He flicked through the pile of invitations pleased he was obviously back on the guest list of the hostesses who had dropped him while he was drinking and gambling so disgracefully. Perhaps he would attend one or two of the events; he would like to let people know he was a father again and that he and Isobel were happy.

The reply from Gloria arrived later that afternoon. She suggested they met at Vauxhall Gardens, as there was to be a spectacular firework display to mark some anniversary or other. It would probably be wise to meet in public and not visit her house as this might be misconstrued. He wrote a quick reply agreeing to meet her at nine o’clock.

Bentley drifted into the drawing-room as Alexander was preparing to leave. “Your grace, I beg your pardon for not having written to you to congratulate you on the birth of Lady Lucinda. I hope that both mother and baby are doing well?”

“They are, thank you, Bentley. I hope you’ll come down for the baptism. Your accommodation will be finished by then and you can spend the summer with us if that’s what you would like to do.”

The young man nodded and smoothed his blue and gold striped waistcoat lovingly. “I had intended to come back with you, your grace, but will postpone my visit until the house party if that’s what you would prefer. I see you’re about to go out. Are you going to Lady Simmons soiree?”

“No, I’m meeting friends at Vauxhall Gardens. It seems there is to be a firework display that should not be missed.”

“I might well see you there later; if not then we shall meet tomorrow. I bid you good evening, your grace.”

Alexander left the house seething. God’s teeth, one would think he was the hanger on and Bentley the duke. It had not been such a good idea to leave the young man in sole residence in Grosvenor Square. He’d got ideas above his station. Tomorrow he would put the young man straight but tonight he must speak to Gloria. The thought of being able to make love to his darling girl without fear of a second pregnancy was reason enough to renew his acquaintance with his former mistress.

Chapter Twenty-one

Alexander sent a letter from London saying he was delayed and would not be returning until the following week. Isobel was disappointed as she had been persevering with the binding and was almost free from unwanted milk. If she avoided Lucinda’s feed times she could safely spend several hours with her baby daughter.

“Ellie, can you start altering my gowns? Now I’ve regained my original form I no longer need to have them so full in the chest.”

Her maid looked up from her task. “I had thought you might like to leave them as they are, my lady, you have a closet full of beautiful gowns that you’ve not worn.”

“You’re quite correct. Why don’t you put the ones I wore during my pregnancy at the back of my closet?” She knew the girl was thinking her mistress might well be increasing again by the end of the year.

Her pulse raced just thinking about the possibility. An image of Alexander proudly naked in her bed sent a wave of heat from head to toe. Ellie was looking her eyes wide with concern. “Are you feeling unwell, my lady, have you got a fever?”

Isobel forced her thoughts away from bed sport. “I feel a little overheated, I shall take a walk in the garden to cool down.”

“Very well, my lady.”

Isobel enjoyed her stroll and was ready to continue with perusing more lists with Mary. A footman held out a silver salver upon which was a letter. “This arrived a few minutes ago, your grace.”

She paused in the window to read the letter. The missive was brief but said everything it should.


My darling wife,

I am desolated that I have further business to attend to before I can be with you. I am returning next week. I have the information we both wanted. I can’t wait to try out the

efficacy of this with you.

Your devoted husband


In the post script he’d scribbled the names and number of some extra guests. She had no notion why he’d gone to Grosvenor Square; no doubt he would explain when he was with her next week. The season was over, the main reason for his visit had been to speak with his friend and discover how fashionable ladies avoided yearly babies. Obviously he had been successful. The staff must know the names of the extra guests so she had better speak to Mary immediately.

The next week dragged. She rode for an hour or two every morning, spent time with Lucinda, oversaw the arrangements for the house party, but still Alexander’s arrival seemed no nearer. A second missive arrived unexpectedly from her aunt and uncle. It appeared they would be in the vicinity a week earlier than planned and would now be arriving the day before her husband.

She sighed. She longed to see her relatives and could not ask them to languish in a hostelry whilst she and Alexander… she could hardly bear to think of what they might be doing. It sent her dizzy with excitement. Newcomb was vast; surely they could be private somewhere?

The house was looking as welcoming as it could. She’d filled the chambers with flowers and the furniture and glass sparkled in the sunlight. The extra indoor staff necessary for such a grand house party would be arriving the next morning from Grosvenor Square. She wondered how they would adjust to the new regime. Bill, (she could still not think of him as Brown) limped towards her. She scarcely noticed his infirmity nowadays. She was confident everything was running smoothly and the staff would not let her down.

“Your grace, Mrs Watkins and I’ve trained three footmen and three maids to act as valets or abigails for any of the guests who might not have brought their own. I hope this will be satisfactory.”

“Whatever you have arranged will be acceptable. Look, I believe I can see a carriage coming up the drive. Did Sir John and Lady Illingworth’s luggage cart arrive earlier this morning?”

“It did, my lady, and the trunks are unpacked and their apartments ready.” He hesitated before continuing. “I’ve put all single gentlemen on one side of the house and the young ladies on the other.”

Her lips twitched. Good grief! Did he really think this was the kind of house party where the gentlemen prowled the corridors looking for their lovers?

Smiling to herself she returned to the drawing-room to wait. She’d checked her appearance a dozen times that morning. She was wearing a new leaf-green muslin, perfect for a hot, summer’s day.

Eventually Bill stepped in to announce her aunt and uncle, Cousin Petunia, Cousin James and a stranger. This young gentleman was obviously Petunia’s intended.

“My dear girl, you look wonderful. One would not know that you’re now the proud mother of an infant daughter.” Aunt Lucy embraced her fondly. “Is your husband not here.”

“No, he will be here tomorrow, he has been delayed in London by business and other matters.” She hugged her uncle, kissed Petunia and curtsied to the gentlemen. “I am so pleased you were able to come earlier than arranged. It’s been an age since we last saw each other. I must show you the improvements Alexander has made for me, but after you have settled in.”

There was no time for a private conversation with her cousin until late afternoon. Lucinda was much admired and the newfangled bathroom declared a wonder to behold. Eventually the young gentlemen retired to the billiard room and her aunt and uncle to their apartment for a much-needed afternoon rest.

Petunia had been viewing her most anxiously all day and was obviously bursting with a delicious piece of gossip that could not be shared in public. “Pet, shall we take a stroll around the garden? It’s far cooler under the trees than it is down here.”

“I should like that above anything, I’ve something most particular to tell you. “When they were safely out of earshot of any lurking servant her cousin turned to her. “Isobel, I must tell you, I’ve heard the most malicious rumour. Fortunately it has not reached the ears of my parents but it’s been talked about everywhere. I can’t in all conscience allow you to remain in ignorance of what your guests will assuredly know.”

Isobel’s heart sunk to her slippers. “What is it? It is to do with Alexander, isn’t it?”

“Oh, my dear, the duke was seen in Vauxhall Gardens in a private booth with Lady Fulbright.”

“My husband does not have to apply to me for permission to visit his friends. If that’s all, then I can’t see why anyone should be interested. Don’t all gentlemen have a chereamie in Town?” She was amazed her voice sounded unperturbed when inside she was falling apart.

“I haven’t told you the rest of it. He was seen leaving Lady Fulbright’s house in Albemarle Street the next morning. I’m so sorry to be the one to tell you the duke has renewed his liaison with his mistress.”

“What Alexander does in London is no concern of mine and certainly no business of yours, Petunia. I can’t think why you would believe telling me something I already know was beneficial to either of us.”

Her cousin shook her head in dismay. “I am sorry; I should not have mentioned it. Please forgive me, you’re quite correct. I can’t think why anyone should consider such a thing worth gossiping about.”

“Do you see the marquee they are erecting for the garden party next week? Reynolds tells me there will be several hundred villagers and tenants attending. We are to have fire eaters, stilt walkers and conjurors to entertain.” She rattled on about the ale that had been ordered, the food that was to be prepared until she was certain her cousin was convinced the news she’d imparted was of no interest.