A Season of Romance Page 31

  For a second time she interrupted him and his eyes flashed a warning. 'I don't require any bride clothes, I've got more gowns in my wardrobe than I'll ever wear.' She was about to apologise but he spoke first.

  'Annabel, I'm not accustomed to being interrupted so frequently. If you and I are not to fall out then I suggest you curb your tongue.'

  She was on her feet in an instant. 'How dare you speak to me like that? I'm not a child to be scolded and you are not my father. Until we marry I'll thank you to keep your opinions to yourself on the subject of my behaviour.'

  If she had poked him with a long stick he could not have looked more startled by her attack. Before he could react, her parents sailed in looking as if nothing untoward had taken place.

  'We hoped we would find you together,' Papa said. 'I've sent the notice of your nuptials to The Times and it should appear in the paper tomorrow. With everything official you will be able to enjoy the various entertainments without fear of being pursued by hopeful partners.'

  *

  Burgoyne stared at Simon as he spoke. Did the man think he would renege on his promise when he had the money? By announcing the date of their marriage even if he'd intended to jilt Bella he could no longer do so without being taken to court for breach of promise.

  Bella's father appeared benign and friendly, but he couldn't possibly have amassed such a fortune without being a formidable businessman. Although he didn't blame him for protecting his daughter and his money, his mistrust left a sour taste in the mouth.

  He was a gentleman and a gentleman didn't break his word. Until that moment he hadn't realised what a gulf there was between himself and his future family. Had he made a catastrophic error of judgement? Allowed his emotions to overrule his common sense?

  Too late to repine – however much he might come to regret it, he would marry Bella in June.

  She smiled prettily at him but he knew this to be false and he wished the past two days had never happened.

  'Simon, there are still one or two things we need to discuss in private. Perhaps you would accompany me to the library where we can talk? Pray excuse us, we shall not be long.'

  'Run along, my dear, now that you're betrothed to Sawsbury you are as much his concern as mine.'

  Papa's comment didn't sit well with her and her lips thinned. Simon held out his arm and she had no option but to take it or reveal to her parents that she was angry with him.

  As soon as they were out of sight she snatched it back. They were standing in the passageway halfway between the hall and the library and study. Although there were no servants visible there could well be a footman lurking somewhere eager to eavesdrop and then repeat whatever he heard in the servants' hall.

  She must be as well aware of that as he but it didn't prevent her speaking her mind. 'As far as I'm concerned, my lord, you can keep my inheritance as I've no intention of marrying you in June or any other time.'

  He caught her arm before she could run away and bundled her into the library which was nearest. She was far stronger than he'd anticipated and only the fact that she didn't wish to draw attention to their struggle allowed him to succeed.

  He closed the door firmly and then leaned against it so she couldn't escape. 'It's too late to change your mind. The announcement will be in the paper and my family needs the money.' He'd not intended to mention the money but he was so incensed he'd spoken without thinking.

  She stood a few feet from him and he was looking at a stranger. This situation was entirely his fault and now they were both trapped in a relationship from which there was no escape. His anger was replaced by remorse – sadness that his actions had put them in an untenable position.

  Then her face crumpled and tears trickled down her ashen cheeks. Immediately he stepped forward to offer comfort but she shook her head.

  'No, my lord, it's too late for that. I thought you were different, a man I might come to love, who would be a good father to our children, but I was sadly mistaken. Your interest in me was driven by lust – for money and not for me.' She wiped her eyes on her sleeve like a child. 'I accept that we cannot break this betrothal but I want you to know you have lost my respect and once you have your heir you will not share my bed.'

  She turned her back on him and he could think of nothing to say to improve matters. He prayed that in time she would forgive him and he could prove to her he wasn't the villain she considered him to be. 'Then I'll go. We must appear together in public as if we are content with the arrangement. I'm sure you don't wish to upset your parents and I don't want my sister to know the true state of affairs.'

  There was no response and he left her to recover her composure without his intrusion. There was a saying about marrying in haste and repenting at leisure. In their case it was becoming betrothed in haste.

  He strode through the house looking neither right nor left and wanted to be alone to come to terms with the sad mull he had made of things. If he hadn't manhandled her then he might have been able to smooth things over, convince her being married to him wouldn't be a disaster for either of them. However, mentioning the funds he was being given had made an irrevocable rift between them and he only had himself to blame.

  Where could he go as he had no wish to return home to be questioned by his sister? His lawyers – they would be delighted to know that by the end of the day funds would be transferred to his account and all his debts could be paid including the temporary loan from his bank to pay for the sojourn in Town.

  If he passed anyone he knew he was unaware of it. He kept his head down and avoided making eye contact with any of the pedestrians he passed. His conversation with his lawyer cleared his head. He had come to London to marry an heiress and he'd achieved his aim before the Season had even started so must consider this a triumph not a disaster.

  On reflection he realised that he would not have found a young lady from his own class willing to marry him, that despite the disparity between his family and hers, on balance he had had the best of the bargain. Bella was still the lovely young lady who had fallen into his arms. In three short days he had managed to find himself the perfect wife and also to permanently alienate her.

  *

  Bella managed to contain her misery until she heard the door close softly behind her. Then she fled to the far end of the drawing room where she was certain she wouldn't be heard and collapsed into the nearest chair. She sobbed into the skirt of her gown hoping to muffle the sound.

  Three days ago her life had been straightforward, her plans simple and now everything was ruined. She cried for a while and then slipped out through the servants' door and ran back to her apartment where she could be private. She was glad her maid was elsewhere and couldn't see her in such distress.

  She washed her face and then hastily removed her gown and was in the process of searching her closet for something else to wear when Annie arrived at her side.

  'Let me find something for you, miss, it's my job to take care of you.'

  Bella raised and lowered her arms when instructed but took no interest in the proceedings. She was numb and was having difficulty controlling her emotions.

  'There, miss, I'm done. Everyone below stairs is talking about your engagement. I'm ever so pleased for you.'

  She was about to snap at the girl for her impudence but that would be unfair. As far as the world was concerned she'd come to London to find herself an aristocratic husband and she'd done exactly that. Simon was everything she'd hoped for and more. Why was she so unhappy that he'd been honest with her? He'd said he was marrying her for her money – but after all, wasn't that the whole reason for the arrangement?

  The tension in her shoulders relaxed a little. She had come to London to find herself an aristocratic husband so why was she complaining? Simon had no option but to marry an heiress so he too had achieved his aim.

  The remainder of the day dragged as her mother had gone out on morning calls without her and her father was absent on business matters. No doubt he was in the pro
cess of transferring funds to Simon.

  Her reverie was disturbed by the unexpected but welcome arrival of Emily. 'I cannot tell you how pleased I am to see you, I've been moping about the place all afternoon. Did your brother tell you what transpired between us?'

  'I've not seen him since he went out this morning. Tell me at once why you are so blue-devilled.'

  When she had finished her sorry tale instead of being sympathetic or suitably shocked her friend laughed. Bella could see nothing amusing about the situation.

  'Don't you see? It's quite ridiculous for you both to be upset when you've achieved exactly what you set out to do. Simon has acquired a beautiful and intelligent heiress when he could have been obliged to marry a bracket-faced young lady with no manners at all. You have agreed to marry the handsomest and most eligible gentleman on the marriage mart.'

  'When you put it like that, I can see why you find my distress amusing. Indeed, I can't understand why I should be upset apart from the fact that I was so impolite to him.'

  'I could knock your heads together for your stupidity. The only reason you've both behaved so badly is because your feelings are involved. I'm certain that you are a fair way into falling in love with each other.'

  Bella was about to deny this most vehemently but understood there was some truth in what had been said so bluntly. 'I shall endeavour to put matters right between us tonight. There's been no word from Hanover Square that the Danbury party has been cancelled so I shall see you there later.'

  Her friend departed but still neither of her parents had returned. Morning calls only took place between eleven o'clock and three o'clock and it was already almost an hour past that time. Where was her mama? It would soon be time to change and it was unlike her parent to be absent then. Papa obviously kept his own hours and it wasn't her business to know his whereabouts.

  They were to have a tray in their chambers this evening and dinner would not be served downstairs. The carriage would be outside at seven o'clock to convey them to the soirée and she could not go on her own.

  She retreated to her sitting room upstairs but left the door wide open so she could hear if either of her missing parents returned. Her evening gown was draped over the bed but she wasn't going to begin her preparation until her mother had returned and explained where she'd been for so long.

  The nights were lighter now but dark had fallen before she heard them returning. How were they together when they'd gone out separately? She scrambled to her feet and her precious book fell unheeded to the floor. She rushed into the passageway to greet them.

  'Mama, Papa, I've been most anxious these past two hours. Has something untoward occurred?'

  'No, daughter, come with us to our apartment and we shall explain to you why we've been delayed,' her father said. This was obviously something that could not be discussed in front of staff.

  The door was closed firmly behind them and Mama checked in both her own bedchamber and papa's, to ensure no one was eavesdropping. This was all very mysterious.

  'Sit down, Bella, we have much to tell you and none of it is good.' She did as her mother bid and sat her heart beating heavily and her hands clenched in her lap.

  'As you know I went out to make calls to those who visited us yesterday. I was made to feel decidedly uncomfortable and after the third visit was going to return home but decided to visit Lady Danbury instead.'

  'Would you prefer that I continue this sorry tale, my love?'

  'No, I'll do it.' Mama dabbed her eyes before she continued. 'Lady Danbury was able to explain why I was no longer welcome in any drawing room. That dreadful woman papa appointed, and you dismissed, has been spreading the most malicious rumours about you.'

  'What has she said?'

  Her mother was unable to continue so her father stepped in. 'Your name has been irredeemably blackened, as far as Society is concerned the lies of one of their own means more than the truth. I think it best if we abandon our stay and return home.'

  'What about my betrothal? He can hardly marry me now.'

  Her father's face was hard. 'He cannot renege on his arrangement. The money has been paid. The deal struck. He has no recourse but to marry you anyway.'

  Chapter Nine

  Simon spent several hours with his lawyers and eventually returned home late and barely had the time to change into his evening clothes before he must escort his sister and Mrs Featherstone to the Danbury event.

  No sooner had he stepped into the house than Emily pounced on him. 'It's an absolute disaster – quickly – come into the drawing room so I can tell you.'

  When he heard about the scurrilous gossip being spread about his future wife he was enraged. 'Unconscionable, unbelievable – when I discover who is saying that Bella is impure, I'll ruin them.'

  'It's coming from Lady Jones, the person that Bella dismissed. Unfortunately, she has the ears of those most likely to enjoy passing on such things.'

  'I'll not have anything untoward said about my future wife. When she's seen on my arm tonight…'

  'My lord, pray excuse me for interrupting, but I think it more likely the Burgoyne family will already be packing to be ready to leave at the earliest opportunity.' Mrs Featherstone said politely.

  'Then I'm going to see them and make sure that doesn't happen.'

  'In which case, my boy, I shall rally the troops. If you can delay your arrival until after eight o'clock I think I can muster a dozen or more to stand by your delightful young lady.'

  He was warming to this redoubtable woman and he smiled his thanks. 'Emily, is there anyone you can contact who might be attending this event tonight?'

  'I don't know anyone in Town as yet, but will help Aunt Jemima write her letters. Good luck with your visit as I fear you might be unable to persuade the family to remain.'

  The front door swung open before Simon reached the steps. He strode in and the butler pointed upstairs. 'The second door on the right, my lord.'

  He bounded up the stairs and knocked but didn't wait to be asked to come in. On opening the door he'd expected to find Bella curled up in a chair sobbing her heart out. Instead she was striding back and forth across the carpet her expression murderous.

  'Simon, you must have heard what that viper has done. Papa is determined to force you to marry me but as far as I'm concerned you can cry off and I'll make sure…'

  'No, I didn't come here to break the engagement. I've come to tell you that those that matter will know by the end of this evening that what's being said is complete nonsense and the perpetrator will get her comeuppance.'

  'It's too late, once a reputation is gone it can never be recovered.'

  'Are you prepared to make a wager on that, sweetheart? I come to tell you to put on your finest gown and accompany me in my carriage as my future wife. I don't want your parents embarrassed and I can't protect all three of you tonight.'

  There was a flicker of something he didn't recognise in her expression. 'You do realise that by escorting me, by announcing our betrothal, your family could well be put beyond the pale. I would never forgive myself if that was to happen.'

  'I can assure you it won't. This Lady Jones person is only on the fringes of society, has the ears of the tabbies, but no real influence. Do I have your word you will be ready to leave by half past seven?'

  Her smile was tremulous and he wanted to kiss away her tears but now was not the time. 'Oh, I most sincerely apologise for behaving in such a brutish fashion earlier today.'

  'And I apologise for what I said.'

  He stretched out and brushed her cheek. 'Then everything is put right between us. We shall stand together as a family tonight and emerge triumphant. Forgive me, but I must speak to your father before I depart.'

  His meeting with his future father-in-law took longer than he'd anticipated. Several glasses of excellent cognac were imbibed before they shook hands both well-satisfied with the conversation. He dashed across the square and into his own abode knowing he barely had time to complete his ablutio
ns and get ready.

  *

  Bella, as advised by Simon, paid particular attention to her appearance and approved Annie's selection of evening gown. It was silk, a dark, duck-egg blue, with scalloped neckline and small puffed sleeves. The only adornment was the embroidery around the neckline, cuffs and hem. The cut was so elegant it needed nothing more.

  'Will you be wearing white gloves or the ones made to match your ensemble, miss?'

  'The blue please, Annie, and the Kashmir wrap in turquoise.'

  With her evening cloak swirled around her shoulders she was ready to depart. Her hair was arranged elaborately on the crown of her head and a few stray curls drifted down on either side of her face. Papa had given her a lovely set of turquoise jewellery to complement her gown and the necklace and ear bobs were perfect.

  Mama came in to admire her ensemble. 'Keep your head high, you have nothing to be ashamed of and you are the future Countess of Sawsbury. Let no one forget that. I cannot tell you how pleased we are with that young man – even if he wasn't an earl we should still be delighted that our only child is to marry him.'

  'I thought he would wish to disassociate himself immediately he heard the rumours but the reverse is true. It's hard to credit that someone we've known so short a time already has so great an influence on our lives.'

  'The Almighty must surely have been looking down on you and it was He that pushed you into his arms. Are you content with your future now, Bella? No doubts? No regrets?'

  'Despite the fact that our lives have been turned upside down within so few days I'm happy with my choice. Emily thinks our feelings are involved but that's not the case – as far as I'm concerned. My future husband is everything I wanted but it remains an arrangement, nothing more.'

  Her mama embraced her being careful not to disturb her hair. 'As long as you're happy then it matters not the reasons for your nuptials. This evening might well be extremely unpleasant, my love, and I hope you forgive me for saying that I'm glad I don't have to accompany you.'