by Vikki Vaught
Chills ran through her body as Lord Collingswood looked directly into her eyes.
“I’m from Bigbury-on-Sea in Devonshire. It’s beautiful country, and my estate is by the sea so I have my own personal beach. Where are you from, if I may ask?”
Helen couldn’t understand her reaction to this man. It was as if she had a premonition regarding this tall, well-built man. “I’m from Cranleigh in South Surrey, and I have never been to the sea, so that sounds fascinating. Are you planning on being in London long, my lord?”
Lord Collingswood looked at her and smiled sardonically. “As long as it takes me to find a wife. My daughters are five years old, and they need a mother. And, of course, I need an heir. Excuse me for my bluntness, but I don’t have time to play games. I find you lovely, and I’d like to get to know you better. Would you care to dance?”
“It would be my pleasure. In fact, I have a waltz free now.”
Lord Collingswood took her hand and led her out to the dance floor, and as the orchestra filled the air with music, they began to waltz. He wasn’t the most accomplished dancer she’d ever danced with, but he did have a certain grace about him. As they were dancing, she realized he was quite a bit taller than she’d originally thought because her head barely came to his strong chiseled jaw.
He kept watching her the entire time they were dancing and finally Helen asked, “Do I have something on my nose? You keep staring so intently at me that I wondered if I had dirt on my face.”
Lord Collingswood threw back his head and laughed. “No, you don’t have dirt on your face. It’s just that you have the most startling blue eyes I’ve ever seen. How many seasons have you participated in, if I may ask?”
Helen looked up at him and met his gaze directly. “This is my third season. However, I had my come out in 1815. Due to several deaths in my family, I was unable to come to London every year. If you’re wondering about my age, I’m going to be three and twenty on the tenth of June. How old are you, since we’re getting personal?”
“I didn’t mean to offend. I told you that I tend to be blunt. Just to give you some information about me, I’m seven and twenty years old. I was married quite young, to a young woman of my father’s choosing, and she died giving birth to my daughters. I inherited my title last year when my father passed away in June.”
“I’m sorry for your loss. It’s hard to lose a parent. I lost my father several years ago.”
“You’re right. It was difficult, and I’m sure you’re aware of the pain when one loses a parent. I’m sorry for your loss. Lady Helen, I’d like to see you again. Do you ride? And if you do, would you consider meeting me at nine o’clock in the morning? I can’t abide crowds, and I understand that Hyde Park is usually quiet at that time of the morning.”
Helen gave him a measuring look. “I do ride, and it would be my pleasure to ride with you tomorrow. I warn you, I’m an excellent horsewoman, and I love to gallop. So, don’t be surprised if I leave you in my dust!”
Lord Collingswood grinned. “I do believe you’ve just challenged me. I’ve never been able to pass up a challenge, so I’ll see you at nine o’clock in the morning, and I’ll be prepared.”
The dance ended, and Lord Collingswood escorted her back to Aunt Miriam, bowed, and left the ballroom. Helen watched him as he left.
Yes, he appeared to be a very interesting man.
Of course, time would tell.
She was pleased that he’d asked her to go riding the next day.
Aunt Miriam turned to Helen and asked, “What were you talking about as you were dancing? You seemed to be in deep conversation until the end when he laughed.”
“He asked me to go riding with him in the morning, and I told him I would. He seems to be a very interesting man. He’s certainly straightforward, and I found that refreshing. This might be very promising indeed. I get the impression that while he’s looking for a wife, he doesn’t want a love match, so he may suit my purposes perfectly.”
We shall see…Yes, we shall see.
Chapter 4
May 1820
The next morning brought pleasant weather. It was a sunny day with very few clouds in the sky, which was unusual for London. Helen got up, and after she completed her morning ablutions, she went down to the breakfast room. She was famished so she filled her plate with coddled eggs, bacon, kippers, and toast.
As Helen was eating, Kathryn came in, filled her plate, and sat down. “Who was that attractive man you were dancing with last night? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him before.”
“Lord Collingswood, and he’s a very interesting man. He’s from Devonshire, and he’s here to find a wife, and he’s a widower with twin daughters—just what I’m looking for in a husband. He’s taking me riding this morning, and I need to go get my riding gloves and hat if I’m going to be ready by nine o’clock.”
When Helen stood up to leave the room, Kathryn replied, “I hope you have a nice ride, and that he’s the right one for you. Of course, you did just meet him last night, and it’s too soon to know if you’ll be compatible. I do hope you’ll at least make sure you’re compatible before you decide to marry someone. I’ll see you this afternoon when I get back from the Institute.”
Helen was ready when Lord Collingswood arrived, and since she suspected he valued promptness, she was already downstairs waiting on him. Bradford announced him, and he entered the drawing room. Walking over to Helen, Lord Collingswood raised her hand and kissed it. “Good morning. Are you ready for our ride?”
“Good morning, Lord Collingswood. I’m definitely ready. My horse is waiting outside.”
Lord Collingswood looked pleased when he heard this. “I appreciate you having your horse ready. My horse, Apollo, is always restless when he knows he’s going to get out for a run.”
“I know what you mean. My mare, Ginny, is the same way. Shall we be off?”
Lord Collingswood helped her mount, and then they headed for Rotten Row in Hyde Park. They rode along in silence, since traffic was heavy. There were dozens of carriages and vendors with wares to sell, so it took quite a bit of time, but eventually they made it through the traffic and entered the park.
As they entered the area known as Rotten Row, he turned to her and asked, “Why don’t we let them have a good run? That way they can use up some of their excess energy, and we can get some good exercise. We’ll slow them back down when we get to the end of the row.”
“That sounds delightful.” Then she was off. She loved to feel the wind blowing across her face. It was one of the most exhilarating feelings in the world. As she came to the end of the row, she pulled back on the reins to slow Ginny down. Looking over at Lord Collingswood, she noticed that his hair looked windblown, and a lock of his hair had fallen down, which made him look younger than his years, and very handsome.
Matthew smiled over at her. “You obviously enjoy riding, and you’re right, you are an expert horsewoman. If you enjoy riding like this, you would find racing along a beach a truly amazing experience. When I’m at Collingswood Hall, I ride on the beach every morning just as dawn is breaking, and the view over the ocean is breathtaking.”
“I’m sure I would enjoy that tremendously. When I’m at Sanderford Park, I ride each morning for miles. Riding is one of my most enjoyable activities, and I started riding at a very young age. You mentioned that you had twin daughters. I’ve always loved children, so would you tell me about them?”
Lord Collingswood looked at her and sighed, then answered with frustration in his voice. “To be honest with you, I’m at my wits end with them. Now that they’re five years old, they’re beginning to get into mischief, and their nurse is threatening to quit. I’ve already replaced their nursemaid several times.”
“They’re probably misbehaving to get your attention. I’ve seen my niece, Mary Elizabeth, do the same.”
“I’m sure you’re right. One of the reasons I’ve decided that it’s time for me to take a wife is because I know my daughters
need a mother's love. I also promised my father before he died that I would marry once my period of mourning was over so I can have an heir to carry on the line. Presently, the only heir I have is my scapegrace younger brother.”
“I’m sure it’s been difficult having to raise your daughters on your own. I can understand why you’re looking for a wife.”
“I hope I’m not scaring you off with all this talk of marriage? I know we’ve just met, but unfortunately, I don’t have the time, or the inclination, to be honest with you, to spend much time getting to know someone in the normal way. I would rather find out now if I’m wasting my time, than spend a month getting to know someone only to find out they’re not interested.”
Helen was pleased to find that he wanted the same things she wanted in a relationship. “I appreciate your honesty. It’s actually quite refreshing. So many times men want to play the games of courtship, and I’m not interested in that either. This past spring, I made up my mind that it was time for me to marry because I want children. As I told you, I’ll be three and twenty next month, and I’m ready for marriage. I’m not looking for a love match. In fact, I definitely don’t want one. All I want is someone who is pleasant who will be a good companion, and eventually a good friend.”
Matthew appeared relieved. “That’s what I’m looking for also. Why don’t we agree to spend time with each other every day for the next two weeks, just to make sure we’re compatible? Then, at the end of the two weeks, we’ll either decide we want to marry or not. If we find out we aren’t compatible, then we’ll part company with no hard feelings. How does that sound to you?”
Thrills of anticipation ran through Helen. The thought of spending time with him excited her, and she knew she’d be looking forward to the next two weeks. “Matthew, I like this idea. Since we’ll both be bringing something the other one wants to the marriage, I’m sure that two weeks will be ample time to find out if we would suit.”
“I’m glad you agree. Oh, by the way, my name is Matthew, and since we’ve decided to do this, I feel that calling each other by our given names would be appropriate, don’t you?”
“I’d be happy to, and please call me Helen. Now, why don’t we race back to the other end of the row?” And with that said, she turned her horse around and took off, with Matthew right behind her.
When Helen and Matthew arrived back at Lady Helton’s house, Matthew helped her down from her horse, took her hand in his. “I know it’s not customary for men and women to shake hands, but since this is a very unorthodox approach to courtship, let’s shake on it. I look forward to spending time with you over the next fortnight. I’ll see you at the same time tomorrow, all right?”
Smiling, Helen returned his handshake. “This is going to be a very interesting two weeks. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Helen was pleased with how well the ride had gone, and was looking forward to the next couple of weeks. That should be enough time for her to decide if they would suit. Her main concern was making sure that emotions didn’t play a part in any decision she made regarding marriage. Most people would probably feel this was a cold-blooded way to go about finding a husband, but she knew this was right for her.
Over the next fortnight, Helen and Matthew would go for a ride in the morning, and then see each other again in the evening at one of the parties or balls they both attended. Helen found Matthew to be very amusing, and she liked that he didn’t seem to take life too seriously. He had a delightful sense of humor, and she had always enjoyed that in a man. Helen had made up her mind that she would tell him yes, if he asked her to marry him.
The next morning, Matthew arrived at her house and asked to see her privately before they took their ride. Helen was sure she knew what he wanted. All this had been slightly unsettling, but she was ready with her answer if he asked her to marry him. She realized she’d be disappointed if he had decided they wouldn’t suit.
As she entered the drawing room, she nervously twisted her hands as she gazed around the handsomely appointed room. Then she met Matthew’s gaze. “Good morning! I hope you had a pleasant night’s sleep.”
“Good morning to you. I slept very well indeed. You look lovely this morning, by the way.”
“Thank you, Matthew. You look quite handsome as well. By my calculations, our two weeks are up, are they not? Have you come to a decision about whether we will suit?”
Matthew looked at her and gave her a knowing smile. “Yes, our two weeks are up, and I do think we’re compatible. So…will you consider my suit?”
“I agree…I do feel that we’ll suit very well…and yes…I’ll consider your suit.” Then speaking briskly, she told him, “You’ll need to speak with my brother, the Duke of Sanderford, but he knows what my desires are so that shan’t be a problem. I’m quite the heiress by the way, so you should be pleasantly surprised with what I’ll bring to the marriage. When can you go see him?”
“Helen one of the things I most admire about you is your directness. I’ll go see him tomorrow. I’ll come by to see you tomorrow evening after I return from seeing your brother. Why don’t we plan to attend the opera? I know you mentioned you enjoyed that, and we can talk before we go. Is that agreeable to you?”
“Of course, that sounds delightful. I always enjoy the opera, and I look forward to our talk. Now, can we please take our ride?”
Matthew laughed and escorted her out to their horses. They were soon galloping along Rotten Row. Helen was so pleased that they shared a love of horses. That was just one of the many things they had in common.
When she returned from her ride, she went to find Aunt Miriam and tell her what had transpired. Helen was comfortable with her decision and was relieved to have it all worked out. Devonshire sounded lovely, and Helen felt she would like living there. The idea of living next to a beach was intriguing, and she also looked forward to meeting Matthew’s daughters. She was thrilled he already had children, since she loved them so. Spending time with her nieces and nephews was very rewarding, and she knew she would love his daughters, once she got to know them.
Helen found Aunt Miriam in the morning room. “Well, congratulations are in order. I’ve just accepted a marriage proposal from Lord Collingswood.”
Aunt Miriam looked at her with a surprised look on her face. “Darling, of course I wish you the best, but I do feel you should spend more time getting to know each other before you decide to get married. Lord Collingswood does appear to be a fine gentleman, but two weeks is a terribly short time. What would it hurt if you spent a bit more time getting to know each other? Surely, there’s no rush to get married. I hope you’ll at least wait a couple of months before you actually wed.”
“My mind is made up, and I don’t want to wait to get married. Matthew is going to see Henry tomorrow, just as a formality. When he comes back tomorrow night we’ll set the date, but I’m going to suggest a month from now, which will give me enough time to plan a small wedding. I don’t want an elaborate affair. I want to be married at St. Nicolas, the parish church in Cranleigh. Do you know where Kathryn is? I want to share my good news with her.”
Just as Helen said this, Kathryn came into the morning room and asked, “What good news are you talking about?”
“Lord Collingswood and I are getting married.”
Kathryn stood there, momentarily speechless, obviously shocked by Helen’s revelation. “Helen, how can you decide to marry him so quickly? You’ve only known each other two weeks. I like Lord Collingswood, but I just wish you wouldn’t rush into this.”
“As I just told Aunt Miriam, my mind is made up, and I’m at peace with my decision. Please, just wish me happy. I promise you, this is what will be best for me. I’m ready to get on with my life. The sooner I’m married, the sooner I’ll be able to have children. You know that’s my fondest desire. Matthew and I have seen each other two times a day for the last two weeks, and you’d be surprised how well you can come to know someone in that amount of time.”
Kathryn si
ghed deeply. “All right, congratulations. Your mind is obviously made up about marrying Lord Collingswood, so I’ll just pray that this works out for you the way you want it to.”
Matthew left for Sanderford Park early the next morning, just as dawn was breaking. The sky was overcast, and he hoped the rain would stay away, at least until he got there. Since Apollo was so strong he made excellent time, but unfortunately, the rain started just as he entered the driveway. It poured so fiercely that he was soaked by the time he reached the house. The groom took his horse, and Matthew went up to the door.
Someone, the butler he was sure, opened the door and let him in. He tried not to drip too badly, but he wasn’t successful. The butler took his greatcoat, and at least his clothes underneath were reasonably dry. He gave his card to the butler who showed him to a drawing room, and then the butler went to see if Helen’s brother would receive him.
Matthew looked around at the well-appointed room, noticing the highly polished mahogany furniture and deeply cushioned sofa. The room was elegantly furnished, but it looked comfortable, and had a lived-in feel about it. The butler reappeared. “My lord, if you’ll follow me, I will take you to His Grace.”
They approached a room which was probably the duke’s study. The butler knocked and Matthew heard a man’s voice say, “Come in.”
The butler opened the door and said, “Your Grace, Lord Collingswood is here to see you.”
A tall, muscular man, who was obviously Helen’s brother since he was the masculine version of the very feminine Helen, stood up and extended his hand. “Please, take a seat. I’m sorry, but have we met before? I don’t seem to recognize your name. What can I do for you?”
After shaking the duke’s hand, Matthew took a seat. “Good afternoon, Your Grace. We haven’t had the pleasure of meeting before. However, I know your sister, Lady Helen. That’s why I’ve come to see you. I’d like your permission to pay my addresses to your sister. We’ve gotten to know each other over the past two weeks, and we both feel that we will suit.”
