Free Deceived by Bertrice Small Page A

while beautiful, offered little in the way of cultural stimulation. Calandra could read, and she could write, but she was, she admitted to him, hopeless at sums. She spoke a little French, but where she excelled was in the arts. Her embroidery was exquisite, as were the miniatures she painted; and as George had said, she sang sweetly, and played the pianoforte in the drawing room quite well. All in all she would be an asset to Farminster. His grandmother would smooth out her rough spots, and Calandra would be quite acceptable in society.
    His sister-in-law, on the other hand, was far more stimulating to speak with, and quite the bluestocking. She had read everything in her father’s library several times over. She wrote with a very fine hand, and had taught herself Latin. Besides English, she spoke both Spanish and French fluently, having had access along with George to a tutor for several years. He had seen her ride and swim. And one afternoon he had seen her best her brother at target shooting. She had a keen eye for mathematical figures, but none of the female accomplishments of her stepsister. She could neither sing nor play, nor paint nor embroider, and while she would not hurt Calandra’s feelings by scoffing at such things, it was obvious she had little time or patience for them. Aurora and Calandra were fascinating opposites, yet they loved each other dearly, he could see.
    Cally’s wedding gown was ready. The servants sewed diligently on the clothing she would take with her until she might obtain that fine London wardrobe. The duke was pleased that Aurora and George would be coming in eight months’ time rather than on his heels. He had Aurora’s measurements taken, and promised that a wardrobe would be sent to her in time to travel to England. And George, too, was to share in his brother-in-law’s bounty. It would be winter when they arrived, the duke reminded them, and they would both need warm, fashionable clothing.
    â€œYou will send to me to let me know on what ship you intend traveling. I would suggest the Royal George, or its sister ship, the Queen Caroline. I will send my carriage to meet you.”
    â€œYou are so kind to us, Valerian,” Oralia said.
    â€œWould you not come too, ma’am?” he asked her as he had several times previously. “We would welcome you at Hawkes Hill, and hope that Calandra will be with child by then. I know she would welcome her mother, particularly under those conditions.”
    Oralia shook her head. “When Robert brought me here from Jamaica, I vowed that I would never again set sail upon the sea. I have neither the head nor the stomach for it, it seems.” She laughed.
    â€œThen we must return to St. Timothy often so you may know your grandchildren, ma’am,” Valerian said generously.
    Oralia beamed even as Calandra giggled.
    He had begun to worry about Calandra. How many walks had they taken in the plantation house gardens? But she had yet to allow him any intimacy but the privilege of holding her hand. On the several occasions he had attempted to kiss her on the lips, she had turned away so that his lips barely brushed her cheek. If she would not allow him an innocent kiss, what was to happen when they were married? Aurora, he suspected, would have long ago succumbed to his kisses. He didn’t know why he had thought it, but he did. Then, having thought it, he put the idea from him guiltily. Certainly Oralia had, or would shortly, explain to Calandra her marital duties. Then it would be up to him to instruct his bride in the more practical aspects of those duties.
    The night before the wedding Oralia joined both her daughters in Cally’s bedchamber. “Aurora, I think it best you leave us,” she said.
    â€œMay I not remain?” her stepdaughter replied. “You are going to speak to Cally of the physical side of marriage, aren’t you, Mama? I might as well hear it now, as you probably