Lord Buckingham’s Bride (11 page)

‘I wouldn't expect you to do anything else, sir.'

‘The marriage will take place as soon as the appropriate special license can be obtained. The English church is closed at the moment, as it is soon to be demolished and rebuilt, which means that you must marry here in this house. The new British ambassador is an agreeable fellow, and I'm sure he can be prevailed upon to speed things up. With luck, all should be accomplished in a few days.'

‘I trust so, sir, for although I've mishandled things to a certain extent, I do love Alison with all my heart. May I now ask you a
question
, sir?'

‘By all means.'

‘How well acquainted are you with Prince Naryshky?'

‘If it were up to me, I'd avoid him like the plague itself. I think him a most disagreeable fellow, thoroughly unscrupulous and a
Bonapartist to boot. He and his sister dislike the British and do all they can to promote the French cause. Do you know of his sister?'

‘The Countess Irina von Strelitz? Yes, I do.'

‘Suffice it that at the moment Czar Alexander pays heed to her every slightest wish. He's completely devoted to her, and for all I know, she may be equally devoted to him, but I doubt it. She's Naryshky's sister and undoubtedly as scheming and treacherous as he.'

Francis looked closely at him. “You said “if it were up to me”.'

‘Yes, because although I would have nothing to do with him, I'm afraid that my wife isn't in any position to follow such a lead. Her father is the prince's tenant on one of his estates at Novgorod, which is about one hundred miles south of here on the road to Moscow. In Russia to be a man's tenant is tantamount to being his property, and Leon Razumov, Natalia's father, although a wealthy man, is entirely in Naryshky's grip. Why, I even had to approach Naryshky for permission to marry Natalia.' He drew a heavy breath. ‘I will be honest with you, Leon has been here in St Petersburg for the past week or so endeavoring to see Naryshky's overseer, who is a man with even fewer scruples than the prince himself. It seems that the overseer, whose name is Bragin, has a nephew whom he wishes to see in Leon's place at Novgorod, and that when Naryshky returns he is to be approached on the matter. Naryshky pays great attention to Bragin, who is invaluable to him because he'll carry out any order, no matter how ruthless, and it's therefore rather doubtful if Leon's cause will receive any sympathy at all. Natalia is naturally very upset about it all, for she loves her father and still has brothers and sisters on the estate where the family has lived for more than two hundred years.'

‘I'm very sorry to hear all this, sir, especially as my opinion of Narshky more than equates with yours,' replied Francis
sympathetically
.

‘Perhaps a wedding would be a welcome diversion for Natalia, for she feels so helpless where her father is concerned. She adores weddings and is still young enough to think that love is wonderful.' Mr Clearwell smiled fondly. ‘For many years she nursed a broken heart because her fiancé was killed in a hunting accident, and at thirty-five she believed she was destined to remain a spinster. I
thought I was too set in my ways to marry again, but when we met, we hit it off immediately. She is the most precious thing in my life, and so perhaps I can understand how you and Alison feel about each other. I know that in giving my consent to your marriage I am doing what my brother would do if he were here, for although we haven't seen each other in many years, I'm still sure I know how he would react to these circumstances.'

‘I'm very grateful for your understanding, sir.'

‘Understanding your situation is one thing; enduring the wretched Mrs Fairfax-Gunn at the opera tonight is quite another. But I think we must press ahead with it. She was going from here to the British embassy, where there is apparently a gathering of wives to hear some unutterable fellow sing Russian folk songs. She'll have been clacking away for some time by now and everyone will already be whispering about you two. The sooner we brave them all, the better, I fancy.'

‘I agree, sir.'

‘Besides,
Don Giovanni
is my favorite opera, and Count Vorontzov's private box is one of the best placed in the opera house.'

‘Count Vorontzov? The Russian ambassador in London?' Francis asked.

‘Yes, it seems that he and the late Mr Fairfax-Gunn, who most probably went to his grave to escape from his wife, were very good friends, the count having been ambassador since the eighties. Anyway, when Vorontzov learned of the lady's desire to visit St Petersburg, he arranged for her to use the house of a friend who is away in the
country
for the time being, and he gave her full use of his family's private box at the opera house, there not being a Vorontzov in St Petersburg until September. At this precise moment I cordially wish Count Simon Vorontzov in perdition, you may be sure of that.' Mr Clearwell looked at Francis. ‘By the way, was there any foundation in this
business
of your purchasing a colt from the imperial stables?'

‘Foundation? Why, yes, of course. Why do you ask?'

‘Because it seemed probable on reflection that it was simply a ploy to be here with Alison.'

‘My business with Czar Alexander is genuine, I promise you. Indeed, one of my first priorities must be to leave my name at the Winter Palace and trust that I will soon be summoned.' Francis's glance
moved briefly to meet Alison's.

Her uncle didn't notice. ‘I will drive you to the palace in my carriage this afternoon. We'll stop at the British embassy on the way and see about that special license.'

‘By all means, sir. Thank you.'

A carriage drew up outside and Mr Clearwell went to the window. ‘Ah, here is Natalia now. I'll go down to meet her and tell her all about you. I do hope that your arrival will take her mind off her father.' He hurried out, closing the door behind him.

Alison immediately got up, looking accusingly at Francis. ‘Did you have to say those things about Pamela and William? We're wronging Pamela enough already without suggesting that she—'

‘Are we?' he interrupted, stiffening because he was caught
off-guard
by her anger.

‘Yes, of course we are.' Her guilty conscience was weighing very heavily in that moment.

‘And what do you know about Pamela and your cousin? Anything at all? Did you ever see them together after she left Bath? No, you didn't, which means that you know absolutely nothing on the subject.'

‘I know that she loves you.'

‘Really? And how, exactly, do you know that?' he asked cuttingly.

For a moment she stared at him; then she turned away because she had to battle against the tears that again brimmed to the surface.

He closed his eyes for a moment and then went to her, turning her to face him. ‘What is it?' he asked gently.

‘I feel so terribly guilty,' she whispered, the tears shining in her large gray eyes. ‘I keep thinking about Pamela, and I feel dreadful.'

‘Then don't.'

‘That's an impossible instruction to obey.'

‘Alison, I know that all this has been a great strain for you and that it's far from over yet, but I promise you that the moment I can, I'll take you home to England.'

‘Home? And where will my home be, Francis?' she asked quietly.

‘With me, because you'll be my wife.'

‘Yes, the wife you don't want because Pamela is the one you love.'

‘I'm marrying you because I want to.'

She shook her head. ‘You're marrying me because you feel obliged to and because you wish above all to protect your true purpose here. Don't lie to me, Francis, for I know full well that you don't want me.'

Her uncle and step-aunt were approaching the door, and she drew away from him to return to her seat. She avoided his eyes because she was afraid that he would realize how she really felt about him. She had to shield herself from hurt, for loving him was already bringing her heartbreak.

T
he second Mrs Thomas Clearwell was petite and instantly likable, with rich brown hair, friendly green eyes, and an open
countenance
. She wore a mustard-colored pelisse trimmed with sable, and beneath a sable hat her hair was coiled up in two plump plaits. It was evident that she was as devoted to her husband as he was to her, but it was also evident that she had been crying, for her eyes were tearstained. She endeavored to conceal it, however, hastening forward immediately to take Alison's hands.

‘Ah, my dear, what a surprise you have caused!' She had a pleasant voice with a heavy Russian accent. She turned to Francis. ‘And you, my lord, we thought you wished only to purchase a horse from the czar, but instead you've come to steal my husband's niece.'

‘I've come to do both,' he replied, kissing the little hand she extended to him.

‘Practical and passionate? Sir, that is Russian, not British,' she said lightly.

Mr Clearwell hastened to effect the necessary introductions.

‘My lord, may I introduce my wife, Mrs Clearwell. Natalia, this is Francis, Lord Buckingham.'

Francis still held Natalia's hand, and he drew it to his lips a second time. ‘I am honored to make your acquaintance, Mrs Clearwell.'

‘And I yours, sir.'

Natalia then turned to Alison, and once again Mr Clearwell
introduced
them formally. ‘Alison, this is your Aunt Natalia. Natalia, my niece, Alison.'

Natalia smiled into Alison's eyes. ‘I am truly delighted that you
have come to stay with us, my dear, for it will be so good to have a little company. Your uncle says that you have no maid or chaperone. Is this so?'

‘Yes.' Alison quickly explained.

‘You shall have Katya to attend you. She is from here in St Petersburg and is very good. I know because she attended me when my maid was indisposed. Your luggage arrived safely several weeks ago, and all your clothes have been aired and smoothed in readiness. How provident it was that your headmistress chose to send
everything
ahead, for if she hadn't and it had all been with you on that ship in Stockholm …' Natalia broke off, looking concernedly at her. ‘It must have been a very frightening experience for you, my dear.'

‘Yes, it was.'

‘But at least you were not alone, for you had his lordship to comfort you.'

‘Yes.'

‘Well, all that dreadfulness is over now, Alison, and you are safely here with us. We will make this stay a very happy one, I promise you, and I will see to it that you are the most beautiful of brides.' Natalia paused again. ‘Your uncle tells me that Prince Naryshky is not only well disposed toward you, but also that he wishes to attend your wedding. Is this true?'

‘Yes, he has expressed such a wish.'

Mr Clearwell looked anxiously toward his wife. ‘Natalia, I trust that you do not intend to use the occasion to approach the prince.'

‘I must do something, Thomas.'

‘He is an upredictable, contrary, and unpleasant man, my dear, and my advice is that you simply leave well alone. Bragin has a great deal of influence with him, but if Naryshky is in a bad mood when even his most trusted henchman approaches him, then any request will be turned down flat. Your father stands a better chance if things are simply left as they are, believe me.'

‘But if I just stand aside and do nothing, I will feel that I have failed my father.'

‘He knows that you support him, my dear,' said Mr Clearwell, putting his arm lovingly around her shoulder.

‘He was so sad when he drove away. I have never seen him brought
so low and unhappy.' Fresh tears filled Natalia's eyes.

Mr Clearwell kissed her forehead. ‘I know, my dear, I know. Now, then, you must put all that from your mind and attend to your duties where Alison is concerned. Show her the room you have taken so much trouble to prepare for her, and perhaps you can begin to discuss the wedding plans. Lord Buckingham and I intend to go to the embassy this afternoon to seek the special license, and after that, the wedding will take place as quickly as possible.'

Natalia took the handkerchief he pressed into her hand, and then she managed a brave smile. ‘You are right, Thomas. I must try to think of something else, and what better diversion could there be than a wedding.' She looked apologetically at Alison and Francis. ‘Please forgive me, for I do not wish to dampen everything. Come, Alison, let me show you to your room. I do hope you will like it, for I have given it much thought.'

She went to the door and Alison began to follow her, but then Francis stepped quickly forward, taking Alison's hand and drawing it to his lips. His blue eyes were warm and intense as they gazed into hers, and he whispered softly so that only she could hear.

‘Don't feel guilty anymore, Alison, I beg of you. Go to your room now and rest for a while, and when we meet again, know that I really do wish to make you my wife.'

Then he nodded toward Natalia, who was waiting at the door. ‘Go with your aunt,' he said more audibly.

Alison did as he bade, and as she and Natalia walked away from the grand salon toward the staircase that led up to the floor above, Natalia smiled at her. ‘Lord Buckingham quite obviously loves you to distraction, my dear, and I could not be more happy for you. To have the love of a fine man is the most wonderful thing in all the world, but if that man is also so handsome that he stops your heart, and if he is wealthy and has a title, what more could any woman ask of fate? God is disposed to smile upon you, Alison, there is no mistake about that.'

Alison summoned a smile. ‘I love Francis with all my heart,' she replied simply, and knew that it was true.

Her room was at the side of the house, facing east toward the heart of St Petersburg. The two tall windows looked out over the walled
garden beside the mansion, and the view extended over the Neva to the left, and the rooftops of Horseguards Boulevard to the right, parallel to and behind English Quay. Isaac Bridge could be seen stretching across the river's shining dark-blue water, and the
Irina
's beautiful white silhouette still rocked at anchor in the same place.

Gray-and-gold silk adorned the room's walls, and heavy gray velvet curtains hung at the windows. There was a large four-poster bed draped with dull gold silk and an elegant fireside chair upholstered in the same gray velvet as the curtains. Flames flickered warmly in the pink marble hearth, and there were more hyacinths to fill the air with perfume. Several luxuriant ferns stood in big brass bowls, and a bay tree in a terra-cotta pot had been placed against the wall between the two windows. Chandeliers were suspended from the high ceiling, their crystal drops moving gently in the heat from the fire. A gray, white, and gold carpet had been placed in the center of the parquet floor, the fringe combed so carefully that there wasn't a single strand out of place. All around the edge the wooden floor shone with polish, reflecting the dancing light from the fire.

Through an adjoining door there was a large dressing room containing a muslin-draped dressing table with a looking glass, a row of large white-and-gold wardrobes, a washstand behind a lacquered Spanish screen, and a handsome full-length cheval glass in which one might examine every inch of one's appearance.

Natalia stood by the four-poster bed, looking anxiously at Alison as she glanced around. ‘I do hope you like it, my dear.'

‘It's very beautiful,' replied Alison, smiling warmly at her. ‘You have indeed taken care of everything, and I'm very grateful.'

Natalia relaxed. ‘I did not know what you would like, Alison. I know the sort of things that young Russian ladies appreciate, but when it comes to someone from England …'

‘I couldn't be more delighted with everything, Aunt Natalia.'

‘Thank you, my dear. You must forgive the hyacinths that are everywhere, only they are my favorite flower, and on my birthday last week your uncle had what seemed to be every hyacinth in St Petersburg delivered to the door.'

‘I am very fond of hyacinths.'

‘My dear, at the moment you will have to be,' said Natalia,
laughing 
a little. ‘Ah, it is good to have another woman to talk to. At home I have sisters, and I miss them …' Her smile trembled a little. ‘I
mustn't
think about home,' she said briskly, walking to the window and looking out. ‘I understand we are all to go to the opera tonight.'

‘Yes.'

‘It wasn't entirely accidental that I chose to be out today when I knew that that terrible woman might call. She is an incorrigible
troublemaker
, and if she could make something of the fact that I have married an older man, I vow that she would. She is bound to stir up all the scandal she can where you and Lord Bucking-ham are concerned, you know that, don't you?'

‘Yes. Francis knows her from England.'

‘She is quite horrid, but since your uncle has accepted her
invitation
, I fear we must go. Still, it is Mozart, and that at least I will enjoy.' Natalia turned to look at her. ‘Are you really up to a visit to the opera, my dear? You look so pale and tired.'

‘I'll be all right when I've rested for a while, Aunt Natalia.'

‘Then rest you shall, and this afternoon you and I will begin to discuss the wedding. It will be small, I know, for such things must be of necessity, but we must still make you the most delectable of brides, must we not?'

‘We can try.'

‘My dear, you are hardly a plain little mouse,' declared her new step-aunt with a warm smile. Then she sighed. ‘I know that your uncle has advised me not to say anything to the prince, but if he is here in this house and I have the opportunity speak to him, I don't think I will be able to hold my tongue. I am so afraid that my father and the rest of my family are about to be turned out of the estate they've cared for for the past two hundred years. There have been Razumovs in charge at the Naryshky estate in Novgorod ever since the present prince's ancestor first purchased it. Indeed, it is said that the Razumovs were placed there because that ancestor had not only enjoyed the favors of Razumov's wife, but had also fathered her child. I have to admit that sometimes it seems that there is foundation in the story, for every generation of Razumovs possesses at least one member who has the Naryshky blond hair and brown eyes. My brother Alexei bears a
more-than-passing
resemblance to Prince Nikolai.' She smiled ruefully at
Alison. ‘I'm sorry, my dear, for I'm sure that you have no wish to hear the somewhat shocking story of my family's history.'

‘Aunt Natalia, there are many families in England with similar tales to tell, and some of those families are very highborn indeed,' replied Alison, thinking of several earldoms and a dukedom or two that owed everything to a king's desire for someone other than his queen.

Natalia nodded. ‘Yes, I suppose there are, my dear, but they aren't about to be thrown out of their home because an overseer has too much of the master's ear.'

Alison didn't reply, for the injustice of Leon Razumov's situation was only too plain.

Natalia came to her, giving her a warm hug. ‘Welcome to this house, Alison. I'm sure that you and I will get on famously. But for the moment I will leave you to rest. Do you wish for any refreshment? A little light luncheon perhaps?'

‘No, thank you. Perhaps later on…?'

‘I will send Katya to you in a few hours' time. Rest well, my dear.'

As the door closed upon her step-aunt, Alison went to the window to gaze out. She stared toward the
Irina
, thinking about Nikolai. So much trouble and difficulty had come about simply and solely because he had noticed her. She was afraid of him and wished that she didn't have to see him again.

She looked down into the walled garden below and the criss-cross of paths patterning the lawns. The wall gave shelter enough for the daffodils to be quite advanced, their almost open buds nodding in the light breeze that came in from the Neva. There was a little white summerhouse against the wall, just beyond the wrought-iron gate from the quay. The summerhouse nestled among lilac bushes that must look very lovely indeed when in full bloom.

She stared at the garden, and it seemed to blur before her eyes. She could see Francis's face and hear his whisper. ‘Don't feel guilty anymore, Alison, I beg of you. Go to your room now and rest for a while, and when we meet again, know that I really do wish to make you my wife.'

She would be his wife and he would be her husband, but he would never be hers. Although his ring would grace her finger, he would always belong to Pamela.

As Alison stood at the window of her room at English Quay, three miles to the north across the city, on secluded Krestovsky Island, the Countess Irina von Strelitz was returning from a ride along the canals and waterways of the delta. She wore a crimson riding habit trimmed with deep white fur, and there was a white fur hat on her magnificent titian hair. Her soft brown eyes were radiant from the ride in the brisk spring air, and her pale cheeks were flushed. She had a curvaceous figure that was outlined exquisitely by the clever cut of the habit, and she rode with the accomplishment that was expected of highborn Russian ladies. Her mount was still impatient after the ride, capering a little as she reached the road that led across her estate to the stables, but she urged it on and the sound of its hooves carried clearly across the park, where fountains played among the lime trees. She was happy because tonight she was going to the opera, a diversion she always enjoyed, and afterward, when St Petersburg slept, the czar would leave his retreat on nearby Kamenny Island, cross over the wooden bridge, and come to be with her. She would lie in his arms between scented sheets, and when he left at dawn, he would love her more than ever, for only she knew how to make him happy and relaxed and, above all, how to satisfy his every and most secret desire.