A Vow for an Heiress

by Helen Dickson

  ‘I don’t understand. What is he doing here—in England with you?’

  ‘It’s a long and complicated story. When his mother died his father took another wife, who bore him twin sons. Anisha is beautiful and ambitious and courtiers try to ingratiate themselves with her. The Rajah is blinded by his love for her and he will do anything to please her. He is so besotted with her he can see nothing else—suddenly Dhanu is of less importance. She has great influence over him and is referred to as the new power behind the throne. Her jealousy and hatred of Dhanu knows no bounds and she will not rest until her firstborn son is put in his place.’

  Rosa was horrified by what he was telling her. ‘But—he is just a child.’

  ‘Anisha will not be secure in her position until Dhanu is removed—permanently.’

  ‘You mean she would do him harm?’

  ‘Accidents happen. I often went to the court in the Rajah’s palace on Tipu’s invitation—although I was away for long periods on military matters. When I returned after one long spell I was sensitive to the atmosphere. At first I dismissed Tipu’s accusation against his brother’s new wife. It did not take long for me to change my mind. Beneath the surface ran hidden undercurrents of plots and counterplots to get rid of the boy. Bribery, intrigue and ambition haunted the new wife’s quarters. Tipu was so concerned he employed an official taster for Dhanu lest Anisha try to poison him.’

  ‘But—that is evil.’

  ‘Tipu was insistent that steps had to be taken to protect Dhanu, which was why he asked me to bring him to England with me—along with his nurse, Mishka. She is devoted to the boy and is beside herself with remorse and more than a little guilt that she let go of his hand.’

  ‘I can imagine how she must feel. And the two men? Who are they?’

  ‘One of them is Anisha’s brother. His name is Kamal Kapoor. From your description of the man you saw in the village I am certain of it. He enjoys the kudos of being Anisha’s brother and he is as evil as she is. Hooked by ambition and greed, through her sons he would be all powerful. He is like a predatory animal and he will not stop until he has achieved his aim to remove Dhanu for good—and his father, the Rajah, when he gets back to India.’

  Rosa stared at him in disbelief. ‘You—you mean they will harm the boy?’

  He nodded. ‘Anisha and Kamal will not be content until he is dead. While ever he is alive he stands as an obstacle to her own sons. You have first-hand knowledge of the lengths they will go to, to harm him.’

  ‘Yes—yes, I have. But—you can’t keep him here for ever. There will come a time when he has to return to India. Will his father not miss him?’

  ‘Tipu will deal with him. Because his presence upset the Rajah’s wife so much, he had already decided to remove him from the palace. When it is the right time for Dhanu to return to India Tipu will send for him.’

  ‘But that could be a long way in the future.’

  ‘In which case I will keep him here with me. I have him watched all the time, but it is not always easy. He is an active boy and quietly determined. Whenever Mishka turns her back for a moment he is away on some mischief or other. She says she is tempted to tie a rope to him so she can reel him in from wherever he is hiding. Ever since he saw the lake he has been drawn to it. Perhaps it’s because he has nothing like it where he lives in India. It will not happen again.’

  ‘Your friend must love the child a great deal.’

  ‘He does. Tipu was in love with his mother. It broke his heart when she died. He would do anything for Dhanu. He’s been more of a father to him than his own.’

  ‘It’s a pity she didn’t marry Tipu instead of the Rajah.’

  ‘Her family would not hear of it. As the result of a riding accident when he was a boy, Tipu is crippled.’

  ‘I am sorry to hear that. You are fond of him, I can see that.’

  ‘We have been friends since childhood.’

  William fell silent, staring into the distance, thinking of his past and his insecurities.

  His silence prompted Rosa to turn and look at him. ‘What is it?’ she asked.

  William started and glanced at her. ‘I’m sorry. I was miles away. Another time. Another life.’ He gave her a wan smile. ‘Sometimes memories return unbidden.’

  ‘But not unwanted, I suspect.’

  ‘Some are,’ he confessed quietly, his gaze fixed unseeing on something in the distance that Rosa could not imagine and made her wonder what he could be thinking. ‘But thoughts of India return to me all the time.’ He sighed. ‘India was my home. Home,’ he mused. ‘How empty the word sounds. I suppose I shall have to get used to calling Ashurst Park my home from now on. But how can it be home when I am a virtual stranger here? There was a time not so very long go when I believed I could make my own destiny—when I would have married the woman...’ He fell silent, reluctant to say more, making Rose curious as to what he might have divulged. ‘That was not to be. Suddenly I feel that I am at the mercy of fate.’

  ‘Maybe it’s a bit of both,’ Rosa said softly, wondering if a woman he had loved—might still love, was at the heart of why he had been reluctant to accept her proposal of marriage. If this was so, where was she? Who was she? Had he loved her so much that he was blinded to all other women? ‘We are born with things that define us—character, humour, resilience—but we can make our own future, too.’

  William turned and looked at her. Their eyes linked and held, hers open, frank, with understanding in their depths, his a blend of seriousness and sadness and frustration.

  ‘I want so much to believe that. Is that what you told yourself—when you left Antigua?’

  She nodded, fixing her gaze ahead. ‘Yes. I, too, want to believe that. I came to England only once before—Grandmother spent some time with us on Antigua. I really should have got to know more about England—so that I would not have been so entirely at a disadvantage.’

  William saw that sudden, questioning vulnerability. It required an answer. ‘I, more than anyone, can understand that. We both have to acclimatise to new situations—a new life, no tears, no regrets, just memories.’

  Rosa gave a wistful, almost shy smile. His handsome face was sombre. She was acutely aware of his powerful male body seated next to her, strong and sure. The combination of all that was becoming dangerously, sweetly appealing. ‘Thank you for saying that.’

  ‘My pleasure.’ He meant what he said. Beneath the heavy fringe of dark lashes, her eyes were amazing, mesmerising in their lack of guile, and her smooth cheeks were flushed a becoming pink. Strands of her hastily arranged shining hair brushed her face. She was, he decided, refreshingly open and honest, with a gentle pride he admired. He smiled. ‘Thank you for saving Dhanu’s life, by the way.’

  His words were sincere and heartfelt. Rosa was deeply moved.

  ‘You have already thanked me. I only did what anyone else would have done when seeing a child in danger.’

  ‘Not everyone can swim.’

  ‘I was taught at an early age.’ She glanced at the cascade in the distance, trying not to think of what had happened earlier. ‘That’s a rather splendid temple up on the hill. Where does the water that feeds the lake come from?’

  ‘Fortunately Ashurst Park has been blessed with a ready supply of water. One of my ancestors was responsible for collecting water from streams and rainwater and storing it in an elaborate system of ponds, watercourses and pipes on the high ground above the lake. The view of the lake and the house from up there is quite something. But come, I expect you’ll be wanting to get home. The carriage is waiting. I’ll drive you myself,’ he said.

  ‘Thank you.’

  Leaving the house and crossing to the waiting carriage, an inexplicable, lazy smile swept over his face as he looked at her and held out his hand. Automatically she placed her hand in his and he helped her step up into the carriage, before climbing in and
taking the reins and turning the horses towards the drive. His eyes were warm with admiration as they looked straight into hers.

  ‘I trust you are feeling no ill effects from your ordeal?’

  ‘No, I am perfectly all right. I’m just glad I got to Dhanu in time.’

  ‘So am I. You did well.’

  For the rest of the journey they either sat in companionable silence or talked of inconsequential things. When William halted the carriage at Fountains Lodge he assisted Rosa down.

  Walking towards the house and aware that he seemed in no hurry to drive away, having the stirrings of an idea she turned to look back at him. The idea was perhaps ridiculous, and if she had any sense at all she would abandon the notion without giving it a moment’s consideration, but all her feelings and her concern for Lord Ashurst’s charge were heightened.

  ‘Lord Ashurst, may I make a suggestion?’

  He regarded her intently. ‘Please do.’

  ‘Would you consider letting Dhanu and Mishka come here for a while. You have told me you have serious concerns about his safety. The more I think about it, the more it seems a plausible solution.’

  ‘What?’ His amazement was genuine and he looked at her incredulously. ‘Are you serious?’

  ‘Yes—yes I am. I realise that this is a difficult time for you and that you have a problem making sure he is safe. Fountains Lodge is nowhere near as big as Ashurst Park and there are enough of us in the house to watch him. There is a reasonable sized garden at the back of the house with a containing high wall so he would not be deprived of fresh air. The men who wish to do him harm will not know he is here. I imagine they will be watching your home. From what I have seen of Dhanu he is a friendly boy. He will have no problem settling in here.’

  Without taking his eyes off her, William began reviewing her proposition seriously, making two lists in his mind—one for accepting her offer and one against. The former won. Because he had to spend so much time away from the house at present, it would be an answer to his problem. Folding his arms casually across his chest he leaned against the carriage. Miss Ingram was surveying him with a steady gaze and he considered the danger of encouraging a deepening of their relationship. Hers was a dangerous kind of beauty, for she had the power to touch upon a man’s vulnerability with a flash of her lovely green eyes.

  Holding his gaze with her challenging stare and quietly determined manner, she closed the distance between them with a smooth fluid grace and he felt suddenly exposed. He knew he was staring at her, but he couldn’t help himself. Perhaps unlike so many other women—excluding Lydia—she refused to be intimidated or impressed by him. Maybe she even disliked him a little, and he wouldn’t blame her one bit after his harsh treatment of her when she had come to offer herself in marriage. But if she did, then why was she offering her help—and why did the thought hurt?

  ‘And you are certain Dhanu will be safe here with you?’

  ‘As safe as he can be. Are you willing to consider seriously my proposition?’

  He nodded. ‘I am a cautious man and there are many aspects to consider.’

  ‘But you will?’

  He nodded. ‘What you propose does make sense—but it will be a temporary arrangement.’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘Then I will make arrangements to bring them over.’ Climbing up into the carriage and taking the reins, he looked down at her. ‘Thank you for your concern and your kindness. It means a great deal to me.’ On that note he flicked the reins and drove away.

  * * *

  William brought Dhanu and Mishka to Fountains Lodge in a closed carriage. Rosa, closely followed by Clarissa, hurried out to meet them. Lord Ashurst stepped down, sweeping Dhanu into his arms before setting him on his feet. His pride and affection as he looked down at the boy could not have been more evident.

  Stepping forward, Rosa smiled softly. On impulse she reached out and took his small hand in her own, and bending down, so that her face was on a level with his, she smiled warmly into his eyes, hoping to put him at ease. ‘Hello, Dhanu. I’m so pleased to see you again and happy you have come to stay with us for a while.’

  Dhanu made no attempt to pull away and a little smile began to tug at the corners of his mouth. He seemed to be assessing her, and when his eyes ceased to regard her so seriously his smile broadened, which was a delight to see.

  ‘I remember you. You jumped into the water to save me.’

  ‘I did. We both got a soaking. I hope you are recovered now, Dhanu.’

  ‘Yes—thank you.’

  Everyone began to relax and look at one another, certain that he had no objections to living at Fountains Lodge and that a good start had been made. It also brought a relieved smile to William’s features and he seemed to relax, which told Rosa how apprehensive he had been about removing him from Ashurst Park.

  Rosa watched Clarissa take Mishka and Dhanu into the house before looking at Lord Ashurst. ‘He’ll be all right. Try not to worry about him. Rooms have been prepared for them. He need not be afraid.’

  ‘If he is then it is not you he’s afraid of. It’s the upheaval. Ever since he lost his mother he’s been confused about everything that’s happened to him and doesn’t understand it.’

  ‘I know. He’ll settle down here, I’m sure of it. You must visit him as often as you wish. Will you come in?’

  He shook his head. ‘No—thank you. I have appointments to keep.’ He looked down at her. His gaze became intent on her upturned face, her free-flowing chestnut hair gilded by the sun’s rays. He was impressed and intrigued, and would never cease to be amazed at some new character of this woman he was considering making his wife. ‘Thank you for all you have done. I do appreciate it.’

  Rosa watched him go, a delightful flush on her cheeks.

  * * *

  Dhanu loved being at Fountains Lodge. Having so much attention was a new experience for him, and after his initial shyness had worn off, he had surprised everyone by responding to all the fuss and attention with a startling vitality, which poured from him like heat from the sun. He was such a happy, bright child, and charged with energy, the playful devilment in his nature a joy.

  * * *

  William had left the house for his early-morning ride before returning to pore over the ledgers in his study. Knowing Miss Ingram often rode early he was not surprised when she rode into view. Concealed from view beneath the cover of trees, perched atop his large brown stallion, William paused to drink in the sight of her. He had watched her as she had galloped over the terrain, her companion way behind as he struggled to keep up. With a thin scarf tied around her riding hat, rippling behind her like a pennant in the wind, she rode with the blind bravado of a rider who has never fallen off. There was jubilant simplicity as she soared over each hedge and ditch, at one with her mount—confident, trusting and elated—its tail floating behind like a bright defiant banner.

  Now she sat her horse supple and trim, her black mourning skirt spread over the horse’s flanks, her long legs encased in breeches. Her hair beneath her hat had come loose and the breeze played with and gave colour to her cheeks, but she wore a determined expression and exuded an air of openness and extreme capability William found attractive. The clash of his emotions as he watched her left him irritated and he broke his cover and rode to meet her.

  * * *

  With the reins held loosely in her gloved hands, Rosa heard the jingle of bridle and the snort of a horse before she saw him. She spun her head round abruptly, like a young deer aware of danger. Her heart gave a sudden leap when she saw Lord Ashurst emerge from the shadows of the trees. He was riding a big brown hunter, with a rippling black mane and tail. The horse’s sleek coat gleamed. Rosa saw how he looked at one with the environment, as if he had been born to this wild terrain. He wore a tight-fitting dark blue riding coat, cut away at the front to show a matching waistcoat, the cloth of both of good
quality. A snowy-white neckcloth and gold pin enhanced his tanned face. She tried to imagine him in military uniform and thought he would have looked equally as fine. He looked lean and hard, exuding virility and a casual, lazy confidence. Sunlight burnished his thick dark hair.

  Meeting his calm gaze, she felt an unfamiliar twist of her heart, an addictive mix of pleasure and discomfort. His light blue eyes looked at her in undisguised admiration as he drew alongside, a smile curving his firm lips. Thinking how handsome he looked and how nice it would be to run her fingers through his wind-tousled hair, she could feel a flush tinting her cheeks despite all her efforts to prevent it. She did not want to feel that way—not about him. They held each other’s eyes for far too long. Rosa was the first to lower her gaze, for there was something about him that was different to any man she had known. And that something was affecting her deeply.

  ‘Good day, Miss Ingram. My apologies. I didn’t mean to startle you.’

  ‘You take me unawares, Lord Ashurst. I was just admiring the view.’

  William shifted his horse closer. His face was grave, though Rosa noticed one eyebrow was raised in a whimsical way.

  ‘It is impressive, I agree.’ His gaze swept the landscape, settling for just a moment on his home, before coming to rest on the young woman once more. With her honey-gold skin and large green eyes, which were as wide and solemn as a baby owl’s, she had an ethereal quality. Like a free spirit she confronted him, her head poised at a questioning angle, her hair spread over her shoulders like a cloth of autumn colours, watching him approach as if she were some forest creature. Every time he saw her she tweaked and teased his baser emotions.

  ‘You appear to make a habit of riding to Ashurst to take in the view. The last time you did you saved Dhanu’s life so I will not arrest you for trespassing on my land.’

  Rosa slanted him a laughing glance. ‘That is extremely generous of you, Lord Ashurst. If this wonderful vista is the only part of Ashurst Park you are willing to offer me, then I suppose I shall have to be content with that.’