Mary’s ‘harrumph’ interrupted her thoughts. ‘Best be getting back, Miss Marcella, before Her Fancy Ladyship sends out a search party.’
‘She would hardly do that,’ Marcella countered. ‘If I were to stay out long enough to be considered compromised, she could insist on an engagement and be rid of me all the sooner. But I’d not do that to you, Dellamont, I promise.’
‘I’d appreciate it,’ he said drily. ‘Though I am indebted to you already. The Earl sought me out at breakfast this morning. He must have had news of last night’s ball from some of his cronies, for he actually congratulated me on making a promising start. I honestly can’t remember him ever complimenting me before.’
Touched with sadness at that avowal, she countered, ‘About time, then. Although his approval now is likely to make his anger when you don’t claim my hand rather greater.’
Dellamont shrugged. ‘I’ll deal with that when it happens. But Mary is right; we should go in. I’ve already outstayed the requisite quarter-hour.’
‘I only hope Lord Charles and Lord Hoddleston have already departed, too.’
‘I doubt Lady Arlsley would encourage them to linger. Not if it seems you have a future earl dangling after you.’
‘Would that having you “dangle” might dissuade them from seeking me out at all future events!’ Marcella said with some heat.
Once they’d reached the door back to the house, Dellamont paused. ‘I will escort you to the drawing room, pay my respects to Lady Arlsley and take my leave.’
Marcella nodded. ‘Here’s to our bargain, then. Long may it continue.’
‘Well, for a month or so, at any rate. You’ll let me know about the next entertainment?’
‘Yes. I’ll try to send a note. Where should I address it?’
‘Fortunately, I have my own quarters, so I’m not living under my father’s thumb.’ After giving her the address, he bowed. ‘I think I’m going to enjoy this bargain. At least until the Earl discovers it and the retribution begins.’
‘I hope the punishment won’t be too severe,’ Marcella said with a smile. ‘Because I think I shall enjoy it, too.’
She just needed to be careful not to enjoy it too much.
Chapter Seven
Early the following morning, Crispin rode through the gates of Hyde Park, his younger sister, Lady Margaret, riding beside him. After calling on Miss Cranmore the day before, he’d paid a visit to his mother. As he was going out, he’d encountered his sibling, who confessed she’d been lying in wait for him so she might beg him to take her riding.
Though she loved being in London, she was finding it tiresome not being able to attend any events beyond afternoon calls and teas with their mother, she’d told him. Since their mother didn’t ride and their groom frowned on any pace faster than a trot, she pleaded with him to offer her the treat of a real gallop.
Though Crispin had had little to do with his older sister, who in looks and temperament was too much like his father, Maggie had always been a merry, engaging child whose occasional company he enjoyed. She hadn’t even balked at being ready at the unfashionably early hour he’d insisted was necessary if she wished to arrive before the park became too crowded for a proper gallop.
They rode along, Crispin required to do nothing more taxing than trot beside her, listening while she chattered to him about her impressions of London, the wonder of the shops and buildings, and the society ladies, the only common factor in her ramblings her frankness and complete lack of awe or deference for the leaders of fashionable world—or indeed, for her own father. Smiling as she made a particularly biting comment about the Earl, Crispin thought ruefully that it was as well for their mother’s peace of mind that his little sister was seldom summoned into her sire’s presence.
They’d just turned down the first pathway, approaching the long section suitable for galloping, when Crispin spotted a female on side-saddle cantering towards them. A female who looked very much like Miss Cranmore.
Within a few moments, she was near enough for Crispin to confirm that it was indeed Miss Cranmore, a groom trailing behind her. Though her eyes brightened and she smiled in recognition, she didn’t bring her mount to a halt, merely gave him a slight nod, as one might to acknowledge stranger.
Allowing him, he realised, to ride by without greeting her, if he chose.
Knowing that though his father might wish him to marry an heiress, he’d object to having the daughter he had to marry off next year be seen to associate with the granddaughter of a coal miner, the wisest course would have been to do exactly that. But the fact that she’d been perceptive and courteous enough to allow him that option—with a smile that seemed to say she didn’t even resent the ridiculousness of that double standard—made him decide not to take advantage of her discretion.
Bringing his mount to a halt, he called ‘Miss Cranmore! How nice to see you.’
Her smile brightening, she reined in as well. ‘And you, my lord. A lovely morning, isn’t it? But don’t let me delay or interrupt your ride with the lady.’
Was there a touch of jealousy in her tone? Secretly gratified by the thought, said, ‘You may be easy, Miss Cranmore. This is no lady. May I present my sister, Lady Margaret d’Aubignon?’
‘I am a lady—if only by title,’ his sister objected. ‘Delighted to meet you, Miss Cranmore.’
‘And I you, Lady Margaret.’
Suddenly his sister’s eyes widened. ‘Miss Cranmore? I have heard a lot about you!’
Despite Crispin’s embarrassed hiss at his sister to keep quiet, Miss Cranmore smiled. ‘I suppose you have.’
‘But you’re lovely!’
Though Crispin groaned at the comment, the Heiress laughed outright. ‘What were you expecting? A perfume of smoke hanging about me, a homespun gown and bits of cotton thread tangled in my hair? Or a costly, over-trimmed riding habit, my neck and arms festooned with jewels?’
‘I don’t know quite what I expected. I’ve never met a girl from the merchant class before.’
‘Enough, Maggie,’ Crispin said, feeling his face flush, and wishing he’d reminded himself before impulsively making the introductions just how frank his irrepressible sibling could be. ‘You must excuse my sister, Miss Cranmore. She may be styled “Lady Margaret” but as you can see, her manners need substantial work.’
‘I’m just being honest,’ his sister protested. ‘As you would surely have me be, wouldn’t you, Miss Cranmore? Since it seems one can never be frank in society, and you must spend all your time there, I should think you would appreciate it.’
While Crispin silently berated himself for allowing the meeting, Miss Cranmore said, ‘I do appreciate candour. And you are right, I am forced to spend much time in society, where honesty is in very short supply. Which is why I escape for a morning ride.’
‘Well, I’m not “out” yet—not until next Season, but I’m enjoying a ride as well. I’m not allowed to go anywhere, you see, except to accompany Mama to teas and calls on horrid old dragons who assess me like some sort of merchandise at market. It’s so annoying! All the while, I must keep my eyes modestly downcast and my opinions to myself, so that they will bestow their approval and promise to issue invitations to all the important parties next year. It’s a wonder I’ve not burst from the strain.’
Her eyes dancing, Miss Cranmore gave Crispin a wink, to which he returned a weak smile, beyond relieved that she seemed amused rather than offended by his sister’s unvarnished remarks. ‘I understand perfectly. It is annoying to be assessed like goods in the marketplace. If it weren’t for the promise I made my dear father, I would have abandoned society after the first event.’
His sister stared, her eyes widening in surprise. ‘Your father is a dear? Truly?’ She shook her head. ‘I can’t imagine. Mine is an ogre.’
‘Maggie,’ Crispin warned again.
‘You know you
think so too, Crispin, though you might be too polite to say it,’ Lady Margaret retorted. ‘My elder brother has more reason than any of us to think that. My older sister married as soon as possible and our younger brother escaped to India, but since Dellamont must one day take over from Papa, he receives the brunt of his abuse. Especially since he tries to intercede for Mama. And Heaven forbid he should express any ideas of his own! I’m going to escape when I wed next Season, but as the heir, he’s trapped. I intend to marry a rich man and have a handsome allowance, so I may buy whatever I like. Papa is such a miser!’
‘You might want to look for a gentleman who is kind, too. Marriage lasts a long time. Too long to wed someone who’s disagreeable.’
‘Well, if I beguile a rich older man, I might not have to tolerate him for too long. Then I can be a wealthy widow and do what I like.’
Crispin shook his head, resigned. ‘My sister is incorrigible, as you see.’
‘I am sorry to hear your family is so...contentious. I’ve been very lucky. There are only three of us now since my brother died and we get along so harmoniously. Mama and Papa have very different interests, but they have always had a great tenderness and care for each other. And my grandfather, too.’
Lady Margaret shook her head wonderingly. ‘I can’t imagine what that would be like. I’ve known only Papa shouting, Mama crying, everyone upset and servants scattering out of the way. Did your grandfather really work in a coal mine?’
‘He did.’
‘He was a clever lad, though,’ Crispin said, ‘who invented machinery that made moving coal easier. His talent got him promoted to foreman, then manager. He developed and patented other machinery, earning enough to become independent. He then applied the mechanical principles he’d perfected in mining to other industries, improving their efficiency and profitability. Making a fortune and getting himself knighted in the process.’ At Miss Cranmore’s look of surprise, he added, ‘I knew of your father’s reputation, but little about your grandfather. So I made some enquiries. He’s quite an impressive individual. Beginning from nothing, he used his wit, ingenuity and drive to become a towering figure in his field.’
Looking gratified, she said, ‘As you’ve become knowledgeable in your field of investments?’
‘You mean railways?’ Lady Margaret asked. ‘Papa is always criticising his investments, but I think it’s wonderful that he’s found a way to become independent. At least, as independent as he can be, shackled to the estate as he is. At least he has an income that allows him to escape the house. Whereas I cannot get away until I marry. But I’ll not allow myself to be bullied by my husband, like Papa bullies Mama. I shall stand up for myself!’
‘I sincerely hope you marry a man who will treasure your uniqueness and seek to make you happy,’ Miss Cranmore said with feeling.
‘She’s going to lead that hapless husband a merry dance, that’s for sure,’ Crispin said wryly.
Whipping her gaze back to Marcella, Lady Margaret said, ‘Well I think you’re perfect for Crispin.’
Once again, Crispin felt his face heat. ‘Do you never tire of saying things you shouldn’t, brat?’
‘I like you, Miss Cranmore. The other young ladies I’ve met paying calls with Mama seem so spineless and simpering, trying to ingratiate themselves with the dragons no matter how unpleasantly they are treated by them. And the girls who are already out, especially the beauties, are so condescending. I’d much rather have Crispin marry someone who’s kind and honest, like you, instead of a younger version of the dowagers who love to lord it over everyone. You know he can be quite nice once you get to know him.’
Miss Cranmore chuckled. ‘We’ve only just become acquainted, so it’s too early to tell. But I do hope we will be good friends.’
‘Enough questioning, brat. Let’s let Miss Cranmore continue her ride without further inquisition.’
‘Very well, no more talk of marriage. Do you ride often, Miss Cranmore?’
‘Every morning, unless the weather is bad.’ She smiled. ‘I have to gird myself to suffer the dragons, too. And I enjoy riding. My grandfather loves horses, and I often ride with my father when he goes to inspect works in progress.’
‘Your father takes you riding with him?’ Lady Margaret said. ‘I can’t imagine accompanying Papa anywhere, not that he’d ask for me. He thinks female children are an annoyance, a burden to be married off who take with them dowries that drain the assets of the estate. Sometimes I think if I walked by him on the street, he’d probably not even recognise me.’
‘Surely not!’ Miss Cranmore protested.
‘I’m just as happy to keep my distance. I won’t defer to him as Mama does, and he does hate to be crossed, so it’s probably best that I seldom encounter him.’
‘I’m sorry,’ Miss Cranmore said softly, sadness in her eyes. ‘Family should be a safe harbour from the world, where one is sheltered and protected. Not a place of contention.’
‘Well, ours is the latter. If I see you again in the park, can we ride together? I know I’m an inquisitive brat, but I do like you.’
‘Only if your family approves. I... I wouldn’t wish to make trouble for you. I’m not sure either your father or your mother would consider me an acceptable acquaintance for an earl’s unmarried daughter.’
Lady Margaret gave a peal of laughter. ‘How could they object, when Papa is pushing Dellamont to marry you?’
‘Society’s standards for gentlemen and ladies are quite different,’ Miss Cranmore said drily.
‘When I first heard what Papa intended, I thought Crispin ought to refuse to marry you just on principle. Now that I’ve met you, though, I think it would be a capital idea. Even though I’d hate for Papa to think he’d got his way.’
‘I’m afraid I must be getting home. I want to have some time with my mother before I must go to Lady Arlsley’s.’
‘Are you not staying with Lady Arlsley?’ Crispin asked in surprise.
‘She did offer, but she was really no more eager to have me as her house guest than I was to become one. By staying home, at least I have mornings with Mama and can sometimes sneak away to Papa’s office for a visit. I do sympathise about those society beldames, Lady Margaret. We are going to call on more of them today ourselves.’ She shook her head. ‘I can’t wait for this to be over!’
‘Do you mean—you didn’t want a Season?’ Lady Margaret asked.
‘Not a bit! I don’t want to marry yet, so it serves little purpose. I only agreed because my family was eager for me to give it a try. Mama thought it would be glamorous and exciting, attending glittering balls filled with fashionable, beautifully dressed people.’ She sighed. ‘I’d rather ride with Papa to inspect his projects.’
‘But what will you do if you don’t marry this Season?’
‘Continue to work with my father. He builds bridges and railways. It’s fascinating.’
Lady Margaret shook her head wonderingly. ‘Bridges and railways? You really are unusual! I hope we can ride together again. Do say we can, Crispin!’
‘After all your shockingly inquisitive questions, scamp, I should think Miss Cranmore would rather gallop in the opposite direction if she sees you coming.’
For once, his sister seemed abashed. Her face colouring, she said, ‘I do apologise if I’ve been too vulgarly intrusive. But I think it’s better to know more about the world than be ignorant. No one tells unmarried girls anything!’
‘Too true. And contrary to what your brother says, if we meet again, I’d be happy to ride together if it is deemed acceptable. But now I must go. It was good to see you, Lord Dellamont, and delightful to meet you, Lady Margaret.’
‘Delightful to meet you, too!’ his sister echoed.
With a nod, Miss Cranmore gave her horse the office to start, the groom resuming his place behind her as she trotted towards the gates of the park.
C
rispin watched them ride off with a jumble of conflicting emotions, foremost among them annoyance at his sister. ‘I ought to take my whip to you, brat.’
‘I don’t see why. You should know by now that I say what I think—when I can get away with it. Besides, I don’t think Miss Cranmore minded.’ Lady Margaret laughed. ‘How differently one of those insufferable society misses would have acted, had she been the one you’d introduced me to! Probably would have ignored me completely while she made eyes at the future Earl.’
‘Probably,’ he admitted, his opinion of unmarried society girls mirroring his sister’s.
‘I do like Miss Cranmore. And I hope you convince her to marry you. She seems to really care that one is...happy, not just established.’
Married...and happy? He’d never considered the two could go together, at least not for very long.
‘Well, as she said, we’ve only recently met. Now, if you really want to gallop rather than just chat, we should do so immediately.’ Pointing towards the saddle path, on which several riders appeared in the distance, he continued, ‘The trail is already becoming more crowded.’
‘Let’s gallop. Race you to the far turn?’
‘Off you go!’
As Crispin gave his horse its head and set off after his sister, he had to marvel at the exceptional conversation she had provoked.
He was relieved Lady Margaret hadn’t offended Miss Cranmore. Had the positions been reversed, and a girl from the merchant class so freely expressed her opinions to anyone save a rebel like his sister, disapproval would have been instantaneous and severe. Miss Cranmore had borne his sister’s sometimes embarrassing enquiries with good-humoured equanimity.
A recurring embarrassment heated his face when he recalled how his sister had baldly implied they should marry. And he’d felt a mix of surprise and scepticism at the view of family and marriage Miss Cranmore had expressed.
Home as a safe refuge from the world?
The Railway Countess Page 8