The Marquis' Mistake

by Giselle Marks

  “Jemima scuttled under the door into the dining room. I think it might be a good time for the ladies to retire to the drawing room while I search for her”

  “What is Jemima?” asked Lord Wroxham, bemused by the uproar.

  “She’s a beautiful bird-eating spider, about the size of a side plate.”

  “Madelaine help Lord Stephen find his spider. Let me know when she’s been found. I shall play the piano and entertain the ladies,” declared Louis.

  “Not very chivalrous of you, Louis to suggest Madelaine search for it and then run away,” laughed Edward as his father-in-law made his retreat with most of the ladies.

  “She kept a tarantula as a pet when she was nine, ask her what she did with it,” the Comte said over his shoulder as he left.

  Alicia had been slow in leaving, but then she was not frightened of spiders.

  “Sebastian stay still, I think I have found Jemima,” she cried.

  “The damn thing is walking up my back isn’t it? Stephen remove it at once!”

  The russet brown spider was indeed on Sebastian’s back and was climbing at some speed upwards. Sebastian stayed still, but looked rather white. Alicia reached over and plucked the spider from where it was reaching the top of his shoulders with both hands cupped around it.

  “There I’ve got her, she’s very pretty. Lord McKinlay, would you get her box?”

  “Take it to Henri and get him to cook her and serve it to Stephen, no on second thoughts Sir Bardolph would consider it a delicacy,” Sebastian forced a laugh but stood up and brushed down the back of his coat, shuddering slightly.

  “I don’t know how you could handle that thing. If you plan to keep one as a pet I shall definitely cry off,” declared Sebastian bitterly.

  “You can’t cry off, Sebastian, as I haven’t accepted your proposal yet.”

  “Your second mistake, Alicia,” crowed Sebastian.

  “It was a slip of the tongue,” she retorted and exited to the drawing room at speed.

  Madelaine, as the last lady remaining in the dining room, made to follow, but was delayed by her husband.

  “What did you do with the tarantula, Madelaine?”

  “I put it in his mistress’ bed. She wanted him to marry her and I loathed her. She threw a hysterical screaming fit when she saw it climbing up Louis’s back while he was… He hasn’t liked spiders since.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Madelaine reassured the ladies and her father of Jemima’s capture when he finished the piece he was playing. He returned to the dining room where the other men except Sebastian were enjoying a glass of port.

  “Sebastian, why are you suddenly abstaining?” Edward asked as he refused to join their consumption of the port.

  “Alicia says I am a rake and a drunkard and therefore not fit to marry her. My not drinking irritated her. I am doing my utmost to destroy her objections.”

  “I don’t think I can remember seeing you drunk, Farndon. You are always held up as an example of moderation. Rake is another matter, she’s got you there,” remarked Lord Overton.

  “If she objects to you so much, son, then you had better choose another bride,” declared the Duke of Langsdown.

  “I’m not sure why she is determined to refuse me. But I intend to persuade her she will be happy with me. You should pray I succeed. The Foreign Office has offered me Copenhagen. If Alicia won’t have me, then you’ll have to accept I won’t marry and will take the post.”

  “We will discuss your marriage later, son. Comte, you mentioned hearing about my son in France. I have recently discovered I know very little about him. I’d be interested to know what you’ve heard.”

  “Nothing but good was said of him in diplomatic circles. I understand he was considered a crucial mediator in a number of challenging political discussions. Wellington himself sang his praises. Said his fluency in all the languages involved prevented a number of awkward disagreements. He also informed me Farndon bravely saved Lieutenant General Graham’s life, after the surrender when some idiot took a pot shot at him with a pistol.”

  “Did his Grace say how I saved Graham?” enquired Sebastian.

  “I was informed you heroically put your body between the shooter and pushed him out of the way. Wellington maintained you took the ball yourself. He wanted to mention you in dispatches, said you were the only member of the diplomatic staff who could be guaranteed not to run away at the first sign of action.”

  “Sebastian, I’ve seen you stripped to box and your skin is unblemished. Where exactly did the ball hit you?” badgered Edward.

  “Stupidest thing I’ve ever done. I received a minor flesh wound, very ignominious. I have no intention of displaying my battle scar. I couldn’t ride for a month,” Sebastian laughed and most of the other men joined in declaring it a courageous action on his part. His father however was appalled.

  “You could have been killed, Sebastian. I never thought you’d been at any risk!” protested the Duke.

  The gentlemen joined the ladies to find Alicia the centre of attention. Lady Henderson had begun the attack.

  “There’s been no mention of your engagement to my grandson and you’re not wearing his ring. I was looking forward to welcoming you to the family. Has Sebastian not proposed yet?”

  This question several of the ladies were very interested in hearing answered.

  “He has proposed and I have told him I don’t think we would suit. He refuses to accept my answer and is determined to make me change my mind.”

  Lady Overton expressed total astonishment that Alicia could reject Sebastian’s proposal. Lady Purcell and Lady McKinlay enquired what she could possibly find to criticize in Sebastian Vernon. Alicia remained silent on the subject. Lady Madelaine tried to turn the conversation unsuccessfully. Lady Henderson was made of stronger stuff as the gentlemen joined the ladies, she was heard to pronounce.

  “If Alicia doesn’t want Sebastian, there’s no point pestering her. I’ve another grandson, younger than Farndon. Gerald Marshall, he’s a good-looking lad, bright too, heir to a baronetcy in Suffolk. I’ll summon him to town. You can give him the look over, see if he’ll suit.”

  “Margaret Henderson, you can’t seriously be promoting Gerald as a substitute to Sebastian, why there’s no comparison. I’m not saying Gerald is not a nice lad and fairly good looking. He’s no slow-top but he isn’t up to Miss Lambert’s weight. No conversation, Gerald would be happy to never leave the estate and even you can’t say he rides well. Not to be thought of Miss Lambert, take Sebastian. Sebastian’s a better man all round. I’d be honoured to have you for a daughter,” his Grace stated staunchly.

  “Thank you father, for that tribute, but Miss Lambert has only had twenty-four hours to consider my proposal. Marriage is a serious commitment. She should be allowed some time to consider before making her refusal irrevocable. By all means bring Gerald to town. I haven’t seen him in an age. Bring Frederick too, he’s next in line. I believe he is still unwed. I would like to apologize profoundly for my family hectoring you, Miss Lambert.”

  Sebastian sat beside Alicia on the sofa and began to talk of other things, asking her opinion on the opera he knew she had seen. After a while she began to relax in his company, relieved to no longer be the centre of attention. Tables were set up to play cards and she accepted his offer to partner her at whist. Those in doubt of their compatibility for marriage soon perceived their whist partnership was lethal. Although they only played for low stakes they trounced Sir Bardolph and Lord Wroxham thoroughly. As Sebastian made no further mention of marriage they finished the evening in good humour.

  Sir Anthony and Lady Sophia had noticed Alicia and Sebastian’s absence at the beginning of the evening and had also noted the tell-tale signs of their prolonged embrace, but neither made mention of it to Alicia in the carriage home. She thanked them kindly before heading up the stairs to bed.

  “I admit Sophia I was wrong. Alicia certainly looked like she enjoyed being kissed by Far
ndon. Then Farndon’s a much more attractive prospect than Emmersley. I wonder why she is resisting marrying him. She avoided all his invitations, but I have a feeling he’ll find a way to circumvent her attempt to avoid him.”

  “You don’t think they were long enough to get up to anything more? I feel remiss for not chaperoning her better.”

  “Do you know Edward’s threatened to call him out if he tried to seduce her? I believe he kissed her very thoroughly and nothing more. A very astute young man is Farndon. He’s playing his cards very cannily. I think it might be better if we relaxed our vigilance when she’s with him and let them sort it out between them. He’s looking for marriage and legitimate heirs. Even if he compromised her, it’s clear he’ll marry her. If it wasn’t for that blackguard Mallinder and the shadow following her, I think we could relax.”

  Sally was waiting for Alicia when she reached her bedroom and was desperate to discover what had happened at the dinner party. Her mistress told her of the return of the Comte and Comtesse de Morlaix and of the escape of Jemima, but made no mention of Sebastian Vernon. Sally noticed her mistress seemed out of sorts but her questioning was fobbed off. Dismissing her maid as soon as she was ready for bed, but she had never felt less like sleeping.

  Sitting down at her desk she began to compose a letter to her aunt, Lady Maud. She brought the people she had met and the events she had attended to life; but finding it impossible to express her feelings about Sebastian Vernon and his unexpected proposal. No longer was she sure how she felt about him. The anger she had felt over his behaviour in Cambridge had flowed away, his company enlivened her and she desired his kisses. His intelligence, his beauty and even his persistence fascinated her. Remaining unsure as to his real reasons for wanting to marry her, she found her reactions to his courtship confusing. Irritation at his determination to continue to pursue her, vied with excitement and curiosity as to what he would do next.

  Putting down the letter without being able to explain what she wanted from Sebastian, she tried to sort through her own feelings and put them into perspective. If she had stayed in a different hotel in Cambridge and had been introduced to Sebastian in London she would have been easily swept away by his pursuit. But he seemed just too perfect, too good to be true. What chance could such an unequal marriage have? He would become bored by her mousy little self. Having tried to unravel her emotions she found no solutions to her quandary. She retrieved the two notes Sebastian had sent her, hoping she would find answers in the words he had penned.

  She opened the first note the florist had given her and sat back down to read.

  Dear Miss Lambert

  Please consider my appeal for your hand in marriage.

  Alicia, believe you are the only woman for me. All my dreams are of a future with you at my side. My heart and soul are yours and I hope you will one day return my love.

  I do not offer for you out of duty or to provide for the succession. I entreat you to marry me because I cannot envisage life without you. I will spend the rest of my life doing everything in my power to make you happy.

  The bonds of matrimony are not something I enter into lightly. To me the vows are sacred. I regret my former life and the circumstances of my proposal cause you to doubt my sincerity. I shall strive to earn the right to win your hand. Please do not dismiss my proposal as frivolous. I have never been more certain of my own feelings.

  Please at least allow me the opportunity to try to persuade you of my heartfelt desire for you to become my bride.

  I lay my heart at your tiny feet Alicia.

  Yours for all eternity

  Sebastian

  His words touched her because she found it hard to believe he did not mean what he said. Alicia opened the second note and stared at it. Apart from the first few lines and the ending it was only a jumble of numbers.

  Dear Miss Lambert

  I would swear on the Holy Bible that my heart is yours and only yours. Please accept my plea for your hand in marriage.

  Ps 6,2,1-4. 42,1,1-14. 18,1,1-4. 19,5,4-12. 16,11,9-16. 26,3,1-3.

  32,8. 32,8,1. 45,11,6-7. 35,21,5-8. 32,8.1. 45,11,6-8. 31,4,10-13.

  41,3,6-8. 40,8,1-6. 40,11,1-9.

  Your devoted Servant

  Sebastian

  It was written in some kind of code, but he obviously expected her to be able to translate it. The numbers were too large to be a simple transposition however tangled. Alicia had heard of this kind of code but they usually used a book as a source. So Sebastian would know I have the book to hand so I could decipher it. She reread the letter for a clue to which book it would be. “I would swear on the Holy Bible” what young lady didn’t have access to a Bible. She located her copy of the King James’s bible and noting the Ps turned to Psalms. She picked out the correct words and verses and transcribed the message.

  Have mercy upon me. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee. I wilt love thee as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth. In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. For thy loving I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eyes. I desire thy mouth wide against me. I desire thy beauty laid privily for me upon the bed. I delight to do thy will. Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me.

  Those were not sentiments a gentleman should address to his would be bride! Although he could have made an even more scandalous note particularly if he had used the Song of Solomon, Alicia thought. Reverend Hapsgood had once stated he did not think it was suitable for any young woman to read, so she had immediately done so. So that was what he meant when he asked her which of his proposals she objected to! It was a most indecent proposal, if Edward Charrington were to read it he would certainly call Sebastian out.

  Alicia was shocked and amused by his words, but no nearer making a decision about how she felt about Sebastian. She should be angry he should make such suggestions to her, but if she were to accept him, he would lawfully be allowed to put his suggestions into action. Her body wanted him, her mind was not sure. Placing the notes with the transcription within the pages of her Bible she blew her candles out before climbing into bed. To sleep and dream once more of a naked Greek God who made gentle love to her through the whole of the night.

  ***

  The news that the rather commonplace Miss Alicia Lambert had dared to refuse the beautiful Marquis of Farndon’s much sought after proposal was around town before morning. Major Mallinder whose plans to persuade Miss Lambert to marry him had been going awry, was optimistic on hearing she had declined Sebastian Vernon. Since Wynstanley had refused him permission to pay his addresses to his ward, he had been unable to get close to his quarry. Miss Lambert had gone riding with Farndon that day, but he had security with him, so he had been unable to approach her.

  Alexander Mallinder was convinced Miss Lambert favoured him. She clearly enjoyed his company and flirtatious compliments. How could such an insignificant plain little Miss fail to find his handsome self and polished addresses attractive? Women always wanted him. The spirited Alicia was bound to be annoyed by Wynstanley’s heavy handed decision to reject him. Mallinder was convinced she would now encourage his advances. The opposition would make him more interesting to her. She would be agog to allow him to press his suit.

  Farndon declaring an interest in Miss Lambert had seemed an unconquerable obstacle to marrying her, but it seemed she was fickle. Although it was understandable she found his more masculine charms superior to those of the pretty boy Marquis. He resolved to press his suit more seriously. Watching and waiting for his chance to get her alone. He only had to succeed once and it would be easy to force her into marriage. Farndon might still be pursuing her, but he doubted he would want soiled goods.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The following morning it was colder but remained fine as Alicia got ready for her ride. Sending for her mount to be saddled she walked around to the stable block when she thought the hors
es would be ready. A number of horses were saddled in the stable yard but most noticeable among them were Sebastian’s stallion and Yellow Star. Their master was drinking coffee with the grooms. He seemed perfectly at home and they acted as if he had every right to be in the Wynstanley yard.

  The Marquis was wearing a warm driving coat over his riding clothes and unusually for him a hat. His men and Greenways had also dressed warmer as if they planned a much longer journey than a mere ride in the park. Undecided about her feelings for Sebastian Vernon she was curious to discover what he planned. Alicia knew she should show annoyance at his presumption of her acquiescence to his plans. But his pursuit was exciting, Sebastian was never boring. When he offered to boost her to Yellow Star’s back she made no protest.

  Sebastian, Greenways and Sebastian’s ex-soldiers mounted up and the Marquis led the way towards Westminster Bridge.

  “Are you intending to inform me where we are going, Sebastian?”

  “We are heading for Richmond, Alicia. I thought you might enjoy seeing Hampton Court Palace as you have the day free of appointments.”

  “I told you last night I had a dress fitting at my modiste. I can’t ride all the way to Richmond today.”

  “You made another mistake Alicia. Your appointment with Claudette is for tomorrow, I checked. You must have muddled the days. I don’t believe you would tell a lie, just to annoy me.”

  Alicia glared at him and he grinned back. She should have expected Sebastian would find out she had given a false excuse. He would have left a message outlining their plans for the Wynstanleys as well. That was another objection quashed. Did he have to think of everything? Fuming silently she rode on towards the bridge but there Sebastian halted. Three grooms waited beside the river and he handed his horse into their keeping. The other men dismounted and the grooms took their horses. Sebastian turned to Alicia offering his help in dismounting. She was ready this time for the reaction when he held her in his arms, but she found it no less overwhelming. Suppressing the desire to cling to him, she stepped back breaking the embrace.