Mr. Rushford's Honor

by Meg Alexander

  ‘Good gracious, Mr Newby,’ Gina simpered. ‘Are you fleeing from the law?’

  ‘No, ma’am, this is my valet, Stubbins.’

  Gina turned a soulful gaze upon the servant. ‘Why, Mr Newby will be so glad to see you. He has been sadly at a loss, have you not, my dear?’

  Thomas choked and turned his laughter into a cough. ‘I have indeed. Where have you been, you dog?’

  Stubbins gave his charge an uncertain look. He’d expected fury, defiance and anything but to find his master escorting a lady who would clearly have gained the approval of Mr Newby, senior.

  Now Stubbins sought to rally his forces.

  ‘Beg pardon, Mr Thomas, but you left London without giving me your direction…’

  ‘An oversight,’ Thomas asserted stoutly.

  ‘Were you thinking of me, my dear?’ Gina draped herself artistically about her companion’s person. ‘How sweet of you.’

  Thomas patted her on the shoulder. ‘There, there!’ he said. ‘I must get you back to the Grange before you catch a chill. Stubbins will ride ahead for us. Lady Whitelaw’s feet are wet. She must have hot broth as soon as she arrives.’ With a wave of his hand he dismissed the dreaded Stubbins. Then he shouted with laughter.

  ‘Mr Newby, please! You must not let him hear you. I’m sure he has your best interests at heart.’

  ‘Now, ma’am, you shall not preach to me. What a card you are! Stubbins will be convinced that I am trying to fix my interest with you. My father will have the news before the week is out.’

  ‘Oh dear!’ Gina looked repentant. ‘Shall you mind very much? I’m sorry, but Stubbins looked so…so very disapproving of you. I could not resist the opportunity to tease.’

  ‘Lady Whitelaw, from now on you may consider me your slave. I had not thought to live to see the day when Stubbins could be routed.’

  ‘It was unkind of me. You see, Mr Newby, I am not at all to be trusted. I am inclined to follow impulse.’

  ‘And a most charming impulse, ma’am, if I may say so. I am deeply honoured.’

  ‘Come now, Mr Newby,’ Gina spoke in a rallying tone. ‘We hear on all sides that you are a confirmed bachelor.’

  ‘Lady Whitelaw, you could change my mind,’ came the swift reply.

  Apparently Gina did not hear him as she went indoors.

  Mrs Rushford looked up eagerly as they returned to the salon. Then her face clouded.

  ‘Where is Giles?’ Her tone was sharp. She had expected to see Gina escorted by her son and not by Thomas Newby.

  ‘Why, ma’am, he kindly offered to show the girls a badger sett,’ Gina told her smoothly. She’d seen the look of mortification on Mrs Rushford’s face, and was aware of the reason for it.

  ‘Such folly! Your girls will take their death of cold to be kept outdoors of an evening. I am surprised that you allowed it, Lady Whitelaw. Sometimes I wonder at Giles…so little regard for other people’s health…to say nothing of the proprieties!’

  ‘Why, Isabel, what can you mean?’ Lord Isham laid his cards aside. ‘I hope you aren’t suggesting that Mair and Elspeth are in danger of injuring their reputations by taking a walk with Giles.’ He gave his mother-in-law a pleasant smile, but she was quick to notice that it did not reach his eyes.

  ‘Of course not!’ she said hastily. ‘But Giles is so impulsive. Believe me, Lady Whitelaw, he is all heart. It would not occur to him that he might overtire the girls, in his wish to give them pleasure.’

  ‘I thank you for your concern, but the girls are used to walking. As you see, they have come to no harm…’ She looked up as the others returned. ‘Did you see the badgers?’ she enquired.

  ‘We were too early, Gina. They come out to feed only when it is full dark, so Giles tells us…’

  Mrs Rushford was silent. It had occurred to her for once that she must watch her tongue, if Gina was to be persuaded into accepting Giles. It could serve no useful purpose to criticise him in public.

  That worthy resolution did not apply to a private talk. She called Giles over to her under the cover of general conversation.

  ‘What are you about?’ she hissed. ‘Must you pay so much attention to those stupid girls? You should be trying to fix your interest with their stepmother.’

  Giles paled so quickly that she was startled. His eyes flashed, and she could see that he was controlling his temper only with an effort.

  ‘Come,’ she said more gently. ‘I am thinking only of you, my dear. You must not take it amiss. Why should you object to making yourself agreeable to Gina? She has improved so much, as you may see for yourself. Why, one might almost believe that she is one of us.’

  Giles was about to turn away. He was seized with the urge to tell her to hold her tongue, but he was incapable of speech. His mother caught at his sleeve.

  ‘Listen to me!’ she urged. ‘Why must you be so foolish? You won’t make the least push to improve your fortunes, even when the chance is there for you. Take care, my boy. If I’m not mistaken your friend Newby will be ahead of you.’

  Giles looked at her then, and his mother shrank away. At that moment he looked capable of murder. She knew that she had gone too far, but Giles was too much of the gentleman to vent his anger on her.

  ‘Newby is welcome to try his luck,’ he said in a colourless tone. With that he walked back to the others.

  Chapter Five

  The party broke up almost at once, but not before the girls had whispered a request to Gina.

  ‘May Mr Newby call on us?’ Elspeth asked. ‘He’s promised to show us how to waltz. That’s if you have no objection…?’

  ‘None whatever! He can teach me too. We must be in the fashion when we go to Brighton.’

  Gina issued her invitation without delay, though she did not mention the reason for it. She’d thought it best to use the excuse of a riding expedition.

  ‘We three are used to riding daily,’ she explained. ‘But Giles has warned me that it isn’t wise to go about without an escort in these difficult times. If the gentlemen would be so kind…?’ she looked an appeal at Thomas Newby.

  ‘Glad to, ma’am,’ he replied promptly. ‘We’d be honoured to escort you, wouldn’t we, Giles?’

  That gentleman bowed in Gina’s direction. ‘Under other circumstances it would be a pleasure, ma’am, but I have duties here. I’ve been away for several weeks, and there is much to do.’

  His mother glared at him. ‘Nonsense!’ she said sharply. ‘India has a bailiff, and Anthony will be here. You cannot be indispensable to the place, isn’t that so?’ She looked at Isham for support.

  His Lordship nodded. The situation was beginning to intrigue him. ‘I think you should oblige the ladies, Giles. After all, they will not wish to ride all day.’

  Giles felt trapped. Everyone seemed to have conspired against him. Now he was left with no alternative but to accept the invitation without giving offence. Still he hesitated. His plans to avoid Gina’s company were apparently doomed to failure.

  ‘Do come!’ she begged in a low voice. ‘The riding is a pretext. Mr Newby has promised to teach the girls to waltz, and they are so excited…’

  Giles bowed again. ‘It will be a pleasure,’ he said without conviction.

  ‘Then shall we say tomorrow…perhaps in the afternoon? We promise not to take up too much of your time.’ With that she allowed herself and the girls to be ushered to their carriage, but she was lost in thought as they drove home.

  She knew Giles all too well. It was clear that he was determined to avoid her company if possible. Was she being cruel? Perhaps, but her resolution did not falter. He still loved her. She was sure of it. Her offer of casual friendship had been deliberate, as was her untroubled manner when she was by his side.

  His efforts to avoid her confirmed what she already knew. He could not trust himself to pretend that he no longer wanted her. Her attitude had hurt him, but better to hurt him now than to run the risk of rejection if she’d thrown herself into his arms.

&nb
sp; She sighed at the folly of men and their foolish pride. Would a woman have thrown away the chance of happiness because of such stupid scruples?

  She thought not, but then, women were so much more sensible in these matters. Giles felt that his honour was at stake. He was no fortune-hunter, and unwillingly she respected him for it, but she loved him so.

  The solution to her problem seemed no nearer. Giles would not offer for her in his present circumstances.

  She might appeal to Anthony for advice, but that would be a mistake. She must not discuss Giles behind his back. If he found out all would be at an end between them. She alone must solve this problem. She longed to think of a way to do so.

  Her mouth curved in a wry smile. Why had she fallen in love with such a stiff-necked creature? Her money was enough for both of them, and she too owned estates which needed managing. She knew well enough that she must not mention them. Giles would regard such a suggestion as charity, but of what use were possessions if they stood in the way of happiness? She would never make him see it, so for the present she would take one day at a time.

  The following morning brought the promise of rain.

  ‘Will they come, do you suppose?’ Elspeth was standing by the window gazing anxiously at the lowering skies.

  ‘Nothing is more certain,’ Gina comforted. ‘When gentlemen make arrangements they do not break their word.’

  ‘But if it rains Mrs Rushford won’t believe that we intend to ride. Must we ride, Gina? May we not spend the time in learning to waltz?’

  ‘No, my dear. If the day is fine we shall ride, if only for a short distance. Would you have me guilty of lying to Lord and Lady Isham?’

  ‘No, I suppose not, but if that stuffy Mrs Rushford had not been so disapproving we might have just had dancing lessons.’

  ‘There will be time enough for that when we get back. Now, Elspeth, you must go back to your books if you are to have a holiday this afternoon. Cheer up, my love, after nuncheon you may forget your studies for the rest of the day.’

  ‘Good. May I wear my new riding habit?’

  ‘Of course.’ Gina hid a smile. She guessed that there would be much primping before the girls were ready to greet their visitors.

  She herself had much to do. Summoning her cook, she discussed menus for the week. Then she spent some time upon her household accounts. The sound of distant hammering reminded her that the builders were at work. She rose from her desk and made a quick tour of inspection.

  The men greeted her with respect. Gina knew what she wanted. At first they’d had some reservations about working for a female. From long experience they imagined that she would change her mind a dozen times about the alterations to the house. It had come as a surprise to find that her plans were clear. Gina had given her instructions and from then on she did not interfere.

  Even so, they were under no illusions. Always polite and charming, Lady Whitelaw’s keen eyes examined every detail. No shoddy workmanship would do for her.

  After nuncheon Gina went upstairs to change. Her dark green riding habit fitted her to perfection. It was severely plain, but it emphasised her tiny waist and the swelling curves of her bosom.

  She studied it in the cheval glass and was satisfied. She had been wise to eschew the fashionable frogging and tassels which were all the rage this year. She had not the height to carry off such decoration. Nothing detracted from the excellent cut of the garment and the clean lines made her look taller.

  She had just picked up her charming little hat and was preparing to go downstairs when Hanson knocked at her door.

  ‘Madam, you have company,’ he announced.

  ‘So soon? They are early. I did not expect them yet…’ Her heart was already beating faster at the thought of seeing Giles again.

  But it wasn’t Giles and Thomas Newby who awaited her in the salon. Her colour rose as she encountered the knowing look of her father’s brother, Samuel Westcott.

  He came towards her with both arms outstretched, but Gina moved swiftly, so that the sofa lay between them. She gave him a stiff bow.

  ‘Uncle, I am surprised to see you here,’ she said in a cool tone. ‘Father is not with you?’

  ‘No, no, my dear, but I bring a message from him. He asks if you will dine at the new house on Thursday.’

  ‘I shall be glad to.’ Her manner was uncompromising.

  ‘Well, now, don’t you have a kiss for your old uncle?’ He had rounded the corner of the sofa and was moving towards her.

  ‘Uncle, you had best sit down. If you touch me you’ll regret it…’

  His expression changed. ‘Too good for us now, my girl? You always were a spiteful little minx…’ Instinctively he rubbed the back of his hand.

  Gina glanced down and was pleased to see that it bore a scar. ‘I thought you might have learned your lesson,’ she said pointedly.

  He gave her a malicious look. ‘Little cat! There was no call for you to bite me as you did.’

  ‘On the contrary, there was every reason. Did you think me too young to understand your pawing and your stroking?’

  He sniggered. ‘Just affection for a pretty niece. If you took it amiss, why didn’t you tell your father?’

  ‘He wouldn’t have believed me. My father is a man of honour. He would not imagine that his brother could behave so ill…’

  ‘Tush! What was it, after all? A kiss or two, a hug…?’

  ‘You disgust me!’ she said clearly. ‘I have not forgotten how you were always pulling me on to your knee, and sliding your hand beneath my clothing.’

  ‘You have a dirty mind,’ he accused. ‘I’d be sorry to think that my own girls should think as you do.’

  There was no amusement in Gina’s laugh. ‘Pray don’t think me a fool,’ she said shortly. ‘Even at fifteen I was aware of your intentions. You made them clear enough on the day that I left Abbot Quincey.’

  ‘Namby-pamby miss,’ he mocked. Even so, he could not meet her eyes.

  Gina watched with interest as a flood of colour suffused his face. Samuel Westcott had always been an ugly man and the years had not been kind to him. Always inclined to excess flesh, now he was positively gross. Pantaloons and waistcoat strained over an enormous belly, and his neckcloth strove in vain to contain his double chins. A small mouth and heavy-lidded eyes almost disappeared in folds of fat.

  Now those eyes gave her a vindictive look. Then he turned his head away.

  Gina found that she was trembling. It had taken years to wipe out the memory of that dreadful day when he had trapped her in the store-room of the bakery and tried to rape her. She’d fought him off, biting and scratching as she did so, but it was the final straw. Next time she might not be so lucky. Her answer had been to flee as far away as possible.

  Now she was praying that the girls would not appear. She rang the bell, intending to ask Hanson to send them out of the house on some pretext or other, but she was too late. Dressed in their most becoming habits, Mair and Elspeth hurried into the room.

  ‘Are they here? Hanson said…’ Mair stopped and bobbed a curtsey. ‘Oh, I’m sorry, we did not know that you had company.’

  ‘This is my uncle, Samuel Westcott,’ Gina said coldly. ‘He is just about to leave…’

  Both girls stared at her in astonishment. This was not the gentle, friendly Gina they knew.

  Samuel Westcott had struggled to his feet, but now he sank back again on to the sofa. ‘I’m in no hurry, Gina,’ he said smoothly.

  She saw with dismay that his tiny eyes were gleaming as they roved over Mair and Elspeth. ‘Charming, quite charming!’ he announced. ‘Tell me, my dears, when do you make your come out?’

  ‘The girls are too young to think of it as yet,’ Gina said sharply. ‘I’m afraid you will have to excuse us, Uncle, but we have an appointment…’

  ‘Of course.’ He struggled to his feet again, but his eyes were fixed on the girls. ‘You’ll bring the young ladies with you when you come to dine, I hope?’

  G
ina felt sick. She turned to the girls. ‘I have forgot my crop and my handkerchief,’ she lied. ‘Will you fetch them for me?’

  Obediently they went to do her bidding. Then Gina swung round on her uncle. ‘Lay a finger on either Mair or Elspeth and I will ruin you,’ she promised.

  ‘Brave words, little Gina. I think you have forgot. I’m a man of substance now.’

  ‘It won’t be enough to save you. I have influential friends. I’ll make it my business to see that you lose everything, your home, your business and your reputation.’

  ‘Hoping to sink your teeth into me again?’ he sneered.

  ‘Not this time,’ she assured him. ‘I have more experience now. My next attack will leave you crippled.’

  He was given no opportunity to reply. At that moment the door to the salon opened and Giles and Thomas Newby were announced.

  Giles was at once aware of the tension in the room. Something had happened to shake Gina out of her composure, but her visitor was about to take his leave. As the door closed behind Samuel Westcott he moved to Gina’s side.

  ‘You are very pale,’ he observed quietly. ‘Has something happened to upset you?’

  ‘It’s nothing.’ Gina shook her head. She had never told Giles the true reason for her flight from Abbot Quincey. There seemed little point in raking up old memories.

  ‘Gina, this is me, remember? I thought we were to be good friends. If you are worried…?’

  She decided that a half-truth was better than nothing. ‘Well if you must have it, I find my uncle something of a trial. It was a shock to see him here today.’

  With commendable tact, Thomas had been studying a picture at the far end of the room. Now he came towards them.

  ‘The rain holds off,’ he said cheerfully. ‘We shall yet have our ride.’

  With an effort Gina recovered her self-control. ‘I’ve promised that it will be short,’ she said. ‘The girls cannot wait to learn the waltz.’

  Thomas grinned as he looked down at his gleaming Hessians. ‘I must crave your indulgence, Lady Whitelaw. I ain’t no dancing master at the best of times. In these boots I shall prance round like an elephant.’