Notorious Deception (19 page)

“I know!” Tristan shouted excitedly. “Since Diana's true identity must forever remain unknown, we shall claim Diana is related to us.”

Morgan stroked his chin as he considered his brother's idea. “That just might work.”

“Actually, that would be an excellent solution,” Derek said. “When Diana first appeared at my house, she naturally instructed the butler to announce her as the Dowager Countess of Harrowby. Later I told him, and the footman who also heard her state her name, Tristan was playing a rather humorless prank on me.

“You never told me that before, Derek!” Tristan exclaimed.

Derek shrugged his shoulders and smiled at his friend.

“It certainly sounds like the kind of mischief that would appeal to you, Tris,” Alyssa said with a grin.

“Not you too, Alyssa,” Tristan protested with exaggerated drama and everyone laughed.

“I'm afraid you've been found out, little brother,” Morgan told him. “Your suggestion about Diana has merit, however. We shall claim her as a distant cousin.”

“Henriette also saw Diana on that first afternoon,” Derek said, suddenly remembering. Turning toward Diana, he asked, “How were you introduced to her?”

“I wasn't,” Diana said, smiling. “Henriette never stopped talking long enough for me to be properly introduced.”

“Then it is settled,” Tristan said cheerfully. “You shall be our cousin, Diana.”

“Are you certain you want to claim me for a relative?” Diana asked skeptically. “This will be a falsehood you will have to adhere to for a very long time.”

“Speaking as the head of our family, we would be delighted to welcome you as one of our own,” Morgan said sincerely.

“My father was in trade,” Diana said.

“And from what I gather, very successful at it,” Alyssa said calmly. “You should be proud of that, Diana. My own father was a viscount. He was also a gambler, a drunkard, and a coward.”

“Thankfully his daughter inherited none of those characteristics,” Morgan said with a gentle smile at his wife. “And she, in turn, possessed the good sense to marry me.”

“Ha,” Alyssa said with a straight face. “As I recall, Morgan, I wasn't given much of a choice.”

Diana wasn't certain, but she actually thought she saw Morgan blush.

“If you are sure that you want me,” Diana said with emotion, “I would be honored to be known as your cousin.”

“Splendid!” Caroline exclaimed with true delight. “Now we must plan the wedding. I suppose it will have to take place this evening.”

“Is all that really necessary?” Diana asked. “Can't we just tell everyone we ran off to Gretna Green to get married?”

“Gretna Green!” Caroline looked positively scandalized. “The entire point of this charade is to lend an air of respectability to your marriage, Diana. I hardly think Gretna Green qualifies.”

“Since Diana is now an Ashton cousin, she should be married from our house,” Alyssa said kindly. “Morgan is the head of the family.”

“Yes, that is true,” Caroline reluctantly agreed. “I rather had hoped we could have the wedding here”—Caroline turned to the duke with a pleading look—“if Morgan has no objections?”

“It would probably be easiest,” Morgan said. “What do you think, Derek?”

“Fine,” he replied absently. “Morgan, Tris, and I have business to attend to this afternoon. We shall leave the wedding details in your capable hands, ladies.

“Good,” Caroline said, “I do need one of you to locate someone to play the vicar.”

“I'll do it,” Tristan said. “I am certain I can engage a Drury Lane actor who would be pleased to earn some extra coin. Paid adequately, he should hold his tongue about this entire hoax.” Tristan rose to his feet and turned to his wife. “Anything else?”

“I don't think so,” Caroline said. She stood up and practically chased the men from the room. “We will all meet here this evening at, shall we say, seven o'clock?”

Everyone nodded in agreement. After brief good-byes, the men quit the room.

“Now,” Caroline said, clapping her hands together with glee, “where shall we begin, ladies?”

Two hours later, Diana stood in the middle of Caroline's bedchamber while the renowned modiste, Madame La Belle, refitted Caroline's wedding gown on Diana. Caroline had insisted that Diana wear the lovely dress, and Madame La Belle, along with three of her most talented needlewomen, had been summoned to make the necessary alterations.

“I have recut the neckline to accommodate Lady Diana's amble bosom, Your Grace,” the dressmaker explained to Alyssa as Diana modeled the gown for them. “All we have to do is take up the hem a bit and the dress will be ready.”

“It looks lovely, Madame La Belle,” Alyssa said.

The antique white dress did indeed look beautiful, Diana thought. It was an elaborate ensemble of satin and lace, aglow with dozens of tiny seed pearls. The newly designed low-cut neckline enhanced the romance of the dress, accenting the tightly fitted lace bodice and the graceful sweep of the full satin skirt.

“I have finished sewing the fresh roses on the headdress, madame,” one of the assistants told Madame La Belle, handing her employer the veil.

Madame La Belle inspected the headpiece with a critical eye before placing it on Diana's head. The two layered tulle bridal veil was gathered in a tight circle at the crown, under a floral headdress made of fresh pink and white roses. The dressmaker adjusted the headpiece and fluffed out the cascading veil of tulle.

“You look just like a princess,” a small voice called from the doorway.

“Katherine,” Alyssa said as the little girl ran into the room. “What are you doing here? I thought you and Juliet were taking a nap.”

“We were, Mama,” Katherine replied, nearly colliding with Madame La Belle in her excitement to reach Diana. “Juliet is still sleeping, but I woke up.”

Katherine reached out a tentative hand to touch the glimmering satin of the skirt. “Why are you all dressed up, Lady Diana? Are you going to a party?”

“Not precisely, Katherine,” Diana said, noting Madame La Belle's annoyance as she stepped off the small stool she was standing on and bent down to speak to the little girl.

“I am going to marry the earl tonight,” Diana said, not sure how Katherine would react to the news.

“Really?” Katherine said, clearly impressed. She moved closer to Diana, whispering conspiratorily in her ear, “When I get older, I'm going to marry the earl too.”

Diana smiled at the child's sincerity and nodded in agreement. “I am sure Derek would like that very much, Katherine.”

“Will I be getting a new dress, Mama?” Katherine asked.

“Katherine,” Alyssa said, but Diana interrupted.

“I'm afraid there won't be time for a new dress to be sewn,” Diana told the little girl. “But I am sure Madame La Belle can create a crown of pink and white roses for you, just like mine. We shall ask her to sew long satin ribbons that will hang down your back. Would you like that?”

“Oh, yes!” Katherine exclaimed. “I shall go and tell Mrs. Roget and Cook at once.” And before Diana or Alyssa could stop her, Katherine bounded out of the room.

“I hope you don't mind my interference, Alyssa,” Diana said. “I know Katherine is very fond of Derek, and I didn't want her to feel left out.”

“It was very sweet of you to be so considerate of Katherine,” Alyssa replied. “Juliet is too young to attend the ceremony, but I suppose it will be acceptable for Katherine to be present—unless Morgan objects.”

Diana and Alyssa smiled, knowing it would be highly unlikely the duke would refuse his oldest daughter anything.

“If you are ready, my lady,” Madame La Belle interrupted, her voice still tinged with annoyance. “We do not have much time.”

“Yes, of course,” Diana said, obediently stepping back up on the stool. “I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am that you were able to do this work on such short notice, Madame La Belle. Both Caroline and Alyssa agreed you were the only person capable of correctly altering my wedding gown.”

Her mouth full of pins, the modiste smiled up at Diana. She appeared somewhat placated by Diana's flattering comments and swiftly completed the task of pinning up the hem of the satin skirt.

With the assistance of Madame La Belle and Alyssa the heavy gown was then gently lifted off Diana. As she stood on the small stool, clad only in her embroidered chemise, Diana could feel Madame La Belle's sharp eyes on her stomach. Diana knew the modiste was searching for her own explanation for the suddenness of the wedding.

But Diana's flat stomach revealed nothing. With a slight shrug the dressmaker brought the lovely gown over to the window, so the hem could be sewn by her assistants in the late afternoon sunlight.

“It seems as though madame has formed her own opinions about the reason for this hasty ceremony,” Diana whispered to Alyssa.

“Her eagle eyes miss nothing,” Alyssa whispered back. “Caroline was certainly right about selecting Madame La Belle for this little task. Not only is she an excellent seamstress, but she is known for her extraordinary supply of gossip. The tradesmen of Bond Street will know of your marriage by the close of business tomorrow.”

“Oh, God,” Diana groaned, feeling very unsure of herself. “I must confess, I am beginning to have my doubts about this whole business, Alyssa.”

Alyssa regarded Diana kindly. “Don't worry about it, Diana. No one is forcing you to do anything. There is still plenty of time to change your mind.”

Diana shrugged into her wrapper, tying the sash tightly. “I think I will go to my room and rest for a while.”

“Fine. I promised Caroline I would arrange the flowers in the drawing room. Please don't hesitate to send a servant for me if you need anything.”

“Thank you,” Diana said.

After Diana explained to Madame La Belle where she could be reached if she was needed, she and Alyssa left the room together. Alyssa turned from her in the hallway, and she called to the duchess.

“If you come across Katherine downstairs, will you send her up to me? I think I would enjoy her company just now.”

Alyssa smiled and nodded her head. Diana walked slowly down the long hallway to her room, hoping young Katherine would come up to her bedchamber soon and provide the distraction she so desperately needed.

 

Caroline cast a jaundiced eye around the drawing room as Sutton finished lighting the last of the candles. He turned to his mistress, awaiting further instructions, and was rewarded with a brilliant smile.

“It looks splendid, doesn't it, Sutton?” Caroline remarked, pleased with what she beheld. The room sparkled with the glow of hundreds of candles, and the sweet heady aroma of fresh flowers permeated the air.

“The duchess has done an admirable job arrange-ing all the blossoms,” Sutton agreed, hardly believing the transformation that had taken place in only a few short hours.

“Alyssa always has had a talent with flowers,” Caroline said, gently fingering a cream-colored rose. “I want you to make sure the drawing room doors remain open throughout the ceremony, Sutton. This way any of the servants who wish to may see and hear the entire service from the hall.”

“I am certain all the female staff will be present, madam,” Sutton said wryly. “There has been a tremendous amount of excitement belowstairs ever since we learned of this evening's nuptials.”

“Excellent,” Caroline said with delight. With a final parting glance at the exquisite room, she left. Caroline crossed the large entrance hall and encountered Derek and Tristan entering the house. They were accompanied by a third man, who she assumed was the actor Tristan had engaged to play the part of the vicar.

“Good evening, gentlemen,” Caroline called gaily to the trio. She took a brief moment to admire Tristan and Derek, handsome and elegant in their formal black-and-white evening attire. Then she focused her attention on the third man.

“This is Reverend Penley, Caroline,” Tristan said.

“Oh, Tristan,” Caroline admonished with apparent disappointment. Rudely she circled Reverend Penley, clucking her tongue and shaking her head as she walked. “He is not at all what I had in mind. Not at all. I really don't know if he will due.”

“I beg your pardon, madam.” The reverend spoke with censure in his tone.

“No offense meant, sir,” Caroline hastily added, realizing her ill manners, “but you are far too young and well turned out to play the part of the minister.”

Turning to her husband, Caroline continued her complaint. “I realize you were restricted by time limitations, Tris, but I do think you could have found someone more convincing. He hardly looks like a man of the cloth. Don't you agree, Derek?”

“Hm,” Derek murmured. He was not paying the least bit of attention to her. His gaze was riveted instead to the second-floor landing. He was seriously contemplating the merits of charging up the stairs to speak with Diana. Derek had been having second thoughts about the whole idea of a mock wedding all afternoon. He wanted a few minutes alone with Diana to discuss it, but he hesitated, not wanting to further upset her.

“Derek.” Tristan's voice beckoned him away from his thoughts. “Caroline insists that my man here does not look the part of a vicar. What is your opinion?”

He turned his attention to the man in question, intently scrutinizing him.

“I suppose I must agree with Caroline,” Derek answered. “He doesn't much resemble a reverend.”

“Well, I never—” the Reverend Penley began, his face coloring with righteous indignation.

“Please excuse us, sir,” Tristan quickly interjected. “I'll have our butler show you into the drawing room and bring refreshments. We will be in shortly for the ceremony.”

The reverend was reluctantly led away by Sutton. Caroline noted her husband's growing ire and prudently decided to placate him.

“I suppose he isn't all that bad, Tris,” Caroline said with a sigh. “I am sure he will make a credible reverend, as long as no one notices how young he is.”

The scowl on Tristan's face deepened. “I hate to disillusion you, Caroline, but the Reverend Penley is not an actor. He is a true vicar of the Anglican Church.”

“What!” Derek cried out, not sure he heard Tristan's remark correctly.

Tristan grinned sheepishly at his friend. “It was going to be a surprise for you, Derek. Call it a wedding gift, if you will.”

“Oh really, Tris,” Derek answered cooly, his eyebrows raised in disbelief. “And precisely when were you going to inform me of this little surprise? Before or after the ceremony?”

“Before, of course,” Tristan said indignantly.

Alyssa entered the hallway holding Katherine by the hand. Their untimely arrival instantly halted the discussion. “Morgan has informed me he will escort Diana downstairs in five minutes, unless he is instructed otherwise. Is everything ready?”

“Not exactly,” Derek said. “Tristan and I have a few things to discuss first. We will join you shortly.” Derek gave the women a stiff bow and then practically dragged Tristan from the room.

“Now what?” Alyssa asked her sister-in-law. Caroline explained as they walked into the drawing room, her face flushing red when they encountered the Reverend Penley.

“The duke will be escorting the bride downstairs momentarily,” Caroline told the minister in a rush.

 

Tristan, sitting calmly in a comfortable chair in his private study, listened without interruption as Derek vented his anger and frustration.

“I have thought this entire idea of pretending to be married was ludicrous from the start, Tris.”

“Exactly.”

“And now you expect me to trap an unsuspecting Diana into a binding marriage by substituting a real vicar, when she believes the man is only an actor, playing a part.”

“Precisely.”

“I can't do that to her, Tris. Diana will be my wife one day, of that I am certain. But I won't deceive her like this. It just isn't right.”

“She doesn't have to know, Derek.”

“You are crazy.”

Tristan smiled at his friend, not at all offended. “The reason I found a real vicar was for Diana's safety, Derek,” Tristan said. “If anyone ever discovered you are only pretending to be married, it would be a disaster. I'm not certain either of you would ever recover from the scandal. Since Diana admitted she planned on marrying you sometime in the future, I decided it would be a wiser choice to go ahead and do it now.”

“And how am I supposed to explain this to Diana?”

“You don't have to. When Diana is finally ready to become your wife, you can tell her the truth.” Tristan leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “Or you can have another wedding ceremony. You can decide when the time comes which course of action is best. The main point is, Diana will legally be your wife. Now. You can protect her, Derek. Isn't that what you want?”

“Yes,” Derek answered slowly, still not convinced he was doing the correct thing.

“I have managed, with a great deal of difficulty, I might add, to obtain a special license.” Tristan patted his breast coat pocket. “It is your decision whether or not to use it.”

It took Derek only a few moments to decide. More than anything he wanted Diana for his wife. He knew it was wrong to deceive her, but as Tristan so aptly pointed out, Diana need never know of it. Longing and love overshadowed the guilt twisting in the pit of his stomach.

Grinning, Derek remarked lightly, “Come along, Tris. I don't want to keep my lovely bride waiting.”

 

Lovely she certainly was. Derek could hear the audible sighs of admiration and squeals of excitement from the servants as Diana descended the long staircase. She was led into the drawing room tightly clutching Morgan's arm, the tension in her small frame obvious with each step she took.