The Foundling Bride
Page 16
Lady Alice’s smile was one of immense satisfaction. ‘Well, well... Do I hear angels singing at last?’ she remarked happily, making herself comfortable in a large winged chair. ‘It seems I was right.’
Marcus glanced down at her sharply. ‘About what?’
‘You are in love with Lowena after all.’
Shoving his hands deep into his pockets, Marcus made no comment. With a brooding look he turned his back on his mother and stared out of the window. Thinking of Lowena.
He saw her as she had stood against him, courageous and lovely, and he saw her as she had looked when he had kissed her, her eyes filled with innocent passion. She was gentle and proud and brave, and with a surge of remorse he recalled how she had driven him almost mad with desire, how he had fought a mental battle against the insidious doubt and confusion that raged within him.
When Isabel had betrayed him he had erected a barrier around himself—and then Lowena had appeared, flinging it back with her unavoidable invasion into his heart.
Tregarrick and this house should have been places of safety—places where she could live and work unmolested by the people within their walls. But the greatest danger to her had been from the masters themselves. Self-disgust for himself and his half-brother almost choked him.
‘I admit that I treated her very badly by telling her she must leave. I will have to find a way to remedy that.’
‘Marrying her would be the perfect way to redeem yourself. Will you marry her?’
‘Damn it, Mother,’ he uttered hoarsely. ‘I have to find her first.’
* * *
Castle Creek, the ancestral home of generations of Wesleys, comprised acres of woodland and fertile farmland and the silver and lead mine. The Wesley family had been making a good profit from the mine for decades.
Sir Robert took Lowena to see it working. It was very much like the mines in Cornwall, where women and young boys worked in the ore sheds and men and older boys worked in the mine. She watched in fascination as men climbed down the perpendicular ladders which extended deep into the earth, their only light coming from candles fixed to their hats with clay.
Over the days that had followed her arrival Lowena had begun to learn about her ancestors and her father as she had never thought to have a chance to do. As a person she found him to be quite exceptional. He was fit, and still a very handsome man, self-disciplined and totally honest and fair in his dealings with others, which made him an ideal magistrate.
She had adjusted herself to the routine of living in this lovely house, and her father had insisted that she learn to ride and that he would teach her himself. This he had done, showing patience and consideration as her lessons progressed.
She rode with a natural style, and such was her enthusiasm she proved to be an excellent horsewoman, showing a confidence and expertise that made her father glow with pride.
Her days were busy, and she knew she still had much to learn. Only when she closed her bedroom door at night did her thoughts turn to Marcus. He haunted her dreams, and with a tightening twinge of pain around her heart she realised how deeply she missed him.
When she had left Tregarrick she had worried that she might be with child, but the arrival of her flux had dispelled her concern.
Remembering their kiss, she would often feel herself softening inside, feel a stirring of pleasure like a ray of sunshine peeping out from behind a dark cloud—and then she would abruptly pull herself together. She had only just begun adjust to her new life, to enjoy all it had to offer, and she didn’t want to risk her fragile newfound tranquillity.
But her body could not be ordered to obey, and her mind would not let her be. Her flesh had not stopped wanting this man, longing for him to touch and kiss her. Her mind had not stopped yearning to see him, no matter how strongly she tried to push the memories away.
Already she felt close to her father. He had told her that her presence and her heart-warming smile brightened the atmosphere of the house. Her place now was warm and comfortable and secure, and she lacked nothing materially. She began to love the man. That love was returned. He loved her for herself—for who she was and what she was.
The house was more beautiful and impressive than any place Lowena could have imagined, and equally grand as Tregarrick. The entrance hall was large, with a wide staircase running up the middle, and the floor was marble. The walls were hung with oil paintings of family members past, and beautiful white marble figures occupied arched alcoves.
Lowena began to understand what it would have been like living and being brought up in such a house, surrounded by luxury and being waited on by servants. How different her life would have been had her mother not died. Had her grandmother not turned her bitterness on them all...
They were about to leave for London when Lowena had a surprise visitor. It was Nessa. Her aunt had died shortly after Nessa’s arrival in Saltash and, having nowhere else to go, she had come in search of Lowena to Castle Creek.
‘I didn’t know what to do,’ said the distraught Nessa, gratefully drinking the tea a concerned Lowena had placed in her hands. ‘I didn’t want to go back to Tregarrick—not that they would have me, having found someone else to take my place before I left.’
Lowena knew that now her aunt had died Nessa was quite alone in the world. From a distance, Nessa had quietly watched over her all her life. Now it was her turn to take care of Nessa. Lowena felt a deep affection for her, and wanted to help her in any way possible.
‘You did right to come to me, Nessa, and I’m so glad that you have. Having you here means I will have a friend from the past.’
‘But I must work—in the kitchen or the laundry. I would be grateful to do anything. I’m not one for an idle life. I must have something to do.’
‘You are more than a servant to me, Nessa, and it’s time you put your feet up a bit. But I will have a word with the housekeeper and see what we can come up with—I know my father will be happy to have you here.’
Nessa glanced at her warily. ‘Will he? Surely he cannot feel kindly towards me after what I did.’
Lowena placed her hand gently on her arm. ‘He does not blame you. Naturally he wishes you had told me about my past earlier, but he understands why you didn’t and that you always had my best interests at heart. He is a lovely man, Nessa. And I am glad you have come now, because we’re shortly to leave for London. Would you like to come with us—as my companion or even my chaperone?’ She laughed lightly. ‘My sudden rise in status makes it necessary, apparently.’
‘Oh, no, I couldn’t do that. I’ve come far enough from Cornwall as it is. I would like to stay here if I may—close to the sea.’
Lowena smiled. ‘Whatever you like. I want what is best for you. Now, drink your tea and I’ll go and have a word with the housekeeper and have a room prepared for you. The important thing is to get you settled in. I want you to be comfortable and to look on this house as your home, Nessa.’
* * *
They travelled to London in Sir Robert’s impressive coach, drawn by a team of four handsome horses. Coach travel was not exactly comfortable or relaxing. The road was frequented by highwaymen, and to alleviate the dangers of being held up they always stopped for the night at a coaching inn before the light faded and to rest the horses.
Much as Lowena had pleaded with Nessa to accompany her, she would not be persuaded. From the first she had been drawn into the busy life of the Wesley household, and accepted by all those employed there, and undertook any duties presented to her under the expert supervision of the housekeeper, Mrs Eliza Carstairs, who was a kindly soul and had taken to Nessa like a long-lost friend.
The closer they got to London, the more apprehensive Lowena became about meeting Lady Deborah who, secure in her immense wealth and popularity, was very involved in society, attending functions both in and out of the Season.
On reaching Mayfair, she stared in awe when the door of an impressive house was opened by a servant meticulously garbed in white wig, a dark green coat edged in gold and white breeches. His face was impassive as he stepped aside to let them enter.
‘Welcome back, Sir Robert. You are expected. I trust you had a pleasant journey?’
‘Yes, thank you, Williams,’ Sir Robert said, taking Lowena’s arm and leading her inside. ‘Is my wife home?’
‘She is, sir—in the drawing room. Shall I announce you?’
‘No, don’t bother. I’ll announce myself.’ He turned to Lowena. ‘I am sure you would like to see your room and freshen up, my dear, but Deborah would never forgive me if I didn’t introduce you right away.’
Lowena was completely overwhelmed by the beauty and wealth of the house. Crossing the white marble floor, she looked dazedly about her, wondering if she had not been brought to some royal palace by mistake. She wasn’t to know that, compared to many houses in Mayfair, this house was considered to be of moderate proportions. Craning her neck and looking upwards, she was almost dazzled by the huge chandelier suspended from the ceiling, dripping with hundreds of tiny crystal pieces.
Lady Deborah Wesley was a tall and statuesque woman. Her face was striking, with haughty, high cheekbones. Her eyes were dark, her light brown hair a braided coil on her crown, touched with silver. Over the years she had acquired a formidable presence, and her strong, handsome features bore down on any challenge with cool authority.
Draped in a deep blue gown, with a scooped neckline that revealed the swell of her generous bosom, she stood in the centre of the room. After embracing her husband, she turned her attention to Lowena.
Lowena was apprehensive about meeting her stepmother, but she held her composure. She knew that she must have received and read her husband’s correspondence regarding the surprise arrival of his illegitimate daughter and would not know what to expect. Lowena wouldn’t blame her if she believed she was an opportunist.
She kissed Lowena on the cheek, and Lowena sensed that she was summing her up in the same sort of way that Lowena in turn had summed her up.
Lady Deborah gave her a frank look, thinking there was something untamed and quite unique about this lovely young woman. Lowena remained quietly composed beneath the older woman’s appraisal, lifting her chin and meeting her gaze directly.
‘So, you are Lowena.’ She smiled, and when she did so it lit up her face. ‘Welcome to London, my dear. I am so glad to meet you at last,’ she said, her tone warm with obvious sincerity. ‘But what a surprise you have given us! Robert has told me all about you in his letters, so that I feel I know you already. I have been looking forward to welcoming you into the family and to getting to know you.’
‘And I look forward to knowing you, Lady Deborah,’ Lowena replied, speaking quietly. She had expected coldness and stiffness and was relieved to find there was neither—in fact there were no reservations at all in her welcome.
‘Come and sit by me,’ Deborah said as a young maid entered carrying a tea tray, ‘and please call me Deborah. “Lady Deborah” is much too formal, and “Stepmama” would make me feel quite ancient.’
Beginning to relax, Lowena found Deborah not at all as she had expected. Her tone was warm, and when she smiled it was quite entrancing. In her mid-forties, she was still at the height of her beauty, with a certain style, and it was not difficult to see why her father had married her.
‘Robert tells me you have been living at Tregarrick in Cornwall. I am acquainted with Lady Alice Carberry. We have a mutual friend who introduced us when she was in Devon last summer. Her son Marcus is a military man—in America, as I recall.’
‘Yes. He is home now. He returned to Tregarrick on the death of his father.’
‘And is he to go back to America?’ Deborah asked, handing Lowena and her husband their tea.
‘No, I do not believe so.’
‘And his half-brother? How do you get on with him?’
Lowena stared at her. ‘Edward? You know Edward Carberry?’
‘Why, yes. It’s his practice to come to London once every year, and he always stays a few weeks. He brought his wife on one occasion—Isabel. She was very popular—exquisitely beautiful, elegant and clever—and attractive to other men. Together with her husband, her behaviour was quite scandalous when she was in town.’
‘I—I don’t know about that. I wasn’t working at Tregarrick at that time, but I saw her on occasion. It was a tragedy when she died.’
‘A riding accident, wasn’t it?’
Lowena nodded. ‘They had scarcely been married twelve months. She liked to ride with the hunt and her horse threw her. She died instantly. Lord Carberry was devastated.’
‘I’m sure he was—but no one would have believed so when he arrived in London shortly afterwards. He’s considered a catch—but it is his brother who used to command the most attention. I recall him being a private, reserved individual, which added to his mystery and charm. He was favoured for his looks, and every hostess in society tried to secure him for her daughter—inviting him to their homes and any other social event when he was in town. But he more often than not declined their invitations. They mourned his absence when he went to America.’
‘I believe he is to travel to London shortly with Lady Carberry, to visit his sister Juliet.’
‘And he is still unmarried?’
‘Yes.’
‘Then there will be many a female heart aflutter when he arrives. Robert told me he was the one who found you that day when you had been left in the woods?’
‘Yes—yes, he was.’
‘Deborah, my dear,’ Sir Robert said, knowing his wife would keep Lowena talking all day if he didn’t interrupt. ‘I think Lowena would like to see her room. It has been a long journey and she must be exhausted.’
‘Why, of course. I do tend to carry on. Do forgive me, Lowena. I will arrange for my dressmaker to fit you out with a new wardrobe at once. The clothes Robert has you in are adequate, my dear, but hardly fashionable if you are to be introduced into society.’
Alarm bells began ringing in Lowena’s head, and she could see the excited gleam of anticipation at future arrangements in the older woman’s eyes. She still felt a certain unease in making the transition from servant to lady, without being thrust into society quite so soon.
‘Oh—but I—It is not my intention to appear rude. or to give offence, but I had not thought—I have no wish to go into society.’
‘But of course you must.’ Deborah smiled and her eyes twinkled with mischief. ‘I know. Robert has told me you have no wish to socialise—considering your past—but have you not thought to do it anyway? Just for the fun of it?’
Lowena’s expression became grave. ‘It is a long time since I did anything “for the fun of it”. Besides, I am illegitimate, which leaves me outside convention and outside society.’
‘Oh, I grant you—you are not like the young ladies of my acquaintance. You’re different,’ she said, not unkindly. ‘I can see that, and I should hate to see you get hurt. You are still young and innocent, and I understand that you do not altogether understand the ways of the world or society as we do. As someone who knows it only too well, I do not intend to let you stray far from my side when you attend events in the future.’
Lowena was strangely touched by Deborah’s obvious concern for her well-being, and she smiled. ‘I imagine what you are intending is a seriously expensive business, which I understand is undertaken for the sole purpose of procuring a husband.’
‘That is so, but—well, whethe
r you are introduced officially into society or not is immaterial,’ said Deborah lightly. ‘As the daughter of Sir Robert Wesley you cannot hide yourself away indefinitely, so it is imperative that you have a fashionable wardrobe. We have been invited to several low-key events over the next two weeks, which I think would be a good opportunity to introduce you to our friends and acquaintances. Do you dance, Lowena?’
Lowena shook her head, beginning to feel totally inadequate in every way. ‘I’m afraid not. I can do the country dances, but nothing sophisticated. I’m afraid I have a lot to learn.’
For a moment Deborah seemed to be lost for words at this candid admission, and she wondered how this lovely girl was adapting to the recent changes that had taken place in her life.
‘Then we shall have to do something about it. We will employ a tutor to instruct you on all you need to know. You are intelligent and have been well taught, Robert tells me—which is more than can be said of some of the vain young girls who are turned out year after year for the Season, so it will take no time at all. Now, I am sure you will need a rest after your journey—I’ve arranged for a personal maid for you.’
‘I’ve never had a personal maid before,’ Lowena confessed.
An indulgent little smile appeared on Deborah’s face. No doubt she had decided her ignorance could be excused.
‘Don’t worry about it, Lowena. You’ll soon get used to the way of things. The girl I have chosen for you is called Martha. She will see to all your personal needs—take care of your clothes, everything, really,’ she explained, looking across at her husband, who was seated with his legs stretched out in front of him, watching the meeting between his wife and daughter with a good deal of interest. ‘I’ll show Lowena to her room, Robert, and then I promise you will have my undivided attention.’
* * *