Engagement of Convenience

by Georgie Lee

  Julia sipped her tea, studying the captain and Annette over the rim of her cup. Annette served him a slice of cake while leaning over to reveal the tops of her breasts pushed up by her low-cut bodice. Uncle George had advised them to wear clothing appropriate for the cool autumn weather but she’d ignored his advice, dressing instead for husband hunting.

  ‘Annette will catch her death of cold pursuing the captain,’ Julia whispered to Emily, noticing the chit’s goose bumps from across the oilcloth.

  ‘You shouldn’t laugh at people,’ Emily chided, popping a small sandwich into her mouth to cover an agreeing smile.

  Julia focused on the captain, noting how often he turned away from Annette’s charms to take in the view. After a moment, his eyes met hers and she concentrated on her tea cup, sipping the tepid liquid with as much ease of manner as she could muster. The idea of revealing her scheme to him and asking for his help terrified, yet intrigued her. Would he go along? If she kept the mood light, made him understand it was all a game, why wouldn’t he? After all, he’d participated in many of Uncle George’s schemes.

  If it all seemed so simple, then why was she afraid of asking him? She’d almost risked her reputation on a dandy. Why did a man like Captain Covington frighten her?

  Deep in her heart she knew the reason. His dashing features and the easy way they laughed together would make it difficult to jilt him and jilt him she must. As a single woman, Cable Grange would be hers completely. Married, the property would belong to him, leaving her in a position no better than her current one with Charles. Though she doubted Captain Covington would act like her brother, it was still risky to gamble her future on a man she barely knew.

  She turned towards Cable Grange, watching the sunlight dance off the dirty sandstone, trying to imagine it clean, the sheep well fed and bred, the fields high with wheat and barley. The thought of such a beautiful estate left to moulder broke her heart. No matter what her fears, she had to face them and get Cable Grange.

  Julia put down her tea cup and stood, smoothing her dress with her gloved hands. ‘I think I’ll go for a walk.’

  Catching the captain’s eyes, she nodded in the direction of the woods. He met it with a questioning frown before comprehension dawned on his face, bringing with it a roguish smile. Julia, confident he understood, turned and walked off down the hill. What exactly he understood she wasn’t sure. He certainly wouldn’t expect her proposal, but he couldn’t anticipate a sordid rendezvous, not with everyone sitting only a few hundred feet away.

  * * *

  ‘More tea, Captain Covington?’ Miss Taylor asked, forcing James to stifle a smile. He’d seen the signal, the same one George used to use when they needed to escape a room and discuss their next move. What did Miss Howard wish to tell him that the others could not hear?

  ‘Annette, leave the captain alone. He’ll float away if you ply him with much more tea,’ George chided.

  ‘I’m sure Captain Covington is quite capable of knowing when he has and has not had enough tea,’ she snapped and James seized the chance to leave.

  ‘I think I’ll join Miss Howard.’ He hurried after her before Miss Taylor or anyone else could offer to join him.

  The hill quickened his pace and his feet fell hard on the firm dirt. Miss Howard watched him approach from where she sat on the twisted trunk of a fallen tree, standing once he reached her. A strange sort of nervous anticipation decorated her face and he wondered what serious secret made her so eager to speak with him in private.

  ‘You’ve set their tongues wagging by following me.’ She walked deeper into the woods and he followed, leaves crackling beneath his boots.

  ‘George’s tongue is already wagging.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘He’s playing the matchmaker and would like very much to see us married.’

  She stopped and her fingers flew to her lips in fearful surprise. ‘Really?’

  ‘You didn’t know?’

  ‘No.’ She resumed her languid pace, her face more tightly drawn than before.

  ‘As much as I enjoy teasing him, if I have to spend one more minute eating out of Miss Taylor’s hands just to see the stunned expression on his face, I may expire from fatigue,’ James admitted with a smile.

  ‘Thank heavens,’ she breathed, sounding more nervous than amused. ‘I was afraid you’d succumbed to her fake charm.’

  ‘I might say the same of you and your present infatuation with Mr Taylor,’ he countered, eager to get at the truth of her relationship with the dandy.

  ‘You can’t believe I’m interested in him.’ She picked up a stick and smacked a brown leaf off an overhanging branch. ‘He’s weak and useless and no woman wants such a man. Like you, I was merely pretending.’

  James flexed his left hand, resisting the urge to feel under his shirt. ‘Why would you feign interest in a man? You aren’t after a husband, are you?’

  She stopped abruptly and turned to him. ‘No, I’m in search of a fiancé, or, more correctly, someone like you who can pretend.’ The words came out in such a winded rush he almost missed their meaning. He stared at her, waiting for a laugh, smile or some other indication of a joke, but she only watched him with the same nervous fear as before.

  ‘You’re serious?’

  ‘It’s my intention to purchase Cable Grange with my inheritance, but I don’t receive it until I’m married. However, if Charles believes I’m engaged—’

  ‘—he’ll give you the money.’

  ‘Yes. Once I’ve purchased the estate, I’ll cry off the engagement and you’ll be a free man.’ She broke the stick in half and tossed it aside.

  James stepped back, unsure how to respond. An engagement for Cable Grange? It seemed impossible, yet exactly like something a girl of her pluck would suggest.

  ‘I’d hoped to entice Simon into an engagement,’ she continued when he didn’t answer, ‘but the gentleman is thicker than mud and, according to Mother, quite unsuitable. Charles isn’t likely to approve of the match. But as an old friend of Uncle George’s you’re—’

  ‘—perfect.’

  ‘Well, I wouldn’t say “perfect”, but you’ll do.’

  ‘Will I now?’

  ‘You have a fondness for schemes.’

  ‘So it seems.’ James leaned back against a large oak, crossing his arms over his chest in amusement. The woman was unbelievable.

  ‘Please. It’s the only way. I have to have Cable Grange.’ The desperation in her voice and the dejected way she drew the pelisse’s satin ribbon through her fingers touched him. He wanted to take her sad face in his hands and kiss away the small line between her brows. The idea was doomed to fail. He knew something of Charles. Her brother was exacting and wouldn’t simply give her the money on a promise. If James agreed to the scheme, it could only end in either their marriage or her ruin. He might have contemplated marriage in the middle of the night, but in the light of the day, under such dubious circumstance, it was quite a different prospect.

  She bit her bottom lip in anticipation of his answer. Did she care for him? Sometimes, when he caught her observing him, he suspected some interest. However, she was a determined girl and she’d set her mind on Cable Grange. She’d never admit any feelings for him if they interfered with her plans.

  ‘What will you tell your brother when you end the engagement?’

  ‘I don’t think Charles likes Navy men, so I doubt he’ll be too put off by the idea.’

  ‘Or he might insist.’

  ‘You’re a free man—refuse him.’

  ‘It’s that important to you?’

  ‘It’s the only future I have.’

  If this were any other woman, he’d think she was trying to trap him, but the way she admitted her situation with such raw agony told him she had no designs. Like him, the realities
of life frustrated her and she did her best to overcome them. It took courage to reveal her situation and propose the plan and he respected her bravery. An engagement would force them together, giving him a chance to know her better, perhaps convince her not to jilt him if his feelings and hers proved true. If he was wrong and there was no interest, they’d break the engagement. It all seemed so uncomplicated, but he knew it wasn’t. Was he ready to agree to her arrangement and risk the very real possibility of marriage?

  ‘You have George’s talent for schemes,’ he said.

  ‘So it seems,’ she agreed.

  ‘You know about most of the plots I was entangled in?’

  She nodded.

  ‘Then I’ll have to tell you the rest during our engagement.’

  ‘You’ll do it?’

  ‘I followed George. It seems only fitting I follow his niece.’

  ‘Thank you, Captain, thank you.’ She threw her arms around his neck, hugging him close. He breathed in the clean scent of her soft hair, felt the warmth of her neck so close to his lips. He moved to wrap his arms around her, put his hand on the small of her back and draw her deeper into the arc of his body. His member eagerly responded to the sudden rush of desire, but knowing his breeches wouldn’t hide it and in no mood to embarrass himself, he removed her arms from around his neck. Her eager eyes met his and he saw more in her happy expression than a scheme. He released her wrists, afraid of what might happen if he held her for too long.

  ‘We must play the role of courting couple,’ she explained matter of factly, covering the lingering tension. ‘Give ourselves time to develop an attachment and for the others to see it. Charles must believe it is real. When would you like to begin?’

  ‘Now, my little Artemis, before we change our minds.’ He offered her his arm and she took it, allowing him to walk her back through the woods.

  * * *

  Was it his pulse or hers she felt racing beneath her fingers? Pausing for him to hold back a branch, she moved forwards, barely able to keep her body from trembling. Up ahead, the trees began to thin, the green hill just visible beyond the forest’s deep shadows. Once they stepped out together, the game was on and would not end until she either had Cable Grange or—or what?

  She stopped, nervousness making her whole body vibrate. ‘You could turn back now,’ she offered, more to herself than the captain.

  ‘I wouldn’t dream of it.’ He took a step forwards, but she didn’t move. ‘You aren’t afraid, are you?’

  ‘Of course not.’ I’m terrified, she thought, but didn’t say it. Having her scheme turn real in so short a time was overwhelming.

  ‘Good.’

  He pulled her forwards, out of the trees and she blinked against the sunlight. He kept a tight grip on her arm, escorting her up the hill. Julia could almost feel the shock rippling through the group at the sight of them in such an intimate attitude. Annette’s jaw dropped, Uncle George choked on a biscuit, Simon inspected them through his quizzing glass and Emily’s eyes went large. Only her mother appeared not to notice, doting on Charlemagne in an attempt to hide a knowing smile.

  ‘I think we’ve made an impression,’ Julia whispered, her fear fading in the face of this small triumph.

  ‘I believe we have.’

  They sat down together on the oilcloth, a short distance from the others who continued to watch them in silence. Not even Uncle George had recovered enough to ask questions or do anything more than stare. Julia acted like nothing was amiss and for the first time in days felt hope for her future. Neither Annette’s sour face nor Emily’s dumbfounded expression could ruin the feeling.

  ‘Tea?’ Captain Covington offered, holding up the small teapot.

  ‘Yes, please.’ She held out her cup. When it was full she exchanged it for a small plate of tarts. ‘Would you like one?’

  ‘Thank you.’ He reached for a delicacy, but Julia pulled it away, then held it out for him to taste.

  ‘Subtlety,’ he whispered, taking the treat from her fingers and breaking off a small bite.

  ‘Why?’ Julia whispered back. ‘If I’m going to do this, I’m going to do it well.’

  * * *

  ‘George, you’ve outdone yourself with surprises today,’ James congratulated when they returned from the picnic to find a game of battledore and shuttlecock arranged on the lawn.

  ‘I’m not the only one,’ George remarked as James took two battledores from the footman and handed Miss Howard one with all the tender flourish of a smitten suitor.

  ‘What do you mean?’

  George scowled in answer, then turned to Miss Taylor. ‘Annette, you should play.’

  Miss Taylor’s pinched eyebrows drew closer together. ‘I have no intention of remaining outside. My shoes are already soaked through.’

  Holding up the wet hem of her thin gown, she marched inside.

  ‘I believe I’ll join her,’ Mr Taylor added and no one tried to stop him.

  James and Miss Howard began their game while the others fell into furious whispering. He noticed the volley of looks thrown their way, but the ping of the shuttlecock hitting Miss Howard’s battledore forced him to focus on the game.

  He ran for the wispy target, smacking it back to her and sending her running. She whacked it inches from the ground and it sailed through the air towards him. Lunging for it, he ignored his stinging shoulder, enjoying the lively play. With a quick swing, he shot the shuttlecock over her head and into the tall grass.

  ‘You’re an excellent player, Miss Howard.’

  ‘You’re trying to flatter me.’ She laughed, retrieving the shuttlecock and preparing to serve.

  ‘I never offer a compliment I don’t mean.’

  Their vigorous game continued, Miss Howard chasing the shuttlecock, her face flushed with excitement, hair slightly dishevelled and eyes vivid from the exertion. It reminded him of the moment they’d first met in the forest. What would it be like to drive her to such a state by the play of his fingers along her skin? Hopefully, he’d get the chance to discover it, but for now vigorous exercise must suffice.

  James played with equal enthusiasm, chasing the shuttlecock all over the field. Then, in the middle of one challenging set, something over Miss Howard’s shoulder made him pause. He let the shuttlecock drop to the ground, watching the stable boy run up the lawn towards them.

  ‘What’s wrong?’ She turned and at the sight of the boy, threw down her battledore and rushed to meet him. ‘Samuel, what is it? What’s happened?’

  ‘There’s been trouble, Miss Howard.’

  James hurried to her side and the flustered stable boy, breathing hard from his run, warily took them in.

  ‘What? Tell me,’ she demanded.

  He hesitated, visibly torn between telling his mistress and getting in trouble.

  James knew whatever he’d come to report had happened under suspicious circumstances.

  ‘Tell her what happened,’ James commanded, ignoring the disapproving glance Miss Howard tossed his way.

  ‘There was a fight in the clearing near the lower pasture,’ he explained, James’s order loosening his tongue. ‘Mr Wilkins’s man was knocked out and Bill’s bleeding badly.’

  ‘I must put a stop to this at once. Come along, Samuel.’

  ‘Can I stay here, miss?’ the boy stuttered.

  ‘Whatever for?’

  ‘I believe the lad is afraid of losing face,’ James offered, sensing the boy’s predicament. He’d seen it many times aboard ship. ‘Whatever’s going on is a secret and the others might hold it against him if they learn he told you.’

  ‘All right, Samuel, you may stay. But when I return I’d better find you working, not dallying or daydreaming.’

  ‘Yes, miss.’ He dashed off in the direction of the stables.

 
Miss Howard turned to the others, who watched from their place along the edge of the court. ‘Mother, send John to fetch the medicine chest. Emily, have Davies send two men and a stretcher to the clearing near the pasture.’

  ‘Where are you going?’ Emily asked in a heavy, warning tone.

  ‘To deal with this incident.’ Miss Howard turned, striding off.

  ‘I insist you let the farm manager deal with it,’ Emily called after her to no effect. Miss Howard kept walking, pretending not to hear her sister-in-law.

  ‘I’ll go with her.’ James knew the hot tempers of fighting men. He couldn’t imagine the diminutive Miss Howard facing them alone.

  ‘Me, too,’ George offered.

  Despite her quick clip, James easily caught up to her, his long legs giving him an advantage. Behind them, George huffed and puffed, struggling to keep pace with their steady strides. ‘What will you do when you find them?’

  Miss Howard didn’t slow, but kept on down the rutted path. ‘I don’t know.’

  ‘Do you think this is wise?’

  ‘Is it wise to allow workers to neglect their duties?’

  ‘Perhaps there is a better way to handle the situation.’

  ‘How? By letting you command them? Perhaps you would like to oversee their wages as well or direct them where to plough?’

  ‘The boy talked, didn’t he?’

  ‘That’s not the point.’

  ‘Then what is?’

  ‘I have no wish to discuss it at this time.’

  They walked a fair distance from the house, across one large field and down a rolling slope to where the land flattened again. Sheep watched them march by until they reached another clearing.

  ‘What’s going on here?’ Miss Howard took the lead, her voice carrying across the grass to the circle of men. They turned, guilt washing over their faces. James stifled a laugh as the gruff field hands dropped their heads like a bunch of schoolboys caught cheating. He recognised a number of men from Julia’s staff. The others appeared to be Mr Wilkins’s men for they leered at Miss Howard, making James very glad he’d decided to come.