by Anne Herries
‘Yes, a little, because it made me sleep,’ Merry said, ‘but my throat is sore, aunt. I think perhaps I have taken a chill.’
‘Yes, perhaps,’ her aunt agreed. ‘We have been racketing about town a lot this past month. But I dare say you will feel better soon…’ She saw her niece’s wan face. ‘What made you agree to it, Merry? I know your mother threatened you in some way, but she would not tell me exactly what she said to you.’
‘It does not matter now,’ Merry said. ‘I have given my word. How could I go back on it now?’
‘Well, as to that, it would not be an easy thing to do,’ Lady Melbourne said. ‘Your mother is set on the match, and though Lord Melbourne is the custodian of your fortune he cannot forbid the marriage. However, it might be arranged if I am able to speak to Sir George before the announcement is made. I need only tell him that you have changed your mind, my dear.’
‘But Mama said…’ Merry’s eyes filled with tears. ‘She said that she would put me in a house of correction – a mental asylum – if I did not obey her.’
‘You must be mistaken?’ Lady Melbourne was shocked. ‘Surely she would not…’ and yet she knew that Merry was speaking the truth. ‘Oh, that is so wicked. No wonder you felt you had no other alternative but to accept him.’ She had been sitting on the edge of the bed, but now she stood up and took a turn about the bedroom feeling agitated. ‘You may forget your mother’s threats, Merry. I shall speak to my sister on this matter – and you can rest assured that your uncle would not permit her to do such a terrible thing. She may be your mother but he has control of your fortune and her trust fund. Believe me, she will not dare to flout his wishes in this way.’
‘Oh, aunt, if only I had known…’ Merry gave a little sob. ‘I was so frightened…I did not know what to do for the best.’ She wiped a tear from her cheek with the back of her hand. ‘But what is to be done? How can I jilt him?’
‘As I said, it will not be easy. If he is agreeable we may find a way out of this mess, my dear – but you must leave it to me. I think the best thing would be for you to stay in bed for a few days. I shall tell everyone that you are unwell. Indeed, I may embroider the truth a little for Sir George’s sake. If he believes that you are delicate he may not be so urgent to marry you.’
‘I think I would rather die,’ Merry confessed. ‘I agreed because he spoke of his children and said…well, I thought it might not be so very bad…and then he kissed me. I do not think I should want to live as his wife. I would rather die.’
‘You must not be so negative,’ Lady Melbourne said and frowned at her. ‘We shall manage it between us, never fear. If he refuses to withdraw then you must jilt him, but that may mean that you will not make a good marriage. It is frowned upon in society, as I am sure you understand, and you may be forced to look elsewhere for a husband.’
Merry was silent. She had believed that the Earl of Sutherland was close to making her an offer of marriage, but she might have been mistaken. She would not know until they met again, and that might not be for a while.
‘I will be guided by you, aunt,’ she said. ‘But please do not let Mama come near me just yet I could not bear more of her scolding.’
‘Your Mama has decided to return home tomorrow,’ Lady Melbourne said. ‘I have told her that I wish you to remain with me. She objected but I think I shall persuade her…’ The expression in her eyes left Merry in no doubt that she would succeed. ‘You must know that your mother has been in some difficulty over her financial worries. Lord Melbourne will look into her affairs and see what may be done – but you will not return to her until I am satisfied that your future is settled.’
‘You are so kind to me,’ Merry said tears welling up in her eyes.
‘I am merely doing what I see as the right thing,’ Lady Melbourne said. ‘Now dry your eyes, girl, and eat your supper if you can. I shall do all that is necessary for the moment.’
Merry lay back with a sigh as her aunt left the room. She knew that some part of the story was bound to leak out and could only reflect badly on her family. What would the earl think of her for accepting and then jilting Sir George – and when would she see him again?
* * *
‘How are you, dearest?’ Annabel asked as she entered her friend’s bedroom and saw her lying propped up against her pillows, a book of poetry on the bed beside her. ‘I have been dreadfully worried about you, because there is a rumour going around that you are promised to Sir George Rowe. I told Mama that it could not be true because you dislike him, but people are talking…especially as you have not attended any of the affairs you were promised to. Lady Melbourne told me that you had been ill?’
‘Yes, I have a little,’ Merry said, reaching for Annabel’s hand as she sat on the bed next to her. ‘It has been horrible, Belle. The rumour is true – I am engaged to Sir George. Mama…forced me to accept him. She was so angry with me on the night of our dance for refusing to dance with him that she made me leave early. She pretended that she was ill, but it was only to make me do as she said – and then…’ She hesitated and held tight to her friend’s hand for she was still upset over what had been said to her. ‘Mama said that she would send me to a place of correction for wicked girls if I did not take him.’
‘Merry! She wouldn’t?’ Annabel said, shocked by this revelation. ‘Even my aunt would not do such a thing. She is cross with me because I have received two offers of marriage from eligible gentlemen and refused them both – but she doesn’t know…’ She broke off for she could not tell Merry her news at the moment. ‘What shall you do? You cannot wish to marry him?’
‘Aunt Harriet is trying to get him to withdraw,’ Merry said. ‘She has told him that I am delicate and would not survive childbirth. I think she is hoping that he will decide I am not suitable for his purpose – but if he will not withdraw, I shall do so.’
‘But your mother…’
‘Aunt Harriet made her go home,’ Merry said. ‘She actually apologised before she left, pretended that I had misunderstood and that she was merely trying to help me – but that was a lie, Belle. I think he promised her money if I accepted him, and if not…she hoped to take control of my fortune if I were diagnosed as being mentally ill.’
‘Merry…’ Annabel was so shocked that she could not speak for a moment. Instead, she put her arms about her friend and hugged her. When she drew back they both had tears in her eyes. ‘I am so sorry. I don’t know how anyone could do that to their own daughter. My father neglected me after Mama died, and my aunt sent me away to school because I would not obey her or my governess …but what your mother planned to do is wicked.’
‘Yes, it is horrid, isn’t it?’ Merry said, her hand moving restlessly on the cover. ‘It was hurtful and I was frightened – but I am much better now. Aunt Harriet has told me to leave everything to her.’
‘You must be glad that she cares for you, Merry. Without her support…’
‘I should have had to marry Sir George,’ Merry said. ‘And I think I would rather die.’
‘Oh, don’t say that, please,’ Annabel begged. ‘I love you. You know I would do all I could to help you?’
‘Yes, I know,’ Merry said. ‘I wonder if you would give Earl Sutherland a message for me please?’
‘I should be delighted to do so,’ Annabel told her, ‘but he is not in town at the moment. I believe he has gone down to Newmarket. Did Jane not tell you?’
‘She has not mentioned him,’ Merry said, thinking it a little strange. ‘But she has been very kind to me, as has my aunt. I do not know what I should have done without them.’
‘When are you coming out again?’ Annabel asked. ‘Will you come for my dance this weekend? It will not be as large as yours and Jane’s but I asked Mama to hold it at home for I do not wish for a large affair.’
‘You know I shall come for that,’ Merry said. ‘In fact, I shall be at Lady Portmeiron’s supper tomorrow night. My aunt says we have one more week in town and then we shall go to Lord Hyth
e’s country seat.’
‘I shall miss you when you leave,’ Annabel told her, frowning as she wondered where she would be by the end of the season. She wished that she might tell Merry what she intended, but it was not the right time. She must wait until her friend was feeling better. ‘But I shall write to you are Lady Melbourne’s home, and we must keep in touch.’
‘Oh, yes, we must,’ Merry agreed. She was sorry when Annabel stood up and said she must leave. ‘I shall see you tomorrow evening then?’
‘Yes, of course. I am glad you are feeling better at last.’
Merry lay back against her pillows with a sigh as Annabel went out. She had been feeling perfectly well for the past couple of days, but her aunt had insisted that she stay in her room.
‘If we are to convince Sir George that you are delicate you must not be seen in company too soon,’ she had told Merry.
Merry had fretted at her inability to go anywhere or see anyone – but if the earl had left town it did not matter so very much. She thought now that perhaps she had mistaken his intention when he spoke of taking a little air after supper. He must have been intending to tell her that he was leaving town again.
Her chest felt tight with misery for she knew that she would never feel the same for any other man, and even her aunt would expect her to marry in time. Lady Melbourne disliked Sir George and would help her to extricate herself from the tangle she had fallen into – but it would be only a temporary respite. She was expected to marry, but how could she be happy with anyone else when she was in love with John Sutherland?
* * *
Merry was relieved to discover that Sir George had not been invited to Lady Portmerion’s evening. Her aunt had made certain of that before deciding that it should be her return to society.
‘Try not to look too healthy,’ she instructed her niece before they left for the evening. ‘We must do our best to avoid a scandal for all our sakes, my dear – though if it comes to it I shall stand by you. However, I suggest that if you are forced to jilt him, you do so by letter after we have left town.’
‘Yes, aunt,’ Merry said meekly. It was not difficult to obey for she was feeling uncertain of her reputation. All the rumours that had been circulating must have led some people to lose their good opinion of her. ‘It might be best if I do not have to tell him to his face.’ She would have done it if it was required of her, but she knew it must be an unpleasant ordeal.
However, she discovered that most of the guests present that evening were as friendly as always towards her, though a few of the older ladies looked at her a little oddly. No one asked her if the rumours of her engagement were true, which she took to be out of consideration for her recent illness. She smiled bravely and conducted herself with a quiet dignity, which won her approval from almost everyone.
‘You still look pale,’ Annabel said, giving her a sympathetic squeeze about her waist when they had a moment alone in the room provided for the ladies comfort. ‘I have not seen anything of Earl Sutherland. I believe he must still be away.’ She sighed deeply. ‘I received another proposal this afternoon. I do wish…’
‘What is it?’ Merry asked, realising that Annabel was feeling a little low of spirits. ‘Hasn’t Viscount Wrexham spoken to you yet?’
‘He has and he hasn’t,’ Annabel decided that he would confide in her friend after all. She related what had taken place in the gardens on the night of their dance and then pulled a wry face. ‘We have hardly spoken since then. It is almost as if he is avoiding me on purpose.’
‘Perhaps he is giving you time to consider,’ Merry suggested. ‘He was very honest with you, Belle. He is not as educated or cultured, as are some of the gentlemen who have shown you attention, and his birth is not the equal of yours. It is unlikely that your father will give permission – and if you did run away you might be cut by some of your friends.’
‘If they refuse to know me for such a cause they are not truly my friends,’ Annabel replied with undeniable logic. ‘You would still wish to know me, would you not?’ She lifted her head proudly, yet with an underlying vulnerability that told Merry she was putting on a brave face.
‘You know I would. Nothing could ever change our friendship.’ Merry giggled suddenly. ‘That is if you wished to know me, of course. I may be thought of as a heartless jilt soon. Oh, how did we get ourselves into such a pickle?’
‘It is not your fault that you are in this situation,’ Annabel said. ‘The blame lies squarely with your mother.’
‘Perhaps I should have been braver.’
‘Oh, Merry, you cannot blame yourself.’ Annabel looked indignant. ‘Perhaps I ought to have looked elsewhere for a husband. My family will certainly think so – but I could not bear to marry anyone but Harry Wrexham. I have loved him since I was a little girl. I shall not marry anyone else. I do not care how much my aunt scolds me!’
‘Viscount Wrexham should speak to your father soon,’ Merry said. ‘You must tell him so, Belle. Otherwise, you will have no peace. Your aunt will become increasingly annoyed with you, and there is no real point to continuing as you are. For your own sake, you must settle this one way or the other.’
‘You are very right,’ agreed Annabel with a fond smile for her friend. ‘I am sure he will attend my dance in two days time. I shall tell him then.’
‘Did you invite Earl Sutherland to your dance?’
‘Of course. My aunt told me that he has not replied. If he comes, you must find a way to speak to him alone, Merry.’
‘Yes, I shall try…’ she broke off as the door opened and two ladies entered. ‘We should go back, Belle.’
‘Yes,’ Annabel agreed and they left the ladies to their privacy. ‘Will you walk in the park with me tomorrow morning?’
‘Yes, of course,’ Merry said and linked arms with her. ‘It will be a chance for us to really talk.’
They returned to Lady Portmeiron’s drawing room. Someone was playing the pianoforte and supper was just about to be served in the dining room.
* * *
‘Sir George has sent me a note to say that he will be calling this morning,’ Lady Melbourne said when Merry told her that she had arranged to go walking with Annabel. ‘It will be much better if you are not here. Be careful that you do not return before noon. I shall be sure to have sent him packing by then.’
‘What if he insists on seeing me?’ Merry looked at her uncertainly. She was very much afraid that Sir George would not let her go so easily.
‘He cannot see you if you are not at home. Take the carriage, Merry. You can call for Annabel, and you may stay with her for nuncheon if she should invite you.’
Merry thanked her aunt, for Lady Melbourne was being a good friend to her. This whole business must be an unwelcome problem for her when she might have preferred to give all her attention to her daughter.
She had dressed in a dark green, heavy silk walking gown trimmed with bronze fringes, and went to her cousin’s room to exchange a few words with her before leaving for her own engagement.
‘Are you driving out with Mr Hythe this morning?’
‘No. Teddy is coming here,’ Jane said and smiled happily. All her shyness seemed to have fallen away from her these past few weeks and she was emerging from the insecurity that had dogged her childhood. ‘He is leaving to spend a few days with his parents, and then he will return to town to escort us to his home – all of us, Merry. You are invited to stay for as long as we do.’
‘It is exciting for you, Jane,’ Merry said, seeing the new sparkle and confidence about her cousin. ‘Are you sure I shall be welcome at Lord Hythe’s house? I could perhaps go to your home and keep my uncle company until you return for the wedding?’
‘You will do no such thing,’ Jane said. ‘If it were not for you I might never have met my darling Teddy. I would have been too frightened to attend most of the affairs we have been to without your support. Teddy likes you very much. I want you to come with us and so does he. Indeed, he would be most upset if
you do not.’
‘Well, if you are sure.’ Merry kissed her cheek. ‘Thank you for being so kind to me, cousin.’
‘We love you,’ Jane said. ‘Mama and I – we both care for you.’
‘Yes, I know it and I count myself fortunate.’
Merry was reflective as she left her cousin and went downstairs. She put on a bronze pelisse and a matching bonnet trimmed with green ribbons and went outside to the waiting carriage. She was lucky to have her aunt and cousin, her uncle too for she knew that he had protected her trust fund from being raided by her rapacious stepfather. And she was lucky to have Annabel as her friend.
If she was not fortunate enough to find someone she could love that wished to marry her, she might ask her uncle to take her into his household. Surely she could make herself useful to her aunt!
* * *
‘I should like to see Miss Hayes if she is at home.’ Harry Wrexham was invited into the house in Park Lane and asked to wait in the small downstairs parlour while the butler inquired for his mistress. He walked about the room, feeling restless. He had intended to stay away from Annabel for as long as possible, but his need to see her had made him call on the off chance to ask if she would go driving with him. His groom was walking his horses for the moment, and he suspected that his errand would prove fruitless for she was almost bound to have another engagement.
‘Sir,’ Lady Mitchell came into the room. ‘Forgive us for leaving you here unattended, but my niece has gone walking with her friend Merry in the park this morning. They left only a short time ago. Did she have an arrangement with you?’
‘No, it was mere chance that made me call,’ Harry said. ‘Forgive me for disturbing you, ma’am. I shall perhaps see Miss Hayes and Miss Hamilton in the park, as I intend to go there myself.’
