Melinda Hammond (8 page)

 'Of course you do,' agreed Mrs Worsthorne, rising from her chair. 'And there is your dinner awaiting you.'

 'Ah yes, I think I shall have worked up an appetite by then, don't you?' In quiet good humour the lawyer departed with Mrs Worsthorne escorting him to the door. Left alone, Luke moved across the room to sit beside Verity.

 'Will you wear them at Rafe's party?'

 'What? Oh, yes, I think I shall.'

 'The stones are yours by right, Cousin. You have no need to feel under any obligation.'

 She laughed. 'I don't! That is, I am certainly obliged to Mr Reedley for his labours…'

 'But you think Bannerman presumes too much?'

 She did not answer him immediately, but closed the box gently and held it between her hands.

 'Well, perhaps I was a little hasty.'

 'It certainly puts my poor gift in the shade.'

 Verity thought of the embroidered gloves he had given her that morning.

 'Not at all! Did I not wear them to church? Besides, you said yourself that these jewels are rightfully mine, so I do not consider them a Christmas gift at all, although it was a kind thought.'

 He caught one of her hands and held it between his own.

 'A kind thought, yes, but it was Reedley who carried out the deed.' He paused. 'A true man does not need others to act for him.'

 Verity looked up to find Luke watching her. For a long moment he held her gaze while the ticking of the clock and the crackling fire were the only sounds to break the stillness, then Mrs Worsthorne bustled back into the room.

 'Goodness, what a kind man! To ride all this way and stop for barely twenty minutes. I do hope his dinner will not be spoiled.'

 Luke released Verity's hands and turned away, his attention caught by a speck on his velvet sleeve, leaving Verity to return a suitable reply to Mrs Worsthorne.

Chapter Seven

 A sudden turn in the weather on Boxing Day brought the clouds down over Highclough, enveloping the house in a dull grey mist so that even the tall gates at the end of the drive could not be seen from the house. Rain and high winds lashed the house, keeping the ladies indoors although Mr Worsthorne wrapped himself in his oiled cape and hat and ventured abroad during the day and occasionally in the evening. Although he did not explain his absences to his mother, she confided to Verity her fears that he spent his evenings in Derringden, at the local inn.

 'Of course I cannot condone it,' said that lady, twisting the fringe of her shawl between her anxious fingers, 'but what else is there for a young man to do, so far from the town? My hope is that Luke will make new acquaintances at Master Rafe's party. Young men of his own age and calling.'

* * * *

 On the day of Mr Bannerman's party, Verity found herself looking out at the leaden sky with some misgivings. After breakfast she went to the great hall, where the howling of the wind echoed around the lofty rafters and the heavy clouds obscured the light, throwing the gallery and the ceiling above it into gloomy darkness.

 'Shall we be able to go, do you think?' she asked Mrs Worsthorne.

 'Lord yes. Remember we are to dine with Rafe and his guests, so we shall travel there in daylight. Besides, we will be changing into our finery at Newlands, so even if we had to walk part of the way it is of no consequence. Go and pack your things, Verity, my love. You may be sure that our coachman will not be put off by a little rain. '

* * * *

 So it proved, the only change to their plans being that Mr Worsthorne joined them in the carriage instead of riding. As they assembled in the hall before setting off, Mrs Worsthorne expressed her regret that they had not thought to buy Verity an evening cloak.

 Verity looked surprised.

 'Dear Megs, it was not to be considered,'

 'I have no doubt that Madam Juliet could have found something suitable.'

 'No doubt you are right, but I agreed with Mr Bannerman that I would buy a gown, nothing more. And he was so generous in giving me the money for my gloves and dancing pumps, I could not impose upon him further.'

 'My dear Cousin, he was giving you nothing.' Luke reminded her. 'It is your inheritance, after all.'

 She flashed him a mischievous smile.

 'Only if I prove myself to be a fit and proper person! Until then I exist on your charity.'

 Mrs Worsthorne cried out at that and wanted to say more, but Verity would have none of it.

 'I am very well pleased with my purchases.' She declared, 'and this woollen cloak affords me excellent protection from the weather. Besides, it will be cast off as soon as we are indoors, so no one will be the wiser.'

* * * *

 Despite Mrs Worsthorne's misgivings, Verity was proved right and their arrival at Newlands was observed only by the servants. It was not until the ladies had changed into their gowns and tidied their hair that they were shown into the salon where the dinner guests were assembled. Luke was already there and Verity thought she had never seen him looking better. His fair hair was brushed until it gleamed, his pale colouring enhanced by the dark velvet coat he wore over a white embroidered waistcoat and black satin knee breeches. She flashed a quick smile at him before turning to greet Mr Bannerman who drew the ladies forward to meet his sister.

 'Lady Winter has kindly agreed to act as hostess for me,' he explained. 'Is that not so, Sally?'

 Lady Winter, a shapely young matron in a diaphanous gown of yellow silk, rose from a sofa and embraced them with her ready smile.

 'Of course, dear brother, and I will continue to do so until I can persuade Cook to leave you and come to me! How do you do, ma'am? Such dirty weather- Sir Robin and I came here before Christmas but I have to say that such savage weather will not do for me. And this is the heiress.' Without pausing for breath Lady Winter turned to Verity, her eyes alight with laughter. 'Delighted, my dear. Rafe has told me all about you. He would have me believe that he rescued you from drudgery, but I have a notion that it is all a sham. He is not at all chivalrous, you know.'

 Verity saw the gleam of laughter in that gentleman's eyes as he met her gaze, but she replied without a tremor.

 'I was very grateful that he found me, ma'am.'

 'And how do you like living in this wild, desolate country? It is a stipulation of the will, is it not, that you live at Highclough?

 'Until my birthday. After that I am free to live where I choose, I believe.' She cast an enquiring glance at Mr Bannerman, who shrugged.

 'Of course.'

 Mr Worsthorne stepped forward. 'I think Sir Ambrose was convinced that after spending some time at Highclough Miss Shore would not wish to leave it.'

 Lady Winter regarded the young gentleman with interest and looked to Mr Bannerman, who performed the introduction.

 Lady Winter's smile grew wider.

 'So you live at Highclough too?'

 'I do, my lady.'

 She clapped her hands.

 'Better and better! Rafe, you will have to watch your step, or this young man will cut you out with the heiress!'

 Verity blushed, but Mr Bannerman merely smiled.

 'Sally, you can be so vulgar. Come, Miss Shore, let me introduce you to our guests. Most are neighbours, and may already be known to you.'

 His calm attention to duty did much to restore Verity's composure. He led her towards a stocky gentleman in a brown bag-wig.

 'I believe you know Mr Oldroyd, Miss Shore?'

 The gentleman had jumped to his feet, smiling broadly as he made his bow.

 'Indeed, indeed! We have met upon several occasions now at Derringden church. How do you do, Miss Shore? My wife - where is she, I wonder? She was saying how glad she was that the weather did not prevent you attending.' His faded blue eyes twinkled merrily. 'I know from experience how bad the top routes can be in winter. However, if Bannerman's plans come off we shall all see an improvement hereabouts!'

 'Oh, sir, how is that?' asked Verity

 'It is a project Oldroyd and I have been discussing,' put in Mr Bannerman. 'I shall be glad to explain it all to you, Miss Shore, but not tonight. If you will excuse us, sir, I must take Miss Shore away with me: there are several more guests eager to make her acquaintance.'

 'Am I really that much of a novelty, sir, or were you afraid Mr Oldroyd would tell me too much about your plans?'

 He smiled. 'A little of both. My ideas are not yet fully formed, and not ready for discussion. And, of even more importance, it is my pleasant duty to introduce you to your new society.'

 Verity was happy to accompany him around the room, nodding and smiling and trying to remember as many names as she could, but when the introductions were complete she was more than ready to accept a glass of champagne and allow her host to guide her to a window seat where they sat in companionable silence for several minutes. At length the gentleman's eyes fell to the emerald necklace.

 'So you wore it.'

 'Did you not think I would?'

 'I wondered if you might think me a trifle high-handed.'

 This was so close to the truth that Verity laughed, throwing back her head and allowing him an excellent view of the slender column of her neck as well as the emeralds.

 'I
did
think it, but the necklace is so beautiful, and such a perfect match for my gown. How did you know?'

 'Nothing simpler. I asked Madam Juliet what you had chosen.'

 'It was most thoughtful of you. But …'

 He grinned.

 'I thought I should not remain in grace for long.'

 'I cannot approve of you allowing Mr Reedley to undertake the journey to deliver it to me. The poor man rode all the way from Halifax and back on Christmas Day!'

 'Did he? Good for him, I knew he would not let me down.'

 'It was ill done of you,' she admonished him.

 'What else could I do? I was too busy to spend another day in Halifax, and I needed someone I could trust to deliver it. As a co-trustee living in the town, Reedley was the perfect choice. And, may I add, he was only too happy to oblige.'

 'Then I will say nothing more about it, except thank you.'

 'What I hadn't realized until now is how well the emeralds match your eyes.'

 Verity, in the act of sipping her champagne, choked at these audacious words, but the announcement of dinner put an end to their conversation.

 Verity was thankful to find herself sitting beside Luke, for although the other guests were perfectly civil, she could not help noticing that with the exception of their host and Lady Winter and her husband, the rest of the dinner guests were very much older. When she mentioned this fact to Luke he smiled.

 'They are the elders of our local gentry, Cousin. But not, I think prospective suitors?' he murmured.

 She laughed at him, turning it into a cough when several pairs of eyes flickered in her direction. However, as they made their way to the ballroom an hour or so later, she told him, 'I have not given up hope of finding at least one eligible gentleman here tonight!'

 Mr Worsthorne looked down at her. 'Are you never serious?'

 'Why yes, often. In fact, I will be serious now. You will recall, Cousin, that you offered to dance with me for the first two dances. Pray tell me that you mean to do so. It is such a long time since I danced, except in the schoolroom, and I am quite terrified. You will have to be very patient with me.'

 He took her hand and raised it to his lips.

 'I am sure you will manage admirably. Now, I can see that Lady Winter is coming to carry you off for more introductions, so I will leave you.'

 Suddenly nervous, Verity clung to his hand. 'You will not forget?'

 'Of course not.'

* * * *

 Lady Winter dropped onto a small sofa and gave a loud sigh.

 'There! Rafe said I was to introduce you to everyone, and I have done so.'

 'You excelled yourself, Sally.' Verity laughed and sank down beside her. The two ladies had very quickly become firm friends and dispensed with formality. 'Unfortunately, I cannot remember even half of the names you told me.'

 'I would not expect you to do so, although I am sure you will remember the gentlemen who have claimed dances with you. And I am very glad that Robin has secured a dance with you, since I am sitting out this evening.'

 'Oh Are you not dancing tonight?'

 Lady Winter shook her head and placed her hands over the front folds of her gown.

 'I am increasing, and Robin has forbidden me to exert myself, so I must gain what enjoyment I can from watching you.'

 A sudden disturbance by the door attracted their attention.

 'Oh, a late arrival.' Said Verity. 'Look, Sally, do tell me who they are.'

 Lady Winter sat up, straining to see through the crowd.

 'It is Mrs Wetherby. She is from one of the oldest and wealthiest families in the county, and considers it adds to her consequence to arrive last at any party. Her husband is just coming in now. He is a magistrate, you know, and the young lady with her is her daughter, Charlotte.'

 'Miss Wetherby is very beautiful.'

 'And well aware of it.'

 Verity glanced at her companion. 'You do not like her?'

 'She has been blessed with a large fortune, a good figure and a handsome face, an irresistible attraction for any man. Even my dear brother is ensnared.'

 Verity looked across the room as Mr Bannerman greeted Mrs Wetherby and her daughter. She watched as he lifted the young lady's hand to his lips, and a frown creased her brow as he seemed to hold on to those white fingers a fraction longer than was necessary.

 'But surely Mr Bannerman does not need -'

 'Oh Rafe is rich enough, but what man can resist the chance to increase his fortune?' declared Lady Winter, laughing. 'Now here is that handsome young relative of yours coming to carry you off for the first dance.'

 Mr Worsthorne bowed to the ladies. 'As you say, ma'am. Cousin, we should be taking our place for the first dance.'

 Luke was a graceful dancer and Verity felt again that little thrill to note that her partner was attracting admiring glances.