The Marquis' Mistake

by Giselle Marks

  “But that’s hours away, I will need to go home and eat something. I haven’t even had breakfast today.”

  They had reached the Green Park and had pushed the horses into a canter. Alicia was enjoying riding Yellow Star who clearly had considerable speed. The Marquis directed her to a quieter spot where they could give the horses their heads and tapped his stallion into a gallop. Unable to resist Alicia followed suit and raced Sebastian to a small clearing. Yellow Star kept pace with the larger horse, although Alicia suspected the Marquis was holding his horse back a little. Slightly flushed Sebastian pulled his mount to a halt by a bench on which a picnic basket had already been set up.

  He dismounted and handed the reins to Greenways as he helped Alicia from her saddle holding her only just a little too long before releasing her.

  “Breakfast or nuncheon is served, milady. If you tether the horses Greenways and join my followers, you will find there is a basket prepared for the three of you in clear sight over there.”

  He indicated a patch of grass where rugs had been spread and his men had already sat having secured their mounts. Greenways looked at his mistress for confirmation she would accept the arrangements.

  “You need have no qualms Greenways, the basket will remain between us. I have no intention of seducing Miss Lambert while she is suffering from hunger.”

  Alicia nodded to her groom and seated herself at one end of the bench as he moved to join Sebastian’s retainers.

  “You seemed to be very sure I would go riding with you, my lord? You have it all well organised. Were you so certain that I would succumb to your blandishments?”

  “Not at all Alicia, I was perfectly certain you would seek to avoid going driving with me, but I thought a rider as skilled as yourself would be unable to resist Yellow Star’s charms. The only problem was that I couldn’t be free to ride until after noon, as I had another appointment. I thought you might like the flowers and they might delay you a little.”

  “They did and so did the jeweller. He was so sweet I could not bring myself to be rude and offend him. I thought Sir Anthony’s housekeeper was going to be overcome with emotion when she saw the flowers. She thought them very romantic.”

  “But you did not Alicia? Would you like some of this game pie, my father’s chef is quite good, not up to Henri’s standards, but I will get Henri to train us a new chef for when we get back from our honeymoon. I was sure your natural good manners would mean you would not snub Mr Gerrard.”

  “Of course I did not think it was romantic. I don’t understand why you are so determined to marry me, but it isn’t because you are deeply in love with me.”

  “Would it change your answer to my proposal, Alicia? If I told you I was deeply in love and desperate with desire for you?”

  “I shouldn’t believe you because it wouldn’t be the truth, Sebastian.”

  “That is what I thought you would say. Unfortunately for me, it is true. I admit when I saw you in Chalcombe’s library, I decided you interested me and would never bore me. When I danced with you, I was struck by a bolt of lightning and found no other woman will ever do for me. Alicia, you must take pity on me and accept my hand, because I burn for you and am miserable at your refusal.”

  Sebastian looked into Alicia’s eyes as he declared his love for her and she blushed. His eyes bore into hers and she very nearly believed what he was saying. Her heart skipped a beat and then began to race. She could feel the Marquis’s heat even at the further end of the bench with the basket between them. However strange the idea might seem to her, she didn’t doubt he desired her and would do everything he could to get her. But still she doubted he had any deeper feeling for her. She couldn’t risk revealing her own feelings, because she was sure to him it was all a game and he would soon tire of her.

  “That was a very pretty speech, my lord. You have missed your calling. You should be on the stage. You were so convincing I almost believed you. I will reluctantly admit you can be quite entertaining.”

  “I am ‘damned by faint praise’, so you will leave me heartbroken. ‘Condemned alike to groan; the tender for another’s pain, Th’ unfeeling for his own.’ I am desolate,” He declaimed smiling sweetly at her.

  “Quoting me Pope and Gray’s poetry won’t work either my Lord. Doesn’t that piece continue ‘Where ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise.’ If I didn’t already know what a devious unscrupulous man you are, I might be impressed by your erudition and believe you had feelings. But it is all a game to you. You are just a bad loser, my lord.”

  “Will you not give me a chance to prove I am in earnest? Could you not overlook my faults and accept me as I am? I bring my heart and throw it at your feet to trample upon.”

  “Faults, my lord? I am informed by all that you are perfection incarnate. How could I dare decry the perfect Marquis of Farndon, I would be pilloried for my lack of good taste.”

  Sebastian laughed at her mocking voice. “But am I not a rake and a drunkard and appallingly vain, Alicia?”

  “You are all those things, my lord and infuriating, annoying, managing and odious. I am sure I have missed some suitable adjectives.”

  “What about tempting, Alicia. Do you not find the idea of me kissing you just a little bit tempting? Because I find the idea of kissing you a temptation I do not want to resist,” his voice had gone huskier and Alicia’s pulse raced once more. All too tempting for my sanity, thought Alicia and stood up.

  “I think we should be moving now, it is getting cold and the horses will suffer.”

  “Will you not even listen to my plea, Alicia?”

  “I have listened. I didn’t leave you standing at Langsdown House. You have failed to convince me marriage to you would work. I am most impressed you have gone to all this trouble, but you really must accept you would not do for me at all.”

  “Will you allow me no hope, Alicia that I might persuade you to change your mind?”

  “I don’t believe anything you could say or do would make me trust you, Sebastian. I’m sorry if my rejection of your suit embarrasses you, but you must seek elsewhere for a bride.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sebastian helped her to mount and vaulted to his own saddle, Greenways and his two retainers followed. Two servants who had remained invisible while they ate appeared and packed away the rugs and picnic baskets. Alicia allowed herself one more gallop with Sebastian at her side before leaving the park at a respectable pace. Yellow Star she admitted to herself was nearly as tempting as the beautiful Marquis. Reluctantly Alicia turned the mare’s head in the direction of Langsdown House realising riding Siren would seem decidedly flat after Yellow Star. They were a street away from Langsdown House when Sebastian asked her to stop in front of a house with an elegant portico and fine proportions.

  She halted Yellow Star wondering what Sebastian was up to. Greenways and the retainers stopped behind them. The Marquis dismounted and helped Alicia down, once more lingering with her in his arms a little longer than was necessary. Alicia found herself reacting to his physical closeness and suppressed an urge to run her fingers through his hatless tousled locks. He turned and asked Greenways to join them, leaving the horses in the care of the two retainers. Then placing Alicia’s hand on his arm he led her up the stairs to the house. He produced a key from a pocket and opened the door.

  They entered an imposing hall with a fine marble floor and a beautifully carved sweeping staircase. Sebastian opened one door to a spacious drawing room. The décor was a little faded and out-dated, but it was a lovely room with a fine Adams fireplace. The room was unfurnished, but looked as if it had been recently cleaned. He showed her the other rooms on the ground floor which were equally grand but empty.

  Leading her next into the largest library she had seen in a private house. The book shelves were empty but Alicia had no problem imagining books lining them. Her own library would only cover a quarter of the beautifully carved shelves. There were two large windows provided with comfortable window sea
ts that looked out over a small but lovely private garden. Alicia pictured herself happily sat there reading while Sebastian sat across the room.

  “I don’t understand Sebastian, why are you showing me this house? Who owns it?”

  “It was formerly owned by the late Nabob, Jonathon Isaacs. I was considering buying it and would appreciate your opinion. We will need a town house as I don’t intend living with my father and future mother-in-law. It will need to be redecorated and furnished of course.”

  “It’s a lovely house, but you must know it is inappropriate for me to see it. You should be bringing your betrothed to see it, not me.”

  “But I shan’t be buying it if you don’t like it, Alicia. I have no intention of marrying if you won’t have me. I shall go back abroad. I have been offered the Embassy in Copenhagen. I will ask my aunt Eleanor Sparkwick to act as my hostess. I need to learn Danish, but I shall not marry to please my father.”

  “You can’t do that, Sebastian! What about the Dukedom? You will have no heir.”

  “Why should I want a son who was not yours? I shall probably drink myself to an early death and be pointed out as a miserable misanthrope.”

  “Doing it far too strong, you’ll never convince me that you will fall into a decline over me.”

  Sebastian smiled ruefully, looking down at Alicia with mournful eyes, which reminded Alicia of a playful Labrador puppy that had just been rebuked.

  “It is getting rather late. I promised to get you back to Lady Sophia in time to change for the Chalcombes tonight, I will escort you straight home.”

  “There is no need for you to take me back. Greenways can escort me and you will make yourself late changing. I must change horses at Langsdown House anyway.”

  “It is no trouble and it only takes me twenty minutes to shave and get changed. I won’t be late, Greenways can fetch Siren later.”

  “I don’t believe you can possibly dress in that time, you’re far too vain. Why it takes Sir Anthony an hour and he doesn’t wear his coats half as tight as you.”

  They had left the house with Greenways and Sebastian secured the door, pocketing the key. They rode back to Wynstanley’s town house and he escorted her to the door, bowing over her hand, pressing a kiss on the inside of her wrist just above her riding glove. He remounted his stallion and followed Greenways to the stable block.

  “Greenways can I have a word, please?” Sebastian said as the groom dismounted. Greenways turned and waited.

  “My men reported two watchers this afternoon, one I recognised, the other I have never seen before.”

  “I understand what you are saying, my lord. I will remain vigilant. What am I to do with Yellow Star? Miss said we would return her.”

  “Is there stable room for both Siren and Yellow Star?” Greenways nodded.

  “Then stable Yellow Star and come collect Siren at your convenience. If Miss Lambert complains, say you misunderstood her orders. She looked good on her, didn’t she?”

  “They looked like they were made for each other, my lord.”

  ***

  Lady Sophia had come downstairs after Alicia went riding, to find the house festooned with flowers. She asked her housekeeper which of the bouquets had come from the Marquis of Farndon.

  “Oh they are not down here, ma’am, Miss said to set them up in the ballroom. There wasn’t room for them downstairs.” Her mistress followed her to the library and saw the rose heart of flowers.

  “Aren’t they romantic, ma’am? He must have emptied half the flower shops in London to get that many roses.”

  “What did Miss Lambert say about them, was she pleased?”

  “She didn’t say anything, ma’am. Seemed rather shocked, but she thanked the florist politely. But that was not all the Marquis sent. He sent Mr Gerrard, the Prince Regent’s jeweller himself. She left the door open just as she should, then he showed her such jewels as I have never seen before in my life. Fit for the Crown jewels they were, said the Marquis told her she could pick any or all of them, or have what she wanted made up specially. She very properly sent him away, saying she hadn’t accepted the Marquis’s proposal, but she thanked him correctly too.”

  “Did Sir Anthony see the flowers before he left the house?”

  “Yes ma’am, he too asked which were the Marquis’s flowers and I told him Miss Lambert had said he didn’t want the library cluttered with flowers, so she had them put in the ballroom. He came up specially to see them, took one look and doubled up with laughter. He said the Marquis certainly knew how to make a grand gesture. Then he had to go, I forgot to tell him about the jewels and the horses.”

  “You haven’t told me about the horses yet.”

  “The seven horses, the Marquis sent over for her to choose from, ma’am. They were such pretty horses with lovely names; Amaryllis and Rosy Dawn were two of them. Miss took one look at them and laughed. She said it was an interesting proposal and told Greenways they were in the wrong order and he admitted he’d moved two. None of us spotted it, but she said the initials of the names spelt out, marry me. Miss Lambert is so very clever. They were all beautiful horses, but she rode off on a yellow brown mare which the grooms said was the prettiest. Greenways took Siren with her too.”

  Lady Sophia said nothing more but had a lot to think about. She had thought it unlikely Alicia would refuse the Marquis, but it seemed she intended to do so. It would appear he was not easily dissuaded from his objective. Lady Sophia doubted even Alicia’s obduracy would hold out for long against his charm and determination. She thought her husband was very wise to tell her not to promote the match. Nothing could make Alicia balk more. Deciding to say nothing to Alicia about the day’s events and sit back and watch the Marquis’s pursuit of her husband’s ward with some fascination.

  Before Alicia returned to the house, Sir Anthony had been informed by Lady Sophia of the visit from the jeweller and the seven horses. He smiled when his wife said, she thought he was absolutely right she would do nothing to push Alicia into the match. So Sir Anthony who was already dressed to go out greeted Alicia and merely asked if she’d had a nice ride. Alicia said she had had a lovely ride, but that she was late and must hurry to change. When Alicia had ascended the stairs, he sent for Greenways.

  “Which horse did Miss Lambert come home on, Greenways?”

  “Yellow Star, sir. She’s got beautiful movement, a gorgeous little mare. The Marquis can certainly pick a horse and he rides well.”

  “Did you stay with Miss Lambert the whole time, Greenways?”

  “She was never out of my sight, sir. Not even when we ate in the park. They sat on a bench with the basket between them, always in plain sight.”

  “You relieve me Greenways. Did Miss Lambert seem to enjoy his company?”

  “They were laughing and joking, but I didn’t listen to their conversation much. Miss Lambert hasn’t accepted his proposal yet, sir, but she will. I think he’ll do just fine for her. He don’t plan on taking no for an answer. There’s just one problem sir, there was some man following us. Well there were two, but the other one the Marquis knows and says he’s a government man watching over her. He thinks the other was sent by Mallinder.”

  If both Sir Anthony and Lady Sophia were being circumspect over discussing the Marquis’s pursuit, Alicia’s maid Sally was not. She was in raptures over the rose heart and although she hadn’t seen the jewels herself asked Miss Lambert to describe them. Sally had seen the Marquis, at several of the evening functions that Alicia had gone to with her in attendance and she thought he looked like Prince Charming in the fairy stories. But she thought he should be honoured to marry her beloved mistress and told Alicia so.

  “He’s vain and a rake.”

  “He only has to look in a mirror to know he’s handsome, that’s not vain. That’s accepting the facts. All the young men in town are rakes. It hasn’t stopped you flirting with them. Besides I hear he’s rather better at it, than the others and he’s always faithful to his mistresses. All of the
m very beautiful girls, you must be flattered by how he has set his sights on you. Not that he deserves you, none of them do! Aren’t you even a bit tempted, Miss Lambert?”

  “Very tempted Sally, but it won’t do. He’s just piqued because I snubbed him. He’s not in love with me. He would make me miserable.”

  “He’s giving a very good impression of a man head over heels in love with you. The money he’s spending to impress you. Rakes don’t do that over some girl snubbing them. They seduce her or they move on to the next girl and forget the first.”

  “He has made some very wicked suggestions, Sally.”

  “Such as?”

  “He said he wanted to see me dressed in jewels, just in jewels and he said he was prepared to prove to me he would please me, before or after we wed. He said my mouth was kissable and suggested I would enjoy marrying a rake. Last night he said he wanted to whisk me away and make love to me.”

  “Not much point marrying him, if he didn’t want to make love to you, I’d say. He doesn’t sound like a man who’s piqued to me, sounds like he knows exactly what he wants and you are it. He’ll value you all the more if you put up a little resistance, but not too much. You wouldn’t want to lose a suitor like the Marquis. I always thought you were a sensible girl, so listen to Sally, if you drive this one away, you’ll regret it.”

  Alicia was disheartened to hear Sally, who’d been her nurse before becoming her maid supporting the Marquis. She knew Greenways liked the Marquis and not just because he was a superb rider. In fact although he had chaperoned her, he had clearly turned deaf ears to the suggestive remarks the Marquis had made to her. Both Sally and Greenways were absolutely loyal to her, but he had won them over. Alicia felt like she was battling against the tide. Could she be mistaken he was not in love with her? Worse she was sure Sebastian knew she wanted him and had no intention of giving up.

  Alicia dressed in a new pale pink dress with deeper pink ribbons. Sally thought she looked very lovely, as she finished getting her mistress ready and only wished she had extracted a couple of flowers from one of the bouquets to put in her hair. The Marquis’s red roses would look well, but it would be a pity to spoil the arrangements. There had been some pink roses in one of the bouquets. A couple of them would do, she asked Alicia to wait while she went and got a couple of roses. Sally went down the back stairs and into the main hall as their butler opened the door. It was another floral delivery, but this time only one moderately sized bouquet was delivered. Sally said she’d take them upstairs to Miss Alicia and wondered who had sent them.