The Lord's Forced Bride

by Anne Herries

  ‘I think you have chosen well, Catherine,’ Lady Anne said as they emerged from the house, carrying some trifles of lace that had taken their fancy and would make pretty trimming for caps. ‘You have excellent taste, my dear. You must have that from Melissa.’

  ‘Mother has taught me all I know,’ Catherine agreed and smiled because she liked to hear her mother praised. ‘I know she would have loved to be here today, for she has talked of seeing you again, Lady Anne.’

  ‘Your mother and I are good friends,’ the older lady said, giving her an appraising look. ‘It has been our wish for some years that our families may have even closer ties in the future.’

  ‘Yes, Father has spoken to me,’ Catherine said, blushing shyly. ‘I do not know…it is such a long time since I met William…’

  ‘You will meet him this evening,’ Lady Anne told her with a look of approval. Catherine was modest and well mannered, and Lady Anne would welcome her as her son’s bride. ‘I know he is looking forward to seeing you again, Catherine.’

  Catherine was silent. She could not respond in kind—she did not know whether or not she truly wished to meet William Shearer. It was difficult to find the right words and she felt awkward as Lady Anne looked at her expectantly.

  ‘It is always pleasant to meet with friends,’ she managed at last. ‘I thank you for your kindness this afternoon…’

  Catherine’s attention was distracted as she suddenly saw a gentleman coming along the street towards them and her heart began to race wildly when she realised it was the Earl of Gifford and he had seen them.

  ‘Lady Anne…’ Andrew said as he swept off his flat velvet cap and made her an elegant leg. ‘Your servant, ma’am—and Mistress Melford. It is delightful to see you again.’

  Catherine’s cheeks heated as she stumbled over her words, and remembered his last to her. ‘Good…afternoon, sir.’

  ‘My lord,’ Lady Anne replied with a polite smile that had no true warmth. ‘Are you to attend the royal wedding too?’

  ‘I was bidden here by his Majesty,’ Andrew replied. His manner gave no indication of his feelings, though there was something in his eyes that made Catherine shiver in delight. ‘I believe I am to have the honour of riding somewhere in his train on the way to the Cathedral.’

  ‘Then no doubt we shall see you at court.’ A slight frown wrinkled Lady Anne’s brow as she glanced at Catherine and sensed her inner agitation. ‘Am I to take it that you have met Mistress Catherine Melford before this, sir?’

  ‘We have met on more than one occasion,’ Andrew said, his gaze seeming to dwell almost too intently on Catherine’s face for a moment. ‘I chanced upon her party as they journeyed here. It was no more than a fleeting acquaintance…is that not so, mistress?’

  ‘You did us great service, sir,’ Catherine replied, her throat a little tight. Why was it that every time she saw him he made her feel breathless? ‘I was grateful for what you did that day.’ Lady Anne looked at her curiously, her brows arched. ‘We were attacked by rogues, ma’am, and Lord Gifford came to our assistance. I think things might have gone hard with my brother had he not.’

  ‘Indeed?’ Lady Anne was thoughtful. ‘Then it was fortunate you were there, sir.’

  ‘I did only what any decent man would for a fellow traveller. I hope we may meet at court, Mistress Melford—Lady Anne.’ Andrew bowed again and walked on past them. Catherine resisted the impulse to turn and watch him, though she longed to do so.

  ‘I am not sure that your parents would wish you to know that gentleman, Catherine.’

  Catherine looked at her companion. ‘Why do you say that, ma’am? The earl has saved my brother’s life twice and they have become friends. I believe my mother would thank him for that if she knew.’

  ‘It is not for me to explain,’ Lady Anne said, looking at Catherine oddly. ‘But I would not become too friendly with Gifford if I were you. You may regret it later if you do.’

  ‘What are you saying to me?’ Catherine was puzzled. ‘I wish you would explain.’

  ‘I will tell you only that there was a quarrel between your family and the Giffords some years ago. More I may not say. It must be for your mother or father to tell you if they wish.’

  ‘An old quarrel?’ Catherine was anxious, because her mother had certainly seemed disturbed by the earl’s visit. ‘The earl recently spent some two hours with my father. I do not think Father would have received him had the quarrel not been put to rest.’

  ‘Well, perhaps you are right.’ Lady Anne shook her head. ‘Andrew of Gifford is a pleasant young man and I think him honest, but his mother and father…’ She paused and looked grave. ‘It is not to be thought of, Catherine. Your mother would be distressed if she were forced to keep company with these people.’

  ‘But you would not have me be rude to him?’ Catherine said. ‘I cannot ignore the man who helped save Harry! He is my brother’s friend!’

  ‘No, that might not be wise. It is difficult in the circumstances, and there can be no harm in exchanging polite conversation when you meet, Catherine. Gifford is quite a favourite at court, I believe. However, for your own sake, let it be no more than an acquaintance, my dear.’

  Catherine was silent. What was it that Lady Anne would not tell her? Clearly there was some secret that concerned both the earl and her family. She wondered if her brother knew of it and decided that she would speak to him when she returned home. Meanwhile, she must remember her manners and thank Lady Anne for her kindness.

  ‘I shall look forward to dining with you this evening,’ she said as her companion summoned her father’s servant, who had been waiting nearby. ‘I do thank you for helping me with my clothes. I wish to look well when I am presented at court.’

  Lady Anne smiled at her, her frown lifting. ‘Yes, think of the future, Catherine. You are very precious to me, child, for your mother’s sake—and I should be happy to welcome you to my family.’ She kissed Catherine’s cheek. ‘Your servant will see you home safely, my dear. I go the other way—but I shall see you this evening.’

  The light had started to fade now and it would soon be dark. However, Catherine had no fear, even though she knew that there were beggars and rogues roaming the streets of the city, because her father’s man carried a stout cudgel and it was unlikely anyone would attack her. Her mind was whirling in confusion as she tried to sort out her thoughts. Lady Anne had made it quite clear that she thought Catherine’s parents would forbid her to know the earl, but surely it could not be true? Catherine’s mother had been uneasy over the earl’s visit, but she was sure her father and the earl must have resolved their differences. Yet Lady Anne’s words of caution were enough to raise doubts in her mind. The earl was bold and he had said such wicked things to her!

  Catherine sighed. A part of her wished that she had never chanced to meet the Earl of Gifford, but another part of her was longing for the next time…

  Catherine wore her best gown that evening. It had been made with the silk she had chosen at the autumn fair and she had worn it only once, emerald green silk fashioned in her favourite style with heavy braiding at the neck and hem. She knew it suited her well, even though it might not be as elegant as the gowns she would need for court occasions. Her father had given her a gold chain set with tiny pearls for her birthday and she wore that wound twice around her throat and left to fall to her waist.

  Glancing at herself in her hand mirror before she left the house, Catherine had been pleased with her appearance. Her long red hair had been left to flow on to her shoulders and down her back, covered only by a cap of thin gold mesh that fitted to the crown of her head. Her shoes were of soft leather in a shade that almost matched her gown and had a small thick heel.

  ‘You look very well, Cat,’ Harry said as she came down the stairs. ‘I think all the gentlemen will lose their hearts to you tonight, little sister.’

  ‘Oh, Harry!’ Catherine laughed at his nonsense. She wrinkled her brow in thought. ‘I told you earlier what Lady A
nne said about the Earl of Gifford—how would you wish me to behave towards him if we should meet by chance?’

  ‘As you would to any friend of mine,’ Harry said, his gaze serious. ‘I know of no reason why you should not be courteous and friendly towards Andrew of Gifford. I have heard nothing of any quarrel. If there was one, I dare say it was forgotten long ago—and if Father received him it is reconciled. Father would not otherwise have spent two hours with him.’

  ‘I thought it must be so,’ Catherine said, relieved. ‘Lady Anne seemed to think I should avoid him as much as possible, but if you say it is not so I am satisfied.’

  ‘You must be polite to her for she is Mother’s friend and it is good of her to chaperon you,’ Harry said. ‘But in the matter of Gifford you need not take too much notice, Cat. Now we must leave or we shall be late, and that would be rude.’

  She did her best to smile at him, though in truth she felt much like a lamb to the slaughter. She had no expectation of a happy evening at Lady Shearer’s house, though she knew they would be made very welcome. Her nerves tingled as she went out to the carriage with her brother. The house they were to visit was not far away, but it was safer to travel by coach at night, because there were lawless elements within the city that might attack an unwary traveller under cover of darkness. Harry was wearing his sword and their servants carried thick cudgels just in case. Catherine’s thoughts were of the evening ahead and of meeting Will Shearer. Surely he could not wish for this marriage any more than she did?

  She had recovered her spirits a little by the time they were shown into the very large and rather old house, and was able to greet her hostess with a smile and a kiss, but she was feeling nervous as she turned to look at William. Catherine was a little surprised to discover that the gangly youth that had teased her so unmercifully had turned into a tall, strongly built young man who was pleasant to look upon.

  ‘Mistress Melford,’ he said, taking the hand she offered to carry it to his lips, but the kiss he gave her never touched her skin and she sensed that he was feeling as awkward as she was at this first meeting. ‘It is a pleasure to welcome you to our house. I trust that you will enjoy your first visit to town, and I shall be pleased to escort you about the city…if you should wish it.’

  Catherine looked up at him, seeing the strained expression about his mouth and the coolness in his eyes. In that moment she understood that he too was feeling obliged to follow his family’s wishes against his own inclinations. Relief flowed through her, and she relaxed, smiling at him without restraint. Had he been eager for the match she would have needed to keep her guard up, but now she could be herself.

  ‘You are very kind, sir,’ she said. ‘Lady Anne was good enough to share her dressmaker with me, but there are other things I need. If you have the time to spare, I should like to visit the merchants of Cheapside one day.’

  ‘You have only to say the word,’ Will Shearer said and grinned at her. His first impression of Catherine was that she had grown into a beautiful young woman and that the task of keeping her company while she was in London would not be as onerous as he had feared. ‘You might like to take a walk with me tomorrow, Mistress Catherine. There are many sights in the city that may interest you.’

  ‘I thank you, sir,’ Catherine said. ‘If my brother has no other plans for me, I should like to see something of the city.’

  ‘The streets are busy, and there is much to see at this time,’ Will told her, drawing her to one side as his mother began to talk to Harry. ‘We may as well keep each other company, mistress—and it will give us a chance to speak privately.’ He placed a finger to his lips as her eyebrows rose. ‘No, we do not wish to be overheard.’

  Catherine nodded, intrigued despite herself. She had thought that this evening would be difficult and had dreaded meeting him again, but now she had discovered that he was not the awful boy who had made her cry.

  ‘I shall look forward to spending some time in your company, sir.’

  ‘Will you not call me by my name?’ he asked, his dark eyes serious as they dwelled on her face. ‘You have nothing to fear from me, Catherine—you may even come to like me if you try.’

  Catherine’s laughter was soft and husky, enticing had she but known it. She felt drawn to him in spite of her fear that she would hate him, and she knew a sense of relief. It would be foolish to set her mind against the match without at least trying to get to know him. Will Shearer was perhaps just as handsome as the earl, for he had hair the rich colour of hazel nuts and dark brown eyes. She smiled up at him, making such a pretty picture that Will’s determination to resist her at all cost faltered for an instant, though he crushed the flickering desire she woke within him ruthlessly. She was not for him and he had other plans…

  ‘Come to table, you two,’ Lady Anne’s lilting voice cut across his thoughts. ‘I am glad you have found something to say to one another, but Cook has the food ready and it will spoil.’

  Catherine sat for some minutes staring into space as she brushed her long hair that night. She had dismissed Tilda once the maid had helped her out of her gown, but she did not wish for sleep. Instead, she sat on the stone window seat, gazing out at the moon as she pulled the brush through her dark red tresses and let her thoughts wander. She had enjoyed her evening despite her initial reluctance, and she liked Will Shearer—but his smile did not make her legs feel weak and her heart did not race at the sound of his voice.

  Oh, what a foolish girl she was! It was ridiculous to sit here dreaming of something that might never be. Besides, she did not even know if the Earl of Gifford liked her, though she suspected that he did…

  But that did not mean there need be anything more than friendship between them. She would go shopping with Will Shearer the next morning and she would try to think of him as the man she might marry one day, for she knew it would please her father. And yet something deep within her rebelled against marriage with a man she did not truly love.

  ‘I am glad that you agreed to come out this morning,’ Will said as they stopped to let a troupe of mummers pass. The streets were filled with people from all parts of the country and it was odd to catch snippets of talk in accents that were difficult to interpret. Entertainers were everywhere as the King had decreed that the entire week was to be a time of celebration. Miracle plays were taking place on the corners of streets, dancers, tumblers and singers moved amongst the crowds, performing for a few coins—and in their wake came the pickpockets, who would steal from the unwary as they watched the entertainment. ‘I wanted to speak to you alone, Catherine.’

  She looked at him curiously, for his expression was serious. ‘You may say whatever you wish to me, sir. I am willing to listen, though we hardly know each other.’

  ‘We were never quite friends, Catherine,’ Will said, looking down at her. He knew an odd reluctance to tell her what he planned, for she had affected him more than he’d expected. ‘I was a beast to you when we were children, and I dare say you hated me for it?’

  ‘I did not like you very much,’ Catherine admitted. A look of laughter was in her eyes, as she remembered that they had quarrelled often during that visit. ‘But we were children. Oh, do look at that pedlar, Will. He has some trinkets that look very fine.’

  ‘In a moment we shall examine his goods,’ Will said. ‘Look at me, Catherine. I dare say your parents may have spoken of a match between us?’

  ‘Yes…’ She frowned, for she thought it too soon to speak of such things. ‘I did not like the idea at first, but perhaps when we know each other better…’

  ‘I thought you could not want it,’ Will said and looked relieved. ‘I am able to set your mind at rest, Catherine. I think you very pretty and am happy to be your friend, but…I do not wish to marry you.’

  ‘Oh…’ Catherine was taken by surprise—she had not expected this. ‘I see…perhaps you would explain, sir?’

  ‘No, do not be cross with me,’ Will said. ‘I do like you very well, Catherine—but I am in love wi
th someone else. Elsa is my mistress and I adore her. She is not of gentle birth and I can never marry her for my father would never give consent—but I cannot marry anyone else.’

  Catherine stared at him for a moment. She was silent as she absorbed what he had told her, not knowing whether she felt angry at being rejected for another or relieved. It was odd that she had begun to like him very well and now she could not help being slightly offended that he should prefer someone else.

  ‘I see…’ She fought with the vague feelings of jealousy and won, because it was foolish. She hardly knew him. ‘Thank you for telling me, Will. I must be honest and say that I did not wish to marry you, though I thought it my duty to pay heed to my Father’s wishes if I could—but what shall we say to them? You must know that your mother and my father expect it.’

  ‘Do we need to say anything for the moment?’ Will asked, a pleading expression in his eyes. ‘I have not yet decided what to do for the best—and you will wish to enjoy yourself while you are here. If we keep our feelings to ourselves for the moment, in a few days I shall tell my mother that I do not wish to marry yet. The blame shall lie with me, Catherine, and you shall not be punished for it, I give you my word.’

  She stared at him uncertainly, biting her lip as she thought about what he was saying. ‘You do not think it wrong to deceive your mother before then?’