Deceived by Bertrice Small Page B

eyes. A stocky build. Of average height. There was nothing in particular to distinguish him, but he did wear his clothes well, and he had a pleasant countenance if only average features. “I believe,” she said, “that we can find a most suitable wife for you, Mr. Spencer-Kimberly. Not here in London, of course. Too many flibbertigibbets and fortune hunters. But down at Hawkes Hill. A good, sensible country girl who will be a good breeder even in the heat of the Indies.”
    â€œI would be most grateful for your guidance, your grace,” George replied sincerely, a friendly twinkle in his eye.
    â€œHarrumph, and pretty manners to boot.” The dowager chuckled. “You are certainly a different cut from my grandaughter-in-law, I must say. I am amazed the same woman raised you. It must be in the blood.” She rose to her feet. “I am going to show Miss Aurora to her bedroom, Valerian, The child is about to fall asleep on her feet, and has had a long day. Come, girl, we will leave the gentlemen to their own devices.” She exited the drawing room with Aurora stumbling sleepily in her wake.
    The butler came to clear away the tea things.
    â€œBring whiskey,” the duke ordered him.
    When they were finally settled by the fire, heavy crystal glasses in their hands, George looked directly at his brother-in-law and said, “What is the matter between you and Cally, Valerian? I’ve never seen her behave as she behaved today, and it is obvious that something is wrong from the way you treat each other.”
    For a moment Valerian Hawkesworth considered telling his companion that whatever the problem was, it was not George’s concern, but then he said, “It was a mistake to marry a girl I did not know. It is my fault. Had I remained on St. Timothy for some months instead of being so eager to return to England for the racing season, I should have discovered that your sister is still more of a child than a woman. She would not permit me to consummate our marriage until we had reached England. She feared, she said, in such close quarters as we had aboard the ship that the other passengers might hear us. I acquiesced reluctantly. However, Calandra does not like the act as she so coldly refers to it, yet I swear to you that I am not a cruel or thoughtless lover. She hates being down in the country, and fled to London without my permission three months ago. I thought if I left her here until you and Aurora arrived that perhaps she would get this passion for constant amusement out of her system, but I fear she has not. Her dressmaker’s bills are outrageous. She commissioned a new coach to be built for her. Its interior is completely lined in scarlet velvet, and has crystal accoutrements. She went to Tattersall’s and purchased two snow-white and two pure black horses to pull the damned thing. Do you know how much that cost me, George? And I would be more than willing to indulge her if she were willing to do her duty by Farminster and give me an heir, but she will not! I would not shock you, nor would I appear indelicate, but on the few occasions that I have managed to make love to Calandra—and believe me, George, it is no more than a dozen times in all the months we have been married—your sister lays silent, her head turned away from me as if she cannot bear to look at her husband. It is not easy to rouse one’s passions with such a cold wife. Frankly, I prefer not to, but what choice have I? She is my wife.”
    George shook his head, astounded by the duke’s revelations. “Valerian, I do not know what to say to you. I could have never imagined that Cally would behave in such a fashion with you. I am truly sorry.”
    Valerian Hawkesworth shook his head. “It is not your fault, George, and I am glad that you and Aurora are here at last. We will remain in London a few weeks, but then we will return to Hawkes Hill. Calandra will come, too, even if I have