A Suitable Bride

by Fenella J Miller

  She hoped she didn’t have to run after the ball down there. Fortunately the lake was on the opposite side to her so she didn’t have to worry about falling in. The match started and the first blow from the duke went in the opposite direction and was safely fielded before he’d scored any runs. The second sailed over her head and she turned to see if the gentleman guarding the boundary was going to collect it. He was nowhere in sight.

  Without hesitation she turned and raced after it. There was no sign of the wretched ball – it must have gone into the long grass and she’d have to go in after it. She hadn’t intended to run quite so fast, but the slope turned out to be more of a hill and by the time she reached the long grass she was out of control.

  Desperately she tried to stop but to no avail and when her left foot came in contact with a tussock, she somersaulted into the air and vanished face first into the grass.

  *

  Bennett took off after Grace. His brother hadn’t bothered to run as he knew his hit would score him the maximum runs without him having to move from the stumps. When Bennett reached the edge of the incline he’d expected to see her returning with the ball in her hand. She was nowhere in sight – the area was empty – no sign of her anywhere.

  He stopped and rubbed his eyes. Then he was joined by his brothers. ‘Where the hell is she? In fact – where the hell’s Fletcher? He should be patrolling the boundary and should have caught the ball.’ Perry sounded as perplexed as he was.

  ‘I’m going to investigate. We can’t continue until we’ve recovered the ball and God knows where that is.’ He broke into a run and just as he reached the edge of the playing area Grace emerged rear end first from the long grass a few feet away. ‘Are you all right? Have you found the ball?’

  She sprung to her feet and turned to face him. ‘No, sir, I don’t have your stupid ball. I suggest you find another one as this will never be discovered in this jungle.’ There was grass stuck to her clothes and her face was liberally covered with mud. He couldn’t prevent his smile and this did nothing to endear him to her.

  ‘Do you require my assistance, Miss DuPont?’

  ‘I do not – you may remain where you are and continue to smirk at my misfortune.’ Then her eyes widened and she turned a delightful shade of pink. He glanced over his shoulder and saw the entire team had gathered to enjoy the spectacle.

  He bounded into the grass and stood directly in front of her, blocking her from view. He handed her a clean handkerchief. ‘You have smuts on your face; I suggest you remove them before you rejoin the game.’

  For an interesting moment he thought she would strike him and then she thought better of it. ‘Good God! I can see Fletcher asleep over there – at least I think he’s asleep – he could very well be dead. Very dangerous business playing cricket.’

  She turned and looked where he was pointing. Her gurgle of laughter made him want to snatch her from her feet and kiss her breathless. ‘You’re quite ridiculous, my lord, and I suggest you go and investigate whilst I search for this missing cricket ball. I assume that those watching with interest are not intending to assist with this matter?’

  ‘I shouldn’t bother, I have another one in my pocket. An umpire always carries a spare.’

  They picked their way through the grass to the prostrate body of the missing fielder. As they got nearer his snores were quite audible.

  ‘I do believe he’s inebriated, sir, I must say I thought he looked a trifle unsteady earlier. I’m at a loss to know where he found sufficient alcohol to get into this state whilst playing cricket.’

  Bennett prodded the comatose form with his boot but the man didn’t stir. ‘No doubt he has a flask in his pocket. I suggest we leave him here to sleep it off. Let’s hope Perry can find a substitute or we’re going to lose this match.’

  ‘I sincerely hope that we don’t as I have placed a wager on the result.’

  They hurried back to the centre of the field and amidst much jollity the match resumed. As expected Beau was impossible to get out, but no one else survived for very long and the entire team was dismissed for ninety-eight runs. He noticed that only a handful of spectators remained.

  Perry spoke urgently to him as they left the field. ‘Fletcher was a decent batsman, it’s a damn shame we won’t have him playing.’ He gestured towards a bank of black clouds that were rolling in. ‘I doubt this match will be completed today. It’s going to rain in the next half an hour.’

  ‘I’ll score as quickly as I can, but I can’t do it all on my own like last time. Will Miss DuPont be prepared to bat again?’

  ‘Absolutely not – I’m going to suggest the ladies abandon the match and leave it to us. There’s no point in all of us getting drenched.’

  Grace was talking to Giselle and her companion. ‘Excuse me, ladies, there’s no need for you to remain out here…’ He was interrupted by a crash of thunder followed by a flash of lightning and the heavens opened.

  There was no need to finish his sentence. The remaining spectators and the players were too far away from the house to get there without being soaked to the skin so everyone dashed for the shelter of the trees. By the time they were under the thick canopy most of them were rather damp. His own shirt was sticking to his chest and the young ladies wearing thin muslin gowns left nothing to the imagination.

  However, his attention was fixed on Grace. Her serviceable garments remained opaque not revealing any more than they should, her face was still somewhat grubby and there were grass stalks in her hair. To him she was the most beautiful woman there.

  Someone had had the foresight to rescue the blankets and chairs abandoned by the spectators and these were soon set out. The young ladies were sitting chatting companionably together in a group some distance from the gentlemen.

  The light touch on his arm reminded him he was paying this group too much attention. ‘What are you going to do about Miss DuPont?’ Perry asked him.

  ‘Do? Nothing, of course. She made it very clear she’s no interest in my offer and I’ve no intention of making a jackass of myself. There are plenty of more suitable candidates and I’ll select my wife from one of those.’

  His brother looked relieved. ‘Marrying her would have been a disaster for the family. Beau will never accept someone from her background and you would have been forced to choose between her and us.’

  Bennett’s fists clenched and he pretended to be rubbing his face dry in order to regain his composure. ‘I’m well aware of that. He made it abundantly clear what he thought of her and it’s something that neither of us is likely to forget.’

  ‘It’s a great shame she isn’t one of us, as I like her – but you’ve made the right decision.’ His brother sighed and stared sadly at the torrential rain. ‘I’m going to suggest we call this match a draw, Bennett, the wicket will be waterlogged and I doubt we’ll be able to resume the match tomorrow anyway. What do you think?’

  ‘You’re the captain, it’s nothing to do with me. However, if we can’t play tomorrow then the match would have to be abandoned anyway as the races start the next day.’

  Somehow Grace sensed he was talking about her and looked his way. Her radiant smile rocked him to the core. He couldn’t stop himself from reciprocating and prayed his brother hadn’t seen his face.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The rain continued to pour down and even with the protection of a blanket and the trees Grace and the other ladies were becoming chilled to the marrow.

  ‘I refuse to remain here a moment longer,’ she said. ‘I’d rather get soaked and then be able to change into dry clothes than sit here for an hour or more whilst we wait for the rain to pass.’

  A chorus of approval greeted her decision and with the blankets held over their heads they made a dash for shelter. They ran up the flight of stairs that led to the terrace and then in through the French doors receiving a spontaneous round of applause from the occupants as they burst in.

  Lady Madeline removed the blanket from her head and shook h
erself like a dog. ‘I’m considerably warmer now, but I still need to change.’

  Grace did likewise. ‘Thank you for an enjoyable afternoon, my lady, but I don’t think I’ll be taking part in another cricket match. We’re dripping on the fine carpet so had better take ourselves off and get dry.’

  ‘Please don’t remain in your room tonight, Miss DuPont, there’s to be charades after dinner and I should love you to be in my team.’

  ‘Thank you, Lady Madeline, but I’m persona non grata with the duke and think it better I keep myself separate. I’ve no wish to cause embarrassment to your family.’

  ‘Fiddlesticks to that! My brother can be decidedly stuffy at times – but we do our best to ignore this unfortunate trait. I can assure you the rest of us are not like him. It comes of him being brought up with the expectation of becoming one of the most powerful men in the land and owning vast estates. He has always been feted and fawned over and it has rather gone to his head.’

  ‘In which case, my lady, I’ll come down for dinner and will be delighted to join your charades team. I’ve not played this game since I was away at my seminary – but I’ve always enjoyed any form of play-acting.’

  She glanced nervously towards the terrace where she could see the gentlemen were bounding up the steps and would be inside at any moment. She’d no wish to talk to any of them – and especially not to Lord Sheldon. The other girls felt the same way and as one they turned and scurried from the room.

  She hoped her pink cheeks would be put down to exertion and not to the embarrassment she felt at having inadvertently revealed her feelings to his lordship. When she’d looked up and seen him staring in her direction she hadn’t been able to stop herself smiling and he’d been delighted by her response.

  Aunt Sarah was close behind her. ‘There’s little point in changing twice, my dear, so I shall remain in my room until it’s time for dinner. I’m glad you’ve decided to come down. We might as well enjoy being part of such a prestigious house party as it’s unlikely we’ll ever be in this position again.’

  Impulsively Grace hugged her friend. ‘I could hardly refuse such a kind invitation. As long as I stay away from the Sheldon gentlemen I’m sure I’ll not receive the opprobrium of either the duke or the other aristocratic members of this company.’

  She spent the remainder of the afternoon curled up on the window seat reading and watching the rain. She hoped Peterson had brought in her horses as they weren’t accustomed to being out in such inclement weather. She wished Rufus to be in peak condition for the first of the races. Fortunately the final of the gentlemen’s race wouldn’t be until the Tuesday which would give her stallion two days to recuperate.

  When her maid called her in to begin preparations for the evening Grace was a trifle apprehensive. Although the young ladies she’d been mixing with this afternoon had been friendly, she doubted that she would be received as well by the others. Having hit one of the young ladies in the chest with a cricket ball would not have endeared her to them.

  Annie shook out the skirt of the evening gown Grace had decided to wear that night. ‘You look pretty as a picture in that, miss. Although the underskirt is emerald green the silver gauze overskirt makes it almost impossible to see.’

  ‘Are you trying to tell me you don’t approve of my having selected such a vibrant colour?’

  ‘It’s not for me to say, miss, but I doubt that any of the other young ladies will be wearing anything so bright.’

  ‘However, you must admit that this ensemble suits me to perfection. The matching green ribbons you have threaded through my hair are the perfect complement. I hope I’m not obliged to sit with the family tonight – I don’t wish to draw attention to myself.’

  Her maid sniffed and handed over the fingerless gloves and reticule that completed the outfit – these too were made from emerald green silk.

  Her dear companion was just about to knock on the sitting room door when Grace stepped out into the corridor. ‘My, you do look splendid, my dear. An inspired choice, if I might say so.’

  The corridor was busy with other guests making their way downstairs and private conversation was impossible. Grace was expecting to be ostracised. However all but a couple of those they mingled with greeted her politely.

  *

  When Bennett heard that Grace was to come down that evening he had mixed feelings. Having the woman he loved within arm’s reach and not being able to show his feelings would be hell. He’d given his word he wouldn’t repeat his offer, but he had no intention of allowing any other gentleman to make advances to her.

  He circulated the grand drawing room nodding and smiling and offering the odd remark but his attention was on the double doors through which she would come. He was talking to one of Beau’s friends when the man faltered in his conversation and his mouth dropped open.

  Bennett swung round and his breath caught in his throat. Standing framed in the doorway, completely unaware of the sensation she was causing, was his darling girl. Her gown was astonishing – he’d never seen anything like it. Every man in the room was staring slack-jawed at this vision of loveliness.

  He didn’t know a lot about women’s gowns but even he could see this was something quite exceptional. The shimmery material of the skirt revealed tantalising glimpses of a shocking emerald green. He glanced around the crowd and wasn’t surprised to see that the ladies were equally spellbound.

  In that moment he decided he didn’t give a damn for his family’s reservations – if he didn’t stake his claim tonight then somebody else would do so. When a girl was as lovely as this it really didn’t matter where she came from – she might not be part of high society, but she was gently born and far wealthier than many of the hopeful debutantes who’d come hoping to entice him into offering for them.

  He moved smoothly through the gawping crowd and arrived at her side before anyone else had a chance to make a move. He bowed deeply and she reciprocated with a curtsy.

  ‘Good evening, Miss DuPont, you look ravisante tonight. That gown is a triumph. You will be besieged by the other ladies for the name of your modiste.’

  ‘Thank you, my lord. I’m relieved to hear you say so for I feared the amount of attention being paid to me was for another reason entirely.’ Her friendly smile slipped a little. ‘Could I ask you to step aside please, I wish to find somewhere less conspicuous to stand.’

  Instead of doing what she asked he moved to her side and offered his arm. For a heart-stopping moment he thought she was going to refuse, but then her gloved hand was resting where it belonged. ‘I wish to talk to you somewhere less noisy – will you come with me to the library?’

  She shook her head. ‘That wouldn’t be appropriate, my lord. However, I would be prepared to promenade around the music room where we will be in full view at all times.’

  ‘Very well, that will have to do. Don’t look so prune-faced, Miss DuPont, I don’t intend to make you an offer. That’s not why I wish to speak to you.’

  The fingers on his arm relaxed. He’d said the right thing even though it was untrue, as he’d had every intention of asking her to marry him if she’d agreed to go to the library. Her companion had drifted away to join the older ladies leaving them to talk freely.

  The music room was relatively quiet, just two other couples wandering about and the chamber was sufficiently large to mean they could all converse without being overheard and yet were breaching no rules of etiquette.

  As they walked past the piano she paused. ‘This is a beautiful instrument, far better than the one I had at home. Would you object to me playing? I doubt I’ll get an opportunity to do so again as I’m intending to leave directly the races are finished.’

  Before he could object she pulled out the piano stool, threw back the lid and sat down. It was obvious she had no wish to have a private conversation with him and this was her way of preventing it.

  Then she began to play and he forgot his annoyance as the beautiful sound filled the space. He was
transfixed and let the liquid notes pour over him scarcely able to credit the girl he’d fallen in love with was a virtuoso on the pianoforte.

  *

  Grace hadn’t intended to play for more than a few minutes but as always she was immediately lost in the sonata and forgot where she was or who she was with. It had been too long since she’d had the opportunity to play and music had always been a solace when her life had become difficult and her parents too demanding.

  She played the last chords and sat with her eyes closed, satisfied she’d done the piece justice. Then she was jerked back to the present by Lord Sheldon dropping his hands to her shoulders. This intimate contact sent unexpected heatwaves racing around her body.

  ‘My love, I’ve never heard anyone play so exquisitely. You must play again after dinner and before the dancing starts.’

  ‘My lord, please let me get up. It must be time to go in and I have no wish to be tardy yet again.’

  He removed his hands allowing her to regain her feet. She was dismayed to find him standing a hand’s width from her, his heat pulsing towards her. The piano stool pressed against the back of her legs making it impossible for her to move that way. She was trapped and didn’t dare to raise her head and see his face.

  ‘Look at me, Grace, please don’t hide your feelings from me.’

  Reluctantly she tilted her chin and as she did so his arms closed around her waist drawing her close. The light was blotted out as his mouth claimed hers in a searing kiss. The moment his lips touched hers she knew the decision had been taken out of her hands. She could no longer deny that she loved him.

  It was he who raised his head and brought the kiss to an end. Her heart was hammering as if it wished to escape from the confines of her bodice and without his firm support she feared she might have collapsed into a heap on the floor.

  ‘My darling, do you wish me to go down on one knee and ask you formally to be my wife?’ His eyes were damp and his voice gruff – he was as moved as she.