Carefully, slowly, he removed the cloth, tucked it away in his pocket and secured the front flap of his breeches.
She leaned back against the door, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled. “Well, I believe we’re now in quandary, Richard.”
“There shall be no quandary at all, not when I intend on speaking to your father, of asking him for your hand in marriage.”
“My father is the one who wishes for me to wed Roth.” She gulped, her throat working. “I haven’t been able to speak to Avery about this, but I trust you. There is a large loan, one my father can’t repay to Roth, not for a number of years.”
“How large?”
“A hundred and fifty thousand pounds.”
“That’s a hefty sum.” His breath whistled out from between his lips.
“Yes, which is why I must marry Roth, even after this lovely interlude of ours.”
“Rosamonde—”
“No. What we just had was a few stolen moments in time. I can’t disappoint my father. He’s relying on me to wed Roth and ensure he doesn’t lose any of his unentailed holdings.” Tears pooled in her eyes and two escaped and streaked down her cheeks. “You mustn’t make this any harder for me than it already is.”
“I am not a man who will easily step aside, whether there is a hundred and fifty thousand pounds involved or two hundred thousand. I give you my word that I will do my damnedest to aid you and your family in finding a solution so that you and I may be together.” He wiped her tears away then with a curt nod, stepped back so he didn’t attempt to take her all over again.
“Please, this thing between us can never be anything more than what it has already been.”
“No, only mere moments ago you came alive at my hand and you will continue to burn for me, just as I will burn for you. There can be no retreat from what now simmers between us.” Certainly not for him. He would dream of her day and night until he could have her again.
She stared at him, rather helplessly, her hands rising, her palms pressed against his chest. “I’ve been reckless, wild and improper, but that doesn’t mean—”
“It means everything to me.” He lowered to one knee once more. “Lady Rosamonde, I would ask you this question a hundred and fifty thousand times, but I pray I need only ask it once more. Will you do me the great honor of accepting my proposal and marrying me? And be warned, should you say no, then I’ll simply toss you over my shoulder and cart you away to Gretna Green. I won’t accept any other answer, other than yes.”
Chapter 7
“You are being unreasonable.” Rosamonde couldn’t fathom why Winterly would wish to marry her. Yes, she had adored his touch, as he had adored hers, but that didn’t mean a marriage was possible between them.
“You don’t want passion in your future marriage? Love? The possibility of adventure around every corner?” he asked her. “I can offer you all of that and so much more.”
“Richard, you cannot speak of holding love for me when before today you hadn’t even considered offering for my hand. We have both acted in a crazed manner, earlier today and of course just now.”
He narrowed his gaze as he scrutinized her, which became an unbearably long scrutinization as long and precious seconds ticked away. Finally, he rose from one bent knee and cradled her face in his hands. “You are right in that before today I hadn’t considered a future between the two of us, but the crazed manner in which we have both acted is certainly strong proof that intense emotions exist between us. I cannot simply walk away, not now, not after touching you the way I have. What must I say to convince you that we should be together?”
“If you truly feel any love for me at all, you wouldn’t ask me to leave my home, to live so far away from my loved ones. You don’t even reside at Winterly Manor for more than a few months of the year.”
“I spend six months in the country and six months in London, that is true, but perhaps it’s time for me to change that. I need only remain in town while parliament is in session. The remainder of the year we could both reside either at my country estate, or here. I have no issue spending time under your father’s roof. Perhaps your parents could even stay with us at Winterly Manor when they desire a change of scenery.”
“I could never expect you to be forced into giving up so much in order to accommodate my needs.”
“That’s what marriage is all about, or at least that’s what my papa taught me before his passing. Like you, I come from a home where my parents loved each other dearly, where they both gave equally of themselves so that they could always remain together.”
“Yet if I ever truly showed you the same love that you’re offering me, then I would step away right now and give you your freedom. I would never allow you to suffer the scandal which will surely rear its ugly head should I break my betrothal with Roth.” She moved away and rested her hands on the windowsill. Outside, stars twinkled in the night sky, the moon hidden behind thin clouds which floated past, but which still allowed the gentle golden glow of the moon to shine through here and there. Such an uplifting sight, yet she’d never felt less uplifted in her life. The door closed quietly with a snick and when she turned, he was gone.
He wouldn’t have given up though. Winterly wasn’t a man to set aside a challenge tossed at him, and she’d certainly laid down a challenge this very night.
She would need to bolster her strength against him tomorrow, otherwise she’d never be able to move forward with her life and accept it wasn’t headed toward the man who had saved her as a child and it appeared, now wished to save her again. Her destiny had been set, and it didn’t lead to Richard Trentbury, the Earl of Winterly. It led to the Marquess of Roth.
***
It had been a long night when Rosamonde awoke the next morning. Quite late since she’d tossed and turned for several hours before finally falling asleep, her thoughts consumed by an enticing man who had always been her hero, a man who’d brought her great passion last night with his gentle and loving touch.
With her nightgown wrapped around her legs and her hair a tangled mess across her pillow, she heaved a sigh at the heavy weight pressing down on her heart. Above her head, the yellow canopy of her bedcurtains swayed. If only her father had never borrowed funds from Roth, that a debt never existed between them, although such thoughts were nonsensical and she needed to accept the truth of her current situation. She was set to wed Lord Roth and expected to do her duty by him. In truth, she’d longed for children this past year or two, to start a family of her own. That desire had stirred within her the day when she’d peered down through the branches of a tree at the end of her driveway and spied Winterly at the base with his hands on his hips, his gaze narrowed on her. Avery had been standing beside him, but it was only Winterly who’d taken her attention. Unfortunately she’d been hanging perilously halfway up a tree while trying to rescue her wee kitten. She’d borrowed her brother’s breeches, which had been the only adequate attire she’d been able to find so she might scramble up the tree and fetch Marmalade down without alerting the entire household to her pet’s misadventure. Father had already issued a final warning that if she couldn’t get the kitten to behave, then it would have to go. Winterly had asked her what on earth she was doing, and when she’d pointed to the kitten on the uppermost branch of the tree, he’d heaved himself up until he’d reached her. Once he’d rescued the kitten, she’d beamed as all had finally felt right in her world. He unfortunately had scolded her for the risk she’d taken with her life, which had made her get stroppy and state her mind rather clearly in return.
That day now seemed like a lifetime ago.
A lifetime in which her world had turned upside down.
A world she must still exist within, wed to a man who’d never treated her with an ounce of kindness. Roth never would either. He was condescending, abrupt, and arrogant. There also wasn’t a chance she could ever change him, not when he was too set in his ways.
Pushing her yellow and cream bedcovers back, she sw
ung her legs over the side of her bed and rose. She plodded across the polished floorboards to her window and swept her cream and yellow floral drapes back. She touched a finger to the windowpane where sunlight streamed across it, the warmth of the new day slowly penetrating through to her. At least the weather would be fine today for the hunt, and hopefully it would remain fine for the entire week ahead.
Outside, Lady Winterly and Olivia strolled about the manicured gardens, both of them taking a turn along the meandering pathway which led to the fishpond beyond the trees where she’d played often as a child. Mother’s roses bloomed everywhere, a bright splash of pretty pinks, yellows, and creams as the buds burst forth. With her parasol shading her head, Olivia waved to someone up ahead then hurried forward in her plum colored riding habit and beamed as she caught up to a man who stepped around a tall landscaped hedge with her cat in his hands. Not any man either. Winterly.
Her childhood hero removed his hat and engulfed his sister in his arms, as if they hadn’t just seen each other the day before. He petted Marmalade before setting her cat gently on the grass, then lifted his head and tipped his gaze toward her window on the upper floor.
No.
She ducked to the side and plastered her back against the wall.
Heat flushed her cheeks as she took herself to task.
Standing at her window in her nightgown staring at a gentleman was beyond scandalous. She needed to cease such atrocious behavior. If he’d seen her, she’d have a lot to answer for.
A quick ring of the bell, and she summoned her maid, Mary, whom she shared with Mother.
Mary knocked and entered, an apron tied about her waist and a frilly white cap atop her head. The lass set to work readying her bath, which was filled with steaming pails of hot water by two lads who soon arrived. After the boys had left, Mary closed the door and added a swirl of her favorite raspberry and vanilla scented oil to the bathwater.
She disrobed and stepped into the tub, swiftly washed her hair, soaped her body, then not wanting to dawdle, rose to her feet and got swamped in the drying cloth her maid held out. Mary gestured for her to sit in the patch of sunshine while she dried her locks. Wrapped in her dressing gown, she seated herself, and Mary brushed her hair until the golden strands fluttered softly into a glittering fall down her back. Her maid carefully arranged her hair into an elegantly braided headband that swept around her crown with curls bobbing free from a top knot. She created a soft center part at her forehead, then added the finishing touches with intricate curls brushing her cheeks.
Her maid aided her in dressing and once clothed in her new sky-blue riding habit made by her modiste for this very hunt, she stepped in front of her tall-standing cheval mirror and turned from side to side to admire the long, clean lines of her habit. The fitted jacket followed her curves, tucking in nicely at her waist and flaring over her hips, while the hem of her skirts brushed the floorboards with a short train at the back. With her wide-brimmed hat in her hand, she twirled in a full circle, her mood lightening and the heavy weight of the night before finally lifting from her heart. She’d always adored galloping across the fields, the wind rushing by and the crisp country air invigorating her. She also enjoyed making more noise than necessary so as to warn the animals being hunted that they’d soon be found if they didn’t scatter or hide.
After pinning her matching sky-blue hat in place, she took a morning tray at her side table. After enjoying a hot bread roll smothered in jam, along with a cup of tea, she laced her half boots, pulled on her riding gloves and left her chamber. She trod downstairs and at the base of the stairwell, rounded the corner as their butler strode toward her with a silver platter and a folded note upon it.
A dip of his head as he extended the platter. “For you, Lady Rosamonde, from Lord Roth. A messenger arrived from Rothgale Manor only a few minutes ago.”
“Oh, thank you.” She tucked her riding crop under one arm before accepting the missive. “How are his lordship and her ladyship this morning?”
“The earl is showing the Worthington and the Bellview families about the stables, so they might choose which horses they wish to ride for the hunt. They arrived an hour ago and shall be staying for the duration of the day. The countess can be found on the garden bench underneath the arbor where she has a good view of her guests and the planned activities. Lady Winterly has chosen to sit out the hunt and is keeping the countess company.”
“Is the countess warm enough?” She always fretted when her mother chose to sit outside, particularly when she never noticed if her legs had become too chilled. “Someone must keep a close eye on her.”
“Lady Winterly has the countess swaddled in blankets, and a footman remains close by.”
“Wonderful. All sounds in order.” Her mother adored having Flora’s family here, this house party and this week of activities always enthusing her very soul. “Please, ensure you serve the countess and Lady Winterly tea, immediately.”
“I shall do so now.” A nod of Simmonds’ head and their ever-efficient butler disappeared toward the kitchens.
“There you are, my dear sister.” Smiling, Avery strode toward her in blue breeches and a matching riding jacket, his white cravat knotted at his neck. He brushed a kiss across her cheek. “Winterly asked if you’d be joining us for the hunt, of which I informed him that of course you would. Roth also hasn’t yet arrived, although one of his servants just delivered a note.” He tipped his head toward the note in her hand. “Is that it?”
“Yes, and I wish to speak to you about Winterly.” She needed to set her brother straight on her decision to turn Winterly’s proposal down, as well as to explain why. Since Winterly now knew of the loan, she didn’t doubt her brother would soon become aware of it too. They were the best of friends and had never withheld any secrets from each other. “Might I have a word with you in private?”
“Of course. Does the library suit?” He motioned with one hand toward the open library door only a few steps away.
“It certainly does.” She led the way, dropped her crop and the missive on the side table, then crossed to the square-cut window framed with deep blue curtains. She leaned one hand on the windowsill as a pretty bird trilled from the branch of the sycamore only a few feet away. Bright sunshine and clear blue skies prevailed. Facing her brother, she clasped her hands in front of her, fully prepared to state her mind. “Avery, I need you to know that I do appreciate your concern regarding my forthcoming marriage to Roth, and even though my marriage to him is an arranged one, there are still many aspects to it which suit me. There is also the fact that I must abide by Father’s request, as any diligent daughter should do. That being the case, I turned down Winterly’s proposal last night.”
“Winterly told me you did. He also made me aware of the loan, of which I confronted Father about. We spoke in his study earlier this morning.” He rested one shoulder against a shelf of leather-bound books, his brow furrowing deeply. “Should you not wed Roth, Father will need to settle the loan immediately since Roth has made it quite clear that would happen. Unfortunately, Father isn’t able to come up with the funds needed, not for five years when he can use the profit from his ventures to settle the hundred and fifty thousand pound debt. There is also the matter of your dowry, which reduced the debt by twenty thousand pounds.”
“Yes. Roth has kindly offered to reduce Father’s debt by the amount of my dowry.” She straightened her shoulders. “Roth has called that concession his wedding gift to me.”
“I had no idea that all of this was why you were so adamant in your decision to marry the man. I’m rather grateful that Winterly managed to bring all of this to my attention, and that Father has now spoken of the situation to me. I’ve also told Father he must inform Mother as well. We can’t hide that kind of information from her.”
“Is Father mad at me for speaking of all of this?”
“Of course not. In fact, I’d even say he’s relieved that he no longer has to bear the burden of this secret on his own.
”
“I must also consider Mother’s needs though.”
“Should you wed a man like Winterly who resides in London for several months of the year, living farther away than either you or Mother wished for, then that might perhaps be a good thing.” Her brother stepped forward and rested his hands on her shoulders, his gaze intent. “It would certainly encourage Mother to travel, to accept that her injury can’t keep her housebound forever. For goodness sake, six years have passed, and she hasn’t even been beyond the nearby village in all that time. Mother used to adore London and all the activities of the Season.”
“True.” She had to concede that point, that they had been making it far too easy for Mother to remain within the boundary of their property. Guilt swamped her and dipping her gaze to her feet, she scuffed one booted toe back and forth. “I still have to marry Roth though. The loan remains glaringly in place.”
“It does, but after Father and I spoke, we asked Winterly to join our meeting.”
“What did the three of you speak about?” If Winterly had admitted to touching her intimately, doing so would cause more problems than it ever would in resolving any. She held her breath as she waited for her brother to answer.
“Winterly insisted that we need to find a hundred and fifty thousand pounds, immediately, otherwise he’ll cart you off to Gretna Green and to hell with Roth.” Fire sparked in her brother’s eyes. “I’ve never seen Winterly so beset with such intense emotions before, which means he and I have agreed to ride to London to source the funds needed to repay the loan. We shall do whatever is needed to procure the amount required so Father can repay Roth. Winterly has a few ideas, and we’ll come up with a sound plan and answer to our problems as we travel. Father certainly insisted that no dash to Gretna Green would be needed or desired. He said that once he has the funds in hand and has passed them along to Roth, that he will break the betrothal, and once any resulting scandal has quietened down, then with his blessing you may accept Winterly’s proposal.”
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