Beth gave a sad smile. ‘I know that, Miss Markham. I discovered it earlier tonight.’ When the man I really love danced my darkness away.
‘I have to tell you something, Miss Mannacott, something so important that I’m breaking my word to a dear friend by telling you. Mr Landry is Katie’s father, but I’m not her mother. Miss Harriet is Katie’s mother, Miss Mannacott, and apart from you and me, there’s no one else in the world that knows it.’
Beth stared at her.
‘She went with him once, that’s all, and then he went away to his regiment. Miss Harriet and I were always friends, we played together as children, and so she told me when she knew she was with child. I arranged for us both to stay with my aunt in Taunton, where Katie was born. We stayed there for months on end, and when we returned to Haldane we said the child was mine. It could have been, you see, because Mr Landry and I had shared a bed. My reputation didn’t matter, for it was well known that I’d been his mistress, but Miss Harriet’s reputation was spared. It’s the way we both wanted it at the time. I loved him then as I love him now, and by being Katie’s mother I was assured of his attention and kindness, if not his presence in my bed. Miss Harriet loves him too, but knows he doesn’t love her.’ Carrie closed her eyes for a moment, exhausted by the effort of speaking, but then struggled again. ‘Do not think badly of him, Miss Mannacott, for he knows nothing of this.’
Beth lowered her eyes. Whether he knew it or not, the story did not reflect well upon his conduct. He’d put Harriet’s reputation at risk when he lay with her, and on his own admission had been relieved when she didn’t mention it afterward. Any man of true honour would have married her. Someone like Harriet warranted a gentleman’s protection, not his casual indifference. Landry did not always behave nobly, a fact she, Beth, had contrived to ignore until now, but could no more. After everything else that had happened tonight, this was almost too much. Again she tried to assemble her thoughts in the face of circumstances beyond her control. It was easy to imagine what Harriet had gone through at the time, being with child out of wedlock, and Landry far away with his regiment. Fear of ruin was a terrible force, and ruined she most definitely would have been. And all because Landry Haldane had been less than a gentleman.
Carrie continued, ‘All was well while I had my health, but now that I’m dying I can’t let this go on. You may have stolen his heart, but it is Miss Harriet he should wed. She has always refused to tell him the truth because she felt it would force him to do the honourable thing.’
‘You are right to tell me, Miss Markham, and I am sure that when he learns the truth, Mr Haldane will wish to rectify matters.’ He won’t wish to, he’ll simply have no choice. But as she thought this, Beth knew this revelation was her own salvation too. Even if Guy had not come to the hall tonight, learning what she now had, she would not have been able to proceed with the betrothal. She would have had to remove Landry’s ring. Return that showy piece of paste, Beth.
‘Miss Mannacott? I know I ruin your life, but—’
Beth halted the words. ‘No, Miss Markham, you don’t ruin anything, rather have you confirmed something that I had already decided. Mr Haldane and I are not suited, and if I had not been so blinkered and foolish of late, I would have known it sooner.’
There were tears of relief on Carrie’s cheeks. ‘I have not been kind to you, Miss Mannacott, yet you are kind to me. I’m ashamed.’
‘Don’t be. Please.’ Beth squeezed Carrie’s hand. ‘Would you like me to let Miss Bellamy know you’ve told me? Perhaps when she realizes I will not marry Mr Haldane anyway, she will see where her duty lies. I will tell Mr Landry for the same reason.’
‘Would you do that? They must marry, Miss Mannacott. For Katie’s sake. When I’m gone, that child will need her true parents. I know that their marrying now will not make her legitimate, but it’s the next best thing.’
‘I agree.’ Beth thought of Landry, so unaware of the great upheaval that was about to change his life. But, like her, he must face the consequences of past actions. They both had feet of clay.
Chapter Twenty-four
Landry had found Guy in the library. ‘Ah, here you are, Greylake. So tell me, why have you really come here tonight?’
‘To take Beth Tremoille away from you,’ was the blunt response.
‘Tremoille?’
‘That’s her real name. Mannacott is the name of the blacksmith with whom she lived for a year in Gloucester.’ Guy knew there was little point in concealing this scandalous fact, because Beth’s liaison with Jake Mannacott was bound to come out sooner or later, especially as Jane Welland almost certainly knew of it and would use it to heap public scorn on the new Lady Valmer. The newspapers would be delighted, and soon the juicy titbit would be circulating throughout society.
Landry stared at him. ‘A blacksmith? That’s a lie, Greylake!’
‘It’s the truth.’
Landry flushed. ‘I want you to leave.’
‘No, you don’t, because you want to know more. Sit down, dear fellow, for we may as well be comfortable.’ Resuming his seat at the desk, Guy waved Landry to a chair, subtly reversing the role of host and guest.
‘I’ll stand,’ Landry replied. ‘Well, proceed with your poison.’
‘We don’t like each other, Haldane, and nothing will change that, but if you really do love Beth, then believe me, I am sorry for what I do tonight.’
‘I’m all gratitude.’
‘I’m sure.’ Leaning back, Guy related an edited version of his pursuit of Beth, for he wasn’t about to confide his reason for needing her, or the crimes of which she might conceivably be accused. ‘Beth won’t marry you now,’ he finished, ‘she doesn’t dare to, being mistress of Greylake is a more palatable prospect than—’ He stopped prudently.
Landry’s face had grown more and more pale, and now he leapt to his feet. ‘Than what? Are you threatening her? I’ll defend her against you, Greylake!’
‘How noble, but it won’t come to that. She will marry me. Mark my words, before the hour is out, she will return your ring.’
‘Why do you want her? Do you love her?’
‘Love?’ Guy chuckled. ‘And what, pray, has that to do with it? You may be propelled by such a debilitating condition, but common sense has charge of me.’
Landry was almost beside himself with anguish. ‘I’ll wipe that smug smile from your face, Greylake!’ he cried, beginning to step around the desk with his fist raised.
Guy rose. ‘I’d think twice if I were you, Haldane, because I’m well able to take care of myself. And if you really do want there to be talk, you’ll succeed if we emerge with cuts and bruises and Beth still returns your ring. Listen to me, now, here, where we are private, for I swear I’m quite prepared to carry on this conversation in the middle of the ballroom, with all of Devon and Somerset bearing witness.’
Landry halted, deterred by the quiet menace with which the words were uttered.
Guy smiled. ‘Ever the dashing cavalier, eh, Haldane? How did you ever believe yourself worthy of Beth?’
‘Have you ever lain with her?’ Landry demanded, and then became triumphantly scornful when Guy didn’t answer. ‘I see not. Well, when you dip your proud wick in her sweet body, just remember that I was there before you!’
‘Haldane, when that choice moment arrives, you’ll be the last thing on my mind.’
‘I’ve had her time and time again.’
‘What a braggart you are, and so ungallant to boast at the expense of a lady. Well, it makes no difference to me. I want Beth for reasons other than love and desire.’
‘I pity her,’ Landry breathed.
‘Then don’t.’
‘One day I will destroy you, Greylake.’
Guy smiled. ‘Even insects can dream.’
Landry turned on his heel and marched from the library, slamming the door. Once outside he paused, his mind in turmoil. Beth. Oh, Beth. His heart felt as if it were splitting in two, its life force draining aw
ay. She was everything to him, everything, but he knew he’d lost her. The betrothal ball had become a farewell ball, and he had to swallow the bitter pill of knowing his most loathed enemy had taken her.
In the library Guy poured another glass of cognac, and then went to stand by the misted window, looking out at the lamps glittering in the park. There was a lacquered screen behind him, so that anyone entering the library would not know he was there. His thoughts were of Beth, and the regaining his childhood home.
On leaving the library, Landry, still smarting from his interview with Guy, looked for Beth, in order to demand an explanation face-to-face. But she had yet to return from the lodge, and then he was confronted by an inebriated and truculent Sir Daniel, who was determined to persuade him not to ban stag hunting from Haldane land.
Landry was still being thus lambasted when Beth slipped back into the ballroom, meaning to find Harriet first. She found her dancing a cotillion with John, and waited until the dance was at an end before drawing her discreetly aside. ‘Harriet, I must speak with you,’ she said quietly.
‘Is something wrong?’ Harriet looked anxiously at her.
‘That depends upon one’s point of view.’
‘How mysterious.’ An uncertain smile played on Harriet’s lips.
‘We’ll go to the library, it’s private there.’
‘Beth, what on earth can you tell me there that can’t be said here?’
‘You have a very closely guarded secret that is secret no more.’
Harriet blanched, and without another word walked toward the library which was empty. Or so they both thought. Harriet turned as Beth closed the door. Her eyes were tormented, and her nasturtium tissue gown shimmered in the mixed light of fire and candles. ‘Carrie has told you?’
Beth nodded. ‘Yes, and she was right to do so.’
‘It wasn’t her secret to tell.’
‘You know that’s not true, Harriet. She’s dying, and according to Doctor Carter may not even see the dawn.’
Harriet leaned weak hands on the desk. ‘Oh, no, poor Carrie.’
‘Landry is Katie’s father, Harriet, but I now know that you, not Carrie, are her mother. It is up to you and Landry to do what is right.’
‘But this ball celebrates your betrothal to him.’ Harriet turned away agitatedly. ‘Oh, it will all come out now, and I will be seen for the fallen creature I have always secretly been. What will Father say? And John! Oh, no, what of John?’
‘If you and Landry marry, what will it matter if there’s talk? As for John, well, sadly, he’ll be a casualty.’
‘He doesn’t deserve this, for he at least is innocent of blame.’ Tears shone in Harriet’s eyes. ‘You may find scandal easy to live with, Beth, but it frightens me. And you love Landry, so how can you urge this upon him?’
‘No, Harriet, I don’t love him.’
Harriet was shocked. ‘Then why…?’ She pointed at Beth’s ring.
‘I would have returned it to Landry tonight even had I not learned the truth about you. No, Harriet, don’t disbelieve me, or think I’m trying to make things easier for you. My betrothal to Landry is no more, because I am going to marry Sir Guy Valmer.’
Harriet looked at her, as if at a fiend incarnate. ‘You’re what?’ she repeated faintly. ‘But why? What’s Sir Guy to you? How do you know him? What’s this about?’
‘I know nothing of his reasons, except that passion and devotion don’t figure on his side. My motives are … such that I cannot refuse him.’
‘You don’t mean to tell me everything? Aren’t we friends enough for that.’
‘There are things that must remain between Sir Guy and me.’
Harriet searched her face. ‘You’ve loved him all along, haven’t you? Since before you even came here.’
For Beth, the question sailed uncomfortably close to home. ‘Of course not,’ she replied, a denial that might convince others, but never herself.
‘Does – does Landry know all this?’
‘Not yet. I mean to tell him next. Harriet, what I feel for Landry doesn’t compare in any way with your deep love for him. You and he should be together, for your sake, and Katie’s.’
‘You have already accepted Sir Guy?’
‘Not yet.’
Harriet still searched her face. ‘You seem so calm.’
‘I’m not really.’ Beth was nervous about her new situation, and at the same time the erotic wanton in her was unbearably excited. She wanted Guy, even on these terms, and yet anger and resentment burned within her that he could and would manipulate her. At this moment she was his puppet, but a puppet that was flesh and blood, and aroused by the prospect of being his wife. She was a paradox, loving and deploring him at the same time. She met Harriet’s eyes. ‘This isn’t about me, but about you and Landry. I was going to tell him of these developments, but maybe, because of Katie, it would be better coming from you.’
‘Either way it will be cruel for him.’
‘He should not have done what he did with you. The past catches up with us all, including me.’ Beth went to hug her. ‘Go to him now, Harriet.’
‘Can’t we go together?’
Beth shook her head. ‘I’d rather tell Sir Guy of my decision.’
‘Very well. But Landry doesn’t have to marry me, you know, nor will he want to.’
‘Nevertheless, he will.’
Harriet went reluctantly to the door and, as it closed softly, Beth leaned her hands on the desk, her head bowed. But she turned with a dismayed gasp as she heard Guy’s soft tread from behind the screen. ‘You!’
‘I fear so. I did not hide deliberately, but was caught unawares when you and Miss Bellamy came in. And once you started talking—’
‘— you kept quiet in order to eavesdrop!’
He pursed his lips slightly. ‘The more you said, the more awkward it became to make my presence known. Haldane’s lamentable lack of honour is hardly my concern.’
‘Who are you to speak of honour? You’re blackmailing me into marriage.’
‘And who are you to complain?’
She coloured and turned the conversation elsewhere. ‘Well, you already know that I will marry you, although why on earth you want me I can’t imagine.’
‘You’ll learn in due course, and when you’re Lady Valmer, provided you conduct yourself as I wish, we’ll get on famously. Please, no blacksmiths, cordwainers or such.’
Now her face was fiery. ‘I’m sure that even you would bed with a washerwoman if your belly was empty and there was no roof over your head.’
‘What an interesting thought.’
‘Ponder upon it when next you feel compelled to ridicule me.’
‘Ridicule you? Maybe I am guilty of that, but my purpose is to make you realize that from now on you will never need to descend into such degradation. You were far too good for Mannacott.’
‘And too good for Landry? Presumably I’m far too good for anyone except you?’
‘Of course.’ He smiled.
That smile almost undid her, and she looked away, afraid that her innermost thoughts might be revealed to him. She didn’t want him to know how much she hungered for him, because that would put her even more in his power. ‘What is to happen next?’
‘We quit this place without further ado.’
Her gaze flew to meet his again. ‘Now? But there is Landry, and—’
‘Haldane already knows; we had a verbal set-to in here a little while ago. I think he really does love you, Beth, but he’s spineless. Oh, and in case you did not know, in the past he’s had a considerable weakness for drinking and gambling. He was quite dissolute in fact, which is certainly at odds with the angelic front he puts on now. He has overcome his vices in recent years, but it won’t last. Now then, I’ve waited some considerable time to capture you, so this is not haste, merely a determination to conclude matters satisfactorily. You and I will travel to Porworthy tonight, and Greylake in the morning. Once there, we will be married as soon as
it can be arranged. I intend you to be Lady Valmer before Christmas.’
And do you also intend me to be in your bed? The thought was there and she could do nothing about it. Looking at him now, hearing him now, it didn’t matter how cold and aloof he was, or that their marriage would be simply one of convenience – his convenience. What mattered was that she would be his wife. For better, for worse.…
She held his gaze. ‘And will you be my husband, sir? Or merely my lord and master?’
‘No man could be your lord and master, Beth. Catching you has been like pursuing a dream.’ She bowed her head, thinking of what Jake had said. ‘Beth?’
‘It’s nothing. You just reminded me of someone.’
‘I hardly dare ask who.’
‘More mockery? Well, how many whores have you bedded?’ she demanded defensively.
‘Oh, the usual full complement,’ he replied with a glimmer of amusement, ‘because such things are expected of gentlemen. Hugely unfair, I know, but there it is.’ He paused. ‘Are you ready to leave? Together, through the ballroom?’
Her nerve wavered. ‘Can’t we simply slip away and spare Landry’s feelings?’
‘Did he spare your feelings tonight? No, when I asked you to dance, he displayed his inherent pettiness. That is the measure of him, Beth. He’s the sort of man who seduces a vicar’s innocent daughter, gets her with child, and then turns his back.’
‘He didn’t know she had his child.’
‘No? Didn’t he have a tiny suspicion? Surely he knows how babies are made? And what was he thinking, idly bedding a young woman of Harriet’s quality?’
Hadn’t she thought virtually the same? But still she issued a sharp retort. ‘Such acid must surely eat through you, Sir Guy.’
‘Enough of this charming banter. I wish to leave Holy Haldane’s domain and breathe fresh air again. I’ve taken a room at the Bell and Fox, and—’ He broke off hastily. ‘Oh, don’t fear my unwelcome attentions tonight, for I will secure another room, or sleep on a settle. Your bed is your own. For the time being.’ He came around the table and offered her his arm.
Star-Crossed Summer Page 30
