To Marry a Marquis

by Melinda Hammond

  He chose a chair by the window, where the early morning sun gleamed on his black hair.

  'Where is my cousin?'

  Rosamund could not suppress a smile.

  'She is not such an early riser as I am. I suspect she is even now sipping at her chocolate.'

  He frowned.

  'She should be here to chaperone you.'

  'That is hardly necessary.'

  'Not with me, perhaps, but if you have other visitors -'

  'My grandfather did not encourage visitors,' she told him, 'but be assured, sir, if it had been anyone but yourself I have no doubt that Royd would not have admitted them, knowing I am alone. Which reminds me, why did you tell your cousin that she would be here no more than a month?'

  'One of my aunts is coming to stay with me at the beginning of March, and once she is in residence it will be perfectly acceptable for you to move into Ullenwood House.'

  Rosamund stiffened.

  'You assume a great deal, sir. I have not agreed to that.'

  'You were left to my care, madam.'

  'Yes, but I am still anxious to find a way to support myself.'

  'After our previous discussions I thought we had agreed that marriage was the only solution.'

  'Not at all,' she retorted, sitting very straight in her chair. 'I have not yet fully investigated the alternatives.' Her eyes narrowed. 'Why do you smile at me in that smug way? Doubtless you think I should accept your proposal and consider myself fortunate in the extreme. Let me assure you that I am far from agreeing with you on that!'

  'Good God, woman, do not fly up into the boughs merely because of a look! True, I do think marriage to me is the best solution for you – I confess if you tell me you would prefer the life of a governess it would be a serious blow to my self-esteem.'

  She gave a reluctant smile.

  'Then I shall not say it, and apologise for losing my temper sir, but pray do not rush me: I am sure there must be another solution, one that does not involve such a sacrifice on your part.'

  'I have already explained to you that I would not consider it a sacrifice, but you do not need to give me your answer immediately. Bella shall stay here with you for the next few weeks, and once my aunt arrives, if you are still of the same mind, you can come to Ullenwood House as my ward, nothing more.'

  'Thank you my lord. You are very good.'

  'Very well, now let us to business. From what I now know of your grandfather's affairs there is very little money left to settle with tradesmen and pay the servants.'

  'As I could have told you, Lord Ullenwood, had you asked me. I have been looking after the accounts here for some time.'

  He ignored her angry tone.

  'Then perhaps you will advise me precisely what you require to settle matters here at the end of the month.' He pulled a roll of notes from his coat pocket and handed them to her. 'That should be enough to settle any immediate bills, and to buy yourself some new mourning clothes.'

  'Th-thank you,' she stammered. 'But there is not the least need...'

  'Oh I think there is. Bella will not allow you to go about in such outmoded fashions.'

  Rosamund flinched. It was an unpleasant feeling to know Lord Ullenwood considered her a Dowd. As soon as he had left she went into the Red Saloon and walked over to a large mirror placed between the long windows. A very dejected figure stared back at her. Her hair was scraped back from her sallow face and a shapeless black crepe gown hung from her shoulders. She had been rather a plump young girl of fifteen when her parents had died: eight years later the puppy fat had gone, and although it had been a simple matter to let down the hem of her old mourning gown she had not considered it necessary to take it in. After all, there was no one to notice.

  But the marquis had noticed, and Rosamund was ashamed that she should appear before him so careless of her appearance. She straightened her shoulders: whatever her fate, she would achieve nothing looking such a fright and she determined to do something about it.

  Later that day Rosamund invited Mrs Tomlinson to her bedchamber, where she had spread all her mourning clothes across the bed.

  'They are all far too big for me,' she confided, 'but I should like to know which ones you think could be suitably altered to fit? Lord Ullenwood has left me some money...'

  She trailed off and waited anxiously as Arabella surveyed the gowns, their varying shades of black and grey billowing over the bed like a dense storm-cloud. After a moment the young widow stepped forward and swept them all on to the floor.

  'You must have new,' she said decidedly. 'How much has Elliot given you?'

  Rosamund told her. Arabella snorted.

  'Not enough. If anyone should know the cost of a woman's wardrobe it is Ullenwood, his mistresses are amongst the best turned-out women in Town. Come. We must make a list of everything that is needed and then I shall take you to visit my own dressmaker.'

  'She could make me one gown, I suppose,' said Rosamund, following her out of the room. 'As to the rest, I must be economical.'

  'I will not hear of it,' retorted Arabella. 'We shall buy you everything that is the best. You are Lord Ullenwood's ward now and must look the part.'

  'Then I must apply to the marquis for further funds.'

  'Not at all. When Tommy died, he left me a very generous settlement.'

  Rosamund stopped.

  'But I cannot allow you to pay for my clothes!'

  Mrs Tomlinson had reached the foot of the stairs but at that she turned to look up at Rosamund, her green eyes wide.

  'But why not? I have so many clothes I cannot possibly buy more at present, and it will be so entertaining to have the dressing of you.'

  Thus it was that over the next few days Lord Northby's ancient dress chariot was to be seen standing outside the most fashionable shops in Bond Street, Pall Mall and Covent Garden. Soon Rosamund's head was spinning as a succession of plain gowns and pelisses were ordered and various rolls of bombazine, muslin and linen laid out for her approval. She stood by, mute, as Bella ordered crape hoods, shamoy shoes and gloves ('very dull, my dear, and therefore perfect for mourning!') plus a bewildering assortment of shawls, fans and handkerchiefs.

  'Well, another very satisfactory day's work!' declared Mrs Tomlinson when they were once more seated in the chariot and on their way back to Northby House.

  Rosamund looked at the various packages stacked around them.

  'I cannot think that I shall need all this. And I have no idea how much everything will cost.'

  'And nor should you,' said Bella. 'You are in mourning for your grandfather and should not have to worry your head with such trivialities.' She took out her crumpled list and studied it. 'Now, we have the muslin skirt that you can wear immediately, and Madame has promised that the undress of Norwich crape will be delivered tomorrow together with the fur-lined pelisse and hood that you will need for walking out. Then there are the two day and evening gowns, and the black silk to be delivered later. Of course, you will not require that until you are out of your first period of deep mourning, but the grey silk will be suitable for you to wear on informal occasions, or when we are dining alone. Hmm, reticules, gloves, fans … what have we forgotten?'

  'Nothing, I am sure, Bella! I have never had so many new things at one time.'

  'No, that is quite apparent,' retorted Mrs Tomlinson. 'I know one should not speak ill of the dead, but it was quite monstrous of Lord Northby to keep you hidden away so.'

  'But I did not object, Bella. In fact, I was quite happy to live retired, especially after my disastrous presentation. The lady Grandpapa brought in to take me to all those parties was very kind, but when she found I was such an awkward, tongue-tied dab of a girl she quite despaired of me.'

  'Well I do not despair of you,' declared Arabella. 'Once we have you in your new gowns and my coiffeuse has cut your hair and re-arranged it more becomingly, I think you will look very well. Besides, you are no longer a shy child of eighteen but a sensible lady of three-and-twenty, and I think
you will cut a dash in any company - oh - now I remember! You do not have a black parasol.'

  Rosamund laughed at her.

  'But it is February!'

  'Nevertheless, you will need one when Elliot takes you driving in the park.'

  'Oh, will he take me driving, then?'

  'Not a doubt of it. He is a famous whip, always to be seen driving himself around Town.'

  Rosamund frowned at the parcels piled upon the seat.

  'Does – does he take his mistress driving in the park?' she asked tentatively.

  'Oh no, he is far too discreet for that. Mrs Lythmore likes to keep up the pretence of being a respectable widow.'

  'But perhaps she is. You should not malign her without knowing the truth.'

  Arabella laughed at her.

  'My dear Rosamund everyone in Town knows it is the truth! Lythmore left her very well provided for, but she soon ran through her money and was obliged to find a protector. Elliot is only the latest of them!' She sat back against the well-padded seat and regarded Rosamund with a little smile. 'But let us not talk of Elliot, for we are having such an enjoyable day shopping, are we not? What a pity we forgot the parasol, but it does not matter, I am sure we will think of several other things we shall need and we can purchase them all the next time.'

  'There will be no next time! I shall never go shopping again!' cried Rosamund, throwing up her hands.

  'Oh, but -' Bella observed the twinkle in her companion's eyes and broke off, chuckling. 'Now you are joking me! Only wait until you have put on your new clothes and see how much better you feel.'

  Rosamund was not convinced, but when the coiffeuse engaged by Mrs Tomlinson had left, she put on one of her new gowns and went in search of Arabella. She found her in the Red Saloon, strumming idly on the pianoforte.

  'Well, Bella,' she said shyly,' what do you think?' She stood before the mirror, frowning at her reflection.

  Mrs Tomlinson came to stand beside her and placed her hands on her shoulders.

  'I should almost say you are a different being,' she declared. 'I knew the Norwich crape would look well on you.'

  Rosamund looked at herself: the high-waisted grey gown fell in soft folds about her, making her look much taller. It was the most fashionable of the dresses Bella had chosen for her, but the heavy material was warm and comforting in such a large, draughty house.

  'Celestine has worked wonders with your hair,' commented Bella.

  Rosamund nodded and gazed in wonder at the new style. Most of her heavy dark hair was drawn up into a softly coiled top knot, banded with a black silk ribbon, while small tendrils curled softly against her forehead and cheeks. Bella was right, she thought. She looked like a different person - she even felt like a different person.

  A clanging of the doorbell could be heard in the distance and moments later the butler came in to announce Lord Ullenwood.

  The ladies looked at one another. Rosamund cleared her throat.

  'Show him in, Royd.' She glanced at her friend. 'Do you think he will notice?'

  'If he does not I shall call a doctor to him immediately,' retorted Arabella, smiling.

  Rosamund swallowed nervously and moved across the room to stand before the fireplace, trying not to fidget as the door opened and the marquis was announced. He stepped forward and bowed.

  'Good day to you, Miss Beaumarsh, Cousin, I -' his words died away as he straightened and his eyes came to rest for the first time upon Rosamund.

  Her nervousness disappeared, replaced by amusement as she saw the shock and surprise in his face. It was gone in a moment, and he raised his quizzing glass to look at her. Arabella could contain herself no longer.

  'Well, Cousin, what do you think of your ward now?'

  The marquis allowed his gaze to move slowly over Rosamund, from her glossy topknot, past the fringed shawl and soft worsted gown that wrapped about her slender figure and down to the shoes of black chamois that peeped out from the hem of her gown. He lowered his glass.

  'A transformation,' he murmured. His eyes were drawn back to her grey eyes, huge and dark against her flawless pale skin. Such a look would evoke sympathy from the stoniest heart. Then he saw the gleam of amusement in her face, and found himself smiling at her.

  'Well, Elliot?' demanded Arabella. 'Is she not looking well?'

  'Very well, Bella. You are to be congratulated.'

  'Thank you, but it was not all my work, you know: Ros has excellent taste.'

  Rosamund flushed at that.

  'Will you not be seated, my lord - in fact,' she hesitated, 'we dine in an hour, sir: would you care to join us?'

  Lord Ullenwood had planned to dine at his club, but now he decided his friends could do without him.

  'Thank you, Miss Beaumarsh, I shall be delighted to accept your invitation.'

  Arabella cast a quick, shrewd glance at her cousin and rose from her seat.

  'No need to ring the bell my dear, I will go and find Royd and tell him to set another place.' She hurried away, leaving Ros to entertain the marquis.

  Rosamund moved to a vacant sofa.

  'I - um - do you have business you wish to discuss with me, my lord?'

  'Yes.' He came across to sit beside her. 'I wanted to tell you that the lawyers will be calling tomorrow, to collect the inventory.'

  She gave a gasp, her hands clasped nervously in her lap

  'But it is not yet finished.'

  'I know, and I am sorry for it, but my man believes the courts will want to take possession of the house and its contents within the next few days. I am sorry. I did all I could to prevent this.'

  'Thank you, I am sure you did, but my grandfather's suicide made the outcome inevitable.' She gave him a shaky smile. 'One thing he did not account for in his grand plan.'

  He reached over and took her hands between his own, holding them in a firm, comforting clasp.

  'Rosamund -'

  He saw the sudden look of fear in her eyes and released her. Immediately she jumped up.

  'There is not so very much to do to complete the inventory. The principal rooms are accounted for, it is merely the attics, and if we make an early start I am sure we can have it complete. Ah, here is Bella come back. Well, have you seen Royd?'

  'Yes, it is all arranged for an extra cover to be laid for dinner,' said Arabella. She turned to the marquis. 'You are fortunate, Cos. We have rabbit tonight, and more than enough for the two of us, else Cook would have been heaping curses upon your head!'

  Lord Ullenwood rose.

  'Heaven forbid that I should offend your cook,' he said lightly.

  'It seems the lawyers will be calling upon us tomorrow, Bella. 'I have explained to Lord Ullenwood that our inventory is not yet finished.'

  'It is no matter,' he said. 'They will help you to finish the lists. My main concern is that you should identify what belongs to you, personally, Miss Beaumarsh.'

  'Good heavens, are we to be turned out onto the street?' cried Arabella, sinking onto a chair.

  'Not quite that,' responded the marquis. 'However, my man has failed to achieve any additional delay and warns that the bailiffs will descend upon you any day now. He suggests you should remove any of your personal effects tomorrow. I will have a couple of men come over with a carriage to assist you - you may send to me anything you wish to keep.'

  Rosamund nodded, pale but perfectly calm.

  'And how long can I - can we remain here?'

  'I expect them to give you notice to quit within the next few days.'

  'So soon, with his lordship not yet cold in his grave? That is outrageous.'

  Lord Ullenwood shook his head.

  'The courts are implacable, Bella. I have no power to stop it.'

  'But -'

  Rosamund put up her hand.

  'No, Bella, you must not rail at your cousin. He has done his best for me, I am sure. It is the law, and we will be ready to leave when word comes.'

  'Thank you,' said the marquis. 'I will of course have rooms pre
pared for you at Ullenwood House. Unfortunately my aunt, Lady Padiham, cannot come to me sooner so you, Bella, must act as chaperone until she arrives.'

  'With pleasure - I would not leave Rosamund now for anything, we have become such good friends. But, heaven and earth! How did you persuade Aunt Padiham to act as your hostess? You should know, Rosamund, that my aunt is so indolent she can never be persuaded out of her house by normal means. So, Elliot, how did you do it?'

  The marquis grinned.

  'I am her favourite nephew, did you not know?'

  'That may be so, but I do not believe that would sway her.'

  'Perhaps it is the fact that her own house is in urgent need of repair,' he said, a decided twinkle in his eyes. 'I persuaded her that it would be less trouble for her to come to me than to rent a property. However, not even my powers of persuasion could make her come to me before the end of the month, which is why I need you, Bella.'

  Arabella looked at him.

  'You want me to play propriety?'

  His lips twitched.

  'The role will have the charm of novelty for you,' he murmured.

  Arabella gave a gurgle of laughter.

  'For shame, Elliot, you will make Ros think me a hoyden.'

  'And so you are, Bella, but while Miss Beaumarsh is in deep mourning your opportunities for mischief will be few.'

  'And now Rosamund is looking at me askance, and wondering what I have done to earn such a reputation,' cried the widow merrily. 'Nothing more serious than to conduct a little dalliance.'

  'With Tomlinson dead less than six months,' added the marquis.

  Arabella pouted.

  'But if it had been anyone other than Harry Granthorpe I have no doubt you would not have been so swift to censure me!' she said.

  'I should not allow you to ruin yourself with anyone, Bella. The fact that it was Granthorpe merely made it imperative that I step in to protect you. The man's a wastrel.'

  'Yes, there is that,' agreed Arabella, sighing. She turned to Rosamund. 'Do you know Harry Granthorpe, my dear?'

  'Yes. He was used to call upon my grandfather. I met him once or twice, but Grandpapa was careful to keep him away from me.'