had killed her love and nothing could rekindle it.
“What brings you down here at the start the season, Alexander? I did not expect to see you until May.”
He smiled lazily. “You know very well why I’m here, my dear. As soon as I saw you I realised that you must be behind the withdrawals from my account. Tell me, Isobel, how did you persuade a man of such probity as Mr Reynolds to steal from me?”
Her eyes narrowed. “Mr Reynolds has not been stealing from you. He has been doing what
Alexander swallowed a brief surge of anger. Isobel was quite right to castigate him. He stared at her and his spirits sunk to his boots. She had become someone else entirely, there was a rigidity about her person, a darkness in her eyes that had not been there before.
His brief flash of ill-humour vanished to be replaced by the all too familiar shame. His self-indulgence these past years had not only caused his darling wife to suffer but his unfortunate tenants also. His neck-cloth became unaccountably tight and he ran a finger around it. He cleared his throat for the first time in his life unsure of what to say. Perhaps now was the time to apologise—clear the air between them.
“Isobel, I can’t tell you how ashamed I am of my past behaviour. No—please let me finish. I don’t expect your forgiveness; I can’t forgive myself for what I did. But I give you my word, it will never happen again. You’re looking at a changed man; I no longer drink to excess, I’ve cut free from the toadies I mixed with and have re-established contact with my former intimates.”
He waited for her response but there was none forthcoming. Her expression remained friendly but distinctly unimpressed. He ploughed on hoping she would receive this next piece of news with more enthusiasm. “I’ve also had my lawyers discover my heir, one Richard Bentley, a young man of nine and twenty years. The matter of your childlessness is no longer an issue between us. I shall attempt to turn Bentley into someone deserving of this title before I kick the bucket.”
“How interesting, my lord. Do I have your permission to speak?” Her eyes bored into him. This wasn’t going well. He nodded and waited for her to continue. “I’ve something important to tell you.”
She glanced down at her hands and a slight smile played about her lips. She raised her head and met his eyes with a strength equal to his own.
“I returned for one reason only. I am carrying your child. The baby will be born in July. I intend to remain here until the baby is born. However, when I am certain the child is well-established, I shall depart. At no time will I reside next door.”
His glance followed her fingers as she smoothed the material over the quite distinctive mound of a well- established pregnancy. He felt a rush of such happiness, such joy, he did not take in the full import of what she had just told him. He was not going to die childless; he had been given another chance. Whatever she thought, somehow he would convince her he could be a good husband.
Alexander’s eyes blazed. “My love, I can’t believe it—we’re going to have a baby together. I am a different man, the man I used to be years ago.”
Isobel almost capitulated under the weight of his happiness. The door opened and Ellen appeared with the tray of coffee. She waved her hand and the girl hastily placed it on the table to her right and vanished in a rustle of petticoats. She must disabuse him immediately. She could not allow him to continue in this vein, but he forestalled her.
“I am stunned, but overjoyed at your announcement. I’m sad to think that our first child was conceived in such a way, but I’m sure… “
“Enough. You did not listen to what I just told you. I don’t intend to remain once the baby is born. I shall leave the child in your care and return to my home elsewhere.” She paused too upset to continue. “Of course, I should much prefer to take my baby with me, but I assume that would be out of the question.”
His expression darkened. “I can’t believe you intend to abandon our baby. I did not take you for a heartless woman. I grew up without a mother’s love and look what happened to me? Do you wish to deprive your own child of his most important parent?”
Her determination faltered as the baby kicked beneath her fingers. She would be firm. Her treacherous body would betray her if she allowed it to. However much she wished to resist him he would persuade her into his bed if she remained within his reach. “You’ll make an excellent father. I’m certain you’ll provide a retinue of loyal retainers for the infant’s nursery. I should scarcely see the child anyway. You know how things are for people like us.”
In this great household a son would be sent away to school at an early age, and a girl would have a governess. Parents were expected to have little involvement in the upbringing of their children. No, she had made the right decision, she’d not remain here any longer then she had to.
“Things can be however you wish them to be. If you want to break tradition then you’ll have my support. Please, Isobel, think about this. Not for me, but for the baby.”
“You must understand that night is forever between us. I am as much changed as you are. I know you were in your cups but I can never forgive you. I married you because I loved you and not because you offered to save my family from financial ruin. If I had not had deep feelings I would not be your wife now.”
He leant forward but she stopped him. “No, it’s far too late. Maybe your feelings might have changed, but mine have also. You’ll always be the man who mistreated me. I want your word as a gentleman that you’ll respect my wishes and leave me in peace here, and allow me to go when the baby is born.”
He lowered his head, she wasn’t sure if he was hiding grief or anger. Then he looked up and the wretchedness in his eyes almost broke her heart.
“I agree, my love. It’s not what I want but I’m in no position to argue. Everything you say about me is true. If I could take back what happened even though it could mean there would be no baby, I would do so. I’ve learned my lesson. I know it’s far too late for there to be anything between us and I promise I shan’t pester you.” His smile was tender and she could not help but respond. “However, can I ask you to slightly alter your plans?”
When he was at his most charming he was impossible to resist. “Go on, Alexander, was it you wish me to do?”
“Promise me you won’t leave until the child is at least six months old. If you still want to go you can do so with my blessing. I will give you an annual income of ?10,000; you can live anywhere you please and return whenever you want to see your child.”
“There’s no need for so much. I know you’re a wealthy man, but such a large amount will strain even your deep purse.”
“This isn’t negotiable. I shall never divorce you, never remarry. You’ll be my duchess until you die and as such it is only right that you live in the luxury and comfort your status deserves. I shall sell my Scottish estates, manage my others more prudently and invest more wisely. I’ve also stopped gambling.” His lopsided grin made her toes curl. “That will restore a deal of buoyancy to my finances. Have I your promise, Isobel? A few extra months in return for a life of luxury? What harm can there be in that decision?”
She nodded scarcely able to believe he was offering her so much. “I agree; I shall remain until the baby is six months old. This will give you ample time to have my settlement drawn up. I shall get my man of affairs, Watkins, to start looking for somewhere suitable. I find I enjoy being involved in the management of an estate, it will be a pleasure to have one of my own.”
Bill appeared in the doorway. “My lady, I wish to inform you that his grace’s apartment is now ready for his occupation.”
Isobel stood. Alexander had no choice but to do likewise. “Dinner will be served in an hour. Do you wish to send a footman to collect a change of raiment for you from next door?”
For a second his expression hardened at her dismissal. The formidable duke was in there somewhere; however much he tried he could not eliminate all his pride and arrogance. This was bred into him.
He bowed his head, hiding his face from her. “My trappings will arrive later. I came across country and my man is bringing my luggage by coach. I shall go with your footman. I shall see you at dinner, my lady.”
He strode off and she her breath. She wished he was not residing under her roof but as she had stolen his staff she could hardly sent him packing. He must remain for the moment. No doubt he would return to Town when he had spoken to Mr Reynolds and inspected the improvements. She must endeavour to keep up her guard for the
