Ann Lethbridge - Regency Society

‘Does it matter now, sir?’ Roxanne asked. She sat down on the edge of the bed and took his hand. ‘It was a tiring evening for you. I hope you mean to be sensible and keep to your bed for a few days?’

‘You’re right, it don’t matter where you came from,’ he said and sighed. ‘You’ll make a good mother for my boy’s children and that’s what counts. I’m not sure he’ll make you a good husband, but you took him on and I think you’ll see it through. You won’t let me down?’

‘Do I look like a bolter?’

He gave a harsh laugh. ‘It’s a while since I heard that expression. Luke’s godmother used it when she was younger. She didn’t come to the ball. I was disappointed that she stayed away. Her influence on Luke was always for the good—but I suppose I scared her off with my harsh tongue. I must make it up to her before the wedding. I’ve mellowed a bit. In the old days I was sharper than a razor.’

‘I’m glad you’ve mellowed, sir.’

There was a hint of laughter in her voice and his brow lowered. ‘Are you mocking me, miss?’

‘Just a very little, sir. Do you not think it is time that someone did? Perhaps you have taken yourself a little too seriously at times—would you not say so?’

He glared at her, then made a sound between a snort and a guffaw. ‘You’re a minx, Roxanne. Think you’ve got me eating out of your hand, do you? I’m not to be fooled by a few smiles, miss.’

‘Why would I wish to fool you, sir? All I wish for is that we should live together happily as a family. I want to make you happy.’

‘Want to make Luke happy too?’ He raised his bushy brows at her. ‘Planning on getting him to settle down to married life—is that it?’

‘I am not sure that would be possible,’ Roxanne replied honestly. ‘However, it seems to me that you are very alike, sir. If what you both want is an heir for the family, I shall do my best to oblige.’

‘And what do you get out of it?’ The earl’s eyes were very bright. He was intent as he waited for her answer.

‘A home and perhaps affection,’ Roxanne said. ‘I shall make no demands on you or your grandson, sir—but if things go well I shall have children and perhaps they will give the unconditional love both you and Luke seem incapable of giving.’

‘Will that satisfy you, girl?’

‘I think it may have to,’ Roxanne replied. She saw his eyelids flicker and moved to the chair beside the bed. ‘You should try to rest for a little before the doctor comes, sir.’

‘You’re a fine girl, a decent girl,’ the earl said. ‘I’m not sure we’ve been fair to you. This is a selfish family, Roxanne. I think you deserve better.’

He closed his eyes and she saw that he was drifting into sleep. It had been a huge effort for him to attend the ball and he was very tired. She hoped that he was not actually any worse than before. Perhaps all he needed was a little rest.

Luke was greeted by the news that the doctor had been called when he returned from riding. He threw his crop and gloves on the sideboard in the hall and took the stairs two at a time. When he entered his grandfather’s sitting room, Marshall was just tidying the grate with a small brush. He put a finger to his lips.

‘He’s sleeping at the moment, sir. Miss Roxanne has been with him for the past two hours. The doctor came and said he was exhausted. He’s not to be upset and he must rest for at least a couple of weeks. Miss Roxanne was reading to him just now, but I think he may have gone off again for a while, because she stopped. Now she’s started again. She has a fine reading voice, sir. Your grandfather was chuckling away for a while there. Reading Shakespeare she was, but in a way I’ve not heard before.’

‘Thank you.’ Luke said. ‘Perhaps you have something you need to do elsewhere? I shall sit with my grandfather for a little now.’

‘Yes, sir. I’ll fetch up some brandy and warm water. It helps his lodship to sleep sometimes and the doctor said anything that made him rest was good.’

‘Yes, you do that,’ Luke said. He walked to the door of his grandfather’s bedchamber and then listened. Roxanne was reading The Taming of the Shrew and acting out the parts. He heard his grandfather chuckle and hesitated, hardly liking to intrude on what was clearly an enjoyable companionship.

‘You are a wicked minx, as I said before,’ the earl said and laughed. ‘I think you have missed your calling, Roxanne. You are wasted here. You should be on the London stage.’

‘I would much prefer to be here with you and Luke.’

‘I think you mean that,’ the earl said. ‘It isn’t just an act with you, is it, Roxanne?’

‘No, sir. I am very fond of you and…’

Luke walked in before she could finish. Roxanne was standing at the foot of the bed, a book of Shakespeare’s plays in her hand. She was smiling, but when she saw him, her cheeks turned pink and she glanced away from his searching gaze.

‘How are you, sir?’ Luke asked and went to his grandfather’s side. ‘I hear the doctor has been to visit you. I think you found the ball too much, sir. Perhaps we should postpone the wedding for a month or two?’

‘You will do no such thing on my account,’ the earl said. ‘It will take place as planned in three weeks from now or I’ll want to know the reason why.’

‘Please do not distress yourself, sir,’ Luke said quickly. ‘I was merely concerned for your health.’

‘My health is neither here nor there. I did not summon the family here for you to change your mind the next day, Clarendon.’

‘Please do not get upset, sir,’ Roxanne said and bent to touch his cheek. ‘I shall leave you with your grandson—Luke, you should not tire him. The doctor told me it is important that your grandfather rests as much as possible.’

‘Of course.’ Luke inclined his head stiffly. ‘I shall speak to you later, Roxanne.’

‘Of course, Luke. Whenever you wish.’

‘You’ll come to visit me again later, girl?’

Roxanne looked at the earl and smiled. ‘Of course. You must have a sleep when Luke leaves you, but I shall come back before dinner.’

Roxanne was sitting in the back parlour she favoured when Luke entered later that day. He frowned to find her alone and asked why she was not in the drawing room with their guests.

‘I wanted a period of quiet reflection,’ she said and stood up. ‘I shall join your Aunt Jane and Uncle Frederick for tea. Most of the others left an hour or so ago. Your Cousin Horatio asked for you, but I was forced to say that I did not know where you were, since I was told you were not with Grandfather.’

‘The earl asked to be left alone. He seems weaker than before. I fear that he may not live much longer. The doctor told me that if he takes a turn for the worse it could be his last illness.’

‘I know he seems very tired, but the ball took a great deal of his energy. I pray that he will recover. He so longs for an heir. It would be wonderful if he could at least know that a child was on the way.’

‘After last night that may already be the case.’ Luke frowned, turning to gaze out of the window. ‘I should apologise for what happened, Roxanne. I did not behave, as a gentleman ought. If I could change things, I would, but unfortunately we cannot turn back the clock.’

His words stung like the lash of a whip. If the previous night had been as wonderful for Luke as it had for her, he would not need to apologise.

‘I think no harm was done since we intended to marry as soon as the banns are called,’ she said. ‘It need only be a small affair. I see no reason why Grandfather should be forced to attend. He will be satisfied if all is done as it should be.’

‘You seem to be on excellent terms. I must bow to your superior judgement in this matter.’