The Duke's Alliance: A Soldier's Bride(34)

'There is nothing I should like better, my love, than to hold a ball here so we can celebrate our marriage in style. However, as we have only just arrived and know no one to invite, I think…'

'We have the Duke of Silchester in our party, I am certain that his name on an invitation will bring all the prestigious families flocking to meet you. The Spaniards love a party, and especially a spontaneous one.'

She tilted her head in what she hoped was a coquettish way. She was rather enjoying this playacting as both gentlemen were looking more and more bewildered by her behaviour.

'I shall understand, your grace, if it is because of the cost of such an event that you hesitate. I know that my husband has no funds, and I certainly brought none to this marriage.'

It wasn't done to speak of such a vulgar thing as money, as she very well knew, and to suggest that her husband was totally dependent on his brother for everything would put the cat amongst the pigeons.

'If you are determined on this, my dear, then I shall be delighted to set things in motion,' Beau said through gritted teeth. Perry was staring at her through narrowed eyes and she wished she had not started this masquerade.

She picked up her skirt and curtsied as if to the King himself. Then laughed at their expressions. 'I was jesting, I am not such a ninnyhammer as to demand such a thing. I do apologise if you thought me serious.'

The duke laughed. 'I'm glad to hear that, Sofia, I was beginning to think that the sun had addled your wits.'

Perry took her arm and his grip was firm enough to make his anger clear. 'Forgive me, brother, I need to speak to my wife in private. We shall join you shortly.'

She wanted to call Beau back but his long strides took him from the ballroom before she had time to do so.

'Let go of my arm, Perry, you are hurting me.'

Instantly she was released but he did not apologise. 'You will not put on such a display again – is that quite clear? You might have thought you were jesting, but you embarrassed both of us by your poor taste.'

She poked her tongue out at him. 'If you treat me as a child then you can expect childish behaviour. Now, is that all or do you have further things to say to me?'

He tugged her elbows and tumbled her into his arms. 'You are a baggage, but I love you anyway.'

It was sometime before they left the ballroom and joined the duke who one might have expected to be irritated, but he was wandering about examining the murals and paintings as if they hadn't been an unconscionable time.





Chapter Twelve


The following day the seamstress arrived with a bevy of helpers to take measurements. It soon became clear to Sofia that they had no idea what she wanted and were determined to make her gowns in the Spanish-style.

'Se?ora, I have changed my mind. I should just like two cotton nightgowns without embellishment, four petticoats and half a dozen pairs of stockings. We are returning home and I shall replenish my gowns when I get there.'

The woman seemed unbothered that she no longer had a big order and promised to have what she wanted delivered later that day. Either she had dozens of girls sewing for her, or these items were already made.

Perry was being measured next door and she knocked and walked in without waiting for his permission. 'I don't want to stay here more than another day or two, I should like to set out as soon as possible for England. I am just having nightwear and underpinnings.'

He looked relieved and told the unfortunate tailor he didn't need jackets and breeches but two shirts and some more stockings. These were also going to be delivered that afternoon.

'I cannot tell you how relieved I am, sweetheart, not to have to remain here for several weeks. I would do so if that is what you want, but as you don't, I am delighted.' He held out his arms and she ran into them.

'Have I told you today how much I love you?'

'Once or twice, but I think your actions last night were enough to convince me of your devotion.'

His arms tightened and his eyes blazed. She was rather enjoying being a married lady after all. 'Do you think I could already be increasing? I would really like to be settled before that happens.'

His laugh was deep and sent her pulse skittering. 'It is quite possible, darling girl, that you were increasing before we were married. You must know when you had your last monthly courses.'

'This is a strange conversation to be having, but they have never been regular and I have no notion how long it is since the last one. They can be as far apart as two months sometimes.'

'In which case we are none the wiser. Shall we give Beau the good news? He has gone out to find someone who will deliver the letter to your mother that you wrote last night. He has also let the family know that I am well, married, and will be returning shortly.'

'I have one request to make, my love, and you will think it quite ridiculous.'

He raised an eyebrow and she giggled. 'I stand in fear and trepidation to hear what it might be.'

'I am going to wear my wedding dress tonight and I wish to dance with you in the ballroom, imagine that I am at a grand party. It is quite likely that by the time I am able to attend my first ball I might well be in an interesting condition and unable to do so.'

He kissed her and shook his head. 'That is a contradiction, sweetheart, but I know what you mean. I will certainly dance with you tonight. I shall ask them to serve dinner in the dining room with as much ceremony as they can muster.'