Make-Believe Wife (13 page)

‘Your pearls, sir,' the jeweller said and opened the
black velvet box to show Luke the single strand of large creamy pearls. ‘I hope they are to your liking?'

‘Yes, they are perfect. My bank will settle your account as usual.'

‘Thank you, sir. Do you wish them wrapped?'

‘No, the box will fit into my pocket,' Luke said. He noticed that the shop's other customer had agreed to purchase one of the rings as he slipped the box into his pocket and left the shop.

Outside, he hailed a hackney cab and asked the driver to take him to his club.

A few moments later, the dark-skinned gentleman came out of the shop and stood on the pavement in thought for a few minutes before turning away.

 

‘Luke, you are back!' Roxanne cried as she saw him leave the house by way of the French windows and enter the rose garden. She moved swiftly towards him, her hands outstretched and a smile of welcome on her lips. ‘Your grandfather thought you would not arrive until the day before the ball.'

‘I told you I should not delay,' he replied and took her hands. ‘How are you? I hope the old scoundrel has not been too grouchy?'

‘Luke! You really must not.' She laughed and shook her head reproachfully. ‘He has been very kind to me. I must tell you that time goes very quickly here. The curate has been giving me piano lessons. He comes twice a week in the morning—and the earl actually left his apartments so that he could listen. They are both
of the opinion that I have been taught to play, but need to practise often to become proficient.'

‘And do you enjoy your lessons?'

‘Yes, I do,' she said. ‘No, do not look so dubious. I find playing very worthwhile and relaxing. I may never be as good as your mama was, but if I play well enough for my own amusement and the enjoyment of others it will be sufficient. I tried my hand at sketching, but I do not think it will suit me. I have no talent for it, I fear.'

‘You have talents enough, Roxanne. Do not be bullied into doing anything you do not wish to do.'

‘No, I shall not. There is more than sufficient to keep me occupied here. I have with the earl's permission begun to plan a wild garden at the back of the house and the kitchen renovations have already started. The invitations for the ball took two days to complete, but since they went out we have been inundated with kind letters—and also some generous gifts. I have written thank-you notes, which the earl was good enough to frank for me.'

‘And so he should since he insisted that we hold a ball.'

Roxanne looked up at him, caught by an inflection in his tone. He sounded annoyed, almost bitter. ‘Did you not wish for a ball?'

‘It makes no difference to me one way or the other— I thought it might be difficult for you, since you do not know any of our friends and relatives.'

‘We have had several morning visits since the news got out,' Roxanne said. ‘Just a few of the earl's neigh
bours. They were all very pleasant and friendly. I do not think the ball will make me uncomfortable.'

‘I am relieved to hear it.'

The look on his face struck her as brooding and she felt her stomach twist with nerves. He was regretting the ball—and perhaps his impulsive suggestion that they should become engaged. Had he visited Mrs Fox in London? Was that why he seemed moody and disgruntled? If she was the woman he truly loved and could not wed, this arrangement must irk him. A sharp pain struck her to the heart, but she ignored her doubts and lifted her head to meet his gaze.

‘Yet the sooner it is all over the better.'

‘Is something wrong, Luke? It is not too late. If you wish to change your mind, I can leave. You could cancel the ball and tell everyone I jilted you—or was not suitable.'

‘Do not be foolish. Nothing has changed. Why should it? Grandfather seems to have accepted you and I see no reason to disappoint him. If you were agreeable, I might persuade him to have the wedding sooner than later—what do you say?'

‘If we are to be married, I see no reason to wait,' Roxanne replied, though she could not meet his eyes. ‘I made a bargain with you, Luke—and I shall keep it to the last letter, if you wish.'

‘You mean you are willing to give Grandfather an heir?' His gaze narrowed, intent and seeming to penetrate her mind, his look almost an accusation, though of what she did not know.

Roxanne's cheeks were burning, but she did not look
at him as she replied, ‘Yes, I think we should not disappoint him if it is possible to oblige.'

‘Supposing an heir comes along—and then the old devil dies on us? What terms will you demand of me then?'

‘I have never demanded anything of you,' Roxanne replied a trifle haughtily. Her head went up, her manner proud. ‘I should want to be a mother to my son, either here or somewhere else. Naturally, you would visit him, or, as he grew older, have him to stay with you wherever you wish.'

‘I do not much care for this place, but my son will inherit it one day. You could continue as its mistress, Roxanne. Unless you wish for your freedom, divorce is hardly necessary. I do not believe I should wish to remarry. I think I am not the domestic type.'

‘No, perhaps not,' Roxanne admitted, her throat tight. Each word he spoke was like a blow to her pride and her heart, but she managed to conceal her feelings. She held herself stiffly, speaking carefully. ‘I believe you are telling me not to expect love or attention. You will continue to live in London and visit us occasionally—is that your wish?'

‘Yes. I have come round to the idea you suggested, Roxanne. I do prefer you to almost any other lady I have met. You do not bore or irritate me and I think we should suit—but I want your promise that you will not weep and reproach me if I take a mistress or stay in London for months on end. I cannot give you love and you must not expect it.'

Roxanne hesitated. Could she keep such a prom
ise? Her feelings for him had gradually become deeper since they had first met and she was very much afraid that her heart was already engaged. She ought never to have agreed to accompany him to London in the first place, or to entertain what was meant to have been a sham engagement. Somehow they had been drawn into something far deeper and for her more meaningful. It hurt to realise that for him nothing had changed. Yet Roxanne knew that she could not bear to walk away from him now. She must just bring all her arts as an actress into play and allow him to believe her feelings were not affected.

‘You know my situation, Luke. Here at Hartingdon I am safe from Black Bob—and I enjoy living here. I believe I should be happy as its mistress and as the mother of your children. If you truly feel there is no need for a divorce, then we may continue the marriage after the earl dies. However, I must tell you that he seems much stronger of late. He has come downstairs for the last three evenings and says he means to walk in the gardens with me tomorrow if it is fine.'

Luke inclined his head, the tiny flicker of a pulse at his temple. ‘I am glad to hear it. However, I have it from his own doctor that he could have a fatal attack at any time, so we must take care not to upset him over small things.' He hesitated for a moment, then, ‘We are of one mind that there is no point in delaying the wedding—if Grandfather agrees?'

‘None whatsoever,' Roxanne said, though her heart raced and for one second her knees felt weak.

‘Then it is settled.' He smiled and her breath fled. ‘I
see no reason why it should not be a pleasant arrangement for us both, Roxanne. I may not believe in the fairy tale of romantic love, but I know how to please in bed, and I believe we should suit well enough. Now tell me—has anything much happened since I left?'

Roxanne flinched, but managed to show no emotion. ‘Yes. I shall tell you in a moment—but first, pray tell me what happened in London. Is your lawyer to place the advert?'

‘We have worded something vague, but enough to arouse curiosity if someone feels they lost a similar jewel.' Luke frowned. ‘You have remembered nothing?'

‘I remembered that Sofia once asked me what the prince looked like. At the time it was a part of the game we played, but I have wondered if Sofia had reason to connect the ruby with India and if her game was meant to jog my memory.'

‘How could she?'

‘When I was ill I may have rambled in my mind, said something that made her wonder.'

‘Would she not have asked you outright?'

‘Sofia cared for me as if I were her own. She would have done nothing that might hurt me—and perhaps she feared what might happen if my memory did return.'

‘Yes, perhaps. It seems odd she made no effort to find your family.'

‘She had no money to hire agents. Besides, I had bruises on my arms and legs, and she wanted to protect me. I think if anyone had asked after me, she would have lied to keep me safe.'

‘My lawyer was of the opinion that the ruby came from India. He thought it sinister and found the shape odd, which I suppose it is in a way. Had you noticed that if you turn it on its side it has the shape of an eye?'

‘I cannot say I had thought of it that way, but I suppose it does—an elongated eye with pointed ends, but, yes, I can see what he means. Did you have it valued?'

‘No. I placed it in the bank in London. I hope you do not mind?'

‘It may be as well,' Roxanne said. She took a deep breath, ‘There was an attempt to break into your grandfather's strong room when you were in London and Mr Higgins was struck over the head when he went to investigate a face at the window of the tower room.'

‘Good grief!' Luke looked at her in horror. ‘Was he badly hurt?'

‘Fortunately not. I visited him at home afterwards and he said it was his own fault. I told him that I had seen someone at the window about halfway up the tower. Mr Higgins was not impolite enough to say so, but he thought it my imagination. The tower has since been searched and there were signs that someone had been there, but has now gone.'

‘Frightened by what he had done, I dare say.' Luke frowned. ‘Did the rogue manage to get inside the strong room?'

‘No, I believe not,' Roxanne said. ‘Do you think it was because of the ruby? It does seem a little odd that it should happen now, do you not think so?'

‘The ruby?' Luke considered for a moment. ‘How could anyone know you had given it to me for safe
keeping? I placed it there for one night, no more. Only the three of us knew. Unless you told someone, it was impossible for them to know. Besides, there are more valuable jewels in the strong room. It is mere coincidence that it has happened now.'

‘Of course you are right.' Roxanne drew a breath of relief. ‘It was just that the face I saw was not English—the man had dusky skin and I thought he might be Indian, which was why I wondered if he was searching for the ruby.' It had all seemed to fit in her mind, but now she felt a little foolish. Of course her ruby was not that important.

‘Did anyone ever come looking for either you or the ruby when you were with the travelling players?'

‘Not to my knowledge. However, Sofia was respected and loved. If she asked the others to keep the secret, no one would have given us away while she lived.'

‘So the only man who might look for you is the one you ran from that day at the Heath—might it have been he?'

‘No, I do not believe it was, though he would have hit poor Mr Higgins and he might have attempted to break into a door that looked intriguing enough to hide valuables. However, I am almost certain that his was not the face at the window.'

‘Then it must have been an itinerant, an opportunist who found himself a place to sleep and attempted to break open a locked door. I am sure the incident had nothing to do with you or the ruby.'

‘I am glad of your good sense. I had been feeling
guilty,' Roxanne admitted. ‘Now I can forget it and concentrate on other things.'

‘You should certainly not let it bother you. Shall we go in and have some tea?'

Roxanne took the arm he offered and walked into the house with him. She was glad to have him back, even though there was pain mixed with the pleasure.

L
uke paused in the act of tying his cravat before dinner that evening. His talk with Higgins had elicited no more information than Roxanne had given him earlier—apart from one thing.

‘There was a strong smell,' Higgins said. ‘Just before I was hit I smelled perfume—not the kind Miss Roxanne uses, but something heavy and exotic. Nothing I've ever smelled before. I forgot when I was telling her about it, but then it came back to me. One of my men found a length of cloth in the tower and it had the same smell about it.'

‘Might the cloth have been used for a turban, do you think?'

‘Yes, sir. As you know, my son is an army sergeant and he sent me a tinted drawing of an Indian soldier he served with when he was in India. The cloth that was found could easily be from a turban.' Higgins seemed
puzzled. ‘What do you think a person like that would be doing in the tower, sir?'

Luke was thoughtful. ‘I think it best we keep this to ourselves, Higgins. At the moment we cannot be sure of anything.'

‘Yes, sir. I understand. The men will keep a sharp eye out for any strangers. Do you think there is something odd going on, my lord?'

‘At the moment I am not certain,' Luke replied. ‘It may just have been a vagrant who saw an opportunity and then panicked when you arrived. Or it may be more sinister. We shall employ more men and patrol the grounds day and night.'

‘Right you are, sir. May I say how happy everyone is that you are spending more time here, sir. Mr Tonkins is a good man and I've done my best, but there are times the earl just does not want to listen.'

‘He has always been stubborn, but he is frailer than I like, Higgins. Any problems regarding this business should come to me, not my grandfather.'

‘You'll be staying here now then, sir?'

‘At least until after the wedding. What happened may be just an isolated incident. Unfortunate for you, but over. However, if anything else happens I may have to rethink my plans.'

Now, as he tied his snowy white cravat into intricate folds, Luke was remembering the dusky-skinned gentleman who had followed him into the London jeweller's. He had noticed a rather exotic perfume that day, though of course it could all be a coincidence. Yet
Brandon had disliked the ruby, implying that there was something dangerous or sinister about it.

It could be that there was something significant about that ruby, something that made it worth sending people to England to search for it—but why now?

Luke had told Roxanne not to worry, dismissing her fears that her ruby might have brought the intruder here, but he could not help wondering if he had been too hasty. The ruby might have more worth to someone than the amount it would fetch in a jeweller's shop. Luke had not considered it important at first, but now several threads were running through his mind.

Damn the thing! He had more to concern him than the blasted ruby. Having spoken to his grandfather that afternoon about bringing the wedding forwards, Luke knew that he had committed himself to marriage. While doubts remained, he could not deny a feeling of satisfaction. It was as if he had been resisting subconsciously, but now that had fallen away and he found he was looking forward to the wedding—but first there was the engagement ball.

While in town he had given Roxanne's measurements to a French seamstress and she had promised to deliver the gown he had ordered in time. She was coming herself to fit it and make any last-minute adjustments. He knew that Roxanne had some idea of making a gown herself, but the magnificent creation he had bought for her would be a surprise—as would the pearls he had purchased in the London jeweller's.

Once again he considered whether the attack on Higgins and the man he had seen purchasing a ring in
London were connected. Had he been followed to the jeweller's that day? Had the man he'd noticed hoped to discover the ruby's whereabouts?

‘Imagination,' he murmured aloud, fastened a magnificent diamond pin in his cravat and went down to dinner.

 

After Luke's return the days seemed to fly past so quickly that Roxanne hardly had time to think or worry about what she was doing. The incident in the tower had been dismissed from her mind completely and she was thoroughly enjoying each day.

Luke had purchased a beautiful mare for her. Rhoda, as he informed her the horse was named, was a chestnut and a perfect mount for her, being spirited and yet good natured, even playful. The mare had responded to Roxanne's touch and voice immediately and, if Roxanne did not watch her, would give her new mistress a sharp nudge in the back with her nose.

‘She is lovely,' Roxanne cried as she thanked him. ‘I am so grateful for your kindness.'

‘You must have a horse of your own. The saddle belonged to my mother. It takes time to make one to suit an individual and we shall commission a new one once you have got used to this, which has been worn in and should be comfortable both for you and the mare.'

‘It is perfect,' Roxanne said and ran her hand over the soft leather, which, though not new, had a pleasant feel. ‘I do not think I need another just yet.'

‘My mother was an excellent horsewoman, Roxanne.
I am certain you can do as well if you are willing to learn.'

Roxanne assured him that she was and allowed him to help her into the saddle and to explain how she should hold her reins. Although she had been used to riding astride when with the players, she immediately settled to the new position and needed telling only once how to sit and hold her reins.

Luke watched her walk the mare about the paddock, making only an occasional remark about posture or commands to the mare. After some minutes had passed, he nodded his head and walked up to her as she halted the mare.

‘Are you sure you have not ridden this way before?'

‘I may have done years ago…'

‘When you were a child in India?'

‘If I was ever there. Sometimes in my mind I seem to see a beautiful pink palace with cool rooms and fountains in the gardens—but it may just be one of Sofia's stories.'

‘Are there people in your dream?'

She shook her head. ‘No, I have no real memories, Luke. I think the palace was where Sofia lived with her prince.'

‘You are sure she never mentioned anything you told her when you were ill?'

‘No, I am not sure of anything.'

Luke's eyes were very intent. ‘You have not been lying to me, Roxanne? I would rather hear the truth from your lips now than discover it is all lies later.'

‘Are you accusing me of trying to deceive you?'
She raised her head proudly. ‘Why should I do such a thing? I have no wish to be other than I am.'

‘Forgive me, that remark was uncalled for. It is just odd that you should have this feeling about India—and now it seems as if there may be a connection. Does that not sound strange to you? In my place would you not wonder?'

‘Yes, perhaps,' she agreed. ‘May we speak of something else now? Your grandfather spoke of dancing lessons, but it may have slipped his memory. The curate is coming this afternoon. If he played for us, would you teach me some steps, please?'

‘Yes, of course. I should be delighted. I will call the groom. You have done enough riding for today. You should learn at least one or two dances before the ball.'

 

‘Count in your head, Roxanne…one two three, one two three—and follow me. Trust me and you cannot fail.'

‘Thank you, I shall try.'

Roxanne stood as he placed his right hand at the small of her back and let herself relax, feeling the warmth that flowed through her. The curate's playing was pleasant and she felt as if she floated on air as they waltzed the length of the gallery, where the ball was to be held.

‘Yes, that is exactly right,' Luke told her. ‘You were born to dance, Roxanne. It is a natural talent that may be learned, but you feel the music and you are like thistledown in my arms.'

Roxanne closed her eyes. In her head she seemed
to hear strange music and for a moment she felt light-headed, as if she were not quite herself. Luke's voice came from a distance. The dreamlike state still held her and she stumbled, falling into his arms.

Luke caught her and carried her to a sofa, sitting her against the soft cushions as she stirred. She opened her eyes, looking at him in a puzzled way.

‘What happened?'

‘You were faint for a moment. Are you ill?'

‘No, I do not think so. How foolish of me.'

Luke placed a hand to her forehead. ‘You do not seem to have a temperature, but you said something just before your faint.'

‘Did I?' She looked up, feeling bewildered. ‘For a moment I thought I was somewhere else.'

‘You said a word I did not recognise. I think it may have been another language—perhaps Hindu or some such thing.'

‘How could I know an Indian word?'

‘Easily, if you were truly brought up there.' He frowned. ‘This business of the ruby has been playing on your mind. It might be that the face you saw at the window was Indian. A turban cloth was found at the tower when the search was made.'

Roxanne shivered. ‘That is a little worrying, Luke. What is so important about the ruby that someone would follow us here and attempt to break into your grandfather's strong room?'

‘If we knew that, I think the mystery might be solved.' Luke offered her his hand as she attempted to rise, catapulting her into his arms. It surprised them
both and Luke's kiss was completely without intention. He kissed her lightly at first, but it deepened to intensity before he let her go. ‘It was the look in your eyes,' he excused himself. ‘There is no need to fear, Roxanne. I shall protect you.'

‘Yes…' Roxanne spoke in a faint voice unlike herself. ‘I am not afraid, just curious as to why the ruby is so important.'

‘Yes, it is curious,' Luke replied. ‘I think enough dancing for today. We shall send for some tea—and I think our kind pianist should stay and enjoy it with us.'

‘Yes, of course, Luke,' Roxanne said and went off to speak to the curate.

Luke's eyes narrowed as he watched her. She looked every inch a lady—but supposing she had lied in an attempt to ensnare him? Supposing she'd stolen the ruby? She might be Black Bob's accomplice; they could have stolen it together. Perhaps she'd wanted the jewel for herself and run off with it. That might be the reason she was frightened of being found and dragged back to her former life. He knew a moment of intense pain at the thought. If she had played him for a fool, he would feel betrayed.

Luke was aware of a sense of unease. He knew that he was being drawn into something beyond his control. What exactly did Roxanne want of him? She had refused to enter a sham marriage at first, but now she seemed prepared to become his wife and to give him an heir.

Could he trust her? More importantly, perhaps, could he trust himself? The feelings he'd had for Roxanne
from the beginning had grown stronger, but surely a night in her bed would satisfy his hunger. It had always been that the chase was more important to him and he soon tired once the game was won. Perhaps he was a shallow fellow, incapable of feeling more than a fleeting affection—if that were so, why was he beginning to feel obsessed by Roxanne and a need to know the truth about her past?

He was a fool to let down his guard. Until he was certain this was not all an elaborate plot to ensnare him he refused to feel more than liking for her. He had met many beautiful women, but none had touched his heart—why should it be different now?

 

Roxanne glanced at herself in the mirror as she prepared for dinner that evening. Why had Luke kissed her that way earlier? She could not convince herself that he cared for her, so why had he suddenly kissed her with such intensity? Was it merely a passing impulse—or lust?

He'd told her that he did not believe in romantic love, yet he knew how to please a woman in bed. Her mouth felt dry and her stomach cramped with nerves. Luke felt physical desire for her and he would be a passionate lover.

She supposed men often felt desire for a beautiful woman. Roxanne had seen lust in the eyes of men many times, but she had never been kissed like that because she'd always avoided any involvement. Sofia had warned her to be careful, telling her that men were not to be trusted—especially the aristocracy.

Was she a fool to let herself be used both by the earl and his grandson? They both wanted something from her, but were either of them prepared to give her anything of value in return? Luke had offered an income, but money was not important to Roxanne. She wanted to be respected, liked, even loved for what she was—especially by Luke.

How foolish she was to have let down her guard even for an instant. Luke had made it plain from the start that he did not wish for a true marriage. It was a business arrangement and she must accept it—or walk away.

To walk away would cause too much pain. She had become fond of the earl and must do nothing that would bring on his illness. Luke might come to admire her qualities in time and it should be possible to have mutual respect.

Was that enough in a marriage? It had to be, because Roxanne knew that she could not expect more from a man who refused to give his heart.

‘Would you like to wear your hair up this evening, miss?'

Roxanne's thoughts were recalled to the present. She looked at the face of her young maid and smiled.

‘Yes, thank you, Tilly. I shall have it dressed with a ringlet for the ball, but tonight I would prefer it to be quite plain.'

‘Yes, miss.' The girl took up the brush and began to stroke it through her hair, leaving Roxanne free to continue her thoughts.

 

That evening they dined with friends of the earl and Roxanne began to understand what her life would be like here. Although curious, the earl's neighbours were friendly and prepared to accept her, because Hartingdon had made his wishes clear.