by Anne Herries
‘Do not be ridiculous,’ Lady Standen said. For a moment she felt a pang of guilt as she saw the little death in Merry’s eyes, but it was not her fault. Her husband had run through their money and if she could not find a way to stave off their debts, they might lose the estate. ‘I cannot understand what has happened to you, Merry. You were always an obedient girl, and I can only think your stubbornness is a sign of mental illness.’
Merry refused to answer her. She was shocked, stunned might be a better word, and she found her cloak, following her mother down the back stairs that led out to a quiet street where their carriage was drawn up waiting. Her mind was in turmoil for she did not know where to turn, and her heart felt as if it were breaking.
* * *
When John Sutherland returned with the syllabub and champagne he had promised Merry, he found that she had left. He frowned for he knew that he had been delayed longer than he had wished, but he had expected that she would wait. It had been in his mind that he might speak to her on the subject of an engagement later as they strolled in the garden, and he was disappointed that she had apparently grown tired of waiting. As he looked about him, a gentleman came up to him. He was not well acquainted with Sir George Rowe, and frowned as the man spoke in what could only be described as a brusque manner.
‘If you look for Miss Hamilton you waste your time,’ he said and his tone was at the point of rudeness. ‘She has been called to her mama and they have left. Lady Standen has a headache I believe.’
‘I see – and Miss Hamilton asked you to give me this message?’ Sutherland was puzzled. Something was not right here, and yet he could not put his finger on it. ‘She could not stay a moment to give me the message herself?’
‘Naturally, she asked me to do it,’ George Rowe said, a sneer on his coarse lips. ‘Since I have just secured Lady Standen’s agreement to our engagement, it was up to me to take care of this small matter for Merry.’
‘You are engaged to Miss Hamilton?’ Sutherland was stunned, disbelieving. He was certain that Merry had smiled at him in a way that indicated a partiality. After all, he had been away only a few days…though perhaps he had given her no indication of his feelings. Indeed, he had not been sure. Having spent the last ten years trying to avoid marriage, it had been quite a shock to him when he realised that he was considering it. However, he had not thought she would engage herself to someone else that quickly.
‘It is not common knowledge as yet,’ Sir George said and smirked in a self-satisfied way. ‘However, I am sure we shall be announcing it very soon.’
‘Then I must wish you happy,’ Sutherland said feeling a hollow pang as he imagined Merry married to a man of Rowe’s calibre. Although he was not well acquainted with the man, he knew of him by reputation and what he had heard gave him some disquiet. ‘Excuse me, I must speak to someone.’
He left the room abruptly, going out into the gardens. How could this have happened? Was it is his fault for not speaking sooner? He had not understood his feelings for Merry Hamilton until this moment, and he felt as if he had received a severe blow. And yet…she had seemed to float in his arms as they danced. Could he believe Rowe or was it a lie to try and throw a rival off the scent?
He would not believe it until he heard the truth from Merry’s own lips! He would call to speak to her in the morning, tell her of his own hopes and…but he had an important meeting in the morning. It would have to wait until the afternoon…
Damn! Damn! Damn it! He would cancel the meeting: Merry was more important.
* * *
Merry spent a sleepless night weeping into her pillow, for on the way home her mother had spelled out her future. She had agreed to an engagement with the wedding to take place in July. Sir George was calling in the morning and unless Merry received him and accepted his offer, she would find herself on the way to a mental asylum by the evening.
Wild thoughts of running away went through Merry’s mind, but she dismissed them. Her mother would have her fetched back and it would only make the case against her more believable. Merry knew that she would not be the first young woman to be shut up in such an institution for being disobedient. Yet how much better was the fate that awaited her if she agreed to wed Sir George?
The way he looked at her made her feel ill and she could not bear the thought of his touching her. To be his wife and bear his children was something that she did not wish even to contemplate – but what else could she do? It seemed that Lady Standen was set on forcing her to this marriage, and Merry had begun to suspect that it was a matter of money. She knew that her stepfather had run through his own fortune and possibly as much of her mother’s as he could get his hands on. Were they now hoping to get the money her father had left in trust for her?
It had been tied up until she married, when it would be secured to her and her children – but if it could be proved in court that she would never marry, might her mother be able to break the trust? Had Sir George promised her mother money if she secured Merry’s consent to the wedding?
The thoughts went round and round in her head, until she thought she might go mad indeed, but there was no solution to them. In the morning, on rising, she went to her aunt’s bedchamber. Lady Melbourne was lying propped up against a pile of pillows, a pot of hot chocolate and some pastries on the tray by her side. She looked a little annoyed when she saw her niece for she did not like to be disturbed this early, especially after such a late night.
‘What is it, Merry? I should have thought you would have been glad of some extra sleep this morning.’
‘Mama has told me that I must marry Sir George Rowe,’ Merry said. ‘Forgive me for disturbing you, but I was so upset…’
‘I know she said she thought you should settle for him,’ Lady Melbourne said, ‘but if you really do not wish it, tell her so. Run along, child. I shall talk to you later. I cannot be bothered with this at this hour.’
Merry left the room, shutting the door quietly behind her. She had hoped that her aunt would help her, but it was clear that she could expect nothing from that quarter. Perhaps Lady Melbourne was thinking only of her own daughter, who was now engaged, and wanted to concentrate on Jane’s wedding. Merry could hardly blame her. It would only cause quarrels and an unpleasant breech if she told her aunt the whole business, and her aunt would not want that at such a time.
Returning to her own room, Merry sank down onto the bed and wept. She had exhausted herself by the time her maid came to tell her that Sir George had called to see her, and her eyes were red from crying. She made no attempt to make herself look presentable, and went down as she was in her creased gown, her face stained with tears.
Her mother was already in the room, waiting for her to present herself. The look she gave Merry was one of such anger that the girl trembled inwardly.
‘Were you not told that you had a visitor?’ Lady Standen asked, glaring at her. ‘Go upstairs and wash your face and change your gown at once!’
‘No, no,’ Sir George said. ‘This is a difficult time for a young girl, ma’am. I understand that she might be a little reluctant – for I have been married before and there are the children…’ He looked at Lady Standen pointedly. ‘If I may speak with Merry for a moment alone?’
Lady Standen hesitated and then nodded, getting to her feet. She gave Merry a hard stare. ‘Remember what I told you, daughter. I shall speak to you when Sir George has gone.’
Merry did not answer. Lady Standen’s hands clenched at her sides. Had they been alone, she would have struck the girl, but she controlled her temper and walked out into the hall. Pausing for a moment to glance through some cards on the salver lying on a small table, she was there when the knocker went and the butler answered the door. A gentleman was invited in, and asked to speak with Miss Hamilton.
‘Very well, Simmons, I shall deal with this.’ She dismissed the servant with a wave of her hand. ‘I am sorry, sir, but my daughter cannot see you this morning. She is with her fiancé at this moment and they are d
iscussing their wedding. I am sure you understand.’
‘I was not aware that Miss Hamilton was engaged…’ Sutherland said, tight-lipped.
‘It is quite recent but I expect to announce it soon,’ Lady Standen said giving him a false, sweet smile. ‘Earl Sutherland, I believe – though we have not met I think?’
‘I have been away,’ he replied. ‘You must excuse me, I have an appointment…’
Lady Standen watched him leave, frowning as she wondered if she might have been a little hasty in forcing Merry to accept Sir George. Sutherland had looked shocked, upset…but it was too late. She had agreed to Sir George’s bargain, which was five thousand pounds immediately, and another five after the wedding.
She wondered how long she ought to wait before returning to the parlour, and decided to give them a few more minutes. Perhaps Sir George would succeed where she had failed. She went back to the parlour, putting her ear to the door to listen to what was going on.
‘But I do not feel anything for you, sir,’ Merry was saying. ‘I do not see how you can wish to marry me when I do not like you very much.’
‘At least you are honest with me,’ Sir George said. ‘I think you may have heard unkind gossip, Merry. I assure you that none of it was true. I loved the ladies I was married to and I believe they were happy enough in their role. And I have the dearest children. Could you not find it in your heart to pity them, alone and motherless as they are? If you do not love me, you might feel kindness towards them.’
‘Yes, that is true,’ Merry said. ‘I like children and I should not mind that part of it so very much…but marriage is so much more, is it not, sir? My modesty forbids me to say more, but you must understand.’
At the door Lady Standen frowned, her hand hovering over the handle as she was tempted to intervene.
‘If you fear the marriage bed, believe me when I say I have infinite patience, my dear. I should make no immediate demands on you…only when we have become used to each other should I…’
‘Ellen, what are you doing?’
Lady Standen turned and walked away from the door reluctantly as he sister came downstairs. She cursed inwardly, wishing that Harriet had stayed in her room another half an hour.’
‘Merry is receiving a proposal of marriage.’
‘And you were listening?’ Lady Melbourne gave her a look of disapproval. ‘She told me that you were forcing her to take Sir George Rowe. Surely you would not be that foolish, sister? I believe that Sutherland was on the point of making her an offer. He would be much better for her – and she likes him very well.’
‘You did not tell me that,’ Lady Standen accused, annoyed that she might have lost the greater prize.
‘I was not sure. He left town for a few days, but he returned for the ball last night. I am surprised you did not see them together. It was obvious to anyone with eyes that they were on the verge of an understanding.’
‘Are you certain of this?’ Lady Standen said. Perhaps it was not too late. She started towards the parlour door just as it opened and Sir George came out, looking very pleased with himself. ‘Sir, I think perhaps…’
‘Will you wish me happy, ma’am?’ he said, a gleam of triumph in his eyes. ‘Miss Hamilton has done me the honour of agreeing to be my wife. I shall of course honour my promise to you – but now I should leave.’
A gasp of dismay left Lady Melbourne’s lips as she watched him depart, and she turned on her sister furiously. ‘Now, what have you been up to?’ she demanded angrily. ‘If you have forced that child to take a man of that nature…don’t you know they say he killed both his wives by giving them too many children in too short a time? Can you imagine what a rapacious appetite for the physical pleasures he must have – and to force that on a child like Merry! It is beyond human decency.’
‘But…’ Lady Standen was left staring after her sister as Harriet Melbourne went into the parlour.
Merry was standing looking out of the window as her aunt entered. Her shoulders were sagging and as Lady Melbourne went up to her, she suddenly crumpled to the floor in a faint.
‘Oh, my poor child,’ Lady Melbourne said and rang the bell urgently as she knelt by her unconscious niece. ‘What has that mother of yours done to you?’
‘What is wrong with her?’ Lady Standen said from the doorway. ‘Is she unwell?’
‘The poor girl has fainted,’ Harriet said. ‘What did you say to her to make her accept that man when she has always disliked him? Tell me the truth, for I shall know if you lie, Ellen.’
‘I may have made some sort of threat,’ Lady Standen said feeling uncomfortable. She was afraid of her sister’s disapproval and always had been. ‘But of course I never meant to carry out my threat…’
‘Just what did you threaten? Oh never mind now, we shall speak again later,’ Lady Melbourne said as a servant entered just as Merry began to stir. ‘Help me get my niece to her bedroom, Sally. And then send for the physician if you please.’
‘She will be fine in a moment,’ Lady Standen muttered annoyed by all the fuss. ‘She is quite strong…’
‘No thanks to you,’ Lady Melbourne said, her look so stern that her sister wilted beneath it. ‘I shall speak to you later.’ She turned her attention to Merry, who was whimpering as she came back to herself. ‘Do not fret, Merry, my dear,’ she said. ‘I am here with you now and I shall help you. Forgive me for not listening to you earlier, but we shall talk when you are feeling better.’
CHAPTER FIVE
Merry’s head was aching dreadfully. When she tried to sit up against the pillows, the dizziness swept over her and she fell back with a little cry of pain.
‘You must not try to get up yet,’ the maid told her, placing a gentle hand against her shoulder. ‘Doctor Henry told me to sit and watch over you. He thinks you may have taken a severe chill or something worse.’
‘May I have a glass of water please, Sally?’
‘Yes, of course, miss, though there is a nice blackcurrant cordial that Lady Melbourne sent up for you. She was distressed at you being took ill, and she says you must try not to worry. She had to take Miss Jane somewhere but she will speak to you this evening before dinner.’
What Sally didn’t say was that there had been an argument between Lady Melbourne and Lady Standen. It had taken place behind closed doors, but the whole household knew that it had been serious.
A tear trickled down Merry’s cheek as she remembered what had caused her to faint. She had reluctantly agreed to Sir George’s proposal after he had promised her that he would not force her to share his bed until they knew each other much better – and then he had kissed her on the lips. His mouth had been wet and slack, and she had recoiled from the unpleasant smell that hung about him. The experience had been abhorrent to her, and, after he left, the horror of what she had committed herself to had overcome her. Suddenly she had felt pain at her temples and the pounding in her head had caused her to swoon.
‘Thank you,’ she said as Sally brought her a glass of cordial. She took a few sips and lay back against her pillows with a sigh. ‘My head aches, Sally. I think I should like to sleep for a while.’
‘Lady Standen is lying down, miss. She asked to be told when you were feeling better.’
‘Please, say nothing to her!’ Merry was alarmed. She was not well enough to sustain more of her mother’s bullying.
‘No, miss. I thought you wouldn’t want me to tell her. I’ll leave you to sleep, but I’ll be next door sorting through your clothes if you need me.’
‘Yes, please stay near,’ Merry said, her eyelids feeling heavy. She drifted into an uneasy sleep, for though the soothing cordial had done its work, a dark shadow hung over her, making her dreams uneasy.
* * *
‘But you’ve only just returned to town,’ Teddy Hythe said, frowning at his cousin. ‘Thought you might want to stay around for a while. Thing is, Jane hoped you might be thinking of making her cousin an offer?’
‘I believe you will
discover that Miss Hamilton has already accepted an offer of marriage,’ Sutherland said. He saw the disbelief in his cousin’s face and grimaced. ‘I assure you it is so. Besides, have been invited to stay at Newmarket for the races next week, and I shall leave almost immediately.’
‘Something upsetting you?’ Teddy asked, sensing that Sutherland was in a strange mood. ‘You will come to my engagement ball next month?’
‘At your home?’ Sutherland asked raising his brows.
‘Yes, of course. My mother wants Jane and Lady Melbourne to stay and she insisted on arranging the ball for us. After all the Melbourne family will host the wedding, and you know my mama – she must have a hand in things.’
‘Yes, I know your mama,’ Sutherland smiled for he liked Lady Hythe very well. ‘Yes, I shall come.’ He thought himself safe to agree for Merry might not be there if she was immersed in her own wedding plans and, besides, he should have become accustomed to the idea of her marrying someone else by then.
‘Good,’ Teddy said and felt well satisfied. ‘Jane had asked him to make sure that Sutherland would attend their engagement ball. He didn’t know the whole story, but he knew that his fiancée was hoping that Sutherland and Merry might make a go of it after all. How that was to happen when Merry had promised to wed someone else, he did not know, but he had wanted to please Jane, and had done what he could. ‘You won’t let me down? You know I am counting on you to be my best man at the wedding?’
‘Thank you, Teddy. I am honoured,’ Sutherland said smiled oddly. ‘I shall look forward to both occasions.’ But for the moment, he needed to get away, because he was not sure how he would bear up to seeing Merry in company with her fiancé. He had been so sure that she would accept his own proposal and it had knocked his pride for six, but, far worse, he rather suspected that he might be suffering from a malady of the heart.
* * *
‘How are you feeling now, Merry?’ Lady Melbourne came softly into the room. She saw that her niece was still looking pale, and that her eyes were red. ‘Did my cordial help your poor head?’
