Since returning to take up the ducal reins, without a doubt this had been the most exhausting day Simon had experienced. The visits had been even more stressful than the first time he’d escorted Emma to meet the tenants. As they made their way back to the palace, he wondered if and when he’d recover.
With a glance over and down, since Marigold was shorter in stature than Mars, to her it was the smile she gave him which he found most irritating. He wondered how a lady could be so happy. Then, he thought back to several events of the day.
Simon knew it wasn’t because of the dunking he’d taken down the well he’d helped repair. Nor was it from falling backwards into a pile of manure while helping another farmer when the man’s cow was having difficulty birthing a calf. No, it was when he’d been handed a wiggling, squirming, and screaming year-old baby while attempting to have tea. He ended up wearing at least half the drink down the front of his shirt.
In his current mood, foul and black as a stormy night, the last thing he wanted or needed was to be inundated by family, no matter how well-meaning their visit.
As they made their way down the drive, he studied the gravel to see if any carriages had traveled it, save the dog cart following. Seeing no evidence of visitors, he peered over to Emma.
“We’ve gotten lucky today as no one has arrived or so it seems,” he proclaimed.
“Yes, let’s only hope our luck holds until tomorrow afternoon,” she replied.
“And why is that?”
“You know, or at least suspect. I’ll tell you if you can get Mars to perform a half-pass from here to the curve in the road.”
Simon settled himself in the saddle and did as she’d requested. Bringing his horse to a halt he waited until she caught up to him.
“Well!”
“That was executed very nicely so you win, this time. Mrs. Wallace has offered to sew me a gown for our wedding, thus the fashion plates which were scattered about. With Her Grace and my mother’s help I’ve come up with the perfect design. I’ve already sent the dressmaker a note and sketch saying I’d be coming to visit in the morning.”
He’d heard on occasion a lady would have a new gown made, but most of the time they took one of their finest for the wedding. If this was what Emma desired, who was he to stand in her way.
“Am I allowed to accompany you?”
“Of course not. I asked Her Grace, and my mother if they wished to go with me, and they both declined. I’ll have Abby along. As we’ve not received word that Justin or Katell have returned, I can’t see any reason to have more than Coachman, Hubert, a footman, and one groom along.”
As much as he wished to disagree with her, she did have a valid point. Over the past few days Kyle had his men keep an eye on the huts across the river along with the trail on this side. The daily reports he’d received confirmed what Emma had said, even though he’d not said anything about it to her or his mother. Of course, Simon knew Emma did have her own way of finding things out, which would have made her the perfect spy if needed.
“Agreed. When would you wish the landau to be ready?”
“Half ten, if you please and even if you don’t.”
As they rode into the stable yard he saw several footmen coming from the kitchen door to collect the empty tin boxes and baskets.
Bringing Mars to a halt, he climbed down, tossed the reins to a groom, then stepped over to Emma in time to see her free her left foot from the stirrup. He waited until she released her right leg from the pommel then lifted her down.
When her cheeks tinged a slight pink hue he smiled down at her. But it was the sudden stiffening of his body which had him the most concerned. He released his hold from her waist so she wouldn’t feel the effect she was increasingly having over him.
Footsteps on the cobblestones shifted his attention from her to Richmond, who was slowly approaching, his eyes wide in fright and jaw close to dragging on the ground.
“Your Gra—”
“Don’t even think of finishing what you were going to say or you’ll be cleaning stalls before I reach the palace,” Simon declared.
“All I was going to do was welcome you and Lady Emma back, nothing about the condition of your clothes.”
“Yes, I know I look like something the dog dragged in and smell just as bad. Shall we just say, this round of visits turned out to be one of the most interesting yet?”
Turning back to Emma, and where normally he would have offered his arm, but considering there was baby spit up on it, he bowed her forward. He started to walk alongside when a breeze came up, and he saw her wrinkle her nose so he slowed and followed.
Climbing the marble front steps, they were greeted by not only Winston and Seeley but his mother as well. Immediately, considering all three were standing with arms crossed over their chests, mixed with their combined glares, Simon knew he was in trouble. Except for Seeley, who was new at being a butler, he hadn’t seen the other two glower at him like this in years. On that day, he’d tried to catch a sow and ended up covered head to foot with muck and mire.
When his mother stepped forward, she raised her hand and pointed a finger at him, only then did Simon know the extent of the trouble he was in.
“Son, you may be lord and master over the dukedom, but I’m still your mother. You will march yourself around to the kitchen door where Edmond will meet you. There you will follow his orders as if they were from Wellington himself. Do I make myself clear?”
He peered over to Emma. “With luck, I’ll see you soon.”
“I look forward to the transformation,” she teased.
He waited until she climbed the steps and was warmly greeted by his mother.
Pivoting on his heel, Simon made his way around to the kitchen door. He reached for the latch only to have it yanked from his grasp, revealing a very displeased valet.
“What? You too?” Simon bellowed.
“Not as badly as Her Grace. I’m only following orders. You’re to strip out of your clothes and boots, leave them here, then wrap yourself in this robe. Bath water is already in your hip tub.”
Doing as directed, or more correctly ordered, Simon stripped down and put the robe on, then made his way upstairs to his suite.
After scrubbing himself clean, which seemed so he thought, to take forever Simon finally stepped from the tub and dried off. As was his habit he wrapped the towel around his waist and walked into the suite. He was greeted by his mother.
“There, now you’re much more presentable. After you dress, join us in my parlor as we’ve much to discuss.”
“It will be my pleasure, Your Grace. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to at least put on a pair of trousers and shirt.”
With a bow to his mother’s nod, he waited until she swept from his bedroom, and with a scowl on his face turned to Edmond.
“I’m sorry Her Grace slipped in and told me not to say anything.”
“That’s quite all right. Let me dress since, as you heard, I’ve been summoned to her presence.”
Twenty minutes later, wearing a dark-green jacket with buckskin breeches and riding boots, Simon stood outside his mother’s parlor. From the conversation going on inside he was happy to hear Emma talking animatedly. Unfortunately, she was telling both mothers about him and the baby. He wondered if she’d mentioned the incident regarding the calf, but knowing her, he suspected she had started off with that.
Taking in a breath, Simon stepped into the doorway. Even though informality was permitted in the room, he’d already decided at least for now he’d address them formally.
“Your Grace, Dowager Viscountess Carringham, Lady Emma.”
He bowed deeply showing the respect due to his mother along with the other ladies. Straightening, he noticed a faint smile on Emma’s lips, lips he couldn’t wait to have pressed against his, again.
“Please sit, Simon, as formality is no longer needed for the extent of this discussion,” his mother stated.
Not sure of the reason for this intima
te gathering, something niggled in the back of Simon’s mind telling him he needed to keep all his senses about him.
Glancing down at the table separating him from the ladies, he noticed the rough draft of the marriage contract.
He wasn’t sure if he should speak first or his mother as she stood in for Emma. He reached for the sheets of paper then focused his attention on her.
“Is there a problem with the terms which needs to be settled?” he inquired.
He knew there shouldn’t be, since every time his mother had made a recommendation he’d approved it. In short, he was basically giving Emma the keys to the kingdom, or at least the dukedom, while asking for nothing in return. From conversations years ago, with friends who’d married, he knew what he did wasn’t the norm, not that he cared. He’d even bestowed the Cornwall estate, as it was untitled, to her along with several others. If anything, should he die without a male heir, he had wanted to make sure she was well cared for.
“No Son, not so much a problem but a wonderment. For that, I’ll let Sarah explain.”
“Thank you, Laura. What I’m about to talk about hasn’t been mentioned to Emma as you both were doing tenant visits.”
Even with those few words Simon could feel a dread start to overtake him.
“As you are aware, because of circumstances beyond our control, Emma never had a Season, was never presented to the king, and never had a ball in her honor.”
Simon sat back. Glancing over to Emma, he studied her face to see what her reaction would be, not angry, not happy, but one of confusion, then he waited for the fireworks to begin.
“Mother, there’s no need for any of that. When Simon and I decide to go to London it will be as a married couple so having a Season, where I hunt down a husband, won’t be necessary. As for being presented to the king, if he’s not mad, there’s no need again for the same reason.”
“Excuse me, Emma, but before you get to the final point, a ball in your honor. Trust me, when we do go to London, I can assure you, as my mother will attest, there will be more balls than you can imagine in your honor, starting with my uncle, Jeffrey, Earl of Stratham, and his countess. I know they’ve been counting the days they could hold such an event.”
“Not to mention the one Simon and I will be giving you,” his mother declared.
“And as for being presented to court, Jeffrey has connections and can make that happen. It would also make me very happy.” Simon told her.
With what he and his mother had said, Simon watched her mull over what she’d learned. When he saw the corners of her lips curl up, he knew she would agree with them.
“It will have to be next season. On a different but similar topic, as Simon and I will be married, I was wondering how you’d feel starting a tradition here?” Emma stated.
“And what would that be?” Simon replied.
“As Her Royal Highness Charlotte has introduced a decorated tree at Christmas time, how would you feel about having a ball to celebrate the season?”
“I don’t really care what my son says, Emma, but I love the idea, but first we need to get you two married,” Laura declared.
Simon now knew whatever tiny piece of control he had over this meeting was totally gone. He did have to admire Emma’s skill at diverting the conversation about her to something else. Now though, he needed to bring it back to the topic at hand, introducing her to the ton. What he was about to say, Simon knew he had to be very careful since this wasn’t necessarily a topic of discussion in the presence of a gentleman.
“And if you’re in confinement?”
Simon watched as Emma’s cheeks turned a bright red, extending down her neck to her shoulders after hearing that one word. From the way she started to squirm on the settee, he wondered if she might rush from the room. Looking directly at her, he smiled.
“I’m so sorry if I offended you. Please accept my apology.”
“Accepted. And to answer your question, when it is appropriate for us to attend a Season we will,” Emma stated.
If he was lucky they’d never reach London as he hoped to keep her in a delicate condition. If he could, she would never have to deal with the biting tongues from the gossips of the ton. Something he’d been subjected to years ago, and their words still hurt when he thought about them.
“One final question. Does this go in the marriage contract or would it be best served as a codicil?”
“Son, as this is a one-time event. It should be kept separate from the contract but signed before the vows are spoken,” his mother directed.
“And speaking of the contract, now that we have this resolved, are there any points which need clarification or modifications?” Simon said.
“As we haven’t finished reviewing it and now will include Emma we don’t. But, that doesn’t mean questions won’t be asked at a later date,” his mother stated.
“Then, with your permission, I wish to withdraw to post a few letters.”
“You may leave, but return dressed for dinner at half six. I’ve convinced Sarah to entertain us with a few pianoforte pieces of which one she has assured me is a waltz.”
Hearing what one would be Simon glanced to Emma, who was smiling at him. He knew she loved to be held in his arms as much as he relished holding her. Quickly, before she or the others became aware of the stiffness in certain parts of his body, he bowed then marched from the room.
After taking a few steps to his office, Simon stopped and leaned against the wall trying to get his body to relax, which was difficult. As he stood there, one thought crept into his mind, how was he going to survive the next three weeks before they married? His need, want, and desire to have her in his bed was becoming more desperate as the days passed. It was even getting to the point, where just touching her, he wanted to kiss her. Fortunately, for now he had been able to resist, but for how long could he hold out?
Shaking off those thoughts, he straightened and stormed down the hall into his office.
Minutes later he folded and sealed the foolscap then rang for Winston who appeared at once.
“This is to be delivered immediately to the address on the front. Tell Richmond to send two grooms to make sure it gets through, and they are to wait for a written reply,” he ordered.
“As you wish.”
With that done, he took another sheet out and carefully composed a letter to his man of business outlining the requirements for setting up a special account for Emma. Unlike the others for her, this would be to set up a fund for any and all children they had. This one he folded, sealed, and set aside. He then finished reading the letters from earlier and composed responses when necessary.
When the clock chimed six times he picked up the missives, strolled from the room, and deposited them on the table outside the office door. With that done, he made his way up to his suite where Edmond was waiting for him.
Having bathed a short while ago, he changed into a-dark blue jacket and trousers before returning to the duchess’ sitting room.
After a wonderful dinner, Simon followed the ladies as they wound their way to the music room. As he’d hoped, not only Sarah but his mother played waltzes so he and Emma could dance, which at times strained his physical patience.
Later, when he noticed his mother and Emma stifling yawns behind their fans, he suggested they retire for the evening, which was readily accepted by all.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
After another stormy night of dreams of Simon curled up naked next to her, Emma rolled over and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Getting up, she stepped into her private room where she took care of her morning needs. As she returned to her suite, Abby entered.
“Good Morning. Don’t forget we’re going into the village later to meet with Mrs. Wallace.”
“Will you be having a fitting or just looking at materials?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve chosen several patterns and sent her a rough drawing. I hope she can make sense of it. To be safe, let’s go with the pink day dress as it wi
ll be easier for me to handle the buttons.”
“Yes, m’ lady.”
After changing into the selected dress, and with her hair done simply, Emma made her way down to the family dining room. Sweeping in, she stopped when she saw her mother and Laura had already started to break their fast. This made her wonder where Simon was, or would be hiding be a better way to phrase it, since it seemed they were discussing her and his upcoming wedding. Neither lady seemed to care it wouldn’t happen for three weeks at the shortest as the banns hadn’t been read. That, she knew wouldn’t happen for two more days when they attended Sunday services at the village church.
“Good morning, Laura, Mother,” she announced bringing a halt to their conversation.
From the looks of astonishment on their faces, Emma knew she’d surprised them. With a nod, she continued in and to the side table where she started making her selection of breakfast offerings. As she made her way through the choices, she was amazed neither mother was talking. To her it seemed what they’d been discussing was supposed to be a secret, which started to annoy her. After all, she thought, whose wedding breakfast would it be? Not theirs, but her and Simon’s.
One thing she’d been very thankful for, both had agreed with the different parts, to make a whole of the gown. Her only worry was whether Mrs. Wallace would be able to take her proposals and create the gown of her dream.
Taking a seat to the right of the ducal throne, she glanced across to Laura then her mother as Winston entered with a pot of tea. With a nod, she waited until he took his position next to the door leading to the kitchen. Slicing off a piece of ham, she started to eat with the room still in silence.
“Excuse me, but have you seen your son, this morning? I’m only asking as he said yesterday he’d arrange for the landau to take me into the village.”
“Yes, Lady Emma. He was finishing his morning meal as the viscountess and I entered. I did happen to hear him mumble something about hiding away in his office which does have me wondering why.”
Laura wasn’t the only one curious about his behavior. Emma knew between yesterday afternoon and last night he’d taken care of estate business. This would have made him free to greet his family when they poured in. That had been one of the reason’s she’d chosen to meet with the dressmaker this morning.
The Duke's Bride (The Radcliffe Family Book 1) Page 24
