Melinda Hammond (8 page)

‘Does that worry you, Melissa?’ His voice was warmer now, and her eyes flew to his face.

‘No, my lord, but it saddens me that you do not love anyone.’ With a flicker of a smile she was gone.

* * * *

During dinner, Sir Richard was aware of a certain tension between Aldringham and his young fiancée. He noted Melissa’s pallor, and although she bravely joined in the conversation, he felt it was costing her no little effort. When dinner was finished, the ladies withdrew, leaving him alone with the earl.

‘Well, Richard, what do you think of my bride?’

‘Very handsome, Jason.’ Sir Richard picked his words carefully, reaching for his glass. ‘I trust you did not scold her for being alone with me? I assure you I walked in on her unawares, and she was about to leave, you know, when you arrived.’

Aldringham laughed at his friend’s earnest tone.

‘Don’t fret, Dick. I am hardly in a position to preach propriety! By the bye, if you are free on the twenty-eighth, I would like you to be my groomsman.’

‘But that’s less than a week - I had no idea - ’ He recovered himself, and smiled. ‘Of course, Jason. I would be delighted to attend you.’ He paused, ‘Jason? May one be very impertinent and ask why you wish to marry this child?’

‘I have given up the life of a profligate and mean to settle down. I shall become a model of propriety!’

Sir Richard laughed.

‘I have known you too long to believe such fustian! The truth, Jason, if you please.’

‘My dear friend, Francesca treated me to the same inquisition! Why are you all so intent upon questioning my motives?’

‘Because we know you so well, sir, and we have some mild affection for you. Come now, Jason. The truth.’

Aldringham refilled his glass before replying.

‘Do you know, Dick, I am not sure. It started as a game. I intended to conquer the little vixen and then leave her - and Bath - to their boring fate. But I found the minx just a trifle too captivating.’

‘Do you love her?’ Sir Richard asked bluntly.

‘No more than a host of others, but it will be interesting to take her to wife.’

‘And when the interest wanes?’

‘She will have learned by then not to expect too much of me.’

Sir Richard stared at the expression of cold indifference on his friend’s face.

‘By heaven you are indeed a devil, Jason! If you want a wife so much, why not one of your own set, one who knows your rules?’

‘Are you sure you have not been conversing with Francesca? You sound remarkably like her,’ drawled the earl. He finished his brandy. ‘But let me relieve your mind of one thing: Miss Langham knows my rules. Now, shall we join the ladies?’

* * * *

Miss Langham saw little of the earl in the remaining days before the wedding and whether it was by accident or design, there was no opportunity for a
tête-à-tête.
Lady Carlestone alternately coaxed and bullied her dressmakers and milliners so that Melissa was fitted out with a trousseau that suited her new state in time for the wedding. On the eve of the ceremony the earl dined with the ladies and the evening passed pleasantly enough, but it was still quite early when Aldringham took his leave. He kissed his sister’s hand and gave it a slight squeeze.

‘Until tomorrow, love, and be sure you bring my bride to the church on time.’

‘You may depend upon it, Jason. I only wish Carlestone could have been here to escort us, but he is still in Paris.’

‘Then you must send him a detailed account of the nuptials, ‘Cesca!’ He moved across the room towards Melissa, who was strumming idly on the harpsichord in the corner of the room. When she saw him approach she rose.

‘You must play for me at Aldringham. You will find we have a fine instrument there. It is all under covers, however, until the work on the house is finished. There is a spinet at Russetts, but it has not been used for many years. However, if it pleases you, we can buy another.’

‘You are very good, sir. You are leaving us now? It is early yet.’ She held out her a hand to him, and he carried it to his lips.

‘I wish to look my best for you tomorrow, child.’

Melissa chuckled. ‘Your dress would never disgrace me, sir!’

The earl’s lips curled into a smile. He retained her hand, saying softly, ‘Tomorrow you will be Lady Aldringham. Shall you like that, Melissa?’

‘Perhaps.’

‘You are uncertain?’

‘I have no idea what to expect. It has been so sudden.’

He gave her a rare, warm smile.

‘You will be magnificent.’

Melissa found she could not speak. Her throat was constricted, and she turned away from him, blinking rapidly to dispel the tears that pricked her eyes. Without another word, the earl made his bow to the two ladies and was gone.

Chapter Eight

“May I be the first to congratulate you both and

wish you every happiness, Lord and Lady Aldringham.’

The priest uttered his congratulations in the same disapproving tone that he had used throughout the ceremony. The couple then withdrew from the altar and made their way outside into the sunshine.

‘I am sorry to say that Reverend Forrester appears to have been lacking in spirits today,’ murmured the earl as they paused, blinking, in the doorway.

Melissa chuckled. ‘I think he objected to being told to get on with it, and not to go prosing on forever. I thought for a moment he would refuse to marry us, he looked so outraged!’

The earl’s reply was lost as their few guests came up to greet them. Lady Carlestone hugged Melissa, a hint of tears in her eyes. ‘My new sister!’ she cried, hugging Melissa again. She then turned to her brother. ‘Well, Jason, we did not fail you, I think. The child looks beautiful.’ She turned to smile mistily at Melissa, who was talking to Sir Richard Caseby. The earl followed her gaze. Melissa did indeed look her best in a beautiful polonaise gown of white satin with an overdress of cream lace edged with small, shell-pink flowers. Melissa’s hair was unpowdered and skilfully arranged in soft curls around her face, while one glossy ringlet had been coaxed to fall over her shoulder. A fine lace veil was arranged over her hair, and the delicate flush on the bride’s cheek brought another sigh issuing from Lady Carlestone’s lips.

‘Oh Jason, she looks exquisite. If only you had waited another two weeks, Carlestone could have been here to see this.’

‘I am sorry to be so inconsiderate, ‘Cesca, but I am needed on my estates. I have neglected them too long already. But I must congratulate you on your success, my dear. You have an excellent eye for fashion. I was wise to put my bride in your hands.’

‘Thank you, Jason, but my advice was not required. Melissa chose her own gown and trousseau. She has impeccable taste. She will make you a wonderful wife, Jason, if only...’ My lady’s face clouded. She glanced up at her brother. ‘What happens next? The child is yours now. What will you do with her?’

‘I shall take her to Russetts. Later in the year I shall bring my bride to Town. It will be amusing to introduce her to the
ton.’

‘That could be awkward for the girl. You have raised hopes in more than one breast, and your wife may not be well received in all quarters. She is not used to society, Jason. It could be distressing for her.’

Aldringham stepped away along the narrow path, saying over his shoulder, “You may be assured, dear sister, that my wife will be received as befits her station. I will make sure of it.’ He had reached Melissa and held out his hand to her. ‘Well, my lady, are you ready to depart?’

She smiled up at him.

‘Of course sir.’ She turned to Sir Richard and held out her hand. ‘Goodbye, Sir Richard. I trust we will meet again, very soon.’

Raising her hand to his lips, he replied, ‘I too hope so, ma’am. Jason, I wish you both a good journey to Russetts. I will be spending a few days with the Naishcombes, and with your leave, I will call one day?’

Aldringham gripped his friend’s hand.

‘Of course, Dick. Come and take pot luck with us.’

The earl handed his bride into the travelling carriage and with a word to the postillions, the coach moved off.

Once they had left the church behind, Melissa sat back, feeling a little shy. Finally, to break the silence, she said, ‘Is it far to Russetts, my lord?’

‘Too far to reach in comfort today.’ The earl reached for his snuffbox. ‘I have arranged for us to spend the night at the Pelican at Newbury, and tomorrow we travel on into Wiltshire.’ He saw her eyes widen, and continued smoothly,
‘I sent word to Sir Joseph that we would call on him.’

‘You are very sure of your welcome, sir!’

‘Do you not wish to see your family?’

‘Of course, but—’

‘I really think it your duty to pay your respects, madam.’ He mocked her softly. ‘Since they were unable to attend the wedding, it would hardly be polite to ignore them.’

Melissa’s eyes flashed. ‘You know that is not my reason!’

He laughed gently and lay back against the luxurious cushions, his eyes resting on his new bride. She felt his gaze but resolutely turned her face to the window, watching the fields rushing past. London was far behind them now, and the green hills rolled away as the coach sped westwards. This was her new life, she told herself. This man who mocked her was her husband and they were irrevocably tied. Forever.

They travelled in easy stages, breaking their journey at a small hostelry where the earl, playing the model host, coaxed Melissa from her anger, and before she had finished her meal she found herself chatting away happily to a man she had decided she loathed. This thought came to her as she was sipping the hot black coffee he had poured for her, and she gave an involuntary laugh. The earl glanced up.

‘Why is it, sir, that you can be so abominable one moment, and the next appear to be the perfect gentleman? I am at a loss to understand you.’

‘Do I provoke you, my dear? My apologies. It is not my intention.’

‘Nonsense. You delight in provoking me, and, what is more, however much I try to prevent it, I
always
rise to the bait.’

‘But you look so beautiful when you are angry, my love,’ he murmured, his eyes gleaming.

‘Well, perhaps you think so, but I do not
feel
beautiful, I assure you!’ she retorted, then, seeing the gleam in his eyes, she burst out laughing. ‘Oh how dare you make me fire up so? No, don’t tell me any more of your absurd nonsense, for I refuse to listen.’

Aldringham rose, a light, mocking smile playing on his lips.

‘Then if you are ready, Countess, we have some miles to cover. Shall we continue?’

‘Of course, sir. Let us go.’

She rose and took the proffered hand, but the earl did not move. He remained before her, looking down at her with his eyes glinting. He put a finger under her chin and she raised her eyes to his face. She felt the familiar tug of attraction, her heart hammering painfully against her ribs, but she met his gaze squarely, candidly.

‘We shall deal well together, Melissa. I am well pleased with my bride.’

Before she could reply, he lowered his head and his lips met hers for a brief instant.

The next moment he was holding open the door of the private parlour, waiting to accompany her to the carriage.

* * * *

In the morning room of Whiston Hall, Sir Joseph’s comfortable house in Wiltshire, Simon Fryer stood before the fire, frowning. The eldest of Sir Joseph’s offspring, Mr Fryer had come down from Cambridge for the vacation and had arrived home that morning to find his parents in a state of anxiety. Perceiving her first born, Lady Fryer had thrown herself upon his neck, uttering such disjointed phrases that Mr Fryer was not at all sure his mama was glad to see him.

‘I am sorry I did not give you warning, Mama! Indeed, if I had known that my arrival here would throw you into such a state, I would have remained at the George until you sent for me!’

Sir Joseph, coming out of the library to meet his son, greeted him in a much more subdued manner.

‘Simon. It is good to see you, but what are you doing here now? We did not expect you for at least two weeks.’

‘Oh, Barney Ritherfield was travelling this way, you know, and he offered me a place in his carriage. Thought to give you a pleasant surprise,’ he said, anxiously eyeing his mother, who was still clinging to his coat. To his relief, Lady Fryer finally loosened her hold on him and pulling herself together, she managed a coherent answer to her son’s enquiries.

‘We have had news, my dear, that I am sure will surprise you, as it did your dear papa and myself when we heard it. It concerns Melissa.’

‘Melissa! Why, is she ill?’

Sir Joseph handed his son the earl’s letter.

‘No, Simon. She is married.’

‘Married! But how - why was I not told?’

‘No one knew of it. It was an elopement.’

‘An—! No, I will not believe that of Melissa. Why, there never was a more level-headed girl!’

In the face of his son’s vehemence, Sir Joseph felt compelled to explain, at least in part. ‘I was - er - foolish enough to become involved with the Earl of Aldringham. Gambling debts. I won’t go into it all now.’ He paused a moment, reflecting. ‘Melissa ran off with Aldringham to save the family from ruin.’ Sir Joseph glanced defensively at his son. ‘It was her choice! I had hoped to keep the trouble a secret, and by retrenching we could have come about, but she discovered our difficulties and took matters into her own hands. She ran off with him over a month since. We feared the worst, but it seems she has been living with his sister. He has behaved very well by her and is bringing her here today, as his wife.’

Simon stared at him.

‘Behaved well! I consider he has behaved in the most abominable fashion! To carry off a young innocent in exchange for a gambling obligation!’ He stared again at the letter in his hand. At length, he said, ‘What are you going to do, Papa? Shall you receive him?’

‘I have no choice. To refuse to do so would embarrass Melissa, and since he has married her we must hope it will be a successful union.’

‘Oh my dear, is it possible that perhaps he loves her?’ whispered Lady Fryer.