The Duke's Alliance Book Two: A Dangerous Husband (9 page)

The majority of the guests were still enjoying their supper and wouldn't be drifting through for some time yet. The study was on the other side of the house and she picked up her skirts and hurried in that direction. If she dawdled she would change her mind and might find herself obligated to become betrothed to a most disagreeable person.

A murmur of male voices came from inside the half-open door. Without pausing to knock she burst straight in. Her brother was sitting behind his desk with his slippered feet on the surface – he was holding a full glass in his hand. His lordship was sprawled across the leather-covered sofa with an equally full glass.

Her sudden appearance caused him to shoot upright and slop the amber liquid down his immaculate waistcoat. Beau attempted to get his feet to the floor but instead tumbled backwards and disappeared in a flurry of arms and legs behind his desk. He used words quite unsuitable for a lady's ears.

Whilst they were gathering their wits she made her announcement. 'I don't care what he's said to you, Beau, nothing improper took place between us at any time. Even if you give your permission for us to become engaged I shall refuse his offer.'

Her brother's head and shoulders appeared and he was staring at her as if she were an escapee from Bedlam. Carshalton was mopping ineffectually at his ruined waistcoat and giving her dagger looks.

'I've no idea of what you speak, Madeline. Carshalton hasn't spoken to me on this matter and even if he had I would refuse my permission.' He rose to his full height – the look he directed towards his lordship was arctic.

'This is entirely my fault, your grace. Your sister and I had a slight difference of opinion and I believe I might have misled her somewhat about my reason for speaking to you.' Carshalton didn't seem particularly bothered about having upset both her brother and herself. He had the temerity to wink at her. 'I beg your pardon if you thought I was actually intending to ask for your hand. I was speaking in jest.'

She should have been pleased that she wasn't going to be required marry him, but his casual assumption that he could play fast and loose with her emotions so incensed her she spoke without thinking. 'Your grace, this gentleman made me an offer and he cannot now retract.' The fact that this totally contradicted her previous statement didn't prevent her from continuing. 'Are you going to stand there and allow him to toss me aside as if I'm of no account?'

Beau smacked his forehead with his hand. 'Good grief! Make up your mind. Either you wish to marry him or you don't – did he or did he not make you a formal offer?'

Common sense reasserted itself and she was about to apologise for her statement when his lordship appeared in front of her. To her absolute horror he dropped to one knee and took her hand in his. His grip was so tight she couldn't remove it.

'Lady Madeline, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife? I'll not take no for an answer.'

Chapter Nine

Madeline wasn't sure if Carshalton's offer was intended to be taken seriously or was another ill-judged jest. Whatever it was, she had brought it upon herself by her nonsensical behaviour.

'No, thank you, I've changed my mind. Please get off your knees and stop making a cake of yourself.' This was hardly a conciliatory statement but she was beyond behaving sensibly and just wanted this nightmare to be over.

He sprung to his feet but didn't release his firm grip on her fingers. 'You’re as contrary as a windmill, my dear.' He nodded at her brother who was watching with bemusement.

'I'm seldom at a loss for words, but now find myself all but speechless. Whatever's going on between you it must be settled now. I shall leave you alone for a short while and then return in the hope that you can offer me a sensible explanation.'

The last thing she wanted was to be abandoned by her brother, but before she could protest he strode from the room and closed the door firmly behind him.

'Shall we sit down?' Her intended husband gestured towards the leather-covered sofa and reluctantly she allowed herself to be led towards it.

Now that her hands were free she found it easier to regain her equilibrium. He was a rather alarming gentleman and she had no idea how this conversation was going to end.

Fortunately the sofa was more than two yards wide. She positioned herself in one corner spreading her skirt out in the hope that he would take the hint and sit as far away from her as was possible.

'I'm not going to talk to you, sir. What was the duke thinking leaving us alone together like this?'

He folded his arms and crossed his legs, the epitome of elegance, and as far as she was aware in no way discommoded by what had transpired between them.

'Madeline – no don't poker up, sweetheart – I refuse to address you formally. From now on you shall be Madeline and I shall be Grey.' He ignored her muttered protest and continued. 'This situation is entirely my fault. I should not have allowed myself to rise to your bait and respond as I did. I'm afraid that by the time I walked across to the duke's table I'd already forgotten the exchange.'

'Forgotten? You’re quite impossible, sir, I don't believe there's another gentleman in the kingdom who could have done so.' She hesitated, she supposed she should also apologise for being impertinent, but, in her opinion her sins paled into insignificance beside his. 'We spent so much time closeted alone I'm sure the entire company is now of the opinion we are about to make an announcement.'

'I take it you don't want to be betrothed to me?'

'Of course I don't. We are at daggers drawn every time we meet. I've spent my entire life living with gentlemen like you and I've no intention of continuing the experience when I leave here as a married woman.'

'I see. You have a fancy to marry a milksop, a gentleman who will allow you free rein and indulge your every whim.' She was about to agree when he frowned and she held her tongue. 'Such a partner would bore you within a month or two. No, my dear girl, you need a man like me. Someone…'

'Someone dictatorial and irascible? I think not; I've no wish to be married at all at the moment. However, I'm sure I'll meet someone suitable when I have my Season next year.'

'That's as may be, but if you want your good name to remain intact you would do well to consider my offer.'

This was the outside of enough. 'Your offer wasn't serious, sir. Admit it, you're as opposed to this match as I am.'

'Marriage to you would certainly not be dull. Shall I suggest a compromise? We'll announce our engagement tonight which will stop any unpleasant gossip – but you're free to end the betrothal as soon as you go to London in March. I give you my word I'll not take advantage of this temporary arrangement.'

'Our engagement would not be genuine?'

'No, it certainly would. Until you go to London next year and then you may send me a polite letter saying you've reconsidered and are terminating the agreement.'

She stood up and began to pace the carpet, her thoughts in turmoil. Their behaviour this evening would definitely give rise to speculation, but would it be serious enough to warrant such a step? Surely as the daughter of a duke Society would accept her eccentric behaviour and such a drastic move wouldn't be necessary?

'Do you dislike me so much, Madeline, that even to save your reputation you're unprepared to link your name to mine.'

She turned to face him and was surprised at his expression. His eyes were watchful and he looked almost sad.

'I shall agree to your suggestion but only if my brother thinks it wise. Before I do so, however, I must make some stipulations.' She had his full attention now; he sat up straight and watched her through narrowed eyes. 'During the next few weeks I'm prepared to attend functions with you, will remain at your side as if I was your genuine affianced, but if ever we're forced to spend time together in private then there's no need for us to converse at all.'

'I'm sorry, Madeline, but I can't agree. As far as the rest of your family are concerned this must seem real. Think about it – such behaviour would soon be talked about by your servants and before you know it you will be subject to more unpleasant speculation.'

She wasn't absolutely sure she was subject to any speculation – after all the only people who were aware that she'd been spending time alone with him were members of her family or close friends. Surely they wouldn't draw unnecessary conclusions?

'Are you suggesting we dissemble? After your pitiful performance in the charades earlier this evening I doubt that anyone will be convinced.'

'I can assure you, sweetheart, that no one will question my commitment. After all, I'm elevating my status by marrying into one of the most prestigious families in the country.' He smiled and this time she didn't make the error of believing he was serious.

'And I, sir, will become fabulously wealthy. This will be considered a perfect match.' She couldn't stop a gurgle of laughter from escaping. 'The fact that we cordially dislike each other is a mere bagatelle when balanced against the advantages of our marriage.'

He joined in her laughter and the atmosphere between them changed. 'In which case, Madeline, are we agreed? You will become my betrothed until you cancel the arrangement next March.'

*

Grey watched the play of emotions across her lovely face and bitterly regretted being compelled to force her into this uncomfortable situation. She deserved better than him. He was – as she had pointed out – little more than a rough soldier unused to mixing with the
ton
.

He prayed he wasn't putting her life in danger by linking her name to his. He would do his damnedest to keep her safe until she could get rid of him next year.

‘Very well, but I want your word that if my brother or your grandmother asks when we intend to tie the knot, you tell them it won't be until next summer at the earliest as we are going to get to know each other better.'

'Agreed. I want your word that you will allow me to take care of you.'

Her eyes flashed. 'I have brothers who can do that. I've no need for any other protectors.'

He had no time to explain as the door opened and the duke walked in. 'Well, am I to congratulate you both?'

She looked at him and he held his breath – then she moved to his side and her smile was radiant. 'Yes, Beau, you are. I'm surprised you've agreed but naturally I'm delighted that you have.'

'The pair of you have left me little choice in the matter. I don't understand how two members of my family can have become besotted with one another in so short a time. First Bennett, and now you.' He turned and his eyes were no longer friendly. 'Carshalton, we need to talk but that will have to wait until tomorrow. Be here at ten o'clock.’

Grey nodded briefly. He refused to be intimidated by this formidable aristocrat. 'Unfortunately I have a business meeting with my factor first thing tomorrow, your grace, but I'll come as soon as that's done.'

'Are we going to tell everybody tonight or leave it until tomorrow, Beau?'

'I shall announce your engagement after I've spoken to the others – perhaps before the dancing begins would be an ideal moment.'

'I forgot to say, the musicians I engaged have failed to arrive and Giselle and I will be required to provide the accompaniment.'

The duke raised an eyebrow. 'You'll do no such thing. Unless you can find someone else there'll be no dancing tonight.'

Grey knew Madeline was going to argue. 'Don't worry, my love, I'm sure there's someone amongst your guests who will be delighted to step in. I intend to dance with you and couldn't do that if you were playing.'

He slid his arm around her waist and drew her close. Her brother's lips thinned. For all he'd given his permission Grey was pretty sure the duke had no intention of allowing his sister to actually marry someone as unsuitable as himself.

'I'll leave you to arrange matters, Madeline, whilst I go and speak to the twins and your sister. No doubt they will be as… as delighted as I am by your unexpected news.' The duke strolled away leaving an uncomfortable silence in his wake.

'Don't be upset, sweetheart, it's not you he's angry with. It's his duty to take care of his family. Before we return to join the throng shall we sit down and talk about what's likely to happen over the next few weeks?'

He guided her to the daybed and joined her, ensuring there was a respectful distance between them. 'Being engaged to me would give you more freedom to enjoy yourself without fear of offending the tabbies. You might even consider remaining attached when you go to London – it will allow you to ignore the attentions of other gentlemen.'

'And if I meet someone I don't want to ignore? What then? I can hardly spend time with another gentleman whilst still engaged to you.'

'If that happens you must cry off immediately – I'm sure you can think of a suitable excuse for breaking the engagement.'

'In which case… in which case, Grey, I'll no longer cavil. I'm not exactly sure how these things work. I seem to remember Bennett believed that once he was betrothed to Grace he should take over the role of her father and that she was then answerable to him.' She fluttered her eyelashes outrageously and simpered. 'I do hope, my lord, that you don't expect to assume my brother's position?'

She was enchanting when she chose to be, and he rather thought he was going to enjoy this masquerade. 'Much as I would like to take you in hand, my girl, the duke is more than capable of continuing in that position.'

He offered his arm and after a moment's hesitation she took it. 'Of course, I'll expect you to hang on my every word when in public.' He pulled her gently to her feet and had an irresistible urge to kiss her, but refrained. He had no intention of taking unfair advantage of this innocent – he rather envied the lucky man who would eventually have that privilege.

'I forgot to mention that my grandmother was none too pleased at being made to return her winnings. I'll be in her bad books for a while.'

'I am sure that you will soon charm her into a better humour. Far more importantly, I wonder if our supper remains on the table after all this time.' She shook her head sadly. 'I doubt that it is, but there are probably a few things left on the buffet table and I cannot go another minute without sustenance.'

*

Madeline was relieved that her sister and brothers received their extraordinary news with equanimity. There had been no difficulty finding willing matrons to take turns at the piano and the remainder of the evening was quite delightful.

When Grey, for he would be that to her in future, appeared to lead her onto the floor for a third dance she shook her head. 'We’ve already danced twice and this is a waltz.'

His smile made her toes curl and when he took her hand she allowed herself to be led forward. 'I am your future husband, sweetheart, and if I say we can dance as often as we like – including the waltz – then there's no one here to gainsay this.'

'Fortunately for you the duke's in the card room so can raise no objection. Anyway, after our scandalous behaviour this evening I hardly think matters could be any worse.' The comment was intended to be light-hearted but his smile faded.

'I've no wish to cause you any further embarrassment, Madeline…'

'Fiddlesticks to that! I intend to waltz with you and care not for the opinion of anyone else. If you are satisfied I'm not behaving immodestly then that's enough for me.'

His eyes blazed. He needed no further encouragement and as the first bars of the tune echoed down the room he swept her away. He was an expert and within a few turns of the floor she was confident of her own steps and began to enjoy the dance.

Being held so close to a gentleman was a heady experience and when the final chords died away she was giddy with excitement. 'I can see from your expression, my love, that you enjoyed the waltz. Shall we join in the country dance or stroll around the grand hall and catch our breath?'

'I'm not dancing with you a fourth time, sir, even Beau would be incensed at that. I'd be delighted to promenade with you. I can't believe it's already past midnight and no one has yet departed.'