Mr Rushford's Honour

by Meg Alexander

  '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.

  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 cage 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?'

  Gina 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.'

  Gina was forced to smile. 'It was very good of you to offer to teach us, sir. Perhaps if you just gave us the general idea...?'

  'That's all you'll get from Thomas!' Troubled by the look in Gina's eyes, Giles made an effort to lighten the atmosphere.

  Gina attempted to follow his example. 'And you, Giles? Shall you prance round like an elephant?'

  'Don't believe it, ma'am!' Thomas gave her a solemn look, but his eyes were sparkling. 'Giles is one of those aggravating creatures who can carry a tune in his head, and then transfer it to his feet. He'd make his fortune on the stage, I shouldn't wonder.'

  'Very droll, Thomas! Will you be my manager?'

  'Glad to, old son! Glad to!' With this promise Thomas turned to greet the girls.

  Their ride that day was more of a leisurely ramble. Mair and Elspeth chattered non-stop, quizzing Thomas about his visits to London, and requesting anecdotes about the literary lions and other celebrities.

  Giles and Gina had fallen a little way behind the others. 'Mr Newby is very kind,' she observed as she nodded towards the others. 'He has endless patience with the girls.'

  'He has a heart of gold,' Giles assured her. 'Don't be fooled by his jokes and his pretence of being afraid of Stubbins. In a tight corner I'd be glad to have him by my side.'

  Gina smiled. 'It isn't difficult to penetrate below that light-hearted manner. I like him very much.'

  'I'm glad to hear it,' Giles said stiffly. Then he gestured ahead. 'Shall we catch up with them?'

  Gina spurred her horse into a trot. She had no need to look at her companion's face. She'd heard the note of jealousy in his voice. She had no doubt that he was fond of Thomas, but having found her again so recently, he was in despair at the thought of losing her to a rival.

  For a moment she was tempted to reassure him, but the time was not yet right. Whatever it cost her she must wait. The stakes were too high for her to lose the least advantage. Giles must woo and win her for the second time. She would not make it easy for him.

  Was she setting her sights too high? It had been a gamble to come back to Abbot Quincey in the hope of regaining his love. In time she might persuade him to set aside his scruples, but for that to happen he must want her more than anything in the world.

  Now an uglier problem troubled her. Would she have returned to the village if she'd known that she and the girls would meet Samuel Westcott? She'd thought herself safe from that creature with his vicious tendencies.

  Naturally, she'd made enquiries before leaving Scotland and Anthony had assured her that her uncle was based in London. A successful grain and feed merchant, his visits to his birthplace were said to be infrequent. It was sheer chance which had led him to visit his brother so soon after her return. Hopefully, his stay would be brief.

  As they turned for home Giles studied her face again. He was at a loss as to know what to say to her. It was clear that she had no intention of taking him into her confidence, but he longed to comfort her. It was Thomas who broke the silence. He'd been speaking to the girls about their home in Scotland.

  'Shall you miss that country?' he asked Gina. 'I hear that it is beautiful.'

  'In places it is grand and wild,' she replied, 'but the Whitelaw estates are on the west coast. There we escape the savage winters of the north...'

  'Gina says that it is because of the warm Gulf Stream,' Elspeth told him. She was proud to air her knowledge. 'We have grown peaches out of doors...'

  'Good farming country?' Thomas was hoping to draw Giles into the conversation.

  Gina had recovered her composure. 'We grow an excellent crop of heather,' she said drily. 'The soil is too poor and thin for us to raise good crops, but our beef is the best in the world.'

  'And you should see our Highland cattle, Mr Newby,' Elspeth continued to chatter on. 'They have enormous horns, not like the cows in England.'

  'They sound ferocious,' Thomas grinned. 'Did I tell you that I was once chased by a bull?'

  'Only because you waved your cloak in front of him.' Giles turned to the others. 'Thomas was inspired by tales of the Spanish matadors. He thought that fighting a bull must be easy.'

  'I found out that it wasn't. I must have broken all records to reach the hedg
e ahead of the beast. I swear I thought he had me. I could feel his breath upon my neck.'

  This story was greeted by shouts of laughter, and Gina's good humour was quite restored.

  'Giles, you are the expert on good farming methods,' she said quietly. 'I wonder if you would advise me. The Scottish estate is in poor case. My husband, as you know, was never strong. He was unable to oversee the place as he would have wished. Would you think it possible to bring it round? It is a part of the girls inheritance, so it is a matter of some concern to me.'

  Giles was interested in spite of his determination to distance himself from Gina.

  'I know nothing of conditions in Scotland,' he admitted. 'Mostly what is needed is an injection of capital. One must not throw good money after bad, of course. It's important to decide on the priorities.'

  'I understand.' Gina skirted carefully around the question of capital. With the means at her disposal it would not be a problem, but with Giles the mention of money would always be a touchy subject. 'How would I decide on my priorities?'

  He gave her a suspicious look. Was she about to offer him some help? That he could not bear.

  'Your bailiff will advise you,' he told her abruptly.

  'You haven't seen him, Giles. The old man is well on in his seventies, and much opposed to change.'

  He smiled then. 'I know the problem. I have the same thing here. Over the years my suggestions have either been agreed to and then ignored, or greeted with dire predictions as to what will happen when one flies in the face of nature.'

  'But you have made changes, haven't you? Anthony tells me that you have insisted on the use of your new ploughs and seed drills, as well as fertilizers and the correct rotation of crops.'

  'You are very well informed,' he said drily.

  'I was interested.'

  'Really?' Clearly he did not believe her.

  'Oh come!' she replied. 'I think that you have forgot that I am country-bred. Anthony lent me a book on Coke of Norfolk. You'll have heard of him, of course?'

  'I met him, Gina.' Giles gave up all pretence of indifference. 'The man is a genius. If every farmer could be persuaded to follow his example we could be almost self-sufficient in the matter of food.'