The Duke's Alliance: A Soldier's Bride(17)

'Now that they know they have an aristocrat in their midst I can assure you they will be only too happy to sell you things with or without payment.'

'I must go. I thank you for the delicious breakfast, ma'am, and would like you both to dine with me tonight.'

'Thank you, that would be delightful. Sofia will be dressed appropriately for the occasion.'

Sofia followed him to the front door but was pushed aside by the dog when she tried to embrace him. 'I can see how it's going to be in future. Zorro is a jealous guardian. Shall we be taking him back with us to England when we eventually go?'

'More to the point, sweetheart, is whether I shall be allowed to keep him when I'm back with my regiment.'

'He will have to make do with me when you are busy fighting for King and Country.' She embraced the dog and he licked her face which was not a pleasant experience. 'Enough of that, I've no wish to be slobbered over by an animal who has just been eating raw rabbit for his breakfast.'

The dog wasn't wearing the harness and she wondered if he was aware that his master could now see and didn't need to be led about the place. Perry cupped her face and kissed her hard and she regretted the fact that they were not to spend another night together until they were married.

She opened the front door and he marched away his dog prancing about him yelping and barking in excitement. The animal obviously understood Perry was no longer blind which was a miracle in itself. Having Zorro for company when her husband was on active service would be both a comfort and an entertainment.

She decided to remain indoors and avoid the speculative and disapproving looks she would encounter if she went out. For all her bravado, she too regretted her impulsive decision to seduce Perry. Everything was happening so quickly. Three days ago he didn't know who he was and had been blind – now he was a lord and could see and she was no longer an innocent.

Dinner wasn't eaten as early as in England for here nobody sat down until late. This gave her ample time to find something suitable to wear, press it, and also wash her hair. She had been careless of her appearance when he couldn't see her, now everything was different.

'Mama, upon what have we been living these past months? I cannot believe that papa's funds and the money you have earned from your sewing have been sufficient.'

'People are generous here, unlike at home. You treat their ailments for nothing and you might not have been aware of it but they repay this kindness with gifts of food and fuel. Also, the fact that you have accompanied them several times when they have been on raids has made you one of them. Nobody goes hungry here whilst there is food to be had.'

'Mama, will you marry Don Pablo when I leave?'

'I will indeed, we might not be giddy and heedless like you and Perry but nevertheless we are still deeply attached to each other. I shall have position in the town married to him, will live in comfort, if not luxury. I shall miss you dreadfully of course, but when this dreadful war is over perhaps I shall be able to make an extended stay with you in England.'

'I shall write to my grandmother telling her I am about to be married to the brother of the Duke of Silchester. That should make her happy.'

'You will do no such thing, my girl. If you intend to leave with Perry even if you are not married, it's best not to tell her anything.'

'I shall be guided by you, Mama. I'm going to find something to wear tonight. It is so long since I have worn a gown but I am not sure I have anything the moths haven't eaten.'

'Come with me, my love, I have something to show you upstairs.'

Intrigued she followed her parent and was quite overwhelmed by what she was shown. 'How could you possibly know I would be requiring feminine apparel? When did you sew these gowns for me?'

'I thought at once how it would be with you and Perry so have been working on them for an hour or two every day. Which one will you wear tonight?'

'Where did you get this lovely material?' She ran the fine green cotton through her fingers. 'This will complement my eyes to perfection. I must hope he will not notice my lack of stockings.'

'Don Pablo gave me a box filled with cottons, silks and satins. I have been also preparing my own trousseau from these items. I have made you the necessary undergarments, but you are right, you will have bare feet in your slippers.'

'That is a mere bagatelle, as long as I am looking like the future wife of a lord I shall be content.'



Night had fallen when they left the house to cross the small square. As always the sound of laughing voices travelled through the darkness as families gathered in their courtyards to chat and drink before eating.

'Mama, I had forgotten how inconvenient it is to have skirts to trip over,' Sofia said as she held hers up in front of her.

'You look every inch a lady, my dear daughter, and Perry will be suitably impressed at your transformation I can assure you.'

'His house is ablaze with candlelight – that in itself is strange. Do you think he has invited anyone else to dine with him?'

'I have no more idea than you. We shall both find out in a moment.'

The front door was wide open, there was no need to knock. From the amount of voices drifting out from the veranda at the rear of the building they were not the only guests.

She dropped her skirt, shook it vigorously to ensure it had no creases, and walked in ahead of her mother. She had half-expected the dog to be the first to greet her but this was not the case.