Historical Romance – The Best Of The Year. Кэрол Мортимер

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      ‘As I have,’ he finished for her. ‘I beg your pardon, Dominique. I treated you very badly when we first met.’

      His use of her name again brought a flush of pleasure to her cheek.

      ‘But the provocation was very great,’ she admitted.

      ‘True, but I should not have reacted as I did.’ He stopped on the stairs and turned to her. ‘Can you forgive me, my dear?’

      Forgive him for marrying her? For making her fall in love with him?

      ‘There is nothing to forgive.’

      He kissed her hand.

      ‘You are too good,’ he told her, moving on. ‘It is no wonder that my father wants to do all he can to help you and your mother.’

      ‘Just to have someone supporting her has made Maman so very happy.’

      ‘And what of you?’ he asked her.

      ‘I would just like to know the truth. It has been so long and we have heard nothing.’

      He put his hand over hers where it rested on his arm.

      ‘If anyone can find the truth it is my father. Although he has lived retired for the past decade, he is not without influence.’ They had reached the door of her bedchamber and he stopped, leaning down to kiss her cheek. ‘Sleep well, my dear.’

      * * *

      It was the end of March when Gideon took his wife and child to Chalcots. Thomas ran out to open the carriage door, puffing out his chest to show off his new butler’s livery.

      ‘Welcome, Mr Albury, ma’am.’

      Silently Gideon jumped out and helped Dominique to alight, leaving Thomas to assist the maid who was following with the baby. Just when he thought he could wait no longer for her opinion of their new home, Dominique squeezed his arm.

      ‘Oh, Gideon, it is lovely.’

      He grinned and realised how anxious he had been for her to like the house.

      ‘I hope I have followed all the suggestions you sent me in your letters.’ He took her hand. ‘Come in out of the cold.’

      ‘Everything is ready for you, sir,’ said Thomas when they reached the hall. ‘There is a good fire in the drawing room and Mrs Thomas has set out wine and cakes, too.’

      ‘Perhaps you would prefer to rest first,’ suggested Gideon as he lifted her travelling cloak from her shoulders and handed it to the waiting footman.

      Dominique did not answer immediately, for she was issuing instructions to the maid to take Baby James upstairs. Then, tentatively, she took his hand.

      ‘May we look around first? I am not in the least tired, I assure you. Now that I have a wet nurse to feed little James I no longer have to coddle myself so.’

      ‘It is not only for our son that I wish you to look after yourself.’

      Dominique’s heart swelled with happiness at his words. She hoped, now they had a home of their own, that he might share her bed again and that his professed affection might blossom into love.

      * * *

      The house was everything Dominique had imagined. The reception rooms were light and elegant, the nursery perfect for a growing family. For her family. Word soon spread that the Alburys were at Chalcots and the invitations began to arrive, a trickle at first, but after Mrs Albury’s Court presentation they became a flood. She was delighted that Gideon insisted upon accompanying her to all the balls, parties and receptions, especially when they met Max at so many of the assemblies.

      ‘He is furious to see us so content,’ remarked Gideon as they drove back to Chalcots after one particularly pleasant evening. He patted her hand. ‘I cannot thank him enough for providing me with the perfect wife.’

      ‘Am I?’ murmured Dominique. ‘Do you really think me so perfect?’

      ‘Why, yes.’ Gideon lifted her hand to his lips. ‘I could not wish for a better.’

      She said daringly, ‘You do not d-demonstrate it.’

      There was an infinitesimal pause before he said lightly, ‘Faith, madam, I spend every day with you, is that not enough?’

      No, I want you with me every night, too!

      The words were loud enough in her head, but she could not bring herself to say them, afraid to see his warm looks turn to revulsion when she disclosed her wanton desire for him. She tried to convince herself Gideon was afraid for her, that he was trying to protect her, but when she looked in the mirror each morning a tiny demon in her head whispered that she was not the fair English rose he desired.

      * * *

      Dominique kept herself busy, dividing her time between the baby and the round of social calls that fell to her lot. There was no lack of visitors, but she was especially pleased to see her sister-in-law, who called often.

      ‘I can never see enough of my little nephew,’ Gwen explained as they enjoyed a glass of ratafia in the morning room after visiting the nursery. ‘I sometimes wish that we had more than just the two boys.’ She looked a little wistful, but the next moment the shadow was gone and she said brightly, ‘And how do you like Chalcots? Is it not too far from all the amusements?’

      ‘Oh, no, it is but a half-hour carriage ride to town and it is far better for the baby to be away from the dirt and smoke of London.’

      Gwen’s eyes lifted to the mantelpiece.

      ‘I see you have an invitation to Grayson House tonight. Do say you will be there, Lady Grayson’s soirées are always delightful.’

      ‘Is Ribblestone going with you?’

      Gwen avoided her eyes. ‘Oh, he will be at the House,’ she said airily. ‘Cecil Hatfield is escorting me.’

      ‘Really? I thought Sir Desmond Arndale—’

      She was interrupted by Gwen’s brittle laugh.

      ‘Heavens, I have no particular gentleman friend. Goodness me, Dominique, that would set tongues wagging.’

      Dominique was tempted to say that tongues already wagged, but she stayed silent.

      ‘And talking of gentlemen,’ Gwen continued, ‘where is Gideon today?’

      ‘He has gone to see Mr Rogers, to discuss business.’

      ‘I must say I was pleased to see Gideon and Papa getting on so well at Christmas. I am glad they have put their differences behind them.’

      ‘Yes, we shall be spending more time at Rotham in future, I think. Gideon is taking much more interest in the estate.’

      ‘And so he should,’ declared Gwen. ‘It is his inheritance—oh, I know he has СКАЧАТЬ