The Scarlet Gown

by Sarah Mallory

  Lucy felt the change immediately. There was a tension in the air and everyone was looking uncomfortable. Ralph was frowning and Lady Preston hissed at her daughter, who merely shrugged her shoulders.

  ‘Why must I not mention her? After two years we should be able to talk of my sister without so much constraint. I thought that was why Lord Adversane had invited us here.’

  ‘You are quite right, Miss Preston,’ replied Ralph. ‘The past is done, but I am afraid it still haunts some of us.’

  Byrne came in to announce that dinner was ready and Lucy was aware of a definite feeling of relief as they all made their way to the dining room. With only three days to go until Midsummer’s Eve, the play was the natural topic of conversation once everyone was seated.

  ‘What are they performing this year?’ asked Caroline.

  Ralph helped himself from a dish of chicken before him and did not look up as he answered.

  ‘The Provoked Wife.’

  ‘But that’s—’

  Sir Timothy’s exclamation was cut short, Lucy suspected by a kick under the table from Caroline, who was sitting beside him.

  ‘Yes,’ said Ralph carefully. ‘It is the same play they performed two years ago.’

  ‘So everything is to be as it was before,’ murmured Judith Cottingham.

  ‘With one exception,’ put in Lady Preston. She fixed her pale eyes upon Lucy. ‘You have no Lady Adversane.’

  ‘True, but I do have a fiancée,’ Ralph replied coolly. ‘I shall use the occasion to announce our formal betrothal.’

  Ariadne’s fork clattered onto her plate.

  ‘That is not what was planned, Cousin.’

  ‘Plans change.’ Ralph was looking at Lucy, a little smile playing about the corners of his mouth. ‘Well, my love? Would you object to it?’

  Before she could reply, Adam brought his hand crashing down upon the table.

  ‘Dash it all, Adversane, this is not the time or the place to ask such a question. You put Miss Halbrook in a most awkward position. If she has any objections do you think she would voice them here, in front of everyone?’

  Lucy shook her head. ‘Truly, I—’

  Ralph put up his hand to silence her, his eyes solemn.

  ‘Adam is quite right, my dear. You should consider well before giving me your answer.’

  Lucy did not want to consider. She knew what she wanted, but Ralph’s announcement had caused so much consternation that she dare not say so. Instead, she kept her peace and Lord Wetherell adroitly changed the subject.

  * * *

  No more was said of the engagement during dinner, but afterwards it seemed everyone had an opinion to share with Lucy. As the ladies made their way across to the drawing room, Lady Preston came alongside her.

  ‘I advise you to think very carefully before you commit yourself to Lord Adversane’s proposal, Miss Halbrook. Once the betrothal is made public there can be no going back.’

  ‘I am aware of that, ma’am.’

  ‘Are you?’ Lady Preston put her hand on her arm and gave her a pitying smile. ‘Are you truly ready to tie yourself to a man who can never love you?’

  Lucy put up her chin. ‘You are mistaken.’

  Had Ralph not proved this very day how much he loved her? As if she were reading her thoughts, Lady Preston curled her lip.

  ‘You are very young, my dear, and do not yet know the difference between a man’s lust and true, lasting affection.’

  Lucy responded with nothing more than a shake of her head as they entered the drawing room, but no sooner had she moved away from Lady Preston than Margaret and Caroline came up to her.

  ‘Has her ladyship been trying to dissuade you, Lucy? Pay her no heed. She wants Adversane for her daughter.’

  ‘I know that, Caro, but—’

  Margaret patted her arm. ‘If Ralph wants you, he will have you.’

  ‘Meg’s right,’ added Caroline. ‘Do you not yet know that my brother is not to be gainsaid?’

  Their words did not give the reassurance Lucy wanted. She declined their invitation to join them at the piano, preferring to sit a little way apart and collect her thoughts. She was not allowed to do so for long.

  ‘You are looking a little fatigued, Miss Halbrook.’ Judith Cottingham sat down beside her. ‘I am not at all surprised. I find Caroline and Margaret’s company quite as exhausting as their brother’s. They must always be on the go, always doing something. And so strong-willed, too.’ She gave a little laugh. ‘My husband says they have none of them any concern for anyone’s feelings but their own.’

  ‘I have not found that to be so,’ said Lucy.

  ‘Perhaps that is because you are naturally complaisant.’

  ‘I do not think—’

  Judith caught her arm, saying in an urgent undervoice, ‘Have a care what you are about, Miss Halbrook. This is not a happy house. It is full of shadows and secrets.’

  ‘Mayhap I can make it happier.’

  ‘No. You look too much like Helene.’

  ‘A little, perhaps, but—’

  The grip on her arm became almost painful.

  ‘You should not stay here,’ Judith hissed. ‘You should leave before he destroys you, too.’

  Lucy drew back, startled. Mrs Cottingham put up her hand and shook her head, a frightened look on her face. ‘Forgive me. Please, I beg you, forget that I said anything.’

  She hurried away, leaving Lucy to stare after her. She had thought Judith Cottingham a meek, colourless little woman, so her sudden outburst had been all the more alarming. What did she mean? Was she warning her against Ralph? She looked around. If only he would come in. She needed the reassurance of his presence, but a glance at the clock told her not to expect the gentlemen for another half-hour at least.

  Restlessly, she went over to the windows, throwing them open so that she could stroll out onto the terrace, but even there she was not alone for long.

  ‘Such a lovely evening now, after the earlier rain.’ Ariadne came to stand beside Lucy, looking out over the gardens. ‘Ralph’s decision to announce your engagement—does it have anything to do with your being caught out in the storm together today? My dear, I do not mean to pry, but I am anxious for you. This is a very long way from his original plan.’

  Lucy hesitated, collecting her thoughts.

  ‘I am aware how it must look to you, ma’am, but since I have been here, since I have become acquainted with Lord Adversane—’

  ‘You have fallen in love with him?’

  Lucy gave her a grateful smile. ‘I have. I cannot tell you how much I—’

  ‘Then pray do not,’ exclaimed Ariadne, consternation shadowing her kind face. ‘Oh, my dear Lucy, I would like nothing better, but...’ She took her hands. ‘Are you sure Ralph returns your affection? But of course you are. How could I doubt it?’

  ‘You are not happy about it.’

  ‘I cannot deny I am concerned, Lucy. You have known my cousin for such a short time, and you are so very young—’

  ‘I am four-and-twenty, Ariadne.’

  ‘Very well, you are not a child, but all the same, this is so very sudden. Would it not be better to wait a little longer, just to be sure?’

  Lucy pulled her hands free and gave a little cry of frustration.

  ‘Oh, why is everyone so concerned that I do not know my own heart?’

  She turned away, blinking back the hot tears that threatened to fall. After a moment Ariadne squeezed her arm.

  ‘Oh, my dear, it is not your heart that I doubt.’

  Lucy heard the older woman’s sigh and then she was alone. The joy and happiness she had felt earlier had quite disappeared. Was everyone against her marrying Ralph? No, Caroline and Margaret were pleased for her, weren’t they? What wa
s it Margaret had said?

  If Ralph wants you, he will have you.

  There was nothing lover-like about that—it was more a statement of possession. As the threat of tears subsided, Lucy gazed out across the gardens, watching the shadows lengthen. This was Adversane land, as far as one could see. Ralph was offering to make her mistress of all this and more, but she knew it was not enough. She wanted none of it if she could not have his love, as well.

  ‘So here you are.’

  That deep, dear voice had her spinning round, reaching out for him. Without hesitating, Ralph took her in his arms. He kissed her, melting her doubts like snow in the sunlight.

  ‘I would like to carry you upstairs right now.’ He murmured the words against her skin as his lips nibbled her ear, making her shiver with delight. ‘Yet I suppose we must be circumspect, at least while we have visitors at Adversane. It will not be easy for me to keep away from you.’

  She put her hands against his chest and looked up at him.

  ‘Do you truly wish to marry me, Ralph?’

  His brows went up.

  ‘What is this? What have my family been saying to you?

  She dropped her eyes to his neck cloth, but the precision of those intricate folds only reminded her of how she had struggled to tear it off earlier. The thought brought the hot blood surging through her once more. He pulled her close again, murmuring between kisses.

  ‘They all think we have been betrothed for the past year. Surely they cannot think it is too soon?’

  ‘No, but Ariadne knows the truth and she is most concerned.’

  ‘She will come round when she sees how I love you.’

  ‘Do you, Ralph? Do you truly love me?’

  He met her glance with a glinting smile. ‘Can you doubt it?’

  She shook her head. When he was so close, holding her like this, she did not doubt it at all.

  ‘Then unless you have any objections we will announce our betrothal after the play, and then in a week or so I shall take you to London to inform your family. Would you wish to be married there, or shall we give my tenants the privilege of seeing you become my bride at the parish church in Adversane? It is your choice, although Hopkins will be most disappointed if he is not to perform the ceremony—’

  ‘Stop, stop.’ Laughing, she put a hand up to his lips. ‘This is all too much, my—Ralph. We can decide upon such details later.’

  He kissed her fingers. ‘You are right. One thing at a time.’ He raised his head, listening. ‘And if I am not mistaken, Byrne has brought in the tea tray. I suppose we must go and join the others.’

  After another swift kiss he took her inside. She knew her eyes were shining with pleasure and her happiness was not in the least dimmed by the arctic glare Lady Preston cast in her direction, nor by Judith Cottingham’s frowning look.

  She helped Mrs Dean to serve the tea, then took her own cup to a quiet corner, content to be alone with her own thoughts. However, she was soon joined by Adam Cottingham. She managed to greet him with a smile.

  ‘You are to be congratulated,’ he remarked, sitting down beside her. ‘I do not know when I last saw Adversane so happy.’

  Lucy looked across the room to where Ralph was talking with his brothers-in-law.

  ‘Do you think that is because of me, Mr Cottingham?’

  ‘Undoubtedly.’

  ‘Then I, too, am content.’

  Adam put his cup down, frowning. ‘You should not be.’ He directed a solemn look at her. ‘I would beg you to have a care, Miss Halbrook.’

  ‘You have said as much before, sir, but I believe you are mistaken.’

  ‘You do not understand. I cannot speak here. Meet me at nine o’clock tomorrow morning. In the shrubbery, where we will not be overheard.’

  She sat up very straight.

  ‘I do not think that is wise, sir. I beg you will say what you have to here, now.’

  He gave a quick shake of his head.

  ‘I cannot, Adversane is watching us. But believe me when I say that you need to know this.’ He rose. ‘Tomorrow morning, Miss Halbrook.’

  She watched him walk away and half expected Ralph to ask her what they had been talking of, but the party was breaking up. Adam collected his wife and retired, followed shortly by Caroline and Lord Wetherell. Lady Preston declared loudly that Charlotte needed to rest.

  ‘The next few days are important if you are to look your best for Midsummer’s Eve.’ She turned to her husband. ‘And you, sir, you will need some sleep if you are to walk to Druids Rock to see the sunrise.’

  Sir James chuckled. ‘Well, I did think I might sit in the library and read by the light of one of Adversane’s new-fangled lamps. After all, it is hardly worth going to bed—the nights are so short.’

  ‘By all means, if that is what you wish,’ said Ralph mildly.

  Lady Preston was adamant, however, and carried both her daughter and her husband away.

  Sir Timothy grinned.

  ‘We know who rules the roost in that household! If you do not object, Adversane, I shall step out onto the terrace to smoke a cigar before I retire.’ He held out his hand to his wife. ‘Are you coming, Meg?’

  She went willingly, leaving only Lucy, Ralph and Ariadne in the drawing room. Mrs Dean rose, smothering a yawn.

  ‘I shall go to bed, too,’ she said. ‘Shall you come with me, Lucy?’

  Lucy began to follow her to the door, until Ralph detained her.

  ‘You go on up, Cousin. I will escort Lucy upstairs in a moment.’ Ralph added, when she hesitated. ‘It is customary to allow engaged couples a little time alone.’

  Ariadne’s eyes narrowed.

  ‘And that is a crow I meant to pick with you, Adversane. About your betrothal. When did—?’

  ‘Yes, yes, but not tonight, it is far too late to explain it all.’ Ralph shepherded his cousin to the door. ‘Goodnight, Ariadne.’

  When at last she had retired, he closed the door and stood for a moment with his back to it, regarding Lucy.

  ‘I thought I should never get you to myself.’

  He took her hand and pulled her down beside him on one of the sofas. Lucy made a half-hearted protest, reminding him that Sir Timothy and Lady Finch were still on the terrace.

  ‘What of it?’ he muttered. ‘They will not come in for a while yet.’

  He began nibbling her ear, causing such pleasurable sensations to course through her body that she forgot everything but the sheer pleasure of being in his arms. Her bones were liquefying, even before he moved his attention to her mouth. She returned his kiss, running her hands through his hair and turning her body into his, pressing against him as the familiar longing raged through her blood.

  ‘Enough,’ he muttered at last. ‘Enough, or I shall have to take you all over again.’

  Reluctantly, she let him pull her to her feet.

  ‘I fear I must be sadly wanton,’ she said, sighing, ‘for there is nothing I would like more.’

  ‘Not until I have made an honest woman of you.’ He drew her into his arms, and they shared another long, lingering kiss. ‘But, by heaven, I am tempted to purchase a special licence to do it!’

  A gurgle of laughter escaped her as she relished her power over him. They went out of the drawing room and up the grand staircase hand in hand.

  ‘I have business in Halifax tomorrow morning with Colne. Come with us,’ he urged her. ‘It should not take long, and the scenery is magnificent. You might bring your sketchpad.’

  ‘I should love to come with you, but Mrs Sutton is bringing the scarlet gown.’ She stopped. ‘I could send her word not to come.’

  Even in the dim light she saw the shadow cross his face.

  ‘No, you need the gown for Midsummer’s Eve, so you must see Mrs Sutton tom
orrow. I shall take you to Halifax another time.’

  They were on the stairs, and she stepped up onto the next tread so that her eyes were level with his.

  ‘But why, Ralph? I have more than enough dresses—’

  ‘But that is the one to wear for the play. There is something I must know.’

  ‘If you are still in love with Helene, perhaps?’

  The hard, distant look left him then. He cupped her face in his hands.

  ‘No, I promise you it is not that.’ Gently, he kissed her lips. ‘I must ask you to trust me, just a little longer. Will you do that?’

  ‘But I do not understand, Ralph. Why—?’

  ‘I will explain everything on Midsummer’s Day, I promise you.’ He gazed deep into her eyes. ‘Can you do that, Lucy? Can you trust me for just a little longer?’

  ‘Of course, but—’

  He put his fingers against her lips.

  ‘No buts, my love. Trust me.’

  * * *

  He loves me, I am sure of it.

  Lucy repeated the words to herself as Ruthie undressed her, but when she had blown out the candle and lay alone in the darkness, she questioned why, if she was to trust Ralph, he would not trust her with his reasons.

  Unbidden, a memory came back to her. She was standing beside Mama on the pavement while the landlord piled their belongings around them.

  ‘I don’t understand, Mama. Why didn’t you tell me?’

  It was only then, while they waited for Uncle Edgeworth to send his carriage to collect them, that Mama had told her the truth. Only then that she had trusted her daughter enough to share the pain that she had endured during those final years, shielding Lucy, telling her Papa was away painting while in fact he was gambling and drinking himself into a pauper’s grave.

  Lucy turned her face to the pillow. Was it always to be thus, that those she loved most would not trust her?

  * * *

  The problem still nagged at her when she awoke the next day. She had arranged to go out with Caroline and Margaret after breakfast, and Ruthie had laid out her riding habit in readiness. As Lucy made her way downstairs she saw that it wanted but a few minutes to nine, the time Adam had suggested she meet him in the shrubbery. She had fully intended to stay away, certain that she did not want to hear what he had to say, but now instead of going to breakfast she made her way out to the gardens. Adam was Ralph’s cousin; he had known him all his life. Perhaps talking to him might help her to understand why Ralph would not confide in her.