“I do not know what else to do,” Mr. Markham croaked, his voice now breaking with emotion. “I do not want to marry Lady Christina. I want to marry Lady Burroughs, for it is for her that my heart beats.” His eyes opened, and he held Lady Burroughs’ gaze. “But what can I do? My father continued to pile debts upon me, and when I come to take the title, I am certain that there will be yet more that I have to deal with. To come to that with very little coin of my own and no easy means of making more is not a situation that I can take Lady Burroughs into.”
Christina closed her eyes. Mr. Markham, it seemed, was quite determined that their marriage should go ahead. He could not see a way out of his dark situation and, were she honest with herself, neither could she. The only way Mr. Markham could come to the title with any hope of success was if he had an exceptionally large dowry from his wife, which was precisely what Christina would bring with her into the marriage.
“And what,” Lord Harlow said gently, “if I could ensure that such debts were taken care of, Mr. Markham? What if I could make quite certain that your father was unable to continue on as he is at present?”
A sudden flare of hope ran through Christina’s chest, and she opened her eyes to look up at him, seeing the gleam in his eye and the smile on his face. Had he a plan that would make certain the agreement between Christina and Mr. Markham would come to an end?
Mr. Markham looked up sharply, his brow knotted. “What can you mean?”
“I mean,” Lord Harlow answered, “that if you are willing to trust me, I can assure you that, in a very short space of time, I will have all I need to make certain that Lord Fulham is unable to take on any further debts. The burden will be pulled from your shoulders and you will no longer have the fear that, as you come into the title, you will be weighed down by all manner of debt.” His smile grew. “What would you say to that?”
“Oh, Markham!”
Lady Burroughs’ breathless exclamation told Christina that the lady was just as filled with hope as she. Mr. Markham seemed torn, turning from Lord Harlow to Lady Burroughs and then back again. Christina pressed one hand to her heart, aware of its thundering and the knot of tension in her stomach. All eyes rested on Mr. Markham as he made his decision.
“You know how much I have longed for this, Lady Burroughs,” he whispered, as Christina closed her eyes, dragging in air to calm her nerves. “I would want nothing more, but…”
“I trust Lady Newfield,” Lady Burroughs said desperately. “And if she is involved in this situation in any way, then I know that we can have hope, Markham.” She rose and came towards Mr. Markham, who stood up at once, catching the hands that Lady Burroughs held out to him. Christina had never seen him so gentle nor heard such tenderness in his voice as he talked to Lady Burroughs.
“But can it be true?” he asked her as Lady Burroughs eyes filled with tears. “There is a good deal at stake, and if we…” Taking in a deep breath, he let his sentence trail off as he saw something in Lady Burroughs eyes that he could not turn away from. With another deep sigh, he turned to Lord Harlow and wrapped one arm around Lady Burroughs’ waist.
“I must take the risk,” he said, sounding resigned. “If there is even the smallest hope, the tiniest chance that I can find happiness with Lady Burroughs, then I confess I am willing to do whatever I can.”
Christina could not help but break down into tears, turning herself a little more towards Lord Harlow, her head on his shoulder as he held her close for a moment. The tears she cried were ones of relief, ones of sheer joy and overwhelming happiness that all she had hoped for, all she had been desperate to believe in, was now being given to her. Sobs shook her frame for a few minutes, but Lord Harlow held her tightly, allowing her to deal with the emotions that washed all through her. By the time Christina lifted her head, by the time she had found her composure again, it was not only she who had been crying, but also Lady Burroughs and, in fact, Lady Newfield! Mr. Markham looked troubled, clearly uncertain what to do to comfort the lady, whilst Lord Harlow was smiling gently.
“What must we do?” Lady Burroughs asked, pulling a handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbing at her eyes, even though her voice was filled with emotion. “What do you propose, Lord Harlow?”
Given Christina herself did not know, she looked up at Lord Harlow expectantly, seeing how his eyes were bright with a new and fresh determination.
“As I have said, it will take a few days for such things to come completely to a satisfactory conclusion. However, there is something you must do in the meantime.”
Everyone looked at Lord Harlow, and Christina held his hand tightly.
“You must marry Lady Burroughs.”
Gasps of astonishment filled the room as everyone stared, completely astonished, at Lord Harlow.
“How can I do so?” Mr. Markham asked, horrified. “There are banns in place for the marriage of myself to Lady Christina, and I cannot simply—”
“A common license will do, will it not?” Lady Newfield interrupted as Mr. Markham and Lady Burroughs’ eyes flared with the realization of what she meant. “You have both been residing in London for four weeks, yes? And whilst Lord Fulham will not be present to give his consent, I do not think it will be needed.” She smiled warmly at Lady Burroughs. “And you yourself do not need consent, Lady Burroughs, since you have already been wed, and a note of your husband’s death will be in the records already.”
Lady Burroughs began to smile, and the joy in her expression made Christina want to laugh with happiness.
“And, of course, I shall be glad to be a witness,” Lord Harlow said firmly.
“As will I,” Lady Newfield agreed. “The marriage can take place very quickly, indeed, and certainly, there is no need to wait. It is not as though there is any other impediment.”
Lord Harlow nodded. “And by the time the marriage has taken place, I will be quite prepared to speak to Lord Fulham and tell him all that has transpired. From then on, I can assure you that there will be no more difficulty between yourself and your father, Mr. Markham. And there certainly will be no demands on you to marry Lady Christina.”
Christina laughed as Lady Burroughs and Mr. Markham stared at each other, their eyes wide with astonishment, only for Lady Burroughs to begin to smile and then to laugh, before throwing her arms about Mr. Markham’s neck.
“I do not understand what you intend, Lord Harlow, but I can do nothing but agree,” Mr. Markham said, his smile so broad that it lit up his face entirely. “I will make the arrangements at once.”
“And you must do so without your father being aware of it, and I shall also need from you a list of every single gentleman to whom your father owes a debt,” Lord Harlow stated firmly, although he was smiling at the gentleman. “Shall we attempt to meet with both himself and Lord Enfield next week? Thursday afternoon, mayhap?”
Everyone nodded their agreement, allowing Christina a long sigh of relief. It seemed as though everything had fallen into place, and she could not have been happier.
Chapter Fourteen
“Lord Enfield.”
Richard bowed as Lord Enfield returned the gesture, although Richard could see the curiosity in the gentleman’s eyes as he rose.
“Thank you for allowing me to see you,” Richard continued as Lord Enfield gestured for him to sit down in a chair. “I know it is a little unexpected, but it is to do with your daughter.”
Lord Enfield stiffened, stopping midway into grasping a glass of brandy.
“My daughter?” he repeated, turning slowly to look at Richard. “I do hope you are aware, Lord Harlow, that my daughter is at present engaged to Mr. Markham, the son of Baron Fulham.”
The words sent a pang of remembered sorrow into Richard’s heart, but he merely smiled and waited until Lord Enfield had given him the glass of brandy he had only just poured before sitting down opposite him.
“I am well aware that there is an agreement,” he said, as Lord Enfield frowned. “However, I am also aware that your d
aughter does not wish to marry Mr. Markham.”
“Whereas you, I imagine, must wish to do so,” Lord Enfield interrupted. “And whilst I would be very glad to entertain such an agreement, Lord Harlow, it is entirely out of my hands.” Taking a large sip of his brandy, he sighed and lifted one shoulder. “I am sorry.”
Richard chuckled, making Lord Enfield’s brows rise in astonishment.
“I am very glad to hear you say that you would be glad to entertain such an agreement,” Richard said with a grin. “And whilst your apology is generously meant, there is no need for it.” His smile faded as he sat forward, becoming a little more serious. “I will be truthful with you, Lord Enfield. I am fully aware of everything that has occurred with Lord Fulham.”
Lord Enfield blinked rapidly before a look of understanding washed down over his expression. “My daughter has told you everything.”
“She has,” Richard agreed. “She has also told me of the despicable way that Lord Fulham has attempted to force you into an agreement.”
Closing his eyes, Lord Enfield let out a heavy sigh. “I would have taken the duel, Lord Harlow, if it had meant that Christina would have been kept safe from Lord Fulham’s intentions. However, had I accepted, I know full well that my life would have been cut short, and who then would take care of Christina?” Shaking his head, he looked mournfully back at Richard. “The estate and title would have passed to someone who cares for none but himself. My dear Christina would have been—”
“I do not blame you in any way, Father.”
Richard turned and smiled at Christina as she walked into the room, seeing how she looked fondly at her father.
“And yes, you are quite correct. Lord Harlow and I have been discussing this matter for some time because—”
Hesitating, she looked back towards Richard, who held out his hand to her, glad when she accepted at once.
“Because I have long had a love for him within my heart, Father. I want to marry Lord Harlow and not Mr. Markham.” Squeezing Richard’s hand, she perched herself elegantly on the edge of his chair, her nearness sending heat washing through Richard even though he knew he ought to be concentrating on the conversation at hand. “But I do not want you to duel either. Therefore, Lord Harlow has come up with an idea which will bring Lord Fulham’s plans to an end.”
Lord Enfield held his daughter’s gaze, and Richard felt her hand tighten again on his own. If Lord Enfield was not willing to listen to such plans, then they might have a good deal more difficulty facing them. However, the questions in Lord Enfield’s eyes did not linger for too long, for he eventually sighed, nodded, and looked back at Christina with a gentle smile.
“If it will bring you happiness, then I am willing to listen,” he said softly. “I have already told Christina that if there were something I could do to change this situation in any way, then I would do so.”
Richard smiled in relief. “I am delighted to hear you say so,” he replied. “What I should inform you of, however, is that Mr. Markham is, in fact, at this very moment, marrying a lady other than Lady Christina.” Waiting for a moment, he saw the astonishment ripple across Lord Enfield’s face and could not help but chuckle, hearing Lady Christina laugh softly.
“It appears, Father, that Mr. Markham cares deeply for Lady Burroughs, and has done so for a long time,” she told Lord Enfield. “But she does not have a lot of wealth and thus, for various reasons, was not a suitable match.”
“I see,” Lord Enfield said slowly, his brow beginning to furrow. “But what will Lord Fulham say when he discovers it?”
“That,” Richard said firmly, “is something that we shall all discover together, Lord Enfield, for I should be glad if you would join both myself and Lady Christina tomorrow as we attend Lord Fulham at his home. Mr. Markham, Lady Burroughs, and Lady Newfield will also be present.” His anticipation rose within him, and he gave the gentleman a satisfied smile. “I can assure you that Lord Fulham will no longer have any such demands to make of you, Lord Enfield, and that all will end in a most satisfactory manner.”
Lord Enfield considered this for a moment, then began to nod slowly. “Very well,” he said, the corner of his mouth turning up. “I must confess, I am surprised, but I cannot pretend I am not glad that Mr. Markham is removed from you, Christina.”
“As am I,” Lady Christina replied with such fervor that Richard could not help but laugh.
“I think you know that I share that relief, Lord Enfield,” he replied as the older gentleman laughed. “Although, there is one more thing I must ask of you.”
Lord Enfield’s smile faded away as he waited for Richard to speak.
“When you attend, Lord Enfield, I pray that you do not ask any questions that would give the impression to Lord Fulham that you are not entirely aware of all that has been undertaken,” Richard said firmly. “I would be glad to explain it all to you at this moment, but I fear that, if I were to do so, you would do your utmost to try to dissuade me.”
Lady Christina caught her breath, her eyes wide as she looked down at him. “Lord Harlow?” she asked, her voice quiet. “You mean to say that—”
“There is nothing to fear,” he assured her. “But you must both project confidence and understanding. That way, Lord Fulham will feel entirely at a loss and without any hope of success.” Satisfied, he pressed Lady Christina’s hand once more. “And in a very short time, we shall be wed and contented, Lady Christina. I am certain of it.”
* * *
“Good afternoon, Mr. Markham.”
Striding into Lord Fulham’s drawing-room, Richard bowed quickly before allowing Lady Christina, Lady Newfield, and Lord Enfield to precede him further into the room.
“Good afternoon,” Mr. Markham replied, his face a little pale. “My father is out of the house at present but expects to return very shortly.”
Richard nodded. “Very good, Mr. Markham.” Seeing the way that the gentleman had settled a hand on Lady Burroughs’ shoulder, he smiled at her before bowing again. “And might I wish you both happiness.”
Lady Burroughs’ flushed but held his gaze. “I thank you, Lord Harlow. We are both very happy.”
For a moment, no one said anything more. There was, of course, an air of tension in the room that Richard knew would only grow with each minute that passed before Lord Fulham arrived, but Richard was quite determined not to allow himself to give in to such feelings and instead to remain as calm as he could.
“Lady Christina,” Mr. Markham said, speaking rather quickly as though he had been eager for some time to now say whatever was on his mind. “I have to apologize to you for my behavior and how I have treated you during our betrothal.” His voice and gaze were steady as he continued. “I was rude and conceited and arrogant. I was entirely dismissive of your feelings and your requirements, and for that, I am very sorry indeed. I was wrapped up in all that I felt, and every time I was in your company, I could only think of how painful my heart was to be apart from Lady Burroughs, but that is not an excuse for behaving as I did.”
Lady Christina held up one hand, silencing Mr. Markham. “Please, there is no need for you to say more,” she said gently. “I believe that you behaved in such a way to please your father, Mr. Markham, and, whilst I am appreciative of your apology, you must not feel any guilt over such a thing. I fully understand.”
Mr. Markham let out a breath of relief before bowing towards Lady Christina. “You are very understanding, Lady Christina. I do wish you happy also, when the time comes.”
Richard smiled and made to say something more, only for the door to open and, as he turned his head to look, Lord Fulham to stride into the room.
He stopped short, his mouth open as if he had been about to say something to his son only to have entirely forgotten what it was.
“Good afternoon, Lord Fulham.”
Richard rose from his chair and looked straight at Lord Fulham, finding a sense of anger beginning to wrap around his heart. This was the gentleman who had broug
ht them all so much pain, who had manipulated Lord Enfield, and who had cared nothing for Lady Christina herself. The gentleman who had brought nothing but difficulty to them all. The urge to get up and strike him was strong within Richard, but he quelled it at once. He was not a violent man and did not intend to begin to behave so now, no matter what Lord Fulham had done.
“Whatever is the meaning of this, Markham?”
Lord Fulham’s voice was low and grave, his expression dark as he looked at his son. Mr. Markham rose to his feet and lifted his chin, determination settling in his features.
“Good afternoon, Father,” he said as Richard moved slowly behind Lord Fulham, making certain that Lord Fulham could not simply return to the door and remove himself with any sort of ease.
“I believe I asked you a question,” Lord Fulham grated, his whole body tensing as his shoulders lifted and his hands curled tightly. “What is the meaning of this?”
“In short,” Mr. Markham said, his tone filling with confidence, “you have failed, Father.”
Silence broke across them all as Lord Fulham took in what his son had said but giving as yet no reaction. Richard leaned one arm on the back of Lady Christina’s chair and added in his words to Mr. Markham’s, hoping to push away some of Lord Fulham’s confidence.
“What Mr. Markham is attempting to state, Lord Fulham, is that your attempt to marry off your son to Lady Christina, who has both an excellent dowry and income, have entirely failed.”
“And why is that?” Lord Fulham spat, turning around to face Richard. “There is nothing that can—”
“I am wed, Father.”
The words seemed to crash down upon Lord Fulham, for he stumbled back as though he had been struck. Mr. Markham put his hand back on Lady Burroughs’ shoulder, and, after a moment, she lifted her hand to settle it upon his.
“I am wed to Lady Burroughs,” Mr. Markham said quietly. “Therefore, I cannot wed Lady Christina.”
Betrayal and Lies: Convenient Arrangements (Book 4) Page 14
