Page 24 of The Duke’s Bride (The Duke’s Alliance #6)
She had vowed never to marry again after her previous experience, but he was not like Rupert in anyway at all. He was a gentleman to the core; she trusted him implicitly, but was still not sure she could make that final commitment.
The memory of the indignities she had suffered in the bedchamber at the hands of her husband were etched into her very soul. However much she loved… loved? Until that moment she had not realised her feelings had turned from admiration and liking into love.
Did he feel the same way? He would make an excellent father to her children and they were already besotted with him.
Even her mother liked him and she was a good judge of character.
Loving him might not be enough for her to accept an offer – that is, if he made her one.
Her skin crawled and her stomach turned over unpleasantly at the thought of what he would expect her to do once they were married.
Intimacy between a husband and wife who love each other might not be as vile as the ignominies she had endured at the hands of Rupert.
Even so, she was not sure she loved Edward enough to put herself through that humiliation again.
She could hardly expect him to marry her and not consummate the union, so if he did make her an offer she would refuse.
The fact that she could not bear him children was another reason she should not contemplate marrying a second time.
She pushed the idea of becoming Mrs Edward Sheldon to the back of her mind. Time enough to face that question if the gentleman concerned made her an offer. The last thing that occurred to her as she fell asleep was that if she was married, then Sir Frederick’s devilish plans would come to nothing.
Her sleep was troubled and she woke with the beginning of a megrim. If this developed then travelling in an overcrowded, closed carriage would be torment for all concerned. Casting up her accounts was a very unpleasant accompaniment to a full-blown megrim.
There was little time to think about her own health as the children demanded her attention. Rather than being horrified at travelling with Mr Sheldon they were delighted.
‘Do you think he will tell us a story about his time in the army, Mama?’ Thomas asked eagerly.
‘We do not know if Mr Sheldon was actually an officer, brother; it is merely conjecture on our part.’ Elizabeth had once more reverted to her stilted adult mode of conversation. That was not a good sign and did not bode well for the journey. Why was her daughter so unsettled this morning?
They were down in good time and Richard was waiting to see them off.
‘I have paid your account, Viola. One of our own ships is sailing to Ireland this morning and I shall be on it. I will come to you on my return and let you know what transpired.’ They fondly embraced.
Then he hugged both the children and their mother and stepped back to speak quietly to Mr Sheldon, who had appeared through the archway that led to the stables.
It was not possible to hear what they said but it was serious and they shook hands solemnly when the conversation was done. His valet, Bishop, rode out into the road followed by Brutus. Her mouth dropped open and then she laughed.
‘Mama, children, you must see this. Our dog is wearing boots.’
This novelty should be enough to keep the children giggling and laughing as they watched their pet trotting happily alongside Bishop’s horse in his smart footwear. He was attracting a deal of attention and he appeared to be enjoying all of it.
The carriage tilted alarmingly as Edward – she could no longer think of him as Mr Sheldon – climbed in. He smiled and took the seat between the children.
‘I find that if I am seated centrally the carriage is less likely to tip over when we turn a corner.’ He said this with a straight face and the children nodded as if this nonsense was true. He winked at her and she hid her smile behind her hand.
‘You are a very big man, Mr Sheldon, twice the size of our mama and grandmama,’ Thomas said helpfully.
‘Do not be impertinent, Thomas. Apologise immediately to Mr Sheldon.’
Her son turned red and hung his head and muttered his apology. ‘I beg your pardon for speaking rudely, sir.’
In answer Edward put his arm around the boy’s shoulder. ‘There is absolutely no need to apologise to me for speaking the truth. I was jesting; there is no danger of the carriage overturning wherever I might be sitting.’
Elizabeth, who had been staring out of the window, turned her head to look at him. ‘I think Brutus should not be wearing human clothes. He is being laughed at and people are pointing their fingers at him and at us.’
‘Would you prefer your dog to have cut and bleeding paws by lunchtime, Elizabeth?’
‘He should not be expected to walk all the way to Fenchurch. He should be allowed to travel in here with us. Why did he not go with the servants as was planned? I am most displeased at this change.’
‘Your opinions are irrelevant, young lady. You will not speak again until you are given leave to do so. Is that clearly understood?’ His tone was cold and her daughter’s bravado melted like snow in the sunshine.
She was about to remonstrate with him when her mother touched her hand and shook her head slightly.
If she were to marry Edward it would be his right to discipline the children and she knew they would never receive more than a tongue-lashing.
He would not raise a hand to her or to them, whatever the provocation.
‘How far is Epping Forest from here, Mr Sheldon?’
He understood why she had enquired. His smile was warm and it reassured her. ‘We shall be stopping to stretch our legs and allow the horses to rest before we get there. Thomas, is your dog beside the carriage still?’
‘No, sir, I can’t see him any more. He must be with your man.’
‘He is an amazing animal. I am most impressed by his intelligence and obedience.’
She could not keep back her shocked response to this untruth. ‘Brutus is a fine animal, but obedient he is not. He does as he pleases and there appears to be nothing I can do about it.’
His deep, baritone laugh filled the carriage. ‘Then it is fortuitous is it not, my lady, that what he wishes to do is usually acceptable?’
He had removed his arm from around her son but she noticed her boy was leaning up against him and this moved her deeply.
They had never had any connection with their natural father and she could see now that her mother was right: they desperately needed a real father.
She came to a decision. If she was asked she would accept for her children’s sake and pray that she could endure what came next.
‘Elizabeth, if you wish to come with your brother and practise on my harp, you would be very welcome.’
Her daughter’s gloved hand slipped into his and harmony was restored. ‘Mama has said she will come too and show me how it sounds, so I know what I am to aim for.’
‘When will our instruments arrive?’
‘Within a week or so of your return, young man, so you will not have long to wait. Until then you must practise on the one you have.’
The conversation drifted from one subject to another whilst her mother dozed in the corner. She was concerned that Mama was sleeping so much when she had always been such an active person until recently.
When the carriage trundled into the courtyard of the splendid coaching inn that had been selected for their break, she was glad to get out. The interior of the carriage had become unpleasantly stuffy and her headache, despite her willing it to go away, was getting worse.
The children stood politely waiting to be told what they should do. He handed down her mother from the carriage. ‘Could I impose upon you to take your grandchildren into the private parlour that has been reserved for us, ma’am? I wish to speak to your daughter alone.’
Her heart thumped painfully. Was he intending to propose to her in such a public place? She was not ready for such a declaration. She would go in with the children and prevent him from speaking.
‘Viola, what is wrong? Are you unwell? Your complexion is pale and you have become quieter as the journey progressed.’
A wave of relief washed over her. ‘I am suffering from a megrim, Edward, and fear I shall be most unwell before we reach the place where we are overnighting.’
He put his arm around her waist and she was glad of the support. ‘Then we shall remain here. We can manage without our luggage and servants for one night.’