Make-Believe Wife by Anne Herries

previously, a proud autocratic man with a strict manner. However, he was the soul of courtesy to Roxanne and did not once give her reason to blush or feel uncomfortable. With Luke he was sharper on one or two occasions, but, receiving only polite answers, he lapsed into silence and then glanced at Roxanne.
    â€˜Do you play chess, Miss Roxanne?’
    â€˜Yes, sir. Sofia taught me. We played in the evenings for there was little else to do…except sew, of course.’
    â€˜You did not have an instrument?’
    â€˜No, not for some years.’
    â€˜We have some excellent instruments here. You are welcome to use them whenever you wish. I enjoy music. I could employ a music master for you if you wish to be taught.’
    â€˜I shall attempt the pianoforte tomorrow,’ she promised. ‘If I have the aptitude, a music master might be useful to improve my skill. I am good with the needle.’
    â€˜Do you like to sketch or paint?’
    â€˜I think I have not had the opportunity.’
    â€˜Your guardian was remiss in your education. You may need some social skills, Miss Roxanne. Perhaps we should send for your godmother, Luke. She is a foolish woman, but might be of some use in giving our gel a little nudge. What do you think?’
    â€˜I believe I shall leave the decision to Roxanne, sir. I am not certain Lady Paula would come.’
    â€˜Nonsense. Write to her and ask her to come down for the ball. She will be here before you have time to turn round. Her curiosity will bring her, if nothing more.’
    The earl waved the footman away as he offered more wine. ‘Nothing more for me. I think I shall leave the pair of you to amuse yourselves. If I stay up this evening, I shall not be fit for guests tomorrow. No, no, do not get up. Finish your meal. Jarvis, give me your arm. Goodnight, Miss Roxanne. My suggestion was for your benefit, not an order.’
    â€˜I thank you for the thought, sir.’
    â€˜Well, he is certainly taking an interest,’ Luke remarked as the door closed behind his grandfather. ‘Shall we go through to the parlour, Roxanne? I thought we might use the front parlour when we are alone. It was my mother’s favourite and the drawing room is far too large. Shall I ask Mrs Arlet for some tea and coffee?’
    â€˜Would you not rather have port or brandy? Tea will do very well for me.’
    â€˜If you do not mind, I shall have brandy.’ He nodded to the remaining footman. ‘In twenty minutes or so, Smith.’
    Roxanne proceeded him into the front parlour. It was of a similar size to the one the earl preferred, but its décor was a little in need of refreshment, though comfortable and with a pleasant aspect out over steps leading down to a wide expanse of lawn in the sunkengarden. At that moment the light was fading and she could not see beyond the windows, for the candles had been lit.
    â€˜Did you bring it?’ Luke asked, having made certain the door was closed behind them. ‘I must admit I am curious to see this jewel.’
    Roxanne reached inside her bodice and took out the ruby. It was warm where it had lain nestled against her breasts. She held it out on the palm of her hand and it glowed in the candlelight.
    â€˜Good grief,’ Luke exclaimed as he saw it. ‘I have never seen its like. This must be worth a king’s ransom, Roxanne. It looks as if it came from an Indian maharajah’s crown.’
    â€˜Then it is valuable,’ Roxanne said as he held it to the light between his thumb and forefinger. ‘Sofia said as much, but I was not certain. How could I have come by it, do you imagine?’
    â€˜I believe it must have come from India. The secret of its origin must lie locked in your subconscious, Roxanne. Could your father have brought it home? Did something happen that made you take it and run away?’
    â€˜I truly wish I could answer that question.’ She looked thoughtful. ‘I have wondered