Wit & Intrigue (An Assignation to Remember Book 1)

by Angela Johnson

  “Yes, of course,” Debra said keeping the promise not to divulge their marital indifferences.

  “I am surprised I did not hear of your arrival in town. I expected a note. We must spend the entire night together and all of tomorrow.”

  Debra took hold of Margaret’s arm and stepped away from her husband. Without a glance in his direction she left Lord Trenton standing alone. Where he went, she did not know, nor did she care.

  “This muslin you wear is absolutely to die for!” Debra said trying to hide the jealousy she experienced at seeing the gown.

  “Tell me everything about your wedding trip, and I will divulge the secrets of my wardrobe to you.”

  Debra lightly tapped her with the fan she held. “You will tell me everything regarding this dress, or I will find a way to torture it out of you.”

  In truth, Debra did not care for fancy dresses or materials. Hats, gowns, shoes, were all second to books and writing. But the last topic of conversation she cared to speak of was her wedding trip. What was there to say? She spent the whole of the time avoiding her husband and enjoyed it more for their separation.

  Listening to Margaret speak of the shops and planning a trip, Debra was surprised when Lord Trenton approached. “Darling, will you join me for the quadrille?”

  Surprised by his invitation, Debra nodded. Both bowed to Margaret and took their leave.

  “You have managed to surprise me, my lord.”

  “I would hope after two weeks of marriage the intrigue has not died out yet.” His voice sounded playful, so she gave him her most sincere smile.

  “I am surprised you did not leave for a card game. I was entertained by my friend.” She was not going to hide behind her insecurities. Being his wife had not been easy since he’d revealed his true feelings.

  “Debra,” Alex took a labored breath as he led her through the beginning steps of the dance. “I do not want to argue or fight with you.”

  “What brought you to this realization?” She was not amused by his words.

  Alex did not answer and did not speak for the rest of the dance. Does he know the answer? Does he understand his own mind? She studied his face each time they came together and wondered at the perplexed look he gave.

  He looks remorseful. She tried to keep curiosity out of her expression. When he led her back to Margaret and the friends she’d made that evening, instead of joining into the conversation, she watched him as he spoke to his acquaintances. She followed him around the room with her eyes as he visited with her family. Alex and Samuel spent a ridiculous amount of time speaking, and she wondered if Samuel was a confidant for her husband. When he left the ballroom to find the game room, Debra let out a sigh of relief. She hadn’t realized the tension in her body until she consciously noted he was no longer in the same vicinity as she.

  Although he was gone, she did not stop thinking of him. Would there ever be a time they could reconcile? Would he want to with the way she treated him? She’d noticed it was not only men he spoke to. Much to her surprise, he spoke with women of all shapes and sizes, differing hair colors, but none with red hair. It did not matter that there were few women with red hair, he did not even make an attempt to speak with them. As she turned back to the conversation around her, the only thought entertaining her mind was the need to find an appropriate apothecary. Madame Rowley’s freckle remover was top priority, even over her newest manuscript.

  Chapter 21

  Alex thought about going straight to the gambling tables to spend his evening away from the crowd, but the look from his mother told him he was expected to spend part of the evening with her and Debra. As the dutiful son and husband, he danced with his wife, made conversation with boring people, and kept the societal expectations of his title and position until he could leave.

  He rocked back and forth on the ball of his feet watching Debra socialize. Since arriving in London, they’d spent every evening at one party or another. When his mother announced they were going to a soiree hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Apsley, Alex tried to get out of the invitation. But as Debra and Margaret were now what she called, dearest companions, he relented.

  When Lord Holbrook asked Debra to dance, Alex wondered what the man’s interest was. Debra was taken. Why should a single man of fortune ask another man’s wife to dance? He expected Margaret was behind the invitation, but decided it was foolish to accuse her as he had not proof. Debra seemed to enjoy her friends, and this made Alex happy.

  Alex whispered in his mother’s ear. “Do you mind if I..”

  “Lord Trenton.” He stood as he heard Lady Margaret’s voice. “I’m surprised to see you standing with your mother. Where is Lady Trenton?”

  “Lady Margaret,” Alex said trying not to sound annoyed. He didn’t have a desire to speak with her. A part of him blamed her for Debra’s disdain, and although he knew he was completely to blame, it didn’t matter. If Margaret had accepted his proposal, Debra wouldn’t be angry with him. “My wife was escorted onto the floor with Lord Holbrook, as you can see by looking toward the dancers. He also requested the dance while she was speaking with you. So, what pray tell, brings you to my presence?” He did not care to show any restraint where Margaret was concerned certain she was poisoning his wife toward him.

  “I wanted to speak to you without Lady Trenton.”

  “For what purpose?” He did not trust his temper with Margaret.

  “We have unfinished business from spring.”

  Alex gave her an emotionless stare. He did not want to discuss the proposal. Looking to his mother, he noticed she’d started a conversation with Duchess Apsley. There was no chance of being overheard. “There is nothing to speak about. I have not spent a single moment thinking of it.” It wasn’t true, but he didn’t want her to know he’d thought extensively about her refusal to marry him.

  “I am happy to hear you have moved past me. If you would prefer, we could speak of your wife.”

  Ignoring her suggestion, he asked, “Have you convinced the Duke of Midhurst to marry you yet?”

  He couldn’t help comparing her to Debra as he listened to her speak. She recounted all her antics to convince Midhurst she was his future duchess. Although she was secure in herself, somehow Debra was the more desirable woman.

  “Midhurst does not realize it yet, but I have him exactly where I want him. He will offer for me before the season is out.”

  “Let me congratulate you ahead of time.” He tried to keep his voice as indifferent as possible.

  “Tell me Alex, how did you meet Lady Trenton? You proposed to me and then her so quickly, I find myself confused.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Your wife, how and when did you meet her?”

  “She has not told you? This is a surprise.”

  “We try not to speak of you. In fact, she refuses to speak of you. Her conversations are focused on dresses, hats, slippers, and cosmetics.”

  Taken aback by her comment, Alex wondered what the conversations were between Margaret and Debra. “It seems, Margaret, you do not know my wife very well for having spent the time with her as you have.”

  “She is reserved.”

  Alex rolled his eyes. “I do not think we are speaking of the same woman.”

  “Perhaps she is different around me.”

  This revelation was something for him to consider. His wife was a charismatic, playful, passionate, and impulsive woman. How did she curb such appetites when around Margaret?”

  “I hope you know what you are doing, Alex. I do not want either you or Debra injured. She is the dearest of friends.”

  Alex glared her into silence. “I have not need of your worry or well wishes, Margaret. If Debra was not so drawn to you, I would demand you be banned from ever spending time with my wife again. And when I find out what your ulterior motives are for friending my wife…”

  Margaret held up her hands. “Ulterior motives? Alexander, you have an overactive imagination. She is the sweetest pet I have ever
had.”

  Jaw clenched, he spat the next words in her direction. “She is not your pet.”

  Margaret laughed as the music ended. It would not be appropriate for anyone to overhear their argument. “Alexander, we have been friends for far too long to end this way.”

  “Everything between us ended over the summer. Do not pretend there is still anything between us.” Looking toward his wife, he vowed to fix the mess he’d made. Debra deserved much more than he’d given her. She was the superior woman and with this notice, he wanted to be a husband in every way to her. His soul ached to be near her.

  All feelings of doubt for their relationship were gone as he realized the day Margaret rejected his suit, she’d given him a chance at a happy life. If he’d been married to Margaret, as he thought he’d wanted, she would have made him miserable.

  Chapter 22

  Debra sat next to her husband in the carriage on the way back to Mayfair House. Alex’s parents sat across from them. Debra still had moments of nervousness and fear when she was near the Duke and Duchess. They were magnanimous people, and she was… well she was Debra.

  It was rare for her to spend time in their presence, especially since Alex’s pronouncement of not wanting her had torn her heart out. She still had a great deal of pain and resentment toward him for those words. She was not comfortable in her own skin, and certainly was not comfortable around her husband and his family. A constant fear of what he thought of her red hair and freckles pierced her mind. If she could, she would run away to her family home in the Isle of Wight. She’d spent so much time wishing to be introduced to society and now she was, she found it to be exhausting along with everyone else in London who were merely players on a stage.

  “I am happy we left early,” Duchess Waverly said adjusting her position. “Apsley invited too many people tonight.”

  “I must admit I agree with you, my dear.” The Duke of Waverly spoke, but seemed a bit distracted or possibly tired. “I find as I grow older, I have less patience for society.”

  “I think it depends on who you’re socializing with as to if you are tired, my dear.”

  Debra watched the exchange and wondered if she and Alex would ever find the ease of speaking the way his parents did. She tried not to think about the conversation she saw between Alex and Margaret. She wished Lord— she could not remember the man’s name— had not asked her to dance. If he hadn’t, would Alex have spent so much time speaking to Margaret on his own?

  “Debra, are you well?”

  “Yes, Mother.” Duchess Waverly asked Debra to call her mother after the wedding. It seemed strange to her at the beginning, but after a few weeks of referring to Duchess Waverly in such a way she no longer worried over the term.

  “You seem quiet of late. I worry about you.”

  Debra gave her best smile, which did not seem to convince the duchess of anything. Trying not to notice the pressure of Alex’s leg against her own, Debra made an excuse. “London has proved to be much larger and busier than I imagined. I will find my way.”

  “Duchess Apsley mentioned your dress to me today. I must admit I did not think about the style before coming here. We should engage a dressmaker for you.”

  Debra looked down at her dress. It wasn’t new, but it was pretty. “Is there something wrong with my clothing?”

  “No, darling, your clothing is fine for the country. But we are in London now. Do not worry, we will spend tomorrow shopping.”

  She’d embarrassed her husband’s mother. Heat rose in her face with the implications. She thought about arguing but knew it wouldn’t do any good. Perhaps while they were out, she could find an apothecary.

  Debra noticed the duke and duchess holding hands. She’d written a scene in a book one time of a wealthy man and his wife making a love match. In this story the characters held hands in private situations, as it was unseemly to do so in public. Would Alex ever want to hold my hand? The question plagued her.

  “Debra, you look pale!” Duchess Waverly leaned forward and took her hand. “You are unwell.” This time it wasn’t a question.

  Recovering from the moment of self-pity, Debra shook her head. “I am well.” Then, by way of an explanation, “It was a crowded evening.”

  “You do look pale,” Alex said examining her face. “I do not believe you are well.”

  Starting a fight in front of his parents would be breaking her agreement to not share their marital problems. So, Debra gave him a half smile and did not speak. She didn’t trust her voice to stay calm with him.

  “What do you think about your sister Diana and Lord Bradley?” the duchess asked. It was an obvious attempt to keep Debra talking.

  “Diana seemed happy with him. I do hope she makes a match. This is her fifth season.” She could have left the last part off, but when her nerves took over rambling ensued.

  “If she makes a match with Lord Bradley, your children could be close friends.” Duchess Waverly’s comment caused Alex to nearly fall off the bench.

  Alex spluttered until he was able to speak a coherent sentence. His parents looked amused, while Debra kept her face straight trying not to react to his outburst. “Mother, why would you say such a thing? Debra will consider us improper and think poorly of us.”

  “Alexander, there is nothing improper with your mother wanting grandchildren.” Duke Waverly’s smile was the largest Debra had seen since meeting the duke and duchess. He enjoyed the discomfort Alex was experiencing.

  “It is improper to speak of such things,” Alex mumbled.

  “Not amongst family, dear.” Duchess Waverly looked between Debra and Alex for a moment before reaching out to take Debra’s hands. “Although, I do think we should get you home. You look positively alarmed.”

  “She is in shock over your lack of decorum, Mother.”

  Not knowing what or how to respond, Debra stayed silent. She did not dare look at Alex for fear of one of them divulging their secret. How would the duke and duchess respond to knowing their son refused to make her his wife in all aspects? Children were certainly not a part of their plans at the moment. By the time they arrived at Mayfair House, Debra’s nerves were on end. She’d never understood the meaning of nerves until marriage to Alex.

  “I will walk you up to your rooms, Love.” Alex took her arm in an effort to guide her up the stairs. She wanted to yell at him for having a private conversation with Lady Margaret, but the words would not come. Once they were wintering at Trenton Hall, she would let him know her thoughts. Until then, she would keep the promise and not let his parents know there were issues in their marriage.

  Perhaps, she would discuss the situation with Margaret. It was unseemly for her friend to be so informal with Alex.

  Debra curtsied to her husband and rushed into her room before he could speak. She hated the person she had become docile, meek, and proper. The thought of being too proper was a source of amusement for her, but docile and meek were words she hated.

  Debra distractedly dressed for bed. As Annie braided her hair, she held Portia. Gently stroking her puppy’s back, she considered the moment she’d changed and what she would do to regain her sense of self. Alex is the reason I changed. I fooled myself into being in love with him. She mulled over the possibilities of defiance in her marriage and settled on finishing her manuscript. She hadn’t picked it up since arriving in London. Finishing it, and sending it to Peterson’s Magazine, would bring her a sense of accomplishment.

  “Annie?”

  “Yes, my lady?”

  “Will you please take Portia out?”

  “Yes, Lady Trenton.”

  Debra searched through her trunk until she found the manuscript, then realized she was out of ink. The duke will have some in his library. Debra made certain her wrapper was fastened and made her way to the first floor of the house. It was late, everyone would be in their chambers at this time… or so she thought. As she neared the library, she heard raised voices. Eavesdropping was wrong but when she heard her name
curiosity won.

  “I will not attempt to deny I am attracted to Debra.”

  “Alexander!” Duke Waverly was angry. He spat his son’s name out in obvious frustration.

  “Why did you marry her if you do not intend to have a full marriage?” Duchess Waverly sounded disappointed. “Debra deserves to be loved.”

  “You know why I married her, Mother. Both of you know the circumstances.” Through the slit in the door she could see Alex pacing the room. “I never told Debra I loved her. She went into the marriage knowing it was based on saving both our reputations.”

  Debra turned to leave. She would have to find ink in the morning. As she walked to her rooms, she kept repeating the words, do not cry. At first, she whispered them in her head, but by the time she reached the stairs, she was mentally yelling DO. NOT. CRY. Well, if any good can come of this, it is not having to act as though everything is perfect. If he can tell his parents, I can tell my confidants.

  Deep down she knew revealing such a mess to her parents would be a mistake. She wanted her family to love her husband, as much as she did. If she were completely honest with herself, she did love Alex. No matter how much it hurt, she loved him. What advice would they have for her?

  She thought about speaking with Margaret. They’d become bosom friends and it would help to speak with someone who knew Alex well. She needed a plan. Debra fell asleep despising herself for the feelings she held for her husband. Why can I not despise him instead of myself?

  When Debra entered the dining room the following morning, she entered into a silent yet tense environment. Each cut of meat was heard with the scraping of silverware against china. Alex and Duke Waverly stood as she approached the table.

  “Good morning,” Debra said with a curtsey.

  “Debra, I think it would be best for us to go out today. I have a number of shops I want to take you to.”

  “Yes, Mother.”

  Again, silence engulfed the room. Waverly shot disappointed glances toward Alex without reserve. Inwardly, Debra smiled. Outwardly, she kept a straight face.