Fenella J Miller (11 page)

God’s teeth! Eleanor has tumbled in.

He rolled over the side and, taking a deep breath, dropped beneath the water.

He could see nothing. There were too many reeds and rushes. He must search blind.

Where the hell was she? Why doesn’t she stand up?

Groping forward on his knees, his heart pounding, his chest bursting, his fingers found what he was seeking. Grabbing two handfuls of material, he dragged her from under the boat. With one arm around her shoulders, he stood up.

Her head flopped against his shoulder, her eyes were closed and her lips tinged with blue.

A tight band constricted his breathing.

Please God, not again, not when I’ve just begun to feel my life is improving.

Pounding feet behind him made him look over his shoulder. Foster arrived at his side and all but snatched his burden. “Here, my lord, place her ladyship over your knee. We must thump her back to restore her circulation and empty the water from her lungs.”

Alex flung her across his knee and did as he was bid. How long could she remain comatose before she was too far gone to be revived? He felt a slight movement beneath his fingers and then she cast up her accounts on the grass.

“Eleanor, thank the good Lord. I thought you’d drowned for sure. Here, my dear, allow me to help you sit up.”

Someone was supporting her as she retched. When she had done she was gently cradled in strong arms. Her chest hurt, her eyes were stinging and she had a decided headache, but she was alive. She opened her eyes to find Alex gazing down at her, his face as white as chalk. He was as wet as she. He must have dived in to fish her out.

“I owe you my life. I fell in and when I tried to stand I cracked my head on the bottom of the punt. I can remember nothing after that.”

His lopsided grin warmed her. “What in God’s name were you doing? How did you come to tumble in?” She shivered. Despite the warmth of the afternoon sun, she was cold. Immediately he snatched up a picnic rug and enveloped her in it. “Tell me later, my dear. I must get you inside where you can be taken care of.”

In one fluid movement he straightened, keeping her firmly in his arms.

“I can walk, my lord. Please put me down at once. I have no wish to be carried back like a child.” In fact there was nothing she would have liked more than to remain safely in his hold, but he was in no fit state to be carrying her around.

“Very well, Eleanor. You may walk but I shall keep my arm around your waist just in case you feel faint. Good God, woman, you almost drowned! You’re entitled to be carried back to the house after such a dreadful experience.” He placed her on the grass and her knees buckled. She collapsed in a wet heap at his feet.

Foster knelt beside her. “If I might suggest a compromise, my lord. Allow me to carry Lady Bentley whilst you walk alongside.”

Apparently, she was to have no say in the matter. She was to be handed from one to the other like an unwanted parcel.

Not if she could help it.

“If you could give me your arm, Mr Foster, I would much prefer to walk.”

“You’ll do no such thing. Either Foster carries you or I do.” For the second time she was hoisted skywards, but on this occasion it was not her husband but his valet who held her aloft.

Long before they reached the terrace, a small army of anxious retainers rushed out to meet them. She was relieved to be safely in her own chamber with only Sally to attend her.

“My lady, what a to-do! You could have been drowned.”

“But I wasn’t, and I don’t wish the children to be alarmed. They have only just recovered from the fright Lord Bentley gave them on his arrival.”

Sally curtsied. “Your bath is drawn, my lady. Let me remove your wet garments; you’re shivering.”

Once she was tucked up in bed, warm and dry and her teeth no longer chattering, she was able to review what had happened. Alex had been all but swooning in the bottom of the punt yet somehow he had found the strength to rescue her. He was indeed a remarkable man, which made it even worse that she was lying to him. Tomorrow she would tell him the whole. She would offer to leave if that’s what he wished.

As she dozed she thought she heard his voice outside her chamber, then all was quiet. She must have been mistaken. On the verge of slumber, a gentle finger traced the outline of her mouth. Shocked, her eyes flew open.

“So, my love, you are not asleep as your girl told me. I sent her to reassure the children and slipped in here in her absence. Now, are you well enough to tell me what happened?”

She pushed herself upright. She could hardly object to him being in her bedroom; after all, they
were
man and wife. She wished she had insisted that Sally braid her hair for it was most disconcerting having it floating around her shoulders.

“I thought you had swooned. I was leaning in to bathe your face, but unfortunately the boat moved. Before I could regain my balance, I was in the lake.”

He stared at her as if she were a simpleton. “You leant on the side of the boat?”

“I just said that I did.”

His eyes were laughing down at her. “Didn’t you realize the boat would move? Why didn’t you drag it to the side before you attempted your rescue mission?”

This was too much. Had she not just told him exactly what happened? Her head ached abominably.

“My lord, this conversation is becoming tedious. I have no experience with boats and avoid all forms of water apart from that which I find in my bath. I apologize for my ignorance and promise not to offer you my assistance in future.”

His expression changed. He sat back, no longer friendly. “I beg your pardon for intruding, my lady. I thought we had become good friends today. I was obviously mistaken.”

The door closed behind him and she wished her words back. They had been getting on so well and now she had offended him by her sharpness. How could she reveal her secret when they were at odds? She would make up for her rudeness and work hard to restore matters between them. When the time was right she would tell him everything.

But the days passed and she was too contented to ruin everything by telling him her secret.

Alex had not thought he could feel this relaxed at his country home. He glanced over the newspaper that had arrived that morning. Eleanor was, as usual, scribbling away at her desk. She was his
wife
. These past weeks he had spent with her had made him realize it was possible to enjoy another woman’s company.

She looked up and smiled at him. With a resigned sigh he folded his newspaper and gazed expectantly at her.

“I was wondering what sort of party we should organize for Lucy’s ninth anniversary at the end of next week.”

“Good God! I had no idea her birthday was so soon. I shall leave the matter in your capable hands, my dear. I have no idea what children of any age wish to do on their name day.”

She frowned slightly, staring at him, her huge brown eyes demanding he take more interest. “Alex, we agreed when we spoke three weeks ago that you would be here to celebrate with your children. This does not mean just appearing at the party. You are required to have some involvement.”

He tossed his newspaper to one side, admitting defeat. “Very well, what do you want me to do? I’ll not wear a silly hat or play childish games, but anything else I shall reluctantly agree to.”

“I had thought we could invite the village children and their parents. We could have a series of sporting events for the children; perhaps a tug-of-war, a race or two, and any other activities Lucy might suggest.”

“I shall not be required to take part in any of these things?” She looked too innocent. She was preparing to spring a trap on him, he was certain of it. He sat forward, fixing her with what he hoped was a forceful stare. “I must have your word I shall not be required to do anything ridiculous. I shall be most displeased if I find I have been misled in this matter.”

Her eyes widened. “I give you my solemn word, sir, you shall be adjudicator and hand out the prizes at the end. I believe that could be considered as a suitably serious role for the Lord of the Manor.”

“Very well, go ahead and organize things as you see fit. But I don’t think it wise to ask the villagers, could not the staff join in instead?”

She stared at him as if he was a simpleton. “The whole point, my lord, is that our children have
other
children to race with. I hardly think they would enjoy being pitted against the staff.”

Almost five years had passed since Anna had invited the villagers and their families to celebrate Alexander’s birth. How could he endure a similar event without her by his side? His pleasure in the moment evaporated like water on a summer’s day.

“I shall leave arrangements to you. The new housekeeper appears to be as efficient as her uncle. Get her and Foster to assist you. The estate manager, Davies, should know the names of all my tenants.”

He needed to get out of the house, away from the young woman who was slowly but surely taking over the role of mistress of Blakely Hall. He had married her to provide security and love for his children, but his brains must have been addled when he proposed. His injury had left him not in his right mind.

He should never have allowed another to take over his beloved Anna’s position here.

Eleanor felt the all-too-familiar tears behind her eyelids. She had become a veritable watering pot since arriving at Blakely Hall. Affection was developing between herself and her husband. Foster, although loyal to a fault, had let slip on more than one occasion that Bentley’s first wife had been his true love. Alex had vowed when she died in his arms he would never love another and would always remain true to her memory.

The pen snapped in her hands and she looked down in disgust at the blots spoiling her neat list. Botheration! She would have to begin again on the note of repairs and refurbishments that, in her opinion, were necessary to make this vast establishment a home. The mice had got into much of the bedroom furniture and mattresses and bed hangings must be renewed. Everywhere needed a thorough cleaning.

The clock struck the hour. The children were returning from their walk with their nursemaid. They burst into the small drawing-room Eleanor had taken as her own domain.

“Here you are at last, my loves. Come and sit down, we have much to talk about.”

Lucy dropped onto a footstool door whilst Elizabeth and Alexander climbed up onto the window seat.

“Mama, can we have a water race?” Alexander shouted. Elizabeth pushed her little brother and he fell with a thud to the floor. Before they could start squabbling, Eleanor stepped in.

“Enough of that. We shall not get this finished in time to send out the invitations if you two fuss over everything.” Immediately they scrambled back, each giving her an angelic smile. “I think, Lucy, we shall have a three-legged race, a race wearing hats, a backward-walking race, a tug-of-war, plus the ball at the wicket event. That’s more than enough for one afternoon. Are you satisfied with this selection?”

Lucy jumped up and flung her arms around Eleanor. “I would not care if we had no games at all. I’ve never had a birthday party, at least not one that I can remember. Cook said she’s making me a cake that will have candles on, one for each my years.”

“I know, my love, and you shall have gifts from us. However I think it’s appropriate for you to give something to the village children and not the other way around.”

The child’s face fell. “What shall I give them? I do not believe I have enough toys in the nursery for everyone.”

“No, my dear, you misunderstand me. Your papa and I shall organize the gifts for them.”

By the time the children had gone upstairs for tea, Eleanor had all the information she required. Their father, in her opinion, was not taking sufficient interest, but perhaps on the day he would feel differently. They were to dine together tonight, and her new golden silk dinner gown was waiting on the rail.

Sally greeted her with a cheery smile. “I was about to send out a search party, my lady. It’s only twenty minutes before you’re due downstairs.”

“That is ample time. I’m looking forward to wearing this ensemble. I was so pleased the first of my garments arrived this morning. I shall be able to dress appropriately for the first time tonight. I’ve never had so many beautiful gowns in my entire life and it seems a shame not to start wearing them.”

She wasn’t sure how she would manage the demi-train; Sally had shown her how the ribbon slipped over her wrist to keep the material from under her feet.

“I am not sure even with the extra boning, Sally, that this dress is entirely right. Such a low neckline is meant for someone with more curves than I have.”

“You look a picture, my lady. I doubt anyone at Tendring Manor would recognize you now.”

This encouragement was enough to give her the confidence to glide down the stairs. She nodded to the footman on guard in the vast entrance hall. On walking into the drawing-room, she was surprised to find her husband absent. The previous occasions when they had dined together, he had been waiting for her. Was he brooding about the party next week? She walked to the window which faced the lake.

Good gracious! What was he doing out there staring across the water?

Without a moment’s hesitation she ran along the corridor and out through the door at the far side of the house. She was wearing evening slippers, and this was a new gown which could be ruined by her foolishness. Such things meant little to her. She was breathless by the time she was in hailing distance of the figure beside the lake.

He heard her approaching. He turned when she was still a few yards away. For a moment he stared at her as if seeing her for the first time. His eyes were dark. The lines on either side of his mouth seemed more deeply etched than usual. To her amazement, his expression changed. His eyes were lit by something she didn’t understand; his smile stopped her dead in her tracks.

“My dear, whatever are you doing out here? I should have joined you presently.”

His voice was strangely husky. She wanted to say something, to move toward him, but her feet remained firmly planted in the grass.

He closed the gap, holding out his hands. She didn’t want to take them, but her hands moved of their own volition. The warmth of his fingers sent shock waves up her arms. Why was he looking at her so strangely? Why were his eyes glittering with an odd light? Inexorably, she was drawn closer to him. His heat pulsed towards her, his distinctive lemon scent filling her nostrils.

What was he doing?

“Eleanor, look at me. I want to see your face.”

She couldn’t help herself. Her head tilted and she was staring into his eyes. Holding her with one arm around her waist, he cupped her face with his other hand. His fingers traced the outline of her lips and she trembled.

Things were changing between them. She was rapidly losing control of the situation. Her hand rested on his chest which was burning. She wanted to protest, to demand to be set free, but instead her other hand moved to his shoulder. His evening jacket was rough beneath her fingers. She slid her hand up, wanting to touch his skin as he was touching hers.

The arm around her waist tightened. She was lifted. Her feet dangled. Then without warning, his mouth pressed against hers. Her world rocked. Nothing in her life had prepared her for the exquisite sensation of a man’s lips upon her own. Her head spun and heat pooled in the core of her being. Her hands entangled in the hair at the base of his neck.

His mouth brushed gently across hers, the kiss light. She wanted more, something other than this gentleness. Her lips parted and she returned the pressure. His arms tightened, crushing her against his chest. His hand caught the back of her head, holding her still. His lips became more demanding, the tip of his tongue outlining the contours of her mouth. This intimacy was too much. Panic swamped her passion and she began to struggle. Her hands pummelled his chest and she closed her mouth, forcing her head backwards.

“Put me down at once! This was not part of our bargain. I have no wish to be treated in this way.”

His colour was hectic, his eyes, no longer blue, but almost black. His hold relaxed and she was set down. Immediately she spun away, her breath rasping in her throat, her distress painfully apparent. Instead of leaving her to recover, a warm hand rested lightly on her shoulder. She flinched, but it was not removed.

“Come, my dear, you must not distress yourself. You’re my wife. Whatever we agreed at the outset, surely sharing a moment of intimacy together is a good thing?”

She stepped away from him. “Are you saying, sir, that you wish to make this a true marriage? That I am to be…” Her cheeks burned a second time.

“If you do not wish me to make love to you, my dear, you should not appear dressed as you are. I had no idea you were such a desirable woman. What a difference a new gown can make.”

How dare he talk to her as if
she
was of no account? As if clothing was all that mattered, not who was
inside
the fine garments. Her embarrassment was replaced by righteous indignation.

“I have no wish to share my bed with you, my lord. Neither have I any wish to repeat this experience. I came out because I was concerned that you might be unwell. I was sadly mistaken—”

His shout of laughter sent the moorhens diving for cover. “God’s teeth! You thought I was about to throw myself into the water?”

Eleanor was about to deny this, but it had indeed been what she had feared. He had looked so desolate when he had left her earlier in the day. “Of course I did not. I no longer wish to discuss this. I have ruined my new gown for nothing.”

His eyes crinkled at the corners; she was being laughed at. “I’m sure you will have others arriving very soon, my dear. Your gown is far from ruined, a little grass around the hem will soon brush off. Having given any staff in this vicinity an entertaining spectacle, might I suggest we go in for our dinner? The meal will be beyond saving if we linger out here much longer.”

He took her hand and pushed it through his crooked arm, making sure she was unable to remove it. Reminded that they were in full view of anyone who cared to look from the windows, she decided to go in without protest.

“The weather has been surprisingly warm today, let us hope it continues this way until the party.”

“I have no wish to discuss the weather. In fact I have no wish to talk to do you at all.” She sounded churlish and his chuckle only added to her annoyance. Sydney waited to greet them when they reappeared in the hall.

“Dinner is served, my lord, my lady”

Alex bent and whispered in her ear. “Now we are in his bad books, my dear. No one ever keeps dinner waiting.”

Eleanor couldn’t help herself; she pressed her free hand across her mouth trying to hold back her giggles. They were escorted frostily to the dining room where two footmen jumped forward. As usual, they were seated at either end of the vast table which made conversation all but impossible.

“This will not do, Sydney. I am heartily sick of being obliged to shout if I wish to speak to Lady Bentley. Lay a place at the other end. Do it now.”

He stalked around the room and waited imperiously whilst a nervous footman pulled out his chair. He looked so autocratic, so fierce, but then he caught her eye and winked before resuming his glare. She had to snatch a napkin in order to bury her face and hoped Sydney believed she was suffering from a fit of coughing. Alex was difficult to resist when he was being playful and charming.