Fenella J Miller - [Duke 02] Page 5

  “I don’t believe it. Why are you telling me such a Banbury tale? I’ve only known your brother a few hours but one thing I am certain of, he is not an unkind gentleman. He would not lie to me, deceive me ...” her voice faltered beneath his sympathetic gaze.

  “I can’t tell you how sorry I am, my dear, but I can assure you, Rupert married you for the princely sum of one hundred guineas. Of course he might also have been prompted by the reasons he gave you, but he can never resist a wager. Something you could not possibly know after such a short acquaintance is that he is already a hardened gambler, will wager on the length of time it takes a raindrop to trickle down a pane of glass given the opportunity.”

  Unwanted tears prickled behind her eyelids. She blinked them back, swallowed hard and came to a decision. “In which case, my lord, I wish the marriage to be terminated as speedily as possible. I believe that if a couple have not consummated the union …” her face turned an unbecoming shade of beetroot and his eyebrows shot beneath his hair.

  “Exactly so. I am not without influence in Parliament and can expedite this matter; you must return to Shalford Hall with me and I shall set things in motion.”

  Thoroughly discomfited by the turn the conversation had taken Anna scrambled to her feet with more speed than elegance. “I have no intention of going anywhere with you. An old school friend has invited me to make my home with her, she is about to be confined with her second child and does not have the wherewithal to employ a suitable companion. I shall arrange a passage for myself on the next mail coach; you have no need to be concerned on my behalf.”

  He stepped closer and she barely restrained her impulse to step back. “My carriage will be here very soon. Pray allow me to put it at your disposal. You would not be in this predicament but for my sibling’s disgraceful behaviour. It is the least I can do.”

  His offer was made so handsomely it would seem churlish to refuse. “In which case, I thank you. My friend, Mrs Cunningham, resides in a small village on the other side of Romford. I fear your vehicle will not be returned to you for several days.”

  “I will hear no more of this nonsense. Miss Hadley, if you would care to write down the exact direction I shall have one of my outriders go ahead to book your accommodation. I take it you have no wish to speak to Shalford before you leave?”

  “Certainly not. I should never have agreed to this arrangement if I had known the true circumstances. However dire my own situation I would not have been wed for a wager.” She stared pointedly at the door and he took the hint. He bowed and with a polite smile, strolled out.

  “Well I never! Who would have thought Lord Shalford could treat you so shabbily, miss. You are well rid of him and it won’t be so bad with Mrs Cunningham.”

  “It will be intolerable. Isobel will expect me to wait on her hand and foot and no doubt you will become a member of her household staff. We must both grit our teeth and get on with it. Anything is preferable to remaining under the control of Sir John. I’m sure four years will soon pass.” Even as she spoke she knew she was fooling neither herself nor her maid. But she had no alternative—this sham marriage was no longer an acceptable alternative.

  “I’ll get on with packing your trunk, Miss Hadley. It is ever so kind of his grace to let you use his travelling carriage, so much nicer than going by the common stage.”

  “Indeed it is, Molly. We must make the most of such luxuries for I doubt we will have access to any sort of carriage for the foreseeable future. Can you go down and cancel our seats for tomorrow and claim the refund?”

  *

  Ralph thought he had handled the situation far better than he had anticipated. He had controlled his temper, apologised handsomely and secured the result he’d ridden sixty miles to achieve. He hummed a tune to himself as he strode through the busy coaching inn and out into the yard to greet his coachman.

  Having issued his instructions he went round to the stable block to check that his stallion, Caliban, had recovered from his exertions the previous day. The groom who’d accompanied him on a massive bay gelding, greeted him politely.

  “Both horses are fighting fit, your grace, they’ll be ready to go this afternoon.”

  “Excellent, there’s no need for us to return at such a dangerous pace. Digby has taken my portmanteau to my chamber; I intend to spruce myself up, partake of a substantial luncheon and then set off. We shall overnight this time. I’ve sent Sam Tufnell to reserve accommodation.”

  His business accomplished outside he returned to his chamber for a leisurely wash and shave knowing that in the competent hands of Digby he would be returned to his usual sartorial elegance.

  *

  Anna could only pick at her luncheon tray as she was deeply upset by Shalford’s perfidy. Molly informed her the carriage in which they were to travel to Essex was the height of luxury, a great improvement on the journey they had taken when she had fled from her ancestral home. It grieved her to think Sir John was now left to occupy the mansion which had been in the possession of the Hadleys for countless generations. There being no male to inherit the title it had fallen into abeyance on her grandfather’s death. However the property and fortune had descended to her mother.

  She shook her head; high time she put these things behind her. Sir John had wormed his way into her mother’s affections and married her not two years after dear papa had passed away. Thank God Grandpapa had shown the foresight to protect the estates from this man’s depredations. Sir John could not touch the capital or take money from the estates but he did have free access to the interest. Somehow he had managed to persuade the lawyers he should be a trustee for her inheritance.

  The only way she could prevent him from spending this was by absenting herself from Hadley Manor. She had already sent a letter to the legal firm in London which dealt with the family’s affairs informing them she no longer resided with Sir John and therefore he had no reason to demand funds on her behalf.

  Two burly grooms arrived to transport her trunk and other bags to the waiting vehicle. She could delay her departure no longer; there was still a risk Sir John had discovered she was not intending to return. No— this was unlikely for she had given him an incorrect address. Even if he searched for her when she failed to reappear he would not find her easily. It could be months before she had to worry about him causing an embarrassing confrontation.

  She looked round as she was handed into the carriage half expecting either Shalford or his formidable brother to appear to bid her farewell. However neither of them came out and she wasn’t sure if she was disappointed or relieved. She had slept little the previous night so asked Molly to pull down the blinds. Warm rugs, soft pillows and hot bricks had been provided for their comfort and she settled down to rest. The day was overcast and cold and these extra comforts were welcome.

  She was woken when the carriage rocked to a standstill. Flustered she sat up to see Molly fast asleep in the corner. “Quickly, Molly, we have stopped. Please make sure my bonnet is not awry and I have no smuts on my nose.”

  She had barely completed the repairs to her appearance when the door opened and the steps were let down. The night was dark and lanterns swung crazily in the gusty wind. She hurried inside the building not looking to left or right. They were immediately conducted to a superior bedchamber with both dressing room and parlour.

  “I am fair starved, Miss Hadley, I do hope they keep a good table here. There’s a fine bed for me in the dressing room, I’ll not have to use a truckle tonight.” Molly busied herself unpacking the necessary night things leaving Anna to stroll around the substantial sitting room.

  Scarcely five minutes passed before two chambermaid staggered in bearing trays laden with every sort of delicacy. These were placed on a convenient table then crisp white napery was spread on a second table and a chair placed ready for Anna to sit. “Good heavens, all this cannot be for me?”

  “We had instructions to bring you the best supper The Green Man can provide. Cook has sent a portion of
everything on the menu tonight.” The girl bobbed. “Would you be wishing us to stay and serve you, miss?”

  “No, thank you, my maid will do that. However I should like hot water sent in an hour.”

  “We’ll be bringing up your bath water directly, miss. It’ll be piping hot, just right for when you’re ready.”

  Such luxury! She began to feel more kindly disposed towards the duke as he had made her journey as comfortable as possible. Her appetite returned and she was able to do justice to the repast. Molly assisted her into the bath in the dressing room and then returned to eat her own supper from what remained.

  The next morning she was served piping hot chocolate and sweet morning rolls at half past six, at seven she was once again safely installed in the duke’s luxurious travelling carriage. As she had never journeyed to Essex there were no landmarks for her to look out for. However, in her estimation they should arrive at the village of Ingatestone by lunchtime at the latest.

  Isobel said the area in which she lived was not far from the toll road so it seemed strange they were travelling in the depths of the country. Why were they obliged to stop for luncheon and then continue their journey? She banged on the roof and the small door dropped open.

  “Coachman, when should we reach Ingatestone? I had no idea the journey was going to take so long.”

  A disembodied voice answered. “We’ll be at our destination before dark. Remember, miss, these beasts have already travelled a fair distance these past few days. Wouldn’t do to exhaust them.”

  “Of course not, how stupid of me, I did not consider this could be the reason we were taking so long to arrive.”

  Dusk had fallen when the carriage slowed and then turned sharply. The blinds were once more down and by the time Molly had scrambled up and peered round she was too late to see why they had veered right in this fashion.

  “It’s mighty strange, miss, but I reckon we’re travelling down somebody’s drive. This don’t look like no country lane I’ve ever been in.”

  Anna shot up her fatigue forgotten. Surely not? He could not have done something so underhand. “Roll up the blinds, open the window, I wish to see where we’re going.” She hung out of the window like an urchin and was not overly surprised to see an enormous edifice, hundreds of windows glittering with candlelight, and a small army of liveried retainers gathered on the gravel turning circle waiting for them.

  Westchester had royally tricked her. She was at Shalford Hall; there could be no other explanation.

  Chapter Six

  “I am so looking forward to meeting Miss Hadley, she must be an exceptional young lady to have made such an impact on both my sons.”

  “Mama, I must warn you she is of uncertain temper and indifferent appearance.” Ralph smiled as he saw his carriage turn into the long drive. “At last, she will be here in a few minutes. By the way, do not expect Miss Hadley to be overjoyed at being here.”

  “Whatever do you mean? Why should she not be delighted to be invited to Shalford Hall?” His mother attempted to push herself out of her chair and he rushed to her side to assist.

  “Unfortunately the young lady refused my invitation and I was obliged to use subterfuge in order to get her here.” Gently he slipped his arm around her waist and lifted her to her feet. He guided her to the window. “Look, our unwilling guest has realised my deception.” Miss Hadley had just appeared at the window of the carriage.

  “Ralph, you’re incorrigible. Where exactly did the poor girl think she was going?”

  “To some benighted village the other side of Romford, she intended to live with a friend as an unpaid servant. Whatever she isn’t, Miss Hadley is a lady and I cannot allow her to spend the next few years being mistreated.” He glanced down at his mother and saw she was smiling in a most particular way.

  “I see; whatever the reasons are for her visit it will be a treat for me to have intelligent female company. I am disposed to like her already.” The Dowager Duchess of Westchester reached up and brushed his injured cheek. “However, dearest, I am at a loss to understand why you should be taking such an interest in her.”

  He frowned. He had no sensible answer to that question. “Her predicament has become my concern as Rupert’s stupidity caused her to contract a meaningless marriage. It is my intention to have it annulled as soon as possible for all our sakes. It will be far easier to do this if Miss Hadley is residing here and can sign the legal papers and do whatever else is necessary.”

  “Then I shall make every effort to welcome her and apologise for your high-handed behaviour. She has every right to be incensed for being tricked in this way; I pray I can persuade her to remain here.”

  “She will have no choice. It is more than ten miles to the nearest coaching inn, I doubt even someone as determined as Miss Hadley would attempt to walk that distance.” He grinned at his mother’s outraged expression. “Pray, Mama, do not poker up at me. I had no option. I am relying on you to smooth matters over for me. I shall absent myself, I have no wish to be on the receiving end of another slap however much I might deserve one.” He could hear his mother laughing as he retreated to his apartment on the ground floor.

  *

  The carriage rocked to a standstill and immediately was surrounded by attentive footmen. Anna was escorted from the vehicle as if she was an honoured guest and not an unwelcome visitor. She expected to be greeted by Westchester but his housekeeper and butler bowed and curtsied to her when she reached the impressive front door.

  “Miss Hadley, welcome to Shalford Hall. Her grace is waiting to greet you in her apartment.” The butler almost smiled. “I am Foster, at your service.”

  “I should like to refresh myself before I meet her ladyship.”

  “Certainly, Miss Hadley. The housekeeper, Brown, will conduct to your apartment herself. I hope your stay here will be enjoyable. Anything you want, please ask and it will be provided for you.”

  Anna followed the tall, spare woman dressed in grey up the handsome oak staircase much impressed by what she saw. Not only was her host a duke but also fabulously wealthy. How odd Marianne didn’t mention this. It had come as somewhat of a shock to discover he was married as for some inexplicable reason she thought him a single man. Perhaps his dictatorial manner had made her think no sensible woman would agree to tie herself to him.

  “Here we are, Miss Hadley. The mistress has allocated the green guest suite to you. You have a parlour, bedchamber, dressing room, bathing room and a separate chamber for your abigail.” The woman stepped aside and opened the door with a flourish.

  Her apartment was by far the grandest accommodation Anna had ever occupied. The furnishings were of the highest quality, Sheraton or Chippendale she was sure, the curtains were sumptuous and everywhere she looked she spied another pleasing item. If she was not so cross at the duke’s deception she could be pleased to be here.

  “Thank you, Brown, I’m sure I shall be most comfortable. I should like a footman to wait outside in order to conduct me to her grace. This establishment is so vast I doubt I would find her in a sennight without assistance.”

  There was the odd sound of water running and Anna walked towards it. Molly was already setting out a fresh gown of dull grey twill and all the required underpinnings. “Lawks, miss, I’ve never seen the like. I have a girl to help me; she’s running you a bath in that new-fangled bathing room.”

  “I’m not sure I shall have time to bathe, the duchess is waiting for me.” Anna viewed the dull garment on the bed and wished she had something more colourful. The need to remain invisible was no longer important but all her gowns had been made to disguise her shapely figure. “I should like you to redress my hair, Molly. At least I can give up this hideous arrangement even if I have nothing more flattering to wear.”

  In less than half hour she was ready. She glanced into the over mantel mirror and was pleasantly surprised at the image. There was nothing she could do about the walnut juice that stained her hair an unbecoming shade of dull brown b
ut at least, with it loosely arranged on top of her head, she looked less like a governess.

  As she walked across the pretty sitting-room she heard Molly singing to herself. She couldn’t help smiling; it would be no hardship being obliged to remain here until the legal formalities were completed. Time enough then to consider her options. She must ask the duke to frank a letter to Isobel explaining the new circumstances.

  A smart young man in full livery leapt to attention as she appeared. He bowed. “If you would care to follow me, Miss Hadley, I shall take you to her grace. Mr Foster says I am to be your guide until you are more familiar with Shalford Hall.”

  “That is kind of Foster. If you are to be at my side I should like to know your name.”

  “William, Miss Hadley.” He walked slightly to one side of her keeping his eyes politely averted.

  Anna was tempted to make a few enquiries about the lady of the house but held her peace. It didn’t do to gossip with the staff. She glanced from side to side hoping to remember pictures, items of furniture, views from a window so that she might find her own way back without assistance. Instead of turning towards the handsome staircase she was led to the south side of the vast edifice towards a pair of double doors, one of which stood open.

  “Here you are, miss, her ladyship is in her drawing room. Shall I announce you?”

  “Good heavens, certainly not.” Anna stepped through the opening expecting to be greeted by a young woman around her own age. Her jaw dropped. She dipped in a deep curtsy. “Good afternoon, your grace. It is most kind of you to invite me to your home.”

  “Forgive me, my dear, for not coming to greet you. As you can see I am somewhat infirm. Come in, I have sent for refreshments I expect you are sharp set after your long journey and it is an age until dinnertime.” Anna hurried forward and dropped onto the upright chair beside her hostess. “Also, there’s no need to pretend you are glad to be here. My reprehensible son has told me how he tricked you into coming.”