The Duke's Alliance: A Soldier's Bride(18)
'My darling, you look ravissante. If I thought you would obey me, I would insist that you never wear men's attire again.' Perry took her hand and kissed her knuckles. Then he tucked it through his and turned to nod politely to her mother.
'Welcome, ma'am, as no doubt you can hear there is to be a celebration of more than just family.'
He led her into the main room where there were half a dozen people milling about, all dressed in their best. She and Mama were the only ladies present who did not have their hair dressed with combs and black lace. The gentlemen were in black, but there the resemblance to English evening dress ceased. Their evening jackets were short-waisted and their trousers tight. They wore high-collared white shirts beneath the jacket, and no neckcloth.
Her beloved had from somewhere purchased a dark blue topcoat and a new, startlingly white shirt with lace cuffs that emerged from sleeves and almost covered his hands. His neckcloth was tied elaborately, but he was still wearing his everyday breeches and riding boots – although these had been spruced up.
Don Pablo bowed to Mama and guided her to the far side of the room where they could converse privately.
Perry squeezed her hand. 'You have nothing to worry about, sweetheart, important people in this small town have decided to ignore our indiscretion, to pretend it didn't happen, and this is the announcement of our betrothal. The fact that I am an aristocrat was enough for them to forgive us.'
'Are you quite sure? I haven't dared to look directly at any of the guests.'
'You may do so with impunity, darling girl, all you will receive in return are benevolent smiles.'
Juan appeared with a tray of champagne and she took a glass. Perry stiffened beside her. She glanced up and smiled sweetly. 'Unlike most young ladies of your acquaintance, my love, I have a head for alcohol. I rarely get the opportunity to drink champagne and do not intend to miss out.'
He winked at her which made her giggle. 'There is nothing about you that is similar to any girl I've ever come in contact with. You are unique and you are mine.' He almost growled this last phrase and heat pooled in a most unexpected place.
'Behave yourself, my lord, or I shall not be answerable for the consequences.' She had deliberately parroted his words and his expression showed his appreciation of her wit.
He took her up onto the veranda and then turned to face the dozen people assembled in front of him. 'I should like to thank you all for coming tonight to celebrate my extraordinary good fortune. Not only have I regained my identity and my sight today, I have also become betrothed to Miss Sofia Appleby.' He looked down at her and his eyes blazed. 'I would forego both of the former and happily settled for the latter if I was forced to make a choice.'
He raised his glass. 'I give you the future Lady Peregrine Sheldon.'
Everyone repeated his words and drank the toast. Then Don Pablo toasted both of them and they drank again.
Delicious smells were wafting in from the kitchen and her mouth watered. 'Perry, I have not eaten since breakfast, I hope dinner will not be long.'
'We have tapas for the first remove, then a selection of local dishes and we shall finish with fruit and nuts.'
'Please talk of this no more, but lead me to the table. My stomach will rumble so loudly everyone present will hear it if I do not eat immediately.'
Chapter Seven
Following the French company without being detected was easy as they left a trail of horse dung and dust. They rode their cavalry horses into the ground and so they also left the smell of suppurating saddle-sores behind them.
'Smith, when do you think they will look for somewhere to hide for the day?' They were riding boot to boot and he was able to pitch his voice so quietly it was barely audible.
'I reckon just before dawn. They'll not want to be on the track when the sun comes up. I ain't surprised they're travelling at night. I'm going ahead, I'll be back before light. We needs to be clear where they are.'
They continued for another hour and then he noticed that the route ahead was becoming clearer – it would be dawn soon. Beau guided his horses off the route and into a small stony area behind some scrubby trees. The air was full of the scent of herbs and he inhaled appreciatively.
He pulled the reins over the stallion's head and dropped them. This was sufficient to keep the animal close as he had been trained not to wander off when his reins were trailing. All that was left to do was tether the other animal. He waited behind a tree for his companion to return.
How long would it take Jenkins to bring a company of English cavalry? It couldn't be infantry, they couldn't be here soon enough even if they marched in double time. He tensed. There was more than one horseman approaching so it couldn't be Smith. He ducked down behind the trees and backed to his horse. 'Quiet, old fellow, don't make a sound.' He snatched the reins and rested his gloved hand on the animal's nose.
A group of about a dozen mounted men appeared around the corner. It was just light enough to see that Smith wasn't with them, but he was certain they were not French. He was going to let them pass but on closer inspection he was convinced by their fierce appearance and healthy horses that they must be partisans. Of course, not all of the guerrillas fighting the French were prepared to work with the English.
He stepped into full view and greeted them in Spanish. 'Good morning to you, I am Silchester, I have news that might be of interest to you.' He had their full attention. 'I'm also looking for my brother, Lord Peregrine Sheldon, he has been missing somewhere in these hills since July.'