by Anne Herries
‘What they won’t do is get past Susie Makepeace,’ the girl said, arms akimbo. ‘I’ll see as the door is locked and no one shall touch her while I’ve breath in my body, sir.’
‘Thank you, Susie,’ Sutherland said and slipped half a guinea into her hand. ‘Go down now and prepare a nice supper for this young lady if you will.’
Harry stared at him as the girl went out. ‘No need for that, Sutherland. I’ve asked Annabelle to marry me but I wouldn’t have touched her. I’m not such a cad.’
‘I never thought you were so don’t poker up at me,’ Sutherland said and smiled. ‘You are to be congratulated for rescuing Annabelle – but even if you are to marry we don’t want a cloud hanging over your heads, do we? Better to brush through it with as little scandal as possible – don’t you think?’
‘I don’t care what people think,’ Annabelle said. ‘Besides, my father could not refuse us if I was compromised.’
‘I rather doubt your father will refuse in the circumstances,’ Sutherland said. ‘I shall vouch for Harry myself – and I believe I may have some little influence with Lord Hayes.’
‘It is for the best, Belle,’ Harry said and smiled at her as she reached for his hand. ‘I don’t want you to lose your friends or your family – and if Sutherland can bring us through this…’
‘You and I will share our host’s second-best chamber and supper in the parlour,’ Sutherland said. ‘Miss Hayes, you must eat your supper here and we shall endeavour to smuggle you out of here without being seen early in the morning. The sooner you are home the better. I shall then post down to your father’s estate immediately and see what I can do to arrange things to please you both.'
‘You are very kind, sir,’ Annabelle said and smiled shyly. ‘You do know that Merry was forced to accept that awful man’s proposal because of what her Mama threatened to do to her.’
‘Yes, my godmother told me – lady Melbourne informed her of the unhappy situation, and I believe it has been remedied, though if the gentleman needs more persuasion to give up his claims, I shall be happy to see to it, myself.’
‘Yes, I thought you would,’ Annabelle said and laughed softly. ‘We have both been very fortunate, sir. It must be because of the wishing well.’
‘The wishing well?’ Sutherland’s brows rose.
Annabelle’s eyes were bright with laughter. ‘We both made a wish you see. Miss Merlin told us that if we visited the well at midnight and wished for our heart’s desire it might be granted – and now it has…’
‘And who is Miss Merlin?’
‘She is the headmistress at the school we both attended,’ Annabelle said. ‘She is wonderful – not in the least like most schoolmistresses.’
‘She sounds very unusual,’ Sutherland said. ‘I should like to meet this lady one day.’
‘I’m sure you will if you marry Merry,’ Annabelle said and then blushed. ‘Forgive me, I am presumptuous.’
‘I forgive you,’ Sutherland said. ‘If I am fortunate enough to be accepted I dare say we shall all see one another often…’
Chapter Seven
Merry was looking out of the window on the landing upstairs the next morning when the chaise pulled up. Her arm was still very painful and stiff, though not as bad as it had been the following day. When she saw Annabelle get down closely followed by the Earl of Sutherland, she gave a cry of joy and ran down the stairs, arriving at the bottom just as they were admitted to the hall.
‘Annabelle!’ she cried. ‘We have been worried to death. I hardly slept last night and I dare say your aunt did not either. How are you? I was so anxious lest that rogue should harm you.’
‘I am well and none the worse for my adventure,’ Annabelle replied and went to embrace her. Merry winced and then flinched, because her arm was still sore. ‘Did that hurt…was it when they hit you in the park?’
‘Yes. It has been very painful but it is a little better now,’ Merry said. She looked shyly at Sutherland. ‘I must thank you for rescuing my friend, sir.’
‘As to that, she rescued herself with a little help from Viscount Wrexham,’ Sutherland said and then frowned. ‘I have said nothing before this, but I must tell you that I feel someone needs to say – you should not have been walking in the park without a proper escort. Please do not be so foolish again.’
‘We could not have expected…’ Merry said and then stopped, feeling hot and uncomfortable. ‘I am sorry to have caused so much trouble.’
‘It wasn’t your fault, Merry,’ Annabelle said and glared at him. ‘We never needed an escort at school.’
‘Things were different then,’ Merry said. ‘I know it was careless – and…’ She stopped, because her head was going round and round and she felt awful. ‘Forgive me, I think…’ Suddenly, with no warning, the vomit swept up her throat and she was sick on the floor. She gave a cry of distress, took a step back and then fainted. Had Sutherland not been so quick she would have fallen, but he caught her in his arms before she hit the floor.
‘She is unwell,’ he said. ‘Please show me where she can rest – and send for the doctor…’
‘I’ll do that, my lord,’ a footman sprang into action. ‘Follow me, sir.’
Sutherland did as he was bid, a grim expression on his face. Meanwhile, Lady Mitchell’s housekeeper came into the hall. She ordered a maid to clean up the vomit and then swept Annabelle up to her aunt’s room.
‘Milady has been so anxious for you, Miss Hayes. She will want to see you at once.’
‘Yes, of course,’ Annabelle said. ‘Please have someone fetch the doctor to my friend at once. I do not know if she has seen a doctor but she was hurt badly yesterday and her arm is obviously causing her pain.’
Oblivious of what was going on behind him, Sutherland swept into the bedchamber Merry had been using. The housekeeper pulled back the sheets and he deposited his burden down on fresh clean linen. As he hovered uncertainly, Merry’s eyelids fluttered and she gave a little moan of pain.
‘I’m sorry to be so much trouble…’
‘Please do not apologise,’ Sutherland said. ‘I did not mean to scold. I was not aware that you were ill.’
‘It is nothing…just that my arm is sore where that man hit me with his cudgel…’
‘Have you not seen a doctor? A bone may have been broken. You are a little feverish.’
‘I’m sure it’s nothing,’ Merry said. ‘Please, do not worry. I shall be fine now that I’m resting.’
Sutherland hesitated. He could do nothing here, should not even be in this room with her.
‘I have something to do – something for Miss Hayes and Harry Wrexham. The doctor is coming. Please promise me to do as he tells you – and I shall return as soon as I can. I will call on you at your aunt’s house at the earliest opportunity. Do you understand me, Merry?’
‘Yes, thank you. Please leave me now…I shall be all right…’
‘You ought to go, sir,’ the housekeeper said. ‘It isn’t proper for a gentleman to be in a young lady’s bedroom…’
‘No, of course. I shall return in a few days,’ Sutherland said, then turn and left. He was reluctant to go with things still unsettled between them but Merry was in pain and he had promised to make things right for Annabelle and Harry.
Merry understood that he meant to ask her on his return. He’d made himself clear. Surely, she knew what he’d been hinting at? She must have done. He could not have been plainer in front of the housekeeper.
Cursing himself for having let things come to this pass, he left the house and went out to his chaise. He must go home, change, have his valet put up a few things and then post down to Lord Hayes’ country estate. It would not do for rumours of Annabelle’s abduction to reach her father before Sutherland had had time to set him right…
* * *
Merry opened her eyes the next morning. Sunshine was pouring in at the window and she was feeling much better. Her arm was very bruised but the doctor had assured her that nothing was br
oken, though a huge black bruise was now spreading up her arm as far as her shoulder.
‘You were fortunate, young lady. It could have been much worse. I thought an infection had set in, but it was just the trauma of being beaten like but you will feel better as the bruise comes out. I’ve given you something to help if there is any fever or infection, but I think a day or two in bed should see you right.’
He’d given her something to help her rest and she’d slept through the day and the following night. Now it was morning again and the rest had done her good. She pushed herself up against the pillows as the door opened and Annabelle came in cautiously.
‘Are you feeling better, dearest?’ she asked, and smiled when Merry said yes. She came to the bed and sat on the edge. ‘Lady Melbourne came to see you last evening but you were asleep. She was anxious but I told her the doctor said you would recover in a day or so.’
‘What about you?’ Merry said. ‘Sutherland said you rescued yourself. I didn’t know what he meant. I was going to ask you questions and then I disgraced myself by being sick in front of everyone.’
‘You couldn’t help that,’ Annabelle said. ‘You should have had a doctor immediately instead of coming here to fuss over my aunt. She can be thoughtless but she means well.’
‘Yes, of course. I was just feeling a little unwell. Whatever the earl must have thought…’
‘He was just concerned for you. He has been so kind,’ Annabelle said. ‘He found us at the inn when we were debating what to do and took charge. He has gone to see my father and says he shall persuade him that I should be allowed to marry Harry Wrexham.’
‘Well, I think you should too,’ Annabelle said. ‘I know you love him – and once you’re married no one will try to abduct you and force you into marriage.’
‘That is what Sutherland said.’ Annabelle smiled. ‘If it happens I shall be so happy but I’m afraid Papa will be angry.’
‘The viscount is the heir to a prestigious title and a fortune. I do not see why your father should be angry.’
‘It is because Harry’s mother was a gypsy of course – and he was born a bastard, even though his father has now adopted him.’
‘I think these things have happened in society more than you imagine. Sutherland has proved himself Harry’s friend and I think that should go a long way to appeasing your father’s pride.’
‘I hope you are right,’ Annabelle said. She glanced down at her hands for a moment. ‘You won’t be forced to marry that awful man you mother tried to foist on you, will you?’
‘No, I shall not marry him. My aunt says my mother cannot put me in an institution, because she will not allow it. I was so horrified, Belle – I saw no choice but to accept him. I dare say I shall be branded a jilt but I don’t care. Nothing will make me marry him.’
‘I doubt he will say much. Sutherland will stop his mouth – and no one will receive him if the earl says that he is beyond the pale.’
Merry frowned. ‘Why should he do that for me?’
Annabelle laughed. ‘Surely you know how he feels about you?’
‘I’m not sure. Sometimes I’ve thought…but he hasn’t spoken. I’m afraid to hope for too much in case…’
‘He will speak in time, I’m sure of it,’ Annabelle said. She glanced round as a maid came into the room.
‘Excuse me, miss – but there’s a gentleman to see you downstairs. Viscount Wrexham…’
‘Harry is here!’ Annabelle jumped to her feet. ‘I have to see him, Merry. I’ll come back later and tell you…’
‘Of course. Go and see him – and I wish you luck, dearest.’
Annabelle nodded and went out. Merry leaned back against the pillows. She could feel her lashes wet but she refused to cry. She was glad that Annabelle was in love and would very likely be happy. It was what she’d wished for at the well…but she couldn’t help thinking that it would be nice if she too were on the verge of being engaged to the man she loved.
* * *
‘Annabelle,’ Harry said and went to greet her, his hands outstretched. ‘I know I should have waited until Sutherland returns with your father’s permission, but I had to see you. You are well – and your friend?’
‘Merry is better this morning,’ Annabelle said and took his hands. He pulled her in close and then lowered his head to kiss her. The kiss was sweet and tender and she swayed towards him, feeling her stomach spasm with desire. Her breath came in little gasps as she looked up at him and saw the heat in his eyes. ‘Oh, Harry, I’m glad you came – I love you so much. I have ever since I saw you that day in the woods.’
‘I think I’ve loved you all my life,’ he said and smiled down at her. ‘You are the woman I waited for. No one else ever meant anything to me. I promise I’ll be good to you, Belle. I’ll learn everything my father wants me to learn. I’ll be a gentleman for you, my darling.’
‘You can be a gentleman in company,’ she said and her eyes were filled with mischief. ‘But I loved the wild gypsy lad I saw rescue a fox cub – and that’s the man I want when you close the bedroom door at night, Harry.’
‘Oh, I think I can promise you that he’s still there inside,’ Harry said, and stroked a finger down her throat. His finger touched the little pulse at the base of her throat and then he bent to lick it gently with his tongue. ‘I adore you, Belle. I always shall.’
He slipped a small velvet box from his pocket and offered it. When Annabelle opened it she saw a magnificent sapphire and diamond ring.
‘It’s lovely, Harry.’
‘Not as lovely as you,’ he murmured huskily. ‘You can try it on, dearest, but you cannot wear it until we have your father’s permission.’
‘If he will not give it now…’
Harry touched a finger to her lips. ‘Hush, my love. Sutherland will bring it off if anyone can. I would rather not elope but you have my promise – nothing shall come between us again.’
Annabelle sighed with content and went into his arms. She had found her happiness, now she hoped that her wish would come true and Merry would find hers with the man she loved.
* * *
‘I must go home this morning,’ Merry said the next day. ‘My aunt is anxious to have me with her again – and I ought to do as she thinks proper. She said that if…if Sutherland did not come up to scratch she will take me to Bath for a few weeks and after that to France for the winter.’
‘Surely he will,’ Annabelle said and frowned. ‘It is only three days since he left us for the country and it will take at least another two before he can return to see you.’
‘Yes, I know,’ Merry said. ‘He told me he would call as soon as he could but…’ She sighed. ‘I do not know whether he truly cares for me. I should not want him to ask me just because he thought he should.’
‘You were not abducted or compromised,’ Annabelle said. ‘I am certain he cares for you, dearest – but only you know whether you want to marry him.’
‘Of course I do – if he truly wants me.’
Annabelle kissed her cheek. ‘I think your carriage is here, dearest. I shall call and see you soon. My aunt insists that I take the carriage everywhere now so I have to wait until it is free, which is a nuisance. I hate to have my freedom curtailed.’
‘And so do I. It was lovely in the park that day – playing cricket with our friends…until that man snatched you.’
‘Well, it is over now, but I’ve learned my lesson. I shall not go out alone again, at least until I am married. Next time I might not be so lucky – and you should take care too, Merry. What happened to me could happen to you.’
‘Yes, I know.’ Merry shuddered. Sir George had been told that she was not prepared to keep her promise to wed him, but if he had the chance he might try to snatch her. ‘I shall be very careful, Belle. I would rather die than marry that man.’
Annabelle went out to the front of the house with her. They embraced and kissed before Merry got into her aunt’s carriage and was carried away from the quiet squa
re with its stylish houses and pretty garden.
Her chest hurt a little and she was very close to tears. She’d fought hard not to show it in front of Annabelle, who was very close to achieving her heart’s desire, but she was feeling desperately unhappy.
Surely if the Earl of Sutherland had truly wished to marry her he would have said something before he left for the country.
He must think her a foolish girl to go out walking without an escort of any kind, and perhaps he did not consider her the kind of girl a man like him should marry.
* * *
Lord Hayes had taken some persuading, resulting in a stay of some three days longer than Sutherland had hoped for when he set out. The gentleman was well aware of Wrexham’s background and had been outraged at his audacity in addressing his daughter, but after he learned the facts of the abduction he’d realised that Sutherland was right. They either had to surround the girl with bodyguards or she must marry.
Knowing Annabelle’s stubbornness of old, Lord Hayes did not take long to realise that he would have an uphill fight to force her to marry anyone else. He might once have attempted it, but of late his health had not bee what it was – and he wanted grandsons to follow him. If he refused his permission she might never marry, unless she ran off with the fellow.
In the end he agreed, with the proviso that Annabelle’s inheritance from his own estate was to be put in trust for her sons. Sutherland had no hesitation in agreeing to the clause in the contract. He’d brought in a lawyer and Lord Hayes duly signed.
‘Well, it is not what I would have wished for her,’ Hayes said as his guest took his leave. ‘But tell her she has my blessing and may have the wedding here if she wishes.’
Sutherland shook hands and left with the signed permission and contract in his breast pocket. He was impatient to be in London, but being a man of sensible habits he did not put his horses to the test but drove at his normal pace, which was by no means slow but not breakneck speed.