The Reluctant Bride

by Meg Alexander

  She looked at Isham and smiled, 'What shall I find to do?' she asked. 'This household must run like clockwork."

  He took a turn around the room. 'It does,' he agreed. 'I would not have it any other way. In the Season you will not have time to bother your head with details, but at present you may find London dull. January is not the most popular time to find society.'

  'I shall not mind that,' she told him truthfully.

  'Perhaps not,' he eyed her thoughtfully. 'There is one thing we might do. You might choose your wardrobe for the coming Season. Shall I make an appointment with Madame Felice?'

  'I'd like that.' Even in provincial Cheshire India had become aware of the inadequacies of her present clothing. The need for something more fashionable had become acute.

  'I think she will see me,' she murmured. 'Someone gave me an introduction.'

  A smile softened the harsh features. 'She will see us, India. You may be sure of it.'

  'Us?' India stared at him.

  'Of course! I shall accompany you.'

  She felt a little spurt of anger. Did he think her such a dowd that she was incapable of choosing becoming clothing for herself? It was a ridiculous notion. Besides, no gentlemen of her acquaintance would be seen dead on the premises of a mantua-maker.

  The dark eyes studied her face and then he laughed.

  'Shall I tell you why, my dear? In the interests of economy and also to prove your independence you would choose one gown. That will not serve. We shall visit Madame Felice together.'

  'My Lord, you have not yet seen the bill from the dressmaker in Northampton,' she said nervously.

  'I doubt that will keep me awake at night.' He dismissed the subject. 'India, I have much to do for the next few days. Let us get this matter over with tomorrow.'

  If she had had any doubts as to his ability to make an appointment at such short notice, they were soon dispelled. A note sent round by hand brought back an immediate reply. Madame would be happy to see Lord and Lady Isham on the following day.

  Next morning India eyed her own reflection in the cheval mirror with some anxiety. The bronze pelisse and bonnet were well enough in their way, but there was no denying that they had been chosen for the previous Season. Madame would find her talents exercised to the utmost if she was to transform this ugly duckling into a woman of fashion. India gritted her teeth against the coming ordeal, but if she had expected anything other than the warmest of welcomes she was to be mistaken.

  To India's astonishment she found that this latest star in the fashion firmament was little more than a girl. In place of the formidable tyrant she had expected, the woman who advanced to greet them smiled shyly and invited them to be seated. If anything, her manner was diffident, and India's curiosity was aroused. There must be some mistake, she thought to herself. This slender creature with her pale gilt hair and wondrous eyes was clearly a beauty, but she was much too young to have acquired such a dazzling reputation.

  India soon revised her first impression, as a succession of models paraded before her clad in Madame's designs. She knew at once that here was a talent of the highest order. There was so much choice that she found it impossible to make a decision, but she went willingly into a dressing-room to have her measurements taken.

  Isham himself had made no comment upon the gowns, but he looked perfectly at ease, and not in the least alarmed to find himself alone with Madame Felice.

  India wondered what on earth they would find to talk about, but when she emerged she found them deep in conversation.

  Then Madame came towards her, her own gown cut to perfection, and her hair dressed in a style which could only be the work of the finest hairdresser in London, a Frenchman.

  'Will you put yourself in my hands, my lady?' she asked shyly.

  India nodded.

  'Then we shall forget all frills and bows. I see you in jewel colours, rich greens and blues, and sometimes gold. The fabrics themselves will be ornament enough, together with your hair and colouring.' She paused. 'Your height is another asset. My gowns look best on someone of your stature.'

  'They are all quite beautiful,' India told her warmly. 'I can't think what to choose.'

  'Perhaps you will leave it to me? For the present his lordship thought that you might like these garments to carry you through the spring.' She gestured towards a cluster of girls, who now paraded through the room clad in glowing velvets and pelisses of fine wool.

  'All of them?' India glanced at Isham.

  'All of them,' he pronounced firmly. 'Now off you go to choose your bonnets. I will not venture into that domain.'

  He waited patiently as Madame bore India off into another room. The task of choosing suitable hats was accomplished without delay, as Madame had firm views on those which would complement her outfits.

  Then with a word of thanks for Lady Isham's custom she bade her visitors farewell.

  As Isham turned his horses towards Grosvenor Square he glanced down at his bride.

  'You are very quiet, India. I hope that you are pleased with your purchases.'

  'They are more beautiful than anything I have seen before. I am quite overwhelmed, and I must thank you for your generosity.'

  'It is my pleasure, I assure you, but I must hope that it has not robbed you of the power of speech.'

  'No, it isn't that! But Madame? I must confess that I was surprised. I had not expected a girl.'

  'A girl with something of genius, I believe.'

  'Yes, I am sure of it, but what do you know about her? Is she French? She had no trace of an accent.'

  'She is something of a mystery, my dear. No one knows anything of her background. It is remarkable that she has managed to establish such a reputation within a few short months.'

  'That's true. It was only after we came away from London before the Season ended that our friends began to write about her in such glowing terms.'

  'Will they be in London still? I shall be happy to meet them if you care to invite them to dine.'

  'I'll send round to enquire, but in the usual way they don't arrive in London before April, when the Season starts.'

  'I see. Well, my dear, we shall not be here for long.

  A day or two will see my business finished. Then we shall return to Abbot's Quincey. You will be glad to see your family again. In the meantime you might take Nan if you should wish to do some shopping. I would suggest Bond Street and the Burlington Arcade.'

  She saw little of him for the next day or two. She had not ventured to enquire about the nature of his business and he volunteered no information. At least, she thought with some relief, it did not involve the opera-dancer. Each night his lordship had dined at home.

  As he had suggested, she occupied her time with shopping, choosing shoes and gloves, scarves and handkerchiefs, and also a charming reticule which caught her eye. These expeditions were brought to a halt when packages began to arrive for her. They included a fine chinchilla muff and another of sealskin. She had not ordered them, and she mentioned the fact to Isham.

  'I thought I would send them back,' she murmured.

  'I wouldn't advise it, since I ordered them myself,' he told her. 'Consider the English winter, India. You are like to freeze throughout February and March.'

  She thanked him again, and was glad of the fur muff when they set out for Abbot's Quincey at the end of the week.

  Chapter Twelve

  They arrived to find the family in a bustle, with Letty and Mrs Rushford preparing to set off for Bristol. Giles was to be their escort.

  'Is it not wonderful?' Isabel demanded. 'Lady Wells has invited us. I was never more astonished in my life.'

  India looked at Letty's sparkling eyes. 'She has withdrawn her objections to your marriage then?'

  'It seems so,' Letty said softly. 'We could not go, of course, unless Lord Isham had put a carriage at our disposal.' She beamed at her brother-in-law.

  Isham bowed. 'I am very happy for you.' His ironic gaze rested upon India, and she knew wh
at he was thinking.

  Oliver's disagreeable mamma would seize the chance to establish a close connection with his lordship. It would give her the entre to the highest circles in the land, as Isham was known to be a friend of the Prince Regent. All other considerations must be set aside. After all, her ladyship was the mother of five daughters, all of whom must find a suitable match.

  "We have been awaiting your return,' Letty assured her sister. 'We had no wish to leave the Dowager Lady Isham alone here at the Grange.'

  'Where is Henry?' Isham demanded with a frown.

  'We don't know,' an anxious voice replied. 'Oh, Anthony, we haven't seen him since we left the Angel to come here. Do you suppose that he has met with an accident?'

  'That's highly unlikely, my dear one. We should have heard of it. Now I must beg you not to worry about your wandering boy. We shall be company for you, India and myself.' Isham took his stepmother's hand, squeezing it in reassurance.

  'It's good to have you back,' she said wistfully as she turned to India. 'My dear, you must know how kindly your family has welcomed me.'

  'I'm glad to hear it.' On an impulse India kissed the sweet face. Then, leaving Isham in the company of her mother and his stepmama, she went upstairs with Letty.

  'You seem to have been gone this age,' her sister told her. 'Oh, India, so much has happened since you went away. I can't believe that my dearest wish is to come true. Won't you wish me happy?'

  India threw her arms about the younger girl. 'You know I do. This was what I wanted for you as you longed for it so much. I wish you joy for all your days.'

  'As I do for you. We must be the luckiest women in the world!'

  India vouchsafed no reply to this remark and Letty looked at her intently, only to see a tear glittering upon her lashes.

  'India, what is wrong? This won't mean the breakup of our family. We shall see each other often.'

  'Yes...I mean...you must not think me foolish. It is nothing.'

  'Then tell me, dearest. Isham has not mistreated you? If so, I shall speak to him myself.'

  India managed a watery smile. At that moment her sister resembled nothing so much as a little fluffy chick resolved to tackle a ravening fox. There could only be one result.

  'It is the other way about, Letty. I am the one at fault, and we have quarrelled dreadfully.'

  'This misunderstanding will not last, my dear one. Isham has loved you for so long...'

  'Oh, don't! Please don't! He does not care for me at all. I don't know why he married me...' The tears came then, and India did not attempt to hide them.

  'You don't know? Then let me tell you. India, you make me cross, indeed you do. I have always looked up to you and thought you a marvel of good sense. Now I begin to wonder. Have you never questioned Isham's offer for you?'

  'He offered for either of us. He would have taken you instead of me.'

  'Would he? I suggest that you ask him some time. You silly goose! He has been in love with you for months.'

  'That's nonsense! We did not meet until a few weeks ago.'

  'You have not heard of love at first sight? He was there when you laughed at Brummell. That was the start of it. Then he watched you unceasingly.'

  'So I was under inspection?' came the bitter comment.

  'I think you forget. He'd been a soldier. He was planning his campaign. He'd seen how you frightened men away...that is, those who were rash enough to show an interest in you.'

  'They were not many.'

  'Of course not. You made sure of that yourself.'

  'Oh, I know that I made sport of them, but no one touched my heart as Oliver did yours. What was that to do with Isham? We were not even introduced.'

  'And if you had been? Would you not have treated him as you did all the rest?'

  India gave a reluctant smile. 'I suppose so, but he might have attempted to find out.'

  'He was planning another strategy, by trying to win your friendship first, but there was not time for even an introduction. It was only after Father died that Isham found out that you were his daughter, and we left London at once.'

  'You seem remarkably well informed.'

  'Oh, India, why do you think I changed my mind about your marriage? Isham told me of his feelings on the day of your betrothal. Have you never wondered what we find to talk about? Our conversation is not all of Oliver.'

  'I think you might have told me.'

  'He made me promise that I would not, at least before your marriage. In the first place he felt that you blamed him for Father's death and the ruin of the family. He doubted too, if you would believe that he had even noticed you, much less fallen in love.'

  'He does not strike me as a man who would be content to worship from afar,' India said grimly. 'This is nonsense, Letty. Had I been a raving beauty I might place some credence upon your tale, but not otherwise.

  He needs an heir and that is an end to it, although he will not get one in his present mood.'

  'What on earth do you mean?' Letty had flushed a little.

  'Pray don't imagine that he cares for me. He will not touch me.' India's voice was no longer under her control. 'I've tried to make it up, but it is useless. When I laid my hand upon his arm he drew away. Oh, Letty, I may be Lady Isham but I am not his wife.' She buried her face in her hands and sobbed.

  'Oh, dearest, don't distress yourself! It may be that he thinks himself to blame for rushing you into this marriage, and in such a way. He could think of nothing else...no other way to win you.'

  'Then he is a bigger fool than I imagined.'

  'No, he is not,' the gentle voice persisted. 'He knows you better than you think. Tell me, would you have received him under other circumstances?'

  'No, of course not. Oh, Letty, I wish I could believe you, but I can't. I don't know what to do, and now, you see, I love him so...'

  Letty smiled as the tear-drenched face was raised to hers. 'I wondered how long it would take you to find out. All will be well, I make no doubt. Why don't you tell him, India?'

  'I can't. I'd die if he turned away from me again.'

  'Then give it time, my dear one.' Letty turned to other subjects. 'What did you think of Hambledon?'

  'It is a palace, not a house. I don't think even Anthony knows how many rooms there are.'

  'And his place in Grosvenor Square?'

  'Much on the same lines. We were not there for long.' India grew thoughtful. 'There is some mystery which I don't quite understand. We left Hambledon so suddenly. Isham had received a message from the capital. Yet we spent only a few days in London. He seemed to be anxious to get back to Abbot's Quincey. Do you know why?'

  Letty shook her head. 'Nothing that I can put a name to.' Her face clouded. 'The trouble with the stocking-knitters has grown worse, I think, and lights have been seen in the woods at night. Most probably it is poachers.'

  'Poachers don't advertise themselves with lights. Were they upon our land?'

  'Yes!' Letty's hands were shaking. 'Oh, India, I have been so frightened. I shall be glad to go to Bristol, away from all the violence, though I hate to leave you here.'

  'We shall do well enough.' India had recovered her composure. 'The Government is to move at last, sending in dragoons and troops of yeomanry, as well as raising groups of volunteers.'

  This news calmed Letty's fears. She turned to less demanding subjects. 'Did you visit Madame Felice when you were in London?'

  'We did.' India's eyes began to twinkle. 'Can't you tell?'

  'I thought you must have done.' Letty stroked the velvet of her sister's pelisse. 'This is beautiful, and such a glorious shade of green. Tell me, is she as formidable as they say?'

  'Not at all! I couldn't believe my eyes. She is just a girl, and rather shy, if anything. I don't think she is French, as she has no trace of an accent.'

  'I expect not. It is quite the thing for mantua-makers to give themselves French names.'

  'Yes, but...there is something else. She is very lovely, Letty, and was dress
ed, as you might expect, with perfect elegance, but once, when she turned her head, I had the oddest notion that I had seen her before. It must have been a trick of the light, because that could not be.'

  'Possibly in the shops in Bond Street or the Burlington Arcade?'

  'Possibly, although we did not frequent them so much during our Season. They were beyond our touch.'

  'Well, that at least, can be no longer a worry to you. Did you buy much?'

  India chuckled at last. 'You will stare when you see the contents of my trunks. Anthony is no miser, I assure you. Will you believe that he bought Madame's entire collection for next Season? Now, I fear, she will have to start again.'

  Letty giggled. 'It must have saved you agonising decisions, love.'

  'It did. My only worry now is when I shall find the time to wear so many gowns. Shall you like to borrow some of them for your visit to Bristol? They could be altered for you.'

  Letty shook her head. 'No, I won't do that! Come, India, will you help me pack my things? We are to leave as soon as possible, and Martha has no time. Naturally, she thinks of Mother first.'

  'She will go with you?'

  "Try to stop her! As ladies' maid to a grande dame of such impeccable connections, she has been elevated beyond her wildest dreams. I hear that she is given to queening it below stairs.'

  'Let's hope that her disposition will improve.'

  'I doubt it.' Laughing, the sisters made their way to Letty's room.

  Finding that happiness was infectious, India felt much more cheerful as she waved the little party off on the following day. Letty's radiant face beamed at her until the carriage was out of sight. It was reward enough to make her turn to Isham with a word of thanks.

  'Letty is so happy,' she said warmly. 'And it is all your doing.'

  'My one success, India?' His ironic smile caused her to regret the friendly overture.

  Without another word she turned and left him. It was useless to think that he would ever forgive her. She was left to face the prospect of a future life with a man who hated and despised her. She straightened her shoulders. Whatever else, he should not break her spirit. She walked into the library in search of some book which might give her solace. It had been restocked, and she picked up a volume by the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.