Page 18 of The Duke’s Bride (The Duke’s Alliance #6)
‘We shall eat in here. My mother does not wish to venture downstairs into the public dining room tonight. The children are going to have nursery tea.’
‘At what time do we dine? Are you intending to keep to country hours now we are in Town?’
‘I thought six o’clock – would that suit you?’
‘I shall see you then. I am surprised you have not asked me how Brutus happens to be with me. Are you not curious?’
She clapped her hands to her mouth. ‘Fiddlesticks! I had quite forgot. I do indeed wish to know.’
When he explained she was astonished. ‘My word, I cannot credit the dog has changed allegiance so fast. And neither can I believe that you actually allowed him to travel inside your carriage – it is not something I should care to do. He is prone to making…’
He laughed. ‘There is no need to elaborate, my lady, I am well aware what he is prone to do, but fortunately he did not do so this time. It is my opinion the dog has not abandoned your family but for some extraordinary reason decided to include me in it.’
His comment was spoken in jest but he saw a certain wariness in her eyes as if he was, in fact, hoping to become her husband at some point. If she was to marry then her husband would automatically become custodian of the estate and guardian to her children. He must reassure her at once.
‘I am a confirmed bachelor of almost five and thirty; being a music teacher to your children and sharing your dog is the closest I shall come, or ever wish to come, to the married state. I sincerely hope Brutus will agree to travel with you on our return.’
Mrs Alston spoke up with alacrity. ‘He shall do no such thing, Viola. He can go in with the servants.’
He walked away smiling to himself at the thought of what the unfortunate maids might think of that suggestion.
* * *
Viola had not realised she was holding her breath until it was released with a gasp as the door closed behind the most attractive gentleman she had ever met.
It had not escaped her attention that if she were to marry her problems would be over as far as Sir Frederick and his scheme was concerned.
Her vow never to take a husband again was looking less convincing the more she got to know Mr Edward Sheldon.
There was one thing she was not sure about.
He was a serious man. He rarely smiled which, of course, made it all the more devastating when he did so.
She was going to visit her lawyers tomorrow morning.
As well as asking them to draw up the document he had suggested, make enquiries about this possible relation, she would ask them to find out a little more about Mr Sheldon.
There was something about him that made her wary.
Her mother had dozed off, which gave her time to consider what it was about him that worried her. She could not quite put her finger on it but then her mother spoke – she had not been asleep after all.
‘That man behaves as if he was your equal and not a commoner. He has a very high opinion of himself. You would do well to keep your distance.’
Viola jumped to her feet. ‘You have it, Mama. That is exactly how he behaves. He is used to command, expects his opinion to be listened to and followed. I believe he must have been a high-ranking officer in the British Army. It would explain why he is so brown of face and has such an air of authority about him.’
‘That makes perfect sense. I wonder why he has not mentioned it? Do you think he was dishonourably discharged for some reason?’
‘Absolutely not. He is the most honourable man I have ever met.’
Her mother made a strange noise somewhere between a cough and a grunt.
‘I shall retire to my bedchamber and rest until it is time for dinner. I believe I can hear the children returning, so you will be fully occupied until then.’ She pushed herself upright with some difficulty.
‘I shall leave you to make your own decision, my love. You have a sensible head on your shoulders.’
Viola, despite saying she was not changing for the informal dinner, decided it would be foolish not to take advantage of the fact that her trunks were now unpacked.
She selected a warm, long-sleeved gown in blue velvet and was satisfied that she looked her best, but that it did not appear as if she had made too much effort.
She wore no jewellery and had removed her wedding band on the death of her husband.
Mama had also made the effort to put on something fresh. ‘Plum silk is a perfect choice, and I much admire the plumes in a similar shade that adorn your turban.’
‘The colour of your ensemble is acceptable, my love, but the gown itself is rather plain if you want my opinion.’
‘We are dining in our private sitting room with just Mr Sheldon for company. I hardly think it warrants anything more elegant.’
The children were now happily ensconced in their corner of her bedchamber. They had made no objection to retiring early as they were quite exhausted after travelling and then exploring the neighbourhood with their canine companion alongside.
At exactly the appointed hour her guest strolled in through the open door. He had not knocked, which she thought was impolite. ‘Good evening, ladies, might I be allowed to compliment you both on your delightful ensembles?’
He was wearing a fresh stock but had on the same garments he had worn before. She now felt overdressed. ‘Good evening, Mr Sheldon. Dinner will be served shortly. I have ordered a selection of things as I was not cognisant of your wishes.’
‘As long as it’s not smothered with a rich cream sauce I shall be content with anything that appears. It is quiet, so might I assume the children are settled?’
‘They are indeed. They spent the remainder of the afternoon with their dog. I hope Brutus does not kick up a fuss in the stables, as he is not used to being anywhere but Fenchurch.’
‘I checked before I came here, my lady, and he was quite content to curl up in a stall with one of your horses. He is familiar with all four of your team, so I am sure he will be no trouble.’
‘I have no idea what to do with him tomorrow. You will be with the children and you can hardly take him, and I am going into the city to visit my lawyers.’
‘My man, Bishop, will take care of him. He has family close by and I have given him leave to visit them as long as he takes the dog. He intended to take him tonight but it was not convenient for some reason.’
The conversation was interrupted by two maids who came in staggering under the weight of trays almost as big as they were. He was beside the first in a moment and removed it from her. He put it on the already laid table and then assisted the second girl with the other one.
The girls curtsied but did not wait to help serve, or remove the serving dishes from the trays and put them on the table. She was about to complain when a young man in a frock coat arrived with a jug of claret, one of orgeat and another of freshly made lemonade.
He deftly set the table up and then turned and bowed to her. ‘My lady, would you care to be seated? I’m here to serve in any capacity.’
Before she could respond, Mr Sheldon spoke up. ‘We can take care of ourselves. Bring coffee in an hour. It can be served with the desserts.’
This was the outside of enough. Why did he think he could act as if he were a host when the meal was being served in her own sitting room? She could hardly countermand his instructions as the servant had already bowed and departed. She was about to remonstrate when her mother tapped her on the arm.
‘Thank you, sir, we shall do much better without him hovering over us. I should like a portion of the fish and whatever vegetable is in that dish.’
He served her mother efficiently and then waited for her to state what she wanted. Perversely she ignored him and took a spoonful from the three covers nearest to her. She saw his lips twitch and this made her even more irritated.
He helped himself and resumed his place.
The table was large and could have seated a dozen and their places had been laid as far apart as was possible.
This meant that in order for her to reach any of the delicious dishes on offer she would be obliged to stand up and lean in a most inelegant way across the table.
The food was excellent and she cleared her plate with enjoyment. There were half a dozen other removes at the far end of the table and she would dearly like to try each of those. But she would rather do without than ask for his assistance.