A Season of Romance Read online

  The journey seemed interminable but she wanted to complete it in the day and not have to stay overnight again. As they were not changing the team the coachman was obliged to travel slowly and stop twice to allow the horses to rest.

  As before, the luggage had gone on ahead and should arrive in good time for the servants to have everything unpacked when she and her mother arrived. She was feeling so unwell when the carriage finally rocked to a standstill that she needed the assistance of two footmen to get her upstairs to her apartment.

  Annie was waiting. 'I'll soon have you comfortable in bed, miss.'

  Bella raised and lowered her arms as instructed and tumbled beneath the covers with a sigh of relief. She fell asleep immediately and woke refreshed the following morning to find everything had changed.

  *

  Simon was unsurprised when a message arrived from Mrs Burgoyne to say that Bella and her family were no longer coming to Sawsbury Hall but going directly to their own establishment. This confirmed the worrying information he'd received from her father.

  He went in search of his sister and found her busy reading the letters that had accumulated in their absence. Why they hadn't been sent on he'd no idea.

  'I'm going to London…'

  'Good heavens, we've only just returned from Town – why do you feel the need to rush back so soon?'

  'Business matters, both Danbury and Burgoyne wish me to join them there immediately.'

  'I see, then it would have been better perhaps to have remained where we were and not traipsed over the country like this.'

  'You will remain here with Aunt Jemima as planned. By the by, Bella isn't coming here now but has returned to her own home with her mother.'

  Her expression changed. 'This is worrying news indeed, brother, I sincerely hope that whatever catastrophe has occurred this time you can overcome it. You and Bella are made for each other and it will be a disaster if you cannot be married as you planned.'

  'I intend to marry her and it's not because of the money. By some extraordinary happenstance I find myself in love with her and if I cannot have her as my wife then I'll not marry at all.'

  She looked at him as if he had recently escaped from a lunatic asylum. 'Not marry at all? Have you run mad? The estates are entailed and you have no legitimate heirs…'

  'I have no illegitimate ones either.' He hoped to make her smile but failed miserably.

  'This is no time for jesting, Simon. You must tell me at once why you think you've been summoned to Grosvenor Square.'

  He explained what he thought had occurred. 'I can't see it makes any difference if she was seen without an escort. Once she is your countess these rumours will no longer matter. I can assure you that I'd rather have fewer suitors because of the gossip than lose Bella as my sister.'

  'I hoped you'd say that. It could well mean remaining here for a year or so to let the dust settle.'

  'I'm in no hurry to leave – in fact, I think we should cancel my ball and hold some sort of celebration here.'

  'The banns will have to be read at Sawsbury Church and not in London, but I hardly see that as a disadvantage.'

  Aunt Jemima had wandered in as they were speaking and overheard the conversation. 'Forgive me for interfering, my boy, but I think whatever's going on you should hold to your original plans. Advance, my boy, never retreat.'

  'I'll bear that in mind, ma'am, but if you will excuse me, I must make ready for my journey. I've decided to travel post-chaise as the matter appears to be urgent.'

  'You must send word by express as soon as you know anything, Simon. Godspeed.'

  Having never travelled this way before as it was exorbitantly expensive Simon was astonished at the speed they journeyed. They were aptly named as 'yellow bounders'. He pitied the postillion obliged to ride astride the lead horse. As the teams were changed every hour or so the animals did not become distressed. He could not say the same for the passenger.

  When eventually he disembarked outside his town house he was bruised and battered and made a vow that in future, however urgent the business, he would not use this mode of transport a second time. Covering a distance that normally took a day and a half in a few hours was disconcerting.

  His valet had been abandoned as this visit to the metropolis would not be for more than one night. He had left a wardrobe full of spare garments in Town so hadn't brought bags with him. Belatedly it occurred to him that his next destination might well be the home of his beloved, Hawksford Manor, and not his own estate. Too late to repine. He could manage perfectly well without his valet if needs be.

  Despite his unexpected arrival a footman opened the door and bowed him in. His young butler appeared almost immediately.

  'Will you be staying long, my lord, or is this a flying visit?'

  'Tonight, but probably no longer than that. Are there any messages for me?'

  A silver salver appeared as if by magic upon which were half a dozen letters. He nodded his thanks but didn't pick up his correspondence. 'Have coffee and whatever's available in the kitchen sent to my study in a quarter of an hour, along with these.'

  The necessary hot water appeared in his chamber almost immediately. He stripped off his soiled stock and shirt, washed and replaced them with a crisply ironed shirt and starched neckcloth. He was aware there was someone moving about in the dressing room behind him but he took no notice until his topcoat appeared sponged and ready to wear.

  He shrugged into it whilst the willing footman rubbed his boots free of grime. He tossed the young man a silver sixpence and strode through the house to the study where his impromptu meal had been set out on a damask tablecloth with all the accoutrements associated with a grand dinner.

  He looked at the pile of letters and at the food from which a delicious aroma wafted. Eat first, just in case one of the missives contained such bad news he lost his appetite. The hour was late, the last twenty miles of his journey had been completed in darkness, so he was both impressed and astonished that his staff were able to cater to his needs so well.

  He poured himself a third cup of coffee and carried it to the desk. He flicked through the letters and thought that four of them were from ladies if he was any judge of handwriting. He opened the first of the other two. It was from his lawyer:

  My lord,

  I regret to inform you that there has been further unpleasant gossip about Miss Burgoyne. She was seen and recognised by a group of young gentlemen at an inn some distance from London with only her groom for company.

  As you can imagine this coming so close to the first rumour has added fuel to the fire. I anticipate that you will wish to cancel your betrothal as in the circumstances you cannot possibly continue without permanently damaging the good name of your family.

  I suggest that you visit my office at the earliest opportunity.

  Simon tossed the letter aside in disgust. How dare this man give him instructions? He was damned if he was going to go cap in hand to his lawyer where the wretched man would obviously wish to arrange further loans so that the money he'd received from Burgoyne could be returned.

  He would marry Bella and face the consequences and no one would tell him otherwise. He flicked open the red blob of sealing wax. This letter was from Danbury:

  Sawsbury,

  No doubt by the time you're reading this you will already know that Bella's unwise decision to ride alone is now the talk of the Town.

  What you don't know is that the information about the loss of the ships was premature – some foundered but a goodly portion of the fleet is safe and on its way to Liverpool.

  My fortunes are now restored and I'm in a position to return the loan I had from your future father-in-law. I'm certain that you will ignore the opprobrium of the ton and go ahead with your marriage.

  Burgoyne has gone to Liverpool so has asked me to call on you. Would you send word to Hanover Square on your arrival whatever time of the day or night it might be? I shall come to you at once.

  The contrast betwee
n the two letters could not have been more marked. Danbury was a gentleman he intended to become better acquainted with. Should he send a footman even though it was already well after ten o'clock or could it wait until the morning?

  As expected the other letters were expressing the regrets of the writer that they were no longer able to attend Emily's ball. He was torn – should he cancel all further engagements, including their own event, or continue as if nothing unseemly had happened? He didn't care if he was given the cut direct, if backs were turned on him as he approached, but he wouldn't put Emily or Bella through that humiliation.

  His lips curved. He was quite certain Aunt Jemima wouldn't be fazed for one minute by anything that happened here. After all, had she not been present at a variety of battles, seen things that would shock even the stoutest heart?

  He rang the bell and sent the footman who answered his summons to Hanover Square. He paced the study trying to get his thoughts in order and wished that his future father-in-law had put his daughter's welfare ahead of his business interests and remained to speak to him first.

  Half an hour later Danbury arrived. 'I didn't expect to hear from you until tomorrow at the earliest but I'm glad you're here.'

  They shook hands and Simon poured them both a generous glass of cognac before they took their seats in front of the fire.

  'My lawyer thinks I'll break off the engagement, but however bad the situation I intend to marry Bella. Not for the money, I hasten to add, but because I love her and no one else will do.'

  'Good man, that's no more than I expected of you. I think it would be best to vacate this house and remain on your estate until after your nuptials. Why not hold a house party at Sawsbury Hall? My daughters were most impressed by the officers who attended our little soirée the other night and are content to abandon our plans for the Season if they can spend time flirting with those military gentlemen.'

  'Mrs Featherstone thinks otherwise, but I agree with you. We don't want to put the ladies through any embarrassment if we can avoid it. My house is vast, a draughty mausoleum of a place, but there is an abundance of guest rooms and servants' quarters.'

  'So you could accommodate everyone with ease?'

  'If I take the staff from here then I think I can safely invite fifty or more. There is one small problem, however, I need to convince Bella that she must go ahead with the marriage.'

  Chapter Thirteen

  The next three days passed in a blur as Bella was barely awake. On the fourth day she was roused by raised voices outside the bedchamber door. With some trepidation she moved her head and was relieved to find it no longer hurt when she did this.

  One of the people outside was Simon. She braced herself for his arrival as he wouldn't allow anyone to keep him out once he'd decided to come in. Mama was vociferous in her efforts to stop him but he was having none of it. The door swung open and he stepped in.

  Her mouth gaped and her eyes widened. What was so urgent that he'd come to her travel-stained and in disarray? She raised a hand, stopping him in his tracks.

  'No, I'll not speak to you in here. I shall get up whilst you remove the dirt from your journey. Return in half an hour.'

  His mouth thinned. He was not used to being given orders so abruptly. Then he nodded and departed as speedily as he'd arrived.

  'My dear girl, I do apologise for that. I tried to tell him you were asleep, recovering from your concussion, but he wouldn't listen.'

  'I'm well now, Mama, and I'm going to get up. I cannot dawdle as I'm certain he'll be here not a minute later than the time I gave him.'

  Annie had sent the chambermaid running to fetch hot water and soon, with the assistance of her maid, Bella was feeling more the thing.

  'My hair must remain loose as putting it up pulls horribly on the sutures.'

  'I'll gather it loosely at your nape, miss, and tie it with a ribbon that matches your gown.'

  As she was being dressed she'd had time to review what had happened. Simon might be her future husband but he was a guest here and he'd showed appalling manners by intruding as he had.

  The door crashed open just as she was stepping into her sitting room adding to her annoyance. 'There's no need to bang doors like that, my lord, I can say with absolute certainty that everyone here is well aware of your displeasure without the necessity of behaving like a schoolboy.'

  This was hardly conciliatory but at Hawksford she would be treated with respect.

  He seemed to grow several inches, became a veritable giant, and a very angry one at that. She refused to be cowed and straightened her shoulders and glared right back at him.

  'Miss Burgoyne, I have travelled here to assure you that despite everything that's being said to your detriment in Town I intend to honour our arrangement.'

  'Then you will be delighted to know that I am releasing you from your obligations. My father has agreed he will not require you to repay the money he has given you as it is I that am breaking the engagement. I thank you for coming and hope that you eventually find someone less objectionable to marry.'

  The words had come from nowhere, but having spoken them a weight lifted from her shoulders. Until that moment she'd not realised how she felt about marrying a gentleman she scarcely knew and wasn't sure she even liked.

  If she'd expected him to protest, to try and persuade her to change her mind she would have been bitterly disappointed. He bowed as if to a lady that he didn't know.

  'Breaking the arrangement is your prerogative, but until I have spoken to your father we must remain betrothed.'

  There could be only one reason for his reluctance to sever the connection. 'Very well, but as far as I'm concerned it's over. As you don't trust I'm speaking the truth about the money I can understand your desire to have it confirmed.'

  She nodded and stood rigid until he left the room. Where was Papa? Surely, he should be with them by now?

  After a few minutes she went in search of her mother and eventually discovered her in her own sitting room busily writing a letter.

  'Mama, where is Papa? Lord Sawsbury insists he must speak to him before he accepts our engagement is broken.'

  'Papa is in Liverpool attending to some business. Whilst you were unwell we heard that only a portion of the fleet was lost and the remaining ships are on their way to England. He's gone to try and confirm that the information is correct.'

  'Does that mean he's going to sail in search of them? He might be gone for months.'

  'No, child, he hopes to speak to other captains who might have seen or heard something on the subject and be able to confirm that everything was not lost.'

  'I suppose his lordship will remain here in the meantime?'

  'I am at this very moment writing to your father informing him of your decision. I'm certain he will write to you and to Lord Sawsbury as soon as he receives this. It will go by express and he should have it by the morning.'

  The thought of sharing her home with him for the next few days filled her with foreboding. He was a very persuasive gentleman and might well attempt to change her mind.

  'Mama, how bad is the gossip? Would marrying me taint the Sawsbury name?'

  'It certainly wouldn't enhance it. That young man wishes to marry you regardless and despite your reservations I don't think it's because of the funds.'

  'Even if that were true, I no longer wish to be married – not to him or anyone. I know it will be a disappointment to you and Papa, but I think it best in the circumstances that I don't marry into the aristocracy after all.'

  'Do you believe that your name is irredeemably blackened? That you'll never be accepted in the best drawing rooms?'

  'No, I don't give a fig for that. I understand myself a little better now. Wealthy families who have made their money through hard work don't ostracise people in the same way as the ton. Sawsbury was at pains to explain that however bad my reputation might be at the moment just by being married to him my sins would be expunged. When I marry it will be to somebody like us who does
n't live by such narrow-minded rules.' Mama didn't respond but merely smiled.

  'I'm going for a walk around the garden, why don't you come with me, my dear? The fresh air will do you good after being in bed for several days.'

  The weather was surprisingly clement for the beginning of April. The roses were in bud, the trees bursting with fresh, green leaves and birdsong filled the air. Bella loved the grounds of Hawksford even though the house was far too large for such a small family.

  *

  Simon was staring from his sitting room window and saw Bella and her mother appear below. He didn't give a damn about speaking to her father, it was merely an excuse to remain under her roof and give him the opportunity to persuade her to change her mind.

  He watched them for a few minutes and then decided to go out and join them. He wasn't sure how many days he had before he would be obliged to leave. Burgoyne could arrive at any moment and his excuse to linger would be gone.

  He'd arrived in his carriage, his baggage on the back and his valet inside with him. His horses would need two days to recover and he intended to use every minute to his advantage.

  He strolled out onto the terrace as the two ladies were returning up the handsome marble staircase that led from the gardens below.

  'Mrs Burgoyne, Bella, may I walk with you a while?'

  She was about to refuse but her mother smiled. 'I'm about to go inside, you take my place, my lord.'

  Before Bella could protest he stepped in and threaded her arm through his. 'It will do us both good to stretch our legs. The park is well laid out, did your father employ Capability Brown?'

  'No, it was like this when we arrived.' She pointed into the distance where the crumbling turrets of a folly could be seen on the far side of the ornamental lake. 'That's my favourite place – I intend to walk there.'

  'Then I'll accompany you. It must be more than a mile and you might need my assistance if you feel unwell at some point.'

  She shrugged as if she cared not if he came or remained behind. 'I'm fully recovered, thank you, sir, but you may come if you insist.'