The Lord's Forced Bride

by Anne Herries

  Both men bowed and left the presence chamber. Outside, they stopped and looked at one another, each wary of the other for they knew that the truce between them was fragile and forced.

  ‘I swear that I do not know who tried to kill you, Melford,’ Ronchester said, but his eyes did not meet Harry’s.

  ‘I have no choice but to accept your word,’ Harry said. He was stiff and proud, for only the King’s command would have made him offer his hand to this man. ‘We must not be enemies, for Henry has forbidden it, but I think we cannot be friends.’

  Ronchester’s lip curled in a sneer. ‘For the moment we are forced to keep the peace, Melford—but I shall not forget you. We have a score to settle!’

  Harry watched as the man strode away. He knew that Ronchester was his enemy, and no matter their agreement before the King, he would still have to watch his back.

  ‘Harry!’

  Seeing Andrew of Gifford coming towards him, Harry went to meet him. Ronchester had tried to suggest that Gifford might be behind the attacks on Harry, but he knew better. The King had spoken of a quarrel between their fathers, but men often fought and, since it had happened years ago, it must surely be forgotten. He would keep faith with his friend, for he sorely needed someone to watch his back. Ronchester would find a way to murder him if he could!

  He was in two minds about sending his sister home for her own safety, but the thought of her disappointment stayed his hand. Ronchester had been severely warned by the King, and would surely not try anything more until the wedding had passed.

  Catherine spent most of that afternoon with Will Shearer. She had begun by feeling anxious, for she was afraid that Harry meant to send her home soon. However, Will was in a playful mood, teasing her out of her mood of despondency and making her laugh with his jokes. She found him very pleasant company yet she could not help wishing that she might have spent her afternoon with the earl.

  ‘Mother will be disappointed that you are not to accompany us on the day of the wedding,’ Will told her. ‘I think I shall too, Catherine. You know that I like you very well. Perhaps we should marry after all.’

  Catherine was thoughtful. ‘Do you think liking is reason enough to marry?’

  ‘I am not sure—do you?’

  ‘I don’t know,’ Catherine admitted. ‘I like someone else so very much, but I am not sure he likes me—at least enough to wed me.’ She sighed and shook her head. ‘Did I tell you that I was violently sick last night at the palace?’

  ‘No, you said nothing of it—why?’

  ‘Oh…I was just wondering if…’ She hesitated, not wanting to believe that anyone could hate her brother enough to try to make him ill. ‘I think it was just the mussels.’

  ‘You don’t really think that or you wouldn’t look so odd,’ Will said. ‘Tell me what is on your mind.’

  ‘Harry said it might have been an attempt to make him ill…or possibly worse…’

  ‘I do not understand you.’

  ‘I ate food from Harry’s plate,’ Catherine said. ‘He told me that it would not be the first time a jealous courtier had attempted to harm him.’

  ‘Ah, I see…’ Will nodded his head. ‘Yes, I understand why it bothers you. If it was just bad food, that is one thing…but if it was tampering with malicious intent, it is much more serious.’

  ‘Yes, that is what I think,’ Catherine said. ‘This morning, Harry went to a meeting at court, which several people must have known of, for it was spoken of openly last night—and when he came home he had a bloodstained kerchief about his arm. He said it was merely a thief that attacked him, but I am not so sure.’

  ‘Harry was attacked in the streets in broad daylight?’ Will gave a whistle of surprise. ‘That is worrying, Catherine—and in view of what happened last night…’

  ‘It seems as if someone means to harm my brother,’ Catherine said. ‘I feel anxious, Will. Harry pretends that it is nothing, but he must have an enemy, do you not think so?’

  ‘I would say it is certain.’ He saw the look in her eyes and frowned. ‘Have you any idea of the identity of his enemy?’

  ‘No! At least, Harry thinks it may be a man called Ronchester.’ She drew a deep breath. ‘There have been at least three attempts on my brother’s life. He makes light of it, but I know he is anxious, because he is considering whether it is safe for me to be in London. I have persuaded him to let me stay at least until the wedding is over, but I know he is anxious for my sake more than his own.’

  ‘That does not sound promising,’ Will said. ‘I know that your brother was instrumental in Ronchester’s banishment, and men have come to blows for less before this—but if the King has commanded them to be friends, I do not think he will dare to plot further against Harry.’

  ‘I do not wish to return home. But if my twin’s life is in danger…’ She raised her anxious eyes to his. ‘As a woman there is little I can do, Will—but you might make some inquiry, see what you can discover of this mystery. You could try, couldn’t you, Will?’

  ‘Yes, I dare say I might,’ he agreed, looking serious. ‘I am no relation of yours and if I am discreet no one will guess what I am about.’ He smiled at her. ‘You may rely on me to do what I can, Catherine, though I can promise nothing. Whoever this person is, he may have gone far away by now, for they will know that Harry will be on his guard in future. Your brother is no fool. He will be more wary from now on.’

  ‘Yes, I am sure that he will,’ Catherine said. ‘Yet still I would discover the truth if it were possible for I fear that something bad may happen to him.’ Harry was like a part of herself, and if he died she would feel that a part of herself had died too.

  Will nodded, looking at her thoughtfully. It was not just her twin’s life that was in danger, because if Melford had an enemy there was no knowing what might happen. It might seem to others that Harry Melford’s vulnerable spot was his sister. He felt anxious for her sake. However, he did not wish to spoil Catherine’s visit to town or to frighten her unnecessarily. She would bear watching over, for if the assassin could not get to Harry Melford, he might choose the girl as his next victim.

  Chapter Six

  T he same thought had occurred to Andrew Gifford. He spoke of it to his friend Lady Margaret later that day when he called on her at her home.

  ‘You know that I shall not be able to join you until after the royal wedding,’ he said. ‘It was generous of you to invite Mistress Melford to join you for the celebrations. She will get a much better view of the procession from your house, and I am sure she will enjoy the feasting afterwards—but may I ask you to keep an eye on her? I do not know for certain, but I think someone means mischief against her and her brother.’

  ‘No?’ Lady Margaret was shocked. ‘Catherine is an innocent child. Who could wish her harm? I dare say Lord Melford has his enemies, as most powerful men have—but to take petty revenge on his daughter…’

  ‘It seems unlikely, and yet I know of a man who might stoop that low.’

  Lady Margaret frowned at him. ‘Of whom do you speak, sir?’

  ‘The Earl of Ronchester hates Harry Melford because of what happened at court last year. I know Ronchester for a spiteful rogue and I believe he will stop at nothing to take his revenge. I think it may have been he who has tried to have Harry murdered three times to my knowledge.’

  ‘Surely not? I have heard he is a surly brute—but murder?’ Lady Margaret looked shocked. ‘Would he stoop that low?’

  ‘You do not know him as I do,’ Andrew replied grimly. ‘He is capable of anything, and a master of deception.’

  ‘Oh, Andrew,’ Lady Margaret said, horrified. ‘That is a terrible accusation to make. Have you some personal vendetta against Ronchester?’

  ‘You wrong me, lady,’ Andrew said. ‘Ronchester has offered me no insult, but I believe he wishes to harm my friends. I have not spoken of this to others, but I thought it safe to confide in you.’

  ‘We have been more than friends,’ the lady said. �
�There was a time when you helped me through the worst of despair, Andrew. I shall tell no one of your suspicions, but you may rely on me to keep your friend safe.’ She gave him a teasing look. ‘Or is she more to you?’

  ‘My head tells me that she can never be more than a mere acquaintance, because of the old quarrel between our families,’ Andrew told her wryly. ‘But something about her haunts me. Harry would sanction the match, I am sure, but I am not sure how her parents would feel.’

  ‘You do not think of wedding Lady Henrietta? I believe she expects it, Andrew.’

  ‘I had thought it might do, but I have decided that she is not the wife for me. I have found another woman I am interested in—but I am not certain it can ever be.’

  ‘Perhaps if her brother speaks for you, her father might be persuaded,’ Lady Margaret said. She hesitated for a moment, then, ‘Be careful of Lady Henrietta, Andrew. She too has a spiteful nature and she might try to make mischief for you if she thinks herself slighted.’

  ‘I know,’ Andrew said and frowned. ‘She was not at court last night, but I shall speak to her at the first opportunity and tell her that our affair must end, though I shall try to say it gently, for I would not have her hurt.’

  ‘She will not let go easily,’ Lady Margaret warned. ‘You must tread carefully, Andrew, or you may make an enemy.’

  ‘I do not fear it,’ Andrew told her. ‘I must leave you now, because I have business that will not wait. I must set some agents to watch over my friends—I fear Harry is too proud to think of his own safety—and I shall make inquiries, for until Ronchester is brought to book I think neither Harry nor Catherine will be safe.’

  Catherine was sitting in the parlour the next day, working at some sewing when the housekeeper announced that she had a visitor. She got to her feet, looking expectantly towards the door as Will Shearer entered.

  ‘Are you alone?’ she asked. ‘I thought perhaps Lady Anne would call this afternoon.’

  ‘Mother sent me to fetch you,’ Will told her with a smile. ‘We have heard that the princess is about to enter London and she thought you would like to watch the procession as it passes our house.’

  ‘Oh, yes, I should like that very much,’ Catherine cried, her face lighting up with pleasure. She had been wondering what to do with herself and feeling a little sad, because she had hoped that the Earl of Gifford might visit. His failure to come made her think that perhaps she had been mistaken in his feelings, and Will’s arrival was just what she had needed to cheer her. ‘I shall fetch my cloak at once and come with you.’

  Catherine fetched her cloak with the fur-lined hood and a warm muff for her hands, because she expected that it would be cold out. She was feeling excited as she and Will left the house and walked quickly through the streets. She could sense the air of anticipation as little groups of people began to gather on the streets. The wedding of Prince Arthur was a huge occasion and there were banners and flags everywhere welcoming the princess to London. Catherine could hear a fiddler playing and some of the people had started to dance, others cheering them on. The smell of hot roasting chestnuts and hot pies mingled with the other familiar scents of the London streets.

  Everyone was happy and excited and their mood communicated itself to Catherine as she walked quickly at Will Shearer’s side. She must put her private concerns aside and enjoy this time of celebration!

  When they reached Lady Anne’s house, she discovered that she was not the only guest, for Lady Margaret was there and several other ladies and gentlemen. Their hostess had bid her servants to prepare hot pies, both savoury and sweet, and a bowl of spicy punch to warm them on their arrival. It was a merry party that gathered at the front windows of the house to watch as the sound of horns blowing announced that the royal party was getting nearer.

  ‘His Majesty went to meet the princess, as he had heard good reports of her and was impatient to greet her,’ Lady Margaret said, coming to stand at Catherine’s side. ‘Ah, here they come…you can see the King…and that must be the princess and Prince Arthur. How well they look together! She has a pleasant face and she carries herself well. Yes, I believe she will make him a worthy wife.’

  Everyone was making favourable comments; although not exactly beautiful, the princess was comely enough and she looked happy and smiling as she rode between her husband-to-be and the King.

  Catherine sighed as she watched, for she had caught sight of the Earl of Gifford riding just behind the King and a little behind him was her brother. She thought that they both looked grim, as though they were not enjoying themselves as much as such a happy occasion demanded. She knew that Harry had much on his mind, but why was the Earl of Gifford looking so grim? Then she saw that the Earl of Ronchester was with them, and wondered if it was his presence at the King’s side that caused their harsh looks.

  ‘Well, that was a fine sight,’ Lady Margaret said, smiling at Catherine. ‘In two days you will be my guest, Catherine, as I have reserved places in the Cathedral, and afterwards I am holding a fine feast, to which I have invited many friends. It will be a joyous occasion and I am sure that you will enjoy yourself with us.’

  ‘It was so kind of you to invite me,’ Catherine said. ‘Harry told me that he has been bidden to attend on his Majesty at the wedding, and afterwards at the royal feast, which meant I should be alone. It will be much more comfortable to be with you.’

  ‘Exactly,’ Lady Margaret said and nodded, glancing across the room at Will Shearer. ‘A little bird told me that your family expects you to marry a certain gentleman—is that true?’

  ‘Oh…’ Catherine flushed. ‘I am not sure, ma’am. I think there has been some talk of it, but nothing is settled.’

  ‘Perhaps your heart looks elsewhere?’ Lady Margaret raised her brows. ‘But I shall not tease you, my love. It is hard when one is young, for sometimes one’s duty does not lie where one would truly wish it. I suffered an unhappy marriage, but all that is behind me now, for I was widowed some years ago, as perhaps you knew?’

  ‘No, my lady, I did not. You spoke of your husband…’

  ‘My second husband. I was married as a young girl to please my family. The second time I pleased only myself. I consider myself fortunate to have had the chance of true happiness, for it is not given to all of us to wed where we choose.’

  ‘You speak truly, ma’am,’ Catherine said and could not prevent a little sigh escaping her. ‘I would never wish to hurt my family, but…’ She shook her head and said no more. For the past two days she had thought constantly of Andrew of Gifford, and she was much afraid that he had stolen her heart despite her resolution to be sensible.

  ‘Perhaps if you were a little braver, the difficulty might be overcome?’ Lady Margaret suggested, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. ‘Your happiness in the future might depend on your doing something a little bold perhaps—but if you were to follow your heart, I dare say your parents would forgive you in time.’

  Catherine smiled, but did not answer her. She was not sure what her new friend was advocating, but thought that it would probably be unwise to listen to her jesting advice.

  Catherine turned away as her hostess called to her, accepting one of the hot meat pies that was offered her and biting into the soft pastry with relish. She saw that Will was looking at her from the other side of the room, and there was an odd, rather intense expression in his eyes. She smiled at him, wiping her mouth daintily on her kerchief as she made her way towards him. He gave her a welcoming smile.

  ‘Are you enjoying yourself, Catherine?’

  ‘Yes, of course,’ she said. ‘It was so kind of you to fetch me, Will. If you had not, I should have missed the procession and all this…’ She faltered as she saw something in his eyes. ‘What…?’

  ‘I was just thinking how lovely you are,’ Will told her. ‘You have such a beautiful nature, Catherine. I wish…’

  ‘What do you wish?’ Catherine laughed huskily as he shook his head. ‘Do not tease me, Will! Are you bidden to th
e feasting this night at the palace?’

  ‘Yes, we are,’ he said. ‘Shall you be there?’

  ‘Harry said that he would come home to fetch me,’ she said. ‘I think I must leave now, Will, for I must be ready when he comes.’

  ‘I shall take you,’ he said immediately. ‘The streets will be so busy, Catherine. You must not thinking of walking out alone.’

  ‘But it is a shame to take you from your guests.’

  ‘They will not miss me,’ Will told her with a careless shrug. ‘Come, let us go, for your brother would be anxious if he returned and wondered where you were.’

  ‘Henry is well pleased with his daughter-in-law,’ Harry told Catherine as they made their way to the banqueting hall that night. ‘He is in a good mood, Cat, and there will be dancing this evening. You may dance as often as you wish, but be careful of your partners. Sometimes gentlemen will drink too freely at these affairs and I would not want you to be frightened by their free manners.’

  ‘I shall be very careful, Harry, I promise. I dare say I shall not be asked often for there are so many beautiful ladies at court.’

  Harry looked at her. She seemed unaware of how lovely she was and it was her very innocence that made her vulnerable. An unscrupulous man might find it easy to sway her young heart with flattery. He frowned as he thought of Ronchester. Gifford had warned him to be very cautious, though in truth he had needed no reminder, because he knew that the rogue might try to get to him, perhaps through Catherine, and he would be watchful.

  He nodded his approval. ‘I know that I may trust your good sense, Cat. Be careful of Ronchester or any other man who seems too bold, but most are my friends and would not harm you.’