A Gentleman of Worth, page 10
He detested that the manner of their marriage still caused her such disquiet, though she was not alone. His stomach was in knots as well over their welcome this evening. “You know we cannot, and your grandmother was insistent we arrive before the guests so we can be part of the receiving line.” He took her in his arms, right there on the pavement. “You will dance the first with me, will you not? And do not forget the supper set.” The sensation of her in his embrace did a great deal to calm that restlessness within.
“Two sets? The gossip’s tongues will wag, sir.”
Her playful tone helped alleviate some of the heaviness pressing upon his chest.
“I do not want to dance with anyone else,” she said in a weaker tone.
After he drew back a little, he caressed her cheek. “You need not if you do not wish it. If you refuse others, I may not be able to dance the supper set with you, but I shall remain by your side and sit with you for the meal.”
“Are you two to remain thus for the evening? The guests will have much to speak of if you do.” Nicholas stood in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest, laughing. Anthony exhaled heavily and walked his wife inside where Mr. Gideon took Amelia’s cloak as well as his coat and hat.
His wife pressed her hand to her stomach, but Anthony took it and laced their fingers together. “Calm yourself. You are beautiful, and no one will speak poorly of you.”
“At least not within my hearing,” she said. Her blue silk gown was the same shade as the sky and bedecked with silver beads that sparkled in the candlelight. She wore the blue topaz necklace he had given her the evening of their return from Kent. Since giving her the piece, he had found the matching bracelet and ear drops that she wore tonight as well. He anticipated adding other jewels to the estate’s holdings—all selected with her in mind. Great pleasure was to be had seeing his wife bedecked in her best gowns and jewels.
They were shown into the library. “Amelia! You are lovely, my dear,” said Lady Richmond. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy awaited them with Lord and Lady Richmond, Miss Jane Montford, and Hatton. They seemed to be the last to have arrived.
While Mrs. Darcy and Miss Montford joined his wife and fussed over each other’s gowns, the gentlemen surrounded him. “Are you ready?” asked Darcy as though they were awaiting execution.
“No, but we shall need to do this some time. We may as well have this done now instead of putting it off.”
Darcy shook his head. “I would not be so relaxed about being on display.”
“Oh, do not misunderstand. Neither of us relishes the idea of it, though we accept the necessity and are here regardless of our wishes. Amelia is at sixes and sevens over tonight. She is speaking of not dancing after we stand up for the first.”
“We shall ensure she does not dance with strangers before supper,” said Lord Richmond. “Both of you should stand up with others. You can dance with Lizzybeth while Darcy stands up with Amelia, and so on. We will protect Amelia. Any disrespect will not be tolerated.”
Darcy clasped his hands behind his back. “I would prefer Elizabeth not dance with just anyone. She has little care for Lord Rutledge, although I would hope he does not make the request.”
The earl scoffed. “I spoke to Lord Rutledge about leaving Lizzybeth alone some time ago. Besides, he is not invited tonight. After his words at White’s, I shall not welcome him into this house now or in the future, and I am certain Lizzybeth will never request his attendance at any event you host. We were selective when planning the guest list. That said, some have been invited so they spread word of your happy state, Anthony. Too much speculation has occurred over you forcing Amelia’s hand or her forcing yours. I hope those rumours will be dispelled this evening.”
At the mention of Lord Rutledge’s name, every muscle in Anthony’s body had stiffened. Thank goodness the fool was not invited else he would have been loath to allow Amelia out of his sight. Lord Rutledge was a pest. It was no wonder he was still unwed. No lady the earl pursued would accept his hand, and the more he was rejected the more insufferable he became.
Anthony met Lord Richmond’s level gaze with his own. “Amelia and I know what is expected of us. We may have been wed at the whim of gossip, but we are not unhappy.”
“Which is what I hope will be noticed,” said Lord Richmond. “Amelia seems content, and I confess it was good to see her laughing with Lizzybeth at dinner the other night. When you were first betrothed, she made no secret of her resentment over the unfairness of it all.”
“But she recognises that we both erred at Ormonde’s ball, and it was others who took our blunder and made it fodder for gossip. We have been friends for some time, so we, at least, have that to build upon.”
“Indeed,” said Darcy. “And thankfully, you are an excellent man. I am certain she knows her good fortune in that.”
“Lady Richmond.” When they turned, Mr. Gideon stood in the door. “My lady, the guests are beginning to arrive.”
“Come.” The countess waved them towards the hall. “Nicholas, take Janey to the ballroom in about ten minutes. You should not be standing alone in there by that time. Fitzwilliam, Lizzybeth, this ball is to celebrate your marriage too, so do not stand about looking lost. You are to join us greeting the guests.”
After a groan that made his wife laugh, Darcy offered her his arm and joined the rest of the group as they made their way to the hall. They formed a line between the front door and the ballroom, with Lord and Lady Richmond at the head, Anthony with Amelia by his side, then the Darcys. At a sizeable exhale, he took her hand and squeezed. “Do not let anyone intimidate you. We did nothing to invite such censure, and we have no reason to feel shame or embarrassment. Do you understand?”
“Hear, hear.” Lizzybeth had leaned forward to see her cousin and lifted her eyebrows. “Listen to your husband. He is correct.”
Guests began passing, and he greeted each with as amiable a manner as he could manage while ensuring Amy had no need of him. After the first three or four couples came by, she appeared to settle, and now glowed, her eyes sparkling and her manner all that was proper. No one could speak ill of her for her current behaviour.
When the Marchioness of Ormonde stopped before them, he bowed and Amy curtseyed, but paused, staring at the lady. “Forgive me. You are the Marchioness? You look like…?” Her wide eyes turned to him. “Does she not?”
He put his lips near her ear. “Lady Lincoln is the marchioness’s twin.”
“Oh,” said Amy. “Forgive me. I had not known.”
“No, do not trouble yourself. You have seen—?” Lady Ormonde glanced about herself for a moment.
“We have but once, before this very house when we arrived for dinner two days ago,” said Anthony in low tones.
“We wish you joy,” said the Marquess of Ormonde as he joined them. The marchioness stiffened and cleared her throat when her husband stepped closer to her side.
“We thank you.” Amy curtseyed, then glanced between them as her hand rested in the crook of Anthony’s elbow. “We are pleased you could join us this evening.”
“As are we.” The marchioness gave a tight smile as her husband steered her into the ballroom.
Amy shook her head. “I am certain I offended her, but I truly had no idea.”
“She is not so easily insulted. Most of London is aware of her relation to Lady Lincoln, but after her sister was, for all intents and purposes, banished, the marquess and his wife did their best to separate themselves from her. It is unlikely they want her linked to them again.” Anthony spoke close to her ear, so their conversation did not attract attention. “You met the marchioness in the receiving line at her ball. I am surprised you did not make the connection sooner. They do favour each other.”
“I met her, of course, but we are not friends, and my grandmother does not call upon her, so I made my curtsey and entered the ballroom with Nicholas without paying particular attention. I may have seen her two or three times before in my life. I suppose that is why Lady Lincoln appeared to be so familiar.” They paused to greet another guest before she leaned her shoulder against his. “I also never had reason to notice before, either. Lady Lincoln was still unknown to me.”
“I see your point.”
After the last of the arrivals were greeted, they followed Lord and Lady Richmond and the Darcys into the ballroom. The earl took a glass and raised it in the air, calling for everyone’s attention. “Tonight, we celebrate the two happy marriages of our granddaughters: the unions of Miss Elizabeth Montford to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Amelia Montford to Sir Anthony Greene. We are pleased to welcome these young gentlemen into our family. May both couples have a happy and prosperous life together!”
The crowd lifted their glasses. “Hear, hear,” they chorused.
“Are your nerves improved?” Anthony said softly near Amy’s ear when the din had died some.
She shrugged. “I suppose. I doubt my anxiety over this evening will disappear completely until we are home.” His hand covered hers where it rested on his arm. He loved when she called Audley Place home. A part of him could only hope she had truly come to think of it in those terms—that her home was with him.
He led her to the line to lead off the first set and stood across from her. “I am to dance two sets with you this evening, yes?” He bowed to her curtsey then stepped forward to start the pattern.
“You are still insistent, sir? What if I trip during the next set and turn my ankle? Then I may be forced to sit out for the rest of the night.”
“Then I shall never leave your side, bring you refreshment, and shoo away any unwanted company.”
She laughed and glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. “I am certain my grandmother would not invite someone I considered unwanted company.”
“Your grandfather did indicate they invited a couple of gossips.”
“Yes, Grandmamma said as much to me, though those my grandmother would invite are more meddlesome than vindictive. I would wager they would have much to tell me of marriage.”
Every part of him startled. The matchmaking mamas of London would not be teaching his young wife of marriage! He shuddered. His sister had made no mention of specifics but that she had received a trove of misbegotten advice after her own nuptials. His shoulders were so tight the ache travelled up into his neck. “All the more reason to keep those ladies at bay. If you wish to know of marriage, you may enquire of my feelings on the matter, as I may enquire of yours, since we are the ones who must live together.”
Amy lifted her eyebrows and twirled out with the pattern. When her hand rested upon his once again, she tilted her head. “Why should I not learn the opinions of others? What of my grandmother’s advice or Lizzy’s?”
“They are sensible ladies, and I see nothing amiss in seeking their counsel if required, but you wed me. If you are so desirous to seek what I would prefer, you should have no fear of asking.”
“I shall keep your words in mind, sir.”
At the end of the set, Darcy approached and held out his hand. “I believe I am to dance the next with Lady Greene.”
Anthony offered his arm to Mrs. Darcy. “Are you to be my partner for this set?”
“If you would not object. My husband is quite desirous of keeping me from standing up with certain gentlemen, whoever they may be.” Mrs. Darcy’s eyes danced while her tone spoke of her amusement at her husband’s dictate, though the corners of his lips turned up at her tease.
“I doubt Lady Richmond would ask any scurrilous men to her ball.” Anthony glanced around them. No one of ill-repute attracted his notice.
“No, I am of the same belief. My husband is overprotective at times.”
“I can understand his caution. Not all hold their marriage vows dear so likewise, consider the vows of others to be of as little value.”
Mrs. Darcy lifted an eyebrow as her husband passed, then laughed. “I am pleased to see my cousin smiling. Your wedding trip to Kent restored her good spirits.”
“The sea air and solitude served to restore mine as well. Our horses should return this week, so we can ride Rotten Row in the mornings should we wish. We both find some respite in a good race. The feel of the wind against my face oft times does much to restore my equanimity.” He anticipated the return of his horse as well as Amy’s. Riding had been an activity they both enjoyed and had done a great deal to further along their relationship. They were more limited in where they could ride in London or picnic for that matter. He would need to be creative should he desire to continue his courtship.
“She has always enjoyed racing. Nicholas can be eager to win, but Amelia never surrendered to his intimidation. She would push her horse as fast as it would go. I remember he once challenged her to jump a stream near Richmond Castle. As was her wont, she insisted upon meeting his dare and fell into the water. Nicholas thought her falling was quite comical until he understood her to be injured. Neither Grandmamma nor Grandpapa felt the need to punish him after witnessing his countenance upon his return. He had Amelia in his arms insensible and white as a sheet. His complexion matched hers it was so pale. Amelia did not awaken until the next day. The experience did not daunt her, though. As soon as the physician declared her fit to ride, she was atop her mare that day, returning to that stream to prove she could jump it. Nicholas was beside himself.”
“I cannot credit that he allowed it.”
Mrs. Darcy grinned. “He had no choice. She took off in that direction, and he followed lest she be injured with no one to help her. By the time he caught up, she was urging her horse forward and over the water. He could not have stopped her if he had tried.”
Anthony shuddered and swallowed hard. He could not imagine Amy injured or suffering. One day, God willing, she would bear his child, and he had little desire to hear her labouring then either. What would he do when that blessed albeit dreaded day came?
Amelia pinched the back of Anthony’s arm as she passed him during the pattern of the second dance. Why had she done so? No sooner had he and Mrs. Darcy finished their dance than Amy was at his side.
“I am parched. Perhaps you would take me for some refreshment.”
He kissed her knuckles and wrapped her hand around his arm. “I would be pleased to,” he said. “I believe your grandmother has punch or wine.”
“I think we should have Mr. Gideon fetch you some brandy.”
“I do not understand.” Why did he require brandy?
His wife leaned closer, her chin at his shoulder. “To restore your good spirits. You were smiling when I left you with my cousin. I have witnessed her make those around her laugh but never frown so. What could she have said to cause you such distress?”
“Mrs. Darcy told me of when you fell from your horse. You were jumping a stream at Richmond Castle.”
“Oh.” Amelia laughed. “When Nicholas dared me. If it makes you feel better, I have jumped that stream a few times since. I only fell the one time.”
“I do not like to think of you injured or pained.”
“Though you cannot control all. I can become ill, or my feelings can be hurt, and you can do naught to prevent it. I am, by no means, timid and can speak my mind when necessary.”
“Yes, I know. Forgive me for becoming maudlin. I had no intention of casting a cloud over the evening.” He needed to be more mindful of his expressions. Too many were searching for any hint of discord between the two of them.
With a tilt of her head, she drew him through the servants’ entrance and down a hall. “Come.”
“Where are we going?”
“I feel the need to restore your good spirits,” she said over her shoulder. He was quiet as she took him through to the hall, lighting a chamberstick to carry up the family staircase, and down the corridor. When she brought him into a bedchamber, he paused in the doorway and peered around. The room was dark, and a merry fire burned in the grate.
“Whose bedchamber is this?”
She rummaged around in her reticule and took out a small jar. “Help me turn down the bedclothes.”
“Why?” What could she be about?
“Because I asked, Anthony. Now, help me.” He moved around to the opposite side of the bed and made to grasp the top of the coverlet.
“No, we must do this with care. The bed must appear undisturbed when he returns.” He mirrored her careful movements until the bedclothes were turned down to the foot of the bed.
“He?” Anthony’s vision blurred a little when his eyes widened. “Wait. Is this Hatton’s bedchamber?”
Amy wore a wide grin when she nodded, uncorked the bottle, and began to sprinkle the contents on the pristine white sheet. “My beloved brother somehow put vinegar in my rosewater the morning we wed. Thankfully, Martin noticed before I used it, and my grandmother had it replaced without delay. I cannot allow his prank to go unanswered, you understand.”
No, he did not understand. He and Phoebe never committed such atrocities to each other. “He put vinegar in your—?”
“Yes.”
“And what are you putting in his bedclothes?”
“Sand.” The mischievous curve of her lips made him step back. Where had this evil side of his sweet wife come from? While he watched, she sprinkled no more than necessary to make the night an uncomfortable one for her brother while making it indistinguishable to anyone who was looking for it in the dim light.
When they had departed the ballroom, this was not what he had expected to happen. “Do you and your brother often play pranks on each other?”
“We all have: Nicholas, Lizzy, Janey, and I, though Janey not so much. She is too kind to put sand in sheets or snakes in the chamber pot.”
“Snakes in the chamber pot?” he squeaked.
“That was Lizzy’s doing. She even used the same snake Nicholas had put in her trunk upon her arrival.”
He stared at Amy with his mouth agape. Snakes in chamber pots? Sand in the bedsheets? What kind of family had he wed into?
Chapter 11
“We must roll the bedclothes back as they were. All must appear the same as before we entered.”
