Kitabı oku: «Historical Romance – The Best Of The Year»

Chapter Nine

‘I understand that Thomas was able to bring you some of your clothes,’ Hal said when Madeline went down to tea a little later that afternoon. ‘You will be more comfortable now, I think.’

‘Yes, it is more comfortable,’ Madeline said. ‘Jenny was kind to lend me her gowns, but it is better to have my own—though there are some I do not care for. They were very costly, Hal. I should like to sell a few of them for I shall never wear them again. They were my husband’s choice and I hate them.’

‘Then I dare say it could be arranged,’ he said and nodded. ‘Some of them are unsuitable for life in the country, I imagine—and you might wish to use the money to purchase something simpler.’

Madeline’s reason for not wanting to wear some of the gowns her husband had forced on her was very different, but she merely smiled and agreed.

‘Perhaps they could be taken to a merchant in town?’

‘Adam was speaking of sending in a wagon for supplies the day after tomorrow. Your maid and Thomas could take them in and dispose of them—if you are sure you no longer require them?’

‘I am quite sure,’ Madeline said and smiled. ‘My life will be spent mostly in the country in future. I shall not need the more extravagant ballgowns.’

‘No, perhaps not,’ he said, ‘though you may wish to visit friends sometimes in town.’

‘Even so I would prefer something simpler. Lethbridge liked me to wear gowns that...I find immodest.’

‘Ah, I see.’ Hal nodded, looking at her gravely. ‘I do understand that you wish for no reminders of your past life, Madeline—but I hate to think you will be deprived of pretty things.’

‘I shall have all that I need,’ she told him and reached for his hand. She wondered whether to tell him of the jewels, but was prevented by Jenny coming up to her.

‘I am giving a small dance next week,’ she said. ‘You are in official mourning, I know, Maddie—but shall you feel able to attend?’

‘To attend, yes,’ Madeline said. ‘Of course I shall not dance, but to sit quietly and watch can harm no one.’

‘I had business with Adam today,’ Hal said. ‘Tomorrow I am at your disposal. If you would like to ride out, I am sure a horse could be found for you.’

‘You will come with me?’ Madeline found the prospect delightful. In town she’d ridden sometimes with a groom or her husband in attendance, but to take a horse out and gallop across green fields was something she’d not been able to enjoy since her marriage. ‘I think I should like that above anything, Hal.’

‘Then I will order the horses for eight-thirty if that is not too early for you.’

‘It is best to ride early in the morning,’ she agreed and smiled at him. ‘I can be ready by eight if it is not too early for you.’

Hal laughed, amused and pleased by her enthusiasm. Her eyes had lit in a way he’d not seen since before they parted that never-to-be-forgotten day when she’d broken his heart.

‘Then the horses shall be brought at eight sharp,’ he replied. He reached for her hand, taking it in his own and kissing it. ‘My whole desire is to care for you and make you happy, Madeline. You must tell me what pleases you and what doesn’t—and do not fear to displease me. I am not Lethbridge and I vow I shall never willingly hurt you.’

Madeline’s hand trembled in his. She gazed up into his eyes in a way that made Hal wonder what lay behind the sadness he could sense inside her. She laughed and made conversation with her host and hostess, and she was always willing to listen to whatever Hal had to say, but he could not help feeling that a part of her was held in reserve—as if she could not quite give her whole self.

She had suffered far more than he could know.

He must not ask too much of her. Hal had discovered much about her wretched husband, but he sensed that there was a great deal that Madeline had not yet told him. He doubted she could bring herself to confide the depths of the wickedness that Lethbridge had perpetrated on her, even to another woman.

Sometimes, when he touched her, he felt a slight withdrawal in her, even though she struggled to control it. She did not pull away, but he’d felt her stiffen when he kissed her hand, only slightly, but enough for him to know that she was not yet ready to accept his lovemaking.

When he saw the deep hurt in her eyes, Hal wished Lethbridge were alive so that he could strangle him with his bare hands. He could not bear to think of what she might have suffered and knew that if it took years—or the rest of their lives—he would wait until she was ready to accept his love.

Hal would marry her as soon as it was acceptable in the eyes of the world, but he would not force Maddie to accept him in her bed—and when he thought the time was right, he would assure her that her happiness was his only concern.

He knew that there would be times when he desperately wanted to hold her and touch her, but he sensed that somewhere inside Madeline was a wounded creature that must be coaxed and taught to trust again—like a puppy that has been kicked and beaten. That made him want to weep for her, but she would not wish him to pity her. She was still proud despite all that her evil husband had done to her.

All he wanted was to make her happy and banish that look of sadness from her beautiful eyes.

* * *

Once again, an evening spent playing cards, some music and relaxed conversation proved so enjoyable that Madeline had been able to sleep well in her comfortable bed. It was a new experience for her to wake and be able to decide for herself which clothes she should wear, for Lethbridge had often sent her to change if her attire did not please his eye.

She chose a dark-blue riding habit, which she had purchased, but never yet worn, knowing that its sober hue would not please her husband. Her hat was in the military style with a dark-blue curling feather pinned with a small diamond brooch. Her father had given the trinket to her in the days before he had gambled his fortune away and was a favourite, though Lethbridge had scorned it as being unworthy of his wife.

She was ready well before the appointed time and went downstairs, pulling on her black leather gloves. As she approached the last stair, the sound of voices reached her and then Hal and Adam came from the front salon into the hall.

‘Perhaps you ought to tell h—’ Adam was saying, ceasing abruptly as he saw her standing there. ‘Good morning, Madeline. You are an early riser today.’

‘We are going riding together,’ Hal said and his eyes were admiring as they went over her. ‘You look charming, Maddie. I like the style of your gown. It is extremely elegant and the colour becomes you.’

‘Thank you,’ she said, feeling the warmth in her cheeks. ‘I have not worn it before and I am pleased you approve.’

‘You need no one’s approval, but I think it very elegant.’

‘My maid has packed a trunk with clothes I shall never wear,’ Madeline said, turning to her host. ‘She and Thomas will be glad of a place in your wagon, Adam—if there is room?’

‘Plenty of room,’ he assured her. ‘I’ve left word that they are to be given any assistance they require.’ He glanced at Hal. ‘Think about what I was saying, Cousin. I wish you both a pleasant ride.’

‘I am sure it will be,’ Hal replied. ‘I shall give your ideas some consideration—and thank you.’

‘You are welcome.’ Adam turned away, walking in the direction of the library.

‘Shall we go?’ Hal said. ‘I believe the groom has brought our horses round.’

‘Are you certain you have finished your business with Adam?’

‘Yes, of course. Adam put a suggestion to me that I think very generous of him, but I am not sure I can accept.’

‘You are good friends, I think?’

‘Yes, the best. We have been through a great deal together—during the war and when Mark was murdered.’

‘That must have forged a bond between you.’ Madeline arched one delicate eyebrow. ‘Was it another proposal of business?’

‘In a manner of speaking,’ Hal said. ‘If I cared for it, he has a place for an estate manager. I do not know if you are aware of it, but Jenny was a considerable heiress and Adam has a lot of property to manage. If I accepted his offer, he would make a house on one of the estates available to me. It is larger than my own in Cambridgeshire...more suitable for a family, perhaps.’

‘Oh.’ Madeline frowned. ‘Do you wish for such a position?’

‘It would be a solution to my problems,’ he said. ‘But I am not sure...it might depend on several things. Adam’s present agent retires in six months so there is time to think it over.’

‘Yes, of course,’ she said.

Hal was clearly undecided how he felt about his cousin’s offer. Adam had made it in a spirit of generosity and it was not unknown for such a position to go to a trusted relative, but she was not sure how she felt about the idea. Jenny and Adam were such generous people and she was already fond of them, but Madeline had thought Hal meant to settle near her friend Hattie in Cambridgeshire.

However, she could have no opinion on a matter that was for Hal to decide. Yet it crossed her mind that if she were to sell most of the jewels in her late husband’s box, Hal would have no reason to consider the offer. She imagined the jewels might bring sufficient to pay off his father’s debts and allow him to retain his family’s estate as well as his own.

Yet how could she offer them to him when he had not yet formally asked her to be his wife—and would he accept if she did?

Madeline still felt a little guilty over the way the box had come into her possession. If there were a claimant to Lethbridge’s estate she would be morally obliged to hand back a substantial part of her late husband’s wealth. But she shut out these anxieties, determined that nothing should spoil her outing with Hal.

She smiled at him as he handed her up. The mare she’d been given was spirited with a sweet mouth that responded to the merest touch of the reins. It tossed its head, as though to challenge her, but she held the reins in a manner that showed she was in command and the mare responded, quieting at the sound of her soothing voice.

As they trotted out of the courtyard and the horses felt the springy turf beneath their hooves, Madeline let her mount have its head. The sensation of speed as they flew over the ground, the mare hardly seeming to touch it with her hooves, was exhilarating and everything but the joy of the morning was swept from her mind.

Hal’s horse was on its mettle to keep up with Madeline and the spirited mare, though he seemed content to race at her side and she thought he would not have left her behind if he could. She turned her head to smile at him and saw the gleam in his eyes that told her he had as much pleasure from their ride as she.

They were well matched and rode for some time, then, as the horses began to show signs of having worked off their restive energy, they slowed to a walk and finally brought them to a halt by a shallow stream. Dismounting, they led the horses to a spot where they could drink and stood admiring the view of green fields as far as the eye could see, dotted here and there with ancient trees that must have stood here for at least two hundred years.

‘We are still on the Ravenscar estate?’ Madeline asked.

‘Yes, these fields are used for pasture at certain times of the year. I dare say my uncle has three thousand acres or more, including the farms he lets to tenants.’

‘It is a large estate—and must be a burden for the earl.’

‘It would be had he no agents and no son.’

‘You said his surviving son was in Italy. Why does he not come home to lift the worry from his father’s shoulders?’

‘He blames himself for...’ Hal shook his head. ‘I think Paul feels that he is the usurper here. His brother should have been earl when Lord Ravenscar dies and Paul cannot yet accept that he has the responsibility that ought to have been Mark’s’

‘Surely he knows his father needs him?’

‘Adam and I told him we would do what we could. Paul needs time away. I imagine he will return soon.’

‘Yes, of course,’ Madeline said. ‘Oh, there are some black swans! I think them so majestic. A pity we have nothing to feed them with.’

‘I think the keepers feed them with special food. The earl does not encourage giving them bread.’

‘Ah, I see.’ Maddie moved away, but Hal took her shoulder and turned her back to face him. She gazed up at him, a question in her eyes. ‘Yes, Hal—did you wish to say something to me?’

‘You must know I care for you, Maddie.’

‘You have been everything that is kind and good to me... Yes, I do believe that you have affection for me.’

‘My feelings are stronger than mere affection,’ he said, his voice throaty with passion. ‘I want you to be my wife as soon as it is possible, Maddie—but you must believe that I understand how you feel. I know you have suffered and I shall never—’

She put her gloved fingers to his lips. ‘I want to be your wife, Hal,’ she said, her voice little more than a whisper, ‘but...I fear I am not worthy of you. Lethbridge despoiled me...I feel unclean...’

A tear slid from the corner of her eye. Hal reached out and wiped it gently away with his bare hand. He stroked her cheek softly. Madeline felt a tingling sensation inside and for a moment her heart raced. Would he kiss her? She longed for it and yet feared it, for if she froze in his arms he might come to despise her and that she could not bear.

‘You must never think such a thing,’ he said and his eyes darkened with anger. ‘I cannot know the extent of your suffering at that monster’s hand, Maddie, but I swear you will never suffer at mine. I shall never ask more than you can give. And you are not unworthy no matter what that devil did to you.’

‘Hal...I do not deserve such love.’

‘You deserve much more,’ he vowed and took her hands, kissing them tenderly and then letting her go. ‘Remember that I would give my life for you—and I would rather die than hurt you. We should return to the house before they send out a search party.’

His jest brought a tearful smile, but she lifted her head proudly and gave him her hand, letting him assist her into the saddle. Hal understood and he was telling her that he would wed her even if she could never be a proper wife to him—but would she be fair to him if she accepted?

* * *

The afternoon was spent pleasantly in conversation. Madeline played the pianoforte for the entertainment of the others and Jenny sang a sweet love song, her eyes seeking Adam’s across the room. Lord Ravenscar’s old-fashioned courtesy charmed Madeline and insensibly she began to feel at home. It was a comfortable, happy atmosphere and Madeline knew that she was beginning to relax her guard here with these kind people. She laughed several times as Adam teased Jenny and the two ladies linked arms, chatting amiably as they went upstairs to change after tea.

It was beginning to seem that the nightmare of her former life was fading from her memory, though now and then something would be said that reminded her sharply. She gave no thought at all to the attack on her as she walked back to the farm and was inclined to dismiss it as perhaps the work of rogues. Here at this lovely estate she must be perfectly safe, for even if the marquis—if it were he who had sent those rogues to abduct her—discovered where she was, he would not dare to attempt anything while she was surrounded by friends.

Another pleasant evening spent with Hal’s family and their guests, invited for dinner and cards, brought laughter to her lips and a sense of peace to her heart. Madeline had forgotten that life could be so sweet. Accustomed to a round of social events that she attended because it suited her husband, the simple pleasures she discovered in this house were a revelation and a joy to her.

* * *

Every morning she rose early to ride with Hal. On their return she changed into a morning gown and then drank tea in the parlour or walked in the gardens with Jenny. In the afternoons they took it in turns to entertain one another. Hal had a good, strong, reading voice and the knack of making the characters come to life when he read from a novel. Adam had a pleasant tenor voice and could occasionally be persuaded to sing for them, but often they played cards or a silly childish game like jackstraws. Lord Ravenscar enjoyed a game of chess and one of them indulged him, taking it in turns to pit their skill against his, but it was not often that any of them could worst him.

* * *

A week passed so swiftly that the day of Jenny’s dance was upon them before they knew it. That morning the house was a hive of activity; the servants had been dusting and polishing for days, removing furniture from the long gallery so that it would be clear for dancing. Flowers from the hothouses had been brought in and arranged in beautiful vases and their scent pervaded the house.

Madeline asked if she could help and was given the task of checking the rooms that would be used for entertaining the guests to see if anything had been left undone. Of course nothing had, for Lord Ravenscar’s servants had been with him for years and were accustomed to making ready for any occasion. However, by giving Madeline a task Jenny had made her feel she was useful and that was a kindness, for to be always a guest was not what she had been used to.

On the evening of the dance, Madeline dressed in a gown of pale-lilac crape with an overskirt of silver tissue. The neckline was modest and the sleeves short and puffed, as was the prevailing fashion, the high waist emphasised with a sash of silver embroidered with glass beads.

She decided against wearing any of the more expensive jewels from her husband’s box, preferring the delicate diamond pendant that had been a present from her father and a pair of long delicate earrings with diamond drops.

Satisfied that her appearance was modest and subdued enough for a lady recently widowed, she went downstairs to discover that the family was just gathering in the large drawing room. Jenny was looking a picture in a gown of green silk that could only have been fashioned in Paris. When Madeline complimented her, she confessed that it had been bought on her honeymoon and blushed prettily.

‘You are very content in your marriage, are you not?’ Madeline asked for she could not fail to see the shining happiness in Jenny’s eyes.

‘So happy I cannot tell you,’ Jenny agreed. ‘I knew I was in love long before Adam asked me to marry him and I knew he was the man I wished to marry—but I had no idea how wonderful it would be.’

Madeline would have liked to question her further on the intimate side of her marriage, but the guests had started to arrive. It was a delicate subject and one she was shy to raise, but seeing how happy Jenny was had made her wonder. Having experienced only her husband’s brutality in the bedchamber, she had come to believe that all men must be the same. Yet Hal was so gentle and kind to her—and she’d seen the way Jenny looked at Adam, such trust and love in her eyes that she could not believe her friend had ever been subjected to anything remotely unpleasant.

Was it possible that she too could find, if not pleasure, at least acceptance of a man’s touch?

Madeline would not have thought it possible a few days previously, but a subtle change had been happening of late. Hal had never once tried to take her in his arms or kiss her, but the touch of his hand as he helped her to mount, a light finger on her cheek and a gentle kiss on her hand aroused only feelings of comfort and even pleasure.

Her thoughts were suspended as the guests began to move into the series of rooms, which had been opened up to make one long, flowing chamber. The footmen were circulating with trays of crystal glasses filled with the finest champagne. Madeline looked round at all the excited faces and smiled. Many of the guests were young ladies, perhaps attending their first ball, and their eager looks reminded her of herself as a young girl. She must have looked just so when attending her come-out ball, before her father lost everything at the tables.

‘Will you dance with me, Maddie?’

She turned at the sound of Hal’s voice, her heart suddenly pumping hard, as she knew an urgent desire to feel his hand at her waist and be swept around the floor.

‘I wish that I might,’ she said and smiled up at him. How handsome he was and how much she wished she were one of those young girls meeting a man she admired for the first time. ‘You know I cannot, Hal. It would not be right.’

‘No, I suppose not,’ he said and looked regretful. ‘You will not feel neglected if I dance? I must take my share of the responsibility for entertaining our guests.’

‘Of course you must,’ she agreed. ‘Do not be concerned for me, Hal. I shall be happy to watch.’

‘I wish that I might sit at your side and do the same,’ he said, touching her gloved hand. ‘But I must do my duty as one of the hosts.’

‘Go and enjoy yourself,’ she said and gave a slight shake of her head.

He remained with her a few minutes longer, remarking on various guests. Madeline did not know all of them and he pointed out various neighbours and long-standing friends, before leaving her to seek out one of the ladies still sitting on the sidelines.

Madeline found herself a chair by the window, where she could watch the other guests mingling. She could hear the music and see the dancers as they whirled by, but was a little out of the crowd. After a few minutes alone, Lord Ravenscar joined her.

‘How pleasant to have someone to talk to who does not dance,’ he remarked. ‘I fear my health will not sustain it, but I like to see the young people enjoying themselves.’

‘Yes, indeed, especially the very young girls,’ Madeline replied. ‘There is a very pretty girl over there—the one with red hair. She looks so happy and excited.’

‘You must mean Patience Harris,’ Lord Ravenscar said. ‘Her mother was an exceedingly handsome lady, but she died eighteen months ago. Patience could not attend dances last year and I dare say this may be her first affair of this sort.’

‘I thought it might be,’ Madeline said. ‘I dare say some might think it improper of me to attend this evening, but I do not intend to dance.’

‘No, I fear you cannot,’ he said and looked at her. ‘Hal has told me something of your story, Madeline. You must be assured of a welcome here for as long as you wish and if there is anything I can do to make your life easier...’

Madeline was thanking him for his kindness when her eye was drawn to a party of newcomers. They were a little late and Jenny had left her position at the head of the stairs to join the party, but she went immediately to greet the family. As the last of them entered the room, Madeline’s breath caught.

What was Lord Rochdale doing here? Jenny would scarcely have invited him knowing that he was suspected of having tried to abduct her.

A feeling of panic swept through her as she saw his eyes move about the room until they rested on her. Had Lord Ravenscar not been sitting with her she thought she would have left the room at once. However, to do so would occasion surprise—and, after some reflection, she realised that it would appear to the marquis that she was afraid of meeting him. She must accept that they would meet socially sometimes and, until she was certain that it was he who had had tried to abduct her, she must greet him with cool politeness.

He had seen her. She knew it from the narrowing of his eyes, but, thankfully, he did not come to her immediately and she was able to control her feelings of panic. He could do nothing to harm her here.

‘I suppose I must circulate a little,’ Lord Ravenscar murmured. ‘I shall return as soon as I have done my duty.’

She smiled and inclined her head as he stood and walked away to greet and welcome other guests. Undecided as to whether she would be well advised to do the same, Maddie was relieved when two matrons sat down on chairs next to her.

‘Well, isn’t this pleasant?’ one of the ladies remarked. ‘I was surprised when we received the invitation for it is hardly seven months since Mark was...killed, but I suppose the young people wish to entertain.’

‘Jenny consulted with Lord Ravenscar and he said it would do everyone good to put the sadness of his son’s death behind them.’

‘Ah, yes, a bride must be allowed her amusements, must she not?’ the matron said and looked at Maddie speculatively. ‘I believe you have been recently widowed, Lady Lethbridge?’

‘Yes, that is true,’ Madeline replied. ‘I am a guest here and felt I must attend, though of course I do not dance this evening.’

‘No, that would certainly be frowned on. I dare say London manners are a little different to ours here in the country—and your husband was some years your senior, I understand.’

Madeline murmured something appropriate. She was being tested and perhaps censured for attending the dance, but she kept a cool smile in place and refused to be drawn on the difference between town manners and those that applied in the country. This woman could have no idea of Madeline’s circumstances, or of the pain and humiliation that she’d suffered at her husband’s hands. Nor did she intend to enlighten her.

After a while the woman got up and moved away. Another lady came to take her seat and smiled at Madeline.

‘I believe I am slightly acquainted with your mama,’ she said in a friendly way. ‘We knew each other as girls. I have only sons, but I’ve brought my niece Patience this evening. The poor child has been in mourning for too long and I wanted her to enjoy herself.’

‘She is the very pretty girl with red hair, I think,’ Madeline said. ‘Lord Ravenscar pointed her out to me earlier.’

‘Yes, she is a pretty girl,’ the lady said. ‘I am Lady Eliza Smythe—and I know you are recently widowed. I am glad that you have some good friends. It can be such a lonely time and friends always pick one’s spirits up. I am a widow myself, you see. My husband died two years this past Christmas and I still miss him.’

‘Yes, for I dare say you were happy?’

‘Yes, very.’ The lady placed a sympathetic hand on hers. ‘I was fortunate. I do not ask your confidence, Lady Lethbridge, but I believe...forgive me. The count was not...but perhaps I speak too frankly. I happen to know he was not the kindest of men.’

Madeline swallowed hard. Lady Eliza meant to be kind and she could not rebuff her. ‘No, he was not, which is why...I am not grieving.’

‘I thought not. You will recover all the sooner, my dear.’

Madeline’s eyes had strayed to the dancers and what she saw made her cry out. Lady Eliza asked her what was wrong and she nodded in the direction of the dancers.

‘Forgive me, ma’am. Your niece is dancing with a gentleman I think she ought not...the Marquis of Rochdale. It is not my affair, but he may not be all he seems and perhaps not suitable company for such a young lady.’

‘No, indeed he is not. I know of his reputation. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. She will be warned not to dance with him a second time.’

‘He was not invited tonight, but came with friends, I imagine.’

‘He does have relatives in the area,’ Lady Eliza said and stood up. ‘Thank you for the warning. I must make sure Patience removes from his company as soon as possible without giving offence.’

Madeline inclined her head as the lady set out with new purpose. A little shiver went through her as she thought of that pretty child at the mercy of an unscrupulous man like the marquis. Thank goodness her aunt had the good sense to know the man for what he was and not be blinded by his wealth or title.

She knew that she was not the only young girl to be forced into an unhappy marriage, though perhaps her father had had more excuse than many parents for obliging his daughter to marry a man she could never love.

Madeline was alone with her thoughts for a few minutes and then Hal came to sit beside her. He looked at her, a frown creasing his brow.

‘Adam begs your forgiveness for inflicting Rochdale’s presence on you, Maddie. He had no idea the Harrington-Browns would bring him here this evening. Mr Harrington-Brown is a friend of Lord Ravenscar and it was impossible to repulse him—but you are safe enough here.’

‘Yes, I know.’ She smiled at him. ‘I understand completely, Hal. Besides, Lord Rochdale is accepted everywhere despite whispers about his private behaviour. If I am ever to go into company again, I must accept that we may meet—and there is no proof that he...’

‘None. If we had even the smallest proof, Adam would have turned him out immediately even if it offended his relatives.’

‘Do you think he knew I was here?’

‘We cannot be sure,’ Hal said. ‘He knows now, however, and we must be extra vigilant.’

‘Yes.’ She bit her bottom lip, for the marquis’s arrival had cast a shadow over the evening. ‘I wish he had not come—but there is nothing we can do.’

‘He will not harm you. I shall make certain he cannot come near you.’

‘I would retire to my room, but that is the coward’s way,’ Maddie said. ‘No, I shall not let him drive me away. I will enjoy the evening despite him.’

‘We shall be going down to supper soon,’ Hal said and reached across the divide between them to take her hand. ‘You will let me take you down?’

‘Yes, of course, thank you.’ Maddie smiled. ‘Should you not be doing your duty and dancing with the guests?’

‘I have danced with three very silly young girls and with two married ladies. I think I have done my duty this evening and shall now devote myself to you, Madeline.’

‘You may take me for a little turn on the terrace before supper if you will,’ she said. ‘It is very warm and I should like a breath of air.’

‘Yes, of course,’ he said and offered her his hand. ‘You have only to say. I wish always to please you.’

Madeline took his arm. They walked through the crowded rooms to the French windows. Hal opened one of the long glass doors and they stepped outside. The night air was cool, but not cold, and there were strings of lights on the veranda and in bushes and trees at the edge of the lawns.

‘This is much better,’ Madeline said. ‘I must confess that it has not been easy this evening, for I am an object of curiosity and the ladies are discussing my situation. Some pity me and others condemn me for not observing strict mourning.’

‘You must not mind them, dearest,’ Hal said and reached for her hand. He carried it to his lips and kissed it briefly. ‘You have done nothing wrong. It is acceptable for a widow to attend an evening of this nature providing she takes no part in the dancing.’

‘I must show some respect or lose my reputation—but I have wanted to dance with you, Hal.’

‘Not as much as I would wish to have you dance with me,’ he murmured and laughed softly. ‘I should like to take you in my arms and hold you close as we waltzed.’

‘One day,’ she said and smiled up at him. For a moment she thought he would reach for her...would kiss her...but with a sound that might have been a moan of passion or a groan of self-denial, he stepped away from her. ‘I have been thinking, Hal. When my affairs are settled I think I should like to go abroad for a few months. In France or Italy I should not be obliged to pretend to be in mourning for a man I disliked intensely.’

‘Yes, that might be best,’ he agreed. ‘We could even make it our honeymoon. When we returned the whole affair would have blown over.’

‘But you have things to do here,’ Madeline said. ‘Your estate, your commission to be resigned...’

‘Once I set the estate renovations in hand I shall be entirely at your disposal. As for my commission, it was my intention to journey to London and visit headquarters so the thing may be done in the proper manner, but I shall wait until we are certain Rochdale has left the district.’

‘Oh, Hal, you make me feel so much better...so protected and cared for,’ she said and reached out to touch his hand. Just at that moment they heard the strains of the supper waltz and impulsively she took his hand. ‘Dance with me here,’ she whispered. ‘No one will see us.’

‘Maddie, my love.’

Hal placed a hand at her waist and took her right hand, drawing her close. They swayed to the music, dancing in the shadows of the night, lost in the sweetness of the moment, their unspoken feelings in tune as the world and its censure was forgot. Madeline felt herself swept away by a kind of magic as the years melted away and she was once again a young girl, dancing with a young man she had fallen in love with at her very first ball. All of the hurt and pain of the last few years had somehow melted away and she wanted to be held in his arms for the rest of her life.

After the music died away, Hal stood with his arms about her still and she looked up into his face, her heart beating frantically. He lowered his head, kissing her so softly that it was like the touch of a flower petal, as soft as gossamer and so brief that she hardly knew it had happened. Almost at once he released her.

‘Forgive me, I forgot myself,’ he said. ‘It was the magic of the music...’

‘No, no, do not beg my pardon,’ she whispered. ‘I liked it...you know that I—’

The sound of a slow clapping of hands interrupted her and they both turned to see that they had been observed. A man stood in the shadows of the garden, but as they stood as if turned to stone, he walked towards them. Madeline drew her breath sharply as she saw him clearly in the light of the lanterns.

‘How touching,’ Lord Rochdale said, a malicious leer on his face. ‘The grieving widow and her lover...and Lethbridge hardly dead a month.’

‘Madeline does not need to answer to you or anyone,’ Hal said coldly. ‘It is none of your business, but since you take an interest, we are to be married as soon as it is possible.’

‘Romance lives,’ the marquis sneered. ‘I had no love for Lethbridge. He was a cheat and worse. But perhaps he was right to believe that his wife had a lover.’

‘No! That is a lie!’ Madeline cried.

‘Spread such lies and you will answer to me,’ Hal said furiously. ‘Come near her again, Rochdale, and I’ll kill you.’

‘As you did her husband?’

‘It was not I that killed him—but an assassin.’

‘Paid by someone, presumably. And who had the most reason to see him dead?’

‘You are mistaken, sir. I might have killed the count in a duel, but I am no murderer.’

‘Have I said you were?’

‘If I were you, I should leave a house where you are not welcome. And my warning stands. Come near Madeline again and I shall kill you.’

‘You are welcome to the lady. I have other interests,’ Rochdale said. ‘However, I demand payment of the debt your husband owed me, madam—twenty-five thousand pounds. I shall give you one month to pay or I foreclose on the estate and shall tell what I saw this evening. If you wish to keep your secret, make arrangements to pay me.’ He inclined his head. ‘May I be the first to felicitate you on your engagement.’

They watched as he walked past and into the ballroom, which was now empty because everyone had gone down to supper.

‘Hal...’ Madeline said, her hand trembling as she placed it on his arm. ‘Do you think he is telling the truth? Did Lethbridge truly owe him so much? I do not know, but I think his whole estate can be worth no more than fifty thousand pounds at the most, and if there are other debts... It may be impossible to pay such a sum.’

‘I was told that Lethbridge had lost a large amount at the tables to Rochdale,’ Hal said looking grave. ‘A gambling debt is normally a debt of honour, but you can only pay what the estate will fetch.’

‘And what if he demands more—and supposing I am not the heir?’ She looked up at him anxiously. ‘He may try to ruin us, Hal. I can bear it for myself, but I do not wish to bring shame on you or your friends.’

‘You must send for your husband’s lawyers,’ Hal said. ‘Rochdale must be obliged to show the notes Lethbridge gave him...and then you can pay what is available. You cannot do more. No court in the land would expect it.’

Madeline gripped his hand. The marquis had destroyed the magic of their dance and that sweet kiss, making her remember the last dark days of her marriage.

‘I do not care for the estate. My settlement should be safe and that is all I need. If the estate is mine, I will arrange for him to be paid—but if there is another claimant...’

‘Then it will be his decision whether or not to pay.’

‘If he is not paid, he will make everyone believe that we were lovers. He might spread a rumour that it was you that had my husband murdered.’

‘He could never prove it, for it is a lie,’ Hal said grimly. ‘I have witnesses that I did not even fire when it was my right to do so had I chosen. You must not let Rochdale distress you, Madeline. He cannot harm us if we stand firm.’

‘He can and will ruin both our reputations,’ she said. ‘He is welcome to what he is owed but...’ Tears trembled on her lashes. ‘I am a curse on those who love me. Forgive me, Hal. I have brought so much trouble on you.’

‘Do you think I fear his threats?’ Hal said. ‘I meant what I said to him, Maddie—if he comes near you again I shall kill him. As for the money, I have no personal desire or wish for you to inherit it, but it would have made you independent.’

‘I do not need a fortune to be happy,’ she said. ‘Truly, all I want is to be your wife, Hal.’

‘I had thought we might make our home at my estate in Cambridgeshire,’ he said, ‘and perhaps we shall one day. But...’ He paused and shook his head. ‘It might be best if we went abroad soon, Maddie. If there is a scandal, we can live quietly somewhere we are not known until talk has died down.’

‘Oh, why did he have to see us?’

‘It does not matter. Let him do his worst,’ Hal said and took her hands, holding them firmly. ‘We shall be married quietly here and then go away. Our friends will not believe his lies—and the others do not matter.’

‘I must contact the lawyers as soon as possible,’ Madeline said. ‘I do not wish to tear you away from your family and friends if a scandal can be averted. Perhaps enough money may be raised.’

‘I shall go to London in the morning,’ Hal said. ‘You must promise me not to go anywhere alone and to be very careful while I am away.’

‘Yes, I shall remain in the gardens near the house or the house itself,’ Madeline promised. ‘You must go to London and see your business done, Hal—and ask my husband’s lawyers what my situation is regarding Lethbridge’s debts.’

Hal smiled at her. ‘Have courage, my love. Even if he does his worst, words cannot truly harm us. If need be, I shall sell all my property in England and we shall make a new life abroad.’

‘Yes.’ Madeline smothered the sob rising in her throat.

How could she let Hal sacrifice everything for her?