Henry Salton was aware of it at once.
'You must not mind if my brother teases you a little,' he murmured in a low voice. 'It is his way. I suffer from it too you know. Perhaps we should be allies.'
'I am accustomed to his lordship's manner,' India said with dignity. 'It does not trouble me at all. I must suppose that it amuses him.'
'Ouch!' Henry raised a hand in pretended self-defence. 'I see that you are more than a match for him. May I beg that you do not reduce him to a gibbering wreck?' His eyes were twinkling. 'In reality he is the best of men.'
India smiled in spite of herself as she studied her companion. There was some family resemblance between the brothers. Both were tall and dark, but there the similarity ended. Beside his lordship's massive figure Henry seemed too slight in build, though he moved with athletic grace.
There was a difference in the features too. Henry's nose was short and straight, rather than aquiline, and a pair of merry blue eyes showed to startling effect against the tanned skin.
A handsome creature, India decided. He had the looks which his brother lacked, and a much more appealing personality.
'India, my dear, you are quite monopolising Mr Salton.' Mrs Rushford softened the reproof for the benefit of the assembled company with an artificial little laugh. 'The dear child is such a chatterbox,' she tittered. 'I must hope that she has not bored you, sir.'
'Far from it, ma'am.' Henry caught his brother's eye. He was surprised when Isham took his leave with rather less ceremony than might have been expected.
'I wish you joy of your mama-in-law,' he confided as they rode away. 'What a harridan!'
'But manageable, Henry! Perfectly manageable!' Isham's face was grim.
'I don't doubt it for a moment.' Henry spurred his horse into a trot.
Chapter Five
India was in disgrace. Not only had she neglected her betrothed in favour of his brother, but she had prevented Letty from engaging Henry Salton in conversation.
'But, Mama, I had no wish to do so,' Letty protested. 'What could I possibly have to say to him?'
Mrs Rushford cast up her eyes to the heavens. 'I wonder at you, miss, indeed I do. Your sister appeared to have no such difficulty.' She shot a suspicious look at India. 'What was the subject of your conversation?'
'We were speaking of Lord Isham...' India replied truthfully.
'Indeed! I must hope that you were not bold enough to question Mr Salton about his brother's...er...way of life.'
India understood her mother perfectly. She was referring to Isham's mistress. How could she imagine that her own daughter would be guilty of such a lack of taste? India's colour rose, but she bit back an angry retort.
"Mr Salton assures me that his lordship is the best of men.' she said in an indifferent tone.
'Indeed he is! He tells me that I am to choose the furnishings for the Grange without regard for the expense...' Isabel preened visibly.
'Was not India to be given the Grange as part of her marriage settlement?' Letty murmured. 'Perhaps she will wish to choose.'
This rash statement brought a tirade of abuse upon her head, which ended only when India assured her mother that she was happy to leave such matters in that lady's hands.
Well satisfied, Mrs Rushford turned to another matter. 'I had meant to mention your bride-clothes to his lordship,' she announced. 'The cost will be beyond me.'
'Oh, pray do not, Mama!' India was horrified. 'I shall need-so little. The clothes which you bought me for the Season are still wearable.'
'Last Season's gowns? Are you out of your mind? You would be a dowd in such dated garments, and you have your husband's position to consider.'
'But, Mama we are still in mourning.'
'Must you remind me of our sad loss?' Mrs Rushford reached for a handkerchief. 'Unfeeling girl! You defy your mother at every turn. Why, only this morning you persuaded Isham to interest himself in those two nasty urchins though you knew that I should not like it.'
'It was his own decision to visit the workhouse and the sweep,' India protested.
'Nonsense! He could see that you were set on it. Otherwise why should he trouble?'
'Hester tells me that he is known to take an interest in the condition of children throughout the country...'
'"Hester tells me?"' her mother mimicked sarcastically. 'It is high time that you rid yourself of this ridiculous habit of quoting your cousin as if she were some sort of oracle. Why, her own parents despair of her.'
'Mama, that isn't true!'
'Much you know! Here is your dear uncle, so kindly suggesting that you must be wed from Perceval Hall when we all know that it is his dearest wish that Hester should do the same.' She touched her handkerchief to her eyes. 'I don't know what the world is coming to.'
'Uncle may still get his wish,' Letty ventured timidly. 'Hester is to have another Season. She told me so this morning.'
'So that is why you kept me waiting in the draper's this morning? You were gossiping with your cousin? I wonder that she had not the courtesy to come and speak to me.'
'She was in the company of Mrs Guarding. I expect she felt that you would not like to renew your acquaintance with that lady.'
'She was right. The woman is a pernicious influence. I have told your uncle many times that if he wishes to seek the reason why so many of you girls have such outlandish notions he should look no further than the Academy. Preaching independence? I never heard of such a thing!'
With her mother embarked upon her favourite topic India knew that further argument would be useless, but at least her visit to the workhouse had not been forbidden, if not forgotten.
'When does his lordship propose to come for you?' Isabel asked finally.
'He did not say, Mama. Possibly tomorrow?'
'I cannot like it, but I suppose that we must fall in with his wishes. You must take care to cover up your mouth and nose and carry something to ward off infection. Perhaps a vinegar-soaked sponge?'
With great resolution India refused to catch her sister's eye. The prospect was too much for her, but laughter at this moment would bring down fresh tirades upon her head. Mrs Rushford had not finished.
'I must warn you, India, not to try his good nature too far. At this moment Isham is overly indulgent. That will not always be so. Men do not care for bold, opinionated females. You are much too ready to speak out.'
India was silent, apparently accepting the reproof, but it was clear that her betrothed had kept his own notions to himself when speaking to her mother. What had he told his bride-to-be? True, he had referred to India as a termagant but he had made it sound like a compliment. To his mind, it was infinitely preferable to missish ways, as he termed them.
That was something. She was thoughtful as they sat down to a late nuncheon.
It was not until their mama had retired for her customary nap that Letty mentioned the gist of her conversation with Mrs Guarding.
'I hope that I was tactful, India, but I did ask her about staffing at the Academy.'
'Why did you do that, my love?'
Letty gave her an earnest look. 'I thought it was important. Oh, India, I must be sure that you are happy about this marriage. If not, I should have offered to go to Mrs Guarding.'
'But Letty, you know that you would hate it. Besides, if either of us went to her it would not be enough to keep the three of us. Believe me, I thought about it, but we cannot continue to be a charge on Uncle James.'
'I cannot bear it.' Letty was close to tears. 'I know that you agreed to take Lord Isham because of us. How will you go on? You have made no secret of your opinion of his character... You do dislike him, don't you?'
'I could be mistaken,' India said cautiously. 'It would not be the first time that I have judged too quickly, and Hester thinks well of him.'
'She has met him?' Letty was surprised.
'No, but apparently his fame has spread. I am not referring to the opera-dancer.' She managed a faint smile. 'To quote Hester, though I am
forbidden to do so, his intellect is to be respected, and he is the type of man who is needed in Government.'
Letty's face cleared. 'Then perhaps you will grow to love him. I am so glad. He does seem devoted to you...'
'How can that be?' India told her reasonably. 'He does not know me. Besides, you heard Mama. I am bold and wilful and opinionated...'
'So is he!' Letty began to laugh. 'I am so thankful, dearest, that you don't find' him repulsive. Mrs Guarding had nothing to offer. Most of her teachers are still with her, and she has hopes of attracting a person whom she holds in high regard, although she did not give the name.'
'Perhaps it is as well. I should not wish you to give up your plans to marry Oliver. It will be so different now.'
Letty looked uncertain. 'I don't wish my happiness to be at the expense of your own...'
'It won't be! Just think, my love, I shall be the mistress of my own household—of several households, in fact.'
'As if you would care for that!'
'But I do, my dear, I do!'
Letty smiled at last. 'And your children, India, think of them! Children trust you. I have often noted it. You will make a fine mamma.'
India felt a twinge of panic. It was true that she was beginning to think more kindly of her betrothed, but he was still a stranger. His kisses, brief as they were, had disturbed her. Could she bear any further intimacy?
She would have to do so. There was no help for it. That was part of the bargain. Even so, she could not repress a feeling of anger that she was to be treated as a brood-mare.
She thrust the unpleasant thought aside and changed the subject.
'Was Hester in good spirits?' she asked.
Letty giggled. 'She was full of gossip. Where she gets it from I can't imagine but now she has learned that Louise, the Marchioness, accepted Sywell in accordance with the dying wish of her guardian, John Hanslope.'
'Oh, how could she?' India cried. 'The Marquis is a revolting creature.'
'But decrepit, thank heavens! Apparently he did not...could not...' Letty's face grew rosy with embarrassment. 'I mean, there was no chance of children.'
'Then Louise was fortunate,' India observed drily. 'Is there any news of her?'
'Not at present. Is it not the oddest story? For her to be brought to Steepwood Abbey as a child, and under such mysterious circumstances? No one could discover why the bailiff fetched her to his wife.'
'Many believed her to be John Hanslope's love child.'
'No, I cannot believe it,' Letty said firmly. On this occasion she was too intrigued to suffer from embarrassment. 'He was such an upright man. There is something else behind it.'
'Letty, you are a saint,' her sister teased. 'Must you always believe well of everyone? Even Isham himself seems to be in your good books. What has he been saying to you?'
'I don't know what you mean.' Unusually, Letty was evasive.
'I wondered only why you seemed to have lost your fear of my betrothed. That is true, is it not?'
'I was behaving foolishly in thinking him a monster. When one gets to know him better... Well, he is kinder than I thought.'
Yet you did not answer my question, India thought to herself. It was but one more mystery to add to those which surrounded the man she was about to marry.
He was an enigma. Since she had agreed to wed him he had dropped much of the mocking manner which she disliked so much, and which had characterised his behaviour at their first two meetings. Now he seemed anxious to please her, and was all civility. She wondered why. He had no need to do so. The bargain had been struck and neither party would go back on their word. Of that she could be sure.
She shrugged. She had enough experience to know that menfolk hated scenes. Perhaps that was the reason. She would never know, but it did not matter. With Isham in his present mood life was much more comfortable. As he had suggested they might yet deal well together.
India sighed. Perhaps it was a sensible arrangement but it was far removed from the romantic love she'd dreamed of as a girl.
Letty recalled her to the present. Her sister had returned to the subject of the missing Marchioness. 'Where do you suppose she has gone?' she asked.
'I've no idea, love, but if she has run away, as seems most likely, it's to be hoped that she has some money with her. Poor girl! What a life she must have had!'
'I felt sorry for her even as a child,' Letty said slowly. 'We had each other, you and I, and Giles and all our friends and relatives. Louise was such a solitary little creature. I never saw her playing with the village children.'
'I expect the Hanslopes did not wish it. Perhaps that was why they sent her away when she had reached thirteen or so. It could not have been to get an education. As an ex-governess Mrs Hanslope was well qualified to teach her. Possibly she was apprenticed to some trade. Hanslope must have worried about her when his wife died.'
'Indeed!' Letty shuddered. 'To think of a girl of that age, unprotected, and within reach of the Marquis! Hanslope did well to send her out of harm's way for seven years, but I wonder why she returned?'
'Hanslope was dying, Letty. He must have longed to see her just once more.'
'That I can understand, but far better that he had not done so. She was wed to the Marquis within weeks of her return.'
'Letty, that must have been from choice. Hanslope was not the man to force her...'
'Possibly not.' Letty sighed. 'I can only wish her well and happy wherever she is.'
'Don't let such matters weigh with you, my love. We have problems enough of our own. I suspect that Mama intends to add to them. What did you think of Mr Henry Salton?'
'I found him charming. He seemed not to understand that Mama was trying to throw me in his way.'
'He understood well enough,' India said grimly. 'I'm afraid that it was all too obvious, but he is too well-bred to put us out of countenance.'
'Well, I was put out of countenance,' Letty admitted. 'I longed to sink through the floor. I was so ashamed. It drove all conversation from my head. I hope that he will not feel obliged to pay me much attention.'
'You need have no fears. He was at pains to explain to me that he is in no position to marry. He did not say so, but I imagine that he will hang out for a rich wife.'
'Isham's brother, and he has no money?'
'His lordship's half-brother, Letty. The title and the property went to Anthony. Doubtless Mr Salton's mother has been well provided for, but she is still alive.'
'Does Mama know this?'
'Not yet. I felt unwilling to gossip about the young man, even to save you more embarrassment, but when she does it will certainly change her attitude towards him.'
'Didn't you like him, India?'
'I haven't decided yet. His manners can't be faulted and his face is frank and open. I won't deny that he has charm, and also a sense of humour. Yet there was something... Perhaps it was more what he didn't say than what he did.'
'Now I am mystified. What is it that worried you?'
'I don't quite know. No doubt I am being fanciful, but I felt that he was trying to warn me against his brother.'
"And you resented it?' Letty was smiling. 'I had not thought to see you so ready to champion your betrothed, but I am glad of it.'
'I see that Isham has another champion, Letty. Let me assure you that his lordship has no need of any such. I suspect that he is a law unto himself. And that reminds me. Will you try to persuade Mama that Isham has insisted on a quiet wedding? He has told her so himself, but she is full of plans for show.'
'Poor Mama! She longs for the marriage to outshine that of Beatrice Roade on the twenty-second of December. It is to be the wonder of the neighbourhood, though as yet she has been able to inform only the friends who can be reached on foot.'
'Uncle James will have told so many others,' India said in gloomy tones. 'Mama has already sent a note asking for the loan of his carriage to take us into Northampton to buy bride-clothes. I've tried to explain that there is no need.'
'It seems all wrong when we are still in mourning,' India told her quietly. 'Oh, Letty, I miss Papa so much. We must never forget him.'
'We shan't,' Letty comforted. 'But I think he would not like to see you still so sad. He wished so much for happiness for both of us.'
Yet it could not stop the gambling fever India mourned privately. In spite of all she could not bring herself to blame him for an addiction which had grown beyond his control. She tried to thrust such troublesome thoughts aside.
'Have you settled upon your wedding date?' Letty murmured shyly.
'Uncle William is to let us know. Anthony has been to see him and the banns are to be called next week for the first time.' India felt a twinge of panic. Events were rushing upon her.
'Then you will be wed before Christmas?'
'I believe so. I cannot see the need for haste, but Isham is determined on it.'
'And when is he to take you to confront the sweep? That is well done of him, I think.'
'Indeed it is!' India smiled at last. 'What I should have done without his help I can't imagine, and I am so thankful that the man is to be stopped from injuring other children. I expect that we shall go tomorrow.'
Yet by mid-morning of the following day she had given him up. Northampton was several miles away and the winter evenings drew in fast. She doubted if Isham would risk his bloodstock in darkness on roads already badly rutted in the autumn rains.
India changed into her oldest gown and walked into the kitchen. Relations with Martha had been strained after the maid had been sharply reprimanded for her unwanted interference on the previous day. Now Martha was nowhere to be seen and the kitchen fire was burning low.
India threw some sticks upon the embers and set a pot to boil suspended from a hook set at shoulder height within the chimney-breast. Then she went into the scullery. They were not overly well stocked with food, she noted in dismay, but there was still a piece of pork which she might roast. She placed it on an iron skillet and set it close to the flames. A clear, brisk fire would crisp the crackling. Then she spied the last of the apple crop. In the depths of winter dumplings were always welcome. She set out flour and dripping upon the kitchen table and began to make her pastry.
The Reluctant Bride Page 7
