Regency Society

It could be that there was something significant about that ruby, something that made it worth sending people to England to search for it—but why now?

Luke had told Roxanne not to worry, dismissing her fears that her ruby might have brought the intruder here, but he could not help wondering if he had been too hasty. The ruby might have more worth to someone than the amount it would fetch in a jeweller’s shop. Luke had not considered it important at first, but now several threads were running through his mind.

Damn the thing! He had more to concern him than the blasted ruby. Having spoken to his grandfather that afternoon about bringing the wedding forwards, Luke knew that he had committed himself to marriage. While doubts remained, he could not deny a feeling of satisfaction. It was as if he had been resisting subconsciously, but now that had fallen away and he found he was looking forward to the wedding—but first there was the engagement ball.

While in town he had given Roxanne’s measurements to a French seamstress and she had promised to deliver the gown he had ordered in time. She was coming herself to fit it and make any last-minute adjustments. He knew that Roxanne had some idea of making a gown herself, but the magnificent creation he had bought for her would be a surprise—as would the pearls he had purchased in the London jeweller’s.

Once again he considered whether the attack on Higgins and the man he had seen purchasing a ring in London were connected. Had he been followed to the jeweller’s that day? Had the man he’d noticed hoped to discover the ruby’s whereabouts?

‘Imagination,’ he murmured aloud, fastened a magnificent diamond pin in his cravat and went down to dinner.

After Luke’s return the days seemed to fly past so quickly that Roxanne hardly had time to think or worry about what she was doing. The incident in the tower had been dismissed from her mind completely and she was thoroughly enjoying each day.

Luke had purchased a beautiful mare for her. Rhoda, as he informed her the horse was named, was a chestnut and a perfect mount for her, being spirited and yet good natured, even playful. The mare had responded to Roxanne’s touch and voice immediately and, if Roxanne did not watch her, would give her new mistress a sharp nudge in the back with her nose.

‘She is lovely,’ Roxanne cried as she thanked him. ‘I am so grateful for your kindness.’

‘You must have a horse of your own. The saddle belonged to my mother. It takes time to make one to suit an individual and we shall commission a new one once you have got used to this, which has been worn in and should be comfortable both for you and the mare.’

‘It is perfect,’ Roxanne said and ran her hand over the soft leather, which, though not new, had a pleasant feel. ‘I do not think I need another just yet.’

‘My mother was an excellent horsewoman, Roxanne. I am certain you can do as well if you are willing to learn.’

Roxanne assured him that she was and allowed him to help her into the saddle and to explain how she should hold her reins. Although she had been used to riding astride when with the players, she immediately settled to the new position and needed telling only once how to sit and hold her reins.

Luke watched her walk the mare about the paddock, making only an occasional remark about posture or commands to the mare. After some minutes had passed, he nodded his head and walked up to her as she halted the mare.

‘Are you sure you have not ridden this way before?’

‘I may have done years ago…’

‘When you were a child in India?’

‘If I was ever there. Sometimes in my mind I seem to see a beautiful pink palace with cool rooms and fountains in the gardens—but it may just be one of Sofia’s stories.’

‘Are there people in your dream?’

She shook her head. ‘No, I have no real memories, Luke. I think the palace was where Sofia lived with her prince.’

‘You are sure she never mentioned anything you told her when you were ill?’

‘No, I am not sure of anything.’

Luke’s eyes were very intent. ‘You have not been lying to me, Roxanne? I would rather hear the truth from your lips now than discover it is all lies later.’

‘Are you accusing me of trying to deceive you?’ She raised her head proudly. ‘Why should I do such a thing? I have no wish to be other than I am.’

‘Forgive me, that remark was uncalled for. It is just odd that you should have this feeling about India—and now it seems as if there may be a connection. Does that not sound strange to you? In my place would you not wonder?’

‘Yes, perhaps,’ she agreed. ‘May we speak of something else now? Your grandfather spoke of dancing lessons, but it may have slipped his memory. The curate is coming this afternoon. If he played for us, would you teach me some steps, please?’

‘Yes, of course. I should be delighted. I will call the groom. You have done enough riding for today. You should learn at least one or two dances before the ball.’

‘Count in your head, Roxanne…one two three, one two three—and follow me. Trust me and you cannot fail.’

‘Thank you, I shall try.’

Roxanne stood as he placed his right hand at the small of her back and let herself relax, feeling the warmth that flowed through her. The curate’s playing was pleasant and she felt as if she floated on air as they waltzed the length of the gallery, where the ball was to be held.

‘Yes, that is exactly right,’ Luke told her. ‘You were born to dance, Roxanne. It is a natural talent that may be learned, but you feel the music and you are like thistledown in my arms.’

Roxanne closed her eyes. In her head she seemed to hear strange music and for a moment she felt light-headed, as if she were not quite herself. Luke’s voice came from a distance. The dreamlike state still held her and she stumbled, falling into his arms.

Luke caught her and carried her to a sofa, sitting her against the soft cushions as she stirred. She opened her eyes, looking at him in a puzzled way.

‘What happened?’

‘You were faint for a moment. Are you ill?’

‘No, I do not think so. How foolish of me.’

Luke placed a hand to her forehead. ‘You do not seem to have a temperature, but you said something just before your faint.’

‘Did I?’ She looked up, feeling bewildered. ‘For a moment I thought I was somewhere else.’

‘You said a word I did not recognise. I think it may have been another language—perhaps Hindu or some such thing.’

‘How could I know an Indian word?’

‘Easily, if you were truly brought up there.’ He frowned. ‘This business of the ruby has been playing on your mind. It might be that the face you saw at the window was Indian. A turban cloth was found at the tower when the search was made.’

Roxanne shivered. ‘That is a little worrying, Luke. What is so important about the ruby that someone would follow us here and attempt to break into your grandfather’s strong room?’

‘If we knew that, I think the mystery might be solved.’ Luke offered her his hand as she attempted to rise, catapulting her into his arms. It surprised them both and Luke’s kiss was completely without intention. He kissed her lightly at first, but it deepened to intensity before he let her go. ‘It was the look in your eyes,’ he excused himself. ‘There is no need to fear, Roxanne. I shall protect you.’

‘Yes…’ Roxanne spoke in a faint voice unlike herself. ‘I am not afraid, just curious as to why the ruby is so important.’

‘Yes, it is curious,’ Luke replied. ‘I think enough dancing for today. We shall send for some tea—and I think our kind pianist should stay and enjoy it with us.’

‘Yes, of course, Luke,’ Roxanne said and went off to speak to the curate.

Luke’s eyes narrowed as he watched her. She looked every inch a lady—but supposing she had lied in an attempt to ensnare him? Supposing she’d stolen the ruby? She might be Black Bob’s accomplice; they could have stolen it together. Perhaps she’d wanted the jewel for herself and run off with it. That might be the reason she was frightened of being found and dragged back to her former life. He knew a moment of intense pain at the thought. If she had played him for a fool, he would feel betrayed.

Luke was aware of a sense of unease. He knew that he was being drawn into something beyond his control. What exactly did Roxanne want of him? She had refused to enter a sham marriage at first, but now she seemed prepared to become his wife and to give him an heir.

Could he trust her? More importantly, perhaps, could he trust himself? The feelings he’d had for Roxanne from the beginning had grown stronger, but surely a night in her bed would satisfy his hunger. It had always been that the chase was more important to him and he soon tired once the game was won. Perhaps he was a shallow fellow, incapable of feeling more than a fleeting affection—if that were so, why was he beginning to feel obsessed by Roxanne and a need to know the truth about her past?

He was a fool to let down his guard. Until he was certain this was not all an elaborate plot to ensnare him he refused to feel more than liking for her. He had met many beautiful women, but none had touched his heart—why should it be different now?

Roxanne glanced at herself in the mirror as she prepared for dinner that evening. Why had Luke kissed her that way earlier? She could not convince herself that he cared for her, so why had he suddenly kissed her with such intensity? Was it merely a passing impulse—or lust?

He’d told her that he did not believe in romantic love, yet he knew how to please a woman in bed. Her mouth felt dry and her stomach cramped with nerves. Luke felt physical desire for her and he would be a passionate lover.

She supposed men often felt desire for a beautiful woman. Roxanne had seen lust in the eyes of men many times, but she had never been kissed like that because she’d always avoided any involvement. Sofia had warned her to be careful, telling her that men were not to be trusted—especially the aristocracy.

Was she a fool to let herself be used both by the earl and his grandson? They both wanted something from her, but were either of them prepared to give her anything of value in return? Luke had offered an income, but money was not important to Roxanne. She wanted to be respected, liked, even loved for what she was—especially by Luke.

How foolish she was to have let down her guard even for an instant. Luke had made it plain from the start that he did not wish for a true marriage. It was a business arrangement and she must accept it—or walk away.

To walk away would cause too much pain. She had become fond of the earl and must do nothing that would bring on his illness. Luke might come to admire her qualities in time and it should be possible to have mutual respect.

Was that enough in a marriage? It had to be, because Roxanne knew that she could not expect more from a man who refused to give his heart.

‘Would you like to wear your hair up this evening, miss?’

Roxanne’s thoughts were recalled to the present. She looked at the face of her young maid and smiled.

‘Yes, thank you, Tilly. I shall have it dressed with a ringlet for the ball, but tonight I would prefer it to be quite plain.’

‘Yes, miss.’ The girl took up the brush and began to stroke it through her hair, leaving Roxanne free to continue her thoughts.

That evening they dined with friends of the earl and Roxanne began to understand what her life would be like here. Although curious, the earl’s neighbours were friendly and prepared to accept her, because Hartingdon had made his wishes clear.

‘This young woman has done wonders for the house already,’ he remarked to a gentleman of similar years. ‘I never expected to see such a day and I am truly grateful to her. Clarendon is fortunate to have found her.’

‘I’m sure he knows it,’ General Forster said and nodded approvingly. ‘Luke, you must bring Miss Roxanne to dinner soon—and I should be delighted to take you fishing in our lake one day, should you care for it.’

‘Very kind of you, sir,’ Luke said and sent a brooding glance at Roxanne. She thought that he was learning to play his part very well. ‘It is a while since I went fishing.’

‘Do you enjoy music, Miss Roxanne?’

She turned to the young man sitting beside her. ‘Yes, Sir James, very much. I fear I am an indifferent pianist, though I am attempting to improve.’

‘Do you sing at all?’

‘Yes, I do,’ Roxanne said, recalling some of the performances she’d given when with the players. ‘I enjoy listening to others play and sing. I also enjoy the performance of a play.’

‘Ah yes, I’m fond of the theatre myself.’ He beamed at her. ‘You put me in mind of something, Miss Roxanne. I mean no insult when I say that you remind me of an actress I once saw. She was very talented, but just a provincial actress, not famous at all—however, the likeness is superficial.’

‘I am glad to hear it,’ Roxanne said and laughed, hiding the fact that his remark had made her heart beat fast. ‘Tell me, where was she performing?’

‘I hardly remember—an open-air performance, as I recall, at an inn or somewhere like. Do not be offended by the comparison, for I meant none.’

‘I am not offended.’ Roxanne smiled as the moment of panic receded. He did not remember her. ‘If the lady was talented there is no reason.’

She had been apprehensive for a moment but she saw there was no need. Even though the young man had undoubtedly seen her performing, he did not dream that Roxanne was the actress he’d watched. He thought the likeness superficial, which indeed it was for she had changed considerably since those days. That girl had been left far behind as she became more confident and sure of her place here.

‘Oh, very talented. I thought she belonged on the London stage. I would have spoken to her about it, but I could not stay until the end of the play.’

‘Roxanne, may I speak with you?’

She stood up as Luke came up to her, nodding her head to her companion and moving aside to the window.

‘You looked slightly disturbed. James was not annoying you?’

‘He wished me not to be offended, but saw a vague likeness in me to an actress he’d once watched performing somewhere.’

‘Ah, I see…’ Luke nodded, his gaze intent on her face. ‘You are not distressed?’

‘No, certainly not.’ Roxanne lifted her head proudly, every inch the great lady. ‘You wished to speak with me?’

‘I forgot to mention it earlier, but a seamstress is coming down in a couple of days. She has made a gown for the ball for you and will fit it and make any adjustments needed while she is here. I thought you might like her to make a wedding dress for you? We shall buy most of your trousseau in Paris after the wedding—if that suits you?’

‘Of course, if you think it necessary.’ Roxanne’s heart thudded in her breast, her throat tight suddenly and for no good reason. ‘Your grandfather looks a little tired. If there is nothing more, I shall see if he wishes to retire.’

‘No, nothing more,’ Luke replied with a little frown.

‘Then please excuse me for the moment.’

Luke watched as she walked to the earl. The old man listened to what she said to him and then inclined his head. Roxanne gave him her arm and they left the room together. For a moment the earl’s face was unguarded and his grandson saw real affection in his eyes as he responded to her caring.

It was evident that a bond had formed between them while he was absent. Luke wasn’t sure how he felt about the situation. Roxanne seemed fond of the earl and sure of her place here. For a moment he was irked by the affection between them. Roxanne had found a way past the prickly outer skin the earl had used to shut out everyone else, including his grandson. Why was he prepared to accept her when he had shown little but indifference towards his own flesh and blood?

Luke ought to be delighted that his plan to make his grandfather’s last days happy was working so well and yet once again he had a sense of unease—almost fear. It was ridiculous to feel trapped. He could walk away, go back to London whenever he chose, and yet something was holding him here. It was as if invisible chains bound his limbs and he did not understand his own feelings.

It was not as if the marriage was to be a true one. He felt passion for Roxanne and knew that he would find great pleasure in teaching her the delights of the bedroom—but he was not sure that she felt anything for him.

She was always welcoming, pleasant and amenable to his wishes, but was that what he wanted from her? Was this show of affection and content merely a consummate actress at work? He had made a bargain with her and Roxanne was playing her part all too well.

Luke wasn’t sure what he wanted or expected of her—or what he hoped the future might bring. His uncertainty had not improved his mood and he was on edge, moody, anger simmering beneath the surface—but he did not know why he was angry.

Roxanne was surprised at how many people had come to wish them well. She had written the invitations to whole families and it seemed that uncles, aunts and cousins had turned out in force. They had been arriving for the past two days and the house was already overflowing. The arrival of neighbours and friends later that night would ensure that the ball was a success.

‘That’s a beautiful gown, Miss Roxanne,’ the housekeeper observed when she brought up a posy of fragrant lilies the gardener had sent. ‘I think you will be the centre of attention this evening—as you deserve to be, miss.’

‘Thank you, Mrs Arlet,’ Roxanne said. ‘Lord Clarendon ordered the gown in London, as you know. He has excellent taste. Those flowers are lovely—did they come from his lordship?’

‘I think it was Minty’s idea, miss—though I dare say his lordship asked for flowers suitable for the occasion.’

‘Well, they are delightful,’ Roxanne said and the housekeeper left. She glanced at her reflection, thinking that the gown called for an ornament of some kind. Her request to the earl for the loan of some pearls had not been met and she regretted her lack. She was just considering whether she could pin a single flower to her gown when someone knocked. Opening the door, she was surprised to see Luke. ‘Oh…I am nearly ready.’

‘You look beautiful, Roxanne,’ he said, staring at her in such a way that her heart fluttered and her mouth was suddenly dry. ‘I brought you a little gift to wear this evening—if it pleases you.’

Luke offered her a black velvet box, which Roxanne took and opened. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the single string of beautiful creamy pearls fastened with a clasp of emeralds and diamonds.

‘Oh, these are beautiful. My maid has gone—would you fasten them for me, please?’

‘Yes, of course.’ Luke followed her into the bedchamber. Roxanne lifted her hair and he placed the pearls around her throat, his fingers lingering against the sensitive skin at her nape. ‘The clasp is meant to be at the front.’ He turned the necklet, his hand just brushing against her dipping décolletage for an instance.

The dizzying sensation that shot through her at that moment almost took her breath. Roxanne’s lips parted on a sigh and she felt a spasm of desire and need so strong that it required all her willpower not to melt into his arms. Just for a moment she wished there was no ball, nothing but Luke and a soft bed where they could lie together.

The sensation was sweet and overpowering, but Roxanne forced herself to remain aloof. To beg for kisses and more would shame her and she had no intention of allowing her feelings to become plain. Luke wanted a business arrangement and that was what she must accept because anything else would end in pain. The last thing Luke wanted or needed was a clinging wife who would love him and make him feel guilty for neglecting her when he returned to the life he enjoyed.

She would be a poor actress if she could not hide her feelings for him, but she must remain outwardly in control. He would hate her to fall in love with him. He had no wish for a clinging wife.

Glancing in the mirror, Roxanne was satisfied that apart from a faint flush in her cheeks she had given no sign of the intensity of her feelings. She touched the emerald clasp and smiled.

‘How did you know that I longed for such a necklace?’ she asked, for all the world without a care as she met his brooding look. ‘The pearls are wonderful, Luke, and the clasp goes so well with my ring.’

‘That was my intention,’ he said, a faint smile in his eyes. ‘Grandfather asked me to find something for you in the strong room, but I told him I had my own gift for you.’

‘I see.’ Roxanne nodded, because that explained why the earl had not kept his promise. ‘I must thank you so much for my gifts, Luke.’ She looked up at him, seeing a blaze of passion that made her tremble. ‘Luke—what are you thinking?’

‘I think we should go down before I am tempted to lock the door and stay here with you instead of entertaining our guests.’

Roxanne’s heart pounded. Her stomach clenched with something she instinctively recognised as desire. The look in his eyes was so hot that she could not doubt he felt desire for her, but she was certain that his feelings were no more than that; he wanted her, but love was not something Luke was prepared to give. His touch would make her flesh sing, but love was the forbidden fruit she must not taste.

‘Yes, we must not keep our guests waiting or the earl,’ Roxanne said, painting a smile in place as she lifted her head. ‘Our audience awaits, Luke.’

‘A performance? Is that all this is to you, Roxanne?’

‘Of course. What else?’ she said. ‘That is what you required of me, as I recall.’

She moved past him into the hall, then turned and waited expectantly. Her composure was perfect, she was ready for the stage.

‘You’re a clever actress, Roxanne. I dare say you will have our friends eating out of your hand, just as you have Grandfather. He prides himself on his judgement, but you have him purring like a kitten.’

She felt as if he had pricked at her with long thorns, but kept her smile in place. ‘If I have the ability to make people like me, that is a good thing, is it not?’

‘I think they will love you. Grandfather certainly does.’

Loved by all, but not by you. The words were in her head, but not spoken aloud.

Lifting her head, she looked into his eyes. ‘His happiness is your main concern, is it not? That is the reason you brought me here?’

‘Yes…’ Luke’s gaze narrowed. ‘I would not wish to see him hurt, Roxanne.’

‘Then we are of one mind,’ she said and took his arm. ‘Come, Luke, need you look so sober? This is meant to be an evening of pleasure for us as well as our guests. You must try to look as if you are enjoying yourself or your friends will wonder.’

‘You are right.’ He smiled suddenly and her heart skipped a beat. ‘I have no right to expect more than you wish to give. We shall dance and enjoy ourselves this evening. More serious matters can wait for another day.’

Now what did he mean by that? Roxanne wondered, but she put the little puzzle from her mind. Tonight she was playing the part of a girl very much in love who was announcing her engagement to the man she loved. It was not a difficult part to play, as long as she did not remember that Luke did not love her.

Chapter Eight

As Roxanne had imagined, the evening was a huge success. The ballroom was decorated with banks of fragrant flowers from the hothouses and reels of white-silk tulle hung in drapes above the dais where the musicians were seated. Sparkling chandeliers threw out showers of light, which were picked up by the glittering jewels worn by both ladies and gentlemen. They had come dressed in their best finery, prepared to enjoy the celebrations, and laughter reverberated through the rooms, the sound of chattering voices almost deafening.

Roxanne soon discovered that she was the centre of attention.