The Duke's Alliance: A Soldier's Bride(28)

Perhaps if she was not increasing they could have the Catholic service set aside? He must be thinking the same thing which was why he hadn't joined her. As long as she made sure she kept him at arm's length until they were in England and she could consult a lawyer, it might be possible for her to return to Spain.

Tears trickled down her face. There was nothing for her here, she would never come back. So, if she was not to be Lady Peregrine then she would be forced to throw herself on the mercy of her grandmother. She shuddered at the thought. She would rather be with Perry, however difficult this might be, than forced to marry someone she didn't love.

At least they had strong feelings for each other even if they were both regretting their hasty marriage. There were so many things she hadn't discussed with Perry – she had no notion where she was to live, how he would occupy his time in future and what his expectations were for her.

This was something they would discuss when they could be alone together. Going in search of this Irishman would be an exciting adventure, something to remember when she was trapped inside a pretty gown pretending to be something she was not.

The following morning she was down and ready to leave before the men arrived. She greeted them as if there was nothing wrong. 'Good morning, I have packed food for the journey, and your breakfast is waiting for you on the veranda. I have already eaten mine.'

Perry strolled across and kissed her on the forehead. Hardly a passionate embrace, but exactly what she wanted. 'Have you got your belongings? If not, you will need to return to your mother's house and fetch them.'

'I've already done so, and Smith and Jenkins are preparing the horses as we speak. Marron is to be used as the packhorse now that you have such a magnificent animal to ride, Perry. Hopefully, Zorro will be able to keep up with us.'

The duke smiled warmly. 'Then all we have to do is take our own saddle bags with us and we are ready to depart.'

'Juan has already done that, your grace…'

'Enough of the formality, my dear. You are my sister now and I shall call you by your given name and you must do the same for me.'

Perry laughed, a welcome sound and it made her feel a little more cheerful. 'You have thought of everything, sweetheart. Is there any need to enquire if the necessary equipment has been added to our personal belongings?'

'There is no need, Smith and Jenkins have taken care of that. I heard that the attack on the French yesterday was successful and the English have the gold. It has been sent back to Wellington with an escort and the remainder of the cavalry have joined Don Pablo and the partisans to take care of the deserters.'

This information was received without comment from either of them. She had expected them to be pleased, but they appeared more interested in their breakfast than in what she had told them.



She rode away from the town she had spent the past two years in without any regrets. Her new life was with Perry. Hopefully they would be blessed with a large family and this would occupy her time and give her something useful to do.

There was no one around to see them depart, to wave goodbye, and the further they travelled the more she regretted her childish decision not to wake her mother and say goodbye. Too late to repine. She would write a loving letter as soon as she had the opportunity and repeat the invitation for Don Pablo and Mama to make a prolonged stay in England.

Perry had chosen to ride alongside his brother and they were leading the small cavalcade, Smith was leading Marron so Jenkins had taken up position next to her. The hound loped along beside her and she was glad of his company.

'Jenkins, my husband appears to know the direction to go in. Am I to assume he has had information about the whereabouts of this O'Reilly?'

'He's heard from one of the partisans about a band of roving French cavalry now living in a deserted village. They have half a dozen English prisoners who are being used as orderlies, grooms and such.'

'There are only five of us, how does he think we can rescue his friend against so large a number?'

'Beggin' your pardon, my lady, I don't reckon his lordship expects you to be part of this venture.'

Being addressed for the first time by her new title was disturbing. She had been Sofia to everyone in the town, but now she was someone else entirely. She intended to make the most of the next few weeks of comparative freedom and, whatever Perry and his brother thought, she was going to be part of this rescue.

'Can you fire that rifle from the saddle, Jenkins?' Better to change the subject than argue with one of the duke's servants.

'No, my lady, it's best to be on the ground.'

'I see. Do you know how far away this village is?'

'A day's ride, ma'am, no more than that.'

She squeezed and her horse moved smoothly into a canter so that she caught up with Perry and his brother. 'I should like to ride with my husband, Beau, so could I ask you to drop back?' He guided his stallion to one side and allowed her to pass. No words were exchanged and she thought this odd. What had they been talking about that made them both look so grim?

Her heart was thudding. For the first time since she'd met him she was nervous about speaking to Perry. Then he reached over and took her hand and raised it to his lips the way he always did. His eyes told her all she needed to know.

'I was hoping you would come and join me, sweetheart, I expect you have questions about our future together.'