Page 30 of The Duke’s Bride (The Duke’s Alliance #6)

‘Mama, until the carriage has been thoroughly checked and the harness mended it would be foolhardy indeed to go any faster.’

‘Uncle Edward, why did you suddenly decide we must travel less quickly?’ Elizabeth asked.

‘A good question. My original decision to take the dangerous part of our route at a gallop was putting us at greater risk, which is why I banged on the roof and had the coachman return to a more sensible pace.’

Mrs Alston stirred in her corner. ‘I repeat what I said to you, daughter, this gentleman was heaven-sent. I am certain with him in charge of the family we will all be well protected and happier than ever before. I just wish my dear husband was here to see the change in you.’

* * *

Viola thought this kind of comment was inappropriate when her children were listening but could hardly remonstrate, as this would also be inappropriate.

So, she said nothing and the moment passed, but she was certain Edward was not impressed.

No doubt the twins agreed with her mother, as they all but worshipped him.

After being upended so violently her bruised body was feeling every bounce and jounce, and she thought the others must be suffering as she was.

‘I hope they have accommodation for us wherever we stop to have the carriage repairs done. I think we all need to rest and recuperate. I certainly do.’

‘I hurt all over, Mama,’ her daughter moaned. ‘I wish there was another way to travel as I don’t like being in a carriage any more.’

‘Unless you wish to ride or walk, sweetheart, you have no alternative but to endure the discomforts. I certainly think it would be sensible, if there are decent chambers to be had, to remain wherever we halt and give ourselves a chance to recover from the earlier mishap.’

‘If we overnight then Brutus will catch up with us, Uncle Edward. I don’t like him being missing.’

Edward opened the window and leaned out. Bishop immediately rode alongside and then set off at a canter to organise the matter for them.

The Queen’s Head turned out to be a superior hostelry, and they were delighted to provide them with accommodation for the night.

The twins had a small room to themselves, and their nursemaid, she and her mother had reasonable chambers, but unfortunately there was no private parlour.

Edward was situated at the rear of the premises, rather too far away from them all than he was comfortable with.

They were all in low spirits as one of the horses had become lame and the dog had yet to return. At least they had a private parlour downstairs allotted to them for their stay where they could eat and sit together as a family.

‘We will not be able to proceed tomorrow if we have to wait for all the horses to be fit and for Brutus to return. I have therefore decided we shall complete our journey by post-chaise. Your coachmen will remain here until the horse has recovered and they can proceed.’

‘It is exorbitantly expensive, young man. I assume you have very deep pockets if you are intending for us to travel this way.’

‘I do indeed, ma’am. This journey appears to be fraught with endless difficulties, and the sooner it is over for all of us the better it will be.

I have instructed the carriage with the servants and luggage to continue on their journey so they should arrive at roughly the same time as us, late tomorrow. ’

‘The food here is indifferent. Let us hope the beds are more comfortable than they appear. I am going to retire, daughter, and I require your assistance as I do not have my maid to attend me.’ Her mother glared at Edward.

‘I think it high-handed of you to send our luggage and servants away without consulting us. We shall be in disarray and sadly travel worn by the time we return, and I am most displeased about that.’

Edward did not seem particularly put out by this reprimand. He shrugged in a very continental way and left her to depart with her parent. By the time this task was done the children had also gone to bed, leaving her alone with him.

Her intention had been to gently remonstrate with him for not discussing his plans before implementing them, but before she could speak she was in his arms and being kissed with a tenderness she had never experienced before.

Her eyes were full when eventually he raised his head. He had no need to say how much he loved her – his expression said it all.

‘I could have lost you and your children today and it would have been entirely my fault. I always considered myself an intelligent man, able to make rational choices, but my decision to gallop through the forest almost brought us to our deaths. I hope you can forgive me for my stupidity.’

‘There is nothing to forgive, my love. Shall we be seated? It is so much easier to talk to you when I do not have to strain my neck.’ There was a comfortable chaise longue and they sat together on it. ‘As far as I am concerned it was you who saved our lives by slowing our breakneck speed.’

He reached out and cupped her face. His fingers were long, lean and elegant. Everything about him was perfect, and in that moment, she decided she had no reservations about this match. She would be his true wife the night they were married.

When she told him, instead of being overjoyed she saw something she did not recognise in his eyes. Was it regret? Or was it a fleeting glimpse of sadness about something she did not understand?

‘I love you, my darling girl, but I shall not share your bed until we are better acquainted. I know why you are hesitant to be intimate and understand exactly. Your experience has made you wary of what, I can assure you, should be a loving and enjoyable experience for both parties.’

‘Are you having second thoughts because I cannot give you children?’

‘I am not. You have given me two children that already I love as if they were my own flesh and blood. I am content with the size of our family.’

‘There are so many things we need to discuss. Do you wish us to move to Elveden or will you come to Fenchurch Manor?’

He turned his face away so she could not see his expression. She was about to ask again when he answered. ‘We will remain at Elveden initially.’

She took this to mean he intended that they would move to Fenchurch Manor once the marriage was consummated. This was a reasonable decision but for some reason she got the feeling he was not telling her the whole.

‘Edward…’

Their conversation was abruptly terminated as someone hammered on the door.

He was on his feet and across the room in two strides.

He opened the door and was confronted by an irate young man dressed in the most ridiculous fashion.

She believed he would be known as a macaroni, as his shirt points were so high he could not turn his head properly and his waistcoat was a hideous mixture of purple and yellow stripes.

‘Well?’ That was all that Edward said, but it was sufficient to make the unfortunate gentleman step back.

‘I beg your pardon, Mr Sheldon, but I believe you are the owner of a very large and vicious hound. He has spooked my cattle and my phaeton is now quite ruined.’

‘I shall come at once. Brutus is the most docile of canines unless provoked. Might I enquire how he came to spook your horses?’

‘They are a spirited pair and one of them took a lump out of him as he went past. He turned on them and not unnaturally they tried to bolt.’

‘I shall come with you, Edward. I am eager to see that our dog has not come to any harm from this encounter.’ She gave the intruder a superior stare. ‘I am most displeased to hear that my dog has been savaged by one of your horses.’

‘I beg your pardon, my lady, I was misinformed. I thought the dog was Mr Sheldon’s.’

‘Do not come with me; it is too cold out there for you without your cloak. I am made of sterner stuff and shall come to no harm without my greatcoat.’

His smile made her toes curl in their boots and then he was gone, leaving her with many questions and not enough answers.