The Duke's Alliance: A Soldier's Bride(42)

'I have changed my mind. Put out a promenade gown and a suitable spencer and bonnet. I intend to go for a walk, I have been cooped up for too long in the carriage. Do you wish to accompany me?'

'No, my lady, I have far too much to do.'

Once dressed, Sofia took the back staircase again as she knew it led to the rear of the building. She was less likely to be seen if she remained on this side. Then she straightened her shoulders and marched down the side and eventually around the corner and onto the terrace that ran the entire width of the Court.

Immediately her spirits lifted as she could see there were indeed rose gardens, pretty walks and in the distance a magnificent lake and a maze. Exactly what she wanted to explore. She set off briskly, the grass was dry underfoot, but the sun gave little warmth, unlike it did in Spain. Zorro was at her side almost immediately and she enjoyed his company. He was a connection to her previous life.

The roses were all but over, but there were still plenty of blooms there to stop and sniff. The intricate arrangements of box hedges and flower beds was interesting but what really intrigued her was the maze. She had never been inside one and was determined to do so right now.

The sun was low on the horizon, it would be dark soon so she had better hurry as she had no wish to be outside then. The hedges that made up the maze were at head height, when she was inside she would not be able to see over the top.

There was a container full of wooden flags. Presumably one took one in and then waved it above one's head if unable to find the way out. Excellent – this meant she could go in with impunity. She picked up one of the flags and began to explore the narrow paths. In a short space of time she arrived at the centre where there was a pretty statue and a marble bench.

There was something in her boot and this would be an ideal place to sit and unlace it and investigate. Whilst she was so doing the sun disappeared and immediately the maze seemed less attractive, more menacing.

She was being nonsensical. Good heavens, had she not ridden out with the partisans on many occasions without being frightened? What was there to worry her about a maze?

The stone that had been annoying her was removed and she quickly did up her boot. It had belatedly occurred to her that her dinner would be arriving at any moment and she would not be there to eat it. She had no wish for a hue and cry to be set up so had better leave immediately.

'Zorro, wherever you are I need you to lead me out.'

*

Aubrey had been overjoyed to see him. 'I sensed something was wrong which is why we returned to this country earlier than planned. You look remarkably well considering everything that has transpired over the past few months.'

'As do you. Married life obviously agrees with you.'

Mary had left them to talk alone which was considerate of her. Although she was four years older than his brother one wouldn't notice the difference by looking at them. She was a beautiful young woman and obviously his twin and she were deeply in love.

'I thought perhaps you had returned because you are expecting an addition to the family.'

'No, we are not inclined to have children.' His brother grinned making him look years younger. 'I should rephrase that, we are not unduly bothered if we do not have a family. What about you? Do you hope to set up your nursery?'

'Like you, I'm not in any hurry to share my life with screaming infants. However, I think Sofia wants a large family – so either way one of us will be pleased.'

'Well, it is not you that has to bear them for nine months and then push them out into the world. I detect a certain reservation in your voice when you talk of Sofia. Why did you marry her if you did not love her?'

Perry explained the circumstances and his brother immediately understood that he had had no choice in the matter. 'She will find it difficult adjusting to the restrictions of this life. Why don't you take the yacht and go away for a year as we did?'

'God forbid! Neither of us enjoyed the crossing from Portugal to England and vowed never to set foot on the sea again. I thank you for your kind offer, but sailing is not for us.'

The rooms that had been turned into a self-contained, and very attractive, house for his twin had been examined and admired. 'Beau said he was going to do the same for us, but until this happens we will have to remain with him. I fear he will be in no hurry to set things in motion as I think he is looking forward to having lively company for the winter.'

The door opened and Mary came in. 'I'm sorry to intrude, but I saw Sofia go into the maze a while ago and she has yet to emerge. It will soon be too dark for her to see.'

'I thought she was going to remain in her apartment. I intended to show her everything tomorrow after we have seen the rest of the family.'

'Do you wish me to come with you, brother?'

'No, I'll find her easily enough. Forgive me, I can hardly abandon her to return here to dine with you, so I will see you tomorrow.'

He exited through the French windows and didn't bother to walk along the terrace to the central steps that led down to the lawn but vaulted over the balustrade as he had always done when a boy.

A cold wind had got up, it was like to rain and it would be decidedly unpleasant to be caught out in it. Autumn in England was quite different to this season in Spain. Here there could be frost as early as October.

He doubled across the grass, the way infantry travelled when in a hurry. His night vision had always been excellent but since his sight had returned he was finding it difficult to see clearly even when there was a full moon.