The Duke's Deception (5 page)

‘When should I
expect Lady Grierson and Miss Grierson to appear, my lord?’

Unexpectedly
Lord Grierson frowned at her not answering her query. ‘This will not do, my
child. I cannot be forever hearing, my lord, my lady, miss this and mister
that. We don’t stand on ceremony at Frating Hall.’

‘Then how shall
I address you, sir?’

He beamed, his
decision made. ‘You are as a daughter to us now, so you shall call me as my
children do, Papa. How about that?’

‘Thank you,
sir…Papa - that is a kind suggestion. I am an orphan and have no other parents
who can possibly object to the arrangement.’

Charles, who had
finished his meal, smiled his eyes friendly, his expression open and honest.
‘If that’s how things are, you’ve become another sister and I shall, in future,
address you as Marianne.’

‘And I shall
call you Charles.’ She pushed back a chair relieved a footman had not leapt
forward to assist her. ‘I am going to love it here.’ Then her smile faded. ‘But
I hope you will understand that I’m not used to living in a large family and
must sometimes be on my own.’

Lord Grierson
nodded. ‘Of course you will. We are a rambunctious lot. Too much to bear I am
sure. The library I’m sorry to say is rarely used, for we are not a bookish family.
What say you take that as your own place? I’ll make certain no one enters
without your permission.’

Tears filled
Marianne’s eyes. She didn’t deserve such consideration. ‘Thank you, Papa, that
is kind of you. The library will be perfect.’ She smiled warmly at the three
men who were all standing as she prepared to leave. Lord Grierson prevented
her.

‘And, another
thing, child. You will have new rooms from this morning, it’s all in hand.
Emily meant well, we all did, but realize now someone brought up as you have
been would not be used to sharing.’

Marianne felt
her cheeks redden. ‘I didn’t intend to upset Emily. I know she offered to share
her own apartment out of kindness. I spoke hastily. I can only plead that my
headache forced my incivility and will make my peace with her when she
descends.’

‘No harm done,
my dear. You will be best of friends whether sharing or not. Now, run along and
see where your mama has put you. I will see you at dinner, no doubt.’

She escaped the
breakfast parlour her face still pink. She would do as she was bid and

inspect her new accommodation for
there was nothing else to do until Emily and Lady Grierson rose from their
beds. She ran lightly up the stairs. There was going to be so much to occupy
her here; gone were the long empty days of Upton Manor in which she had only
her wild rides in the country to alleviate the boredom.

She had never
attended a soiree, an assembly or even participated in such mundane activities
as a picnic or a visit to a country fair. She knew nothing about shopping
either and was eagerly anticipating becoming involved in a few of these
activities now that she was here.

Her mouth curved
involuntarily as she recalled the meeting with her guardian. He was even to her
inexperienced eyes a very attractive young man. What a shame his intellect did
not match his appearance.

Chapter
Five

Marianne was
delighted with the new chambers at the side of the house and although darker,
being north facing, they overlooked the park. Emily, last night’s
disappointment forgotten, arrived at the parlour door. She was accompanied by
her maid with her arms full of clothes.

‘Marianne, I
have brought a selection of dresses. As we’re almost the same size I thought
you might like to select a few for yourself. You could borrow from me until you
have your own.’

‘That’s kind of
you, Emily, especially after my appalling rudeness last night.’

‘Of fiddlesticks
to that! You were tired and had the headache. It’s hardly surprising you were
out of sorts.’ The garments spilled enticingly over the settle and Marianne who
had considered herself above such trivial interests as fresh gowns, dropped to
her knees to examine them more closely.

‘Oh how lovely!
This particular shade of green is a favourite of mine and the material is so
fine – is it cambric or muslin?’

Emily shrugged.
‘I have no idea. As I do not like the sleeves and it has no frills or bows,
I’ve never worn it. It’s far too plain for me. Take it, it’s yours to keep.’

Marianne stood
up holding the high-
waisted
garment at arm’s-length.
The gown was perfect for her. ‘Thank you, Emily; you’re a darling to give it to
me. I am about to change from my habit so will put it on immediately.’

‘Are there any
others you would like to borrow?’

Marianne glanced
down but saw nothing else that interested her. The rest were of insipid pastel
shades over adorned with ribbons, bows and ruche. ‘This is all I require, thank
you. I have my old dress which I can use as a morning gown and I have my habit
to ride in. And now I have this lovely confection for afternoons. Mrs Dawkins
promised she would have some items completed by tomorrow so I can manage until
then.’

The maid
gathered up the rejected clothing and both she and Emily departed leaving Marianne
to bathe and change.

‘There, miss,
that looks a treat! It could’ve been made for you it fits so well.’ Jane
adjusted the mint green sash that tied under the bosom so the floating ends
fell fetchingly to one side.

Marianne gazed
in awe at her reflection. ‘Is that really me, Jane? I had no idea I could look
so well. What a difference a pretty dress makes.’

‘It’s a pity the
matching slippers don’t fit, but the skirt’s long enough to cover your feet.
But you must keep your old slippers tucked underneath when you’re seated.’

‘I will. I shall
go down now as I want to explore the house. At the moment I feel like a
stranger her. I must learn to find my way around without recourse to footmen.’

When her
abigail
opened the door Marianne could hear voices on the
stairs. ‘Listen,

Jane, I think Emily must have a
visitor. I should stay in here. I don’t wish to intrude.’

She stepped back
as two figures rounded the corner making her escape impossible.

‘Marianne, look
who has come to see me. It is my bosom bow, Lady Arabella Hawksmith from Great
Bromley.’

Marianne met the
cold stare of the young lady who stood poised and elegant beside Emily. The
girl didn’t curtsy, merely nodded. Marianne knew etiquette demanded she should
dip, she was outranked, but she didn’t. She inclined her head as disdainful as
her ladyship.

Emily noting
nothing amiss ran forward. ‘That gown looks wonderful on you, does it not
Arabella? I knew it would suit you.’

Lady Arabella’s
expression changed and her mouth curved into a resemblance of a smile. ‘I never
liked that gown, Emily, I consider it an ugly colour – but indeed, it is
exactly right for you Miss Devenish.’

Through gritted
teeth Marianne replied. ‘Thank you, Lady Arabella, I am delighted you approve.’
She stared pointedly at the girl’s acid yellow muslin gown liberally festooned
with bows and ribbons. ‘For it is obvious your taste is dissimilar to mine.’
The implication being that hers was superior was not lost on Arabella.

Emily looked
from one to the other and smiled hopefully. ‘I am sure you both look perfect
and I specially admire your gown, Arabella.’ Arabella preened and all might
have passed smoothly had Emily not added. ‘But when our new gowns come they
will be the latest thing. The fashion plates Mrs Dawkins has used only arrived from
Town this week.’

‘Are you
implying my clothes are unfashionable? That I am no more than a country miss?’
Arabella’s caustic tone caused Emily’s face to crumple.

Marianne glared
at Arabella. ‘Of course she didn’t mean to criticize you, Lady

Arabella. Emily has been singing
your praises ever since I arrived yesterday. She has nothing but admiration for
you as I’m certain you’re aware.’

Lady Arabella
flushed and lowered her eyes for though full of her own consequence, she seemed
fond of her friend. ‘I beg your pardon, Emily. I didn’t mean to speak so
sharply. I’m afraid I have the headache.’

Emily instantly
smiling again drew Marianne forward. ‘I wish you two to be friends for I
couldn’t bear to think you hold each other in dislike.’

Marianne was
quick to reassure her. ‘I am sure as Lady Arabella and I become better
acquainted we will fully appreciate each other’s worth.’ She smiled brightly at
both girls before continuing. ‘Shall we go down? I would like to be shown
around the gardens. I believe there’s a rose garden and a walled garden where
all your vegetables are grown, is there not, Emily?’

Emily led the
way chatting about the garden, the park and anything else that flitted into her
mind leaving Marianne and Lady Arabella to follow behind in uneasy silence.

The roses were
not in their full glory it being only May but nonetheless this was a pleasant
place to walk. Emily halted at a leafy bay enclosing a rustic bench which faced
a splendid Tudor archway.

‘Shall we sit
here and rest a while? There’s so much we have to discuss that I hardly know
where to start.’

Arabella nodded
and carefully brushed the bench with her mittened hand. ‘Emily, I am told Sir
Theodore Devenish is a friend of Lord and Lady Grierson? Is this true?’

Emily nodded.
‘Indeed he is; and Marianne is his ward – they are related you know.’

‘In that case
perhaps it’s to you I should apply for information, Miss Devenish.’

‘I’m not sure I
can help you for I only met him yesterday. I was expecting Sir Richard and Lady
Devenish would be my guardians. I was shocked to discover Sir Theodore in their
stead.’

Arabella’s
perfectly arched eyebrows vanished beneath her coiffed black hair. ‘I imagine
you were as much a shock to Sir Theodore for he can only be a handful of years
your senior. Hardly old enough to assume responsibility for another.’

‘I didn’t
enquire as to his age, Lady Arabella. His being a bachelor caused me to come
here not his lack of maturity.’

Arabella smiled
and rose gracefully from the bench. ‘I had come over to tell you, my dear Emily,
that we are holding a ball to celebrate my name day. I do hope you will both be
able to attend?’

Emily looked
perplexed. ‘But is your birthday not July?
That’s a full two
months away.
I do hope I’m going to see you before then.’

Arabella
fidgeted with her sash and Marianne filled the awkward pause. ‘It is wise to
start planning such an important event a good time in advance, is it not Lady
Arabella? I expect you are hoping Emily might help you.’

‘Yes, that is
exactly what I hoped. Will you Emily? I would value your opinion, especially on
the selection and arrangement of flowers.’

‘The roses will
be at their best, and lupins and delphiniums and many other pretty blooms.
Shall I come to Bromley Hall tomorrow in the morning? You can show me where you
and Lady Hawksmith wish to display the arrangements.’

Arabella glanced
politely at Marianne. ‘Will you be accompanying Emily, Miss Devenish? You would
be most welcome.’

‘Thank you, no,
I have a prior engagement. My guardian and I are riding out together.’

Arabella’s eyes
flashed and her smile became fixed. ‘How lovely. There’s nothing I like better
than a ride before breakfast. Perhaps Emily and I could join you – it would be
such fun.’

Emily’s mouth
dropped open. Marianne hid her smile. She was sure neither of them ever rose
from their beds much before eleven o’clock and would not dream of engaging in a
pastime as energetic as riding so early in the day.

Marianne spoke
up. ‘That’s a delightful idea, Lady Arabella, but unfortunately it would be
best to wait until I have spoken to Sir Theodore. He might not like to be
accompanied by three young ladies instead of one.’

Arabella barely
concealed her annoyance. ‘Well, I must depart. It has been a pleasure making
your acquaintance, Miss Devenish. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Emily.
Good day to you both.’ She spun, sending her skirt hems flying and stalked off
towards the front of the house where her barouche would be awaiting her
arrival.

‘Oh dear! You’ve
upset Arabella, Marianne. She doesn’t like it if you disagree with her.’

Marianne wished
to say she cared little for what Lady Arabella liked or disliked but refrained.
‘Never mind, Emily. I’m sure she will have forgotten all about it by tomorrow.’

‘And she hates
rising early so I expect she will be glad you refused her when she has the
leisure to consider the matter.’

They had begun
to walk back towards the house when Charles, Edward and Lady Arabella appeared
around the corner surrounded by a miscellany of dogs. Lady Arabella was holding
on the arm of Charles, whilst Edward walked along beside them all three
obviously content to be in each other’s company.

Marianne watched
the interplay scarcely crediting the change in Lady Arabella. Her face

was alight, her beautiful eyes
sparkled and there was no sign of artifice or arrogance. She smiled. Charles
and Arabella made a handsome couple. He towered over his partner. His eyes
never left hers and his expression told Marianne all she needed to know on the
matter.

Charles Grierson
was head over ears in love with Lady Arabella but if the girl reciprocated was
hard to gauge. That she enjoyed his company was obvious, but if her affections
were truly engaged was hard to tell.

Charles greeted
them cheerfully. ‘We discovered Arabella escaping without speaking with us. We couldn’t
allow that so have persuaded her to return’

Edward vaulted
over a dung-filled wheelbarrow abandoned by the path. ‘It’s such a perfect
morning. Shall we take a picnic down to Badgers Wood? The bluebells are out and
it will be beautiful down there.’

‘Edward, what a
lovely idea!’ Emily answered. ‘I’ll run immediately to the kitchen and persuade
Cook to put us up a hamper.’

‘And I shall go
and ask Billy and Tom to bring it down when it’s ready,’ Marianne added. ‘Then
we don’t have to wait for it to be done or carry it ourselves.’

Charles shook
his head. ‘My father doesn’t allow the staff to neglect their duties.’

‘They are
my
staff, Charles, employed directly by
me. They have no duties here apart from looking after myself and my horses.’

‘In that case,
thank you, Marianne,’ he said a trifle stiffly. ‘Emily won’t be long. She’s a
favourite in the kitchen and Cook will take little persuading to prepare us
something.’

The bluebells
were
as lovely as Charles had promised and Marianne enjoyed
the excursion. She was drawn into the happy circle and soon found herself
warming a little to Lady Arabella. Their
al
fresco
meal finished, Billy and Tom packed up the remains and departed with
the empty hamper, mugs and blankets.

As they were preparing
to return one of the dogs, a deerhound of impressive size and rough grey coat,
stopped, ears pricked and growled, his hackles up. The other three dogs hearing
their leader raced to stand beside him, staring up the path that wound through
the chestnut trees and down towards the creek.

Charles placed a
warning hand on the dog’s head. ‘What is it boy? What have you heard?’

Edward, his face
pale, stepped up beside his brother indicating the three girls should stand
behind them.

Marianne could
sense the fear in the two young men and wondered at it. Then she remembered the
snatch of conversation she had overheard the previous night and thought that
maybe she understood the reason for their anxiety.

The rumbling
growls of the four dogs were the only sounds in the wood. Even the birds were
silent. Emily instinctively reached out and clutched Marianne’s hand for
reassurance. Arabella pressed close to her other side. All three stared up the
path waiting to see who would emerge.

From the gloom
three shadowy figures took shape, one leading a laden donkey. The first,
obviously the leader, was a stocky
man
in his thirties
his face scarred by pox marks, his clothes rough and a dirty kerchief tied
around his neck. The following two were equally filthy and all shared a shifty
look. The three men halted a distance away muttering to each other too softly
to be overheard, but their stance was menacing.

Charles
reacted
.‘
You
must go. Edward, take
the girls and run – don’t stop until you reach the park. Go. Now.’

Edward didn’t
argue. He turned and grabbing Emily’s free hand jerked her forward. ‘Come, they
could mean us harm. You heard Charles. Run!’

They needed no
further urging and with skirts held high the girls raced after Edward, not
stopping until they emerged into the sunlight and could see the stile leading
into Frating Park. They scrambled over and Marianne heard her gown tear as she
caught it on a briar but she didn’t pause to examine the damage. She hurried on
following Edward until he stopped in sight of the Hall. They were exhausted and
gasping for breath after the long run. Edward stared anxiously down the path.