Читать книгу Regency Society - Хелен Диксон, Ann Lethbridge, Хелен Диксон - Страница 105

Luke sighed as he dismounted and gave the reins of his horse into the hands of a waiting groom. He was tired and hungry and, as he noticed the carriage and horses waiting in the courtyard, resentful of whoever had come calling at such a time. He was in no mood for visitors. What he needed was a hot bath, food and some sleep. His search had once more been in vain and he was beginning to think he would never see Roxanne again. The thought was like a heavy weight, dragging him down.

‘My lord…’ the groom began, but Luke waved him away in frustration. ‘But, my lord…’

Ignoring the man’s attempt to attract his attention, Luke walked into the house. He was heading for the stairs and his own room when Mrs Arlet came rushing into the hall.

‘Thank goodness you’re back, sir,’ she cried. ‘She’s home, my lord. Miss Roxanne is in the back parlour with the earl this very minute.’

‘Home? Roxanne is here?’ Luke stared at her in disbelief. A great wave of euphoria and relief rushed over him, making him weak. He had been at the end of his tether, afraid that she must be dead, and now he could hardly believe she was here. He must go to her at once, tell her how sorry he was for the things he had said to her. If need be he would beg for her forgiveness.

Flinging open the parlour door, Luke stopped abruptly on the threshold as he saw that his grandfather and another gentleman were in conversation but there was no sign of Roxanne. Luke instantly recalled the stranger as being the rich Indian he’d seen in the jeweller’s shop in London. Where was Roxanne? Had she run off again?

‘Where is Roxanne?’ he burst out as his heart suddenly plummeted in fear. ‘I was told she was here.’

‘Luke,’ the earl said and both he and the stranger stood up. ‘This gentleman is Prince Ranjit and the son of the ruler of a great province in India. He saved Roxanne from rogues who might have taken her life. His wife has nursed our girl through a severe illness and now he has brought her back to us.’

‘Then where is she?’ The question came out of Luke in a rush of agony.

‘I am here, my lord.’ Roxanne’s soft tones made him swing round to discover that she was standing a little way behind him in the hall. ‘I went up to change my gown, for I wish to return this to the prince.’ Luke saw she was carrying a rich silk gown that looked as if it had come from Paris. She was now wearing a simple grey gown that he’d purchased for her in London. His eyes ran over her, seeing her as pale and tired, a shadow of the girl he adored, and his heart caught with pain. ‘I am sorry to have caused you so much trouble. Grandfather says that you have been searching for me. Had I been able I would have let you know where I was. It was not possible.’ Her eyes conveyed a message that silenced him.

Luke inclined his head, standing back to allow her to enter the parlour before him. He followed and took up a position between the prince and the door, standing rather than sitting, his manner one of belligerence that seemed to say he was prepared to throw the intruder out if he attempted to take Roxanne with him.

‘Perhaps someone would explain,’ he said in a carefully controlled tone, his hands clenched at his sides. ‘You seemed to have disappeared from the face of the earth, Roxanne.’

‘Yes, I think the prince wanted to keep our whereabouts a secret until he was certain that his uncle’s men were all taken and rendered harmless. It was Prince Sangyo that attacked our bailiff and his men that tried to abduct me. I was fortunate that Prince Ranjit was able to rescue me, otherwise I fear I might have died.’

Luke’s brow lowered. He glared at the prince, but resisted the impulse to throw himself on the man and strangle him. How dare he sit there looking so pleased with himself—and why did Luke get the feeling that the prince wanted more than the ruby?

‘May I ask why that ruby is so important that your life was at risk in the first place?’

‘It is a sacred thing—the eye of a goddess—and Prince Ranjit’s people have been cursed since it was stolen. My father bought it from the thief. He did not know that it was stolen and I have agreed that we should return the ruby to Prince Ranjit so that he can take it back where it belongs.’

‘What proof do you have that he will return the ruby and not sell it?’

At a movement of anger from the prince, Roxanne held out her hand. ‘I know you are angry, Luke. Please save your anger for later. Prince Ranjit is my friend. I knew him as a child and he has letters for me from my father and others from his own father. He is the man he claims to be and I trust his word. He is an honourable man, as is his father. I know that the ruby must be returned to the goddess and I beg you to arrange it with your bank, Luke. Please do this for me as soon as it may be arranged. We shall speak of other things later.’

Luke clenched his teeth. She claimed the man was her friend and the accord between them was obvious. From the way the prince looked at her, he admired her, wanted her—and she seemed dazzled by him.

After the way he had treated her it would not be surprising if she preferred the exotic prince to a man who had bullied and insulted her.

Prince Ranjit rose to his feet. His manner was haughty as he approached Luke.

‘May I assure you that my father was willing to pay the price asked so that the ruby could be returned. He would have paid twice its worth to a jeweller—but Rose Marie has given it of her own free will.’

‘Rose Marie…?’ Luke’s gaze went over her, his heart catching. She was so beautiful and she deserved so much more than he could give her. He loved her, but he had discovered his love too late and she must hate him. ‘Is this what you truly want, Roxanne?’

‘Yes, of course it is. You know that we always meant to give it back if we could discover the rightful owner. My father has left me an inheritance and the prince placed it in a bank in London for me. I have ten thousand pounds, which is more than sufficient for my needs.’

Now that he had had time to look at her, he saw that Roxanne looked different. Despite her pallor she was confident and sure of herself, with a glow in her eyes that he had not seen before. She no longer needed his help. She had a fortune of her own—and an ardent admirer in the prince. Luke had no claim on her. If she wished to be free, he must let her go.

He inclined his head to the prince. ‘Very well. If you will come to the library with me, sir. I shall write a letter to my bank and they will release the ruby into your care.’

‘As you wish, sir.’ The prince bowed to the earl. ‘I thank you for your hospitality, sir.’ He took Roxanne’s hand and kissed it. ‘Should you wish it, my father would welcome you to our palace, Rose Marie. I myself have a deep admiration and warmth for you; it would be my pleasure to serve you if you came to me. May the gods watch over you and keep you from harm.’ He shot a look of dislike at Luke and then followed him from the room.

Roxanne stood undecided for a moment, but the earl shook his head at her. ‘Let them settle it between them, girl. Sit down and tell me again what happened. Is that rogue truly what he says—and do you believe that it was his uncle’s men that attacked you?’

Roxanne smiled, drew her chair close to him and reached for his hand. ‘Yes, Grandfather, I do,’ she said. ‘Prince Ranjit is a terrible liar. When we were children he often lied to us to get his own way, because he was spoiled and a little selfish. We always knew when he was lying and I’m certain I would have known this time. His uncle wants to rule in Prince Ranjit’s stead after the present ruler dies. If he could have found the ruby and taken it back to the temple, the people might have rejected the prince and placed him on the throne.’

‘Yes, I understand that part of it,’ the earl said. ‘But why could he not have told us that he had you? You said you were ill?’

‘I lay in a fever for some days and then I was weak and unable to rise from my bed. Shulie nursed me and the doctor helped me to recover. When I was well enough to leave my bed, Prince Ranjit told me the truth. I think…’ She hesitated, then, ‘I believe he may have hoped to make me his second wife. Shulie seemed to fear it, but when I told him I was Luke’s betrothed wife he brought me back to you.’

‘Where you should always have been,’ the earl grunted. ‘It was foolish running off the way you did, girl. I shan’t demand that you marry Luke if you’d rather not—but your home is here with me. I need to see your pretty face, Roxanne. If you’re not here, what is there to look forward to in the mornings?’

‘Forgive me,’ she said and reached for his hand once more. ‘I regretted running off as I did and I think I might have returned sooner had the kidnap not happened. I was distressed, but it was foolish of me. I know that Luke does not love me, as I love him—but I did give my word that I would marry him and I should like to live in this house with you, sir.’

‘What about my foolish grandson?’

‘Luke must tell me what he wants,’ Roxanne said and her eyes shone with the tears she was too proud to shed. ‘If he still wants me, I shall marry him.’

‘My grandson is a very mixed-up young man and a part of that is my fault,’ the earl said. ‘I resented him because of his father and I blamed John Clarendon for not loving my daughter.’ He sighed deeply. ‘I pushed them into the marriage and I almost did the same to you and Luke. Please forgive me and stay with me, Roxanne. You are as a granddaughter to me and I hope you will make this your home—whatever you and Luke decide.’

‘I shall be glad…’ Roxanne’s words trailed away as the door opened and Luke entered. The look on his face was so harsh that she caught her breath. ‘Has the prince gone?’

‘That damned fellow,’ Luke said in a haughty tone. ‘He had the effrontery to tell me that he would be happy to wed you if I no longer wished for the connection.’

‘I’m sorry he made you angry,’ Roxanne replied. ‘I believe he had some idea that because we had been childhood friends he would like to make me his second wife.’

‘Insufferable.’ Luke fumed, his eyes glinting with temper. ‘You may think yourself fortunate that you did not have the ruby with you, Roxanne. You might otherwise have been left in a ditch to die.’

‘Luke, that is despicable. You should not talk about him in such a disrespectful manner. I believe the prince honourable in his own way,’ she replied stiffly. ‘I know his father sent him to recover the ruby, but they gave me my father’s fortune even though they might have withheld it had they wished.’

‘Your father bought the ruby in good faith. It was yours by right, Roxanne, and worth twelve thousand pounds if a penny.’

‘I did not want it. Such a jewel could only bring ill fortune to anyone who kept it, knowing its history. The prince will return it to the goddess and perhaps his people will prosper again. They are a superstitious people and the curse may only be in their minds, but with the ruby back in place they may be happier.’

Luke threw her a smouldering look. ‘I was merely thinking of your rights. Since you do not choose to take anything I gave you…’ He glanced at her left hand and saw that she was wearing her emerald ring. ‘You are wearing your ring, yet you left it behind—why the change?’

‘I did not wish the prince to think I had lied to him concerning my situation. I believe that he wished to marry me and I wanted to make it clear that I was not free without hurting his feelings.’

Luke frowned. ‘I shall not keep you to your promise, Roxanne. I can see that you no longer need me. Marry your prince if that is your wish. I have no right to hold you here.’

‘Luke, how could you? You are too cruel.’

‘Luke, do not be a fool,’ the earl said. ‘Roxanne has just come back to us. You should not quarrel with her. Besides, she has decided to stay with me—whatever the pair of you decide between you, Roxanne’s home will be here with me.’

‘How very convenient for you both,’ Luke snapped and turned on his heel, striding from the room without another word.’

Roxanne’s eyes filled with tears. ‘He is angry again. I did not mean to make him angry. What did I say?’

‘He is a pig-headed fool,’ the earl said, making a sound of exasperation. ‘I fear we are too much alike. It is his pride talking, Roxanne. He will apologise to you when he has cooled down and beg you to marry him.’

Roxanne felt the prick of tears and blinked hard. ‘I fear Luke no longer wishes me to be his wife, Grandfather. He never did truly. The engagement was make believe—I would have been his wife only for as long as you lived. Then he would have asked for a separation.’

‘Stuff and nonsense. Luke is in love with you, girl. When you were lost he searched for you constantly. He was like a man possessed. He neither slept nor ate and I think, had you not returned, he would have gone mad with grief. Why should he react so strongly to a rival if he is not in love with you?’

‘You cannot mean it?’ Roxanne stared at him in disbelief. ‘He is so angry. Surely…was he really in distress because I was lost?’

‘I would never lie to you,’ the earl told her and smiled. ‘Go after him, girl. Sort it out between yourselves—but please do not run off again. My heart won’t stand it.’

‘I promise I shan’t leave you again, sir—though I think you a fraud. I am certain you will live many years yet.’

The earl laughed. ‘You may be right, especially if I have good news.’

Roxanne bent and kissed him and then went hurriedly from the room. Where would Luke be? She prayed that he had not gone off to London in a temper.

His grandfather was right to call him a fool. Luke left the house with his pride in tatters and his temper still raging, but he had not gone farther than the rose garden when he realised that he was in the wrong. Why must he always quarrel with the woman he loved? The desolation that had come over him when his search for her had proved in vain was surely enough to tell him that his life would be empty without her. He should have taken her into his arms rather than raging at her, but the interview with Prince Ranjit had not improved his temper, and Roxanne’s defence of her old friends had made him snap at her once more.

Yet his honour would not allow him to force her into a marriage that she might regret. The prince had made it clear that she would be honoured in his country and she had changed since meeting him. Had she rediscovered a lost love? Why did she have that new glow about her? She had always been vibrant and beautiful, but now there was something more—a certainty that had not been there before.

He was a fool and he did not deserve her. No wonder she’d decided that she did not wish to marry him. Why should she? He’d asked her to enter a make-believe engagement, spoken of a convenient arrangement, seduced her and then lost his temper with her. No woman with any pride could accept such treatment. It was not surprising that she’d walked out on him. Now she was back and he had insulted her again. He was a damned fool and he was very much afraid that he’d lost her for ever.

‘Luke, please wait for me.’

Turning, he saw Roxanne walking towards him and his heart took a flying leap. The gown she wore was simply cut, but she looked like a queen, regal and proud. In the sunshine her thick luxuriant hair was touched by fire and she was so beautiful that he felt weak with longing. If he lost her, he would have no reason to live.

‘Roxanne,’ he began hurriedly. ‘I know what I said was unforgivable. I had no right or justification for speaking to you so harshly. You have every right to do exactly as you wish.’

‘Yes, Luke, I do.’ Roxanne raised her head and met his eyes with a cool frank look. ‘I am very fond of Grandfather and I shall not leave him here alone again, though I believe his health is more stable than you may imagine. It is true that he has bouts of illness that could be his last, but he has a very strong will. For as long as he has something to live for he will fight to live.’

‘What are you saying?’ Luke’s gaze narrowed as he tried to gauge what was in her mind. ‘Are you suggesting that we should go ahead with our marriage to please him?’

‘Perhaps.’ She took a deep breath. ‘When I left this house that day I felt that your harsh behaviour towards me made a marriage between us untenable. However, after my distress eased, I came to realise that I did not wish to leave Grandfather—or you. I believe I should have returned to discuss the matter with you in a sensible manner had I not been kidnapped.’

She seemed so calm, so in control that Luke hesitated, not knowing what to believe. ‘I am not certain what you mean,’ he said. ‘Are you intending to go on as before—or is this to be a genuine marriage?’

‘That is up to you,’ she replied. ‘My own preference is for a true marriage. I wish for children and—I am very fond of you, Luke. I like you when you are not in a temper and I believe we could go on very comfortably together.’

‘You like me when I am not in a temper?’ His hands curled into balls at his sides, tension creeping into his voice. ‘The evening of the ball you said…I thought there might be more to your feelings than mere liking.’ His gaze was intent on her face and he was pleased to see a slight unease dawn in her eyes. She was not truly as calm as she pretended. Roxanne might be a superb actress, but she could not quite shut her feelings out. Making a giant stride towards her, Luke took hold of her, one hand on each of her upper arms, staring down at her fiercely. ‘Supposing I want more than mere liking? Supposing I want passion and love—the kind of love that blazes out of control and takes over your life?’

He felt her tremble and she caught her bottom lip between white teeth. Luke smiled, the despair inside him beginning to give way before a new certainty and hope.

‘Is that what you want from me?’ Roxanne asked, a tremor in her voice now. ‘I thought you did not wish to commit to such feelings? You said you did not believe in romantic love, only passion.’

‘It was my belief that I could never truly love,’ Luke said and smiled. ‘Grandfather speaks the truth when he calls me a fool, Roxanne. Everything I ever wanted was there—mine for the taking—but I did not have the sense to see it. Only when I thought you lost, perhaps dead, did I begin to understand how deep my feelings for you actually were. I love you, Roxanne. Not mildly or with fond affection, but with a passion I hardly know how to control. I find the idea of life without you appalling. I want to see you every day, to wake up and find you beside me in my bed—to know that you are mine and always will be.’

Roxanne held back a sob, her face pale and tense. ‘Luke, I do love you. You must know it. Surely you must have known that night?’

‘I discovered something so sweet in your arms that night,’ he murmured huskily, his arms going about her waist as he pulled her close. ‘Yet I feared it. I fled from you before you woke because I was terrified of letting you discover my vulnerability. I was uncertain whether you truly loved me.’

‘You must have known when I clung to you and held nothing back? Surely you knew then?’

‘Yet you so rarely let your feelings show. You are a clever actress, Roxanne. It might have been an act—and it was not all fear that you did not feel as I did; I was afraid that I would hurt you, destroy you, if I allowed myself to offer you a true marriage. I believed my father shallow and thought I might be as he was, but I misjudged him. He lost the woman he truly loved and married my mother just to have an heir for the earldom. He could never love his wife because his heart was in the grave with his one true love. When I thought you might be dead, I knew just what my father felt, Roxanne. Even had I married for an heir in years to come, I should never have loved another woman. You mean everything to me; if you leave me, I shall have nothing left to give anyone.’

‘Oh, Luke…’ Roxanne’s voice caught and a tear escaped, sliding down her cheek. He wiped it away with his fingertips and then bent to kiss her lips. She gave a little moan and pressed herself against him, melting into him so that he felt as if they were one person, one being. ‘Luke, my dearest. When I recovered my senses I knew all that I had lost and I feared I might never see you again. Shulie believed the prince meant to make me his wife and for a short time I feared he might take me with him whether I wished it or not.’

‘But you admired him. I saw it in your eyes—and there is something different about you…’

‘I know who I am now, Luke. Before I wondered if I might be a thief or worse. I was not sure that I was good enough to be your wife and the mistress of this house.’

‘Grandfather knew you were a lady born. He saw quality—as I did had I the sense to realise it.’

‘Yes, but I did not know. I wanted to be worthy of you, Luke. Now the shadows of the past have gone and I know who and what I am.’

‘The notion of India was more true than you knew?’

‘My father was the prince’s tutor. When my mother died of a fever my father brought me home to live with my aunt and uncle—but her husband was a greedy rogue. When Papa sent me the ruby to keep for him, my aunt saw it and her husband was ready to give me to a man who would have used me for his pleasure and made me work as a whore until I died of some disease. I heard him telling her it was either that or he would kill me himself.’

‘Damn him! If I’d known, I would have killed him myself!’

‘My aunt pleaded with him, but she was frightened of him. I ran away that night. I was afraid he would catch me and I ran and ran for a long time…then I was attacked by a vagrant and after that I became ill and I must have wandered in a daze. I remember now that I told Sofia some of the story when I was ill, just little things about India. I cried for my mother and my ayah.’

‘Why did she not tell you later?’

‘Perhaps because she knew it distressed me to try to remember. She invented the game to try to jog my memory, but it did not work and so she decided that it was best to forget the past. She loved me and wanted to keep me safe. Because she feared for me she tried to keep my past a secret, and that is why no one found me for a long time, even when the prince’s men began to search. When she was ill she told me she was sure I was a lady and that I should sell the ruby and set up with a companion. She hoped I would marry well.’

‘She thought you enamoured of the prince,’ Luke said, a hint of jealousy in his voice.

‘I was but a child when we were friends,’ Roxanne said and smiled at him. ‘Sofia asked me about the prince once, but I could not recall him, though I must have said something to her when I was rambling. When she spoke of him I thought she meant one of her lovers, because when I recovered from the fever I had no memory of anything.’

‘He remembered you. He wanted you.’

‘Then why did he not simply take me? I should have found it difficult to escape had he decided to keep me.’

‘He wanted the ruby more,’ Luke said. ‘He knew that I would never give it up while he had you and that’s why he brought you back to me.’

‘Yes, perhaps, though I believe he understood that I belonged to you. I know he made you angry, but his father was always an honourable man and the prince did what was right in the end.’

‘You may think so, but I cannot excuse the fellow. He had the effrontery to offer to buy you from me,’ Luke said, a grim look on his face. ‘He said that he would pay my price whatever that might be. I told him that you were a pearl beyond price and not for sale.’

‘He tried to buy me from you?’ Roxanne was stunned, incredulous. ‘Is that what made you so angry?’

‘What would you expect? He said that if I was making a marriage of convenience, he would make it worth my while to give you up.’

‘How could he?’ Roxanne felt a surge of anger. ‘He had no right. I am not your property. I am not anyone’s property.’

‘That is the gist of what I told him, though perhaps not quite in those words,’ Luke said. He hesitated, studying her face and trying to read her mind. ‘Can you forgive me, Roxanne? Will you give me another chance?’

‘Are you asking me to marry you?’

‘Yes, of course.’ Luke suddenly dropped on one knee before her, gazing up at her in earnest. ‘Roxanne, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife? I love you and your agreement will make me the happiest man alive.’

She seemed to hesitate for one instant and Luke’s heart sank; then she smiled and inclined her head.

‘Yes, of course I shall, Luke. Please get up. There was no need to kneel to me. All I want is to know that I am truly wanted and loved. I do not require homage, nor shall I tie you to me. You may live as you wish, visit London as often as you choose. I ask only that you love me and return to me when you are ready.’

‘Unless forced by business, I shall never want to leave you for more than a few hours, my darling.’

Luke was on his feet, drawing her into his arms. He crushed her against him, knowing that she must feel the heat and force of his arousal and he held her pressed into his body. He wanted her to know how fierce was his need and his desire.

‘I wanted you from the first moment we met,’ he said hoarsely. ‘At first I thought to make you my mistress, but…’ His hold tightened as he felt her stiffen, pressing her even closer. ‘For a long time now I’ve known that making you my mistress would not serve. I suspect that even when I first asked you to enter a make-believe marriage, I knew somewhere deep inside me that once I had you I should never wish to let you go.’

‘Luke…I hoped, but was never certain…’

‘You do care for me a little? I know I am far from perfect—but you do truly love me?’

Roxanne smiled tenderly. ‘I think I fell in love with you the moment you opened your eyes and looked at me, but I did not admit it until much later. I was afraid that you would never love me—afraid that if you sensed my feelings you would feel trapped.’

‘I did for a short time,’ Luke admitted honestly. ‘I did not want to feel love, because I know that it can bring so much pain. I saw my mother’s misery and my father’s chafing at the bonds that tied him to a woman he did not love. I was a coward to run from love, Roxanne—but I swear I shall never give you cause to doubt me again.’

‘Then we shall be married as soon as it can be arranged,’ Roxanne told him. She offered her hand, her eyes bright with love. ‘I believe we should tell Grandfather. He cares for us both so much, Luke. Before we came here he was lonely and unhappy. The breach between you was too wide for either of you to cross. Now I think you have reached an understanding?’

‘Because of you the breach has closed and we are a family once more.’ Luke reached out to touch her cheek. ‘While you were missing, our mutual despair drew us together and we realised that we loved each other. Grandfather told me I was a fool and he was right. I had no idea how fortunate I was that day my horse took a tumble in the woods.’

‘If I had not run away from Black Bob that day, we might never have met.’ Roxanne shuddered and moved closer to him. ‘How much we might both have lost, Luke.’

‘I think it was our destiny.’ He leaned down to kiss her once more. ‘Come, we should put Grandfather’s mind at rest, though I am certain he already knows.’

‘I think the old rascal is truly content now,’ Luke said as he took Roxanne’s hand. The earl had retired to bed after eating supper with them in the parlour and they were strolling in the moonlight, enjoying the warmth of a summer night. ‘He seems much better now, though at times I see that he is still frail.’

‘We must make his life as full as possible,’ Roxanne said. ‘We shall live here for most of the time, Luke, though I know you have other estates and a house in London.’

‘Once I thought the country boring, but it cannot be so when you are here, my love. It may be that I shall have to tend to business at my own estate from time to time and if you cannot accompany me I must leave you here—but I shall return as soon as I can.’

‘Perhaps one day we shall spend more time in London or at your own estate, but for Grandfather’s sake we must be here as often as we can, dearest.’

‘You are as caring as you are beautiful,’ Luke said and drew her near, bending his head to kiss her mouth. ‘I want you so much. I can hardly bear to wait for our wedding night, Roxanne.’

‘And why should you wait?’ she whispered against his mouth. ‘I do not think you need to consider my modesty or my reputation since the servants all knew what happened on the night of the ball.’ She gurgled with delicious laughter and pressed herself against him. ‘Take me to bed, Luke. I am as impatient as you—and it is only another ten days to our wedding.’

‘Wicked seductress,’ he murmured and touched her cheek. ‘Since it is too late to save either your reputation or mine, I believe I shall take you at your word.’

‘You look beautiful, Miss Roxanne,’ the housekeeper said when she brought up the posy of white roses and lilies tied with red ribbons. ‘It’s a shame that you’ve no family to share your special day.’

‘My family is here,’ Roxanne said and impulsively kissed her cheek. ‘You are as a friend to me, Mrs Arlet. Everyone has made me welcome, right from the first moment I came here. If I have no mother, I have my memories and I have my friends. Grandfather is to give me away. Why should I need anyone else?’

‘You’re a proper lady, miss, and no mistake,’ Mrs Arlet said. ‘We’re all so happy that you and his lordship intend to make this your main home.’

‘We shall honeymoon in Paris and we shall spend a few weeks in London sometimes, but I love this house. Lord Clarendon knows that and it is the reason that he has agreed to live here.’

‘We are all so excited, Miss Roxanne. His lordship was telling us about the plans he has for bringing the house and estate up to modern standards.’

‘Yes, I know. Grandfather had allowed things to stagnate a little, but Clarendon will change all that—and that is as it should be. I know the earl is delighted with the way things have turned out.’

‘Is there anything I can do for you, miss?’

‘No, thank you. I am almost ready. I shall come down in a few moments.’

‘I’ll leave you with Tilly then.’ Mrs Arlet nodded as the maid entered bearing some floral tributes, gifts and cards. ‘We all wish you happiness, Miss Roxanne.’

‘Thank you,’ Roxanne replied and nodded as she went out, closing the door behind her. ‘So many people have sent gifts,’ she said as her maid laid the packages on the dressing table. ‘Where have all these things come from?’

‘Some were delivered by hand, miss. I think his lordship sent this one.’

Roxanne took the small package she offered and opened it, smiling as she saw the diamond-and-pearl earrings, which would go with the pearls he had given her and the bracelet of pearls and diamonds that the earl had sent her earlier that morning. She read the card, smiled and then slipped them into her ears. Looking at her reflection, she nodded in a pleased way. She picked up a posy, held it to her nose and smiled, then indicated another small parcel.

‘What is the other package?’

‘That came from London this morning, miss.’ She picked it up and handed it to her.

Roxanne opened it and gasped as she saw the huge pearl. It was pink, flawless and shaped like a teardrop. Set in gold at the pointed end, it could be worn as a pendant. She picked it up, looking at it as it lay in her palm and thinking that it must be very valuable, then saw the card that had lain beneath it.

For a pearl beyond price, she read and frowned as she saw the signature. This comes from Prince Ranjit on behalf of his family.

Replacing the pearl in its nest of black velvet, Roxanne fastened the pearls Luke had given her about her throat.

‘I shall go down now, Tilly,’ she said. ‘Please finish packing my things for me. There are only a few trinkets for my dressing case. Everything else we have not already decided on can remain here. Clarendon says that we should not take too much, because he intends to buy clothes in Paris.’

‘Very well, miss.’ Tilly couldn’t keep the note of excitement from her voice. ‘I’ve never been to France, miss.’

‘I visited with friends when we travelled as a group,’ Roxanne said with a smile. ‘I liked it well enough then, but I think it will be wonderful this time.’

Picking up her posy, she walked from the room and negotiated the stairs with care, her train flowing behind her. The earl and most of the servants had gathered below to greet her. She kissed the earl and then turned to a young woman whom she had met for the first time and immediately liked the previous evening.

‘Mrs Fox, I am so glad you could come to us—and I hope you like the gown we chose for you. Luke has told me so much about you. Your husband was his dearest friend and I am so pleased that we are to be friends.’

‘It is a lovely gown and it was kind of you to invite me to be one of your attendants,’ Beth Fox said. ‘Please, you must call me Beth. I owe so much to Luke, as you know. After my darling Harry died and I was left alone with a child and no money, Lord Clarendon found me and provided me with a house of my own. I believe you stayed there for a short time before I moved in?’

‘The charming house in Hampstead? Yes, I stayed in your guestroom for a short time. Luke told me your story recently,’ Roxanne said with a smile. ‘Your father and your husband’s family rejected you because they did not approve of the marriage. It was unkind of them to leave you to fend for yourself with a young child to bring up alone. I am glad Luke helped you and I want you to visit with us whenever you choose.’

‘Luke is fortunate in his choice of a bride,’ Beth said and kissed her. ‘Many would have believed the whispers and thought me his mistress—though it has never been so, nor could it be. We both loved Harry and felt only friendship for each other.’

‘Luke is an honourable man and those who think otherwise malign him,’ Roxanne said. ‘Now that you are here for our wedding people will see that they were mistaken. Luke ought to have told Grandfather the truth before, but his stubborn pride would not let him defend his honour. It made him angry because the earl believed the tittle-tattle that you were his mistress.’

‘You are all so kind. I was not sure I should be welcomed by the earl, who was a close friend of my father-in-law, but I have been invited to bring my son and stay whenever I wish. The earl is so generous, Roxanne. I am not surprised you are so fond of him.’

‘Grandfather has made me welcome here from the beginning,’ Roxanne said and went to his side, taking his hand. ‘Shall we leave? I should not wish to keep Luke waiting.’

Luke turned his head as the organ began to play. Roxanne had just entered the church, standing at the far end of the nave with his grandfather, Beth and some young girls as her bridesmaids. She was so beautiful. His heart caught with pride as she walked towards him. As she reached his side, he offered his hand and she took it. He smiled and whispered, ‘You look lovely, my dearest one.’

‘Thank you.’

Her hand trembled slightly and he pressed it as the ceremony began.

‘Dearly beloved. We are gathered together to see this man and this woman joined in Holy matrimony…’

The words droned on and Luke gave his responses in a firm strong tone. Roxanne’s voice was clear and light, carrying to the rear of the church. Luke reached out to lift the white veiling that fell from her satin bonnet and leaned forwards to kiss her softly on the lips.

They advanced towards the high altar to be blessed and then to the vestry where they both signed their names. Then the bells rang out joyously and they were walking into the sunshine. A small crowd awaited their coming and rushed forwards to shower them with flower petals and rice.

After receiving good wishes and small tributes from the villagers, Luke took his bride’s hand and hurried her to the carriage drawn up in the lane. He helped her inside, waiting until the door was closed fast before drawing her into his arms to kiss her.

‘My sweet love,’ he murmured huskily. ‘I was afraid this day might never happen, but it has and I am the happiest of men.’

‘Thank you for my surprise gifts,’ Roxanne said and touched the magnificent earrings she wore. ‘You have given me so much…’

Luke smiled, touching her cheek with his fingertips. ‘The earrings are just one of many gifts I intend to make you, my darling. I have others for this evening when we are alone—and in Paris I shall buy you all the clothes and trinkets you could desire.’

‘You are intent on spoiling me,’ Roxanne said and leaned closer to kiss him. ‘I love the gifts you’ve given me, Luke—but it is your love I prize more than any jewel.’

‘My love is yours for ever,’ he murmured huskily. ‘I shall show you later how prized you are, Roxanne.’

‘This is the happiest day of my life.’

She reached up and kissed him.

‘My beloved.’ Luke drew her close as passion surged between them. ‘How fortunate I feel.’

The large reception hall was overflowing with guests. They spilled over into the parlours and out on to the terraces in the sunshine, the sound of laughter and chattering voices resounding throughout the house.

The bride and groom stood together to welcome all their guests. It was a glittering occasion, for friends and relatives had come from all parts of the country to stay and witness the wedding.

‘I never thought I should see this day,’ the earl said to Roxanne when she brought him a slice of rich fruity wedding cake with thick white icing. ‘I don’t know when I’ve ever seen Luke look this happy, girl. I never expected to see him head over heels in love, but there’s no doubt of it. It’s a transformation and one that gives me a deal of pleasure.’

‘We are both very fortunate,’ Roxanne said and took his hand, holding it to her cheek. ‘I owe this to you, Grandfather. Luke told me what you said to him—the way you made him realise that he was in danger of losing everything he truly wanted.’

‘I told him the truth about things he should have known long ago,’ the earl said, shaking his head. ‘If it made the difference, I’m glad.’

Music had begun to play. Luke came to Roxanne and took her hand, leading her out to the middle of the floor. They danced together, a slow stately performance, then suddenly the music changed and he swept her into his arms as they waltzed.

‘I want to take you somewhere quiet and make love to you,’ he whispered against her ear. ‘How much longer must I wait?’

‘Luke…’ Roxanne drew back, her mouth soft and seductive as she smiled. ‘Be patient, beloved. We shall be together very soon now—and we have the rest of our lives to make love.’

‘Hardly enough,’ he murmured throatily. ‘I want you for ever. Eternity is not long enough for all the things I want to tell you.’

It was as if Luke had suddenly discovered a well of emotions and feelings that he’d never known existed and they spilled over, engulfing her in a tide of love and desire.

‘Well, I shall go up and change very soon,’ Roxanne told him. ‘You could follow me if you wish and…’ She left the words unsaid, but her eyes told him all he wished to know.

Roxanne slipped out of her wedding gown and put on a soft silk wrap. She took the brush in her right hand and began to stroke it over her hair, letting the dark red tresses fall over her shoulders and down her back.

‘Come back when I send for you, Tilly,’ she said. ‘I want to rest for a little while before I change for this evening.’

‘Yes, miss—I mean, my lady.’ The girl blushed and bobbed a curtsy. ‘Ring when you need me.’

Roxanne nodded and smiled. She was dabbing a little light perfume at her wrists when the door opened and Luke entered. She stood up and moved towards him, a smile of invitation on her lips.

‘I told Tilly I wished to rest before I change for the evening,’ she said huskily. ‘I am not tired, but the sheets have been turned back. Shall we rest for a while together?’

Luke moved in closer and reached for her, his arms sliding about her waist. ‘Those of the guests who are staying have gone up to change for the evening and the others are departing. I do not think we shall be missed for an hour or so, dearest.’

‘Luke…’ Roxanne lifted her face for his kiss, melting against him as his lips took possession of hers. ‘I love you so very much.’

Then she was in his arms, responding to his kiss, and the next instant he was carrying her to the bed, placing her carefully amongst scented sheets.

Going to him without reserve, Roxanne shuddered with delight as his hands stroked up the arch of her back. Luke reached for her wrap, slipping it back off her shoulders to kiss her soft skin. The touch of his warm mouth on her breasts and then the inside of her thighs made her whimper with pleasure and she trembled, arching to meet him, lips parting as his kiss swept her away on clouds of exquisite pleasure.

Luke removed his own clothes and she saw the urgency of his need as he lay down beside her and drew her into his body. She felt the burn of his desire next to her thigh and then her legs were parting and he was between them, thrusting up into her. She gave a cry of pleasure, opening to him, wanting him deeper and deeper inside her. Her back arched and her hips thrust forwards to meet him as the desire pooled and grew into a raging need.

Together they reached for and found that wonderful place that is known only to true lovers. Luke gave a great shout of joy and triumph as he came inside her and she found her climax rolling through her as it came and came again in waves.

Afterwards, he lay with his head against her breast, their sweat mingling as they held on to each other, replete and content.

It was some time later that they left the bed. Roxanne sat at her dressing table and began to brush her hair.

‘I must go and change,’ Luke said and lifted her hair to kiss the back of her neck. He moved round to look at her and watch as she brushed her hair, perching on the edge of the dressing table, reluctant to leave despite his avowal that he ought to go. He picked up a small box casually and opened it, then stiffened as he saw what lay inside. ‘Where did this come from?’

Roxanne looked and saw the magnificent pearl. ‘Oh—that arrived just before the wedding. Tilly brought it up with some other things. Prince Ranjit sent it on behalf of his family.’

‘It must be almost priceless,’ Luke said and frowned, taking it out so that it lay on the palm of his hand. ‘You did not choose to wear it today?’

‘Of course not. I wore the gifts you gave me—and Grandfather’s bracelet. Why should I wear that pearl, Luke? It is lovely, but I think we should send it back. I have no need of such gifts from the prince.’

Luke’s expression eased, anger and tension gone. ‘I would return it except that to do so would cause offence. I shall acknowledge the gift, Roxanne. There is no need for you to do anything.’

‘I shall not wear the pendant, but if you think it rude to return it…’

‘It can stay in the strong room. Perhaps one of our children or their wives will take a fancy to it in the future.’ Luke smiled and leaned forwards to kiss her lips. ‘He said you were a jewel of rare value. I replied that I did not need to be told. I was well aware of your value to me. I was so angry that I wanted to kill him for daring to think you could be his for a sum of money.’

‘You have no need to be angry, my love.’ Roxanne stood up and put her arms about him. ‘No jewels could buy what we have, Luke. Love such as we feel for each other is a gift from God. It is all that either of us need now or in the future.

‘I am so happy,’ Roxanne said. ‘Paris will be wonderful, but all I truly need is to be at home with you and Grandfather.’

‘So you’re home again,’ the earl said and nodded with satisfaction as Roxanne came to kiss him on the cheek. ‘You look happy, girl. Paris was a success, then?’

‘Paris was exciting and I enjoyed the experience,’ she said and pulled her elegant satinwood chair closer to his. It had a shield-shaped back, spindly legs and was one of a set of fourteen from Mr Adams’s workrooms scattered throughout the house. ‘However, I am glad to be home again, sir. Luke will be down shortly. He thinks he must go to London for a few days soon on business, but he will not be away for long.’

‘You must neither of you feel tied to my coattails, girl. As long as you visit often I shall be content.’

‘Well, I dare say I shall go to London or Bath for a visit sometimes, but not just yet.’ Roxanne smiled, hardly able to contain the delight she felt inside. ‘Now, I hope you will not think this too soon, Grandfather—but Luke and I…’ She paused to watch his face, saw his frown and then a look of enquiry in his eyes. ‘Yes, I am to have a child. I know it may seem too soon to be sure, but I think…it may have happened before the wedding. We did anticipate our wedding a little. I hope I have not shocked you?’

‘A child…’ The earl looked at her eagerly, a hint of tears in his eyes. ‘You’re certain, girl?’

‘I saw a doctor just before we left Paris and he was sure that I was with child, perhaps two months or a little less. If I take good care and do not rush about all over the place, I believe you may have your first grandchild sooner than you had anticipated.’

‘An heir…’ The earl grinned at her. ‘I thought I might have to wait months, years even. You’re a clever girl, Roxanne. I knew you were just what this place needed when Luke first brought you here.’

‘I may have a daughter,’ she cautioned. ‘But if I do we shall have to try again. I must confess that I shall not mind if we have a brood of children, both sons and daughters, to fill this big house with laughter.’

‘You’ve already done that,’ he said. ‘The house has not been empty since you left for France. Your friend Beth Fox brought her son to stay for a few days and I gave him a pony of his own to keep in our stables—so I think we can be sure they will visit regularly. They might find a home here on the estate if you wished it, somewhere close enough for you to visit each other often. Besides, I’ve had a stream of visitors, neighbours and friends I hadn’t bothered with for years—even Luke’s godmother stayed on after the wedding—and guests are what this place has needed since Luke’s parents died.’

‘The tragedy was a terrible thing and it blighted all your lives, but the past has gone and we have a future filled with love and happiness to look forward to.’

‘Luke knows of the child?’

‘He is delighted. He thought I should tell you alone, but he will be down soon and then we can all celebrate together.’

She glanced up as the door opened and Luke walked in. ‘Here you are, dearest. Grandfather is pleased with our news.’

‘You’ve done well by me, sir,’ the earl said. ‘I’m proud of you—proud of you both. And this is one of the happiest days of my life.’

Luke looked at Roxanne, his eyes warm with love. ‘We both hope there will be others as happy, sir.’

‘Yes.’ Roxanne stood up and went to him. She glanced back at the earl. ‘We have decided that you shall name our first child—boy or girl, the choice shall be yours.’

‘Emily for a girl or Selwyn if it’s a boy,’ the earl said. ‘To tell the truth, I have a fancy for a little girl first, but we must wait and see what the good lord sends us.’

‘Yes, I do not think even Roxanne can arrange that, though she leaves little else to chance,’ Luke said and laughed as his wife pulled a face at him. ‘For myself I care not whether the child is male or female—as long as Roxanne is well after the birth I shall be quite content.’

‘I have decided we should have at least two boys and two girls,’ Roxanne said and smiled. ‘But as long as we are all well and content together little else matters.’

‘We should send for champagne,’ the earl said. ‘I want to toast my new grandchild—and the staff must share in our good fortune. We shall give a fête for the people, Luke. I’ll leave it to you to organise the affair, but I shall attend if the day is fine.’

‘I shall set it all in order before I leave for London—and I’ll be back within a week so you need not pull caps with me, Grandfather. My home is here with the people I love and I have no wish to stay away an hour longer than I need.’

The door opened to admit Mrs Arlet. A few words from the earl and she left, face wreathed in smiles, to communicate the news to the rest of the household and order their champagne and lemonade for Roxanne.

‘You know that they will be counting back the weeks after the birth,’ Roxanne said. ‘I think we shall shock our neighbours a little, sir.’

‘Nonsense,’ the earl replied and winked at her. ‘Have you never heard of a babe coming early? My Emily had our son a month sooner than expected—big bonnie boy he was, too.’

‘Grandfather,’ Roxanne said and laughed. ‘You are a rascal.’

‘I was a bit of a rascal when I was younger,’ he agreed and glanced at his grandson. ‘It might be that Clarendon is more like me than any of you thought…’