A Season of Romance

by Wendy Soliman

  He chuckled. 'Perfectly well apart from a badly broken ankle. Sit down and tell me you why you've taken so long to arrive.'

  Bella glanced in his direction and her smile gave him hope that possibly she'd developed feelings for him too. She took a seat some distance from him thus allowing his sister to take the chair meant for her.

  'Aunt Jemima and I had to cancel all our engagements and send notes to those who had accepted the invitation to my ball. Then we arranged for your staff to close the house and to transfer themselves and your belongings to Sawsbury.

  'Then we sent out new invitations to come here to those that had supported us at the Danbury's soirée. You must understand that we were obliged to wait until we had replies so Mrs Burgoyne can know how many to expect next week.'

  'Did any of them refuse because of the new gossip attached to my name?'

  'Everyone who was invited has accepted. There will be seven single officers, some more eligible than others, plus six more with their families. Aunt Jemima is at this very moment discussing the list of names with your mama.'

  'The house is prepared for fifty guests but I dare say we could accommodate more if necessary.'

  'Bella, do you have the necessary staff? I can have those working in London come here instead of Sawsbury if that would help?'

  'Thank you for your kind thought, but Papa took on everyone in the neighbourhood without employment whether we needed them or not. We are shockingly overstaffed and this will be the first time in three years some of them will actually earn their wages.'

  Bella explained to both of them what was being planned to entertain the influx of people. He wasn't happy about the prospect of her racing against men but knew better than to forbid it. He regretted this decision when his sister decided she too would take part in this event if she could find a suitable horse.

  'Are you inviting any of your neighbours?'

  She shook her head. 'I explained to you, Simon, that the toplofty folks around here want nothing to do with us. You will probably be astonished to hear that you are the first person, apart from the vicar and squire, to visit us.'

  'That will be different once we're married. I'm sure your parents will also find friends when they are settled with us.'

  Bella stood up and shook out the skirts of her pretty leaf green muslin. 'Forgive me, both of you, but I must go to my mama and see if there's anything that still needs doing. When did you say the first of the guests are arriving, Emily?'

  'Not until next Friday which gives us ample time to write the clues for the treasure hunt and arrange everything else. You are going to hold a celebration ball on your wedding day, I hope?'

  'I've no idea what's been arranged, Emily, but I would certainly like to mark the occasion. What do you think, sweetheart?'

  'We've never used the ballroom – in fact we've only used but two of the main reception rooms. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to seeing them opened up.'

  She dashed off in a flurry of skirts leaving him alone with his sister. As soon as the door closed her happy smile faded.

  'I couldn't tell you the true state of affairs when Bella was here. I've no wish to overset her.'

  He pushed himself more upright on the daybed. 'Go on, tell me the worst. But before you do you need to know that the marriage will go ahead regardless.'

  'Whatever you think at this moment I fear you might wish you could change your mind. I know you and Bella will be married but it's better to know than to be left in ignorance.'

  'For God's sake, stop prevaricating and tell me what's being said.'

  'Bella is now accused of meeting a lover at that hostelry. They say the hurried wedding is because she's in an interesting condition and the child is not yours. They say you are so desperate for money you're prepared to take on another man's bastard…'

  He wasn't sure which shocked him more, the information or the fact that his sister was prepared to discuss it so openly.

  'It's bad, but as there will be no baby in eight months' time that particular salacious piece of gossip will be proved inaccurate. I don't give a damn about any of it, but more to the point, do you? It's going to affect you more than it will us – it could well ruin your chances of making a successful marriage.'

  'I don't give a fig about that. Aunt Jemima said that in twelve months it will have been forgotten and someone else will be the topic of conversation in the drawing rooms of the ton.'

  'Then we shall ignore it and concentrate on the celebrations ahead. It's a damned nuisance about my ankle, it makes everything so much more complicated.'

  'Tell me, brother, exactly how did this accident take place?'

  Chapter Sixteen

  Bella was about to retreat to her apartment to begin her preparations for dinner when she received a message that Simon wished to see her urgently. Her stomach lurched. Had the news from London been so appalling he wished to cancel their nuptials after all?

  Then she recovered her equilibrium. Mama and Mrs Featherstone would not be so enthusiastic about the house party if the wedding was to be cancelled. Papa had arrived an hour ago and had been closeted with her mother ever since. She had not had a moment to speak to him herself as she'd been busy writing the clues for the treasure hunt with Emily.

  Still in her green muslin – she refused to change in the middle of the day unless it was into a riding habit – she made her way to the ground floor chambers. The place was positively crawling with unfamiliar faces getting everything ready for next week.

  Every single guest room, as well as those normally reserved for family, would be in use. All the rooms in the attics and in the servants' quarters below stairs would also be filled to capacity. There was a constant trundle of diligences arriving from the nearby town, as well as the village and local farms, bringing in the necessary supplies to feed so many extra mouths.

  Fortunately, there was ample room in the stables for those horses that must be kept inside and those that were hardier could be turned out into the nearby home paddock.

  She hesitated outside Simon's sitting room unwilling to go in in case she heard the worst possible news even though she knew this was extremely unlikely. Was now the time to tell him that she loved him or would this just exacerbate matters?

  Somehow he'd sensed her presence and called out cheerfully. 'Stop dithering about out there, my love, and come in. We don't have long before you must get changed for dinner.'

  'Why the urgent message? What was it you needed to say to me that couldn't wait until later?'

  'I wanted to be sure that you're not too concerned about the further damage to your reputation and to assure you I don't give a fig for it.'

  'Aunt Jemima has assured me that it will be stale news in a week or two. Once we're married and I'm your countess I'll be of higher status than most of those that are gossiping now. The only thing that concerns me is the fact that you'll be unable to go to your clubs.'

  He raised an eyebrow. 'Why should I not visit them?'

  'It would be far too risky; a gentleman in his cups is bound to insult me and then you'll feel obliged to call him out and would be arrested or possibly hung for murder.'

  His delighted laughter filled the room. 'In which case, my love, I'll take your advice and remain with you at Sawsbury.' He gestured to his splints. 'By the time I'm able to go to Town I doubt that anyone will even remember.'

  'I can't wait to see you being pushed about in that contraption. Have you asked Mason to cut the leg of your evening trousers?'

  'Certainly not. I'm not changing for dinner. As it's only family at the table I doubt anyone will object. No, don't frown. I can assure you I'll be correctly attired by the time our guests arrive. I gather your father is now home – I'd hoped he would come to see me but as yet he hasn't.'

  Papa spoke from behind her. 'I'm here now, my boy, but cannot remain more than a few minutes.'

  She was tempted to stay in order to hear what had kept him away so long but both gentlemen looked at her pointedly.
She laughed and dashed off leaving them to discuss their business in private. Mama would tell her what she knew and there was just time to visit her before returning to her own apartment.

  On knocking she was bid to enter. 'Quickly, child, come in so I can tell you why your father was delayed.'

  'He's speaking to Simon at this very moment and I was sent away.'

  'Apart from the unpleasant rumours circulating in London about you and Lord Sawsbury all of it is good news. Papa was signing the papers which will transfer this place to the new owners in June. He also visited Sawsbury Hall and the Dower House and had set in motion the necessary refurbishments for our new abode. He tells me it's a delightful property, has half a dozen bedchambers, three reception rooms and excellent stabling. Although it's part of the park it also has its own private garden so I can continue to grow my roses.'

  She flung her arms around her mother. 'I find my feelings towards him have changed – I won't embarrass him by revealing that I love him, but because I do it's going to make it much easier for me.'

  'I knew the moment I set eyes on him that he was perfect for you. Run along, Bella, and get changed as it would not do for either of us to be tardy tonight.'

  The gown she'd selected had a pale green silk underskirt and the overdress was of golden sparkles. Her slippers were golden too and there were matching green and gold ribbons threaded through her elaborate hair arrangement.

  She scarcely recognised herself in the long glass. 'I look so grown-up, Annie. Isn't it amazing what a fine gown can do to one's appearance?'

  Her maid adjusted the gold wrap around her shoulders, smoothed out the skirts of the gown and carefully hooked the small loop of silk, that would hold up the demi-train, over her waiting wrist.

  Emily and Mrs Featherstone had rooms on this side of the house and she hesitated in the passageway not sure if they'd gone down already. After a few moments she decided it would be better if she proceeded on her own.

  She paused at the head of the grand staircase that swept in a magnificent curve of intricately carved oak from the gallery to the hall. She caught her breath and her pulse skittered. He was waiting for her in his chair and he'd lied. Somehow his valet had adapted his evening clothes so he could wear them and he looked quite magnificent despite the fact that he was seated.

  His eyes blazed and she couldn't look away. She was obliged to grasp the banister to steady herself before she descended. There was no sign of his man or indeed of anyone else although she could hear the sound of voices coming from the drawing room.

  'Darling girl, you've never looked more beautiful. Forgive me my small deception, I wanted to surprise you.' He held out his hand and her feet moved of their own volition until she was standing beside him.

  She was so flustered she said the first thing that came into her head. 'Are you expecting me to push you in this thing? I doubt that I can do it successfully dressed as I am.'

  He reached out and took her hand. 'Mason is lurking somewhere.' He snapped the fingers on his free hand and sure enough his valet arrived.

  *

  As far as Simon was concerned Bella's pink cheeks and rapid pulse were a good sign. They demonstrated that she found him desirable even if she hadn't quite fallen in love with him.

  'Shall we join the others in the drawing room? I've no idea what sort of dinner will be served as we've never entertained before.'

  'Everything I've eaten so far has been delicious so I don't think you've anything to worry about. I expect you already know that this house is sold.'

  'Mama told me. I wish now we'd gone to your house so I had some idea what my future home looks like.'

  'It's of similar vintage to this place, too large and too cold. With your permission I'll raze it to the ground and build us something smaller with all the modern conveniences.'

  'Are you asking because the expense will be met by my inheritance? There's no need to have my approval. As your wife all I have belongs to you anyway.'

  He was still holding her hand and she didn't seem eager to remove it. 'Good God!' He couldn't keep back his exclamation of astonishment when he saw the extraordinary ensemble Aunt Jemima had appeared in.

  'Hush, I think she looks perfectly splendid. I'm sure she'll wear something more conventional when we have guests here.'

  'I sincerely hope so. The plethora of bead fringing on all her garments is not only noisy but reminds me of a Romany.'

  'There you are, my boy, I can see that you're not enamoured by my garments. Are you worried that I'll wear them to your nuptials?'

  'I admit that I was somewhat startled by the…by the bright colours, but now I'm accustomed to them I find them quite attractive.'

  A choking sound beside him almost set him off too. Fortunately, his sister stepped into the situation and began discussing the forthcoming treasure hunt.

  Mason wheeled him into the dining room and then hovered to see if he'd be needed. Simon was able to lift himself from the bath chair with comparative ease. He was certain he heard a collective sigh of relief as he settled himself at the table.

  The food was excellent but he drank little and he was glad that Bella only took one glass of wine all evening. He had no wish to linger over port with his future father-in-law so the entire party moved back to the drawing room at the end of the meal.

  By ten o'clock when the tea tray and coffee jug arrived he was having difficulty keeping his eyes open. How the hell could he be so tired when for the past few days he'd done absolutely nothing? Then his valet was at the handles of his vehicle and he was whisked away to a chorus of good nights.

  Sampson was no longer coming every day but was due first thing tomorrow, which was fortuitous, as there was something most particular that he needed to discuss with him.

  'I'm just next door as usual, my lord, and will come if you ring or call.'

  'Thank you, Mason. Good night.'

  When the doctor had visited the next morning he was impatient to ask him some pertinent questions.

  'I'm intending to be married in two weeks. Firstly, can I use crutches or must I remain in this? Secondly, I wish to be able to make love to my wife on our wedding night – is there any objection to that?'

  The physician laughed. 'It would be better if you waited until June when you're able to walk normally but who am I to stand in the way of true love? Do you have crutches made for you already?'

  'I do – you can see them leaning against the wall on the far side of my bedchamber.'

  The doctor vanished to inspect the items and returned with them under his arm. 'These will do perfectly, my lord. The break is healing faster than I'd expected. I think it will be in order for you to try these out next week.'

  'And the other matter?'

  'As long as nothing you do involves putting weight on your ankle then you'll do it no harm. I feel it behoves me to point out it might well be the future Lady Sawsbury who will be injured by your splints.'

  'I can assure you that won't happen. There's no need for you to attend me again unless I send for you. Thank you for your expertise.'

  The young man nodded and strolled out. The crutches were still within arm's reach and Simon was about to stretch out for them when his valet snatched them away.

  'No, my lord, not until the end of next week.'

  'I wish you to take me outside, if you go through the drawing room and directly onto the terrace I can foresee no problems with this contraption.'

  The weather was warm for the first week of April and he tossed aside the rug which had been solicitously tucked around his lower limbs.

  'Push me to the steps so I can see the park clearly. The wall blocks my vision everywhere else.'

  'There are tables and chairs, sir, do you wish to set up one of them. You will have a better view and can work from there.'

  Soon Simon was settled with his injured leg propped on a second chair. He had a pile of correspondence waiting to be attended to and he sent his valet to fetch it from the study. He'd never employed
a secretary as he much preferred to take care of as much business personally as he could. He had an excellent estate manager who was now a happy man as he had more than enough funds to set in motion the vital repairs and renewals for the farms and the workers cottages.

  An hour after his arrival he saw two horses emerge from the woods at the far end of the park. His sister and his future wife were returning from their hack. They had promised to join him after their morning ride in order to finalise the arrangements for the treasure hunt. He rang the bell and instructed the footman to bring luncheon in an hour for the three of them.

  *

  Bella patted Rufus on the neck as she dismounted. 'Good boy, the more I ride you the better I like you. Silver Star goes well with you, Emily, are you satisfied with her?'

  'Absolutely. She is as good as anything we have in our own stables. However, she is a trifle slow so I intend to find something speedier for the races.'

  'We have half a dozen hunters and two of the carriage horses also go well under saddle. Unfortunately, none of them will tolerate a side-saddle.'

  'Then I'll ride like you – I've got a similar divided skirt to yours and breeches to wear under them. Show me these hunters and I'll choose the one I like the best.'

  Annie had hot water and a delightful confection in striped Indian cotton waiting for her. 'His lordship is on the terrace, miss, and sent his man to ask if you'll join him there.'

  'Then I must hurry.'

  Emily was emerging from her own apartment as she stepped out of her sitting room. 'We are to have luncheon al fresco with my brother.'

  'My parents don't approve of picnics or eating in the fresh air so I'm certain they will not wish to join us.' She raised her hand and sniffed. 'I can still detect a whiff of the stables. I should have taken longer over my ablutions.'

  'Too late to repine. I've not seen Aunt Jemima today. I wonder why she didn't come down to breakfast.'

  'I'm sure she's not indisposed. I've never seen a healthier individual of any age, let alone someone in their sixties.'

  When she stepped through the drawing room doors onto the terrace, she stopped so suddenly her friend walked into her and they all but fell head first.