Ann Lethbridge - Regency Society

‘Yes, I have become very fond of him,’ she said. ‘I shall sleep because I must, but call me if you need me.’

‘Yes, of course. If he wakes and asks, I shall send for you, Roxanne. Goodnight, sleep well.’

Roxanne made no reply as she walked from the room. Her thoughts were with the earl, but as she opened the door of her bedchamber, for a moment she was apprehensive as she recalled the events of the previous night. However, her room was just as it ought to be.

She refrained from summoning a maid and managed to unfasten her gown without help. In bed she lay for a moment, her eyes stinging with tears she would not allow herself to shed. It was her fault for allowing herself to fall in love. Luke had never promised her love, only comfort and a home. She told herself it was enough and then at last she slept.

Roxanne was not summoned to the earl’s side that night but at half past six the next morning she went to his room and found that Luke was still there, his long legs stretched out before him as he dozed in the armchair. He woke as she entered and looked at her sheepishly.

‘I must have dozed off,’ he apologised. ‘I do not think he called out or I should have heard.’

Roxanne looked down at the earl. His eyes were closed, but as she bent over him, he opened them and then deliberately winked at her.

‘Good morning, Grandfather,’ she said and bent to kiss his cheek. ‘How are you this morning?’

‘Better,’ he grunted. ‘What on earth that grandson of mine wanted to sit there all night for I’ve no idea.’

Luke had risen to his feet and was stretching his shoulders, clearly feeling the effects of an uncomfortable night. ‘Roxanne would have insisted on sitting with you had I not taken a turn,’ he said. ‘I’m glad to see you better, sir. I will call and see you later. Please excuse me.’

‘Much good he would have been,’ the earl said as the door closed behind him, but there was no malice in his words, just a hint of amusement. ‘His snoring would waken the dead.’

‘I’m sorry Luke’s snoring disturbed you. How long had you been awake?’

‘An hour or so, perhaps. I hadn’t the heart to wake him, but I need Marshall’s assistance. Fetch him to me, girl, and then take yourself off for a few hours. You must have something you need to do?’

‘I believe I shall speak to Minty about flowers for the wedding,’ Roxanne said and smiled. ‘You’re a sly old fox, sir. If I didn’t know better, I would think you had a plan to bring us all to heel.’

‘Do that graceless scamp good to think of someone else for a change. He’s like me, too selfish and careless of others—but you were right, girl, I do care for him and I shall tell him so next time he comes. No good leaving it until it’s too late.’

‘I shall see you later,’ Roxanne said and went off to summon his manservant before going in search of the head gardener.

After an hour spent in delightful discussions about the various flowers needed for the church and the reception, Roxanne returned to the house. Entering the hall, she discovered Luke reading a letter. He turned to look at her with a frown.

‘This is from my solicitor. He writes to tell me that he has had no replies to his advertisement as such—but his office was ransacked by persons unknown the night he stayed here for the ball.’

Roxanne went cold all over. ‘You think someone was searching for that ruby? What is so important about it? I know it is valuable, but it is not priceless—or is it? Is there something special that draws others to it?’

‘I think we can be certain that someone is desperate to recover the ruby. I should be prepared to give it back to whoever is the rightful owner—if that is your wish?’

‘Yes, of course.’ She shivered. ‘It is a dangerous thing, Luke. I wish I’d never seen it.’

‘When Grandfather is well again I shall place another advertisement and offer to return the damned thing to the person who has been searching for it. We shall all sleep sounder in our beds once this business is over.’

‘Yes, I believe so,’ Roxanne agreed. ‘I think Grandfather is better this morning. His health is clearly still fragile, but I believe he was just exhausted after the ball. We should keep the wedding list to a minimum so as not to tire him too much.’

‘If I know Grandfather, he will insist on having a grand affair, even if he goes to bed for a week afterwards. This wedding means a great deal to him.’

‘Yes, but if we told him we wished for a quiet ceremony I believe he would agree.’

‘I’ll have a word later,’ Luke said. ‘You look very well, Roxanne. Have you been for a walk?’

‘Only to the hothouses. Minty has been showing me his pride and joy, which are some very rare plants. We were discussing flowers for the wedding.’ She looked at him uncertainly. ‘You do wish to continue with this?’

‘Yes, of course. If I have given you reason to think otherwise, I apologise, Roxanne. I will admit to having a temper and I am sometimes rash when anger gets the better of me.’

She swallowed hard, her heart thumping. He was not saying that he loved her, merely that he wished to continue with the make-believe wedding they had planned.

‘Then I shall begin to write out the cards. I will send the family invitations first and you must tell me if there are friends you wish to ask, Luke.’

‘You have none you would wish to ask yourself?’

‘Perhaps Mrs Mills if it would not be too far for her to travel? I have no other friends or family, Luke, or none that I know of—but I shall content myself with yours. Your Uncle Frederick is a very pleasant man and I like his wife. Some of your neighbours are very companionable and I am sure I shall make friends here.’

‘You are quite settled here,’ Luke said with a rather odd look. ‘I think you would be happy to make it your home, even after Grandfather dies?’

‘It is such a lovely house and the estate is thriving, the people honest and hard working—and I should enjoy helping to keep it in good heart. To live as the steward of such a house and care for its people is a good life. Do you not think so?’

‘I like London,’ Luke said. ‘When a man is tired of London he is tired of life.’

‘A profound sentiment, Luke. Is it your own?’

‘No. I believe it was once a favourite saying of Dr Johnson.’

‘Ah, yes. Grandfather spoke to me of Dr Johnson’s dictionary, something he would like to add to his library, I believe.’

‘I must see if a copy can be subscribed,’ Luke said. ‘I will enquire when I go up to town—which puts me in mind of your wedding gift. Is there any particular jewel you like, Roxanne? I gave you pearls and emeralds, but you might prefer something different.’

‘Oh, no, I am very happy with what I have,’ she denied, her cheeks warm. ‘I do prefer simple things—a gold brooch for wearing in the mornings might be nice, but I have no particular need.’

‘People will expect you to have jewels to match your status, Roxanne. If I did not give them to you, they would imagine I neglected you and my duty. I am very sure Grandfather would have given you something for the ball had I not had my own gift to give you that night.’

‘We have been given several gifts for our engagement,’ Roxanne said. ‘Mrs Arlet told me that a silver tea service arrived from your godmother this morning. Your uncles and aunts have also been generous, and Cousin Horatio gave us a particularly beautiful silver inkstand. Shall I write to thank them all or would you prefer to do it yourself?’

‘If you have time, I shall leave you to do the honours,’ Luke said. ‘There are estate matters enough to occupy me while I stay here.’

‘Are you thinking of leaving for London soon?’