Ann Lethbridge - Regency Society

‘You are quite sure you wish to do this?’

‘I have given the idea more thought since I left you with Mrs Mills. She has served my family all her life and her opinion of you has confirmed mine. You may have lived in the company of travelling players for a few years, but before that you were strictly reared. I had wondered if I should need to teach you how to behave in society, but you know instinctively. Do this for me, Roxanne. Please, help me to make Grandfather’s last days more content. Afterwards, you will be free to live your own life.’

‘Supposing he lives much longer than you expect?’

Luke gave her a thoughtful look. ‘You may have to marry me. I know it isn’t what you want—but it would be temporary, and in time you could live your own life. We could have the marriage annulled and you would still be young enough to marry again.’

It would be like an acting contract with a theatre manager. She would play a part for some months, perhaps longer, and then move on. Easy enough, perhaps, yet supposing her emotions became involved?

‘An engagement is easily broken but…’ Roxanne hesitated, then, ‘Marriage is a last resort and only if it becomes impossible to prolong the engagement. It cannot be what you wish for?’

‘I have no wish to marry, but it would be a business arrangement, nothing more. I enjoy my life the way it is—but for Grandfather’s sake I am prepared to play a game of make believe.’

‘It is really just a part I must play, but on a smaller stage and in private rather than public,’ Roxanne said thoughtfully.

‘Yes, mostly in private—though I dare say Grandfather will give an occasional dinner for us.’

‘I can manage that,’ Roxanne replied confidently. ‘Besides, your grandfather may think me unsuitable and then I can simply go away and disappear.’

‘Yes, exactly.’ Luke stopped walking and looked into her eyes. ‘Will you do me the honour of wearing my ring for a time, Miss Roxanne?’

For a moment it felt as if he were truly proposing and her heart jerked, but then she saw the mischief in his eyes and smiled.

‘Yes, I shall do as you ask, sir. Just until you decide that you are ready to abandon the masquerade.’

‘Do not think of it as a masquerade. It is a gentleman’s agreement between friends—a small deception for the best of reasons, do you not agree?’

‘I cannot disagree when you wish only to give an old man peace of mind—and to honour your commitments,’ Roxanne said. For a moment she wondered where Mrs Fox came into his plans, but dismissed her doubts. ‘You will be my employer and may dismiss me when it pleases you.’

‘Please.’ Luke made a rueful face. ‘You must not think of me in that way or it will show. I am Luke—the man you intend to marry.’

‘Yes, of course you are, dearest.’ Her manner was light and teasing, exactly right for a woman who had just become engaged to the man she loves. Roxanne placed her hand playfully on his arm. ‘Do not be anxious, Luke. I shall not forget my part and let you down. The earl will have nothing to complain of in my manner or deportment.’

‘We must order you some more clothes and then we shall leave.’ Luke smiled, his eyes thoughtful. ‘I am certain Grandfather will like you, but you must look the part. Tomorrow I shall take you shopping. I intend to write to my grandfather and tell him that I shall be bringing a young lady to meet him in one week from now.’

‘Your belongings are strapped to the back of the carriage. Is there anything more you require before we leave, Roxanne?’

She thought of the two trunks packed with pretty gowns for all occasions, silk undergarments, stockings, shoes, slippers and gloves, besides several pretty bonnets. She had taken her pick of the wardrobe when acting in plays on their travels, but never had she seen so many beautiful clothes as Luke had so recklessly purchased for her. Too many by half and expensive, far more stylish than anything she’d ever worn before.

‘You have been most generous and I have all I need, thank you.’

‘Then we should go.’ Luke offered his arm and they strolled towards the carriage. ‘I intend to ride most of the way, Roxanne. We shall stop one night on the road—and your new maid will meet us at the inn, where we stopped before.’

‘My maid?’

‘Yes, of course. A respectable young lady cannot travel without a maid. I sent word ahead and I am sure a maid will have been provided by the time we arrive. Grandfather would be shocked if we visited without one.’

‘What would he think if he should learn how we met?’

‘It will not happen. I met you at the house of a friend and we liked each other very well. You have consented to an engagement, but we are waiting for your father’s permission to wed.’

Roxanne stifled her feelings of unease. ‘I pray you will not invent too many lies, sir, for I may forget them.’

‘We shall keep your story as simple as possible,’ he promised. ‘You must expect some questions, Roxanne. Grandfather is bound to wonder why I have given into his request so tamely.’

‘You must endeavour to look as if you are in love, Luke,’ she said and gave him a smile of positive wickedness. ‘Liking will not serve or he will sense a mystery. If you have resisted his plea thus far, he must be convinced of your sincerity or you may do more harm than good.’

‘You are very right,’ Luke agreed and looked thoughtful. ‘Let us hope that I can play my part as well as I expect of you.’

‘Watch me often and look pleased or brooding,’ she suggested and her mouth pouted at him. ‘It should not be beyond you, Luke. I dare say you have wooed enough ladies to know how to court the love of your life.’

‘You have a wicked tongue,’ Luke remarked and grinned. ‘Do not be afraid of Grandfather, Roxanne. I think his bark worse than his bite—besides, he should be happy to meet you. You are exactly what he has looked for.’

‘Let us hope that is the case. If not, you can apologise to him and take me away.’

‘He wants me married and an heir,’ Luke said. ‘Play your part well and he will soon be eating from your hand, my love.’

‘Yes, that is better,’ Roxanne approved. ‘You had the tone just right then. I was almost convinced myself.’ She took off her smart leather glove, looking at the huge square emerald-and-diamond ring on her left hand. It was proof that she was truly caught up in this masquerade, pretending to be Luke’s betrothed. ‘This is magnificent enough to convince anyone.’

‘I could not do less. Had I given you something paltry Grandfather would not have been fooled for an instant.’

‘Any jewels you lend me will of course be returned when we part,’ Roxanne replied. ‘All I shall ask is a small income so that I can live quietly but respectably.’

‘Yes, well, as to that we shall see. That ring belongs to you, Roxanne, whatever may happen when we get to Hartingdon.’ Luke helped her into the carriage and stepped back. ‘I shall be close by. Should you need to stop, you may tap the roof and the driver will oblige you.’

Roxanne sat back against the squabs and looked out of the window. She had butterflies in her stomach, for the role she was about to play was important, far more demanding than anything she had accomplished before. If she failed, she would be letting Luke down and perhaps hurting a vulnerable old man.

She would not fail. Roxanne did not think she had come from Luke’s class, but she was certain that she had been reared as a gentlewoman. Why had she run away from her home—and what had frightened her so much that she’d lost her memory?

It could not matter. Her engagement was merely make believe and intended to be a temporary arrangement.