when he presented the prize he would floor him. He looked over the heads of the crowd to find Grace.

  Strange that he could see neither her, nor her companion, as they were both distinctively dressed. He spotted Giselle standing by the window and she beckoned to him. Her eyes were red. What was going on here?

  ‘What’s wrong, little one? Has someone upset you?’

  She turned a tear-stained face to him. ‘I can’t believe he would do something like that. Beau asked Miss DuPont to leave immediately. He says that she’s an imposter. I’m so sorry, Bennett, I know that you were becoming fond of her.’

  Chapter Thirteen

  Grace and her companion mingled with the assembled guests and although not exactly friendly, no one turned their back as they had done at lunchtime.

  ‘They are serving champagne, do you wish to have a glass, Aunt Sarah?’

  ‘I think not, my dear, alcohol doesn’t agree with my digestion. If we don’t wish to drink shall we wait on the terrace – it’s rather crowded and hot in here.’

  ‘As long as we remain where can hear the announcement about the treasure hunt, I don’t wish to miss that. I’m certain we’ll be the winners.’

  There were one or two other people enjoying the fresh air but they remained apart. ‘I didn’t see the duke or Lord Sheldon in the drawing room, did you?’

  ‘No, Grace, I didn’t. I expect they’ll be here soon.’

  ‘The duke’s coming this way.’ She had a sinking feeling inside that his purpose wasn’t to give her any good news. His expression was distant, he looked every inch a haughty aristocrat.

  He stopped in front of them and didn’t bow – in fact he didn’t acknowledge them at all. Grace knew that she should curtsy, but refrained.

  ‘Miss Newcomb, today I received information that Miss DuPont is not who she purports to be. I wish you both to leave Silchester Court immediately. Instructions have already been sent to your servants to pack your trunks and your grooms are harnessing your carriage.’

  How dare he ignore her and speak to her companion instead? He might be a duke, but he was no gentleman. Instead of being humiliated or upset by his rudeness she was incensed.

  ‘Unless you intend to physically remove us from your house, sir, I’ve no intention of being evicted tonight. If you expect my staff, my companion and I to spend the night without a roof over our heads, then you can think again. I shall be delighted to depart before breakfast tomorrow morning.’ She let her gaze travel slowly from his crown to his toes. ‘Anyone who marries into this family has my sympathy. You are arrogant and unpleasant and being the Duke of Silchester is no excuse for your behaviour.’

  She didn’t wait to see his reaction but stalked back through the drawing room, head held high, looking to neither left nor right. She kept her composure until she reached her apartment but then she began to shake and collapsed into the nearest chair.

  Aunt Sarah followed her in. ‘My word, that was absolutely splendid, my dear. You were magnificent and put that man to shame. However, perhaps we’d better lock the door just in case he does send men to carry us out.’

  The idea was so nonsensical that Grace recovered her composure and laughed. ‘Can you imagine the scandal if we were to be dragged kicking and screaming through the house in front of the cream of society? I almost wish he’d try.’

  ‘So you don’t wish me to lock the doors?’

  ‘Absolutely not. That man is despicable – I’m not surprised he’s still a bachelor – even his title isn’t enough to persuade anyone to marry him.’

  Annie rushed in from the bedchamber. ‘We’ve been told to pack your belongings, miss, is it true that we’re to leave?’

  ‘Yes, but not tonight, so there’s no urgency. However, if you’ve already begun the task I should complete it as I intend to leave at first light.’

  ‘Do you wish to change out of your evening gown?’

  ‘We might as well, my dear, for there is no point in spoiling them,’ Aunt Sarah said. ‘I’ll return here when I’m ready. I wonder if the duke has sent word to the kitchen not to give us anything to eat.’

  ‘I was thinking that myself. Annie, can you send down and order supper to be brought to us? If it doesn’t arrive then we’ll know we must remain hungry until we leave here and find refreshments elsewhere.’

  She had no intention of discussing the debacle with her maid and Annie had the good sense not to ask why they were to leave so unexpectedly. For all her calm exterior, Grace was at a loss to know how to proceed. They had nowhere to go, only ten guineas between them, and she now had five horses and five adults to house and feed.

  She paced the floor trying to see a way out of this disaster. Returning to DuPont Manor was not an option – but perhaps the farmhouse in which Collins had set up
the stud could accommodate them all. Aunt Sarah would be able to support them for a while with her savings but these wouldn’t last for ever – and certainly not for the year and a half until her trust fund was available.

  When her companion returned she was ready to put forward her plan. The request for supper trays had been ignored so obviously word had been sent to the kitchen. ‘I cannot believe that anybody would behave in such a monstrous way. To leave us without food or drink is quite abominable.’

  ‘It is indeed, the duke was so kind to you last night – it’s hardly credible he’s now behaving like this. Have you sent word to Peterson that we’re not leaving until first thing tomorrow?’

  ‘Botheration! Annie must take the message. Hopefully my grooms will not be starved as well.’

  She hated to be trapped in her apartment, but she could hardly wander about the place as before as she was now persona non grata. Her companion, once they were sure that no sustenance was to arrive, left to pack her trunk, promising to be ready at dawn.

  As she had Annie to do this task for her Grace now had the prospect of being trapped in her chambers until she could retire with nothing to do apart from think about what had happened. She wouldn’t be sorry to leave, she didn’t like most of the guests, didn’t fit in with their rules and regulations, but she was disappointed she couldn’t show off the prowess of her stallion.

  Although she tried not to think about him, the image of Lord Sheldon kept drifting into her mind. Similar in appearance to his obnoxious older brother, but there the resemblance ended. His lordship although somewhat irascible, would never have behaved so badly, of that she was quite certain.

  *

  Bennett was speechless. Had he heard aright? ‘Let me get this straight. My brother has told Miss DuPont she must leave here immediately? Has he gone quite mad?’

  He turned but was held back by his sister’s hand gripping his elbow. ‘No, you mustn’t confront him. It will make matters so much worse.’

  Gently he removed her fingers. ‘I’m sorry, sweetheart, but I cannot let this go. He might be the duke, but he can’t treat my guests like this. They were to leave straightaway?’