Читать книгу The Reluctant Bride - Meg Alexander - Страница 10

It was an unfortunate beginning, but India kept her eyes fixed firmly on the carpet.

“You speak in riddles, sir,” she said. “Won’t you sit down?” Her shaking hands she kept well hidden. It was impossible to think with that large figure looming over her.

Isham sank into a chair. “Demure, Miss Rushford? The role does not suit you. I prefer the termagant who barred my entrance yesterday…”

India longed to tell him that his preference was not of the slightest interest to her, but she refused to be drawn. There was too much at stake. “You wished to speak to me, I believe?”

“Oh, I thought you wished to speak to me.” The lazy eyes roved over her, and she was reminded of Letty’s comment. Now she too felt naked beneath this creature’s gaze. Anger stiffened her resolve. The man was impossible. Well, he should find her a worthy adversary.

“My uncle tells me that you seek a bride,” she said in icy tones. “I understand that you have offered for me.”

“For either of you, Miss Rushford,” he corrected. It was a deliberate insult and India’s rage increased as his mocking voice continued.

“Your sister is the more conventional beauty, of course, though admittedly you have a certain something. In London I remarked it often.”

“In London?” India stared at him. “I think we have not met before…”

“I did not say that we had met. You did not frequent the gaming rooms, but your height alone attracts attention.”

India coloured, which added to her feelings of mortification. She bit her lips upon a hot retort, but he gave her no time to answer him.

“Pray do not feel embarrassed,” the maddening voice continued. “It is not a fault. Often I have observed that tall women have a certain elegance and style which must be the envy of their shorter cousins.”

“You are too kind!” India gritted out. “Have you other views on my appearance, sir? My nose, is perhaps, a little too long, and my mouth too wide?”

He was beside her in an instant. Then, to her horror, a large hand cupped her chin and turned her face to his, “No, no! Don’t underestimate yourself. Those eyes are well enough, and your skin is flawless. As to the hair? Well…not quite in the common way, perhaps…”

India struck his hand away, “I could always wear a wig,” she cried in fury.

“That’s better!” Isham was laughing down at her. “Now you are more yourself. We shall deal well together, my dear, but only if we are honest with each other. I can’t bear missish ways.”

India did not answer him. This interview was not going as she’d planned. He’d teased her into losing her temper and shedding her cool composure.

Now she tried to remember what she had meant to say. “You go too quickly, my lord,” she murmured. “I do not know you.”

“But you know of me, do you not? Now where is the stumbling-block? Is it the gambling, or the opera-dancer?”

It was too much. India rose to her feet and faced him squarely. “Are you trying to be offensive, sir? If so, I must wonder why you are here.”

“I’m here to offer for you,” he grinned. “Will you take me, ma’am? I promise to forget the opera-dancer.”

His tone had changed, but India would not be mollified. Even so, she chose her next words carefully.

“My uncle mentioned certain arrangements, sir. May I hear them from your own lips?”

Isham’s expression hardened. “If you will have it then, here is what I propose.” In a cool tone he listed details of the marriage settlement. “Is that satisfactory?”

“Perfectly, I thank you. And your own requirements?” India was aware that her apparently mercenary attitude had angered him, but she did not care. He himself had proposed this contract. In effect, he was buying her as a man might buy a slave in some Eastern market. She would not pretend that anything other than this settlement would persuade her to accept him.

“I need an heir.” His bluntness now matched her own. “I must also have a hostess, as I intend to enter politics. My wife must be able to receive the highest in the land and entertain them royally.”

India felt a little flicker of interest. “Shall you go with the Whigs or the Tories?”

“With the Whigs. I take it you have no objections?”

“Not in the least.” Secretly India was pleased. The policies of the Whigs were much more to her taste.

“Then we are agreed?” Isham held out his hand.

“Not yet, my lord. I need more time to consider your proposal…”

“Nonsense!” he said roughly. “Had you not made up your mind you would not be here. Pray spare me these attempts at maidenly convention.”

India hesitated.

“Come!” he continued. “You make your decision now, ma’am, or my offer does not stand.”

“But where is the need for haste?”

“I have my reasons. I do not propose to burden you with them at this present time.”

“Then perhaps an engagement…?”

“Which you would seek to break at the earliest opportunity? No, my dear, you must give me credit for some intelligence. If you accept we shall be wed by Christmas.”

“So soon? It is but weeks away…”

He smiled at her discomfiture and it infuriated her further. She had suspected him of being ruthless. Now she was sure of it. She was in no position to refuse him and well he knew it. He must have guessed at the pressure which had been brought to bear on her. Now he had added to it with his threat to withdraw.

“Let us understand each other,” he said at last. “I shall keep to the terms of our agreement if you will keep to yours. Your feelings towards me need not signify…”

India glared at him and he laughed.

“Will you deny that you detest me, ma’am? I should not believe you. If looks could kill I should now be lying at your feet.”

India was reduced to silence. She had never met a stranger character. What other man would offer to wed a woman who disliked him? She should have refused him there and then, but something held her back, and it was not only the thought of material advantage. With this man her life would most certainly not be dull, and what was the alternative? Letty would marry and she herself would wither on the vine, reduced to caring for a petulant invalid who gave her neither thanks nor affection.

Suddenly she held out her hand, rather to her own surprise. “We have a bargain, sir.”

Isham took her hand and kissed it, and as he did so she felt an odd little frisson of excitement. Those warm lips seemed to burn her skin and she drew back quickly.

“Shall we tell Mama?” she asked.

As she had expected, Mrs Rushford was overcome with joy. She would have embraced Lord Isham, but to India’s amusement he managed to avoid this fate.

Her sister was her main concern. Letty looked stricken to the heart.

India made as if to go to her, but Isham forestalled her, taking her sister to one side. It was to be some months before India discovered what was said on that occasion, but whatever it was removed the troubled look from Letty’s brow.

Oh, he was clever, India thought bitterly. He knew exactly what to say to ingratiate himself with every member of her family.

Later she tried to question Letty, but for once her sister was reticent.

“You have not even reproached me,” India murmured in surprise. “I thought you were against this match.”

“I was.” Letty’s look was positively smug. “But you know best…”

India could not help but wonder. Had Isham promised to help Giles, or Oliver? She would not put it past him to rally support in every way he knew. She tried to question the uncommunicative Letty further, but without success.

From then on she found herself with little time to think. Preparations for the wedding came upon her thick and fast. Isham would not hear of a delay, in spite of Mrs Rushford’s half-hearted protests that it was already late November.

In spite of her dislike of Isham, India could only admire the way in which he handled her mother’s objections. She noted wryly that he stifled possible argument before it could begin. Mrs Rushford was given no opportunity to insist upon her grandiose plans for an elaborate ceremony.

“I would not place such a strain upon you, ma’am,” Isham murmured smoothly. “Your health must be our first consideration…”

India almost giggled. For once her mother’s hypochondria had been cleverly used against her.

His lordship was not finished. “Time is short, as you have pointed out. I should not have ventured such a brief engagement except that of necessity you will wish to observe the proprieties…”

Isabel Rushford stared at him.

“I see that you agree with me,” he continued. “Owing to your recent loss we cannot celebrate in the style we might have wished. Otherwise the marriage might have taken place in London. As matters stand a simple ceremony would be best.”

It was a statement of intent, rather than a question, and India could not forbear to smile. It was what he had intended from the first, she suspected, but he had advanced upon her mother in good order, reminding her of the need for decorum, but sweetening the pill with apparent consideration for her health.

She caught his eye and surprised a wicked twinkle. Then he turned back to her mama.

“Ma’am, you will have so much to do, and I am sorry for it, but when the announcement appears in the Morning Post you may expect a flood of letters…” He sighed. “It is always the way upon these occasions, I fear.”

This happy prospect succeeded in lessening Mrs Rushford’s disappointment. Smiling fondly upon her future son-in-law, she left the betrothed couple to themselves.

Isham grinned at his bride-to-be. “Well?” he said. “How was that? I take it you have no wish for some fantastic circus?”

“Would it make a difference if I had?” India was very much upon her dignity. She regretted that he had seen her smiling at his machinations.

“Not in the least, you prickly creature! Even so, I imagine that you will wish for bride-clothes and a trousseau?”

For an awful moment India thought that he was about to offer her money. That would be the last straw. Already she felt like some commodity in the marketplace.

His lazy gaze rested upon her face. “No matter,” he announced. “We shall be a law unto ourselves. In this case the bride shall have her trousseau after we are wed.”

“It will be unnecessary, sir. You have pointed out yourself that I am still in mourning.”

It was a brutal reminder of his part in her father’s death, and Isham’s expression changed. “As you wish,” he said shortly. “Though the convention does not apply to a bride.”

India made no reply. She thought she saw a look of impatience in his eyes, but he changed the subject.

“I leave for London in the morning,” he announced. “I shall be away for several days. Have you any commissions for me?”

“None, my lord, though I wish you a safe journey.”

“Thank you, my dear.” His tone was ironic. “For that, at least, I must be grateful. India, may we not drop some of the formality? My name is Anthony.”

“Very well, my lord…I mean, Anthony…When do you return?”

“You will be spared my company until Thursday of next week. I have other matters to attend…”

India guessed that these important matters most probably concerned a visit to the opera-dancer, but she thrust the thought aside. It was no concern of hers.

“I hope to return with my half-brother, Henry,” Isham continued. “He will wish to support me at the ceremony.”

It was an unpleasant reminder of the course to which she had committed herself, but now that the decision had been made India was resolved to play her part.

“I look forward to meeting him,” she murmured politely. She was beginning to feel ashamed of her curt manner. Isham had done his best to treat her with civility in spite of her rudeness. On an impulse she held out her hand, but his lordship did not take it. There was something in his expression as he looked at her which she did not understand. For once his manner appeared abstracted.

“Tell me,” he said at last. “Do you go abroad much in the evenings?”

India stared at him. It was the oddest question.

“No, we do not,” she replied tartly. Isham must know that Mrs Rushford was not in a position to keep horses or a carriage.

“I believe that on occasion you have the use of Sir James’s carriage?” he persisted. “May I beg you not to use it after dusk?”

India stiffened. She was not yet Lord Isham’s wife. Why should he think it proper to dictate to her? She would go out as she wished.

He saw her look, smiled, and shook his head, but then his face grew grave. “There is good reason for my warning, India. You have not heard of the unrest?”

“No,” she answered in surprise. “What is that, my lord?”

“There is disaffection in this area, and it is growing. Certain men are banding together in large groups. They roam abroad at night, smashing machinery and burning factories.”

“But why? Who are they?”

“They are mostly labourers from the framework knitting industry.”

“But why destroy their means of livelihood?”

“That livelihood is almost non-existent now, I fear. The war with France has reduced demand for their stockings and export of Midlands cotton goods has fallen by a third. The harvest has been poor this year and food prices are extremely high. On reduced wages they cannot afford to eat. Half the local population is on public relief.”

“Then one can hardly blame them,” India cried.

“Their despair is understandable, my dear, but their actions cannot be condoned. The mood is ugly, they are heavily armed with muskets, pistols and hatchets. And there has been at least one death.”

India gasped. “We have heard nothing of this,” she said slowly. “But Anthony, they could have no reason to attack a private carriage. We ourselves do not go out at night, but both our uncles come to visit us.”

If Isham was pleased that she had used his given name of her own accord he gave no sign of it.

“I have no wish to frighten you,” he told her gently. “Yet a mob is sometimes carried away with a strange energy of its own. It needs only a core of hotheads; even a few will serve to whip the others to a frenzy. Then the original reasons for their actions are forgotten. Anyone may become a target.”

She shuddered, but he took her hand and pressed it. “You will be safe indoors,” he comforted. “And to date they have not ventured forth in daylight.”

Once again he raised her fingers to his lips. And this time she did not draw away until he took a step towards her. India stood very still. Pray heaven he would not try to embrace her. He was a stranger still. She would need more time to grow accustomed to this man who had come so unexpectedly into her quiet life. Yet again his curious antennae warned him of her feelings. He merely bowed and released her hand.

India felt like a gauche schoolgirl. Would she ever be at ease with him? He was unlike anyone she had met before. In his presence she was aware of the raw power beneath his formal manner. Charm and courtesy could not disguise it. She was about to marry a dangerous man.

He gave her no time to ponder further. With a brief word of farewell he took his leave.

They had expected no more visitors that day, but Isham had not been gone above an hour when Sir James Perceval arrived. He hurried into the parlour eager to hear their news.

“Well, my dears,” he said expectantly. “How did you go on with Isham?”

“Oh, James, such news!” Isabel Rushford could not hide her delight. “India is to wed his lordship!”

Sir James took India in his arms and kissed her soundly. “Well done, my child! Isham is a lucky man, and as for yourself, you could not have chosen a better.”

Forcing a smile, India thanked him. She was not surprised when he turned to her mama. “If only Hester had some of India’s good sense,” he mourned. “Now, perhaps, as India is betrothed, she will try to persuade my wilful daughter to follow her example.”

Wisely, Isabel said nothing. There was no love lost between herself and this particular niece. India might be difficult at times, but she was a paragon of obedience compared with Hester. She considered privately that the girl had been indulged beyond reason. Now there was no controlling her.

“Well, India, what do you say?” Sir James looked anxious. “Will you speak to her?”

“With pleasure, Uncle, but I cannot promise that she will pay me any heed.” India smiled up at him.

Hester was her dearest friend, but she made no secret of her views on marriage. She would be no man’s chattel. The news of India’s betrothal would bring her to Lilac Cottage at the first opportunity. India was sure of it.

She was not mistaken. On the following morning Hester was announced and, characteristically, she did not beat about the bush.

“What’s this I hear?” she demanded. “Father tells us that you are to be wed.”

“It’s true!” India coloured. “Oh, Hester, I had meant to come and explain to you myself, but it wasn’t possible.”

“I can imagine!” Hester said drily. “It came as a shock to all of us. We had no idea, you see.”

“Nor had I.”

Hester studied her cousin’s face intently. “Then it is as I thought? You were coerced into taking Isham?”

“Not exactly. I made the decision myself.”

“Helped, I make no doubt, by the threat of hysterics?” Hester’s opinion of Mrs Rushford matched that lady’s dislike of her. “India, this is too important for you to be swayed in such a way. We are speaking of your entire future. Forgive me if I am too outspoken, but I care about your happiness.”

“I know it, Hester dear, but let me explain. Mama was for the match, of course, but your father too approved of it.”

“He would. Dear Father! He sees no other course for any woman as far as security is concerned.” Hester was indignant, but then her expression softened, and she smiled. “I fear my parents are biased. Theirs was a love match, as you know. They have been so happy together. I cannot blame them for wanting the same for others, but you can imagine the pressure put on me to wed. I’m sorry for their distress, but I won’t agree.”

“Your case is different,” India said quietly. “There is not the same necessity for you to earn a living.”

“I may have to,” Hester laughed. “Should Father try to marry me off against my will I intend to run away.”

India returned her cousin’s smile. “That will never happen and you know it. Both your parents adore you.”

“That affection might be strained if I continue to argue for women to have freedom of choice. Yet look at the case of our missing Marchioness. Tell me, if you can, under what compulsion did Louise Hanslope agree to marry an ancient roué three times her age? There’s a fate that my father would never have forced on me, nor even your mother on you. You have heard nothing more as to her whereabouts?”

“Not a word. Have you?”

“I’ve heard a good deal of speculation. You may take your choice of a murder committed by the Marquis, or elopement with a paramour.”

“Most probably she just fled. Her life must have been a living hell.” India turned away to hide her own sadness.

Hester saw it and returned to the matter in hand. “Why are we discussing the Marchioness?” she demanded. “What of you? Have you really accepted Isham?”

“I have, but it is not quite what you think. There was so much to consider. I gave it a good deal of thought. Your father cannot continue to support us…”

“Stuff!” Hester exploded. “He would do so willingly. What is more, he would not forgive himself if he thought such a consideration had influenced your decision.”

India looked steadily at her friend. “Will you tell me the truth?” she asked. “I believe that our assets were not enough to cover the debt to Isham. Did Uncle find the balance?”

Hester would not meet her eyes, but neither would she lie. “There was some talk of it,” she admitted uncomfortably. “But it is no great matter.”

“It is to me, and then, as you know, there is Letty to consider. Under the circumstances Oliver Wells could not have offered for her. A connection with Lord Isham will alter the matter.”

“And Giles? What has he to say to this?”

“We have not heard from him, but there is little he can do. His own inheritance has gone. Mama is hoping that Isham will do something for him.”

“Well, at least your mother will be able to live in comfort.” Hester’s expression mirrored her disgust. “Have you considered yourself in all of this?”

“Of course I have. Think about it, Hester. What is the alternative? Letty and I had but two choices. Mrs Guarding might have taken one of us to teach at the Academy, but more likely we should have had to become paid companions to some lady, and Mama cannot be left alone.”

“I see.” Hester’s tone was grim. “You will not wonder at my desire to stand up for the rights of women. We are little more than chattels.”

She stopped abruptly at the sight of India’s stricken look. “There I go again!” she confessed. “Tact is not my strongest point, but I get so angry when I think how little say we have in the conduct of our lives. Now tell me, what do you know of Isham?”

“Very little.” India admitted. “I haven’t spent above three hours in his company.”

“But are you quite determined to wed him?”

“I am. Pray don’t try to dissuade me, Hester. I have given my word and I won’t go back on it.”

“I see.” Hester looked thoughtful. “Well, if it must be, you could do worse, my love. His lordship is no fool. His intellect can only be respected. I have read some of his speeches…”

“He told me that he thinks of going into politics…”

“He should do so. Men such as he are badly needed in Government.”

“Have you met him?”

“No, but I should like to do so. He is sound on conditions in the northern mills. His place is in Cheshire, is it not? He will be aware of the high unemployment in the north. These days trade is almost non-existent, or so I hear. So many have been ruined by Napoleon’s blockade of the European ports…”

“But surely the Government must help?”

“The Government will do nothing, India, other than to order in troops to stamp out disaffection. Repression rather than compassion would appear to be the order of the day. Isham opposes this policy, I believe, although I am no expert on such matters.”

India was startled by such vehemence. “Do you think so highly of him?”

“I do, but from your tone I see that you do not.”

“I don’t know him, Hester, but he is the strangest creature. I find him somewhat overwhelming…”

“I hear that he is no Adonis, but surely that will not weigh with you?”

“Of course not. He has presence, but…”

“But you are a little afraid of him? You surprise me, India. In no time he will learn to love you. Then he will realise what a jewel he has won.”

“You are biased, my dear. The plain fact is that his lordship needs an heir. That is his only reason for making me this offer.” India stopped. She had said more than she intended, and her bitterness must be apparent.

“Nonsense!” Hester said roundly. “The man could have chosen any of a dozen females. I see that you do not find him very lover-like…”

“No! At least he has spared me professions of his undying affection.”

“Very sensible of him! He must have known that you would not believe it. Confess now, you would have despised him for uttering such sentiments?”

She was rewarded with a reluctant smile. “How well you know me, Hester. I should not have welcomed falsehood. Whatever else, Isham is always frank.”

“Well then?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I suppose he injures my pride. He has a most unfortunate knack of putting me in the wrong.”

“How so?”

“Perhaps it’s because I am so quick to judge him. Only yesterday I had thought he meant to dictate to me when he warned me not to travel after dusk even close to home. I let him see my anger. Then I found that he was thinking only of my safety. I felt mortified by my own stupidity.”

Hester nodded sagely. “He was thinking of the Luddites. You would do well to heed him.”

“Luddites? Who are they?”

“He did not tell you?”

“He said something about disaffected labourers. I’ll admit I felt some sympathy for their cause…”

“So did I until Father told us of their violence and now, he says, it is gone beyond attempts to destroy the machines and the factories. They are firing barns and hayricks and terrorising the countryside.”

“Could he not speak to them? Uncle James is a reasonable man. If he promised to address their grievances…?”

“What could he do for them? He cannot give them bread or work. Besides, no one knows who they are. They wear masks or blacken their faces, and visit savage retribution on those who inform against them.”

“Can nothing be done?”

“The Government is sending troops. They fear that we may follow France into revolution if these uprisings spread.”

“The Terror? In England? Surely not.”

“It happened in France just twenty years ago, and this movement is growing fast. It is well organised, with secret signs and passwords, and men are ‘twisted in’, or recruited, with special oaths.”

“That does not sound like the work of the ordinary labourer.”

“You are right. So many of them can neither read nor write, but letters have been sent to their employers and even to the Prime Minister, signed ‘General Ludd’. It seems that nothing will stop them, though the penalty for frame-breaking is already transportation and may become a capital offence.”

India shuddered. “Thank heavens that Mama and Letty know nothing of this as yet. They are gone to the Vicarage this morning to spread the joyous news.”

It was difficult to hide her bitterness. “I suppose I must tell them?” she asked.

“India, they are sure to hear of it from one source or another.” Hester looked thoughtful. “You are right about the working men, I feel sure. There is something behind all this—some controlling intelligence which is playing upon their baser instincts.”

“But they must be desperate,” India protested.

“True! They are being forced to starve, but this is more than a plea to right their grievances. Men fighting for a just cause are often joined by those who have private scores to settle. Father is sure of it.” Hester rose to her feet. “You will be careful, won’t you?”

“I doubt if anyone has a score to settle with this family,” India told her with a rueful smile. “I can’t recall that we have injured anyone.”

“Of course not, dearest.” Hester embraced her fondly.

“And shall you attend my wedding? I should like that above anything.”

“You shall have my support, my love, and you take with you my good wishes for a long and happy life.”

India was tempted to tease a little.

“You shall not care to follow my example?” she asked wickedly.

“Great heavens, no! My dream is to have a small house of my own. If my portion remains in my own hands I should write, surrounded by my books.”

“Then that is what I shall wish for you. It sounds idyllic.”

“It is unlikely to happen. Mother insists that I try another Season in the hope that I shall ‘take’ this time. She is such an optimist. My last attempt was a disaster.”

“It was no worse than mine, I think…”

“Oh yes it was! I am too outspoken and the gentlemen fled in droves…” Hester laughed out loud. “I did make one conquest, you’ll be pleased to hear. Can you believe it? I was attacked in the Duchess of Sutherland’s library by some ancient lecher who could hardly stand without the aid of a stick. I won’t name names, but my admirer was stone-deaf, which must account for it. Hugo had to rescue me. You should have seen his face…”

Her amusement was infectious and both girls dissolved into peals of glee.