*
Silas made sure he was early at the masquerade, held in a house in St James's Square, so that he could be certain of seeing the arrival of Fanny Holbeck and her brother. He had insisted his own female guests be modestly gowned, as he did not wish to draw adverse notice to his party. He would stay in the background for a while, then when Gerard Holbeck's attention was distracted he would force Fanny to dance with him, She could not then escape what he had to say. The Holbecks and his cousins arrived together, quite soon after he did. He made a note of the gowns the girls were wearing, though little could in fact be seen beneath their dominoes. Both wore blue, but he would, however, be able to distinguish them amongst the crowd.
Sir Humphrey and his partner, a young widow whose name had been connected to Sir Humphrey's for some time, then arrived. She was, however, discreet. She would soon be able to detach Gerard from guarding his sister, and then he could make his move.
It did not prove so easy. Mrs Stansfield did entice Gerard onto the dance floor, but his wretched cousin seemed determined to stay beside Fanny, whenever they were not dancing. Amanda danced first with Sir Humphrey, and then took the hand of someone unknown to Silas. Sir Humphrey strolled towards the room where cards had been laid out, and Silas, with a muttered excuse to the woman he had been about to ask to dance, went after him.
'Get rid of Escott, you can't sneak off to the card room now. I can't get near the wench.'
'He's glued to her side. It's all too sedate for the moment. It will be livelier in an hour or two.'
Silas fumed. 'I don't wish to wait for hours. This was your notion, so do something to help.'
Sir Humphrey shrugged, and went back into the ballroom. Silas watched him as he approached Lucien, sitting with Fanny on small gilt chairs at the side of the room. He bent down and spoke to Lucien, then held his hand out to Fanny. To Silas's satisfaction Fanny went with him to join the set forming for a quadrille.
It was almost at the end of the dance when Humphrey, with a skill Silas envied, contrived to tread on Fanny's gown and tear the hem. Only someone watching carefully could see it was not accidental. She picked up the skirt, and with a rueful look retired to the room set aside for ladies to rest in or repair rents in their gowns. Silas followed her, nodding his appreciation to Sir Humphrey.
One of the maids was there with needle and thread, and beginning to mend the tear. Silas jerked his head, and held out a guinea towards her. She opened her eyes wide, and then with a smile slipped from the room. When Fanny started to her feet Silas took her arm and pushed her down into the chair.
'Not so fast, my sweeting. I need to talk to you, but here is not the time, I will call for you tomorrow afternoon and drive you out in the Park. Then I can be private with you. Don't fail me, or your brother may find his business suffering. Warehouses are very vulnerable to fire, you know.'
He released her and left the room. It hadn't been as satisfying as dancing with her would have been, but he had no fears she would refuse to drive with him, and then he would have ample time to elaborate on just what would happen to her brother's business if she refused to do what he wanted, which was to marry him. Her mother would have no objections, and if he could gain Fanny's consent there was little Gerard could do. He would insist on an early marriage, and then he might have enough money to restore at least some of Escott Priory. He had, initially, thought he would be glad to be rid of the place, but having been in town for some time he now realised how important it was for a man to have a country estate. Perhaps the older part could be demolished, and a modern house be contrived from the rest. He had no wish to remain longer at the masquerade now he had achieved his first objective. Without a word to the rest of his party he left, to walk the short distance to his rooms while planning his next moves.
*
Mrs Holbeck was delighted that Fanny had agreed to drive in the Park with the Earl. She had been concerned about her daughter's recalcitrance. She felt some of her lethargy leave her, and determined to go in the landau to exchange her library book in Bond Street. When the Earl arrived he could, if he wished and she were not there, talk to Fanny in the house. That might make it easier for an impetuous lover to persuade the girl. She had been consoling herself with a book of sermons, but perhaps something of a lighter nature might be more enjoyable now. They would surely have books dealing with the etiquette of a girl's betrothal and marriage. Now Fanny was to be a Countess she must make sure everything was done in the approved, acceptable manner.
Would she need to hold a ball for Fanny now? It was an expense she could do without. She had never become accustomed to their wealth, retaining her youthful habits of economy, drilled into her by her mother, the daughter of an impecunious parson. Gerard had been so insistent, and she found, as she had with his father, that when he was so stubborn she could not argue with him. Tears and resorting to her smelling salts had no effect on him. But now, should Fanny have seen sense and accepted the Earl's proposal, he might be brought to agree that the money could be better spent on Fanny's wedding and in providing her with a more suitable house after the wedding. She did not like this huge town house, with so many servants who, she was sure, looked down on her, and would prefer a much smaller one in Bath, perhaps, or a small village where she would have just a few friends and fewer social obligations.
She was absorbed in these speculations when she stepped down from the landau and began to cross the street towards Hookham's. There was a shout, and she looked up to see a phaeton bearing down on her so fast she had no time to move out of its way. The driver seemed to have lost control of his horses. They were snorting, looking panic-stricken, the whites of their eyes showing and foam flying back over their heads. One of them had a leg caught over the traces, and the driver was hauling desperately on the reins and swearing loudly. It was the last thing she heard.
*
CHAPTER 10
When her mother left Fanny began to tremble. She had been in dread ever since the confrontation with the Earl the previous evening, and thankful her mask had enabled her to conceal her fear. Pleading a headache she had left the masquerade early, begging Gerard to take her home. By the time they reached Park Street the headache was real, but she had not slept. Lying awake all night had not helped her decide. She simply did not know what to do. Ought she to warn Gerard? Her mother, she knew, would not support her, but if Gerard did, would his business be in danger? The Earl, she was sure, would have no hesitation in carrying out his threat. Could she possibly endure being married to him? She shuddered with revulsion. Anything would be better than that. For a while she dwelt on the possibility of becoming a nun, hiding away behind the walls of a convent, but gave up the notion when she thought the Earl would still take his revenge on Gerard. Besides, she did not think she could endure all that kneeling and praying and fasting.
She might stall by agreeing to marry him. That would give her time to find another solution. But he wanted her fortune, he would urge a quick marriage, and her mother, seeing in this a way of escaping from the duties of the Season, would be only too happy to agree. Would Gerard be able to force a delay? Wouldn't the Earl, believing he had won, expect more intimacies from her? She loathed his very touch, when he took her hand or clasped her in his arms as he danced with her. The very idea of him kissing her made her want to vomit. She couldn't do it. Nor could she appeal to Gerard, for that would not save his business from the Earl's vengeance. Indeed it might make it worse.
Lucien would save her, think of a way to stop the Earl. They were cousins. And she knew he would help. She moved to the escritoire and hastily wrote a note, then sent the footman with it to Berkeley Square.
'Do, please, make haste!'
*
Lucien looked at the ink-spattered note which had been brought to him in the breakfast parlour. What had frightened Fanny so much she had not been able to write carefully? Why did she beg his help, ask him to go to Park Street as quickly as possible?
He ordered the butler, who had de
livered the note, to run to the stables and bring his horse to the front door as quickly as he could. Ignoring the man's look of surprise he ran upstairs to his room, pulled on his riding boots over his pantaloons, and ran downstairs again.
'Tell Lady Charlotte I have had to go out,' he told the butler, who was holding out his hat and cane. 'I don't want those. Nor any gloves. There's no time to waste. Give her this note.'
He had to wait for the horse, and had begun to run towards the stables when a groom appeared, leading it. With a swift word of thanks he flung himself into the saddle and urged the horse into a swift canter. At Park Street he flung himself off, dragged the horse with him as he hammered on the door, and when the butler opened it thrust the reins into the man's hand.
'Hold him, please. And where is Miss Holbeck?'
The offended butler stared at him, but Fanny had appeared on the stairs. Lucien ran up to her and grasped her hands.
'My dear love, what is the matter?'
She was trying to speak through her sobs, and he led her up to the drawing room and made her sit in a chair beside the fire. She was trembling uncontrollably, and he put his arms about her, hugging her until she was able to speak.
She was incoherent, but he heard the words Earl, threats, driving, mother, Gerard, and marriage. As he soothed her she grew calmer, and was able to tell him what had happened.
'Don't worry, you shall not be forced to drive with him, nor wed him, and he will not harm your brother,' he said. 'You will come back to Berkeley Square with me, where you will be safe, and we will be married as soon as I can obtain a special licence.'
'I can't! You cannot marry me,' she said. 'I'm a Cit!'
'Why not? I love you, and that is the only basis on which I will marry anyone. Fanny, tell me truthfully, do you love me?'
She nodded, and when he put his finger under her chin and lifted up her head she smiled, blinking hard to get rid of the tears. He bent his head to kiss her, and had never felt so happy in all his life. Reluctantly he dragged himself away and went across to the window, for fear he would never be able to let her go.
'Go and pack enough for a few days,' he was saying, when the door of the drawing room opened and his cousin was ushered in. He looked across at Fanny, and did not see Lucien.
'Well, my dear Fanny, are you ready to drive out with me?' the Earl asked. 'It's a beautiful day, perfect for a drive in the Park.'
Lucien, turning, noted how Fanny shrank back in her chair, looking terrified, and strolled into the centre of the room.
'John, I am sorry to disappoint you, but Miss Holbeck will not be driving in the Park today.'
The Earl started, looked round, and frowned angrily.
'What the devil has it to do with you? Why are you here?'
'I cannot permit my affianced wife to drive out with any other man,' Lucien said, with an effort keeping his voice calm and his words as inoffensive as possible.
'What? Fanny, is this true? You can't mean to marry this – this man!'
She was unable to speak, but nodded, and the look she cast up at Lucien was more eloquent than words.
The Earl turned to his cousin, his fists clenched, and took a quick step towards him.
'I would advise you not to start a brawl here, in front of Miss Holbeck,' Lucien said softly, and his cousin took a deep breath, but halted in mid-stride. 'I also advise you do not try to damage Gerard Holbeck's business. If he has any trouble at all I shall know on whom to blame it.'
The Earl ignored this, and Lucien could not tell whether he had heard or understood. He would have to take other measures, and warn Gerard to increase his security.
'You were not betrothed last night, at the masquerade!'
'No, I had the happiness of offering for Miss Holbeck this morning, and she accepted me.'
'Ha! Then you have not her guardian's permission! We'll soon see which of us her mother prefers.'
Lucien felt it was time John was told a few home truths.
'I understand her brother is her legal guardian. I think he will prefer me, despite your title. I am not dependent for money on gambling and cheating young men – oh yes, I heard about that boy you drove almost to suicide – and I have a house that is not in ruins, plus the money to support a wife without relying on her own dowry.'
'Fanny?'
The Earl hesitated for a moment, then turned towards her, holding out her hands.
Fanny shook her head. He glared at her, then swung back towards Lucien.
'You'll regret this!'
When Lucien did not reply he brushed past and flung himself down the stairs. Fanny gave a sigh or relief.
'Go and pack what you need for a few days. You can stay with Lady Charlotte. I can go and stay with a friend. The rest of your clothes can be sent later.'
*
Gerard was writing letters when his mother's coachman, Bristow, was shown into the room. He looked up in surprise, then, seeing the state the fellow was in, came to his feet and round the desk.
'What is it, man? What's happened?'
'Oh, sir, I don't know how to tell you!'
Gerard went to pour brandy from the decanter he kept for visitors and customers, and put the glass into the man's trembling hands, pushing him down onto a chair.
'Take your time. Drink this. Then you can tell me.'
Had Bristow damaged the landau? Was that why he was so shaken? Or had he been sent with some bad news? Gerard forced himself to be calm, and poured himself a glass of brandy,
The man swallowed, took a deep breath, and tried to speak.
'It's Mrs Holbeck,' he managed. 'There was naught I could do. She was crossing the road, making for Hookham's, and this damned fool that couldn't control a donkey came galloping down the road with a blasted phaeton. The horses were in a panic from something. He upset several other carriages, but Mrs Holbeck – she didn't see him, and she couldn't have got clear even if she had. She's dead. I'm sorry, but there was nothing I could do.'
'My mother? Dead?'
Gerard sank into a chair and stared at Bristow, who brushed a hand over his face.
'I thought I'd better come and tell you, sir, not go back to Park Street. Young Miss Fanny is on her own there.'
'Yes. Yes, of course. Did – did my mother suffer? Was it quick?'
The brandy was calming Bristow, and he nodded.
'She was knocked flying by one of the horses, and she hit her head on the cobbles. I think that killed her. There was a doctor came, he'd been in Hookham's, and he said there was nothing to be done, she was killed outright.'
That, Gerard supposed, was something to be grateful for.
'Did you bring the landau here?'
'Yes, sir. I'd nowhere to leave it, and it seemed the quickest way to get to you. But it's blocking the street a bit. And the fellow I told to hold onto the horses might not wait. He looked offended, and as if he was afraid of horses.'
Gerard felt a crazy desire to laugh. It was, he thought, hysteria.
'Can you drive me home? Are you able to?'
'Yes, sir, thank you. I'm feeling myself again now.'
'Then I must give my manager instructions here, and we will go.'
Ten minutes later they were relieving the man holding onto the horses, a clerk, Gerard thought, who did indeed look terrified of them, and had probably never before been so close to them, and bowling along towards home. Gerard was wondering how he would be able to break the news to his sister, and what would need to be done. He hoped his mother's body had not been conveyed to the house for Fanny to deal with. It would be sufficient shock for her without that. He fretted at the slow pace of the landau as they negotiated the narrow streets of the City, and began to rehearse what he could say to minimise the shock for Fanny.
*
Amanda, wearing her plainest morning gown, which she thought appropriate for her gloomy mood, was on her own in the drawing room in Berkeley Square. She was despondently embroidering some handkerchiefs her aunt had given her, when Lucien led
in Fanny. Fanny's eyes were red-rimmed, but she was smiling, clutching convulsively at Lucien's hand.
'Lucien? Fanny? What is it?'
Lucien drew Fanny forward.
'Meet my future wife, Amanda. Fanny has agreed to marry me. I've brought her here so that she is not chivvied by her mother, who still favours the wretched John. Besides, he cannot meet her here.'
'Fanny! Oh, how delightful! You'll be my sister, and there's no one I'd rather have!' Amanda exclaimed, getting to her feet and ignoring the embroidery that spilled onto the floor. She ran across the room and hugged Fanny to her. 'When will you marry? And where? Will it be here or in Shropshire?'
'I don't know,' Fanny said, laughing. 'There hasn't been time to think of anything like that. But our house in Shropshire is let until the end of the year, so we probably can't have it there until January, at least.'
'I have no desire to wait for more than six months,' Lucien said. 'We'll talk to your Mama and arrange it at St George's. Then I can take you on a wedding journey to Paris and Rome before the winter makes travelling too tiresome.'
'How wonderful! Oh, how I envy you! I've never been to France. Come and sit down, we'll open a bottle of champagne. I'll fetch Aunt Charlotte, she's writing letters in her boudoir.'
Amanda rang the bell and gave the order, ignoring the butler's look of surprise, and then left the room to fetch her aunt. She was pleased for her brother and Fanny, but the insidious thought to the fore in her mind was that now Gerard would have less excuse to refuse her own proposal. She wasn't able to keep the news to herself, her beaming smile alerted Lady Charlotte that something had happened.
Lady Charlotte swept into the drawing room and clasped Fanny to her breast, telling her she was the ideal wife for Lucien, and she couldn't be happier. They settled down to discussing plans, and when Lady Charlotte heard of John's anger she immediately said Fanny could stay in Berkeley Square if she wished.
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