The Duke's Alliance: A Soldier's Bride(64)

'Are you dining next door again, Beau?'

'I thought to invite Bennett and Grace, Carshalton and Madeline, as well as Aubrey, Mary and Sofia. I think your wife will have no objection to spending time with you in company.'

'Thank you, your kindness is much appreciated. I shall see you at dinner.'

*

Sofia spent longer on her appearance than was strictly necessary when she was intending to spend a quiet morning in the house. Polly finished dressing her hair and stood back.

'There, my lady, that new style is perfect on you. The modiste will be arriving soon with the samples and fashion plates for you to choose your new gowns.'

'You have my measurements so there is no need for me to do more than look through the styles and materials. I'm expecting Lord Peregrine at any moment, therefore, if she arrives whilst he is here you must have her bring everything to my sitting room and I will come as soon as I can to make my selections.'

As she was admiring her appearance in the long glass there was a loud knock on the sitting room door and Polly ran to answer it. There was the sound of voices and the scuffle of feet next door and then her maid rushed in beaming.

'This is the note that has come with the other things, my lady.'

'What other things?' She moved swiftly into the sitting room and stopped, her mouth rounded. An enormous, beribboned basket of exotic fruit stood on the central table and a huge vase of hothouse flowers had been placed on the bureau at the other side of the chamber.

She unfolded the note.



My darling Sofia,

Here are some small tokens of my love – courtesy of the duke's hothouse. I am counting the seconds until I can come and see you in person.

Love everlasting

Your husband Peregrine.



His missive was as extravagant as his gifts. She could imagine him writing it, his eyes gleaming with amusement, and loved him for it. Perhaps waiting three weeks to forgive him was a trifle longer than it need be.





Chapter Twenty-Two


Perry examined himself from every side and declared to his valet that he was satisfied. His measurements had been taken and they had been posted to Weston's in London where he had all his jackets made. They would make up his requirements as speedily as possible and then they would bring the almost completed articles down to him to have a final fitting.

His Hessians were so shiny they reflected the light, his neckcloth was elaborate, his shirt of the finest lawn and his jacket a deep blue that he was told matched his eye colour. He could do nothing more to impress her. His heart was skipping about as if it had become detached. He had faced a regiment of French soldiers calmer than he was feeling now.

The door opened as he approached and he was bowed in by a smart footman. 'My lord, Lady Peregrine will be happy to receive you in the yellow drawing room.'

Perry nodded and strode through the house to the smaller reception chamber that was preferred to the more formal drawing room when there was no company. The door was open and he walked in. He was not the only one who had made an effort with their dress. Sofia had on a stunning confection in pale blue with a darker blue sash and embellishments around the hem and sleeves. She had never looked more beautiful.

He had rehearsed over and over what he was going to say, how he was going to apologise again but all this was forgotten. In two steps he was beside her and she threw herself into his arms.

'I forgive you, Perry, if you will forgive me for being so silly. I agreed to marry you knowing who you were and what that would entail and I have absolutely no right to cavil now.'

'You are the most important person in my life and I will do anything to make you happy. If you want to live in Spain then that is what we shall do.'

'I will reside wherever you are – whether it's here or anywhere else. I love you and will be a better wife in future.' She smiled up at him, her eyes damp, and he was overwhelmed. Then she drew back a little. 'I said I will be a better wife but I cannot promise to be an obedient and conventional one.'

'I don't give a damn what sort of wife you intend to be, as long as you are my wife that is all that matters.'

He pulled her closer and covered her mouth with his. Only the arrival of the refreshments saved them from doing something quite outrageous.

When he told her about the house she was overjoyed. 'That is exactly what I should like. I know it is a long way from here, but we can spend Christmas at Silchester every year and your family can visit during the summer months.'

They spent a delightful two hours together until it was time for him to leave. Mary would not be able to use her sitting room until he did depart. 'Sweetheart, would you consider moving back into...'

'You will discover, my love, that Polly has already transferred my belongings. You will also see that they are in your closet as I do not intend to spend another night sleeping on my own.'

'You will have to change for dinner. Are you doing that here or next door?'

She detected his intention and smiled. 'I am not such a pea-goose as to appear in your bedchamber before it is time to retire. I have my evening gown here. Go now, my love, and I shall see you at dinner.'

He left feeling ten feet tall. He thought he would take Zorro for a long walk and return with an hour to wait before he could change for dinner.

*

Beau stood up, stretched, and tossed his pen into the fire as he had done with it. Finally, the backlog of paperwork was done and he could turn his mind to family matters. He was hopeful, no, confident that Perry and Sofia would soon be back together. He would watch carefully when they were dining tonight and see how they reacted to each other.