Never Less Than a Lady (14 page)

It was nearly dark when the carriage arrived at Ashton House. Julia had forgotten just how large the ducal mansion was. Reading her mind, Randall said, “This sprawling great pile is said to be the largest private home in London, which is why Ash can give me a set of rooms and never even notice.”

“I shall be glad to stay in one place for several days at a stretch,” Julia said fervently as her husband helped her from the carriage. Well-trained footmen arrived to carry their bags inside.

Mackenzie climbed from the vehicle to say his good-byes. “Lady Julia, it’s been a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He kissed her hand with a flourish. “Though I’m sadly disappointed that the trip was so uneventful.”

Her brows arched. “You think a mere single assassination attempt is uneventful, Mr. Mackenzie?”

“Downright boring,” he agreed. “Trouble is my middle name, you know.”

Randall laughed and shook Mackenzie’s hand. “Thank you for the escort service, Mac. And for everything else.”

“It was my pleasure,” the other man said, his voice serious for once. “I owed you a favor or two.”

Randall said, “In that case, since someone is bound to want to throw a ball in our honor to reintroduce Lady Julia to society, will you attend if you receive an invitation?”

“I don’t owe you that large a favor!” Grinning wickedly, Mackenzie swung back into the carriage and signaled for it to set off again.

Julia took Randall’s arm as they climbed the steps to the front door. “Does Mr. Mackenzie’s birth prevent him from moving in society?”

“Not really. His father was a lord, he’s acknowledged by Will Masterson and the rest of the family, and he was popular with the other troublesome lordlings at the Westerfield Academy. But he has always preferred to distance himself from the ton.” Randall made a face. “I did the same, but that is no longer possible.”

“You were a serving officer, which is the best of excuses for avoiding Almack’s.” She glanced up at his profile. Her handsome husband, whose intimidating exterior concealed remarkable kindness and patience. “A good part of the reason for coming to London is to return me to society, but that will mean you have to attend balls and routs as well. Will you hate it too much?”

“I’m not sure,” he admitted as the doors swung open before them. “I’ve never spent much time moving in such circles. In moderate amounts, the social routine might be amusing. Have you been yearning for the delights of the beau monde?”

“Since I went into an arranged marriage when I was young and then I was isolated in the country, I have no idea if I’ll enjoy the ton. If I do, I’ll probably prefer moderation, as you do.” Her hand tightened on his arm. “It’s fortunate that we’re here at the start of the autumn social season. The spring season might be too much for me.”

The butler approached with the faint smile that meant gushing good humor by his standards. “Major Randall, Mrs. Bancroft, how good to see you again. The duke and duchess are dining in tonight. I shall inform them of your arrival.”

“Don’t interrupt them if they’re eating, Holmes,” Randall said. “After dinner is soon enough.”

“It would be worth my job if I didn’t inform them of your arrival immediately,” Holmes said, his expression stern.

Randall glanced down at Julia, humor lurking in his eyes. “In that case, tell them Major Randall and his wife have just arrived.”

Holmes was so startled he actually raised his brows before saying, “Indeed I shall.” He bowed and withdrew.

“That will bring them both quickly,” Julia predicted as she removed her bonnet. “Especially Mariah.”

Her prediction was accurate. By the time she’d removed her cloak, swift light footsteps were approaching. The duchess called merrily, “Randall, you rogue. Did you change your mind about my sister Sarah and whisk her off to Gretna Green?”

Mariah swept into the entry hall, her sunny nature filling the high-ceilinged hall with golden warmth. Dark and reserved, Ashton was several steps behind, but his smile was equally welcoming.

On seeing the new arrivals, the duchess stopped so quickly that her husband almost ran into her. “Julia! You and Randall have married?”

“Indeed we have,” Julia said mildly.

“Adam, you owe me five guineas!” Mariah launched herself into Julia’s arms with an exuberant hug. “I told you Randall fancied her.”

“Whereas I, being a mere male, thought they disliked each other.” Ashton clapped Randall’s shoulder as they shook hands. “Kind of you to bring Mariah’s best friend into the family, Randall.”

“Julia didn’t seem interested, but after she repaired my bad leg, I decided I must marry her so she’d be available the next time I damaged myself,” Randall explained.

“You are walking rather well.” Ashton’s green eyes showed amusement. “I quite see why you’d want Julia. It’s more surprising that she said yes.”

Julia was reminded that the duke was a remarkably perceptive man. “I was content with widowhood, but Randall changed my mind.” She made a face. “There were…extenuating circumstances.”

“That sounds interesting,” Mariah said. “Take a few minutes to freshen up, then join us for dinner. No need to change. We’re very informal tonight.”

“Ten minutes then.” Randall offered Julia his arm. To the footman, he said, “Place Lady Julia’s bags in my rooms.”

“Lady Julia?” Mariah exclaimed.

“I told you it was complicated!” Julia tossed over her shoulder as they headed up the staircase.

She hadn’t seen Randall’s rooms when she’d visited Ashton House earlier in the year, so she looked around with interest when he ushered her into the sitting room. It was spacious and well furnished in restful shades of blue and cream, with windows overlooking the garden behind the house. “This is lovely! No wonder you’re so comfortable here.”

“It’s incredibly generous of Ash to allow me to treat the house as my own,” Randall agreed. “The bedroom is through there and that door leads to a dressing room.”

The dressing room door opened and a wiry, dark-haired young man emerged, one of Randall’s coats folded over his arm. “Welcome home, Major.” Then he saw Julia. He knew her from the earlier trip to London, and his expression was vivid with curiosity as he bowed a welcome. “Mrs. Bancroft. It’s a pleasure, ma’am.”

“No longer Mrs. Bancroft.” Randall placed his hand in the small of her back. “She’s now Lady Julia Randall. My wife.”

Julia knew that valets often felt jealous when their masters married, but luckily she and Gordon had been on friendly terms. Though his expression was startled, he didn’t appear upset. “Congratulations, sir!” He bowed again. “Will I be meeting your lady’s maid soon, Lady Julia?”

“It’s good to see you again, Gordon.” After a dozen years of looking after herself, Julia had half-forgotten that a maid would be expected. “I haven’t a maid at the moment, but I imagine I will be looking for one soon.” She glanced at her husband.

Randall nodded. “Since you’ll be acquiring a new wardrobe, a maid is essential.”

The thought of interviewing applicants made Julia feel tired. “Perhaps the duchess has a junior maid ready for a promotion.”

Gordon looked hopeful. “I know a young female who might be suitable, Lady Julia. She isn’t as experienced as some, but she’s good with clothes, expert with a needle, and she’s bright and good-natured and willing.”

Randall grinned. “Is this the girl whose praises you sang throughout Portugal?”

Gordon blushed. “Yes, sir. But truly, I think Elsa would suit you, Lady Julia.”

“Then I shall certainly interview her,” Julia agreed.

“Thank you, my lady! She can call tomorrow afternoon for an interview.” He ducked his head. “Your bags have been delivered. You’ll be sharing these rooms?”

“We will indeed,” Randall replied. “After you’ve unpacked us both, you may have the evening off. It’s been a long journey and we’ll retire early.”

“Yes, sir!” Gordon left the fresh coat over the back of a chair and withdrew.

As soon as they were alone, Randall drew her into a hug. “I expect he’ll be off to tell the fair Elsa that they might be able to work in the same household. I could tell you more than you would ever want to know about the girl, her appearance, her relations, and how she and Gordon met.”

Julia laughed. “Then I hope she will do.” She relaxed into Randall, loving the growing familiarity of his embrace, his scent, and strength. “With any encouragement, I’ll go to sleep here,” she murmured.

“You need food and good company, both of which are waiting downstairs.” His hands stroked over her hips, pressing her closer. “The trip was tiring, but easy compared to all we have to do here in London. I shall be glad of an early night.”

Recognizing that it wasn’t sleep he had in mind, she said hesitantly, “I shall also be glad to sleep.”

Hearing her unspoken reservations, he said, “As you wish.”

She felt his embrace change subtly. It was still affectionate, but no longer anticipating more. “You’re so patient with my foot dragging,” she said ruefully. “I keep thinking a soldier would want to conquer.”

He laughed. “A soldier needs patience more than the ability to attack. I was prepared to spend a year hoping you would be willing to lie with me, so I think we’re progressing very well.”

“That’s true,” she said thoughtfully. “In another fortnight, my skittishness might be gone forever and you can seduce me whenever you choose.”

“I’m hoping that a fortnight after that, you’ll be seducing me.” He kissed the sensitive spot under her left ear.

She caught her breath as desire curled through her. Though she’d never imagined initiating intimacy herself, the idea was as intriguing as it was bold. “An interesting thought, Alexander. For now, though, we should freshen up and join our hosts.”

“How much do you want them to know?” Randall asked as he released her and peeled off the coat he’d worn all day.

She considered. “Everything but the most sordid bits, I suppose. Not about the scarring and my…barrenness, but they should know about the kidnapping and the circumstances of Branford’s death.”

“They can be trusted with as much truth as you want to reveal.” He poured water into the basin so he could wash his face. After drying himself, he added, “I assume that the public story will be more discreet? We need to agree on the details.”

Julia brushed out her hair and tied it back, intensely grateful to have friends she could trust to be on her side. Randall was the first among those friends, but Mariah and Ashton were close behind. “The world can be told that Branford died of injuries from a fall, which is true. I was so devastated that I ran away and let everyone believe I was dead, which is a kind of truth.”

“True enough to be easy to remember,” Randall agreed. “What shall we use for the official story of our marriage?”

“We can say we met in Hartley and I revealed who I was after learning you were my late husband’s cousin.” She splashed water on her face. “After a dozen years of mourning, I was ready to consider marriage again, and how could I resist you?”

Randall rolled his eyes. “Remember that we should keep close to the truth. The fewer details, the better. Since you didn’t go out socially when you were in London earlier, you will be an intriguing surprise to society.”

Julia had been teasing a bit when she said he was irresistible, but it was true. As she enjoyed the way the light linen shirt revealed his lean, powerful body, she recognized that any normal woman would have been riveted at first sight. Julia hadn’t been normal when they met—but her female nature was recovering steadily.

Randall pulled on the fresh coat, then offered his arm and they headed downstairs to join the Ashtons in the small salon. Mariah looked radiant when they arrived.

Julia studied her friend as she and Randall entered, recognizing that radiance. “You’re increasing!”

“How do you know?” Mariah exclaimed. “But of course you would. I’m so glad you’re here. I’m delighted but a little panicked.”

“The same is true of me!” Ashton added fervently.

Suppressing painful envy, Julia said reassuringly, “Having babies is the most natural thing in the world. You’ll manage splendidly.”

“Congratulations!” Randall shook Ashton’s hand, then kissed Mariah’s cheek. “Your families must be quite pleased.”

“They will be when they learn,” Mariah agreed. “We hadn’t told anyone yet. But I’m glad Julia guessed so I can talk about it!”

“Now that our news has been shared, shall we drink a round of sherry in a fashionable sort of way,” the duke asked, “or fall ravenously on our dinners?”

“The latter! I’m ravenous all the time now.” Mariah made a face. “Except in the mornings, when I’m green.”

Laughing, both couples moved into the family dining room, which was much cozier than the majestic state dining room. Conversation was general and lighthearted until the meal was finished. After Mariah ordered tea for the ladies and port for the gentlemen, Ashton waved away the servants so they could talk privately. “About those complications? Unpleasant ones, I gather.”

Randall glanced at Julia. She nodded at him to start the story.

“The first complication was arriving in Hartley to learn that Julia had just been abducted.” Having captured the attention of the Ashtons, he kept them riveted as he tersely described rescuing Julia, and their marriage in Edinburgh. The duke’s eyes narrowed, a reminder that his mildness concealed a core of steel.

When Randall finished, Mariah said in a hushed voice, “Thank heaven you visited Hartley at the right time. Would Daventry have murdered Julia?”

“I don’t think he would plan to kill her in cold blood. But if he lost his temper…” Randall shook his head, expression grave. “Julia, you knew him. What do you think he intended to do if Crockett brought you to him?”

“I presume Daventry ordered the abduction so he could scream and swear and tell me what a wicked woman I am.” Julia tried to sound calm, as if the subject was no more important than the weather. “He probably didn’t plan murder, but he might easily have lost control.”

Ashton asked, “Will Daventry drop his persecution when he learns Julia is his heir’s wife?”

“I think so,” Randall replied in a steely voice, “but I’m not sure. If he won’t—well, I will do what is necessary to protect my wife. He should be in London now, so I’ll send a message and ask him to receive me at his earliest convenience.”