“Crofts, this house could not run without you,” Allegra complimented the elderly majordomo. “Thank you.”
“Shall I tell Mr. Brummell that you are up and about, your ladyship?”
“Not yet. I wish to write a letter to Aunt Mama before I must be entertaining. I shall be in the family drawing room.”
The duke and the prince returned home with several brace of rabbits to show for their morning’s ride. Allegra was in the drawing room with Mr. Brummell whenthey arrived. Brummell shuddered delicately at the sight of the rabbits hanging from a footman’s hand, but the prince was delighted with his morning’s venture. Luncheon was served, and the prince ate as if he hadn’t eaten in a month’s time. Allegra wondered how long he would remain their guest as she watched him consume a platter of salmon, a dozen lamb chops, a beefsteak, and a small chicken by himself. He then fell asleep in the drawing room, watched over by Mr. Brummell.
The guests began to arrive. Sirena and Ocky first. Allegra saw that her cousin looked worried as she alighted from her open carriage. While the duke and Ocky greeted each other, the cousins linked arms, and walked into the house.
“What has happened?” Sirena demanded.
“What on earth do you mean?” Allegra responded.
“You are married less than a week, and you give a house party with Prinny as your guest of honor! You said nothing of this several days ago when you were wed. Are you all right? Has the duke been cruel?”
“Ohh, dearest Sirena, what a worrywart you are,” Allegra laughed softly. “Everything is wonderful. Prinny, however, arrived the morning after the wedding expecting to come to the wedding. He was mightily disappointed that it was over and done with, and so I invited him to a hunting party. I claimed it was an annual event for Quinton and his three closest friends. That is why I hurriedly sent you and Ocky invitations. I couldn’t allow Prinny to know it was all a Banbury tale so his feelings would not be injured.”
Sirena heaved a gusty sigh of relief. “Thank heavens! I was imagining all sorts of terrible things.”
“Why on earth would you?” Now Allegra was puzzled.
“Well, yours is a marriage of convenience, cousin. I was afraid that you and the duke had had a falling out,” Sirena admitted. “He is a very proud man.”
“I had noticed,” Allegra said mischievously, “but you may cease your worrying, darling. He claims to be in love with me, and I believe it to be so.”
“Thank heavens!” Sirena cried.
“But I am not yet positive of my feelings for him,” Allegra continued. “I am still not certain I understand this emotion calledlove. Until I do, I can make no admissions of my own. And, Sirena, darling, you must say nothing to anyone but Ocky.”
“Oh, Allegra, I am so happy for you!” Sirena’s blue eyes were teary.
“Why on earth are you happy for her?” The Countess of Aston and Lady Walworth entered the foyer.
“The duke is in love with Allegra!” Sirena exclaimed, and then she clapped her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide.
“She promised not to tell,” Allegra said dryly.
“Well, of course he’s in love with her. You mean you didn’t know, Allegra?” Eunice, Countess of Aston was surprised.
“I thought everyone knew he was in love with Allegra,” Lady Caroline Walworth said. “Gracious, he told both Bain and Dree; and Ocky was, of course, the first to know.”
“But I didn’t know,”Allegra said. “I thought my marriage was one of convenience. That is what I wanted. That is what I expected.”
“To be loved is far better,” Eunice remarked with a shy smile.
“Are you in love with him?”Caroline demanded, very much to the point, and like her formidable aunt.
“I don’t know,” Allegra admitted.
“A woman can’t help but love a man who loves her. He’s handsome and amusing. The love is sure to come,” Caroline said firmly. “Now, why on earth are we here but four days after your wedding? You and the duke should be off somewhere billing and cooing, darling.”
Allegra laughed, and once again explained the situation to her friends. She finished by saying, “I have also invited Lady Perry and Lady Johnstone. Both are widows, and are very lively, I am told.”
“I wonder which one Prinny will take to bed,” Caroline said mischievously.
“Probably both,” Eunice said drolly. “Or possibly he will share with young Mr. Brummell.”
“Brummell wouldn’t take such a healthy woman to his bed,” Caroline riposted. “She might muss his hair, or his garments. Do you think he is as elegant in his nightgarb as he is said to be in his clothing?”
