He felt the fingers on his arm tighten and he patted them. ‘You’re anyone’s equal, my dear. Remember what I’ve always told you: it’s what’s inside a man that counts. A long pedigree doesn’t make you better than your peers; it merely makes you think you are.’
The butler stepped forward and bowed low, then introduced himself and the housekeeper. The black garbed gentleman ushered them into a blue corridor, past ranks of smartly dressed staff bowing and curtseying.
‘Good grief! This place is cold as a tomb - have you no fires lit?’ He sensed disapproval wafting towards him from the matching pair standing in the centre of the room waiting for him to introduce himself.
He strode forward, his features perfectly controlled, determined to get this difficult five minutes completed. Then he could take possession of his property and state his requirements to the young man watching him warily from half closed, pale blue eyes. Jago bowed to the duke.
‘Lord Witherton, Jago Tremayne, at your service.’ He turned to the tall, pale girl standing silently beside the earl. ‘Your servant, Lady Allegra.’ He bowed again and for the first time really saw the young woman. His eyes widened in appreciation.
*
Allegra saw desire flair in the eyes of the man who had come to steal away her heritage and knew the balance of power had changed. She had seen the look many times before. She had found that men were drawn to her coolness; all thought themselves to be the one Prince Charming who could win her for themselves.
They all believed, quite erroneously, that her remoteness held a fiery centre. It did not. She was as she seemed, a lovely, reserved aristocrat. This had been her reason for refusing all the offers. She could not bear the thought of exposing her most intimate self to another and for him to find her wanting. She did not want to watch a husband to turn away in disgust and return to his mistress for his pleasure. She had seen her mother live a life hidden away in the shadows for that very reason.
The duchess had tried to convince Allegra the arrangement was quite acceptable, that her life was more comfortable that way. But Allegra knew how much her poor father had loved her undemonstrative mother. A true relationship between a man and his wife should include the marriage bed.
She watched unmoved as Tremayne banked down the fire and schooled his features. She nodded, she did not curtsy, and waited for him to introduce the girl.
‘Lady Allegra, may I introduce my daughter, Miss Demelza Tremayne.’
The girl sunk into a graceful curtsy keeping her eyes demurely to the floor. Allegra noted the neat figure disguised under the hideous garments, and decided the young lady would definitely dress to advantage. She could not allow the daughter of the new owners to look like a governess not when there was something she could do to rectify matters.
Richard bowed and Demelza curtsied and he reached out to take her hand and raise her to her feet. Instead of a whey-faced, solemn schoolgirl he met the eyes of an enchanting Cornish pixie and he smiled down at her.
‘I’m delighted to meet you, Miss Tremayne. I hope you’ll be as happy here as we have been.’
‘Thank you, your grace. It’s such a beautiful place, I’m sure that I’ll love it.’
‘Allow me to show you around when you have recovered from your journey.’
Her gurgle of laughter broadened his smile. ‘Good heavens, my lord, we have only travelled from Colchester, not Cornwall.’
Allegra decided to intervene. She could not allow Richard to behave in his usual charming, flirtatious manner. Miss Tremayne did not deserve to be treated so casually. ‘Miss Tremayne, White is waiting to escort you to your apartments. Please inform her if there is anything you find lacking.’
Demelza dipped politely. ‘Thank you, Lady Allegra. Will I see you before dinner, Papa?’
‘It is possible, but I have urgent business to attend to.’ He nodded at Richard and Allegra. ‘I would like to meet with you both, let us say two hours from now, for there are matters of business we have to discuss.’
As soon as they were alone Allegra’s breathing returned to normal. ‘What an obnoxious mushroom. I cannot wait to leave here. It is unbearable to consider our ancestral home is now in the possession of that person.’
‘My dear, he’s not so bad. At least he looks the part, which is more than I can say for his daughter. If she’s not careful Miss Tremayne will be mistaken for a maidservant.’
‘That is something I intend to take care of. Pray excuse me, Richard. Shall we meet here later, and go together to hear what is in store for us? No doubt, not content with ruining our father and taking our birth right from us, he now wishes to humiliate us further.’
She didn’t wait to hear his reply but swept away, up the plain oak staircase and along the passage way to her apartments. Even with log fires burning in both rooms the air was not warm.
‘Abbot,’ she called as she entered. Her dresser instantly appeared. ‘Do I still have the gowns from my come-out season?’
Abbot’s brow creased. ‘Why, yes, my lady, I believe they’re in a trunk somewhere in the attic.’
‘Excellent. Have them sent to Miss Tremayne’s apartment. Also I wish to speak to Miss Murrell, Jenny must fetch her.’
Miss Murrell appeared a trifle breathless. ‘How can I be of assistance, my dear? You know I’ll help you, if I can, to endure these difficult days.’
‘That is as may be. I did not send for you to discuss my problems but those of Miss Tremayne.’
‘Miss Tremayne? I’m not sure that I follow, my dear.’
‘I would like you to take her in hand, Miss Murrell. As I am now firmly on the shelf, I have no need of a companion, but Miss Tremayne is seventeen and would greatly benefit from your advice.’
Miss Murrell’s eyes filled. ‘Are you dismissing me, Lady Allegra?’
Allegra hurried across and awkwardly hugged the older lady. ‘No, no; but you will do better here, my dear Miss Murrell. I will make sure that they double what I have been giving you. You will get to visit Town, attend balls and soirees again, instead of mouldering away in the country with a spinster like me.’
‘You’re not old enough to live without a companion, my dear. Tongues will wag. Five and twenty does not make you unmarriageable, you know.’
‘Let them gossip, I care not. I do not intend to go about in society again. I shall sell some jewellery and buy myself a small house somewhere where I am not known and become an eccentric. Richard shall have the rest and make a new life himself somewhere without me hanging on his coat-tails.’
Miss Murrell was about to protest but she forestalled her. ‘I have asked for my debutante wardrobe to be sent to Miss Tremayne. She is slightly shorter than I but her figure is similar to mine at that age. I believe all the gowns will require is taking up at the hem.’ She smiled sadly. ‘It seems so long ago now. They were lovely, and although styles have changed over the past seven years I doubt anyone will notice they are not completely a la mode.’
Miss Murrell smiled. ‘The sleeves are more pointed and the hems a little wider but I do believe you’re quite correct. Your old gowns will be perfect for Miss Tremayne. It’s so obliging of you to think of her at a time like this.’
‘Richard says she might be mistaken for a servant as she is. I cannot let that happen when I have dresses to spare. Do you not find it extraordinary that her father is parading like a peacock in his finery whilst his only daughter dresses like a pauper? What sort of parent is he?’
‘It’s not my place to comment on that, my dear. But he did appear to speak kindly to her. White tells me Miss Tremayne has but recently left a seminary for young ladies in Surrey. Perhaps she’s still wearing an outfit from that establishment?’
‘Very likely. I am sure she will be glad of your expertise with a needle, Miss Murrell. Please devote to your time to her in future. I expect I shall see you at dinner. I have arranged for it to be served an hour later, at six, this should give you time enough to help to alter a suitable gown for Miss Tremayne.’
She needed to think, to find a way to use Tremayne’s obvious desire for her to their advantage. Subterfuge was alien to her nature but when so much was at stake she was prepared to try anything. Perhaps she could fool him into believing she would accept a carte blanche; then he would lavish expensive gifts on her which she could sell and add to her nest egg.
She frowned. What was she thinking of? Such behaviour would make her no better than a light skirt. Could she use her influence to extract promises from him that he would take care of the Priory? That he would honour the family commitment to the long-term well-being of their staff. Staff! What about the dozen or so pensioners living in the whitewashed cottages? Would he continue to take care of old people he had never met and had no connection with him?
She bit her knuckles trying to still their trembling. She knew what trades people were like. Had not Victor Bowers, who had bought up estates locally, turned off half the tenants and squeezed the others almost to bankruptcy?
A gentleman was born; buying up land was not the same as being bred to own it. A gentleman without land was nothing. That was why her father had killed himself. He had been unable to live without his birth-right. She scowled. How long did she have before she had to go down for the meeting? Over an hour - time enough to complete the long-walk around the Wilderness and calm her agitation.
*
Tremayne could not remove the image of Lady Allegra from his mind. His pulse quickened and he felt an uncomfortable tightness in his groin. She was so fragile, so utterly desirable, her every move a line of poetry. He swung back from his position at the window, angry with himself, and almost snarled at Evans, who was scribbling away like a demented clerk at the desk.
‘How much longer, for God’s sake, man? You’ve been scratching away for almost two hours. How long does is it take to write a document?’
Mr Evans replaced his quill in the ink stand and rubbed his wrist. ‘There, it is done, sir. exactly as you requested. Now one document states Lord Witherton must marry Miss Tremayne and the other that Lady Allegra must marry you, if they are to remain in control of the Priory.
‘Good, thank you, Evans. I beg your pardon for speaking so brusquely.’
‘No matter. You have weighty matters on your mind.’ The lawyer cleared his throat. ‘I must point out, Mr Tremayne, as your legal adviser I don’t approve of the codicil, it’s asking for trouble.’
Jago grinned. ‘It will give them both an illusion of choice. Remember, I didn’t become a man of substance by being gullible. Whatever scenario they come up with, I’ll have the answer and each time they fail, my grip on the situation will tighten.’
‘Have you spoken to Miss Tremayne, sir?
He shook his head. ‘I wish Witherton to offer for her as though it’s his own idea. It will make it easier.’
Yardley appeared at the door. ‘Yes, sir? You rang?’
‘Please convey my compliments to the duke and Lady Allegra and ask them to join me in the study.’
‘Yes, sir; I believe Lord Witherton is outside showing Miss Tremayne the gatehouse. Her ladyship is walking in the rose garden. I will send someone to fetch them immediately, sir.’
Jago turned to Evans. ‘Well, Evans, it would appear that my daughter and Witherton are already attracted. All I have to do is give them a nudge.’
*
Richard was watching Miss Tremayne run lightly up the stairs, her new afternoon dress, in palest yellow sprigged muslin, floating enticingly out around her brown kid half-boots and white silk stockings. Allegra joined him.
‘I hardly knew her, what a difference a dress makes.’
‘Indeed it does,’ she replied dryly. ‘I was fetched inside. Are we wanted?’
‘Yes, Tremayne requests our company in the study. Come along, Allegra, let’s get this farce over with.’
Allegra stood rooted to the spot. ‘I cannot, Richard, please, you know I cannot go into that room.’
Chapter Five
Richard failed to hear her plea. Allegra watched as he vanished through the door leaving her no choice. She would have to follow him. She forced her feet to walk towards the one room in the
Priory she no longer entered.
An attentive footman held open the study door and bowed her through. ‘Lady Allegra Witherton.’
Tremayne stood behind the desk. The lawyer, no longer their lawyer it seemed, stood beside him. Richard lounged against the window, his long booted legs crossed at the ankles, his arms folded, apparently at ease. Allegra knew how tense he was, what an effort he was making to appear calm. She swallowed hard and clenched her fists. For his sake she would try to be strong, to follow his lead and not reveal her inner turmoil.
‘If you will please be seated, Lady Allegra, we can get this over with,’ Tremayne said.
He indicated a straight backed chair placed centrally, directly in front of the hated desk. She almost refused; she would much prefer to hide in the shadows by the window with her brother but she had not the strength to argue. Obediently she sat, but unable to look ahead, lowered her eyes and stared at her hands resting on her lap. The dark panelled walls began to press in on her.
Tremayne and Evans took their places. ‘Lord Witherton,’ Tremayne began, his tone quiet but commanding. ‘I have a document which I’ll read to you. Listen carefully; if you agree to the proposals contained therein then you will be required to sign it. Is that clear?’
‘Perfectly, Tremayne.’
Allegra heard Tremayne reading but the meaning and content of his words escaped her. She was aware the voice had stopped.
‘Lady Allegra, although this document is directed at Lord Witherton it is essential you are fully cognizant of its contents as well.’
She raised her head slowly. She had no choice. He was speaking directly to her. It would be unpardonable not to respond. But her eyes did not travel as far as the man watching her closely from his vantage point behind the desk; they froze on the expanse of polished oak in front of him.
She did not see the desk; she saw a pool of blood and the shattered remains of her father’s noble face resting in it. Bile rose in her throat and waves of blackness rolled over her.
‘Oh please - I cannot - do not make me….’ Her words were no more than a whisper and she fell forward from her chair in a swoon.
*
Jago was beside her before Richard had taken more than a step. ‘God damn it! I had no wish to distress her.’ He slid his arms under her body and scooped her up. He glared at Richard, only now
reacting. ‘Is there a physician locally, Witherton?’
‘Yes, in the village.’
‘Have him fetched. No, stay here. I shall take her to her chamber.’ He glanced over his shoulder at Evans. ‘Read the rest to Witherton and have him sign it. I’ll be down directly.’
With Allegra unconscious in his arms he followed a footman back to the hall and up the stairs. He was led along another endless freezing passageway. The servant halted before a solid, panelled
door and raised his fist to knock.
‘Open the door. I wish to get her ladyship into the warm where she can be attended to by her maidservants.’
He carried his burden, who weighed no more than a child, into an old-fashioned, but mercifully warm, parlour. The dresser, who had been sitting mending by the window, dropped her sewing in dismay.
‘Sir, please bring Lady Allegra straight through to her bedchamber.’
He was unimpressed by the heavy Dutch furniture, expensive French carpets and massive four-poster bed; his eyes went to the log fire blazing in the grate. ‘Thank God! At least it’s bearable in here.’ He gently placed Allegra on the comforter, stepping back immediately to allow the maids to deal with the patient.
‘We were in the study when your mistress swooned.’ The woman’s shocked gasp alerted him. ‘Was it the room where her father killed himself?’
‘Yes. sir. Lady Allegra hasn’t been able to enter it since. She still has nightmares about it
. Seeing her poor father like that was not something any gently bred lady should have had to see.’
‘I had no idea. But Witherton knew. What was he thinking of? Why didn’t he tell me?’ He frowned. He would discuss the matter with the young man when he returned to the study. ‘Does Lady Allegra have the wasting sickness? She is too thin.’
The maid shook her head. ‘No, sir. But she has little appetite and sleeps poorly.’
She hesitated and he waited for her to continue. He had a shrewd idea what she was about to say and why she was reluctant to speak. ‘She takes laudanum to help her sleep?’
‘Yes, sir.’
There was a slight noise from the bed. ‘I think Lady Allegra’s rousing. I’ll leave you with her. Has she eaten anything today?’
‘I don’t believe so.’
‘I’ll have something sent up to her, see that she eats it. I’ve also sent for the doctor. I wish her to be examined, just to be sure.’
He strode out. This changed nothing. Allegra needed someone to take care of her and he was determined it would soon be him.
*
Allegra watched him go. Now she was out of that room her head was clear again. For a common person he demonstrated a degree of sensitivity she found surprising. She closed her eyes and tried to recall what he had been saying before she fainted. She shook her head in frustration. She could remember nothing of importance. She would have to wait until Richard came to see her. He could tell all she needed to know.
‘Do you wish to undress, my lady? Remove that corset so you can breathe properly?’
‘I rather think I do, Abbot. But I shall have to dress for dinner later so my robe will suffice for the present.’
Her mouth curved. ‘You must make a special effort tonight, Abbot. We might be unwanted guests at The Priory now but we are the true owners whatever the legality of the matter.’
‘You rest on the day-bed, my lady, and I’ll have a bath brought up for you. You will outshine those interlopers, my lady, you can be sure of that.’
Allegra relaxed. Was she dressing to demonstrate superiority or for another reason entirely?
To Marry a Duke Page 4
