So that was it. By a supreme effort of will, Natalya did not blush. She met her aunt’s eyes in the mirror.
‘Lord Dalmorren did not seduce me, Aunt, if that is what you wish to know.’
‘Oh, good heavens, no one is suggesting anything of the sort! I would never—’
Natalya swung round on the stool. ‘My uncle asked you to come here, did he not?’ Her aunt’s little shake of the head was not convincing. ‘He wishes to know if I am still a virgin.’ She added bitterly, ‘If your investment has been devalued.’
Mrs Pridham looked distressed. ‘Really, Natalya, it is not like that at all. We are naturally concerned for you. We thought perhaps we might ask a doctor to visit you. To…to reassure us that you are unharmed.’
‘Indeed?’ Natalya kept her head up, her whole demeanour challenging. Not by the flicker of an eyelid would she give herself away. ‘Yes, by all means let us invite Dr Caldwell to visit me. You wish him to confirm that I am still a maid, do you not? I will be sure to tell him all about the abduction and how Lord Dalmorren rescued me. And I will explain to him the reason for my uncle’s concerns, that he doubts Lord Dalmorren’s word and that you do not trust me to tell you the truth!’
‘No, no, there is no question—that is, we will not ask the good doctor to call, if you do not wish it,’ her aunt replied hastily. ‘Mr Pridham is naturally anxious. He merely wants to make sure…’
She trailed off miserably and for a moment Natalya almost felt sorry for her. Uncle Pridham was too embarrassed to ask such intimate questions himself, so he had bullied his wife into it. Natalya chose her next words carefully.
‘You may reassure my uncle, ma’am, that Lord Dalmorren did not steal my virginity. I will swear an oath on it, if you wish, but I trust my word will suffice?’
‘You may be sure I shall tell him what you have said, Natalya.’ Her aunt looked a little shocked at this blunt language. ‘I am sure Mr Pridham did not mean—that is, it is because he cares for you, my dear.’
‘But he does not care enough to tell me who I am.’
‘Alas, our hands are tied on that.’ Mrs Pridham stopped and clamped her restless hands to her mouth. ‘I can say no more on that head, my dear, pray do not ask me.’ She drew in a breath, composing herself before continuing in a much more normal voice. ‘Pray believe that we only want what is best for you, my dear. And on that subject, we think it would be best if you kept to your room for a while. We have let it be known that you are indisposed. We did not want anyone in Bath to know what has happened to you. Only think of the gossip!’
‘And we must avoid scandal at all costs, must we not?’ retorted Natalya, her lip curling.
‘Yes, indeed we must. I am glad you understand, my dear. I will have your dinner sent up to you.’
She went out and as the door closed behind her, Natalya’s shoulders slumped. Why had she come back? Tristan had offered to take her to his family and now she almost wished she had agreed, but the idea of explaining her uncertain origins to Lady Dalmorren was too shameful to contemplate. Although a doting mother would be only too willing to support her if she refused to marry Tristan. But what would she do, where could she go? It was best she stayed here until her aunt and uncle told her the truth about her parents. Whatever that might be.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
‘Lord Dalmorren, ma’am.
Mrs Ancrum looked up from her book. ‘It is a little late in the day for a morning call. I was about to go in to dinner.’
‘I beg your pardon ma’am, this cannot wait,’ he said bluntly. ‘It concerns Miss Fairchild.’
‘Natalya?’ She was suddenly alert, her gaze piercing. ‘What has happened to her? The Pridhams were not at church on Sunday and when I called at Sydney Place to enquire, they told me she was unwell.’
‘She was abducted, ma’am. On the night of her birthday.’
‘Mercy me!’
Briefly Tristan explained what had happened.
‘I returned her to Sydney Place earlier today and she is safe enough, for the moment, but I need you to tell me everything you know about her.’
Those shrewd old eyes regarded him in silence for a moment longer. Then, ‘Have you dined?’
‘Not yet.’
‘Very well. Eat with me and we can talk over dinner.’ She rang the bell. ‘I will have another place set.’
Tristan glanced down at his travel-stained coat. ‘I am not dressed for dinner, ma’am, and I would rather talk now.’
‘Nonsense, you need to eat and it won’t take a moment to arrange. Your dress don’t worry me—besides, it is better than having my food spoiled by the delay.’
Tristan ground his teeth with impatience, but the old lady was right. Barely five minutes later they were seated at the dining table with the first of the dishes before them.
‘Now…’ Mrs Ancrum waved the servants away ‘…before I tell you about Natalya, you must tell me why you are interested in her.’
‘Good God, madam, she was abducted. Is that not reason enough?’
She gave him a hard look from beneath her brows. ‘I thought perhaps you were interested in her for more…personal reasons.’
‘I intend to marry her, if that is what you mean.’
The frown vanished and the old lady cackled in triumph.
‘I knew it!’
‘But that is for the future. I do not believe the abduction was a random attempt to extort money from the Pridhams, which is the tale they gave to me. I think it has something to do with Natalya’s history and I want to know why that should be.’ He waited while Mrs Ancrum chewed her way through a few choice slices of chicken before asking bluntly, ‘Who are her parents, ma’am?’
Another pause while the lady picked up a crumb and popped it in her mouth.
‘Very well, my lord, I will tell you what I believe is the truth.’
Mrs Ancrum pushed her plate away and Tristan listened intently as she related her story.
‘A common enough tale,’ she ended. ‘A young woman cast off in disgrace and abandoned by her lover. My only regret is that I did not make more effort to find Elizabeth earlier. I might then have been able to help her.’
‘But you did make enquiries at the time?’
‘I did indeed, but I could not find her, nor could I discover that a marriage had taken place. I admit I was hampered because I did not know the identity of her lover. All I could discover from Elizabeth’s family was that she had died in childbirth. There was no word of the babe and I thought it most likely she had perished, too. Until I saw Natalya in Bath.’
‘You befriended her.’
‘Yes. I had no proof she was Elizabeth’s daughter, but the more I saw, the more I was convinced of it. I made up my mind that if I saw any sign that Natalya was ill treated, I would step in.’ She spread her hands. ‘But how could I? She was given every luxury and, as far as I could tell, she had wanted for nothing during her childhood. I had always thought the Faringdons abandoned the child, but they must have thought better of it, placed her with the Pridhams and paid for her upbringing.’
‘And you have never said a word of this to Natalya?’
‘Not until her birthday. She came to me, distressed that the Pridhams had again refused to give her any information about her parents. I told her what I have just told you, but I explained that I could not be sure, that I had no proof.’ She sat forward. ‘Surely, my lord, you do not think the family could be behind the abduction? What purpose would it serve?’
‘That is what I have been asking myself. Are you in touch with the Faringdons, Mrs Ancrum?’
‘No, and nor do I wish to be, after the way they treated Elizabeth. The scandal had been forgotten by the time they brought out her stepsisters and they managed to find husbands for them both. They all live in deepest Lincolnshire now.’ The old lady’s mouth turned down. ‘The embodiment
of genteel respectability. I cannot think they would wish for any connection with Natalya, especially after all this time.’
Tristan asked several more questions, but there was nothing more to be learned here.
* * *
As soon as they had finished their meal, he took his leave.
‘What you have told me is very useful, ma’am,’ he told her, bowing over her hand. ‘Added to what my secretary has gleaned.’
‘And is she Elizabeth’s daughter?’ He said nothing and her thin, beringed fingers clung to him. ‘Damn you, Tristan, you know something more and you will not tell me!’
He smiled. ‘Alas, ma’am, I will not, because at present it is nothing more than conjecture. I must leave for town at dawn, where I hope I shall now be able to solve the mystery.’
‘And you will tell me? You owe me that, I think.’
He nodded. ‘If Miss Fairchild permits. She is my first consideration. I shall be leaving too early in the morning to see Natalya before I go, so I will leave a note for her. However, I am sure she would appreciate a visit from you, ma’am. To remind her that she has friends here.’
He walked to the door, but as he opened it she called him back.
‘Whatever Natalya’s origins may be, I have made her my heir, although she does not yet know it.’
‘Are you telling me that to make her a more attractive proposition?’ He smiled. ‘Tell her she is an heiress, by all means, but I pray you will also make it plain that I will marry her whatever her birth and even if she comes to me without a rag to her back!’
* * *
Natalya had no objection to keeping to her room. She needed time to think. She also wanted to give Tristan time to reflect upon his rash proposal before she saw him again. She whiled away the days with her sketchpad and her books, or with the newspapers that Aggie brought up, once Mr Pridham had finished reading them.
However, by Saturday she was so tired of her own company that she begged she might join her aunt and uncle for dinner, where a chance comment from her aunt caught Natalya’s attention.
‘Lord Dalmorren has left Bath?’
‘Yes.’ There was no mistaking the angry look Mr Pridham threw at his wife. ‘He sent me a note on Wednesday, advising me of the fact.’
Wednesday! Natalya’s brain reeled. The day after returning her to Sydney Place.
‘Never mind that,’ put in Mrs Pridham, trying to redeem the situation. ‘Mrs Ancrum has called almost every day to ask after you. She sends her regards and is so sorry you are not well enough to see her.’
Natalya frowned. ‘I did not know she had called or I would have come downstairs.’
‘We thought it best you were thoroughly rested before having any visitors,’ said her uncle.
‘And as a matter of fact, it is quite fortunate you did not see her,’ Mrs Pridham chattered on. ‘I saw Colonel Yatton in Milsom Street this morning and he told me the poor lady has succumbed to a slight chill. But I am sure she will call again when she is better.’
‘That is very kind of her.’
Natalya answered mechanically, her spirits faltering as she thought of Tristan. While she had believed him to be in Bath she had felt strong. Now, suddenly, she felt very much alone. Perhaps he had been lured to London after all. The newspapers were full of reports of all the entertainments arranged for the Allied Sovereigns, including, at the end of this week, a visit to Ascot, for the racing. As a sportsman, surely Tristan would not wish to miss that.
Natalya thought of the Grishams and hoped they were enjoying their visit. They might not be invited to attend the grand reception at Carlton House or Tsar Alexander’s levee at the Duke of Cumberland’s residence, but there were plenty of other diversions to be enjoyed throughout the summer: balls, routs and even fireworks in Hyde Park. No, she could not blame Tristan if he had been lured away to town, although it was dispiriting to think he could forget her so easily.
She turned back to her uncle. ‘Did Lord Dalmorren leave no message for me?’
‘None.’
‘And does he mean to return?’
‘He did not say.’
‘He promised to send someone every day, to enquire after me. Do they come?’
Perhaps Tristan’s servant could convey a message from her.
‘You would do well to forget him, Natalya. He is not for you.’
His dismissive tone flicked her on the raw. She put up her chin. ‘And why should he not be? Am I so unsuitable?’
Mrs Pridham disclaimed in a fluttering voice, only to be interrupted by her husband.
‘It would be a most ineligible match!’
‘Oh, why?’ He did not respond and Natalya’s hands clutched at her napkin. She said boldly, ‘I demand you tell me what you mean.’
‘Natalya, my dear!’
Mr Pridham waved his hand to silence his wife. He glared at Natalya.
‘You demand? Ungrateful girl! We have given you every indulgence, every advantage and this is how you repay us?’
‘I wish only to know who I am. Who are my parents?’
She kept her head up, her eyes on his face, determined not to give in.
‘Mr Pridham?’ Her aunt whispered the name. ‘Perhaps we should tell her.’
‘I am awaiting a letter,’ he replied, goaded.
‘A letter?’ Natalya echoed. ‘From whom?’
He ignored her question.
‘It should arrive any day now, with instructions on how we proceed. You must be patient a little longer, Natalya. I hope I shall be able to answer all your questions very soon.’
‘But I do not see why you cannot tell me now!’ She pushed back her chair and rose. ‘I am one-and-twenty. You cannot keep me here. If you will not tell me, then I shall have no choice but to leave this house.’
‘You are quite free to leave whenever you wish, but where will you go? You have no money, save the pin money we allow you. Will you throw yourself on the mercy of your friends? Mrs Ancrum, perhaps?’ His brows rose and he said coldly, ‘What will you tell her—that we have abused you, treated you harshly? No one would believe you and think how it would look! All will be revealed shortly, I promise you.’
Mrs Pridham touched her hand. ‘My dear, pray do not be too hasty. Believe me, it will be very much to your advantage to be patient a little longer.’
She wavered.
Her uncle said, more gently, ‘Your aunt is right, Natalya. We know what is best. Pray bear with us. You will thank us, once you know everything.’
Natalya looked at him suspiciously. ‘And when you have told me everything, will I still be free to leave here?’
‘Your future will be out of my hands.’
‘But will it be in mine?’
‘What nonsense is this?’ exclaimed Mrs Pridham. ‘No one wishes you to be unhappy, Natalya. Now, if you have finished eating, shall we withdraw? Perhaps you would like to play for me, while Mr Pridham enjoys a glass of port here.’
‘No, thank you.’ Natalya struggled to keep calm. ‘I think I will retire, if you will excuse me.’
* * *
When Aggie had helped her into bed, Natalya begged her to leave the curtains pulled back and she lay alone in the darkness, wondering what she would do. Her uncle had said she was free to leave, if she so wished, but where would she go? The thought of leaving the only home, the only family she had ever known was quite terrifying and even Tristan was no longer in Bath to support her. She might fly to Mrs Ancrum, seek refuge with her, but her uncle was right, that would only give rise to the worst sort of speculation, and what had Mr and Mrs Pridham done to deserve the ignominy of being the subject of such gossip?
There were no physical walls to her cage, but she was trapped, all the same.
* * *
By morning Natalya was no closer to finding a solution to her problems, but
after a good night’s sleep her fears and anxieties seemed foolish. After all, they were not living in the Dark Ages. Perhaps, after all, there was a reasonable explanation to everything.
She was just finishing her breakfast when Mrs Pridham came into her bedchamber to invite her to join her at the Abbey for the morning service.
‘I should be delighted to attend,’ replied Natalya, suddenly feeling more cheerful at the prospect of leaving the house. ‘I will need time to change my gown.’
‘Excellent!’ Mrs Pridham beamed at her. ‘I will meet you in the hall in, say, half an hour. And bring a wrap, my dear. You know the sermons can be very long and I wouldn’t have you get chilled.’ She bustled away.
* * *
Thirty minutes later Natalya was almost ready to go out. She went to the linen press to fetch a shawl. A colourful array of woollen and silk wraps were folded and stacked on the shelf. Her fingers hovered over the pink shawl which Aggie had washed and placed on the top of the pile, then she pulled out the plain green cashmere beneath it. She did not want to think of Tristan today. He had left and she must not rely upon his returning.
* * *
Once they were settled in the carriage for the short drive to the Abbey, Natalya said, ‘Perhaps, afterwards, we might call upon Mrs Ancrum. I should so like to enquire after her, as she has done for me this past week.’
‘I think not, my dear. Your uncle does not want you to overexert yourself. We shall return directly to the house.’
Natalya hesitated, wondering if she should argue, but in the end she decided against it. If her elderly friend was not well, she needed to rest.
‘Very well. Perhaps I can take Aggie with me in the morning and I will leave a note for her.’
‘Yes. Perhaps. Now, Natalya, when we reach the Abbey we shall go inside directly,’ said Mrs Pridham. ‘There is a chill wind today and dawdling out of doors could well set back your recovery.
Natalya laughed at that. ‘It is not as though I have really been unwell, Aunt!’
‘Pray guard your tongue, Natalya,’ she muttered. ‘We have been most careful to keep your disappearance a secret from everyone. We must depend upon Lord Dalmorren’s discretion, but he is a gentleman, and as long as he stays silent, no one need know the true facts.’
Harlequin Historical May 2020--Box Set 2 of 2 Page 41
