Lord Philip's Christmas (Regency Belles &Beaux Book 2)

by Michele McGrath

  “Is this dress one of your own creations?” Alice asked her, admiringly, after they had greeted each other.

  “Indeed. How can I help you Madame?” the modiste asked.

  “Lady Whitehead recommended you to me. I believe she was here earlier in the year.”

  “Is she tall and fair with very pale blue eyes?”

  “That’s right. She was particularly pleased with the gowns you made for her.”

  “I’m glad. And you would like me to make some for you?”

  Alice nodded. “If you please. As you can see, I am in mourning. I need clothes to wear in the summer when I am no longer in black. Drab shades such as grey, mauve or white, I’m afraid.”

  “Perhaps we can contrive so the outfits are easily altered once you are able to wear other colours again. Please come this way and I will show you some of my designs.”

  By the end of the morning, Alice had been measured, chosen her materials and ordered a number of outfits, all of which could be altered when her mourning ceased. However, another practical suggestion made her blush furiously.

  “You have just told me, Madame, that you are newly married, so it is possible that you may soon be expecting an interesting event,” the dressmaker commented. “With your permission, I will include an extra seam allowance in certain areas, then the dresses may still be worn if you are increasing.”

  Alice found herself choking as she mumbled her agreement. It was something that had occurred to her, of course, but only as a hope for the future. It was possible, very possible, even likely. She wondered what it would be like to be a mother to Edward’s child. It would make her very happy, she decided.

  Alice arrived back at the Hotel Neuilly to find Edward waiting for her and a cold nuncheon set on the table.

  “Mama?” she asked cautiously.

  “Still out.”

  “Good then we can speak freely. Was he there?”

  “I’m afraid not, but he is in the city, Marco Pezzi assured me of that. He had gone to give tuition to a nobleman in his own home. Marco promised to hand him my note as soon as he returned.”

  Alice clapped her hands. “Oh, I am so glad. I can’t wait to see him.”

  “Well, you will very soon. Now tell me, my love, have you spent my entire fortune and reduced me to penury?”

  Alice smiled. “Didn’t you know I was saving my allowance specially to buy dresses in Paris?”

  “How frugal of you. I am certain I married the right person.” Alice laughed.

  The Countess returned with the news that the presentation was arranged for the following afternoon and the ladies were soon engaged in the always fascinating discussion of their outfits. Alice privately thought that they would look hideous in their black dresses whichever ones they chose, like a line of crows in a cornfield. She tried to persuade Grace to wear something more colourful to break the monotony but desisted when her mother called her to order. A glance at Grace’s face told her that her intervention was unwelcome. A little later, when the Countess left the room, Grace said,

  “You mean well, Lady Alice, but I can’t do as you suggest. A companion must always stay in the background and be discreet if she is to keep her position.”

  “Doesn’t it irk you to be different from other females?”

  “At first it did but your mother is not a difficult mistress to serve,”

  “It would fret me to flinders!” Alice exclaimed honestly.

  “You’re her daughter and a married lady. I am neither and I must continue to earn my living.”

  “Thank heavens I have never been obliged to do so. I’m sure I shouldn’t manage it at all.”

  The girls glanced at each other and shared a smile as the Countess swept back into the room. Little did Alice know that, in her imagination, Grace was wearing an elegant gown of pale blue silk, lavishly laced with gold. She smoothed the skirt with one hand and fingered the ruby necklace around her neck. It had cost her lover a king’s ransom. Behind a bland expression which hid her disappointment, she had once again taken refuge in her thoughts.

  Although Alice realised that it would be some time before Philip could respond to her note, as the hours passed she became more and more restless. She found she could not read more than one line of a book and she paced up and down the room, deep in her thoughts.

  “What’s the matter with you, Alice?” her mother demanded at last. “Do sit down. You are wearing a hole in the carpet with your fidgeting.”

  “I’m sorry, Mama. I’m uncomfortable. Perhaps it’s the weather. I think it is going to rain.”

  Obediently she sank down on the sofa but a few moments later she was up again.

  “My dear, this will not do,” Edward eventually said to her. “Come out with me instead.”

  “Oh no, I want to stay here,” she exclaimed.

  “Nevertheless, if you must walk about, let us do so outside. We won’t go far, I promise you.”

  He held out his hand to her and when she reluctantly gave him hers, he led her out of the room. In the corridor, he turned to her and said,

  “My dear, calm yourself. Your mother is already becoming suspicious. Either we tell her what we are expecting or you have to act as if nothing is about to happen.”

  “I’m not that good an actress,” Alice admitted. “But I don’t want her to know, in case Philip does not come. Her disappointment would be more severe.”

  “Then put on your bonnet and pelisse. We’ll stroll up and down the street for a little while. We won’t go out of sight of the door of the hotel, so you are sure to see him when he arrives.”

  Accordingly, they walked around under the fascinated gaze of the doormen and several concierges from the nearby properties. Edward made a spirited attempt to give his wife’s thoughts a new direction, telling her stories and making jokes. Although she laughed dutifully, it was clear that her mind was elsewhere and her laughter was forced. Several carriages came along and one or two people went into the hotel but none of them were Philip.

  “Do you think I will find him changed?” Alice asked as they strolled along under some wizened trees.

  “If he cared for his Celia as much as you suggested, then the last few weeks can’t have been easy for him, so I would expect some alteration. He may be over the worst by now but it will be hard for him to forget her.”

  Alice nodded. “None of us ever can. I wish I had known her better, but she was older than me and we were not compatible in temperament.”

  “That I understand. You would have fought back against Staunton, wouldn’t you?”

  “Certainly at first, but for how long would I have managed to do so?” Alice shivered. “That one experience was enough for me. Thank goodness you were able to rescue me and I never fell into his power again.” The light was falling and it was beginning to get colder. Alice could not repress a shiver and immediately Edward said,

  “Philip won’t be here before dinner. His skills are in some demand at the Salle so, when he returns there, he is likely to be engaged with other clients. He will come soon; I am sure of it. This Marco Pezzi seems to be a reliable fellow so I expect him to give your brother the message and for Philip to act upon it. Are you chilled? I can feel you shivering. May we go back inside now? Are you ready to face the others?

  “I don’t know what to do. How silly I am!”

  “I’d like to think one of my own sisters would act as you are doing if I were in Philip’s situation.”

  “Kitty would and Charles, even Lizzie although she is so young.” Alice loyally named her cousins and Kitty’s new husband, who had become a friend. They returned to the hotel and asked the doormen if Philip had arrived, but they confirmed that he had not.

  “Then we will dine as soon as we have changed our clothes,” Edward gave them the order.

  “What is happening?” The Countess asked as the couple entered the salon before dinner. Both she and Miss Talbot were ready and had obviously been sitting waiting for their return.

  “I
don’t understand you, Mama.”

  “Don’t try to make a game with me, Alice; I know you too well. You may be married, but you act in the same way as you have always done. It is as if you are looking forward to some treat but are afraid someone is about to snatch it away from you. Tell me.”

  Alice shot an agonised glance at her husband and then drew a deep breath.

  “The truth of the matter is, Mama, that I am hoping that Philip will call upon us this evening.”

  The Countess’s eyes blazed. “You have found him and did not inform me? Have you seen him?”

  “No, ma’am,” Edward intervened. “I have spoken to one of his friends who offered to give him our direction. He promised to tell him that we would like to see him very much.”

  “Then why isn’t he here now?”

  “That I can’t tell you, ma’am.”

  “Why did you not inform me before?” the Countess demanded.

  “We didn’t want you to be disappointed, Mama.”

  “Do you think that I am such a weak creature that I cannot endure a disappointment? You should know me better than that. Let me tell you, Alice, that I am not at all pleased with your conduct during this whole affair.”

  “May I point out to you, ma’am, that it was your own idea to come with us to Paris,” Edward again intervened. “Had you kept to your original plans, it was our intention to bring Philip back to England as soon as we found him.”

  “And I tell you that I don’t trust either of you to make him come to his senses. Alice is too weak and why should he listen to a stranger he has never met?” The colour in the Countess’s cheeks was so fiery, Grace jumped to her feet and came forward.

  “Shall I fetch you some water, ma’am, or perhaps your smelling salts?” she asked, speaking for the first time and immediately drawing her mistress’s fire.

  “I’ll thank you not to interrupt. I want nothing from you.”

  A lackey appeared at this moment to advise the company that dinner was served. They dined in a private dining room but the meal was a silent one. Alice and Grace were still smarting from the Countess’s words. She remained angry and uncommunicative. Edward thought it better not to reopen the subject of their argument in front of the servants. Alice found it difficult to eat although the food was excellent as usual. When her mother’s attention was distracted, Edward said quietly,

  “You must be strong. We don’t know what state your brother will be in when he comes. People grieve in different ways. Try to be calm and rational so you can help him confront your mother. Fainting away from lack of food would not be useful.” He grinned at her.

  “You’re right of course,” Alice agreed and smiled in return.

  “What are you saying?” the Countess demanded of Edward.

  “Why nothing, ma’am. I was merely encouraging Alice to eat her dinner.”

  “Why should you trouble? She’s getting fat enough already.” The Countess looked down at her plate as Edward shot startled eyes at his wife.

  “Alice?”

  “I’m not sure.” Ever since her conversation with Mademoiselle Céleste, Alice had wondered. She did not feel any different but perhaps her clothes were a little tighter. Perhaps it was only her imagination. Nevertheless, Edward caught up her hand and kissed it in front of everybody, causing her to blush and her mother to say bitingly,

  “You must have had a strange upbringing, Edward. I thought better of my sister-in-law. Did no one ever tell you that to be fondling someone in public is the height of rudeness? My daughter is not some light o’love.”

  The ready reply leaped to Edward’s lips but he bit the words back and merely murmured,

  “Very true, ma’am. Forgive me.”

  By the end of the meal everyone’s temper had frayed. None of them could have been said to enjoy their dinner. Alice was positively dreading returning to the salon even though Edward did not call for his port and accompanied the ladies in an effort to protect her from her mother’s bitter tongue.

  Chapter Six

  There was no need for Alice to worry. The party had no sooner resumed their seats in the salon when there came a discreet scratch on the door. Alice sprang to her feet, even before Edward could call “Entrez!”

  The door opened and Alice almost reeled back in shock, barely recognising her own brother. Philip was thin and his face looked grey. He had deep circles under his eyes. Alice, forgetting the others in the room, ran straight into his arms.

  “Oh, my dear, what has happened to you?” she asked.

  “I’m fine,” he said, hugging her and then gently putting her to one side as he caught sight of his mother.

  The Countess had risen and stood confronting him, a deep frown on her face.

  “Mama.” He bowed but made no move to come any closer to her. He had not released Alice’s hand and she could feel him shaking so she gave him a squeeze which seemed to steady him.

  “Pray what do you have to say for yourself, sir?”

  “Many things, ma’am, but first I would like you to present me to this lady, who I have not had the pleasure of meeting before.”

  “Let me, Mama, please,” Alice interjected, drawing forward Miss Talbot from her usual retired place. “Miss Talbot, may present my brother, Lord Philip Sutherland. Miss Talbot is Mama’s companion and the daughter of the vicar who used to hold the living at Kirkmore.”

  “Delighted to meet you, Miss Talbot.” Philip bowed over Grace’s hand as she dropped into a curtsy and murmured,

  “Lord Philip.”

  In that moment, the hero of her imagination, a tall, dark handsome stranger, aloof and rather haughty, vanished forever. This slight, fair haired man with haunted eyes would be a much more interesting character to dream about. As she moved away from him, she was surprised to find that she was breathing rather deeply.

  Alice, who had never taken her eyes from her brother’s face, saw that he seemed a little surprised as he turned towards her. Then she said, “Philip, this is my husband, Sir Edward Maitland. Edward is our cousin as well as your brother-in-law, as you will remember.”

  “Your aunt is my stepmother,” Edward commented, holding out his hand and shaking Philip’s. He looked hard at him. They had actually met in London when Philip was still masquerading as Louis de Vezey, but this was not the moment to acknowledge their acquaintance. These few months apart had marked the younger man, whose face had become deeply lined. “I am glad to meet you at last. I have heard such a lot about you.”

  His grin changed Philip’s weary expression. “Very little of it good I suspect.”

  “Oh you have your supporters, Alice among them.”

  “I am very pleased to meet you. My sister is in such looks; marriage must agree with you both. My felicitations.”

  “I hesitate to interrupt this delightful exchange Alice, but don’t you think you should introduce your brother by his correct title?” the Countess said waspishly.

  “Proper title?” He turned to his sister.

  “I’m sorry, Philip. I should not have called you Lord Philip Sutherland but rather the Earl of Kirkmore.”

  “What! Alice what are you telling me?” Philip suddenly became conscious of the colour of the clothes that his mother and sister were wearing. “Papa?”

  “Don’t pretend that you did not know,” the Countess snapped at him.

  “Indeed I did not. How could I? Mama I am so sorry.”

  “You are offering me Spanish coin as usual. Why should you care? If you thought anything of your father or your brother, you would have returned home the moment that you learned of Julian’s death.”

  “There were very good reasons I could not come, Mama, if you remember. Also, I did not think Papa would want to see me since he had disinherited me. How did he die?”

  “A wasting illness,” Alice replied quickly. “He suffered, but it did not last long. He was still grieving over Julian’s death.”

  “Much you know about it, miss.”

  Edward cleared his t
hroat and looked at his wife and then his mother-in-law.

  “Would you prefer Miss Talbot and I to leave? You have not seen each other for years so perhaps it would be better for you to speak in private.”

  “Nonsense. I don’t belong to your mealy-mouthed generation. What is said here concerns you as Alice’s husband. Miss Talbot can decide for herself.”

  “Then if you will be pleased to excuse me, ma’am.” Grace rose and hurriedly left the room.

  “Philip, shall I go?” Edward asked eliciting a heavy frown from the Countess which he pretended not to see.

  Philip who had been hesitating, glanced at Alice's face and spoke before his mother. “Not on my account and from the look of her, not Alice’s. Stay please.”

  “Then let us make ourselves comfortable. A glass of wine with you, brother?”

  Edward ignored the rigid hostility of Lady Kirkmore and poured out the wine.

  “Since I could not be at your wedding, I would like to offer a toast to your happiness,” Philip replied.

  The toast was drunk and, in answer to questions posed by Alice and Edward, Philip was coaxed to tell them the story of the last few months. He found it exceedingly hard to talk about Celia, mentioning her only briefly, as he described the upheaval the change of government had caused and his present situation.

  “You sound as if you liked that dreadful man,” the Countess commented.

  “He gave me employment when I needed it, Mama. No I did not like him. I doubt many people would tell you that they did for he is ruthless, but I am grateful to him. As for King Louis, he packs his court and the offices of state with his own followers. None of them held any position of power before his return and do not know how to go on at all. Everything is chaos and spite. That is why I chose to work for Marco. It is honest labour at least.”

  “A belted earl teaching fencing!”

  “My ancestors fought or they would not have become earls. As for belted, I have yet to be given that privilege.”

  “From what you’ve told us, I see no reason why you shouldn’t return to Kirkmore without delay and take up your position.”