A Season of Romance

by Wendy Soliman

  'If my mama and papa are to live in your Dower House then they, I'm sure, would prefer to see it before they move.'

  The return journey had been much shorter as there was no queue of carriages in front of them. It had rolled to a halt outside her house. 'Thank you for an interesting evening. Hopefully my parents won't have retired yet so I can tell them we're going to Sawsbury. When will we be leaving?'

  'I must discuss this with your father. Allow me to assist you from the carriage and then I shall come in and speak to him myself.'

  The front door swung open and as they approached, they were bowed in by a footman. 'Forgive me, Simon, but I'm going to retire. I'll leave you to arrange things in my absence.'

  She slipped past him and was halfway up the stairs before he could react. Not only had she ruined her own good name she might very well have caused irreparable damage to Emily. Then she smiled – from what Simon had told her, his sister had not been bothered in the slightest by the unpleasantness otherwise she too would have wished to leave the party early.

  Annie helped her disrobe and then was able to go to her own bed. It didn't seem right that her maid had to stay up so late and still be available at seven o'clock in the morning. In future, Bella decided, she wouldn't ask her to wait up.

  With the curtains pulled around the bed, the shutters closed and the fire burning merrily in the grate she was almost able to forget that her name had been blackened. Simon had said he intended to deal severely with Lady Jones, but in her opinion this pernicious widow was best left alone. Ensuring that she was no longer welcome in the ton would be enough to prevent further damage.

  She tossed from side to side her head full of insoluble problems. Why was she so bothered about what had been said when her future husband and his sister appeared to be quite unperturbed? Running away to his country estate might well compound the rumours. On the other hand, if they were not in Town for a spell then no doubt something more salacious would become the topic of conversation behind the fans.

  There was nothing she could do about it as her parents and Simon were at this very moment making arrangements of one sort or another. The weather was good so she would ride Rufus, if they stopped frequently he could do the journey easily and so could she.

  The next day was spent in a flurry of packing and organisation for their impromptu visit to Sawsbury Hall. Her mother had said Emily and Aunt Jemima had decided to come too and not remain in London on their own.

  'Papa, I'm sure you'll have no objection when I tell you that I intend to ride my new horse on this visit.'

  'No, my dear, you may do as you please. Your mama and I are going first to our estate so we can decide what items we wish to bring with us. I have instructed my lawyer to put the place on the market and it will be advertised in the next few days.'

  'It's a highly desirable place, Papa, even though none of us felt comfortable there. Will you be sorry to see it go?'

  'If I recoup what I paid for it then it will go a fair way to restoring the losses I incurred recently. This will mean I can transfer the full amount of your inheritance to his lordship.'

  'Are we to travel together, do you know?' Bella carefully avoided commenting on this latest piece of information. She feared if word of this got out the rumour mill might well consider it the only reason that Simon had offered her parents a home on his estate.

  When he appeared that afternoon she immediately mentioned that she intended to ride. 'Papa is quite happy for me to do so. I hope you will not be travelling in your carriage as I'd much prefer to have you beside me.'

  'I wasn't intending to travel on horseback, but will now do so if you're determined to ride rather than travel in comfort in a carriage.' He did not look overjoyed at the prospect. 'I cannot gainsay your father as he has given you permission but I can assure you I would not have done so.'

  A faint flicker of unease made her wish she'd not begun this small deception. The discussion she'd had with her papa had been deliberately ambiguous and she was certain he'd interpreted her comment as meaning that Rufus would accompany them, not that she would be riding herself.

  Hopefully, he would assume that Simon had given his permission and would therefore not question it. If ever it came out she would get her comeuppance and the set down she would receive from her future husband would be worse than anything she'd ever had from her devoted parents.

  *

  Aunt Jemima and Emily took care of the letters of apology to those invitations they'd already accepted. His sister had pointed out that it might seem as if they were running away but as he had no interest in the opinion of society, he ignored her warning.

  The entire day was taken up with business matters. They would spend two weeks in the country and then return the week before the ball. Everything was in hand for that event and also for his wedding – the funds he needed to restore his family fortunes were now in his possession and as far as he was concerned he would be quite happy not to return to London at all.

  The servants and baggage set off at dawn the following morning and his carriage with his sister and her companion left immediately after breakfast. With his groom in attendance he rode round to Bella's house and was surprised, but pleased, to find her mounted and waiting with her own groom at her side.

  'Good morning, the more I see of you on that horse the more I think he's the perfect match for you.'

  'Good morning, my lord, it's an ideal day to ride. Do you like my new habit? No doubt you've noticed that green is my favourite colour.'

  'It suits you well. We can travel across country and will meet up for refreshments and to rest the horses at midday. Luncheon has been arranged and there will be a private parlour set aside for you.'

  'I'm hoping there will be somewhere we can gallop as I've yet to see how fast Rufus can go.'

  'It would be foolish to push our mounts when we've so far to travel.' Her eyes narrowed and he thought she was about to argue but she nodded instead.

  'That makes perfect sense.'

  They clattered through the streets where most of the houses were still quiet as the occupants would not rise until mid-morning at the earliest. There were servants about their business, but little traffic to delay them.

  A small terrier dashed out of an alleyway yapping at the horses' hooves. Rufus shied but she remained steady in the saddle and soon calmed him. Apart from that their departure from Town was uneventful and soon they were cantering along a country lane enjoying the spring sunshine.

  There had been little opportunity for casual conversation but he was enjoying her company and was impressed by her seat. Rufus was the same height as his own horse which, in his opinion, meant he was too large for her. He should not have purchased such a tall animal. Once they were married he would buy her something more suited to a lady and persuade her to abandon the gelding.

  They arrived at the Rising Sun ahead of the carriages but that was only to be expected. The grooms took care of the horses and he escorted Bella into the hostelry.

  The landlord bowed. 'Welcome, my lord, everything is ready for you. Miss Burgoyne, if you would care to follow the maid she will take you to a chamber set aside for your use.'

  She smiled and went with such alacrity he thought her need for the facilities urgent. He was taken to a similar chamber where there was hot water and towels left ready for him. He completed his ablutions and strolled downstairs just as the carriage containing his future in-laws trundled in.

  He went outside to greet them. 'Did you have a smooth journey, sir? We arrived only a short while ago ourselves.'

  'I must say, my boy, I was somewhat surprised that you wished for my daughter to ride with you. I'd much prefer her to be in the carriage with us.'

  'I was under the impression that you had given her your permission. I believe we have been thoroughly deceived, sir. I can assure you that your daughter will complete the remainder of the journey with you.'

  On enquiry he was directed to the chamber she was using. He knocked loudly a
nd then stepped in without waiting for permission. The room was empty. He frowned. How could this be as he would have seen her descending the stairs? He walked to the window and immediately everything was clear. She would have seen him talking to her father and realised the deception had been discovered.

  She was wise to absent herself as he was very certain she would regret her misbehaviour by the time he'd finished talking to her. He could hardly take her to task in public so he guessed she would be in the parlour with her parents hoping to escape his displeasure.

  However, when he walked in she wasn't there. 'I've yet to locate Bella, has she been in here?'

  Mrs Burgoyne replied. 'No, my lord, we've not seen her at all. I expect she's hiding from you in the hope that she will avoid a bear-garden jaw by doing so.'

  'Sit down, my boy, and enjoy the delicious repast they have set out for us. If my girl misses her lunch then that is no more than she deserves in the circumstances.'

  Simon hesitated but then decided he would not go in search of her. Having to travel the remainder of the day hungry would indeed be a suitable punishment. There was now no need for him to take her to task.

  Emily and Aunt Jemima arrived and joined them in their private parlour for luncheon. He thought that an hour would be long enough to rest the horses as they'd not travelled at speed. 'I'll go in search of my missing bride-to-be when we've eaten. I need to make it clear she's not riding any further.'

  *

  Bella knew instantly that her deception had been discovered. Simon's face, which she could see clearly from her vantage point at the window, registered his annoyance. He would come immediately to find her and stop her riding.

  All her life she had been indulged, allowed to go her own way, but once she was married to him all this would come to an end. Until the knot was tied she intended to do as she pleased and not be curbed by his wishes. There was only one thing she could do and that was set out with just her groom for company and then he would have to catch up with her in order to stop her riding Rufus. Of course, she would get her comeuppance this evening but would have the remainder of today to enjoy her freedom.

  She found the back stairs and escaped through them and out into the stable yard. The horses had had half an hour to recover and she was certain they would be ready to go without detriment to their health. Her groom was with Rufus and didn't query her demand that he saddle both horses and that they leave immediately.

  Once they were a mile away from the inn she was able to breathe easily again. 'Do you have any notion where we're going?'

  Her groom nodded. 'It ain't that difficult, miss, I know the name of the town and I reckon we'll find it easy enough. I'll just ask for the King's Head when we get there.'

  Neither of them mentioned the likelihood of them being overtaken by a very angry gentleman and so she decided to ignore this unpleasant possibility and enjoy riding through the English countryside on her magnificent horse.

  Twice they were obliged to stop in order to ask directions and at one of the inns she was concerned to discover that there was a group of young bucks staying there after having attended a cockfight nearby. She was sure she hadn't been seen because if she had one of the gentlemen would have emerged from the taproom to ogle her.

  Chapter Eleven

  Simon was enjoying a particularly tasty beef pasty when the landlord sidled in looking most uncomfortable. 'Forgive me, my lord, but your groom wishes to speak to you urgently.'

  'Excuse me, sir, ma'am, I'd better see why I'm needed. I fear it might be because one of the horses is lame.'

  'I think it more likely your bird has flown, young man,' Aunt Jemima said with a wry smile.

  He was outside hearing the bad news in seconds. 'There weren't no room for all of us at the same end of the barn, my lord, so we never noticed Miss Burgoyne and her groom had gone until just now.'

  'God's teeth! She could well have an hour's start on me. Have our horses in the yard immediately. I must explain to her parents before I set off after her.'

  He had no need to go back into the inn as everyone was now outside. 'I apologise for my daughter's behaviour, my lord, she tends to go her own way.'

  'I will put a stop to that, sir, you may be very sure. I believe she must have bats in her attic to think riding off with just her groom for company was a sensible thing to do in the circumstances.'

  Emily touched his arm. 'Please don't be angry with her, Simon. She's giving up a lot for you and will be well aware this might well be the last time she can do as she pleases.'

  'You're right, but I'm angrier with myself for not realising that she'd gone until now. At least when she was riding with me she was protected – now anything could happen.'

  'Then I suggest, my lord, that you get after her. I take it you know exactly which direction to follow?'

  He bit back a sharp retort. 'Ma'am, I intend to do just that. I think it highly unlikely I'll overtake her before she reaches our overnight stop – but I'll be there shortly after her arrival. I don't want her to be deemed to be unescorted.'

  There was no need for him to elaborate, his surrogate aunt understood immediately. He was familiar with the countryside which Bella wasn't, which gave him the advantage. He could travel as the crow flies whereas she would have to remain on the better-known route in order not to become lost.

  He thundered across country, jumping the hedges and ditches with scant regard for his or his mount's safety, determined to reach his destination ahead of her if he could possibly do so. He reined in a mile or so from the town to allow the animals to cool down – it wouldn't do to arrive with them hot and blown as this would give rise to speculation.

  As they turned into the toll road in which the King's Head was situated he saw his quarry just ahead. He pushed his mount into an extended trot and arrived at her side a hundred yards from the inn.

  'There you are, I hope you enjoyed your ride.' He'd expected her to look dismayed at his sudden appearance. The reverse was true.

  'I'm so pleased to see you, Simon, I was reluctant to enter the yard on my own.' She smiled hopefully at him but he did not respond. 'I must admit I expected you to catch up with me far sooner than you have.'

  His hand tightened on the reins making his horse toss his head. He took several deep breaths before replying knowing he had to be careful what he said if he didn't wish to draw attention to themselves. Was it possible she had no idea just how angry he was at her behaviour?

  'I think it would be best if we continue this discussion in private. I'm assuming our luggage and staff will be here and our chambers ready despite the fact that we have arrived somewhat sooner than expected.'

  They clattered into the yard and she had dismounted before he had the opportunity to do so himself. Somehow his path was blocked by Rufus and the groom and by the time he'd stepped around she had vanished. He cursed under his breath knowing he'd been thwarted a second time. She would already be in the safety of her own bedchamber guarded by her maid.

  His own rooms were more than adequate having a private sitting room attached as well as a dressing room in which his valet could sleep. The only disadvantage for someone of his height was that he had to remember to duck his head on entering any room if he didn't wish to be floored.

  He changed his raiment and went in search of refreshments. The carriages wouldn't be here for another three hours and he was determined to speak to his recalcitrant bride before her doting parents arrived. Fortunately for her he didn't believe in corporal punishment for disobedient young ladies or children. If he did she might well have reason to hide from him.

  After some consideration he decided he would go to her room and explain exactly why he was so furious with her. He didn't give a damn if her maid repeated what she overheard – it would be part of Bella's punishment for her transgressions.

  The landlord had given him the location of her room and he knocked loudly on her door. There were hesitant footsteps on the other side and then it was opened by a terrified maid.
>
  'Miss Burgoyne is unwell, my lord, and is about to retire…'

  He ignored this falsehood and stepped around the girl. To his horror Bella was standing in her petticoats. Who was more shocked by his intrusion it was impossible to say. He was about to retreat into ignominy when to his surprise she laughed.

  'You might as well come in, Simon, it's too late for you to unsee me in my underpinnings.' As she was speaking she scooped up her dressing robe and hastily pushed her arms into the sleeves and tied the sash.

  He ran his finger around his stock which had become unaccountably tight. 'I apologise for intruding, not something I thought I'd be doing on this visit.'

  'Are you very angry with me? I know I shouldn't have left on my own – it was a stupid thing to do especially as neither my groom nor I had any clear idea of the route we should take. Why didn't you overtake me?'

  'I didn't realise you had gone until an hour had passed and by then you were too far ahead. Believe me, I did my best.'

  She curled up in front of the fire tucking her feet under her bottom and ensuring not an inch of flesh was visible. He took the seat opposite not sure how he could make his displeasure plain when his sin was far worse and she'd forgiven him instantly.

  *

  Bella had never been more pleased with anything than when he burst into her room and saw her as she was. It gave her the moral advantage and would take the sting out of whatever he had been intending to say to her.

  She watched the play of emotions on his face, didn't know him well enough to interpret exactly what he was feeling or what he intended to do. What if he wished to beat her for her disobedience? No sooner was the thought in her head than the words tumbled from her mouth.

  'Are you going to beat me?'

  He jerked as if she'd stuck him with a hatpin. 'Good God, of course not. Although you must own that you deserve it. What were you thinking of? Isn't your reputation fragile enough without adding fuel to the fire? Don't you realise, you silly girl, that such behaviour could have made it impossible for me to marry you? You would ruin me by doing so, not just me, but Emily as well. Is that what you want?'