Midnight My Love (13 page)

Robert nodded. "Go on."

"We were going to demonstrate to your
lordship so you could practice and feel more adept when eating in
company," Sterling said.

Robert handed the dagger to the butler. "I
know this is Miss Sedgewicke's idea. I don't understand why she
wants to keep it secret. It's of no matter. We're going to give her
a little surprise. Sharpen that blade as soon as possible. Then
bring it, along with some meat, up to my rooms. I'll practice today
and tomorrow, and I'll use it at dinner Thursday night."

Mrs. Abernathy returned with a tray of
sandwiches, almost dropping them when she saw Robert and the
dagger. Robert smiled. "Mum's the word, Mrs. A." He bit into the
sandwich's thick crust and chewed thoughtfully.

So, Jenny thought she was pulling a fast one
on him, did she? He would show her he still had a few tricks up his
sleeve, even if he had only the one.

****

The rattle of carriage
wheels on the gravel drive heralded the arrival of Winston Marlow,
Earl of Thane, and his daughter, Lady Felicia. Alexandra placed her
copy of
Bravo of Venice
by Monk Lewis on the lacquered table beside her
chair and crossed to the window to observe the arrivals.

The earl's traveling carriage was a sight to
behold. It was glossy black trimmed in silver with brass mountings.
Besides the coachman, there were three outriders, two footmen, and
two postillions. All were dressed in the magnificent maroon livery
of the Thanes. Another carriage followed with a mountain of baggage
on top and Lord Thane's personal servants within.

It looked as if they meant to make a long
stay. Alex fervently hoped not. The carriage stopped in front of
the portico and the steps were let down. The earl emerged, followed
closely by his beautiful daughter. She carried a small white pug in
her arms.

Lady Felicia Marlow was a
lovely creature. She had silver blonde hair which framed a
perfectly oval face. Her skin was porcelain, her nose short
and
retrousse
,
her lips were like rosebuds, and her eyes cornflower
blue.

Alex didn't know Felicia very well. When
their paths had crossed in London, the girl always dutifully asked
after Robert. Yet Alex sometimes wondered if the girl actually
loved him. She had watched Felicia flirt heartlessly as she danced
with all the Town bucks this past Season.

She tried to dismiss the notion that Felicia
wasn't true to Robert. Alex had encouraged him about Felicia's
reception of his terrible loss, yet she wasn't really certain how
his fiancée would feel about it. Despite her rare beauty, Felicia
was regarded by the ton as spoiled, arrogant and demanding. Alex
had little hope those characteristics lent themselves to constancy,
especially when one of the engaged parties had returned maimed from
the war.

Sterling announced the guests and showed
them into the Blue Saloon. Alexandra greeted them with a smile.
"We've been eagerly awaiting your arrival, my lord. Won't you sit
down? Would you care for some refreshment after your long journey?
There's a nice burgundy laid by for you, Lord Thane. And we have
ratafia or tea for you, my dear." She nodded to Sterling, then sat
on the sofa beside Lady Felicia.

Alex saw at once the younger girl seemed
nervous and withdrawn, even a bit uncomfortable. Perhaps Felicia
was anxious about Robert. She turned her attention to the earl.

Winston Marlow, the seventh Earl of Thane,
was a large round man with a jovial disposition. He tended toward
corpulence like his friend, the Prince Regent. And like Prinny,
Lord Thane refused to wear corsets. He was a member of the Carlton
House set, indulged himself to excess, was phlegmatic and indolent,
and never bestirred himself unnecessarily. He had one
passion--fishing.

The earl settled his great bulk in the large
leather chair by the fireplace. "Well, well. Sad business about
your brother, m'dear. How bad was he wounded?" He took out an
exquisite porcelain snuff box and proceeded to take a pinch,
sneezing three times and spilling half his mixture onto his
chartreuse waistcoat.

Alex hid her amazement at these
extraordinary proceedings and answered calmly. "Robert is up and
about now. He has regained his health remarkably well. He'll be
happy to see both of you." She hesitated, not knowing how her
audience would take the news. She took hold of Felicia's hand. "I'm
afraid we were a little vague with the details concerning Robert's
accident. You see, he was delivering orders in the heat of the
battle. His horse was shot from under him and they both went
down."

She paused. The girl was trembling. She was
so beautiful and perfect looking. Alex was afraid her brother was
going to experience another devastating loss. She suddenly wished
for Rochdale's strong presence. Quickly, she banished that
treacherous thought from her head.

"You see," Alexandra continued, "the horse
fell on Robert and crushed his right arm. They tried to save it,
but it was hopeless. Gangrene set in, and the arm had to be
removed."

Felicia looked horrified, then sobbed and
buried her face in her pug's fur. Alex placed her arm around the
girl's shoulder and let her cry.

The earl shook his head. "A tragedy, to be
sure," he said gruffly.

Alex nodded. "Yes, it is tragic. Yet it
could have been so much worse. We're thankful he's alive and
healthy. Rochdale brought him home and has been immensely helpful
in Robert's recovery. He's helped my brother relearn many things
using only the one arm. In fact, they are riding again at this very
moment."

Lady Felicia looked up. Alex saw that even
tears could not diminish the beauty of the girl's lovely face. If
only her future sister-in-law's disposition equaled her looks, all
would be well.

Felicia dabbed her eyes
with her lace handkerchief. "When must . . .
may
I see Robert?" she asked with
tremulous lips.

Alex hoped the slip didn't portend to
trouble. "Robert should be back by the time you've changed out of
your traveling dress and rested a short while. Let me show you to
your chambers, where you can freshen up. I've had the Rose Bedroom
prepared for you. I'm sure you'll find it to your liking."

The Earl of Thane heaved
his massive body from his chair. "Well, it won't help matters if I
miss out on any of my fishing. If you don't mind, Miss Turlington,
I want to check on those trout. You
did
say they were rising, didn't
you? I'll get my gear and a servant can show me to the stream." His
eyes glowed at the prospect.

Alex smiled. "Don't you want to rest after
your long trip? I'm sure the trout can wait, my lord."

Lord Thane patted his
hostess's hand and shook his fat jowls. "Trout
never
wait, m'dear," he answered
simply.

Alex rang the bell and directed a footman to
accompany the earl. She then took Felicia up to her chamber. "Your
maid has already unpacked and soon you will be rid of your
traveling dirt."

Felicia set the little pug down on the thick
Aubusson carpet and looked around the charmingly appointed room.
Alexandra knew it would please even the most discerning tastes. A
mahogany four-poster with a dark rose counterpane dominated the
room. Two gilt chairs in the French style stood by the tall
windows. The walls were hung in rose damask, the ceiling and
plaster-work were painted a rich ivory.

"How lovely," exclaimed Lady Felicia. "Those
chairs are simply divine and the bed hangings are magnificent!" She
dashed to the window. "And such a marvelous view!" She stood gazing
at the gardens.

Alex straightened a figurine on the bedside
table. "I'll leave you now. If you need anything, just ring."

"Thank you, Miss Turlington," Felicia said,
still gazing out the window.

"Please, call me Alexandra."

Felicia turned and smiled tightly. "Thank
you, Alexandra."

Alex went downstairs to consult with Mrs.
Abernathy about dinner. She wondered at Felicia's stiffness. Her
gushing enthusiasm about the room seemed somewhat forced. Alex
hoped the girl was merely nervous. She couldn't help but wonder
what kind of wife Lady Felicia would make for her brother.

****

Robert sat at his dressing table as Ellis
draped a neckcloth around his neck and began tying the fine linen.
His loyal valet had been with him since before Cambridge. Robert
had always dressed himself for the most part, but now he required
more assistance. Ellis was quick, competent and matter of fact
about everything.

Robert had been informed Lady Felicia was
waiting for him in the Picture Gallery. It was a wonder he wasn't
more anxious about this first meeting. Instead, he was curiously
calm.

Sometime since his return to Willowmede, he
discovered Felicia's reaction to his loss of arm didn't matter. In
fact, Felicia herself didn't matter to him any longer.

He was suddenly impatient to get this
meeting over with. He was looking forward to dinner tonight so he
could surprise Jenny with his proficiency using the jeweled knife.
He wanted to see her gray eyes gazing at him with the tenderness
that had become so dear to him.

Robert stared blindly at his reflection in
the beveled glass. My God! He was in love with Jenny Sedgewicke. No
wonder he'd felt like crushing her to him whenever she was near.
He'd thought his lustful feelings the result of being without a
woman for so long. He'd been mistaken. It was Jenny. Kind and
practical Jenny that he'd fallen in love with.

She wasn't beautiful in the classical sense,
but she was lovely for all that. Small and shapely and shy, he
thought with a smile. And he wanted to possess her, body and soul,
forever and ever. He shouldn't be surprised.

Hadn't she given him gentle support and
encouragement throughout his convalescence? He knew it was her idea
for him to use the unique dagger. It was just one more example of
her thoughtfulness and perhaps love, he hoped, that she felt for
him. After all, Jenny was the reason he'd decided he wanted to
live.

Robert was determined to break his
engagement with Lady Felicia immediately, so he'd be free to tell
Jenny just how much he loved her. She'd kept to her room since he
made her cry in the garden two days ago. She couldn't stay there
tonight, not when there were guests in the house.

Ellis stepped back and Robert creased the
neckcloth into intricate folds by slowly bending his chin to his
chest. The valet held his breath for this auspicious moment. After
several creases, master and servant were satisfied with the
results.

Robert smiled at his henchman. "Not bad, for
a one armed man, eh, Ellis?"

"Your lordship is making excellent progress,
if I may be so bold. And between us, m'lord, we'll always turn you
out rigged to the nines." He held the coat of blue superfine for
Robert to slip on. Ellis buttoned the jacket and tucked the empty
sleeve into his master's waistband. He brushed invisible specks of
dust from the shoulder pads and admired his handiwork.

When he was satisfied, he nodded and held
the door open. "You're ready, m'lord."

"Wish me luck," Robert said. He squared his
shoulders and proceeded to the gallery.

He found Lady Felicia gazing at the
portraits of his numerous ancestors. He watched her for a moment
before making his presence known. She wore a round dress of light
green cambric, with a high waist and short capped sleeves.

Robert recalled when he'd first seen her. He
was home on leave for his grandmother's funeral in Tunbridge Wells
last December. He met Felicia at a cousin's home and it was love at
first sight, or so it had seemed. He gave her a ring, but the
engagement wasn't advertised because of his recent bereavement.

She was just as he remembered: blonde and
delicate, perfect in every way. Only now, he realized she wasn't
perfect for him. He wanted a small little lady with plain brown
hair and large gray eyes.

Felicia turned when she heard his footsteps
on the tiled floor. She gasped and held a handkerchief to trembling
lips. Robert thought she might faint.

"It's not as bad as that, my dear. I'm still
the same man I was before I lost my arm," he said, trying for a
lightness he was far from feeling.

He smiled at the tall girl standing before
him. She would certainly not be heartbroken when he cried off.
Robert took her hand in his. He ignored the slight shiver he felt
go through her slender body. He saw her looking at him with what
could only be described as revulsion. It would be a relief for both
of them when the engagement was ended. She was obviously
uncomfortable and revolted by his disability.

Robert let go of her hand. "I've come to
release you from our engagement. I won't hold you to it. You shall
not have to go through life tied to a one-armed man."

Felicia glanced at him through long golden
lashes. "Gentlemen do not cry off from engagements, my lord."

"These are unusual circumstances, are they
not?"

"Yes, but you can't cry off," she said.

Robert stared at her. "Then you cry off, my
dear. Say we find we aren't compatible."

She stepped back. It
seemed she couldn't tolerate their close proximity.
"
I
certainly
can't cry off," she said. "What would people think? Everyone would
say I'm heartless and have cast you off because of your
disability." She looked everywhere but at him.

"You don't love me," he said. "It's not as
if the engagement was puffed up in the papers. Only the family will
know anything about it."

"No, I don't love you,"
she agreed. "I suppose I fell in love with your regimentals. But
I
can't
cry off
now. It's true our engagement wasn't formally announced, yet
somehow everyone knows we're betrothed. If we call it off, it will
cause a scandal and Father distinctly told me:
No more scandals
."