An Undomesticated Wife by Jo Ann Ferguson

Author:Jo Ann Ferguson
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781504009089
Publisher: Open Road Distribution

Eleven

“At the very least, she should wear some of the lace from her mother’s gown.”

Regina tried to concentrate on her book and pay no attention to the continuing debate between the dowager duchess and Aunt Elayne. How she longed to tell them that being at outs with one another about her wedding dress was a waste of time! She did not want to have a wedding—of any kind. She wanted to return to Algiers and Papa’s house. Then she would not have to think about her husband, who had left her to return alone from Lord and Lady Neal’s hurricane last night.

“But that lace will be a different shade and style from what Mme. LaPorte is using,” the dowager duchess answered.

“Tradition is important in my family.”

“Having my granddaughter-in-law not appear as a laughingstock is important to my family!”

“Then allow me to have her mother’s dress remade for her. She will look lovely then.”

“She must—”

Regina stood and snapped, “Be done with this dagger-drawing!” As both women stared at her in amazement, she raised her hands. “I shall wear what I please. I shall not have Marcus telling me what to wear, and I shall not have you either!”

“Regina …”

She did not stay to hear what the dowager duchess had to say. Running out of the room, she took the steps two at a time, not caring about her unseemly behavior. She slowed in the foyer to call to Gardner. As soon as he appeared, she asked him to have a carriage brought.

“My lady,” he said, uneasily, “if you are going out alone, that is unadvisable.”

“I am a married woman, as everyone seems anxious to remind me! Please have the carriage brought.”

“Lord Daniston has said—”

“Be bothered with what he has said! Will you have the carriage brought around front, or must I go to the stable myself?”

She thought the footman would fly out at her more, but a sudden, relieved expression stole his frown. She stiffened when she heard Marcus ask from the stairs, “Is there a problem, Gardner?”

Regina demanded, “Why don’t you ask me?”

“Very well,” Marcus said with a smile as he descended. “Is there a problem, Regina?”

“I wish to go for a ride, and Gardner refuses to have a carriage brought about for me.” She winced, for she realized how childish her words must sound.

“He fears for your safety.” Marcus leaned his elbow on the railing. “Do have the carriage brought, Gardner. I shall take Lady Daniston for a ride if she wishes.”

While the footman hurried away, she asked, “You? I thought you wanted nothing to do with me after my missteps last night.”

His smile grew wider. “I am in too good a state of mind to pull caps with you today.”

“No doubt. I am sure you had a most interesting night.”

“Do not give me a dressing-down when I am acquiescing to your desire for a ride about London.”

Regina refused to relent. “I must question why you wish to go with me today when you could not wait to leave me last night? Guilt, mayhap?”

“Think what you wish.

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