Daughter of Trade

by Lesley-Anne McLeod

  Harder than all to bear was the quiet compassion of her parents and older brothers, for they did not argue on his behalf. They, it seemed, accepted the correctness of her judgment now. It appeared the Driffield household had quickly lost faith in Lord Holly.

  * * * *

  Sebastian returned to Leeds in a mizzling rain, and the chill of rising damp. He had traveled from London up the Great North Road, turned west at Selby, and made his way back to Leeds. He was in a vile temper. He was bone weary from the journey south to investigate the misunderstanding. His trip to London had been tedious and trying, and should have been unnecessary.

  Skelmer sat beside him, looking exhausted, and the tiger, Wink, drooped in his seat. No doubt they thought him mad. He'd made the journey to London and back with scarce a word to them. They were as wearied as he was by the incessant travel. Nevertheless Sebastian had felt it imperative to return at once to Leeds.

  He had hated the necessity of decamping just when the Luddite threat in Leeds had accelerated. The instances of petty violence had been chronicled in the London papers, and Sebastian was haunted by the image of Dinah huddled in the bookroom chair with broken glass around her and the great cobblestone on the floor nearby. He wanted only to be in Leeds to protect her, and help her family.

  He did fear that his return might not be welcomed. He was aware that the affair that had taken him to London had got into the gossipy commentaries of several newspapers. With Miss Harriet Driffield's addiction to news, he had no doubt the matter would be known to the Driffields by now.

  It was so damnably unfair to be judged by one's class. Manufacturer, peer, labourer; they could none of them help their birth, and their birth told nothing about them as individuals. His birth into the peerage branded him profligate, untrustworthy, dilettante and idler in the Driffields' minds.

  He could explain about this breach of promise suit, but would they believe him?

  He stayed only long enough at the King's Arms to wash and to change his clothes. He was assured of tea and refreshments at the Driffields', though he thought with uncharacteristic longing of a large glass of brandy. He walked to Park Square, nodding to acquaintances with his usual courtesy, but seething with impatience.

  He dwelt as he too often did, on Dinah's sweet response to his kisses. Surely she loved him. She would not have responded so, did she not. That he might have demanded a response caused him agonies of remorse. He was no callow boy to let his desires ride him so. He had never before lost his control so completely. He could only think that his love for Dinah and her innocently passionate response had caught him unawares. Now he was driven by impatience and a need to see her again. He needed to attain her forgiveness, and perhaps, to hear her declare that she loved him.

  He greeted Bubwith with courtesy; the man's response was reserved. He noted the hint of trouble ahead. He was shown into the drawing room with, he thought, reluctance. Mrs. Driffield was there with her three daughters and Geoffrey, who was draped across a chaise with youthful boredom. Tea had been served, and a cake plate sat upon the table before Mrs. Driffield.

  He was announced and the atmosphere in the room changed. The ladies stiffened and laid aside their stitchery, and Geoffrey straightened.

  Dinah knew. Sebastian could see immediately that she knew and thought the worst of him. Had possibly hoped never to see him again. Her sweet face was rigid with control and she would not meet his gaze. He forgot himself, and spoke directly to her without other greetings.

  "Miss Driffield, I must explain," he said with some urgency. "There is a perfectly reasonable explanation. I can see that you have read the newspapers."

  Mrs. Driffield intervened. "We have, my lord. We are sorry that such imputations have been made upon your character."

  "They are unjust imputations ma'am!" He turned with relief to Dinah's mother. "I beg you will believe that. I have a friend, Miss Painford. Her father wished her, in the spring, to marry a very--obnoxious--man. She was at her wit's end, and asked me to aid her by pretending a degree of affection that we neither of us felt. She was certain it would deter her suitor. It worked, but once her father was convinced of the death of that suit, he determined that he could force us to marry by threatening breach of promise. Of course he could not, for there had been no contract between us nor any intention of it. She has disabused him of the notion and has taken refuge with an aunt, but still the newspapers took up the story."

  He searched each face in the room. Harriet and Geoffrey believed him without hesitation. Adelaide was looking from her mother to Dinah with confusion. Mrs. Driffield was considering him narrowly, and Dinah was sewing, with apparent tranquillity.

  "I have Miss Painford's permission to tell you this. Mrs. Driffield, you must believe I would treat no young lady so."

  Suddenly Dinah lifted her gaze from the sewing clasped in the hands in her lap to his face. And he saw that she did not at all believe him. Had in fact believed that he had tried to seduce her, and had not intended to return. He could not blame her, but surely he could make her understand.

  "And how do things go on in London, my lord?" Dinah said, before her mother could answer Sebastian.

  He could scarce believe his ears. She meant to ignore the entire matter. "W-well enough I think," he said, his self-possession entirely abandoning him.

  Harriet was unable to keep silent any longer. "But why did the newspaper print such a thing?"

  "The newspaper editor regrets his involvement." Sebastian gathered his composure and met Mrs. Driffield's steady gaze. "But out of respect for the lady, there will not be a public apology, or any further information offered. It was ill-conceived gossip, nothing more."

  Adelaide had relaxed and Geoffrey, who had been uninterested in the proceedings, offered the cake plate to Sebastian.

  Mrs. Driffield nodded a little. "Mr. Driffield and I thought this was how it must be."

  Sebastian turned to Dinah. He could not forbear to ask. "And you, Miss Driffield, am I forgiven?"

  He had chosen his words badly, it seemed.

  "There can be nothing to forgive, my lord, for as you have explained, no wrong was done. And what can it matter? You are a friend of my family, nothing more." Her brown eyes were carefully empty of emotion, but they did not quite meet his.

  He concealed his hurt with an effort that cost him more than a little. He said, "Mrs. Driffield, the London papers carried news of the Luddite aggression. Have you experienced any more violence? Are there precautions you can take?"

  "There have been no further problems, my lord, although there is much talk. It is kind of you to take an interest. We are convinced the misguided few who took it into their heads to throw stones have been dissuaded by their peers."

  Sebastian tried again to speak with Dinah. "And Miss Driffield, have you ridden out while I have been gone?"

  Geoffrey answered for his sister, for she had allowed her attention to be taken up by Adelaide. Sebastian could see she would use it as excuse not to speak to him.

  "I exercised Merry, my lord. Papa suggested Dinah should not ride, inexperienced as she is. He even had me take a groom from the stable. Challenger has been exercised according to your instructions."

  Sebastian thanked the boy, and turned again to Dinah. He waited until she had finished speaking with Adelaide. Then he said deliberately, "Miss Driffield, will you ride out with me tomorrow? I think your father could not object; he knows I will prevent any interference from malcontents."

  "My time is bespoke tomorrow my lord," Dinah leveled the gaze of her golden brown eyes at him squarely. "I am particularly busy as the weather grows colder. I cannot know when I may have leisure for riding again."

  He knew then that the road to forgiveness would not be easy. At Mrs. Driffield's invitation he seated himself, but chose a chair nearby Harriet and Geoffrey. He listened in silence as they chattered with ease and animation.

  He had sat so for some fifteen minutes before Bernard Humberstone was shown in by Bubwith.


  "Holly!" he exclaimed in revulsion without any other greeting. "I wonder that you have the effrontery to show your face."

  Mrs. Driffield rose. "Mr. Humberstone, the viscount has explained a misunderstanding to us and we have accepted his apologies for discommoding us. I think the matter had best be left there."

  "I think you hasty, ma'am. I cannot think Mr. Driffield will be so sanguine. And I think Holly should leave now, and not bother your family again."

  Sebastian, who had risen when his hostess did, took a quick stride toward Humberstone, who stumbled back with unconscious haste. "I will leave when I am requested to do so by Mrs. Driffield, not before, and certainly not at your instruction."

  All the young people in the room were round-eyed at this turn of events. Hamilton came bursting through the door, and observed with youthful curiosity the two men confronting each other. Humberstone was an inch or two taller and at least two stone heavier than the viscount, but Holly was by far the more intimidating in the confrontation.

  "Challenge him to a duel, my lord," the boy urged with a lightning comprehension of the tension-ridden scene.

  Humberstone paled, and Sebastian's ferocious anger mitigated at the lad's intervention.

  "I think not, Hamilton." He straightened his shoulders. "I shall merely retire from the encounter. If Mr. Humberstone seeks further interaction, he may find me at the King's Arms. Mrs. Driffield, I remain your servant. Thank you for your kind understanding. Miss Driffield, Miss Adelaide, Harriet." He included them all in an elegant bow, and withdrew in an icy cloud of aristocratic reserve.

  In a rare temper and deep in thought, Sebastian returned to the New King's Arms. It had begun to rain heavily and he did not even notice. He entered his suite to find Burleigh Matherton ensconced before a cheerful fire. The arrival did not encourage him, and it was a moment before he acknowledged his friend.

  "You look devilish," Matherton said.

  "Thank you. I am only tired. An unexpected trip to London." Skelmer hurried to take Sebastian's coat and assist with removal of his wet boots.

  "Oh yes, know all about that. The Lascelles were full of it. I told you, if you mind, when you did that favour for Louisa P. that there would be hell to pay. Are you fairly caught then? Or stay, no you must not, or you would not be here."

  Sebastian held his temper with an effort. Matherton was one of his oldest friends, not a brilliant mind to be sure and irritating, but faithful, and surely trusty. Just now he looked delighted that he deduced the truth.

  "I am not 'caught'," Sebastian confirmed. "I am returned to finish my business. What are you doing here again?"

  "Bored," Matherton said. "Shooting was poor. Saw Charles Ingram at Harewood; said you was still here. Thought I'd keep company with you. You still dangling after that Driffield female? I shall have another touch at Juliana Hesler. Lovely girl, pity that her papa's naught but a surgeon."

  "Don't hurt her, Burlie," Sebastian said, thinking of Dinah. "These are good women unused to town ways."

  "You dangle your way; I'll dangle mine," Matherton said. "What say to a bottle of brandy?"

  Holly, thinking with anguish of Dinah's implacable face, agreed fervently.

  * * *

  CHAPTER SIX

  Two days later, Dinah, seated in the morning room with Juliana who had arrived an hour earlier, heard a stir in the entry. She anticipated callers with dread.

  It had been more difficult even than she had feared, receiving Sebastian on his return from London. She had scarcely kept her joy at seeing him contained within her haughty mask. He was weary, she had noted that immediately. And he had hoped against hope, she could discern, that she would believe his little tale.

  She could not say certainly if she did or did not. She had thought of little else since his unexpected return and had been unable to come to a decision. She knew only that it was imperative, for her heart's sake, to keep him at a distance. She vowed to herself to do so, closing her eyes on a quick prayer for fortitude.

  Juliana said, "Dinah? Are you ill? I think it is the viscount, but shall I ask that we be denied?"

  Dinah opened her eyes and gave her friend a reassuring smile. "No, my dear. I just weary of these town beaus."

  The door opened on her words. Burleigh Matherton did not appear to have heard her, but she knew very well from the hurt in Sebastian's eyes that he had caught her last words very clearly. She encouraged herself to anger. What a dissembler! He affected hurt as easily as he affected love. But her heart was guarded now, and he would have no more of her. He could turn about and go back to London.

  Juliana was offering her hand to Matherton. "What a pleasure, Mr. Matherton. I had no notion of your coming to Leeds."

  "Could not keep away," he assured her, bowing gracefully. "And I need not ask how you go on--you are in such looks."

  Juliana blushed.

  Dinah stiffened as, under cover of his friend's nonsense, Sebastian came to sit beside her.

  "Dinah, we must talk," he began in an undertone.

  She ignored his plea and rose. With relief she saw the door open. Sebastian's hopes of private conversation with her must be destroyed.

  Harriet entered, unaware of the visitors. "Dinah, when shall Mama return?" she began and then paused, her surprise obvious.

  The gentlemen, who had risen, bowed.

  She dropped them a careful curtsey, and grinned at Holly.

  "Where is Mrs. Driffield gone so suddenly then?" he said.

  His sudden anxiety warmed Dinah's heart despite her resolve.

  "My sister Charlotte asked for Mama's attendance upon her confinement," she said, without meeting his eyes. "Mama left, in haste, yesterday. Adelaide accompanied her."

  "But all is well?" Holly's concern was obviously sincere.

  Dinah relaxed her guard a little. "All is very well. Mama will return soon enough, Harriet. Have you a problem with which I can help you?"

  "I've naught to occupy me. My governess has taken ill, and has gone home."

  "I should have seen her before her departure," Dinah worried. Her concern was interrupted by Joseph's entry.

  The sight of the two gentlemen closeted with his sisters apparently disturbed him for he uttered an uncomplimentary oath.

  Dinah flashed him a look of reproof, but also one of entreaty, hoping that he would understand her desire for his intervention.

  It seemed he did comprehend for he settled himself at Dinah's side with a self-satisfied sneer at Holly. "Ready to go to the shops, Dinah, Juliana?" he said, effectively excluding the gentlemen from their plans.

  "We shall be in a trice," Dinah assured him. "Once I settle Harriet."

  Juliana was obviously confused by her dear friend's lack of courtesy. She said, "Mr. Matherton, Lord Holly, would you care to join us? We have the notion to inspect the bookshops and print sellers."

  Dinah added nothing to her friend's invitation. She conversed in an undertone with Harriet, as she listened to the others talk.

  "That your curricle out front, Holly? Your horses looked deuced fresh. Tiger's having a devil of a time holding them..." Joseph insinuated mayhem.

  The gentlemen rose. "From the sound of that, my blacks need a run," Sebastian said with a strained, but pleasant smile directed generally around the room. "I think we must not accept your kind invitation, Miss Hesler."

  "You go and take your team for a stretch, Holly," Matherton interrupted. "I think I shall go along to the shops; if you've room in the barouche, Miss Hesler?"

  "We've space for one more," Joseph said, fairly chortling with the success of Holly's set-down.

  "Miss Driffield, I really came to discover if you cared to ride out this afternoon," Sebastian said.

  Dinah managed to ignore his meaningful look, and shook her head. "I cannot my lord. I am expected at my dame school. My schedule is fixed you must remember. I have not the leisure you enjoy, to do whatever inconsequential thing I wish, when I wish it. Mama bade us keep busy in her absence and we have no difficult
y obeying. I am going to the shops only for more chapbooks and slates. From thence I shall go to the dame school. Harriet you may come with us to the shops; we can squeeze you into the barouche. And then you may help me at the school. That will more than fill your day."

  Dinah could not mistake Sebastian's expression; he was irked by her obduracy. His thoughts were plain to her; she had no doubt he was promising himself that she would eventually hear him out. She privately vowed to avoid that confrontation at all costs. Now however he merely bowed gracefully and departed.

  His departure motivated the shoppers. Cloaks, pelisses, bonnets and greatcoats were gathered, and shortly Dinah, Harriet, Juliana and Matherton departed in the barouche. Joseph had whispered to Dinah that surely he need not attend her as he had successfully routed Holly and she agreed reluctantly. He separated from them on the doorstep.

  The shopping party was strained. The day was chill with a steady north wind and the streets were grey and quiet. Harriet was unusually subdued, and Dinah could only be happy left to her thoughts. Juliana and Matherton flirted disgracefully for the entire trip. Juliana's arch giggle was fraying Dinah's nerves before the expedition was half over. She felt only relief when her friend and Mr. Matherton were deposited at the Heslers' home.

  "Thank goodness," Harriet said. "He may be a great swell, but I think Mr. Matherton a dead bore. Now the viscount..."

  "I have heard enough praise of Lord Holly to last me a lifetime," Dinah said. "Spare me today, if you please."

  "You are become so starchy and tiresome, Dinah. You need not worry that Lord Holly will trifle with you; you never even smile anymore." After that pronouncement, Harriet withdrew into an affronted silence.