The Duke's Deception (15 page)

Tears trickled
down her cheeks and she lowered her head keeping her face hidden from Jane
inside her bonnet. A clean, white cotton square was gently pushed into her
clenched fingers.

‘Dry your face,
miss. You’ll not wish to have red eyes when we stop.’

Obediently she
did so but the more she mopped the greater the fall. She gulped, trying to
swallow her sobs but the harder she tried the worse they became. Jane moved to
her side and held her until the crying ceased.

‘There now,
miss. Try and be strong. You will find a new life in London; no one will know
you there, you can start afresh and put all this behind you.’

Marianne sat
back feeling drained but calmer. ‘I shall never forget, Jane. How can I? I seem
to have lived a lifetime in a few weeks. I found a family and I fell in love.
It took me only a few days to know I had given my heart but it will take a
lifetime to recover.’

She allowed Jane
to adjust her bonnet and smooth out her travelling dress. ‘I’ll never see Sir
Theodore, or whoever he is, again. I know that, but he will always be with me.
I’ve no desire to start again as you put it, I wish to find somewhere quiet and
live there with you and John. If I can’t marry the man I love then I will marry
no one.’

Jane removed to
her position on the opposite side of the carriage. ‘You’re only eighteen, miss;
you’ve a lifetime ahead of you. I guarantee in ten years you will have
forgotten all this and be happily married to another more suitable gentleman.’

Marianne didn’t
answer but lapsed into silence. They were both relieved when the carriage
turned off the road to pull up in the yard of a busy coaching inn. Edward’s
cheerful face appeared at the door.

‘I’ve done well,
Marianne. They had a cancellation and we have taken the rooms, and private
parlour that were left vacant. Tom, Billy and the coachman and groom have

accommodation
above the stables.’

She forced
herself to look suitably appreciative. ‘Thank you, Edward. I’m so glad you
decided to come with us.’

*

The yard was
bustling with ostlers, horses and several similar travelling carriages. The
mail coach had just pulled in and the occupants were climbing stiffly down to
eat supper, relieve themselves and stretch their legs before having to climb
back on board to resume their journey. They had but thirty minutes to
accomplish all this.

Marianne saw none
of it for she was too tired and dispirited to notice. She followed Edward
inside and up the stairs to the three small rooms he had bespoken for the
night. While she was oblivious to her surroundings others were not so blind.

Two gentlemen
dressed to cut a dash were dismounting from their own equipage and saw her
hurried entrance. One, a well set-up gentleman of approximately three and
thirty, his face swarthy but his features regular enough to be considered
handsome, recognized her as she went in.

His hard grey
eyes narrowed. ‘Did you see who that was, Hepworth? It was the Frasier chit.
What’s she doing here I wonder, and dressed so fine I scarcely knew her.’

His crony stared
blearily in the direction of the entrance. ‘No, you don’t say?’ The younger man
was more than a little foxed and frowned as he tried to recall to whom his
friend was referring. ‘Was that the girl you dangled after in Bath? The one what vanished, slipped between
your fingers at the last moment?’

Sir James
scowled. ‘I was made to look a fool. I do not forget that easily. I have a
score to

settle with the young lady. You see
to the horses, Hepworth, and I’ll speak to the landlord and discover where
we’re to sleep tonight.’ He also intended to make a few discreet enquiries
about

Martha Frasier.

Chapter
Fifteen

The luggage cart
left at dawn for

A night’s sleep
had somewhat improved her humour and she was resigned to her third change of
circumstances in as many months. She found herself able to gaze out of the
window with considerable interest as they entered London proper. Edward had chosen to ride
Sultan and was not inside with them.

‘There are so
many people on the streets, Jane. I don’t believe I shall enjoy being here,
it’s so overcrowded.’

‘Well, miss, if
Mr Sampson finds us a suitable country property we won’t have to live here
long.’ Her nose wrinkled. ‘I don’t like the smell; it’s sour and is making my
eyes water.’

‘There are not
many elegant people about. I suppose they are still in bed. It will only be
tradesmen we’re seeing.’

‘I expect
society folk were up at a ball or card party until dawn. The season has not
quite ended, I believe.’

‘I’m glad I’m
not a hopeful debutante for I should hate to live here for several months and
be forced to attend
soirees
, at homes
and balls every night of the week.’ She smiled at Jane. ‘But I should like to
attend an opera. I wonder if Madame
Catalini
or
Mademoiselle
Viotti
are performing anywhere at the
moment.’

‘As long as you
don’t want me to accompany you - I couldn’t abide to listen to lot of
foreigners caterwauling.’ Jane grinned. ‘Mind you, if you visit the theatre
that would be a different matter. I should dearly love to see a play by that
Will Shakespeare or a comedy or farce.’

Discussing the
various visits they could make made Marianne more optimistic. ‘I would like to
go to
Gunton’s
for an ice and to the Tower to see the
menagerie and maybe even to Vauxhall
Gardens to watch the
fireworks one evening.

The carriage
rattled and bumped in snail like progress to arrive eventually outside a
three-storey house in fashionable Brook Street. Marianne was impressed by the
scrubbed white stone steps and shiny painted railings that fronted the
property. Edward and the boys vanished through an archway at the side to find
the stables.

The front door
opened and two liveried footmen ran to open the carriage door and let down the
steps. The butler and housekeeper appeared in the doorway to greet Marianne.
She had had no notion lawyers lived so well and in such a prestigious area. She
waited for Jane to disembark as with her
abigail
walking behind her she would be less intimidated.

‘Good morning, Miss
Devenish.’ She was surprised to be greeted by name by several servants as she
was ushered into the hall. She was puzzled there was so much ceremony from the
staff but no sign of either her host or hostess.

The butler
bowed. ‘Mr Sampson offers his sincere apologies but he is absent on pressing
business this morning. Mrs Sampson is not receiving until later. Andrews, the
housekeeper, will direct you to your apartment and take care of you, if you
would care to accompany her.’

Marianne nodded,
resisting the impulse to curtsy to this august gentleman.

‘If you would
come this way, Miss Devenish; you are at the rear of the house. Your chambers
overlook the gardens and are quieter than the rooms at the front.’

Andrews led the
way up the elegant curved staircase, newly carpeted and its banisters so well
polished Marianne could see her hands reflected. They went up to the second
floor, the first being reception rooms and private parlours. The housekeeper
halted outside double doors. A footman opened them and bowed her through.

‘Oh, this is
lovely and such a wonderful view - with those big windows it’s almost like
being outside,’ Marianne exclaimed delighted by the generously proportioned
sitting-room which was furnished with matching rosewood furniture and dark green
hangings.

Andrews nodded.
‘The bedchamber is through the door to the left; you will find all the usual
offices, a dressing-room, closets and a bathing room.’ The two neatly dressed
chambermaids curtsied and waited for their instructions from Marianne.

‘This is
splendid, thank you. What time do you expect Mrs Sampson to be available?’

‘Madame said she
would send word when she is ready, Miss Devenish.’

The housekeeper
left them to explore their new domain. ‘Jane, I’ll leave you to direct the
girls. I would like to bathe, if that’s possible and change from my travelling
dress. By then my hostess might be down and I can make my curtsy.’

This was such a
substantial establishment she had no fear Jane and John would not be well
accommodated. She had put their unusual requirements in the letter she had sent
ahead to announce their coming. She wandered over to the windows and gazed at
the gardens set out below. Then she heard children’s voices and a small group
appeared accompanied by a bevy of attendants.

A hopeful family
indeed! There were two toddlers in leading strings, obviously twins, but

as the custom was to dress both
boys and girls alike she could not to decide which sex they were.

An older boy of
about seven years of age in blue velveteen breeches and matching jacket,
skipped along happily, a small wooden yacht held in his hand. The eldest child,
a girl, carrying a book under her arm was dressed in blue calico and white
pinafore and so reminded her of Eleanor that Marianne’s eyes filled.

They were happy children
presumably going to the nearest park to sail the boat. The two nursemaids were
young and jolly. The older lady had a pleasant face and in spite of her
advancing years had a sprightly step.

Marianne
relaxed. She had made the right choice to come here. Happy children and
contented staff indicated Mr and Mrs Sampson were kind and generous people. She
smiled; she had been fortunate in her recent domiciles. This could have been so
much worse. For Upton Manor and her home in Bath had been unhappy houses, dark and
uncared for, her presence considered an unnecessary nuisance.

The taller of
the two maids came in. Marianne smiled. ‘What is your name?’

The girl dipped
and shyly returned her smile. ‘Annie, miss, if you please.’

‘Annie, what
time is dinner served here?’

‘When the master
returns, miss; it’s any time between six of the clock and eight.’

‘That must make
it hard for the kitchen not knowing when dinner is to be served.’

‘Oh, Cook’s used
to it by now. The master always sends word he’s on his way, then there is a
fair scramble I can tell you. The mistress runs upstairs to dress and Cook
bangs about in the kitchen getting all ready.’

Pleased she
would not be obliged to stand about in her dinner gown for two hours waiting to
be summoned Marianne smiled. ‘Thank you, Annie. I’ll endeavour to be on the
premises by five and thirty every day.’

She selected an
ensemble she’d not worn before; a deep apricot muslin with an overdress of
paler
sarcenet
. The only adornment was the matching
ribbon threaded through her curls.

‘You look a
picture, Miss Devenish. No one would guess you had a heavy heart.’

‘I’m trying to
put it out of my mind and think about the delights of visiting the sights of
London. I might never have another chance.’

She left Jane
supervising the unpacking and went in search of Mrs Sampson. The clock
downstairs had stuck the hour - the time was past two o’clock. Surely her
hostess was out of bed by now? She heard voices coming from a half open door on
the first floor and followed the sound. She knocked and waited.

There was a
rustle of skirts and the sound of hurrying feet and the door opened. The tall,
slender, woman dressed in the height of fashion clapped her hand to her mouth
in horror.

‘Oh, my dear Miss
Devenish, I had forgotten all about you— do come in. I have two dear friends
come for a morning call. I shall introduce you straightaway.’

Marianne
curtsied to a Mrs Stanmore and a Lady Ashton, both young matrons dressed in the
first stare. She was glad they would find no fault with her appearance.

‘Miss Devenish
has come to stay with us for a few weeks. Mr Sampson is looking after her
affairs— she is an orphan you know and a great heiress.’

Lady Ashton
patted the seat next to her and Marianne went to join her. ‘Well, my dear Miss
Devenish, you have arrived a little late to enjoy the season. But there are
still one or two parties to come before it ends. I am sure I can obtain
invitations for you.’

Marianne shook
her head. ‘Thank you, Lady Ashton, that is so kind but I have no wish to attend
public parties.’ She smiled to soften her refusal. ‘But I am hoping to visit
the opera and theatre and see the sights.’

Lady Ashton was
not at all put off. ‘I have a box at the opera, Miss Devenish, you must join my
party. I shall send you a card with the details.’

That is kind of
you, Lady Ashton.’ She turned to Mrs Sampson. ‘Will that be acceptable, Mrs
Sampson?’

Her hostess
beamed obviously pleased her young guest had showed such good manners. ‘Of
course, my dear. Mr Sampson and I don’t enjoy the opera but we do like to see a
comedy or a play by Mr Shakespeare and will certainly take you to one of those
whilst you are with us.’

The talk drifted
back and forth Marianne drinking it in. She learnt a great deal about society
in the half an hour before the two ladies rose and took their leave.

Mrs Sampson
turned to her. ‘I do not expect any other callers today so you are free until
it is time to dress for dinner. I spend this time with my children but you are
very welcome to join me.’

‘Thank you, that
is kind. But what I would really like to do is take a promenade around the
neighbourhood if that is permitted. I’m afraid I don’t know the correct
etiquette, I have had a sheltered upbringing.’

‘Mr Sampson
explained your circumstances. If you take a footman as well as your maid you
can walk about anywhere. New Bond Street is close by; you will find everything
from furriers to haberdashers and several excellent linen drapers as well.’

Marianne thanked
her hostess and ran back upstairs to find her maid. ‘We are going for a walk,
Jane. What is
de rigueur
for
taking a stroll in Town?’

‘You need your
parasol but it’s too warm for a spencer or pelisse. Do you wish to take a
shawl?’

‘I think not, I
find they slip dreadfully and get in the way.’

Jane tied her
bonnet on for her and handed over the gloves and parasol that completed the
ensemble
.

‘Do I really
need this? My complexion is past redemption for I have ridden out so much in
the past.’

‘Yes, miss, it’s
expected.’

As they left the
house a footman in attendance, Marianne belatedly remembered to enquire after
John. ‘Have you seen John? ‘

‘No, not yet. He
is away with Mr Sampson today. Also Master Edward sent a message that he has
gone to see a cockfight somewhere in Cheapside but will be back for dinner.’

Marianne paled.
‘He should not have gone; he’s only sixteen. Edward’s parents will not want him
abroad in London.’

‘Tom and Billy
went with him, Miss
Devenish,
he’ll come to no harm.’

‘I am relieved
to hear it. What would I do without you all to take care of things?’

After a fine
dinner of two courses and several removes Marianne followed Mrs Sampson to the
drawing-room. She was well satisfied by the evening. Mr Sampson was a charming,
urbane
gentlemen
, the youngest son of an earl which
explained why the family was so well-connected.

Edward had
enjoyed his outing so much he had decided to stay an extra two days in order to
attend a prize fight to be held out-of-town. As Tom and Billy would accompany
him to see to his safety Marianne was happy to acquiesce. Her only reservation
had been the fact she now had the parcel of letters in her safekeeping until he
returned.

A brief meeting
with John established he was well but he had gleaned no more information about Theo’s
identity. She had an appointment with Mr Sampson before breakfast at which no
doubt he would bring her up-to-date with all matters pertaining to her
inheritance. Her urgent questions and requests could safely be left until then.

The house was
quiet when Marianne came down to her meeting the next morning. A helpful
parlour maid directed her to the study. Mr Sampson was waiting, official
looking documents spread out on his desk

‘Good morning,
Miss Devenish, I hope you are well rested?’

‘Thank you, sir,
yes. How can it be otherwise in such a comfortable apartment?’

He pulled out
the chair facing his across the cluttered desk and she sat and waited
expectantly. He cleared his throat.

‘I’m pleased to
inform you that after extensive enquiries I’ve been able to establish there
being no other living heir, either male or female, you are the beneficiary of
Bentley Hall and the substantial estate that goes with it.’

‘Good heavens!
Are you quite sure? My connection is so remote - and through my mother -surely
my grandmother should be the recipient, not I?’

‘One might think
so indeed. But Mrs Devenish is not in direct line. She is a Devenish by
marriage only, you are a blood connection through your grandfather who was the
nephew of Sir James.’

‘I think I see;
so I now have all of the Frasier estates and funds as well as the Devenish
inheritance?’

‘Indeed you do,
Miss Devenish. You will have an income in excess of £10,000 per annum. It makes
you one of the most eligible young ladies of this season. You will have every
bachelor in town at your doorstep.’