“But I am confused at your announcement that you have money. The servants say you never miss payments to vendors or their wages, but they still have the impression that it is a struggle. How ever did you manage it?”
“Something my husband’s mother taught me. Although Robert’s grandfather was a good man, he spoiled and indulged his son and only child. Even before he died, my husband’s mother, foreseeing what might happen, taught me how to squirrel away large sums of money. I kept the impression in motion that the Conclarton family needed money. In my mind, it changed the dynamics of the marriage market. Instead of marriage-minded mamas swarming like locusts to snare a man of wealth, they would arrive at the castle secure in their own wealth. My hope was that these women would be more independent and stronger, better choices for a healthy and happy union.” She clinked her glass. “And then I discovered you were alive.”
“Miss Mercer,” Mary said entering the room where Madeline stood eavesdropping. “Did you find the duchess and your mother?”
Startled, Madeline turned and did the only thing she could think of to do. She fled, with only one thing on her mind. She needed to find the letter her mother had written to her father but never mailed.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Ivy twisted around banisters, and fir trees, decorated with apples tied to the limbs with red and gold ribbons, framed the entrance of the castle’s great hall and spilled out into the transformed assembly room. Kissing boughs of holly and mistletoe hung from the ceiling, archways, and doors, while rosemary and potted rose bushes joined the fir and laurel trees, creating a winter wonderland forest.
Thanks to his mother’s decorating talents, Christmas at Conclarton Castle was a glorious triumph. Robert planned to add to the joyous occasion with the announcement that he and Madeline were engaged.
He stood at the entrance to the great hall, his hand holding a black velvet box, as he waited for Miss Mercer to descend the stairs. He was as nervous as a schoolboy. At the Frost Fair he had made his decision. He would ask Miss Mercer to marry him. They enjoyed each other’s company and the kisses they shared gave him confidence that she would say yes.
His feelings for her since she had given him coins to help a weary traveler had only intensified. He thought she was kind then, and when he galloped to thank her and saw her face and was gifted with her smile, he added beautiful to the growing list.
Somewhere behind him in the great hall he heard the orchestra begin the melodyJoy to the World. His heart beat in kind.
He saw Miss Mercer at the top of the stairs. Even from this distance, he detected a shadow pass over her features. She heaved a sigh and descended, only to pause on the center landing, where the two staircases joined as one.
He fingered the velvet box in his hand. Her expression troubled him. Had he waited too long to declare himself? Her expression turned thoughtful as her gaze searched the crowd that proceeded into the ballroom. Even as he sensed the moment she became aware of him standing at the base of the staircase, her mouth curled up at the edges and her gaze became focused on him. He let out a breath of relief. He had obviously misinterpreted her mood.
She was a vision in gold as she reached for the banister and descended the stairs. He had envisioned how she would look in the Grecian gown. His mind had wandered into lust and heat at the thought of soft, sheer fabric over her womanly curves. He was aroused, of that he had little doubt. But his feelings for her went deeper than carnal desire. He wanted long nights filled with making love and days filled with discussing the children they would have, and the plans they would make together.
He went to meet her before she took the last step, and he reached for her hand, to press it to his lips. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life.”
She pressed her hand against his chest. “You exaggerate, Your Grace, but I accept the compliment. You look quite handsome as well.” She laughed softly. “You are dressed as Apollo. I distinctly remember you saying that you would not.”
He led her down the remaining stairs and entwined her arm around his. “I did research on Apollo and discovered that he revered the nine Muses and watched over and protected them.”
“So he did.” She turned to view the decorations as they entered the great hall. “This room has been transformed.”
He turned her in his arms. “As am I because of you. Come.”
The orchestra had finishedJoy to the Worldand begunO Come All Ye Faithful. Male servants, in embroidered green-and-gold long coats, carried silver trays filled with sparkling wine. Guests had arrived while he waited for Madeline, and their glittering costumes and festive masks added to the celebratory atmosphere. Many wore the Greek and Roman styles his mother had provided, while others had brought their own costumes.
Knights, kings, and chimney sweeps mingled with queens, princesses, and ladies of the night. As everyone wore masks, it was difficult to discern the person’s identity—which was, of course, the whole goal of a masquerade ball. Robert had had reservations, but his mother’s instinct had proven correct. Everyone appeared to be having a wonderful time.
But the crush of so many people, although gratifying that so many had accepted his mother’s invitation, was not to his liking. He wanted Miss Mercer all to himself and led her toward an alcove near a balcony overlooking the gardens. A ball of holly and mistletoe was suspended from the ceiling. He nodded toward it with his head. “This is a kissing-bough. From ancient times people have kissed beneath its greenery.”
“Odd. So a man kissing a woman who is not his wife or betrothed is considered scandalous, but it is permissible to kiss under a ball made of leaves?”
The shadow had returned to blemish her expression, and once again he grew worried. “You do not wish to kiss me?”
“You misunderstand,” she said, glancing out the windows to a darkened sky. “I had thought to make a jest, but because my thoughts are in a jumble, my comment sounded harsh. I apologize.”
He took her hands in his. “I believe I know the cause of your turmoil. It is I who should apologize. This is a question I should have asked long before now.” He retrieved the velvet box and knelt. “I have loved you from the moment I first met you. I denied my love because I believed the emotion an invention of poets and fools. Poets claim that love makes men and women dizzy with desire. That it can fog their thoughts and cloud reason and good sense. What I feel for you is not a clouding of reason, but a clearing of the mind. I see more clearly when you are near. I am not in a fog. I am not dizzy. I am strong and feel as though I could move mountains and tame raging rivers.” He held the ring box higher. “Madeline Mercer, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Tears brimmed in her eyes and traveled down her face. “I must speak with you…in private.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Back in her room, Madeline stood beside her desk. Her conversation with the duke had not gone well. Today should have been the happiest day of her life. Instead, she felt as though the world was spinning out of control.
She had told him her mother’s history, including what she had learned about her father in the conversation between her mother and the duchess. She had ended with her mother’s plan, and her agreement, to marry a man with a title.
Robert had listened in silence and then made some remark about being the eighth Duke of Conclarton, and with the title came responsibilities and obligations. His response hurt her more than she cared to admit. In her heart she had wanted him to say it did not matter that she had masqueraded as an heiress. She had wanted him to say all that mattered to him was that he loved her. But he had not.
