Melinda Hammond (10 page)

‘If you say so, madam.’

The cool infuriating voice made Melissa’s eyes flash. She turned towards the door.

‘Melissa!’

She stopped, one hand resting on the door handle.

‘There is nothing more to say, sir. I will bid you goodnight.’ She spoke carefully, quelling a sudden desire to burst into tears. When she received no word from her husband, she went quickly out of the room.

Melissa prepared slowly for bed, expecting at any moment a tap on her door. She secretly hoped that Aldringham would come to her, and after dismissing her maid she lay for some time in the darkness before turning her face into the pillow and finding relief in scalding tears. That he could think she cared for anyone else was intolerable. And to consider Simon a threat! If she had not been so miserable, she would have laughed at the idea.

Melissa’s only grain of comfort, and one she hugged to herself through the long, dark night, was the faint hope that jealousy had made Aldringham react so.

* * * *

It took all Melissa’s courage to go down to breakfast the next morning. She hesitated at the door, noting that Simon was not present. Sir Joseph and his lady greeted her with their usual warmth and the earl rose to greet her.

‘Good morning, my dear. I trust you passed a comfortable night?’

Melissa blinked: Aldringham was politeness itself this morning. She struggled to match his complaisance and allowed him to escort her to the table, realizing that this show of politeness was for her aunt and uncle.

The final hours at Whiston Hall passed quickly for Melissa. All too soon she was waving goodbye to her aunt and uncle and was once more enclosed in the elegant travelling carriage on the last stage of the journey to the earl’s hunting lodge, Russetts. Any embarrassment Melissa felt in the earl’s company soon evaporated, and as the familiar countryside disappeared she was engrossed by the unknown landscape. A chance word from the earl made her turn to him, laughing.

‘Oh dear, I did not mean to ignore you, sir! I have not been this way before, you see. Is it far to Russetts?’

‘Forty miles or so. Are you sick of travelling?’

‘No, I love it, especially when it is an area that is new to me. I have never travelled into Oxfordshire before.’

She questioned him about the house and the journey passed quickly, the earl describing his houses and at the same time skilfully drawing out her own history. She found herself telling him of her childhood in the family home in Berkshire.

‘We were forced to retire there, since Papa could no longer afford a house in Town. I think he took rooms when he went to London, but he never talked of it.’

‘How long were you with Sir Joseph and Lady Fryer?’

‘They took me in when I was seventeen. My parents died within months of each other, and the estate had to be sold to pay off the debts.’

‘That must have been very painful for you, to lose your parents and your home in so short a time.’

She nodded. ‘Even worse was the discovery that amongst the bills to be paid were several from a London jeweller, for items that never came to my mother—’ She broke off, biting her lip. ‘I’m sorry, I did not mean to bore you with such tedious reminiscences.’

‘And just how many people have shared your reminiscence?’ he asked her gently.

‘Why, none. I do not like such tittle-tattle.’

He reached out and clasped her hand with his long fingers. ‘Sometimes it is good to share such sorrows, Melissa.’

A tremor went through her. This man had all but ruined her uncle and carried her off without a second thought for any but himself, yet instinctively she trusted him. The sudden slowing of the carriage broke into her muse, and she looked up. The earl sat back.

‘We are here,’ he murmured. ‘You should be able to see the house in a moment.’

Melissa stared out of the window as the drive curled away from the trees and wound its way down a gentle slope towards the lodge, and Melissa had her first glimpse of her new home.

Russetts was an imposing half-timbered building which had been tastefully restored by the late earl, who had kept to the original design as far as possible whilst incorporating the latest conveniences to provide for the comfort of both guests and servants. He had been a notable sportsman and during his lifetime the lodge had been fully staffed all year, but the present earl preferred to bring his own staff with him on his infrequent visits, leaving only a few servants to look after the house in his absence.

Aldringham had taken the precaution of sending an army of servants to Russetts to ensure the comfort of his bride, for although he had on more than one occasion descended upon the unsuspecting housekeeper with a party of bucks and fair cyprians, he was aware of what was due to his countess. He wanted Melissa to see Russetts as he remembered it in his boyhood, the drive cleared of weeds, every room cleaned and polished, smelling of beeswax and flowers, and everywhere a bustle of activity. As the carriage swept around the curving drive he was aware of the curious sensation of stepping back in time.

The windows were thrown open to the late spring sunshine and a liveried footman was waiting at the door to receive them, and even old Borster had taken his best black coat out of store to greet the happy couple. Aldringham smiled, unaccustomed nostalgia creeping into his rakish soul. He glanced at his wife.

‘Well, madam, do you like it?’

‘Indeed! It is beautiful,’ breathed Melissa, enchanted. She turned to him, her dark eyes aglow with delight. ‘This house is lovely - so welcoming. Is it really yours?’

He laughed. ‘Absurd child, of course it is mine - and yours too, my countess.’

She flushed slightly. ‘It is so strange to be called that. I can hardly believe what has happened to me.’

The carriage stopped at the door and the footman ran forward to let down the steps. Aldringham jumped out and turned to hand out his bride.

‘Let me introduce you to Borster.’ He led her towards the old man standing by the entrance. ‘Borster has been butler here for as long as I can remember.’

The old man allowed himself a ghost of a smile.

‘That I have, my lord, and it is a pleasure to welcome you and my lady to Russetts.’

‘Thank you, Borster. Now, madam, shall we go in?’ The earl led his wife into the screen passage, its oak panels making a gloomy contrast to the bright sunlight outside. Mrs Borster came bustling forward, greeting Aldringham with the fond familiarity of an old retainer. This made him smile inwardly, when he recalled the icy politeness he had been shown on his last visit, when he had been accompanied by a much less respectable party.

The housekeeper soon carried Melissa away to inspect the rooms that had been prepared. The older woman chatted away, hoping her ladyship would feel free to speak if anything was not quite to her taste, and saying she would hand over the keys to my lady, just as soon as she had unpacked. Melissa smiled at the housekeeper, aware that behind the kind, plump face was an anxiety about what the future might hold with a new mistress.

She said quickly, ‘Oh no, Mrs Borster. I would certainly like you to show me all over the house, but I would be very grateful if you could keep the keys, at least until I am settled in a little more.’

The cloud lifted from the older woman’s brow and she informed her husband later that the master’s raking days were over.

‘It’d not surprise me, Mr Borster, if we was to see grand parties here again before long, you mark my words.’ She folded her hands in her lap, her heart swelling at the thought of having a house full of servants to command.

Over dinner, the earl described to Melissa his boyhood at the lodge.

‘Aldringham is our principal seat, of course, but my father much preferred Russetts and came here for the hunting at least once every year.’

‘And your mother - did she like the house?’

He frowned. ‘No, I think not. I never really knew her.’

‘Oh - I am sorry.’

Aldringham waved his hand, as if to dismiss an unwelcome memory.

‘I believe she preferred London to country pursuits.’

Melissa sought for a way to bring the smile back to the earl’s eyes.

‘You told me there used to be at least a dozen hunters in the stables at any one time, in readiness for your father’s visits. Do you still keep them, sir?’

‘No. They are much reduced.’

‘Oh? Is the cost too great?’

He grinned at her.

‘I am not quite done up yet, my love! I could afford to keep twenty an I so wished, but it does not please me to have animals eating their heads off when I am in Town. I keep just a couple of my favourite hacks here, since I am rarely at Russetts for more than a few days.’

‘I think I could happily live here for ever.’

The earl looked amused. ‘Is that your wish, Melissa?’

‘I much prefer the country: I took some pleasure in Bath, but if your sister is to be believed, London society is a constant round of routs and parties.’

‘I should warn you, my lady, that you will be expected to make your calls to my neighbours, and there must be at least one reception here.’

‘Oh I have no wish to be a recluse, sir. It is just so much more comfortable here than in Town. I know I have little experience of the town, but even with Lady Carlestone, when I was supposed to be living in strict seclusion, it was impossible to avoid everyone, and to have them all trying to find out why—’ She broke off suddenly and turned troubled eyes towards her husband, but he continued for her, unperturbed.

‘Trying to find out why I was marrying you. How tiresome for you, and they cannot possibly have found the reason, for I am not even sure myself.’

‘You married me because I crossed you.’

Aldringham stiffened in his chair. Borster entered the room at that moment and began to clear the tables, and any reply the earl intended was left unspoken. They finished their meal in cold politeness. Melissa wished she could apologize, but she felt unable to find words to appease the rigidly correct figure sitting opposite. As soon as the meal was over, Melissa excused herself, complaining of a headache, and fled to her room.

She changed into a silken night-gown, part of the trousseau she had chosen with Lady Carlestone, and slipped between the warmed sheets. She dismissed her maid and it was only when she was on the verge of sleep that she realized with a jolt that she was now a married lady. Her husband might expect more from her on their first night than merely her company at dinner! A cold chill ran through her: that she loved him was beyond doubt, but she felt she would die rather than betray herself to that cold stranger she had left in the dining-room.

Lady Aldringham fervently wished that her remark had remained unspoken, for she had begun to feel quite at ease with the earl, but her wretched tongue had betrayed her. A clock somewhere in the house chimed the hour. Eleven o’clock. Perhaps he would stay below and drink himself to sleep, she thought desperately.

A footstep in the passage made her hold her breath, and the next moment the earl, dressed in an elegant brocade dressing-gown entered the room, a branched candlestick in one hand.

‘Well, wife? How is the headache?’ She flinched under his harsh tone.

‘It is gone sir, thank you.’

Aldringham put down the candlestick with great care, and Melissa guessed that he had been drinking heavily. The glitter in his eyes as he approached her confirmed her suspicion, and she shrank back against the pillows.

‘Aldringham - I - I am very sorry for what I said this evening. My wretched tongue! Sometimes I say things before I have really thought - will you forgive me?’

Despite the brandy that fogged his brain, the wistful note in Melissa’s voice was not lost on the earl. He sat on the edge of the bed and held out his hand to her.

‘Of course, my dear. It is forgotten. Come, Melissa, we can deal better than this. Are you so very frightened of me that you must hide away in this great bed?’ His tone was coaxing. Melissa sat up slowly, putting out one trembling hand. He grasped it firmly and smiled at her.

‘There. I am not such an ogre, am I?’ he quizzed her gently.

She shook her head. ‘Oh no, Aldringham! I never thought—’

Gently he pulled her towards him and kissed her. Melissa, frightened and upset by his sudden change of mood, could not prevent herself from recoiling as she felt his hand on her breast. The action was slight, but it did not go unnoticed. The earl released her abruptly. ‘Do you find me so unbearable then?’ he snarled. Melissa shook her head, trying to deny it, but unhappiness constricted her throat and she could not speak above a whisper. With an oath, Aldringham flung himself over to the table and picked up the candles.

‘You change too quickly - my lord, I was not ready!’

Anger blazed in his face. He swore furiously. ‘Ready? You are mine now madam! I shall take you when I wish, and I’ll be damned if I shall wait until you are
ready !
He looked at her stricken face and felt a flicker of remorse, but pushed it aside quickly. She had wounded his pride. Never had he known a woman so ungrateful for all he had showered upon her. ‘Thank God not all women are so nice in their requirements!’ he flung at her. ‘There are many who would be pleased to take your place, my Lady Aldringham!’

‘Then why did you not wed one of them?’ she retorted. ‘You compelled me to marry you, and now you throw my good luck in my face!’

The truth of her words struck home, and a dull flush crept into his cheek, but his temper would not now be easily quelled. He said, rigidly calm, “You are my wife, lady, and as such you will do your duty, but ‘fore God you will crawl to me, begging forgiveness before I so much as look at you again!’

‘Then you are a fool, sir,’ she flashed, thoroughly roused. ‘One does not beg for what one does not want!’

The earl laughed harshly at her retort as he flung himself out of the room. Lady Aldringham, trembling with rage and remorse, threw herself upon the pillows and sobbed herself to sleep.

* * * *

Breakfast proved a strained affair, with Borster later informing his wife with a wink that all was not well with the newlyweds. Melissa spent the day with Mrs Borster, returning the expected answers to the housekeeper’s questions as they toured the house, and if Mrs Borster suspected that Melissa was only half listening to her, she did not mention it, and she later informed her spouse that the mistress was leaving the running of the house entirely to her, at least for the present.