A Pledge of Passion (The Rules of Engagement #2)(10)

A veritable army of footmen in forest-green velvet livery greeted the coach as it came to a halt under the marble-pillared and pediment-topped porte-cochere. One footman lowered the coach steps, and two others flanked their progress to the massive double doors of the duke's mansion. The doors swung open in synchrony into a marbled foyer with a soaring frescoed ceiling.

Nicolas followed her gaze as it tracked over the faces of smiling angels and dancing cupids and then down the silk-covered walls adorned with priceless paintings. "The Dukes of Bedford are renowned for their love of art," he said. "If you also enjoy it, I daresay you will be impressed by the gallery."

While Mariah gazed almost awestruck at her surroundings, Lady Russell wasted no time in chastising the servants.

"Why is there is no one to greet us?" she inquired, painted brows raised.

"The duke and duchess are hosting tea, my lady," the head footman replied apologetically.

"Very well," she sighed. "I won't impose upon them. Did my baggage coach arrive?"

"Indeed, madam," he answered, "a little over an hour ago."

"Good, then. Will I be in my usual rooms?"

"Indeed, my lady. Miss Trent and Lady Mariah have been given the adjacent chambers. Shall I have a footman escort you?"

"There is no need. I daresay I know my way around this monstrosity," Lady Russell replied.

"Do you not find it strange that Lydia and Lord Marcus have not come to greet us?" Mariah remarked. "Do you suppose they are at tea?"

"Miss Trent is not traveling with you?" the footman asked.

"No, she is with Lord Marcus," Lady Russell replied.

"But Lord Marcus has not yet arrived, my lady."

"Are you quite certain?" Lady Russell asked. "They departed well before we did and were traveling in a much lighter vehicle. They should have arrived hours ago."

The footman sniffed. "I am most certain, madam. It is my duty to oversee every guest's arrival."

"My lady," Mariah interjected, "what if they were also set upon by highwaymen? What if they were not as lucky as we were?"

"Surely they were not set upon," Mr. Needham reassured. "'Twas a highly unusual occurrence in broad daylight. No doubt they simply stopped for refreshment."

"For two hours, Needham?" Lady Russell asked.

"If it eases your mind, I shall proceed to make inquiries after Marcus and Lydia," Nicolas offered. "I must speak with His Grace anyway as I carry important correspondence that requires his immediate attention. I will report back to you after I have spoken with him."

"Very good. Pray inform the duke that I would like a word later when he is free."

"As you wish, my lady."

"You see?" she said to Mariah. "Needham will look after everything. In the meantime, let us go and take a brief repose."

"But, my lady, how can I rest when I am worried about my cousin?"

"I assure you there is nothing to worry about." Lady Russell patted Mariah's hand with a look of maternal sympathy. "You must refresh yourself, my dear. You will want to look your best. Once the evening begins, there will be no rest for the weary. First there will be a reception, and then music, followed by supper and cards." She pursed her lips with a frown. "I do hope Marcus manages to arrive by then. If he fails to appear by supper, he will surely incur the duke's displeasure. My brother-in-law is well-known for his hot temper and his cold heart. 'Tis a most unpleasant combination." She lightly tapped Mariah with her fan. "Come now, my dear, you mustn't gape. Let us go. I am fatigued."

"Will we see you later this evening, Mr. Needham?" Mariah asked.

"I cannot say, my lady," he replied. "My time is not my own. I am at the duke's disposal, at least until Marcus arrives."

"What about supper?" Mariah asked, hoping they could have more time together. "Surely the duke won't deny you sustenance!"

Mr. Needham's mouth curved subtly at one corner. "I imagine that will depend on how he receives the news that I carry from the Dutch envoy."

"Were this not such a formal affair, you might have escorted Lady Mariah to supper," Lady Russell said. "But no doubt the duchess will have already paired her guests."

"So my supper companion is already chosen for me?" Mariah asked in dismay.

Lady Russell nodded. "Of that you may be certain. The duchess runs a well-ordered household. Nothing will be done randomly. All the guests will be paired according to their respective stations."

Mariah's heart sank. It seemed unlikely they would have another opportunity for private conversation. As an heir to a barony in her own right, she was far above a mere mister, but there was no one else she would rather spend the evening with, no one else whose company she desired as much as Mr. Needham's. They were only just beginning to know one another, and she felt cheated.

She looked from Lady Russell back to Mr. Needham. "So we may not see each other again?" she asked softly.

"I don't know, my lady," he replied. "My obligations allow me little time of my own. And now I must regretfully take my leave." He took her hand, holding her gaze as he brushed her gloved knuckles with his thumb. It was a mildly intimate gesture that sent a dangerous tremor of awareness racing up her arm. He released her hand slowly, as if reluctant to let her go.