The Last Duchess (The Lennox Series)(31)
“I wish to marry you, Blixford. However, as I said, if you withdraw, I will not cry foul.”
“Suppose I did withdraw. What would you do?”
She swallowed again. “I believe I would hire a companion, travel the Continent for a few years, and return to England when I am too old for anyone to care about my ruination. I would live out my days as a maiden aunt to my brothers’ children. Perhaps I would raise horses. Or teach pistols to intrepid young ladies.”
“You would not marry another?”
“Doubtful, Your Grace. Frankly, after my experience with MacDougal, I find the thought of marriage to anyone but you repugnant. At one time, I didn’t think it mattered so much, that one could grow to love one’s husband and experience satisfactory intimacy. I was very foolish.”
They were nearing the end of the lane. “Tell me, Jane, how and when you became infatuated. I admit to curiosity. I’d barely met you before Lucy’s house party.”
“The day of Annabel’s funeral, you were your usual stalwart self, rather emotionless, I thought. As you were leaving, you looked toward the front of the chapel and saw the pink roses I had placed there. Your expression was genuine and heartfelt and I believed I glimpsed the man behind the duke, so to speak. Perhaps it was fanciful, and it’s possible I read much more into it than was actually there. But I was intrigued and certain I was meant to fall in love with you.” She glanced at him, noting he was staring ahead, looking lost in thought. Had he heard her? “I was sixteen at the time, yet to come out. Still a child, really.”
“And yet, you pursued me when the time was right, did you not? I didn’t imagine it, did I?”
“No, Your Grace. I pursued you tenaciously, convinced you would see what an excellent match we’d make. You wounded me grievously in the library and I didn’t think I could ever forgive you for it.” She gave him a sad smile. “Would that you had finished things. We’d be married these four years past, you’d have your heir, I would not have been used so vilely by my cousin, and all would be well.”
“Would that you hadn’t scurried off to Scotland.”
“I suppose all things are more clearly seen at a distance, are they not?”
“Hmm, yes. I suspect, were I to withdraw, I would regret the decision in the not so distant future.”
Her spirits rallied. “Oh? Why is that?”
“Perhaps I feel responsible in some way for what happened to you. And there is my need for an heir. As I’ve said before, Jane, I desire you. What you’ve told me, while upsetting, doesn’t alter my decision. We’ll be married in a few hours and won’t speak of MacDougal again.”
“Yes, Your Grace. Thank you.”
“Now,” he said with an uncharacteristic smile, “I believe we shouldn’t waste this opportunity. No one is yet about, not even grooms exercising mounts, and we have this fine horseflesh beneath us. What do you say we run to the other end of Rotten Row?”
“Shall we race?”
“You’re at a disadvantage, Jane. Pendragon is a Thoroughbred, built for speed.”
“Ah, but Grendel doesn’t like to lose. I believe we’re up to the challenge. Unless you’re afraid you might lose?”
“I’m afraid of nothing, my lady. Are you ready?”
“Lead on, sir.”
She urged Grendel ahead and the mare leapt into a run, delighted at last to have her head. They thundered down Rotten Row, neck and neck. She bent lower and urged Grendel to make haste. The mare was all heart, bunching her muscles to give everything she had to the race.
Unfortunately, the stallion was more powerful, and as they neared the end, he pulled ahead and won by a neck.
Blixford appeared well pleased with his win, even had the audacity to crow about it. “Blood will tell, always. I daresay horsemanship has something to do with victory, as well.”
“Grendel, we’ve been maligned. Will you suffer the indignity without a word?”
The mare danced toward his stallion and nipped at his flanks, causing him to jump forward. He turned about and bared his teeth at her.
Wisely, Grendel backed up.
“I believe the spoils are mine, my lady. I would have my forfeit now.”
Bowing low, Jane said, “Your servant, sir.”
“Nothing of the kind. Come here.”
She nudged Grendel closer, despite the mare’s resistance. Leaning over, she pecked his cheek in a decidedly matronly manner. “There. Satisfied?”
His eyes glittered. “No.” He snatched her from Grendel’s back and settled her in front of him before he bent his head and kissed her deeply and soundly. “Now, I’m satisfied.”