by Sandra Heath
Her uncle exhaled slowly. ‘You haven’t behaved prudently, have you? If your conduct in England had been what it should be, none of this would have arisen.’
‘On that count I’m to blame,’ Francis replied with a nod. ‘I wish it were not so.’
‘Before I say what I intend to do, I wish you to answer a question, my lord.’
‘Please ask it.’
Mr Clearwell rose slowly to his feet. ‘It concerns the existence of a prior arrangement between you and Lady Pamela Linsey, the daughter of the Duke of Marchington.’
Francis paused for a moment. ‘I didn’t know you knew about that, sir.’
‘I know of it because William mentioned it in his last letter. Knowing my son as I do, I can read between the lines and guess that he too is enamoured of that particular lady.’
‘Yes, sir, he does.’
Alison looked up quickly. So he did know about William and Pamela.
Francis spoke again. ‘Mr Clearwell, if the truth be known, Lady Pamela regrets having allowed her parents to separate her from your son. The Duke of Marchington wished her to marry someone with a title, and William wasn’t considered to be suitable enough. She’s fond of me, as I am of her, but we don’t love each other. She loves your son, and I love your niece.’
Alison stared at him. How could he say such a thing! Pamela loved him and he loved her, and if his other untruths could be justified, this one couldn’t.
Her uncle pursed his lips. ‘Well, that may or may not be so, my lord, but what I need to know is whether or not you are free to many Alison. Was there a binding agreement between you and Lady Pamela?’
‘The betrothal was to have taken place in July, sir, but there is no longer any question that it will still take place. My dealings with Lady Pamela will in future be those of a friend, not a suitor.’
‘I see. Do I have your word upon that?’
‘You do, sir.’
Mr Clearwell nodded. ‘Very well, you have my consent. Indeed, I have no real option if I wish to act as my brother would. Alison must be shielded from any odium or gossip, and that has to be my prime consideration. I have to tell you, sir, that if you hadn’t expressed a desire to do the right thing by her, I would have insisted that you did.’
‘I wouldn’t expect you to do anything else, sir.’
‘The marriage will take place as soon as the appropriate special license can be obtained. The English church is closed at the moment, as it is soon to be demolished and rebuilt, which means that you must marry here in this house. The new British ambassador is an agreeable fellow, and I’m sure he can be prevailed upon to speed things up. With luck, all should be accomplished in a few days.’
‘I trust so, sir, for although I’ve mishandled things to a certain extent, I do love Alison with all my heart. May I now ask you a question, sir?’
‘By all means.’
‘How well acquainted are you with Prince Naryshky?’
‘If it were up to me, I’d avoid him like the plague itself. I think him a most disagreeable fellow, thoroughly unscrupulous and a Bonapartist to boot. He and his sister dislike the British and do all they can to promote the French cause. Do you know of his sister?’
‘The Countess Irina von Strelitz? Yes, I do.’
‘Suffice it that at the moment Czar Alexander pays heed to her every slightest wish. He’s completely devoted to her, and for all I know, she may be equally devoted to him, but I doubt it. She’s Naryshky’s sister and undoubtedly as scheming and treacherous as he.’
Francis looked closely at him. “You said “if it were up to me”.’
‘Yes, because although I would have nothing to do with him, I’m afraid that my wife isn’t in any position to follow such a lead. Her father is the prince’s tenant on one of his estates at Novgorod, which is about one hundred miles south of here on the road to Moscow. In Russia to be a man’s tenant is tantamount to being his property, and Leon Razumov, Natalia’s father, although a wealthy man, is entirely in Naryshky’s grip. Why, I even had to approach Naryshky for permission to marry Natalia.’ He drew a heavy breath. ‘I will be honest with you, Leon has been here in St Petersburg for the past week or so endeavoring to see Naryshky’s overseer, who is a man with even fewer scruples than the prince himself. It seems that the overseer, whose name is Bragin, has a nephew whom he wishes to see in Leon’s place at Novgorod, and that when Naryshky returns he is to be approached on the matter. Naryshky pays great attention to Bragin, who is invaluable to him because he’ll carry out any order, no matter how ruthless, and it’s therefore rather doubtful if Leon’s cause will receive any sympathy at all. Natalia is naturally very upset about it all, for she loves her father and still has brothers and sisters on the estate where the family has lived for more than two hundred years.’
‘I’m very sorry to hear all this, sir, especially as my opinion of Narshky more than equates with yours,’ replied Francis sympathetically.
‘Perhaps a wedding would be a welcome diversion for Natalia, for she feels so helpless where her father is concerned. She adores weddings and is still young enough to think that love is wonderful.’ Mr Clearwell smiled fondly. ‘For many years she nursed a broken heart because her fiancé was killed in a hunting accident, and at thirty-five she believed she was destined to remain a spinster. I thought I was too set in my ways to marry again, but when we met, we hit it off immediately. She is the most precious thing in my life, and so perhaps I can understand how you and Alison feel about each other. I know that in giving my consent to your marriage I am doing what my brother would do if he were here, for although we haven’t seen each other in many years, I’m still sure I know how he would react to these circumstances.’
‘I’m very grateful for your understanding, sir.’
‘Understanding your situation is one thing; enduring the wretched Mrs Fairfax-Gunn at the opera tonight is quite another. But I think we must press ahead with it. She was going from here to the British embassy, where there is apparently a gathering of wives to hear some unutterable fellow sing Russian folk songs. She’ll have been clacking away for some time by now and everyone will already be whispering about you two. The sooner we brave them all, the better, I fancy.’
‘I agree, sir.’
‘Besides, Don Giovanni is my favorite opera, and Count Vorontzov’s private box is one of the best placed in the opera house.’
‘Count Vorontzov? The Russian ambassador in London?’ Francis asked.
‘Yes, it seems that he and the late Mr Fairfax-Gunn, who most probably went to his grave to escape from his wife, were very good friends, the count having been ambassador since the eighties. Anyway, when Vorontzov learned of the lady’s desire to visit St Petersburg, he arranged for her to use the house of a friend who is away in the country for the time being, and he gave her full use of his family’s private box at the opera house, there not being a Vorontzov in St Petersburg until September. At this precise moment I cordially wish Count Simon Vorontzov in perdition, you may be sure of that.’ Mr Clearwell looked at Francis. ‘By the way, was there any foundation in this business of your purchasing a colt from the imperial stables?’
‘Foundation? Why, yes, of course. Why do you ask?’
‘Because it seemed probable on reflection that it was simply a ploy to be here with Alison.’
‘My business with Czar Alexander is genuine, I promise you. Indeed, one of my first priorities must be to leave my name at the Winter Palace and trust that I will soon be summoned.’ Francis’s glance moved briefly to meet Alison’s.
Her uncle didn’t notice. ‘I will drive you to the palace in my carriage this afternoon. We’ll stop at the British embassy on the way and see about that special license.’
‘By all means, sir. Thank you.’
A carriage drew up outside and Mr Clearwell went to the window. ‘Ah, here is Natalia now. I’ll go down to meet her and tell her all about you. I do hope that your arrival will take her mind off her father.’ He hurried out, closi
ng the door behind him.
Alison immediately got up, looking accusingly at Francis. ‘Did you have to say those things about Pamela and William? We’re wronging Pamela enough already without suggesting that she—’
‘Are we?’ he interrupted, stiffening because he was caught off-guard by her anger.
‘Yes, of course we are.’ Her guilty conscience was weighing very heavily in that moment.
‘And what do you know about Pamela and your cousin? Anything at all? Did you ever see them together after she left Bath? No, you didn’t, which means that you know absolutely nothing on the subject.’
‘I know that she loves you.’
‘Really? And how, exactly, do you know that?’ he asked cuttingly.
For a moment she stared at him; then she turned away because she had to battle against the tears that again brimmed to the surface.
He closed his eyes for a moment and then went to her, turning her to face him. ‘What is it?’ he asked gently.
‘I feel so terribly guilty,’ she whispered, the tears shining in her large gray eyes. ‘I keep thinking about Pamela, and I feel dreadful.’
‘Then don’t.’
‘That’s an impossible instruction to obey.’
‘Alison, I know that all this has been a great strain for you and that it’s far from over yet, but I promise you that the moment I can, I’ll take you home to England.’
‘Home? And where will my home be, Francis?’ she asked quietly.
‘With me, because you’ll be my wife.’
‘Yes, the wife you don’t want because Pamela is the one you love.’
‘I’m marrying you because I want to.’
She shook her head. ‘You’re marrying me because you feel obliged to and because you wish above all to protect your true purpose here. Don’t lie to me, Francis, for I know full well that you don’t want me.’
Her uncle and step-aunt were approaching the door, and she drew away from him to return to her seat. She avoided his eyes because she was afraid that he would realize how she really felt about him. She had to shield herself from hurt, for loving him was already bringing her heartbreak.
11
The second Mrs Thomas Clearwell was petite and instantly likable, with rich brown hair, friendly green eyes, and an open countenance. She wore a mustard-colored pelisse trimmed with sable, and beneath a sable hat her hair was coiled up in two plump plaits. It was evident that she was as devoted to her husband as he was to her, but it was also evident that she had been crying, for her eyes were tearstained. She endeavored to conceal it, however, hastening forward immediately to take Alison’s hands.
‘Ah, my dear, what a surprise you have caused!’ She had a pleasant voice with a heavy Russian accent. She turned to Francis. ‘And you, my lord, we thought you wished only to purchase a horse from the czar, but instead you’ve come to steal my husband’s niece.’
‘I’ve come to do both,’ he replied, kissing the little hand she extended to him.
‘Practical and passionate? Sir, that is Russian, not British,’ she said lightly.
Mr Clearwell hastened to effect the necessary introductions.
‘My lord, may I introduce my wife, Mrs Clearwell. Natalia, this is Francis, Lord Buckingham.’
Francis still held Natalia’s hand, and he drew it to his lips a second time. ‘I am honored to make your acquaintance, Mrs Clearwell.’
‘And I yours, sir.’
Natalia then turned to Alison, and once again Mr Clearwell introduced them formally. ‘Alison, this is your Aunt Natalia. Natalia, my niece, Alison.’
Natalia smiled into Alison’s eyes. ‘I am truly delighted that you have come to stay with us, my dear, for it will be so good to have a little company. Your uncle says that you have no maid or chaperone. Is this so?’
‘Yes.’ Alison quickly explained.
‘You shall have Katya to attend you. She is from here in St Petersburg and is very good. I know because she attended me when my maid was indisposed. Your luggage arrived safely several weeks ago, and all your clothes have been aired and smoothed in readiness. How provident it was that your headmistress chose to send everything ahead, for if she hadn’t and it had all been with you on that ship in Stockholm …’ Natalia broke off, looking concernedly at her. ‘It must have been a very frightening experience for you, my dear.’
‘Yes, it was.’
‘But at least you were not alone, for you had his lordship to comfort you.’
‘Yes.’
‘Well, all that dreadfulness is over now, Alison, and you are safely here with us. We will make this stay a very happy one, I promise you, and I will see to it that you are the most beautiful of brides.’ Natalia paused again. ‘Your uncle tells me that Prince Naryshky is not only well disposed toward you, but also that he wishes to attend your wedding. Is this true?’
‘Yes, he has expressed such a wish.’
Mr Clearwell looked anxiously toward his wife. ‘Natalia, I trust that you do not intend to use the occasion to approach the prince.’
‘I must do something, Thomas.’
‘He is an upredictable, contrary, and unpleasant man, my dear, and my advice is that you simply leave well alone. Bragin has a great deal of influence with him, but if Naryshky is in a bad mood when even his most trusted henchman approaches him, then any request will be turned down flat. Your father stands a better chance if things are simply left as they are, believe me.’
‘But if I just stand aside and do nothing, I will feel that I have failed my father.’
‘He knows that you support him, my dear,’ said Mr Clearwell, putting his arm lovingly around her shoulder.
‘He was so sad when he drove away. I have never seen him brought so low and unhappy.’ Fresh tears filled Natalia’s eyes.
Mr Clearwell kissed her forehead. ‘I know, my dear, I know. Now, then, you must put all that from your mind and attend to your duties where Alison is concerned. Show her the room you have taken so much trouble to prepare for her, and perhaps you can begin to discuss the wedding plans. Lord Buckingham and I intend to go to the embassy this afternoon to seek the special license, and after that, the wedding will take place as quickly as possible.’
Natalia took the handkerchief he pressed into her hand, and then she managed a brave smile. ‘You are right, Thomas. I must try to think of something else, and what better diversion could there be than a wedding.’ She looked apologetically at Alison and Francis. ‘Please forgive me, for I do not wish to dampen everything. Come, Alison, let me show you to your room. I do hope you will like it, for I have given it much thought.’
She went to the door and Alison began to follow her, but then Francis stepped quickly forward, taking Alison’s hand and drawing it to his lips. His blue eyes were warm and intense as they gazed into hers, and he whispered softly so that only she could hear.
‘Don’t feel guilty anymore, Alison, I beg of you. Go to your room now and rest for a while, and when we meet again, know that I really do wish to make you my wife.’
Then he nodded toward Natalia, who was waiting at the door. ‘Go with your aunt,’ he said more audibly.
Alison did as he bade, and as she and Natalia walked away from the grand salon toward the staircase that led up to the floor above, Natalia smiled at her. ‘Lord Buckingham quite obviously loves you to distraction, my dear, and I could not be more happy for you. To have the love of a fine man is the most wonderful thing in all the world, but if that man is also so handsome that he stops your heart, and if he is wealthy and has a title, what more could any woman ask of fate? God is disposed to smile upon you, Alison, there is no mistake about that.’
Alison summoned a smile. ‘I love Francis with all my heart,’ she replied simply, and knew that it was true.
Her room was at the side of the house, facing east toward the heart of St Petersburg. The two tall windows looked out over the walled garden beside the mansion, and the view extended over the Neva to the left, and the rooftops of Horseguards B
oulevard to the right, parallel to and behind English Quay. Isaac Bridge could be seen stretching across the river’s shining dark-blue water, and the Irina’s beautiful white silhouette still rocked at anchor in the same place.
Gray-and-gold silk adorned the room’s walls, and heavy gray velvet curtains hung at the windows. There was a large four-poster bed draped with dull gold silk and an elegant fireside chair upholstered in the same gray velvet as the curtains. Flames flickered warmly in the pink marble hearth, and there were more hyacinths to fill the air with perfume. Several luxuriant ferns stood in big brass bowls, and a bay tree in a terra-cotta pot had been placed against the wall between the two windows. Chandeliers were suspended from the high ceiling, their crystal drops moving gently in the heat from the fire. A gray, white, and gold carpet had been placed in the center of the parquet floor, the fringe combed so carefully that there wasn’t a single strand out of place. All around the edge the wooden floor shone with polish, reflecting the dancing light from the fire.
Through an adjoining door there was a large dressing room containing a muslin-draped dressing table with a looking glass, a row of large white-and-gold wardrobes, a washstand behind a lacquered Spanish screen, and a handsome full-length cheval glass in which one might examine every inch of one’s appearance.
Natalia stood by the four-poster bed, looking anxiously at Alison as she glanced around. ‘I do hope you like it, my dear.’
‘It’s very beautiful,’ replied Alison, smiling warmly at her. ‘You have indeed taken care of everything, and I’m very grateful.’
Natalia relaxed. ‘I did not know what you would like, Alison. I know the sort of things that young Russian ladies appreciate, but when it comes to someone from England …’
‘I couldn’t be more delighted with everything, Aunt Natalia.’
‘Thank you, my dear. You must forgive the hyacinths that are everywhere, only they are my favorite flower, and on my birthday last week your uncle had what seemed to be every hyacinth in St Petersburg delivered to the door.’
‘I am very fond of hyacinths.’