A Season of Romance

by Wendy Soliman

  She remained standing in the centre of the room unable to quite comprehend what had just been said. Good heavens! Simon must be conscious and had told the doctor they were still betrothed.

  She rushed into his bedchamber to see for herself that he was not at death's door as she'd feared earlier. He was propped up in bed and looked remarkably cheerful for a man with such a serious injury. There was a cage of some sort protecting his leg from the covers.

  'Good, I was hoping you would come and see me. It seems I owe my life to you.'

  There was a chair already waiting for her at the head of the bed and she took it. 'That's doing it too brown, sir, but I'm glad I was of some assistance.'

  He reached out and took her hand and when she tried to remove it his grip tightened. 'No, Bella, be still. Tell me what you were doing outside fully clothed in the middle of the night.'

  There was no point in giving him a Banbury tale, she might as well be honest. 'I ran all the way to the folly and was then so exhausted I stretched out on the bed to sleep. When I awoke it was dark…'

  'That doesn't explain why your hair was loose.' His tone was bland but there was something strange about his expression. For a moment she was puzzled by his attitude but then she understood.

  She tried to remove her hand but he refused to relinquish it. He was openly laughing now and if he wasn't an invalid she would throw something at him.

  'There's only one reason anyone visits that folly; are you so naïve you did not realise the significance of there being a bed and a mirrored ceiling?'

  She stopped struggling and stared at him. Then colour flooded from her toes to her crown and she squirmed in her chair. With lowered eyes she replied. 'I did think it odd but not until you drew my attention to it did I realise why it was so arranged.' Then she recalled what Annie had said about the empty bed. 'My maid thought I was with you so didn't raise the alarm…'

  'And I got so drunk I jumped out of the window and broke my ankle. Whatever your feelings on the matter, Bella, I cannot leave here for several weeks.'

  He didn't sound at all worried by this prospect. This reminded her of what the doctor had said.

  'And that's another thing, sir, how could you tell a complete stranger that we're betrothed when you know very well I severed the connection?'

  'Accept the inevitable, sweetheart, if your maid thought you had come to me then what little reputation you had left will be gone. Also, my name will be blackened beyond repair if I do not do the honourable thing. A gentleman does not seduce a young lady.'

  'Fiddlesticks to that! We both know that nothing of the kind happened…'

  'We shall have the banns called in your family chapel this Sunday and be married as soon as I can stand upright. I shall send word to Emily and Aunt Jemima to join us here and also for Lord Danbury and his family. Hopefully your father will have returned in time to walk you down the aisle.'

  It was a fait accompli. She must accept the inevitable and marry this man whether she wished to or not. By some twist of fate their lives were now inextricably tangled together and neither of them had a choice in the matter.

  'I see I have no alternative but to agree. At least we will get to know each other better before we're wed. This is all such a muddle and I wish that I'd not fallen into your arms two weeks ago.'

  He was stroking her palm with his thumb and although the sensation was strange for some reason she was reluctant to remove her hand from his.

  'Go to bed, my darling, we both need to sleep.'

  As she was rising he pulled her and she toppled forward. She couldn't struggle as she feared she would further injure his ankle. Her head was resting on his shoulder and he gently turned her face towards him and then pressed his lips to hers.

  'My lord, I have the tisane here to help you sleep.' His valet spoke from behind her.

  'Thank you, Mason. Miss Burgoyne and I have settled on a wedding date.'

  Bella scrambled to her feet and was almost certain she heard his man mutter. 'The sooner the better, I'd say.'

  She left the room not sure if she was happy or not that she was going to marry this charismatic gentleman. The fact that she loved him would make things a little easier for her, but what about him? He desired her but he didn't reciprocate her feelings – would this be enough to make him content with this ill-matched union?

  With his leg broken he would be unable to interfere with her life so she had a few weeks of independence left and she intended to make the most of it.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Simon was determined to get married long before June even if he had to hobble on crutches, or be wheeled in a bath chair. He spent the next two days writing letters setting things in motion and was unsurprised that his darling girl was conspicuous by her absence.

  His future mother-in-law visited on the third day. 'I apologise for my daughter, my lord, she is remiss in her duties by not coming. I'm delighted that the wedding is now confirmed and I've set things in motion for the ceremony to be held as soon as you're able to move.'

  'The doctor is happy with the progress of the injury. There is no infection and already the pain is bearable. If I continue to improve as I am he said I can get out of bed next week as long as I sit on the chaise longue and don't go anywhere else.'

  'Your man is intending to search the attics for a bath chair today. I'm hopeful he'll be successful as these rooms were used by an elderly gentleman and he quite possibly could have had one.'

  'Have you heard when Mr Burgoyne is to return, ma'am?'

  'The last missive I received said he remained in Liverpool and that the news was encouraging. When do you expect your family to arrive?'

  'They will be here in a day or two – I'm sure my sister is eager to see for herself that my injury isn't life-threatening. Lord Danbury and his family will also be here by the following weekend. I'm determined to tie the knot as soon as possible.'

  She smiled. 'Bella is galloping about the country on the horse you bought for her. She insists that you will not allow her to ride astride once you're married and she intends to enjoy herself for as long as she is able.'

  'I'd like to speak to her. Do you think you could persuade her to come? If you assure her that I have no objection to her riding anyway she chooses as long as it's within your park, or mine, she might be prepared to visit.'

  'My daughter is headstrong, wilful even, but if she didn't want to marry you, believe me, she would refuse to continue the arrangement despite the circumstances.'

  He was obliged to wait until the following morning before he got the promised visit. She hesitated in the door as if not sure of her reception.

  'Come in, Bella, my life's been decidedly dull without your company.' He pointed to her forehead. 'I think the stitches have come out – did my doctor attend to that?'

  'He did. I'm most impressed with him. I hear Mason has discovered a chair for you and is at this very moment having it repaired.'

  'I cannot use it to leave this apartment for another two weeks but I can transfer to my sitting room soon. I'm surprised my sister and Aunt Jemima are not here already.'

  'We received a note today that they will be arriving by the weekend. It seems your aunt had business in Town to attend to before they came.'

  He realised at once what was afoot. 'Devil take it! She will be inviting the officers and their families to your house. I should have mentioned it to your mama but it slipped my mind. Do you have the staff to deal with fifty or more guests plus their servants?'

  'This place is the size of a palace. I don't believe that I've visited more than half the rooms in the three years we've lived here. It's always cold even in the summer. I know my parents will be delighted to get rid of it and live somewhere sensible. Are they still to come to your Dower House?'

  'Of course, nothing has changed apart from the venue for our wedding. I'm glad we had the opportunity to waltz together as it might well be some time before we can stand up again.'

  He hadn't asked her to draw n
earer and take the seat beside his bed but during the conversation she'd drifted closer. She picked up the chair and moved it out of his reach before sitting.

  'I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused by my behaviour…'

  'There's no need to apologise, sweetheart, it's forgiven and forgotten. I can hardly hold you to account after breaking my ankle in such a ridiculous fashion.'

  Her remarkable eyes sparkled and her smile was radiant. 'I would say it serves you right for getting drunk if you hadn't injured yourself so grievously.' She hesitated, looked from side to side before speaking again. 'I want you to know that whatever the outcome of your injury I'll consider myself honoured to be your wife.'

  Until the words he'd not considered the possibility that he might be permanently damaged, that the young doctor might be wrong in his assessment of the situation.

  He held out his hand but she hesitated and remained where she was. She was like an unbroken filly, not quite ready to accept the bit, would need gentle handling until she was.

  'I can't tell you how bored I am stuck here with nothing to do. Do you play chess?'

  'I do, but I warn you I am an expert and rarely beaten.'

  'Excellent. All we need now is the board, the pieces and the table upon which to put it.'

  She jumped up. 'You stay where you are, sir, I'll fetch what we need.' He heard her laughing as she rushed off to acquire the necessary items.

  He rang the small brass bell beside his bed. When Mason appeared he sent him in search of a suitable table and also to fetch coffee and pastries from the kitchen.

  'When will my transport be ready?'

  'Another day or two, my lord, no sooner.'

  Simon was certain the bath chair would remain unavailable until Sampson agreed he could use it. Hopefully that would be next week. Being inactive did not suit him and he thought by the time he was allowed to escape this temporary prison he might well become irascible. His lips curved. Well – more irascible than usual.

  *

  Bella thought that playing chess with Simon was the perfect solution to the problem of visiting him and possibly being enticed into his embrace. With him on the far side of the card table she was out of his grasp and all they could do was converse.

  They played several games and the score was even when she finally left his room. 'You need to rest, all the laughing and talking cannot be good for your recovery.'

  His smile made her heart jump. 'On the contrary, my love, I shall recover far quicker in your company than I could mouldering here on my own. Will you come to visit again today?'

  'No, I've spent several hours here already. There are things Mama needs me to assist her with in order to prepare for our influx of visitors. I shall come after my ride tomorrow.'

  When she looked back he was already asleep. She saw his valet busy in the adjoining dressing room and beckoned him out. 'I've no wish to tire the patient, Mason, you must tell me if I'm overstaying my welcome.'

  'The doctor said as long as he remains in bed he can do whatever he wants. The more you stay with him the better, I've never seen him in better spirits than when you're at his side, miss.'

  'Thank you for taking such good care of him for me.'

  There was no necessity to thank a servant for doing their job, but this man was close to Simon and was serving him through affection as much as duty.

  Her mother greeted her with enthusiasm when she eventually located her in the small drawing room at the rear of the building, adjacent to the library. 'I was just about to send for you, my dear, I've heard from your papa and he will soon be on his way from Town. He should be with us in a day or so.'

  'Was his trip successful, do you know?'

  'Indeed it was. Two thirds of the fleet should dock in Liverpool next month. He's delighted that the wedding is to go ahead and believes he has already a buyer for this estate.'

  'So soon? Does that mean you will move to Sawsbury when I leave with Simon?'

  'That decision will be made by your father. Improvements and redecorations must be done to the Dower House before we can live there.'

  'My new home, I'm assured, is even bigger than this and there will be ample room for you both until the refurbishment is completed. We'd intended to visit the Lake District and Scotland for our wedding trip but obviously that will no longer be possible. I don't even know if Simon will be fit to travel after our wedding.'

  'On the subject of your nuptials, my love, I have everything in hand. All I require of you is that you check the number of guest rooms prepared match the number of people we are expecting.'

  'As I've no idea how many are coming apart from Simon and Lord Danbury's family I will find that difficult. Do you have a list?'

  'His lordship was only able to give me a very rough estimate as he had no clear idea of the exact number of single gentlemen who will be amongst those coming. Imagine having a house full for the first time, and the majority of those will be military families.'

  'Have you any events planned for the house party, apart from my wedding, of course?'

  'The gentlemen can play billiards and the ladies can gossip during the day. In the evenings we will dine formally and then there can be cards and dancing.'

  'I'm certain the officers will want more interesting things to do than play billiards. Would you have any objection if I organised some outdoor activities?'

  Her mother was not so easily gulled. 'Exactly what do you have in mind, Annabel?'

  'Some horse races around the park for one, and there are several punts in the boathouse so those could be put out ready for use. What about a treasure hunt of some sort? Simon and I can come up with the clues and be the adjudicators.'

  'Unless some of the gentlemen arrive on horseback there won't be sufficient mounts for them. However, I've no objection to any of your suggestions. What do you think would be suitable for the ladies of the party?'

  'They can take part in the treasure hunt and the punting – I intend to join in the horse racing and I'm sure that Lady Emily will also wish to participate.'

  'If you wish to dance every night let us hope there is someone in the party who can play the piano.'

  'I can do so, as Simon cannot dance then I shall not either.'

  'I'm quite content to play as well so that's the evening entertainment dealt with.'

  The next two days passed in similar fashion and the more time she spent with her future husband the happier she was with the arrangement. The doctor pronounced his patient well enough to be transferred to the sitting room and by a strange coincidence the bath chair appeared the very same day in perfect working order.

  Bella curtailed her morning ride in order to visit Simon the moment he was established in his new position. She had hoped to catch him in his indoor vehicle but he was already stretched out, fully clothed, on the daybed. The only difference to his normal appearance was the lack of a boot on his injured leg. They were interrupted by Mason with a message that the Sawsbury carriage was at that very moment trundling up the drive.

  'Will you be able to join us for dinner tonight?'

  'I haven't decided, but I'll ask the doctor when he calls later today. I am eager to see my sister; will you be kind enough to bring her to me as soon as she arrives?'

  'I'll do that, but I expect she'll wish to change from her travelling gown before she comes here.'

  She rushed out as impatient as he was to meet the visitors. Simon might not be aware of this, but apart from himself there had been no guests at all at Hawksford. Mama was already in the hall waiting to greet their new friends.

  'It's so long since I've entertained I'm quite nervous. I cannot imagine what is keeping your papa from us for so long. His last letter assured me he was about to set off from London.'

  'He'll be here soon, don't fret, Mama. I'm glad Simon's family didn't come whilst he was still bedridden – he looks more like himself now he's correctly dressed. I'm hoping he'll join us for dinner.'

  The front door was open and Bella watched the
carriage rock to a halt. Two footmen were there to let down the steps and escort the visitors inside. Only then did she wonder about Emily and Aunt Jemima's abigails and baggage – surely that should have arrived ahead of them?

  The older lady descended closely followed by Emily, then the two dressers. They had obviously travelled together in the carriage. The more she knew about his family the better she liked them as they apparently didn't have a rigid approach to etiquette and society rules.

  'Welcome, Mrs Featherstone, Lady Emily, I hope you had a pleasant journey,' Mama said politely and she curtsied.

  Emily rushed forward and took her hands. 'Please don't stand on ceremony, ma'am, for soon I'll be part of your family.'

  'Emily, what kept you so long from us? I hope nothing untoward has occurred for there's been enough disaster and excitement already.'

  She embraced her friend and then curtsied to Aunt Jemima. 'The housekeeper will show you to your rooms, then Simon is eager to see you, Emily.'

  'Take me to him immediately, he'll not mind if I'm travel-worn.'

  Arm in arm they hurried down the endless, chilly passageways to the rear of the building. Emily drew her to a halt as they approached the door.

  'How is he really?'

  'He's absolutely fine apart from his broken ankle.'

  'I'm so relieved to hear you say so. I have so much to tell you, come in with me so I don't have to repeat myself.'

  *

  Simon braced himself for the arrival of his sister. It was uncanny how alike she and his future wife were – was this why he'd fallen in love with Bella? Whatever the reasons his feelings were growing stronger by the day and he intended to reveal them to her after their wedding.

  Emily erupted into the room and was about to fling herself into his arms but remembered at the last minute that he had a broken ankle. 'You fraud! Here I am beside myself with worry at your condition and I find you looking perfectly well.'