The Duke's Alliance: A Soldier's Bride(35)

'Good heavens, please do not do that. Things are quite formal enough without asking them to fuss even more.'

The duke returned having been successful in his mission and was even more thrilled than Perry had been to hear they were to return almost immediately.

'Jenkins and Smith have yet to locate a carriage.'

'I am perfectly content to continue to ride, in fact I would prefer to do so. Now we are not to have a trunk full of new garments there is no necessity for the carriage, is there?'

He nodded solemnly and his expression was amused. 'I cannot argue with your logic, my dear. Are you happy to leave tomorrow?'

'I am indeed. I do hope you can get a refund on the rent…' She stopped and clapped her hands on her mouth as if she was trying to push the words back. She looked at her husband expecting him to be angry but he exchanged a look with his brother and they both started to laugh.

When they were finally silent she was able to speak without setting them off again. 'As you found my question so amusing, your grace, perhaps you would deign to answer it?'

'It is none of your business, young lady, but as you insist on knowing I shall tell you the arrangement is on a day-to-day basis. I will inform the major-domo we are leaving tomorrow and then settle the account.'

They ambled around the stunning city but she was relieved when they returned to the house shortly after midday. 'I am going to rest, gentlemen, I shall see you at dinner.'



Tonight she didn't care if her escorts had no evening rig, she intended to look as beautiful as she could. The two maids were delighted to be asked to arrange her hair in an elaborate style. She had no jewellery, but the gown was so elegant it required nothing further. There was a full-length glass in the dressing room and she admired herself from every angle.

The new petticoats and silk stockings had arrived earlier than expected and so she would not be obliged to go down in bare feet as she had the night before. She had thought Perry might disturb her nap but he had not come into her room. In fact, she had no idea what he had been doing with himself for the remainder of the day.

'There, my lady, you look like a princess. So beautiful with your English hair and eyes,' one of the maids said. As Sofia's hair was dark and her eyes hazel she hardly thought she was the typical English rose but did not bother to argue.

'Make sure that all my belongings are packed in the saddle bags ready for us to leave first thing.' She indicated what she would be wearing the next day and they were shocked that she would be wearing men's attire. 'I shall pack this ensemble myself when I retire. I shall not need you again and I thank you for your assistance these past two days.'

Perry tapped on the door and walked in. There was no need to ask him if he approved, his expression said it all. 'You are the most beautiful woman in Christendom and I am the luckiest man. Take my arm, my love, and I shall take you down to dinner.'

'You have had your hair cut, and that is a new shirt you are wearing.'

'Do you like the new look?'

'It suits you short – but then it suited you long as well. In fact, husband, you would be handsome wearing sackcloth and ashes.'

She slipped her hand through his arm loving the feel of his muscles beneath her fingers. There was something about him tonight, something she couldn't put her finger on. She glanced sideways at him and he smiled his wicked smile making her forget everything else.

Beau looked magnificent as usual. They might not be wearing evening pantaloons but their boots were polished to a high shine, their topcoats immaculate and both had frothy white neckcloths above handsome silk waistcoats.

'You have both purchased a new waistcoat as well as stocks – did you go out for them whilst I was asleep?'

'No, they were delivered with our shirts and things. I thought we could eat al fresco as the evening is so clement.'

*

The dinner was sumptuous, the champagne cold, but he scarcely noticed what he put in his mouth. He had a surprise for his beautiful young wife and he couldn't wait to show her.

When the final plate was cleared he stood up and held out his hand. 'Will you dance with me, my lady?'

Her smile was radiant. 'I should be honoured, my lord.'

She slipped her gloved hand into his and he pulled it through his arm. He led her back into the house and as planned the sound of a string quartet drifted through the house.

The look she gave him made the effort he had put into this worthwhile. She released his arm and grabbed his hand; by the time they reached the ballroom they were both running. He could hear his brother laughing behind them.

The musicians continued to play for a few moments and then paused. He nodded and the beautiful sound of a waltz swirled around the room.

She curtsied, he bowed, and then he swept her away. All Wellington's officers were expected to dance superbly and he was no exception. By the time the last notes faded, instead of being at arm's length she was crushed against his chest.

'Thank you, thank you, darling Perry. That was the most magical experience. How many times will you dance with me?'

'As many as you want, sweetheart, but you must partner my brother at least once or he will be disappointed. You are the most beautiful girl here tonight.'

She giggled and he loved her even more, if that were possible. After their third waltz Beau was waiting for his turn.

'I think this is going to be a country dance, your grace.' She said this with a commendably straight face and his brother replied as if this were a sensible suggestion.