Regency Society. Ann Lethbridge

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СКАЧАТЬ and I’ve done my best, but there are times the earl just does not want to listen.’

      ‘He has always been stubborn, but he is frailer than I like, Higgins. Any problems regarding this business should come to me, not my grandfather.’

      ‘You’ll be staying here now then, sir?’

      ‘At least until after the wedding. What happened may be just an isolated incident. Unfortunate for you, but over. However, if anything else happens I may have to rethink my plans.’

      Now, as he tied his snowy white cravat into intricate folds, Luke was remembering the dusky-skinned gentleman who had followed him into the London jeweller’s. He had noticed a rather exotic perfume that day, though of course it could all be a coincidence. Yet Brandon had disliked the ruby, implying that there was something dangerous or sinister about it.

      It could be that there was something significant about that ruby, something that made it worth sending people to England to search for it—but why now?

      Luke had told Roxanne not to worry, dismissing her fears that her ruby might have brought the intruder here, but he could not help wondering if he had been too hasty. The ruby might have more worth to someone than the amount it would fetch in a jeweller’s shop. Luke had not considered it important at first, but now several threads were running through his mind.

      Damn the thing! He had more to concern him than the blasted ruby. Having spoken to his grandfather that afternoon about bringing the wedding forwards, Luke knew that he had committed himself to marriage. While doubts remained, he could not deny a feeling of satisfaction. It was as if he had been resisting subconsciously, but now that had fallen away and he found he was looking forward to the wedding—but first there was the engagement ball.

      While in town he had given Roxanne’s measurements to a French seamstress and she had promised to deliver the gown he had ordered in time. She was coming herself to fit it and make any last-minute adjustments. He knew that Roxanne had some idea of making a gown herself, but the magnificent creation he had bought for her would be a surprise—as would the pearls he had purchased in the London jeweller’s.

      Once again he considered whether the attack on Higgins and the man he had seen purchasing a ring in London were connected. Had he been followed to the jeweller’s that day? Had the man he’d noticed hoped to discover the ruby’s whereabouts?

      ‘Imagination,’ he murmured aloud, fastened a magnificent diamond pin in his cravat and went down to dinner.

      After Luke’s return the days seemed to fly past so quickly that Roxanne hardly had time to think or worry about what she was doing. The incident in the tower had been dismissed from her mind completely and she was thoroughly enjoying each day.

      Luke had purchased a beautiful mare for her. Rhoda, as he informed her the horse was named, was a chestnut and a perfect mount for her, being spirited and yet good natured, even playful. The mare had responded to Roxanne’s touch and voice immediately and, if Roxanne did not watch her, would give her new mistress a sharp nudge in the back with her nose.

      ‘She is lovely,’ Roxanne cried as she thanked him. ‘I am so grateful for your kindness.’

      ‘You must have a horse of your own. The saddle belonged to my mother. It takes time to make one to suit an individual and we shall commission a new one once you have got used to this, which has been worn in and should be comfortable both for you and the mare.’

      ‘It is perfect,’ Roxanne said and ran her hand over the soft leather, which, though not new, had a pleasant feel. ‘I do not think I need another just yet.’

      ‘My mother was an excellent horsewoman, Roxanne. I am certain you can do as well if you are willing to learn.’

      Roxanne assured him that she was and allowed him to help her into the saddle and to explain how she should hold her reins. Although she had been used to riding astride when with the players, she immediately settled to the new position and needed telling only once how to sit and hold her reins.

      Luke watched her walk the mare about the paddock, making only an occasional remark about posture or commands to the mare. After some minutes had passed, he nodded his head and walked up to her as she halted the mare.

      ‘Are you sure you have not ridden this way before?’

      ‘I may have done years ago…’

      ‘When you were a child in India?’

      ‘If I was ever there. Sometimes in my mind I seem to see a beautiful pink palace with cool rooms and fountains in the gardens—but it may just be one of Sofia’s stories.’

      ‘Are there people in your dream?’

      She shook her head. ‘No, I have no real memories, Luke. I think the palace was where Sofia lived with her prince.’

      ‘You are sure she never mentioned anything you told her when you were ill?’

      ‘No, I am not sure of anything.’

      Luke’s eyes were very intent. ‘You have not been lying to me, Roxanne? I would rather hear the truth from your lips now than discover it is all lies later.’

      ‘Are you accusing me of trying to deceive you?’ She raised her head proudly. ‘Why should I do such a thing? I have no wish to be other than I am.’

      ‘Forgive me, that remark was uncalled for. It is just odd that you should have this feeling about India—and now it seems as if there may be a connection. Does that not sound strange to you? In my place would you not wonder?’

      ‘Yes, perhaps,’ she agreed. ‘May we speak of something else now? Your grandfather spoke of dancing lessons, but it may have slipped his memory. The curate is coming this afternoon. If he played for us, would you teach me some steps, please?’

      ‘Yes, of course. I should be delighted. I will call the groom. You have done enough riding for today. You should learn at least one or two dances before the ball.’

      ‘Count in your head, Roxanne…one two three, one two three—and follow me. Trust me and you cannot fail.’

      ‘Thank you, I shall try.’

      Roxanne stood as he placed his right hand at the small of her back and let herself relax, feeling the warmth that flowed through her. The curate’s playing was pleasant and she felt as if she floated on air as they waltzed the length of the gallery, where the ball was to be held.

      ‘Yes, that is exactly right,’ Luke told her. ‘You were born to dance, Roxanne. It is a natural talent that may be learned, but you feel the music and you are like thistledown in my arms.’

      Roxanne closed her eyes. In her head she seemed to hear strange music and for a moment she felt light-headed, as if she were not quite herself. Luke’s voice came from a distance. The dreamlike state still held her and she stumbled, falling into his arms.

      Luke caught her and carried her to a sofa, sitting her against the soft cushions as she stirred. She opened her eyes, looking at him in a puzzled way.

      ‘What happened?’

      ‘You were faint for a moment. Are you ill?’

      ‘No, СКАЧАТЬ