Unmasking the Duke's Mistress (Gentlemen of Disrepute #1)(51)

Dominic knew he had made a mess of the proposal. He was shocked and hurt that Arabella had even suggested leaving. And he was shocked, too, at his resentment at being denied his son. The thought that she could even think of taking Archie away from him brought back all of the anger that he had felt on learning that she had kept the boy hidden from him. He knew that he had done everything wrong by her right from that first night in the bordello. And now he was trying to make it right. But it seemed that it was too late.

She said she still had feelings for him. And he knew what it was he felt about her. He had thought she would have wanted to marry him. He thought she would have been happy. But nothing of the conversation had gone as he had hoped, apart from the outcome, he supposed. Sometimes broken things could not be repaired. Sometimes the damage done was too great. He wondered if there was any way back for them.

He would make Arabella his wife, and see Archie acknowledged as his rightful son, because it was the best thing he could do for them. And as for matters between him and Arabella—well, he could only hope that through time they would improve.

He deadened his heart and set his mind to organising a ball at Arlesford House to announce their betrothal.

Chapter Fifteen



Two weeks after Dominic’s proposal, at nine o’clock on Friday evening, Mrs Tatton was still fussing at the looking glass within her bedchamber when she heard a carriage draw up outside.

‘Is it the carriage he has sent, Arabella?’ Arabella could hear the anxiety that edged her mother’s voice; much as she was feeling nervous herself, she sought to reassure her.

Arabella peeped from the edge of the drawn curtains down on to the road below. ‘It is, Mama, but there is time enough yet to compose yourself.’

‘Compose myself? I swear that I shall not be composed the whole of this evening. I have never felt so nervous in all my life!’

‘You have nothing to worry over.’

‘Save the fact I may let us all down before the Prince of Wales.’

‘Mama…’ Arabella’s gaze met her mother’s in the looking glass ‘…you could never do that.’

‘But what if they discover the truth of us—that we have not lived so quietly since Mr Marlbrook’s death?’

‘They shall not discover any such thing; Dominic has taken care of everything. Now take a deep breath, Mama, and let us have one last look at your outfit.’

Mrs Tatton turned back to the looking glass.

Arabella’s gaze roved over the purple silk which her mother was wearing. The colour suited her mother’s skin and brought a healthy glow to her complexion. It was high necked, the bodice closed over by a line of amethyst buttons that sparkled in the candlelight. On Mrs Tatton’s head was fitted a small turban in matching purple silk; the hair beneath had been curled and coiffured to soften the turban’s edges. The shimmer of purple silk picked out silver highlights in the grey curls. Arabella had not seen her mother look so well in years.

‘You are quite lovely, Mama.’

‘Thank you, Arabella.’ Her mother smiled, her nerves forgotten for the moment. ‘You look lovely yourself. Every bit a duchess-in-waiting.’

Arabella glanced down at the deep blue silk gown. It was plainly, but expertly, cut in the latest fashion to do justice to her figure. In the candlelight her skin looked pale and creamy beside the dark intense colour of the dress. The sleeves were short and sitting off her shoulders and the long evening gloves and reticule were of a shade that exactly matched the dress. Her décolletage was bare and Arabella touched her fingers against the skin and thought fleetingly of the golden locket that had meant so much more to her than the diamond-and-sapphire ring that was now upon her finger. She pushed the thought aside, knowing that she must show nothing of her true feelings, that tonight was all about playing the role of a respectable widow who had captured a duke’s heart.


‘Thank you, Mama. I shall just have a quick peep at Archie before we leave.’

‘He will be sleeping, Arabella.’

‘I hope so.’ Arabella smiled, but it was all for her mother and there was nothing of happiness inside. ‘But I will check so that I am certain. And ensure that Anne knows what to do if he should wake before we have returned.’



Dominic had always thought Arabella a beautiful woman, but the sight of her with Mrs Tatton coming in through the hallway of Arlesford House quite took his breath away. She was lovelier than he could have imagined. Wearing a shimmering silver shawl, under which he could see a plain dark blue dress that was expensive, respectable, and perfectly in keeping with her role as a widow of two years. And yet the dress showed off the curves of Arabella’s figure in just the right way. Her hair was an elaborate arrangement of golden curls piled upon her head. Several loose tendrils framed her face and wisped softly around her neck. Even Mrs Tatton appeared to have more colour in her face and was wearing a purple outfit complete with turban, and a purple-and-blue fringed shawl.

He bowed to them both, although it was hard for him to drag his gaze from Arabella for long.

‘Your Grace,’ she said and curtsied, all formality, just as it had been between them in private these past two weeks.

He could hear the murmur of curiosity amongst the guests that already packed the ballroom.

‘And Mrs Tatton,’ he said and bowed to her mother.