Lady Beneath the Veil (9 page)

Even as she struggled to find the words to thank him, he was gone.

* * *

Gideon was more attentive than usual at dinner and towards the end of their evening at Torrington House, instead of going off to join his friends at White’s and leaving his wife to make her own way home, he elected to accompany her back to Brook Street. When she remonstrated with him, declaring that she did not wish to curtail his pleasure, he replied with perfect sincerity that escorting her home
was
his pleasure.

They were in the hall, waiting for their carriage, and as he took his wife’s cloak from the footman and gently placed it about her shoulders, Gideon reflected on the change that had come over him in the past few months. By heaven, he was becoming quite domesticated! His wife’s soft voice brought him back to the present.

‘I heard Mr Williams say you had been invited to Martlesham House.’ There was a note of uncertainty in her voice.

Gideon gave her shoulders a little squeeze.

‘I have no interest in associating with Max or his friends.’ He escorted her to their waiting carriage and settled himself comfortably beside her before adding, ‘I think I have outgrown such company.’

‘I am glad. I fear Max has little regard for the feelings of others.’

‘None at all, but it was not until he hoaxed me that I saw just how thoughtless he is.’ He turned towards her, saying earnestly, ‘I was careless, too. It was wrong of me to punish you for his trickery. I was a fool, Nicky, but I hope I have learned my lesson now.’

‘Oh, Gideon—’

‘I know this marriage is not what either of us wanted,’ he rushed on, needing to explain, to make amends. ‘But it will not be so bad, I promise you. I have no doubt we will rub along very well. And once the little matter of an heir is out of the way I shall not importune you with unreasonable demands.’

She had twisted in her seat and raised her hand, as if to touch his cheek, but now it fell again.

‘Un-unreasonable?’

‘Yes. I shall not expect you to submit to my...attentions.’ He frowned. ‘What is it, Nicky? Have I upset you?’

‘No, no.’ She shook her head quickly. ‘I am merely tired, that is all.’

She drew back into the shadows of the carriage and they lapsed into silence. Gideon hoped she understood what he had been trying to say. He feared he had phrased it very badly, yet he could not bring himself to state it quite as baldly as his father had done. Gideon could still remember his father’s words as they had lowered the wasted body of the viscountess into the family vault. ‘So many years of pain, the stillborn babes, the illness—if I had taken a mistress for my lusts I would have spared your poor mother a great deal of suffering.’

His father had been at pains to impress upon him a husband’s responsibilities: his wife would expect to give him a son, perhaps two, but childbearing was a perilous occupation and a gentleman would not overtax his wife’s delicate body with his demands. That was twelve years ago. Gideon had been a mere boy of sixteen and devastated by the death of his kind, gentle mother. He had dreamed of joining the army, but his widowed father had insisted upon keeping him close, and when James had died two years later, Gideon’s fate had been sealed. Not for him the glories of the battlefield. The title and the heavy responsibility of the estate and its people was his fate. Was it any wonder, then, that when the inheritance from his godmother had given him his independence he had rushed to town and proceeded to kick up every kind of spree and lark? That was when he had fallen in with Max’s set and proceeded to prove to his new friends that he could drink, gamble and wench with the best of them. Or perhaps that should be the worst. His father clearly thought so.

* * *

When they reached Brook Street, Gideon suggested they should take wine together in the drawing room, but Nicky declined and with a brief goodnight she disappeared up the stairs. He watched her go and a shard of disappointment pierced him. She did not want his company, and, now she was carrying his child, she would not want him in her bed.

* * *

Invitations were flooding into Brook Street for balls, routs, riding parties and soirées and Dominique acknowledged that her sister-in-law was in no small measure responsible for her popularity.

‘If you had not taken me in hand, I should not go on half so well,’ she said to Gwendoline when they sat together in the supper room during Lady Grayson’s summer ball. ‘You have shown me just how to go on here.’

‘Nonsense, you would have come about,’ replied Gwen, justifiably proud of her protégée.

The shy little sparrow, blown into town on the icy spring air, had been transformed into an exotic creature, dressing in hot, vibrant colours that made the most of her dusky curls and emerald-green eyes. Her liveliness and appealing manners charmed the hostesses, who considered her an asset to any gathering. She had also attracted the attention of a considerable number of gentlemen, but watching Dominique now, as Gideon led her on to the dance floor, Gwendoline concluded that her vivacious sister-in-law had eyes only for her husband.

Not that Dominique doted upon Gideon: on the contrary, she never clung to his arm and smiled complacently when he went off to the card room, or partnered another lady in the dance, but Gwendoline noticed those occasional, unguarded moments when Dominique’s eyes would rest just a fraction too long upon her husband. She had seen that same look upon the faces of other young brides and it rarely survived the first year. After that they found other men to amuse and divert them. She sighed. As she had done in a vain attempt to pique Ribblestone’s interest.

* * *

Dominique went down the dance with her husband, wishing the moment could go on forever. She knew no greater felicity than to stand up with Gideon. He was always most attentive when they were in public and she could pretend at such times that they were really the doting couple society thought them. It was a game they played, but this evening her confidence had been badly shaken, following an encounter with her cousin.

It was inevitable that they should meet Max occasionally, but they generally contented themselves with a brief nod in passing. However, this evening Max had sought her out. She thought he must have been waiting for his opportunity, because it was one of the rare occasions during the evening when she was standing alone. He asked her to dance with him and when she hesitated he gave a rueful smile.

‘I suppose you think me too bad a person to partner you, but can we not put aside our animosity, just for half an hour? We are family, after all.’

‘Very well, Cousin.’ She took his hand and let him lead her on to the dance floor, well aware of the curious glances of those around them. The rumours might have died down, but the circumstances of her irregular marriage to Gideon were not yet forgotten. She held her head up and smiled at her partner. ‘Perhaps this will show we are not at daggers drawn, my lord.’

It was a lively country dance and, by the end of it, the earl’s countenance was more ruddy than ever and he was wheezing a little.

She went to move away, but he caught her hand.

‘Not yet. I want to talk to you.’

‘I do not think there is anything to talk about.’

He drew her towards the long windows which had been opened to allow in the balmy night air.

‘Are you not interested to know what is going on at Martlesham?’

‘My mother is a frequent correspondent. She tells me all I want to know.’

‘Let us step out on to the terrace a moment—’

‘No.’ She stood her ground. ‘I do not trust you, Max. You are wont to make trouble.’

He looked pained. ‘I merely want to get a little air. Dancing is so exhausting.’

‘You should dance more, Cousin, not less.’ Her eyes fell on the bulging front of his waistcoat. ‘The exercise would be beneficial.’

He scowled at that.

‘Aye, you may mock me, madam, but I know this marriage of yours is not as it seems.’

‘You know nothing. We are very happy together.’ She added, a touch of relief in her voice, ‘My husband is over there and he is looking for me. Do not detain me, Cousin, if you do not wish to anger him.’

He reached out and caught her arm as she went to walk away.

‘Happy, are you?’ he muttered, his lip curling. ‘Well, enjoy it while you can, Cousin. As soon as he has got you with child, Albury will pack you off to Rotham so he can take up his old life again.’

With a great effort of will Dominique kept her hands from sliding protectively across her belly. It was two weeks since she had told Gideon about the baby and so far they had kept it a secret from everyone else. With a scorching look she pulled herself free and hurried away to join Gideon.

‘I saw you with Martlesham,’ he said as she came up. ‘I hope he did not upset you?’

‘No, he wanted to dance and I thought we should, to show the world there is no bad feeling between us.’

‘And after?’ He was watching her carefully. ‘He tried to take you outside.’

She shrugged.

‘He would make mischief if he could, but I am wise to him.’

‘Perhaps I should warn him off—’

She put her hand on his arm.

‘Please, Gideon, let it be. He is my cousin and I would rather we ignored him than quarrelled.’

‘Perhaps you are right,’ he said. ‘After all, he has done his worst. He cannot hurt us now.’

Dominique allowed him to lead her away, but despite her smile and Gideon’s assertion, the earl’s warning remained with her.

Chapter Eight

M
ax’s words were still in her head the next morning, when she stood naked before the mirror and placed her hands on her thickening body. Gideon had insisted she should see his doctor and she had just endured a lengthy examination, after which Dr Harris, a blunt, jovial man, confirmed what she already knew.

‘Carry on with your life as before,’ he said. ‘I don’t believe in ladies mollycoddling themselves just because they are increasing. You are a healthy young woman, exercise and fresh air will do you more good than lying on a daybed. Your body will tell you what you can and cannot do, but you should not need to make any changes just yet.’

She had no intention of making changes, but Gideon had already done so. He had not shared her bed since the day she had told him about the baby. She could only assume that he considered his duty done now, until she had given birth. Her hands moved over her belly: in a few months it would be swollen with their growing child.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts and she reached quickly for her dressing gown.

‘Come in.’

Gideon entered. He was smiling.

‘I have been talking to Harris. He agrees with your assessment that the child is due in December.’

‘Are you pleased, Gideon?’ she asked him shyly.

‘Do you doubt it?’ He came forwards and put his hands on her shoulders. ‘I am delighted.’

‘Then so, too, am I,’ she said, smiling up at him.

He hesitated before lowering his head to kiss her. Tentatively she put her arms about him and felt his hands tighten on her shoulders. Her body tingled with anticipation as she felt his fingers close upon the wrap, as if he was about to push the thin silk from her shoulders and expose her nakedness. Her disappointment was searing when instead he gently put her away from him.

‘Delighted,’ he said again, smiling awkwardly down at her. ‘I must go. I have work to do. How do you amuse yourself today?’

She turned away so that he should not see how his rejection had hurt her.

‘I am going to Grosvenor Square to take tea with Gwendoline before we drive in the park.’

‘Then we shall meet again at dinner.’ He walked to the door.

‘You haven’t forgotten that we go to Knightson House tonight?’

He turned to look at her. ‘You won’t be too fatigued?’

‘Of course not.’
But I would much rather stay here with you.

She drew a breath, trying to frame her thoughts into words. ‘But I would happily remain here, if you would rather not go?’

‘No, no, you wish to go and I shall be delighted to escort you.’ He smiled, gave a little bow and left her.

* * *

Dominique sank down on to the stool and stared into the mirror. Gideon was so polite, so distant. Not only did he avoid her room at night, but he rarely touched her now—the kiss he had just given her was a mere brushing of the lips. Her own had parted, but he had immediately drawn back, as if repulsed by the contact. Was Max right—did he want to go back to his bachelor existence? She wondered if she should tell him how much she missed his attentions, but she was afraid the admission would push him still further away. If the married ladies of her acquaintance were to be believed then a wife should keep her husband at a distance, never for one moment let him think
she
desired
him
. She must remain aloof, unattainable. Could that be true, when all her instincts told her the opposite?

Whenever she was with Gideon she wanted to put her arms about him, to touch him and kiss him. Such public displays were frowned upon. It might have been thirty years ago, but the Duchess of Devonshire’s scandalous behaviour was still talked of—when, as a young bride, she had danced across the room to sit upon her husband’s knee. If a duchess could not indulge in such forward behaviour, how much worse would it be for an ordinary lady, and one who was only half English? Gideon already had a deep hatred for the French, she must not give him even more cause to despise her. Sighing, she pushed herself up off the stool and went into the dressing room. She would talk to Gwendoline. When they were alone she would ask her again just what was and wasn’t acceptable behaviour in a wife.

* * *

Dominique had lost no time in unburdening herself to her sister-in-law and had finished explaining her dilemma even before her teacup was empty. Lady Ribblestone was sympathetic.

‘You are in love with Gideon.’

Dominique nodded miserably.

‘Yes, I believe I am.’

‘Oh, my poor girl.’

‘I know,’ murmured Dominique, trying not to cry. ‘If Gideon knew of it, he would feel sorry for me and I do not think I could bear that.’

‘Of course not.’ Gwendoline sat for a moment, staring into space. ‘Now, let us consider your problem. What is it you want from Gideon?’

‘I suppose it is too much to hope that he might fall in love with me.’ Seeing Gwen’s doubtful look, she sighed. ‘I know I cannot expect him to spend all his time with me, but I should like us to be...to remain friends.’

‘Then you must make a life for yourself, show him you go on very well without him. A man does not like a miserable companion, but if he sees you are cheerful and content then he will be happy to spend time in your company.’

‘Is that possible?’

‘Oh, Lord, yes. It is the best one can hope for.’ Gwendoline went quiet, as if contemplating what she had just said, but after a few moments she shook off her reverie. ‘You could take a lover.’

‘I do not want a lover,’ retorted Dominique, her cheeks burning.

‘No, perhaps that is for the best,’ Gwen agreed with her. ‘Gideon would be very likely to blame it on your French blood. However, it will do no harm if the gentlemen show a preference for
you
, my love, and they are already doing so. My efforts to turn you into a success seem to be working. Why, Lady Grayson told me how many gentlemen wanted to dance with you last night. But it is not just the gentlemen, every hostess in town is eager for your presence.’

‘They are curious to see the bride Max foisted upon Gideon,’ said Dominique bitterly.

‘Those rumours are well and truly forgotten now, I assure you. They see you as the rich and fashionable Mrs Albury and, of course, as a future viscountess. Everyone is charmed by you and there is no better way to punish your mischievous cousin than to become society’s darling.’

‘I do not think I shall be going about in society for very much longer,’ admitted Dominique. ‘You see, I am...I am in an interesting state.’

‘
Already
? Are you sure?’

Gwendoline’s shocked response brought the colour flooding to Dominique’s face again.

‘Yes, but I would be grateful if you kept it to yourself, at least for a while.’

‘Of course, my dear—but that is wonderful news. Does Gideon know?’

‘Yes, I told him immediately.’

‘And is he pleased?’

‘I think so.’

‘Well, that is a relief. I have no doubt he will want to take you to Rotham soon, to make you known to Papa. And you had best get used to standing up for yourself, for I doubt if Gideon will stay long with you there.’

Dominique felt her spirits sinking.

‘That is what Max said. He s-said Gideon would be glad to be rid of me, so he could go back to his old life.’

‘The Earl of Martlesham is an odious mischief-maker,’ said Gwendoline frankly. ‘Gideon’s behaviour since he brought you to town cannot be faulted. He has been a model husband in public.’

‘But only because he wants to show everyone that we are happily married. What if...what if he comes back to town and sets up a mistress?’ stammered Dominique, voicing her deepest fear.

‘That is a risk we all have to take,’ said Gwendoline. She sighed. ‘Not that Ribblestone has one, he is far too wedded to his politics. No, be advised by me—you must not show any tendency to cling to Gideon. And enjoy your remaining time in town as much as you can. Once you are immured in Buckinghamshire there is no telling when you will get away again. Heavens, is that the time? My coachman will be at the door any moment to take us to the park. And after that I shall drop you at Brook Street. You and Gideon are promised to attend the Knightsons’ ball this evening, are you not? You must have plenty of time to change into another of those delectable gowns of yours. Everyone will be watching to see what new creation you will be wearing.’

Dominique laughed.

‘There will be dozens of ladies there equally well dressed.’

‘One or two, perhaps, but few can carry off the vibrant colours we have chosen for you. It makes you stand out in the crowd.’

‘I am not sure I want to stand out, Gwen.’

‘Of course you do. Gideon has already told me how proud he is of his fashionable wife.’

‘Has he? Has he really?’

Gwen laughed and patted her hands.

‘Yes,
really
, so let us not disappoint him!’

* * *

The Knightsons’ midsummer ball was a crowded affair, but Dominique had so many acquaintances in town now that she was not overawed by the throng of people jostling to get into the ballroom. Her confidence was boosted by Gideon’s compliments when they had arrived at Knightson House and she removed her cloak. She was wearing a new gown of green silk, a perfect match for the emeralds Gideon had given her on their first night in town, and she had piled her dark hair upon her head with just one glossy curl falling upon her bare shoulder.

‘You continue to delight me, my dear,’ he said, raising her hand to his lips.

She blushed at the compliment. He might well have spoken for the benefit of the other guests milling around them, but there was no mistaking the warmth in his eyes when he looked at her and she entered the ballroom with a smile on her lips and a song in her heart.

Her happiness continued when Gideon led her out for the first two dances and after that she was content for him to dance with his sister and other ladies of their acquaintance. Dominique herself was not short of partners, but by supper time she was eager to find her husband again. Her diminutive height proved a disadvantage as she pushed her way through the crowd, standing on tiptoe to try to see Gideon’s tall figure. A slight jostling occurred and as she stepped back to avoid a cheerfully inebriated couple her heel came down upon someone’s toe.

‘Oh, I beg your pardon!’ She swung around, an apologetic smile on her lips. The gentleman standing behind her was a stranger, but he was laughing.

‘
C’est rien.
Madame...Albury, is it not?’ He made her a bow. ‘We have not been introduced, but in such circumstances...Raymond Lamotte,
madame
,
à votre service
. This is most fortunate. I have been wanting to talk to you.’

‘To me?’ She studied the young man before her. He was of average height and darkly handsome with his raven hair, cropped à la Brutus.

‘
Mais oui, madame.
One could not help hearing the rumours...’ He looked a little self-conscious. ‘You are the daughter of a Frenchman, are you not?’ Dominique was no longer concerned for the man’s appearance. Seeing her intense look, he spread his hands. ‘I fled from my beloved France several years ago. It broke my heart to do so, but...’ he gave a shrug ‘...it is not the great country it once was.’

‘N-no, indeed,’ she murmured.

He glanced around.

‘It is difficult to speak here, it is so crowded. Perhaps, could I beg the honour of escorting you to supper?’

It took Dominique only a moment to decide. Gideon was nowhere to be seen and this young man was watching her so hopefully.

‘Of course,
monsieur
.’

The supper room was very busy, but her companion led her to a small table in one of the alcoves. An elegant supper was laid before her, but Dominique hardly noticed, for she was soon lost in reminiscences about France. Raymond Lamotte was eager to talk and she guessed that he was homesick, as she had been when she first came to England.

‘Of course it was easier for me,’ she told him. ‘I was a child, just ten years old, and my English mother had tried to ensure that I was familiar with the ways of this country. For you,
monsieur
, it must have been so much more painful.’

‘It was. I did not wish to quit France but what could I do? My friends were imprisoned, or worse. At first I was in favour of the revolution. The country needed to change,
mais oui
, but then came the Terror and the execution of the poor King and Queen—it was too much. The change was going too far.’

‘That is exactly what Papa thought,’ exclaimed Dominique. ‘But his views were too moderate and no one wanted to listen.’

‘So he brought you to England?’ He raised his hand and signalled to the waiter to refill their glasses.

‘No.’ Dominique waited until they were alone again, pleased for the delay so that she could muster her thoughts. ‘He arranged for Mama and me to come here while he remained in France.’ She added quietly, ‘We have not heard from him for ten years.’

‘Ah, I see.
Je regrette
—’

She raised her hand, fending off his sympathy. Glancing up, she noticed with surprise that the supper room was almost empty.

‘Oh, dear, how the time has flown,’ she said. ‘The dancing will begin again soon. Thank you, Monsieur Lamotte, I have enjoyed our conversation, but I must get back.’

‘Of course, I shall escort you.’ He rose and held out his arm to her. ‘If you will permit, I should like to talk more with you. It is so refreshing to be able to speak freely about my country with someone who loves it as I do.’

She nodded, saying shyly, ‘I should like that too, sir.’

‘May I call upon you tomorrow morning?’

‘No!’ She stopped in alarm, imagining Gideon’s anger if a Frenchman should arrive at his door. ‘No, that is not possible.’ She swallowed, aware of his disappointment. ‘But perhaps...perhaps you will be walking in Green Park tomorrow, sir, at ten o’clock? It is a popular promenade.’

‘And...will you be there, Madame Albury, at ten o’clock?’

‘I will,’ she declared, stifling her conscience. After all, there could be no harm in them meeting in public. ‘I will be there.’