The Duke's Alliance: A Soldier's Bride(40)

Beau ducked his head so he could see her and, to her astonishment, he winked. 'It shall be done, little brother. The joyous reunion can take place tomorrow morning. Actually, that makes perfect sense as the infants can be there as well if we postpone.'

He vanished and she hugged Perry with relief. 'I cannot think why I am so nervous of your brother half the time and the other half I find him the most convivial company.'

For some reason this comment seemed to please him. 'He has been head of the family for almost ten years and grew up with the expectation of being the Duke of Silchester. It is small wonder he has a high opinion of himself – it is well-deserved.'

'Do you think he knows why we are both looking so dishevelled?'

'What makes you think so?'

'He winked at me. Why else would he do something so risqué if he did not know?'

'If he does, then he will be envious rather than disapproving. I don't suppose he has ever done anything so…so unusual in his life. I have been thinking, sweetheart, that once you are settled you must join with me in finding him a bride. I fear that if we do not do so he will be for ever interfering in our lives.'

'Good gracious! If he has not chosen to marry, has not even come close, and yet he is already past his prime, I think we must assume he is a confirmed bachelor.' She hesitated not sure if she should continue on this delicate subject. 'Does he keep a mistress in London that he visits?'

'How do you know of such things? I hope you are not intending to ask him?'

She was about to protest that she was not so silly and then saw he was having difficulty keeping his face straight. She punched him on his arm. 'Answer my question. The answer is crucial to your plan.'

'He does, or he did, but I've not been in England for a while and things could have changed. There is something you should know about my family. All of us without exception have known within a day or two that we have met the person we wish to marry. Beau has been hunted all his adult life by predatory matrons hoping to foist their daughters onto him. He has learned to stay away from places where he was likely to be pursued.'

'Then it is small wonder he has not been able to find himself a young lady he can love. I shall give the matter some thought. Having a project to complete will provide me with something to do apart from the frivolous nonsense most wives are expected to take part in.'

He moved away from her and the close connection they had forged by their disgraceful behaviour was severed. What had she done to upset him this time?





Chapter Fourteen


Beau cantered away from the carriage relieved his brother and his new wife appeared to have settled their differences. He did not doubt their regard for each other, nor did he think for one minute they were not ideally suited – however, he could foresee problems for both of them.

Perry had intended to make his life in the military, become the colonel of a regiment in time, and now he had been forced to resign his commission and return to a life he had found less than satisfying. Being the Duke of Silchester, running the vast estates here and in the north was not enough for him, so how could he expect his younger brother to be satisfied with so much less?

It was a conundrum and he could see no satisfactory conclusion. He smiled wryly. He had thought that gallivanting off to Spain would satisfy his ennui, but it had not. The novelty of being obliged to sleep in the open, live like a peasant, had soon worn off and he was eager to get back to his life.

Bennett, the brother closest to him in age, had also been a soldier, as had Carshalton, the man who had married his eldest sister Madeline, and yet both of them were content in their domestic life. He must discuss the matter with them and ask them how they had adjusted so well.

Sofia was unlike any of his siblings or their spouses, was unused to moving in the highest circles, being expected to behave impeccably at all times, and he doubted she would adjust easily to her new life. God willing, she would soon be increasing and then have infants to occupy her time. This did not solve the problem of his brother. Perry was a man of action and being idle would not suit him.

He had only two small estates to occupy his time – but there were other things he could do. Perhaps his brother could become involved in some business venture. Shipping was a trade but not one that would be considered below the notice of the Sheldon family.

Since receiving the funds from Bennett's marriage settlement the family coffers were full. He had invested wisely and he was confident he could give half the money to Perry and Aubrey so they could jointly buy into a commercial venture of some sort.

He had not told his brother that his twin, Aubrey, and his new wife, Mary, had just returned from their travels and were now residing in the newly refurbished east wing of Silchester Court. They were identical in appearance, but different in character. It would be wonderful to have all the family close by again.

Billy ate up the miles and in two hours he was cantering on his own land. His arrival had been seen from the house and a groom was waiting to take the sweating horse. The butler greeted him effusively.

'Welcome home, your grace, the family are waiting to be summoned. How far behind you is Lord Peregrine?'

'Two hours at least. There will be no gathering today. Have messages taken immediately informing my siblings that they are to be here at eleven o'clock tomorrow morning instead.'

Peebles bowed. 'I shall see to it immediately, your grace. Will dinner be required downstairs?'