She was giggling so much she was sure it could be heard outside the vehicle. Eventually they were covered and he put his boots on the opposite squab and then she settled back into his arms with her legs stretched out in front of her.
Her breathing gradually slowed and matched his. It was strangely soporific breathing in and out at the same time as somebody else. Her eyes became heavy just as the carriage turned into the yard. Then as the door was opened she saw her missing bonnet quite squashed in the well of the carriage.
'Perry, my poor bonnet, it is quite ruined.' She covered her mouth to keep back another giggle. He was quivering beneath her, trying to hold back his laughter.
'So it is, my love, how very unfortunate.' His voice was choked, she daren't look at him.
The door was hastily closed leaving them to laugh until the tears ran down their cheeks. Nobody suggested they got out for refreshments and in a short space of time they were on their way again.
'The carriage has a fresh team, did your brother and the other two change horses as well?'
'Beau will now be riding Billy. Smith and Jenkins will remain here until their horses are rested and they can continue. They will be bringing Sylvester and the carriage horses with them when they return, but probably not until tomorrow.'
It was stifling under the rugs and she tossed them aside and put her feet to the floor of the carriage. 'I am looking forward to meeting your family, and your nieces and nephews, do you think we will arrive in time for me to be introduced today?'
'I think it might be better, sweetheart, if we left it until tomorrow. In fact, I sincerely hope they haven't formed a welcome party.'
'Now that you mention it, I am sure that they have. After all you are rather like the prodigal son…'
He snorted and flicked her cheek with his finger. 'I am nothing like…' Then he stopped and she saw his expression change as he reconsidered. 'I have certainly come back penniless, have behaved in a reprehensible way, but I don't believe the person in the Bible story brought back the greatest gift of all – a wife.'
'This is going to be an unmitigated disaster, Perry, for both of us, especially for me. My bonnet is past redemption and my gown is little better.'
He didn't answer but dropped the window, the blinds were already rolled back where they should be, and stuck his head out. His brother appeared alongside. 'How far behind us is the carriage with our servants and garments?'
The duke moved away and then returned. 'Not in hailing distance, that's for sure.'
'In which case you must ride ahead and make sure there is no reception committee. We are both in disarray from the journey and I wish to introduce my wife when she is happy with her appearance.'
Beau ducked his head so he could see her and, to her astonishment, he winked. 'It shall be done, little brother. The joyous reunion can take place tomorrow morning. Actually, that makes perfect sense as the infants can be there as well if we postpone.'
He vanished and she hugged Perry with relief. 'I cannot think why I am so nervous of your brother half the time and the other half I find him the most convivial company.'
For some reason this comment seemed to please him. 'He has been head of the family for almost ten years and grew up with the expectation of being the Duke of Silchester. It is small wonder he has a high opinion of himself – it is well-deserved.'
'Do you think he knows why we are both looking so dishevelled?'
'What makes you think so?'
'He winked at me. Why else would he do something so risqué if he did not know?'
'If he does, then he will be envious rather than disapproving. I don't suppose he has ever done anything so…so unusual in his life. I have been thinking, sweetheart, that once you are settled you must join with me in finding him a bride. I fear that if we do not do so he will be for ever interfering in our lives.'
'Good gracious! If he has not chosen to marry, has not even come close, and yet he is already past his prime, I think we must assume he is a confirmed bachelor.' She hesitated not sure if she should continue on this delicate subject. 'Does he keep a mistress in London that he visits?'
'How do you know of such things? I hope you are not intending to ask him?'
She was about to protest that she was not so silly and then saw he was having difficulty keeping his face straight. She punched him on his arm. 'Answer my question. The answer is crucial to your plan.'
'He does, or he did, but I've not been in England for a while and things could have changed. There is something you should know about my family. All of us without exception have known within a day or two that we have met the person we wish to marry. Beau has been hunted all his adult life by predatory matrons hoping to foist their daughters onto him. He has learned to stay away from places where he was likely to be pursued.'
'Then it is small wonder he has not been able to find himself a young lady he can love. I shall give the matter some thought. Having a project to complete will provide me with something to do apart from the frivolous nonsense most wives are expected to take part in.'
He moved away from her and the close connection they had forged by their disgraceful behaviour was severed. What had she done to upset him this time?
