'I bet you will not last six weeks, let alone six months. Surely you are not serious with this suggestion?'
Until his brother had been so dismissive Beau had not come to a firm decision about his venture. However, he could never resist a challenge. 'I take your wager. I shall leave when the house party breaks up. As Bennett is busy with Parliamentary business I am relying on you and Aubrey to run the estate together – you will have Carstairs to assist, naturally.'
Perry slapped him on the back. 'Our house will not be finished until the summer so we must remain here anyway. Do I have your permission to move into your master suite in your absence?'
He was about to refuse but then thought better of it. 'Certainly, I wish you and Sofia to be happy here.' The sound of the gong echoed down the passageway – there was a large static one in the hall but a smaller one was always rung outside the billiard room as they would not hear the other from here.
'At last, the afternoon has dragged by...'
'Thank you for suggesting that I am less than satisfactory as a companion, little brother,' he said with a wry smile.
His valet went about his business and Beau let his thoughts drift. If this deception was to work he would have to leave his man behind, he could not involve any of his employees. He would find himself another manservant once he was established.
In six weeks' time he would be leaving his luxurious existence for something less exalted and he was excited at the prospect. Perry knew that he was loved for himself and not his pedigree, he envied him that. Not that he was looking for love himself – far from it – the real reason he was eager to go was to escape from the cloying atmosphere. His entire family were moonstruck with their partners and he would be glad to be away from it all for a few months.
The small estate had been well managed by the tenant, a gentleman called Richard Silverstone. It was unfortunate the man had died so suddenly, but serendipitous for him. The house was fully staffed and ready for occupation – all he had to do was send word of his coming. He would write the letter before he retired tonight.
*
'There, my lady, I am done.' Polly did not sound overly pleased with her efforts.
'I know wearing an evening gown to a family dinner is perhaps making me overdressed, but this ensemble has a particular significance for myself and Lord Peregrine.'
The girl dipped. 'Will you be requiring me later, my lady?'
'No, you may have the rest of the evening off. I shall ring in the morning when I require your services.'
'Thank you, my lady. Once I have tidied here, I shall make sure that everything is ready in your apartment next door.'
Sofia had no need to pinch her cheeks or bite her lips to bring colour to them. She had never looked better. Her eyes glowed with anticipation, her hair was glossy and her gown perfect. She had intended to wear her wedding dress for the second ceremony but had changed her mind. This event no longer had the same significance, tonight would be the renewal of their commitment to each other.
Mary called from outside the door. 'Are you ready, my dear? Aubrey is impatient to depart as he has heard the carriages arriving. We shall wait for you by the terrace doors.'
She carefully hooked the loop of material sewn to the end of the demi-train over her wrist. She was then ready to depart. 'I'm coming. I apologise if I have kept you waiting.'
Aubrey was pacing the drawing room but his expression changed from impatient to admiration when she appeared. 'You look beautiful, Sofia, that is a particularly lovely gown.'
'Is this the one you were married in? It is quite spectacular. I am thankful that we both dressed to impress tonight or we should be put in the shade by your magnificence.' Mary gave her a brief kiss and then they dashed the short distance across the terrace and into the drawing room of Silchester Court.
They had not bothered with heavy outerwear even though the temperature had fallen and the flagstones were frost-covered. Aubrey had no protection at all and she and Mary both wore an evening cloak. The vast chamber was empty but she could hear voices in the grand hall. Perry and Beau were greeting the Sheldons and Carshaltons.
As she hesitated Aubrey put his arm around her waist and whisked her out to join the others. Perry sensed she had arrived and turned. He abandoned his brother-in-law and strode across to her.
What he should have done is take her hand and perhaps gently press his lips to her knuckles. Instead he swept her up, crushed her close, and then his kiss was passionate and left no one in any doubt as to his views on her appearance.
'I cannot tell you how glad I am to have you back, my darling girl. You have worn that gown, it will always be my favourite.'
'Perry, everyone has gone into the drawing room. We have embarrassed them by our display of...of passion.'
He chuckled and was unrepentant. 'I can assure you, sweetheart, that all my siblings, apart from Beau, will fully understand our behaviour and even applaud it.'
'I know I am appallingly overdressed for a family dinner.'
'Come with me, I did not give you time to speak to the others.'
When he paused at the double doors she caught her breath. 'Madeline, Grace and Mary have all put on formal wear. How did they know to do so?'
The duke, resplendent in his evening black, spoke from beside them. 'Mary enquired from your maid what you were wearing and word was sent to the others. Might I be permitted to say that you look lovely.'
