Free Jo Beverley - [Rogue ] by Christmas Angel Page B

gathering at Hartwell after the ceremony. Will three weeks from today be convenient?"
    Judith nodded.
    "You can leave everything in my hands," he said, then added with a smile, "except, of course, your wardrobe. I suggest you let Beth Arden take you into Guildford. There must be someone there able to furnish some tolerable gowns. I'll pay the accounts, of course. Don't stint yourself. There's money to spare. Buy clothes for the children, too, if they need them, and any other treats they would like."
    "You'll spoil them," she protested.
    "A little indulgence won't spoil them. It will merely bring them closer to their future station in life. After Christmas, I will arrange for Bastian to have a tutor to prepare him for Harrow."
    The runaway horse was off again, despite her dug-in heels. "Thank you."
    "And a governess for Rosie."
    "Of course." This all seemed like the wildest dream. Judith sought a point of solidity. "My lord, where are we to live?"
    He was engaged in pulling on his soft leather gloves. "Why at Temple Knollis, of course. Where else? We should be there in time for Christmas."
    * * *
    "You're going to marry Lord Charrington, Mama?"
    "Will you be 'my lady'?"
    "Will he live here with us?"
    Judith faced her excited children in their kitchen. "Yes, yes, and no."
    "Where will we live, then?" asked Bastian with the anxiety of any child facing change. "Back at Mayfield House?"
    "No, dear. In Somerset, at Lord Charrington's house. It's called Temple Knollis and it's supposed to be a splendid place."
    "Somerset's a long way, isn't it?"
    "Yes."
    "So I won't see Georgie again."
    She ruffled his curls gently. "I'm afraid not. But you'll make new friends."
    Rosie said, "Will we dine off golden plates?"
    Judith laughed. "Not if I have any say in the matter."
    "Will I have silk gowns?"
    Judith took in her patent longing and kissed her brow. "Not for every day, darling, but you may have one for the wedding, and for special occasions."
    "Pink?" asked Rosie.
    "If you wish."
    "With lace and roses?"
    Judith grimaced inwardly at the thought. "We'll see."
    Bastian was somber, but then he suddenly said, "There'll be lots of horses, won't there?"
    "I expect so."
    And that seemed to settle that.

 
     
     
    Chapter 5

     
    The runaway horse was fully in action. The next day Leander escorted Judith and the children to church to hear the banns read for the first time. She was pricklingly aware of the stares of the villagers, and the wandering whispers.
    After the service, some came forward to offer good wishes, and be introduced to her intended, but his aristocratic presence, and the attendance of the marquess and marchioness deterred most from anything but staring.
    Judith knew they must be wondering about such a strange twist of fate, but she raised her chin and smiled as if it were the most commonplace of matters.
    On Monday, she found herself in a coach with Lady Arden heading into Guildford on a shopping expedition.
    "You probably think this a silly extravagance," said Lady Arden as they rolled along the Guildford road.
    "No, I don't think that."
    Lady Arden looked at her with surprise. "I was poor when I married, and the de Vaux virtually had to torture me to make me accept anything."
    Judith didn't know what to say to such an extraordinary statement. If she admitted what a joy it would be to buy new things, she feared to be thought mercenary. In the end, she said, "Perhaps you were not in quite such desperate straits, my lady. One day these clothes are going to shred off my back."
    Lady Arden's attention was arrested. "You are correct. I was never truly poor. There was always food, and decent clothing, with two new dresses every year."
    Judith smiled sadly. "And time."
    "Well, I was employed as a teacher, but yes, there was time." She smiled warmly. "I'm pleased to see that you are not being coerced to this. Now we can have fun. I must confess, I'm still opposed to wanton excess, but a modest selection of becoming garments cannot be