Regency Society. Ann Lethbridge
be my image one day. Unfortunately, she did not live to see it. I have thought that a good thing, for she would have been disappointed in the young rogue—but now I am not so sure.’
‘I know that Luke has not always behaved in a way that pleased you,’ Roxanne said. ‘But you must not disparage him to me, you know.’
‘You are prepared to defend him if I do?’
‘I should be a poor fiancée if I did not—do you not think so, sir?’
The earl glared at her for a few seconds, then gave a harsh laugh. ‘I think he has done better than I imagined. I was prepared for you to be one of his doxies—but you ain’t, are you?’
‘Certainly not. I have been no man’s plaything and have no intention of it.’ Her eyes flashed a challenge at him. ‘Do you really think so poorly of him, sir? It would be unkind to bring a lady of that nature into your home. From what I know of Luke, he would not be so discourteous to you.’
‘You’re an outspoken miss. I can see why he picked you, Miss Peters.’
‘I fear I was taught to speak my mind and to be independent as much as possible. I should be happier if you were to call me Miss Roxanne—or simply by my given name.’
‘You have an older sister?’
‘No—but everyone always calls me Miss Roxanne. I prefer it.’
‘Do you, now? I wonder why?’ He stared at her a moment longer, then took her hand and bent over it, lifting it to his papery-dry lips to salute her with a kiss. ‘Come and sit down and tell me something about yourself.’
‘I am quite unremarkable, sir,’ Roxanne replied. She sat in the chair at the opposite end of the imposing fireplace so that he too might sit. ‘I have little family and, until she died, lived with the lady who cared for me after…I lost my home.’
‘Clarendon’s letter said that your father is in India and you do not wish to marry until he gives his permission?’
‘Do you not think that the proper thing to do, sir?’
His bushy brows met in a frown. ‘Humph. Clever with words, ain’t you? No fortune, I suppose—are you after his money, girl?’
‘I did not agree to this engagement for money.’
‘It was a bit sudden. He told me nothing of you the last time he was down here, then announces he’s engaged. Why would he do that—and why should you agree?’
‘I should be a liar if I said that Luke’s proposal was not appealing. I was in some difficulty and I am almost alone in the world, for I have not heard from my father in years. However, I have respect and liking for Luke and I believe he feels the same. I consented to the engagement—with the understanding that it would not continue if you should dislike it.’
Hartingdon’s gaze narrowed. ‘Willing to give him up for a consideration?’
‘I said no such thing,’ Roxanne replied, refusing to be ruffled by his pricking at her. ‘I should not wish to cause trouble between you, for I know that he holds you in affection. You do not need to pay me to make me go away, sir. I shall leave at once if my presence here offends you.’
‘Do not talk rubbish, girl. You look and behave like a lady. Might not be out of the top drawer, but I ain’t fool enough to send you packing—at least until I discover the truth of the matter. If he really means to settle down and provide me with an heir, you will do well enough, I dare say.’
Roxanne was not called upon to reply for the doors opened and a footman announced Lord Clarendon. Luke advanced into the room, looking strangely apprehensive.
‘Roxanne, I intended to be with you when you met Grandfather,’ he said, his gaze going from one to the other. ‘Everything all right, sir? How are you today? Better, I trust?’
‘Well enough. Don’t fuss, boy. I cannot abide people fussing over me. That fool of a doctor is bad enough without you.’
‘I see your mood has not much improved, sir.’ Luke’s mouth firmed. ‘I hope he has not bitten your head off, Roxanne? I assure you he is not always this ill tempered.’
Roxanne looked from one to the other and then laughed. ‘Oh dear, you both look so cross—like two bulldogs who have been quarrelling over a bone, which has been suddenly snatched from under your noses by a mongrel pup.’
For a moment there was silence and then Luke grinned. ‘You are perfectly right, dearest. It is ridiculous to argue over trivial things. Forgive me, Grandfather. I did not come down here to quarrel with you.’
‘Why did you come?’ The earl looked at him suspiciously. ‘Am I supposed to believe that you truly intend to settle down and do your duty?’
‘What is my duty, sir? I hope that you will continue to live for some years yet in the full enjoyment of your estate. If you need help or advice with business matters I should be pleased to give it—though whether you would wish to receive it is another matter.’
‘I have agents and fellows enough to run the place,’ the earl grunted, ‘though you might take the trouble to ride the estate with Tonkins while you are here. Some of the cottages may need renovation. It was in my mind to do it some years back, but I let things slip, though I’ve no cause for complaint in Tonkins’s management as far as I know.’
‘I shall be pleased to do so, both with him and on my own, while we stay with you,’ Luke told him. ‘May I take it that Roxanne and I have your blessing?’
‘You puzzle me, Clarendon. You have flouted my wishes since you reached your majority and became independent. Now, it seems you wish to please me—why? Afraid of losing your inheritance?’
‘I find that it does not suit me to be at odds with you, sir. Is that so very strange?’
‘I suppose it threw you into a blue fit because of that little incident.’ The old man glared at him. ‘Well, I mustn’t nag on at you or your fiancée will scold me. I am pleasantly surprised, Luke. When your letter came I scented a rat, thought you would try to play one of your tricks on me, but Miss Roxanne seems a decent gel. For the moment I shall reserve judgement.’
‘I hope I shall not let you down,’ Roxanne said. ‘The marriage cannot happen until I have my father’s permission, so there is plenty of time.’
‘Indeed, I might argue with that,’ the earl said. ‘What makes you think your father will write if he has not done so for years?’
‘I can only hope that he will do so, sir.’
‘And if he does not?’ Hartingdon’s eyes gleamed suddenly. ‘I shall give you three months to seek his permission. If after that there is no word, I shall insist on the banns being called.’
Roxanne looked at him and saw the challenge in his eyes. She sensed that he was testing her and smiled, but before she could answer Luke spoke.
‘I am certain we could agree to that,’ he said. ‘After all, your father could not blame you for going ahead if he makes no attempt to contact you, Roxanne.’
‘It is so long since I heard anything, he may be dead,’ Roxanne said carefully. ‘If in three months’ time nothing has changed—and we are all content with the situation—I shall agree to the banns being called.’
‘Then you have my blessing,’ the earl said and looked smug, as if he had gained what he sought. ‘However, there is one caveat—and that is that Miss Roxanne remains here with me so that I may get to know her. If you have business elsewhere, Luke, you may leave us for as long as it takes. Your fiancée will reside here.’
‘I’m not sure…’ Luke looked stunned. Clearly he had not expected anything of the kind. ‘Roxanne—how do you feel about living here with Grandfather?’
Roxanne hesitated. She had expected a visit of two to three weeks at