The Scarlet Gown

by Sarah Mallory

  ‘My brave girl,’ he murmured, putting his arms about her. ‘Whatever happens tonight, I want you to know how much I love you.’

  She turned to him, gripping his coat.

  ‘If that is so, Ralph, then don’t send me away. Whatever happens tonight, say you will marry me and let me help you to forget.’

  His jaw hardened.

  ‘No, we must wait and see. But heaven only knows how I will live without you.’

  ‘You do not have to live without me, Ralph.’ She reached up and cupped his face with her hands, drawing him down until she could kiss his lips. ‘I believe in you, my darling. Whatever Helene did you cannot be held entirely responsible.’

  ‘Not entirely, perhaps, but enough to make me blame myself for the rest of my life. I could not ask you to live with that.’

  He drew her close and she leaned against him, closing her eyes. He would not change his mind, and she could only pray that they would learn something to ease the pain she knew he was suffering. But that could only happen if their plan worked. She stirred, and immediately he released her. Summoning up a smile, she took his arm.

  ‘We must go downstairs, Ralph. Ruthie tells me the Ingleston Players are already setting up in the library and your guests will be arriving soon.’

  ‘You are sure you wish to go through with this? They will all be agog to meet you, thinking you are my future bride.’

  ‘And if your plan works that is exactly what I shall be.’

  ‘But if it proves nothing—’

  ‘Then I would still marry you,’ she said with quiet vehemence. ‘I would risk everything to be your wife!’

  He stopped for one final, bruising kiss before he escorted her out of the room.

  * * *

  Lucy glided down the stairs beside Ralph, the scarlet gown billowing in a whisper of silken skirts. She could hear the faint echo of voices from the Great Hall, where everyone was gathering to greet the guests when they arrived.

  Pulling Lucy’s hand more firmly onto his arm, Ralph led her into the hall. The chatter and laughter stopped almost instantly. He heard Judith Cottingham’s little moan of dismay and the gasps of surprise from his sisters. Lady Preston’s countenance was impassive, save for a narrowing of her eyes. The gentlemen raised their quizzing glasses to regard Lucy and he even heard Sir Timothy mutter, ‘Good Lord!’ before giving a very unconvincing cough. Only Ariadne showed no surprise, but then, she had been present at the dressmaker’s visits and knew what to expect.

  Little Charlotte Preston was goggling at Lucy and she cried artlessly, ‘Oh, my goodness, Mama, she looks exactly like Helene!’

  ‘Nonsense,’ snapped Lady Preston. Her eyes raked over Lucy and she leaned towards her daughter as if to speak confidentially, but her words still carried to everyone present. ‘It is a similar gown, I grant you, but Miss Halbrook does not have Helene’s figure, nor her elegance.’ She turned away as if to demonstrate that Lucy was not worthy of her attention. Ralph felt his anger rising at this studied insult, but Ariadne was already drawing Lucy away from him, saying in her calm, unruffled way, ‘Well, well, Lucy, you look delightful, my dear. And Adversane has given you the diamonds to wear. How charming.’

  The rest of the party had regained their composure, and Ralph watched as they crowded around Lucy, eager to compliment her and make up for Lady Preston’s lack of manners. Lord Wetherell broke away and strolled over.

  ‘For God’s sake, Adversane,’ he murmured. ‘What hellish game are you playing here?’

  Ralph gave the tiniest shake of his head.

  ‘I’ll tell you later. When my guests arrive, take note of how they react to Miss Halbrook, would you?’

  ‘They may well be struck dumb, as Cottingham appears to be.’

  Ralph’s eyes shifted to his cousin and he frowned. Adam was staring at Lucy, a muscle working in his cheek. With a word to his brother-in-law, Ralph moved towards Adam until he was close enough to ask him what he thought of Miss Halbrook.

  ‘Miss—?’ Adam tore his eyes away from Lucy. He was very pale, but he recovered himself and gave a little laugh. ‘By Gad, Cousin, for a moment I thought I was seeing a ghost. What in heaven’s name are you trying to do, Ralph? Why have you dressed her thus?’

  Ralph wondered if he should confide in his cousin, but after another, frowning look at Adam he decided against it. He said lightly, ‘Scarlet is a favourite colour of mine.’

  He glanced at Lucy. She looked nervous, and his heart ached for her. She was so brave, so determined to do this for him. She would be his saviour, he knew it.

  I would risk everything to be your wife.

  Her final words to him wrapped themselves around his heart, warming him, giving him hope. Suddenly he wanted to reach out to her, to show her how much he loved her. He raised his voice so that it would carry across the hall.

  ‘Perhaps it would be a good time to tell you all that I shall be making Miss Halbrook my wife, just as soon as the banns can be called.’ He saw Lucy’s startled glance, then the tremulous smile and flush of pleasure that brightened her eyes. He held out his hand to her. ‘I cannot begin to tell you how happy she makes me.’

  Lucy approached, shaking her head at him.

  ‘Why this change of heart?’ she murmured as he pulled her close and kissed her fingers.

  ‘My heart has not changed, only my head. If you are willing to take a chance with me, then I would be a fool to turn you away. I could not resist making the announcement. It was imperative that you know how I feel about you.’ He added, as if to convince himself, ‘It will not affect my plans. I have already ascertained that if Helene did have a lover the fellow is not anyone here.’

  Ariadne came bustling up.

  ‘The guests are arriving,’ she declared, waving everyone into line. ‘To your places, please. Lucy, you must stand with me. Come along, dear.’

  Adam was scowling, and Ralph touched his arm.

  ‘You are looking very grim, Cousin. Perhaps you had come to think of Adversane as yours?’

  ‘What? Oh, no, no, nothing like that, I—’

  The flush on Adam’s cheeks gave the lie to his words, and Ralph regarded him with disdain. Adam had been his pensioner for years and had never made any attempt to rectify the situation.

  ‘You need not worry,’ murmured Ralph, as he moved away to greet the first of his guests. ‘I shall not stop your allowance, even when I remarry.’

  * * *

  The guests were pouring in now. Ralph glanced at Lucy standing next to Ariadne. She looked adorable, the scarlet gown highlighting her flawless skin and dainty figure. There was a slight flush on her cheek and he knew she was nervous, steeling herself for the coming ordeal. He watched her as the guests moved along the line. She smiled and said everything that was necessary. As each gentleman was introduced to her Ralph registered their astonished looks, saw more than one frowning stare bent upon her, but could discern nothing more than a very natural surprise in anyone’s reaction.

  * * *

  At last the introductions were over and everyone began to make their way into the library for the forthcoming entertainment. Ralph saw Lucy going in with Ariadne. He wished he could be at her side, but that was not possible, not yet.

  ‘A quiet start to your evening,’ murmured Harry, pausing beside him. ‘No revelations as yet.’

  ‘No, nothing. But perhaps the play will provoke a reaction,’ agreed Ralph. ‘I’d be obliged if you would watch for anyone taking more than a little interest in Lucy.’

  ‘Of course. Francesca would prefer to sit at the back, in any case. In her present condition she might well have to slip away.’ He hesitated. ‘I hope you do not object—I told her of your plans for tonight. She knows it is in strictest confidence, of course, but I have always shared everything with my wife.’

 
Ralph was silent for a moment, thinking of the relief he had felt after he had told Lucy of his suspicions. He gripped Harry’s arm and grinned.

  ‘No, I do not object at all, my friend.’

  Having ushered everyone into the library, Ralph took his seat at the front beside Lucy. He reached for her hand.

  ‘Are you ready, my dear?’

  ‘I am.’ She smiled at him. ‘I am quite looking forward to it. I have never seen The Provoked Wife before, although I believe it was very popular when Mr Garrick performed it.’

  Ralph grimaced. ‘In my opinion it is an unedifying piece, but it was the play they performed two years ago and I wanted everything to be as exact as possible.’

  * * *

  A drum roll announced the start of the performance, and silence enveloped the audience. Lucy watched the play unfold with growing disquiet. The portrayal of Sir John Brute as the drunken, buffoonish husband was nothing like Ralph, yet Lucy could imagine Helene’s overwrought mind making the connection. She felt sick to her heart. Perhaps there had been no lover. Perhaps Helene had been driven to despair by her loveless marriage.

  * * *

  Lucy struggled through the first three acts and it was with relief that an interval was announced, and everyone repaired to the white salon for refreshments. She wanted to cling to Ralph’s arm, but she knew he needed to circulate amongst his guests and he would want her to do the same, to try to stir their memories. She moved amongst the crowd, concealing her nerves behind a cheerful countenance, but her smile became genuine when she saw Mrs Dean approaching.

  ‘Ariadne, pray stay with me a little while. I feel quite bereft of friends.’

  ‘No, why should that be? I assure you everyone is delighted that Adversane has decided to marry again!’ Ariadne patted her hand. ‘I admit I was quite put out when Ralph set it about that you were his fiancée. I was not at all in favour of spreading such a tale, since there was no truth in it, but now, of course, everything has changed. I am so happy for you both. I have no doubt that you will make Adversane a perfect wife.’

  Heartened, Lucy said fervently, ‘I do hope you are right, ma’am.’

  * * *

  With her spirits somewhat restored, Lucy moved on, but still the play haunted her. Had Helene’s imagination turned Ralph into the monster Adam branded him? What if they proved nothing tonight, beyond the fact that Helene had taken her own life?

  The thought was very daunting, because if that was so she knew Ralph would never forgive himself and she would not be able to help him. She felt the tension building into a headache and put a hand to her temple, moving towards the open windows, where the air was a little fresher.

  ‘You look as if you might enjoy a little refreshment, Miss Halbrook.’ She swung round to find Adam Cottingham beside her. ‘I do not think you have yet sampled the famous Adversane punch, have you?’ He held out one of the two glasses he was holding. ‘Here you are. Do try it. It is made from a secret recipe that the family has used for generations.’

  Lucy realised that she was indeed thirsty and she sipped gratefully at the dark liquid. It was a mixture of wine, brandy and herbs, although there was a faintly bitter after-taste that made her wrinkle her nose. Adam laughed.

  ‘Do not worry, one grows accustomed to it. Drink it up, now, Lucy. It is just the thing to revive you for the remainder of the evening.’

  She tried to laugh.

  ‘With two more acts of The Provoked Wife to endure I think I shall need it.’

  ‘Are you not enjoying the play?’

  ‘The performances are very good,’ she replied cautiously, ‘but I do not find the subject matter—boorish husbands and unfaithful wives—entertaining.’

  ‘Do you not? Helene did not like it, either. It was too much like her own situation.’

  Lucy’s heart sank. So she was right—it had precipitated the poor woman’s flight. She put down her glass.

  ‘If you will excuse me, I think I should find Ariadne. The heat and noise here are making me a little dizzy.’

  ‘No need to bother Mrs Dean,’ he said. ‘Let me take you onto the terrace for a moment.’

  Lucy glanced out through the open doors. It would be cooler, but it was almost dark now, just a glimmer of light showing on the western horizon. When she hesitated Adam took her arm.

  ‘Come, there can be no harm in it. We need only step outside the door...’

  * * *

  Ralph was dog-tired. Sitting through that damned play was more harrowing than he had anticipated. He hoped it would be worth it. He glanced around the noisy, crowded room. Lucy should be easy to spot in that scarlet gown, but she was nowhere to be seen. He made his way back to the Great Hall where some of his guests had congregated. He spotted Judith Cottingham moving between the chattering groups. She was such a mouse-like, unsmiling little creature and he had never really warmed to her, but now, despite his preoccupation, he felt a twinge of sympathy. He doubted if her marriage to Adam was a happy one. There was an anxious crease on her brow and he reached out to touch her arm as she passed him.

  ‘Is anything amiss, Cousin?’

  She started.

  ‘I was looking for Adam, my lord.’

  Probably flirting with another man’s wife.

  He was shrugging off the bitter thought when he heard a giggle behind him and Charlotte Preston’s childish voice assailed his ears.

  ‘I certainly understand the play much better this year, Mama, but I cannot see what it is about it that made Helene cry so.’

  His lips thinning, he was about to move Judith away when Lady Preston’s response stopped him in his tracks.

  ‘It wasn’t the play, you silly girl,’ she snapped. ‘It was the scold I gave her beforehand. By heavens, I was never nearer to boxing her ears than that night!’

  Ralph turned. Lady Preston had not seen him and would have walked on if he had not stepped into her path. She started, and he could tell by the dull flush on her cheeks that she had not meant him to hear her comment.

  ‘And may I ask why you were scolding my wife, Lady Preston?’

  Her cold eyes glittered angrily but her lips remained firmly shut.

  ‘Oh, was that why you sent for Helene, Mama?’ said Charlotte artlessly. ‘We had all gone upstairs to change our gowns, do you remember, and I went to ask Crimplesham if she would put up my hair, only she could not because she said you had asked her to bring Helene to your room and Helene looked so guilty that I knew something must be wrong—’

  Lady Preston waved a dismissive hand.

  ‘Yes, yes, there is no need to go on!’

  ‘Oh, I think there is every need to go on, Lady Preston,’ said Ralph grimly, ‘But not here.’

  He took her arm and escorted her briskly out of the hall and into his study. He heard footsteps behind him and guessed Charlotte was following. Well, let her come. He was determined to get the truth from Lady Preston as soon as possible.

  ‘Now, madam, you will explain, if you please, why you thought it necessary to admonish my wife.’

  ‘I was saving your marriage!’ When he said nothing she gave a huff of impatience. ‘She was playing you false, Adversane. I am surprised you did not see it. I knew something was amiss the moment we arrived but Helene denied it. However, on Midsummer’s Eve Crimplesham confessed the whole and I had her bring Helene to me. The foolish child was planning to leave you. She told me she had fallen in love and was going to run away. I soon put an end to that nonsense.’

  ‘You never mentioned this after Helene’s death,’ said Ralph.

  ‘There was no point. It could not change anything.’

  ‘It might explain why she went out.’

  ‘And would you want such a reason made public?’ demanded Lady Preston.

  ‘Why not?’

 
‘She was meeting her lover, Adversane. She had been meeting him at Druid’s Rock for months, although she assured me Crimplesham was always with her, and they had shared nothing more than a few stolen kisses. You will imagine my outrage, that any daughter of mine should—’ She broke off, breathing deeply to control her anger. ‘I convinced her that she must remain here and do her duty as your wife. She told me she had arranged to meet her lover later that night but I ordered her not to go. Let him cool his heels at Druids Rock.’ She stopped again, her eyes snapping. ‘She disobeyed me. That is what comes of your being too soft with her, Adversane. She would never have dared to do so before she was married. Crimplesham told me the next morning that Helene had come crying to her, saying she was determined to see him, to tell him it was over.’

  ‘And who was this lover?’

  ‘That is not important.’ Lady Preston waved one hand dismissively and began to stalk back and forth across the room.

  Ralph looked at her in disbelief.

  ‘Not important, when you say she had fallen in love with this man?

  ‘Love, hah! She told me how he had courted her, pursued her with his kind words and false promises. She said he would take her to London or Brighton, where there was an abundance of good company. It was I who pointed out to her that she would not be received by polite society in either of those places. She would be obliged to live abroad, an exile. But he had anticipated that, too, for she told me he would take her abroad, where the climate would suit her very well.

  ‘By heaven, her infatuation was such that I believe she had lost the little wit she was born with! I scolded her mightily, I can tell you, and reminded her of her duty. Duty is all, my lord. She had a duty to you, as your wife. I told her that, since you do not appear to have done so.’

  ‘And what of your duty to Helene? Did it not matter to you that by keeping quiet you might be shielding her murderer?’

  ‘Not at all, as long as there was no breath of impropriety. To name him would result in the whole sorry business being dragged into the open and Helene’s name besmirched.’