by Quinn, Ella
“Of course.” She returned his grin, but also wished she’d had the opportunity to attend a Season.
About half way to their destination, Lady Sarah, riding a bay mare, came up beside Laia. “This is great fun. Thank you for allowing us to join you.”
“I am glad you could come.” She and her sisters had been allowed only short visits with other young ladies and had no friends outside the family. She hoped Lady Sarah would be her first. “I’m glad that Meg and Hawksworth knew you.”
“I cannot tell you how much I admire your brother and sister, and how grateful I am to them.” Lady Sarah’s countenance became solemn. “Without Quartus’s and their help, Jeremy and I would have had a much more difficult time.”
“I am glad they could assist you.” And not only Lady Sarah, but Frank and Jenny, and Quartus and Anna as well. Meg and Damon were her only relations with the power to continuously defy Father.
“As am I.” Joy filled Lady Sarah’s face again. “I had heard about you and your sisters and brothers from Lord Quartus, but I never dreamed we would have a chance to meet.”
Laia had never dreamed she would be in Bath and away from her father’s close supervision. “I heard about you as well.” She knew she should not be prying, but after what Damon said earlier her curiosity had to be satisfied. “How did you come to be engaged to Quartus when you were already betrothed to another?”
Lady Sara laughed lightly. “We were never actually betrothed. We simply allowed your father and my brother to think we were.
“It all started before my parents’ deaths. They had agreed that Jeremy and I could wed, but it had to be before my twenty-first birthday. He had gone off to India, you see, and Papa wanted to ensure I did not wait for him forever. We were allowed to write to each other and had been corresponding for years, but one or two of the letters never reached me.” She looked at her brother riding ahead of them and pulled a face. “For some reason, most likely because Markham and I were arguing at the time, I blamed him and never told him Jeremy was on his way home. He, quite naturally, believed that Jeremy would not arrive in time and I would lose an inheritance one of my great-aunts left me.” She glanced at Laia. “I had to wed by the time I reached my majority to receive it. Your father contacted Markham and proposed that I marry Quartus. You may imagine my chagrin. However, I still did not trust my brother, and when I told Quartus I could not marry him, he assured me I could trust him with my problems. I told him about Jeremy. He and your brother and sister helped us.”
Lady Sarah was fortunate she had met Quartus. “That sounds exactly like something they would do.” Laia repressed a shudder at her memory of the duke’s reaction. They had walked around on tip-toes for days afterward. “My father was livid.”
“Yes, well.” Lady Sarah shrugged as if the duke’s temper was no matter to her. As indeed it wasn’t. Lucky woman. “Meg thought Anna and Quartus were falling in love, and she knew your father would not approve of that match.”
“Quite frankly, I do not understand why he disapproved. Quartus is now consort to a duchess, and they are very happy.”
Lady Sarah’s lips pressed together in a thin line. Then she heaved a sigh. “I should probably not say this to you, as it is not proper for me to criticize your father. However, I was told by my brother that the duke was determined to obtain my dower property, which shares a border with one of the Somerset properties.”
Laia’s heart dropped to her stomach then bounced into her throat, threatening to choke her. The conversation she had overheard between Meg and Damon came rushing back to Laia, and it was several moments before she could speak again. She had not wanted to believe that all her father cared about was increasing the dukedom’s wealth.
Hoping for another answer, she asked, “Was that the only reason?”
“As far as I know it was.” The other lady frowned. “At least that’s what my brother told me, and I have no reason to disbelieve him.”
As she now had some reason to doubt her father, Laia wondered if a piece of property was being traded for her and, if so, which one. Still, did it really matter? No matter her father’s reasons, she was engaged to be married. Father had sent her mother a letter stating that the settlement agreements had been signed.
What choice did she have other than to wed Bolton? Her father would disown her if she attempted to jilt the duke. One of her brothers might take her in, but she would have made her sisters’ situations worse than they already were. Especially Euphrosyne’s. She would be the next to marry.
“Have you met the Duke of Bolton?” Lady Sarah asked. “I understand that he has been married a number of times. He is quite old is he not?”
Before Laia could respond, Jeremy Bellingham and Mr. Paulet rode up to them.
“Bellingham is missing his bride.” Mr. Paulet grinned as he took his place beside Laia, and Lady Sarah dropped back next to her husband. “May I bear you company?”
“Of course.” Laia summoned a smile. She might as well enjoy herself while she could. Suddenly, the future did not look as happy as she had thought it would be. “Tell me, have you been to Farley Castle before? The guide books said it has relics.”
The corner of one of his lips twitched. “Have you ever seen a relic, my lady?”
“No. I have only read about them.”
“Then I shan’t ruin the surprise.”
“Have you seen them?” She hated surprises. Or was he was making a May game of her?
“I have seen relics on the Continent, but they were papish ones. I doubt this chapel will have anything so gruesome.”
Gruesome? Despite the warmth of the day she shuddered. “Well, of all the things to say.”
She frowned at him, but his lips curved up and his eyes twinkled.
“Impossible man.”
He burst out laughing.
“I shall ask my brother. He will tell me.”
“No, no.” He held his hand up while he brought himself under control. “The ones I saw in Spain were bones of those believed to be saints or martyrs.
Unable to hide her disgust, Laia wrinkled her nose. “Bones?”
“Yes. They were dressed in rich clothing and jewels. I greatly doubt that one would find such things in England.”
“I certainly hope not.” Just the idea of looking at dead people made her want to shiver.
Guy didn’t think he had ever met anyone, outside of a young child, who was as open as Lady Laia. Her naiveté could not last, of course. According to Damon, the whole idea of this sojourn in Bath was to teach her what any other young lady would have learned preparing for her first Season.
Laia was well-educated, clever, and quick witted, and would soon understand that she must hide her thoughts behind a polite smile to survive. A part of Guy was sorry that he’d have to witness the change. Then again, another part of him looked forward to watching her as she navigated the social world of Bath. He had no doubt she would soon have them all—the gentlemen young and old and the old biddies—at her delicate feet.
By the time autumn came, she would be able to navigate the haut ton with ease. The only question was which gentleman would be by her side.
Despite the fact that he was drawn to her, any woman he wed must be able to take up the role of political hostess. Meg had been correct. In order for his career to advance, he must have a wife. A single gentleman required a hostess for entertainments that included ladies. His Aunt Harriett had acted as his hostess, but she had recently retired to the country. Was she too trying to tell him he needed to marry?
It behooved him to discover where Laia’s interests lay. Although, if he fell in love with her, would it matter? Based upon the love matches he’d seen, much was overlooked or forgiven for the sake of love. Still, he should know if she was a Tory or had Whiggish tendencies. The latter would suit him well. “You mentioned that you followed your brother’s progress during the war. Are you interested in politics as well?”
She glanced at him, startled. “I am, but�
�—her cheeks colored once more—“we—that is, my brothers and sisters and I are not encouraged to discuss our views at home.” Her mouth twitched to one side. “Unless we agree with our father, that is.”
No surprise there. From what he had heard, the duke did not entertain dissenting opinions from anyone on anything. Still, her answer seemed to suggest that she did not agree with Somerset. “Ah, but your father is not here. Therefore, you may express your beliefs freely and in complete confidence that you will not be betrayed.”
Staring at him, she drew one corner of her lower lip between her pearl-like teeth. “I suppose I may. I have read Wollstonecraft, and Bentham, as well as John Locke, and other philosophers.”
That sounded like a radical program for a young lady. “With your father’s permission?”
This time when Laia blushed, it was with a guilty shrug. “No. We had a governess who encouraged our reading. It all went well until Euphrosyne decided to argue with my father one day and used the Vindication of the Rights of Women as an example of him being incorrect.” Laia wrinkled her nose. “The governess left shortly thereafter.”
“Without a reference, no doubt.”
“I assume that is what my father thought, but Mama wrote her one.” Laia glanced away for a moment. “I liked Miss Rushmount and was sorry to see her go.”
“Does the duke allow you to read the newspapers?” Many fathers did not.
“Oh, yes.” The smile returned, and Laia’s eyes were shining again. “Naturally, we do not discuss what we have read in our father’s hearing. I understand that Hawksworth has become involved in supporting many of the Whig positions, even the more radical ones.”
“He has.” Guy should not think of her as Laia and should use her title, but he couldn’t seem to do it despite the fact that it would lead to a slip he’d have trouble explaining. “Meg is becoming famous for her drawing rooms, and is an adept political hostess.”
“That is not surprising. My mother said she encouraged my brother’s activities. I would love to become involved in her causes.” Laia’s tone was wistful but eager, as if she were counting the days until she could take more of a hand in events. That would not happen if she married his uncle. “As it is, I am allowed to send only a small amount of my pin-money in support.” She grimaced.
“Because of your father?” He was amazed she was allowed to support Lady Hawksworth’s causes at all.
“Oh, no.” Laia shook her head. “ He doesn’t know anything about it. Meg will not accept more. She and my mother make me save most of it. Truly, my sister and I have nothing to spend our money on at home. We are not allowed to go to the village very much.”
Laia’s brow wrinkled as if she were trying to figure out a problem, and he wanted to smooth it out with his thumb.
“Meg says I may find myself in need of money in the future.”
If Laia wed Guy’s uncle, she might very well need funds of her own. Yet if she married him, she would never be told how to use her funds. “I think it is a wise idea. One never knows what might happen.”
“Yes.” She smiled. “I am sure I will find a use for it at some point.”
They had fallen some distance behind the others. “You sit a horse well. Would you like to race to where the others are?”
Laia glanced around. “We won’t get in trouble, will we?”
“There is no one to tattle on you here.” Guy was egging her on, and he knew he should not. But she was so earnest. “If you are afraid . . .”
Her shoulders straightened even more. “On the count of three.”
“One, two, three.” They took off at the same time.
For a while it looked as if they’d be evenly matched, but once his gelding got it into his mind to win her mare fell behind. Still, she kept up and Guy won by only a head.
“You, my lady, are an excellent horsewoman,” he said.
“Thank you, sir.” Her smile was broader than he’d ever seen it. “That was exhilarating.”
Hawksworth rode back to them. “Teaching my little sister tricks, are you?”
Guy raised his quizzing glass, leveling it at his friend. “Might I bring to your attention that we are not in Hyde Park? And I can think of no reason why she should not have a good gallop.”
“Hawksworth,” Laia said in a worried tone. “If I had known—”
“I was teasing you, Laia.” He smiled at her. “Paulet is absolutely correct. There is no reason why you should not race here.”
Her forehead was still creased. She really was worried about behaving wrongly. And he discovered an interesting desire to kiss her troubles away that had nothing to do with his growing lust for her. “Come, you two. We should rejoin the rest of our party.”
When they finally reached the cathedral, Laia wanted to look at the relics first. As Guy had suspected, they were not skeletons covered in velvet and jewels, but old cups and other things from an earlier era.
“Well, what do you think?”
She pulled a face. “Believe it or not, I almost wish they were the relics you described. Now that I’m over my initial shock, I would like to see such things.”
Guy resisted the urge to pull her closer to him. He wanted to take her to Europe and show them to her. “Perhaps someday you shall.”
Chapter 6
The next morning, Laia was the first of the family down to breakfast, and she took the opportunity to read the newssheets Damon had sent to them by messenger.
The Times Laia had read many times before, but her father didn’t receive the Morning Post, calling it nothing but useless gossip.
After pouring a cup of tea, she took a piece of toast and eagerly perused the first page. By the time she reached the court column, she had laughed over a piece on the proud hound who rode in his master’s carriage, dreamed of attending the balls and other entertainments depicted, and learned who had already left Town and who remained.
When Laia got to the third page, she almost dropped her tea cup.
* * *
We have been given to understand that Lady Aglaia Trevor, the eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Somerset, is betrothed to the Duke of Bolton.
Lady Aglaia will be the duke’s fifth wife. All of the formalities have been completed and an end of July wedding is anticipated.
* * *
How could they possibly know anything thing about her betrothal? She could not imagine her father sending such information to a newspaper he loathed. Nor could she think that the Duke of Bolton had sent a letter imparting such private news.
“Laia, you look as if you’ve seen a ghost.” Her mother strolled into the breakfast room accompanied by Hawksworth and Meg. Where was Mr. Paulet? He usually came with them.
“Look at this.” She handed her mother the newssheet. “Who would have sent that to them?”
“I have no idea, but I do not see anything remarkable in it.” Mama handed the paper back to Laia. “Betrothals are frequently mentioned and announced. What upsets you?”
She glanced at the newssheet again, and the words, Lady Aglaia will be the duke’s fifth wife, almost screamed at her. She had been quite pleased with her betrothal, but the idea of being someone’s fifth wife began to sit poorly.
“Well, it certainly wasn’t Bolton.” Hawksworth leaned over her shoulder. “I wouldn’t want anyone to be reminded that I’d already gone through four wives.”
“Must you put it like that?” Laia wanted to hit him.
“Damon.” Meg’s tone held a soft rebuke. “Think of your sister’s feelings.”
“I am. Or, rather, of her health.” He took two plates from the table and began to fill them from the offerings on the sideboard. “Paulet said none of them were breeding when they died.”
Once again, a cold shiver ran down Laia’s spine. Had the duke murdered his wives? Mr. Paulet had suggested something was not right with their deaths. She tried to keep her voice from trembling as she said, “I am bound by Father’s decision.”
Hawkswort
h shrugged. “Not under the law, you’re not.”
She shook her head. “I do not understand. He is my father. He may do with me what he wills.”
“Yes, my dear. He is your father.” Meg took the seat next to Laia’s and smiled at her brother when he handed his wife a cup of tea. “However, under the law, no woman can be forced to enter into a marriage she does not want. That is not to say that family will not influence her or attempt to do so. They are exceeding good at applying pressure, as it were.” Meg busied herself spreading freshly made strawberry jam on her toast. “Do you not attain your majority on the sixth of July?” Laia nodded. “In that event, you must validate the marriage contracts before your wedding if they are to take effect.”
She scanned the room for her mother, who had . . . disappeared. Strange. Every time a discussion of her marriage came up, Mama was never there. “We all know what would happen if I married against Father’s wishes.” Of course they did. Still, Meg’s and Hawksworth’s steady gazes never wavered. “What do you suggest I do?”
“You?” her brother said. “Nothing. I, on the other hand, shall make some discreet inquiries into the shortened lives of the wives of your betrothed.”
Laia started to speak, but Damon held up his hand. “It will most likely take some time. There is no need to worry now about anything I might discover.”
Next to her, her sister-in-law breathed a sigh of relief. “I think that is an excellent idea, my love. Laia?”
“I agree. After all, we might be maligning the duke just because his wives have not been in good health.” On the other hand, if the worst were true, surely Father would agree that she could not marry a man who murdered his wives.
Her brother raised a dubious brow, but said, “We might indeed.” Leaning down, he kissed Meg’s cheek. “I’ll return in an hour or so. Will you be here, or do you have plans to go out?”
“I’m not sure yet. I must speak with Catherine.” Meg placed her hand on his cheek. “If we go out, I’ll leave word for you.”
