With each accusation she had prodded him; it was like jabbing a brick wall. Her third attack released something inside and he reacted so swiftly she had no time to escape.
One moment she was in charge, the next crushed against him, her hands trapped uselessly, as one arm encircled her, his other grasped the back of her head and tipped it back.
Sarah's exclamation of protest was smothered as his mouth covered hers in a searing kiss. She ought to struggle, to kick his ankles, but a strange lethargy spread through her body and instead of fighting, she relaxed. Her lips softened and when he eventually lifted his head her eyes were dazed, her limbs too weak to support her.
Expecting loving words and an immediate declaration of his good intent; she was sorely disappointed. Holding her at arm's length, he glared at her and her happiness dissolved.
'You are a termagant, you need to learn to hold your tongue and listen for a change.'
The languor vanished to be replaced by incandescent rage. He had taken liberties with her person as punishment for her temerity. Without thought for the consequences she bunched her fist, aiming a blow at his face. Unfortunately, her reach was not sufficient and she caught him squarely in the throat. The resulting pain in her knuckles forced her to cry out. Equally astonished by her attack, he lost his balance and fell heavily, taking his chair down with him.
She could not remain for when he regained his feet it would be too late she guessed his retribution would be swift and painful. He was laying spreadeagled on the carpet so she would have to step over him to reach the door. Without hesitation she picked up her skirts and had one foot raised, when he swept them from under her and she was falling. Somehow he rolled over and guided her down so that landed on top of him. What would have happened next she never knew. At that moment Lady Atherton and Elizabeth burst into the room. Their cries of shock and outrage reverberated around the room.
Sarah froze, staring at him in horror. For some reason he didn't seem as upset as she was. He smiled and in one smooth movement regained his feet, lifting her with him. Keeping his arm around her waist, she doubted she would have been able to stand without his support, and they faced their accusers in the doorway.
'Madam, Elizabeth; Miss Ellison has made me the happiest of men. She has agreed to be my wife and we wish to announce our betrothal at the supper party tomorrow.'
She wanted to protest but his fingers pressed a warning into her side; he was right. Her stupidity had compromised them both and he had had no alternative but to do the honourable thing. She must acquiesce and appear happy to do so.
'Atherton, I had never thought to see such a sight in my life. What a way to behave! I think it would be wise to call the banns immediately. The sooner you two are safely wed the better.' With a decided sniff Lady Atherton turned, grabbed her daughter and stalked back down the corridor.
His hold relaxed and Sarah staggered to a chair and collapsed, burying her face in her hands in despair.
'I had no choice, my dear, you must understand, if I had not told my mother we were betrothed your good name would have been gone and your reputation destroyed.'
Wearily she raised her head. 'I know that, sir. Forgive me, this has been a terrible shock.' She stood up wishing to take herself away from the room where she had been disgraced in front of her hostess.
'Sit down, Sarah. We need to talk. Now, more than ever.'
She looked at his face. It was implacable, she had no choice, and resumed her place by the fire.
'I'm not the monster you imagine, my dear. I have a shockingly bad temper, but then so do you. You do not find me repulsive do you?'
She raked him from head to toe and saw a flash of anger in his eyes. 'No, you are an attractive man. It is not that side of things that bothers me.' He had still not resumed his seat and was too tall to be perambulating about the room. 'Kindly be seated, Atherton. You are making me dizzy.' He snatched the chair from the carpet and sat down with such force she was surprised it didn't collapse under him.
'I shall speak to the vicar later today. My mother is correct: we must get married immediately. My sister will have word of what she saw spread around the neighbourhood by tomorrow. At least if people think ours a love match and we are about to be wed, the damage should be limited.'
'Good grief! Am I expected to fawn over you in public in order to save my reputation?'
She wished the words back as soon as they were spoken. Why did she always behave like a shrew? She must stop feeling sorry for herself. After all, his life, as well as her own, had been ruined – the least she could do was be civil.
Her eyes filled. This was too much to comprehend. 'I am so sorry, this is all my fault. You have done everything that is correct, none of this would have happened if…'
He stood up, coming to her side and the next thing she knew she was in his arms and being carried to the sofa. Once there he sat cradling her, allowing her to sob into his jacket. After a considerable time he gently turned her face towards him and mopped it with his handkerchief.
'Sweetheart, you mustn't cry. I promise you, things will not be as awful as you think. Many marriages start without love, that often comes later when a couple know each other better.'
She blew her nose noisily and for some reason had no wish to remove herself from his lap. It was too late to think of propriety now. She flopped back, resting her head on his shoulder. It felt right to be there; he was murmuring soothing words, stroking her hair, rubbing her back as if she was a child in need of comfort. This should have annoyed her, instead she felt the tension draining away and snuggled closer.
'I think, my dear, if you are feeling better then you must sit elsewhere.' She glanced up to see him smiling down, his eyes tender. Finally she understood that, in spite of their hasty betrothal, she should still not be languishing on his lap in this fashion. Flushing furiously she stammered, 'I beg your pardon, my lord.'
'Enough of that, my dear. My name is Perry, I think it is time we were less formal with each other, don't you?'
'I don't think that you look like a Perry, but then, we have no choice in the names we are given.'
His bark of laughter filled the room and unceremoniously he tipped her from his knees. 'You are a baggage, my love, I rather think our life together is going to be interesting, to say the least.'
Not sure what he meant by this cryptic comment, or whether she wished to be referred to as a baggage, Sarah for once remained silent.
'I suggest you go and speak to your sister and Miss Read and tell them the good news.' He gave her a gentle push towards the door, when she hesitated, reluctant to go out and face her hostess after her deplorable behaviour, the push was followed by a sharp slap on her posterior.
'That was uncalled for; I am now going to add physical violence to your many faults.'
His rich, deep chuckle followed her from the room. She ran, pausing a few yards from the door to straighten her skirt and check her hair was in place; she had no intention of giving the servants anything further to gossip about.
Chapter Ten
Sarah was able to reach her rooms without being accosted by Lady Atherton, however Jane was waiting for her in her parlour.
'I have such news to tell you, Lord Atherton is the kindest man.' She paused, staring at Sarah's red- rimmed eyes. 'Whatever's the matter? My news can wait, sit down and let me hear what has upset you.'
She explained what had happened and her sister sat quietly making no comment until she had finished her sorry story. 'So, you see, Jane, I have managed to ruin two lives.'
'It is unfortunate Lady Atherton came in at that precise moment, but even if she had not he would have been obliged to offer for you anyway. Think about it, Sarah, a gentleman does not take such liberties unless he has marriage on his mind.'
'I am sure it was something quite different; however, as usual you are correct. The fact that my future mother-in-law walked in is neither here nor there, I see that now. It has just precipitated matters.'
Her
right eye flickered and she knew it heralded the onset of a sick headache. 'Quickly, Jane, what was it you wish to tell me?'
'Lord Atherton has said that he wishes me to have my season, but if I am still of the same mind at the end of it then Lord Mainwaring may speak to me.'
'That's wonderful, my love. So we are both to be married. I wonder if Papa had this in mind when he persuaded Atherton to take us on?'
'When is your betrothal to be announced, do you know?'
'Tomorrow, at the supper party.'
Sarah's stomach lurched, she had to find a basin urgently.
Three days of misery passed before she was well enough to get up. She couldn't remember having been so unwell before. She was relaxing in a warm bath, her head clear for the first time since she had returned from her disastrous meeting in the library, and felt ready to consider her future.
Atherton was a most eligible parti and no doubt there were dozens of delightful young women who would envy her having captured him. Her tears mingled with the steam from the water and she was too dispirited to try and hide them from Sally who was waiting to help her from the bath.
'I should come out now, Miss Ellison. I have a lovely warm towel waiting.'
Being cosseted by her maid only made her feel worse; she didn't deserve anyone's sympathy. Her betrothed was the one they should feel sorry for – for he was the one was being forced to marry a woman he must surely dislike. She shivered as a cold draught whistled under the door.
'I am not feeling well enough to go downstairs, I shall put on a morning gown and remain by the fire in my sitting room.'
'Very wise, miss, if you don't mind me saying so. You've eaten nothing these past days and need to build your strength up first.'
Sarah would much prefer to have climbed back into the security of her bed, to hide there until the nightmare went away. She wasn't ready to face anyone at the moment, even Jane. Her sister's happiness made her own misery so much harder to bear.
When she emerged into her parlour some time later she stopped, gripping the door frame to hold her up. 'Good heavens! Where did all these flowers come from? It's the middle of winter, but in here it looks like summer.'
'Lord Atherton brought them up himself. He is concerned about your welfare and has been twice a day to enquire how you did.'
The weight in her chest eased a little. He might not love her, but he obviously cared. 'I think I could eat a little something this morning. Could you send down for some tea and toasted bread?'
'I'll run down and fetch it myself, miss, if you're sure you'll be all right on your own until I return?'
Sarah smiled, how had it come to this? She was being nursed by a girl hardly old enough to be working. 'Thank you, Sally. I intend to stretch out on the chaise longue and watch the flames.'
She was dozing when she heard the rattle of crockery. 'Put the tray on the table beside me, I shall have something in a little while.'
'You shall have something now, my dear. I didn't carry this upstairs for you to ignore it.'
Her eyes flew open. 'Lord…Perry, you should not be in here. We are unchaperoned.'
He grinned, unrepentant. 'A little late to be worrying about that, my love. I am your future husband and have as much right to be here….. well, I'm here and intend to stay until I have seen you eat everything on this tray.'
Pushing herself upright she viewed the loaded table with disfavour. 'Then, I am afraid, my lord, that you are in for a very long wait.'
His chuckle warmed her. 'Admittedly, there is a great deal of food here. Shall we share it instead?'
Unable to resist his charm, she placed her feet on the carpet and took the cup of tea he poured her. 'I must thank you for the flowers, they are beautiful.'
He nodded his mouth too full to speak. She was amused to see he was attacking the tray as if it were he that hadn't eaten for three days. She studied him closely, his cheeks did look thinner and he had an anxious look about him. It was her fault they were both laid so low; she was going to promise to be the best wife she could. This was the very least she could do to make amends.
He entertained her with amusing anecdotes about his travels and by the time he had finished the tray was cleared and she realised she had eaten a substantial portion of it herself. She wiped her buttery fingers on her napkin and smiled. 'Perry, how was the news of our sudden betrothal received by your guests the other night?'
'It wasn't. I cancelled the arrangement, and all the others until Christmas.'
Shocked she stared at him. 'But Lady Atherton had gone to so much trouble, and your sisters were so looking forward…'
'There will be plenty of time for them to enjoy themselves. I'll have nothing done in this house that will discommode you further.' He removed the side table with the remains of their meal still on it, and returned to stand in front of her, his face serious. 'There is something I have yet to do.'
Before she could stop him he dropped to his knees taking her hands in his. 'My love, will you do me the inestimable honour of becoming my wife?'
The warmth from his fingers was melting her resistance. She smiled as if this was a genuine proposal. 'Thank you, sir, I am delighted to accept your kind offer.'
His eyes flashed and then he was beside her, her hands still lost in his. 'I have something for you, Sarah. If you don't like it, then I shall buy you another.'
He released his grip to delve into his waistcoat pocket and produce a small, velvet box. He flipped it open to reveal a ring, the central stone an emerald with diamonds on either side.
'It's beautiful. I love it, I want no other, this is perfect.' As if she was a true bride-to-be she held out her left hand and he slipped it on; it fitted as if made for her.
'There it is done. The banns will be read on Sunday, and we shall be married on Christmas Eve.'
She recoiled. 'So soon? I had thought we would have a long engagement, and be wed after the season. I
scarcely know you; it would make things so much easier between us if we were better acquainted, would it not?'
'Possibly, but we have no choice in the matter. We must be man and wife before the season starts. You can be sure everyone in Town will know what took place in the library. By keeping my mother and sister away from social gatherings I can contain it for a time. However, unless we have tied the knot… well, surely I don't need to tell you the consequences?'
'Then I must follow your lead. Fortunately I have no need to prepare a trousseau, I already own enough clothes to wear something different every day of the month.'
She hesitated, there was something she must know. 'Where shall we live? Do you have other estates apart from Highfield?'
'My principal seat is in Hertfordshire. I had thought, my dear, we could live there or in London during the winter months, and at Kesgrave during the summer.'
'I should like that above anything. Jane told me why you didn't wish them to be betrothed until the end of the season, that was kind of you. I humbly apologise for…'
'Enough. The matter is closed. We must accept what cannot be changed. Mainwaring and your sister will make a match of it, I'm certain of that, but they shall do so after the season.'
The three weeks leading up to the wedding sped by. After his proposal he had become remarkably elusive. He had been at her side to escort her into dinner, had accompanied her when she rode, but at no time insisted they be alone together. As Christmas Eve approached she became more and more withdrawn. She tried to appear cheerful, but this was difficult when her heart was in pieces.
'My dear, are you unwell?' Lady Atherton enquired the day before the ceremony. 'I swear you don't look like a young woman about to be wed to the man of her dreams. In fact, I believe I can safely say, I have never seen two people look more miserable.'
Sarah swallowed the lump in her throat. 'Madam, I am deeply honoured to be marrying Lord Atherton, I believe he is quite satisfied with the union. Pray, excuse me, I have several errands to run before dinner.' She knew it was impolite to ru
n away, but had no wish to discuss her future husband with his mother.
She was tempted to refuse to marry him regardless of the consequences, but doing so would also taint her sister's reputation. She had no intention of doing that. Her foolishness was not going to ruin anybody else's life. She shuddered, that wasn't true, she was ruining Perry's as well.
*
'Dickon, I cannot go through with this. How can I marry her when she's looking more miserable and apprehensive each day?'
'You have no choice, old fellow, you compromised her and you must marry. Have you told her how you feel? Would it not make it easier if she knew you loved her?'
Perry stiffened, he was about to deny it, but then his shoulders slumped. 'How did you guess? I thought I had hidden it too well.'
'You would have found a way out of this, in fact, you wouldn't have got yourself in the situation in the first place, unless you intended to marry the girl all along. You are ideally suited, old fellow, I could see that as soon as I met her.'
'But she is so young, has seen nothing of the world. I am taking away her opportunity to experience the excitement of a London season as a debutante.' He sighed. 'I shall make her happy; somehow I shall turn this disaster into a triumph.'
'It will be a lively match, that's for sure. If you put your mind to it, Perry, I'm certain you can make her fall in love with you.' He chuckled. 'You've never had any difficulty charming the fairer sex before.'
He ran his fingers through his hair. 'You're right, instead of hiding from Sarah, I should have been courting her. I have left it too late now; it's our wedding day tomorrow.'
'It doesn't help that you're not leaving for your wedding trip until after the New Year Ball. It will be impossible for either of you to feel free from constraint living under the same roof as your mother and sisters.'
'I'd thought of that. Although we shall be married tomorrow, I have decided to leave things as they are until the New Year. She shall remain in her apartment, I in mine.'
The Lords & Ladies Box Set Page 34
