A Suitable Bride

by Fenella J Miller

  He met his older brother in the breakfast parlour which was unoccupied apart from themselves. He doubted anyone else would be about before midday. ‘You look inordinately pleased with yourself, Bennett, tell me what’s going on to give you such a spring in your step?’

  Bennett regaled his brother with the events of the morning and at the end they were both laughing. ‘I think we’d better make further enquiries about Miss DuPont, we’re assuming she’s an heiress because the Peabodys asked to have her included on the invitation list. However, we know nothing about her and if, as I suspect, she’s likely to be my future sister-in-law, then we need to know more about her.’

  ‘I’ll leave that to your man of business, Beau, but I’ll speak to Lord Peabody myself when they arrive.’ He heaped his plate from the silver containers on the sideboard and took it to the table. There was no further opportunity for private conversation as, to his surprise, guests started to drift in and soon he was surrounded by simpering young ladies and their doting mamas.

  He did the pretty, was as charming as he could be, but was relieved when he could escape without causing offence. Fortunately there had been no mention of Miss DuPont and her occupation of a superior apartment, so he must suppose that his sister had done as he’d asked and stopped the gossip and speculation.

  As he was strolling along the passageway he saw two travelling carriages bowling along the drive. He glanced at his pocket watch – a quarter to ten o’clock – whoever was arriving must have stayed overnight at a nearby hostelry. The baggage for all three families due to come today had arrived yesterday so everything would be prepared for these guests.

  He was about to enquire from Peebles as to the identity of these arrivals when he was approached by a matron of considerable size, dressed in the height of fashion and followed by not one, but two, hopeful debutantes. There was no escape – he would have to speak to them.

  ‘Lord Sheldon, I am Lady Drusilla Forsyth, daughter to the Earl of Redbridge, and we’ve yet to be introduced. My daughters and I arrived later than expected last evening and were unable to join you for dinner.’

  He bowed and she nodded. The two girls drifted forward and curtsied. Lady Drusilla pointed to the taller of the two, a pretty girl with blonde ringlets and sparkling blue eyes. ‘Might I introduce you to my eldest daughter, Miss Amanda Forsyth?’ The girl smiled shyly and curtsied a second time.

  ‘I'm honoured to meet you, Miss Forsyth. I hope you enjoy your stay at Silchester Court.’

  ‘This is my second daughter, Miss Rebecca Forsyth.’ This young lady was equally attractive although her hair was not quite as golden nor her eyes as blue.

  ‘Miss Rebecca, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. If you require anything don’t hesitate to ask any member of my staff. Breakfast is now being served in the main dining room at the rear of the house.’ He bowed again and then with a smile moved away smartly.

  It was decidedly unnerving being viewed with such speculation by all three ladies – even the youngest had been sizing him up. Was this how it was going to be all summer? Life would be unbearable if he was to be waylaid everywhere he went by hopeful young ladies and their parents. The sooner he made his choice and announced it the better it would be for all concerned.

  He would hide in the study for the remainder of the morning, and then spend the afternoon in the billiard room with the gentlemen after he’d taken the dogs for a walk. It would be time enough to meet all the hopeful young ladies at dinner tonight. Madeline caught up with him as he opened the door to his retreat.

  ‘Beau has just told me about the excitement this morning. The more I hear about Miss DuPont the better I like the sound of her. When do you think she will be able to join us downstairs?’

  ‘Two days, I should think. I’ve just met Lady Drusilla and her daughters – I hope all the others are not so predatory, that none of them are so desperate to catch me they try and get me to compromise them.’

  His sister laughed at his comment. ‘Don’t be ridiculous, the idea of you allowing yourself to be gulled into such a position is nonsense. Make sure you don’t pay particular attention to any one of them, when we have dancing don’t dance more than once with any young lady, and check before you go into an empty room that you’re not followed.’

  His eyes widened in horror, but then she giggled. ‘You’re bamming me, Madeline. For a ghastly moment I believed you. You made it sound like something out of a Gothic novel – all we want is a ghost and a mad woman hiding in the attic.’

  ‘Now that’s something I’d not thought of. It will add interest and excitement to the next few weeks if our guests believe the place is haunted. Excuse me, brother, I must find Giselle, Perry and Aubrey and see how we can set this up.’

  His sister ran away leaving him bemused. Surely there was more than enough going on without adding imaginary ghosts to the mix?

  Chapter Eight

  ‘My head hardly hurts at all, Annie, and from what you tell me it’s healing well. I refuse to be held prisoner in my apartment for a moment longer and intend to get dressed and go down this morning.’

  Grace had received no visitors apart from Aunt Sarah during the two days she’d been obliged to remain where she was – Lady Peabody and her daughter had not visited her as Lord Sheldon had suggested they would. She had an unpleasant feeling that her fictitious connection to Lady Peabody would already be under scrutiny because of this lady’s apparent lack of concern for her goddaughter.

  ‘Now I’ve washed the blood from your hair, miss, I can arrange it so your stitches won’t show. It can’t go up in your usual style; I’ll have to do something else. It won’t be as secure so you’ll have to be careful it doesn’t come down.’

  Aunt Sarah had been waiting patiently for more than a quarter of an hour. ‘Mr Peabody has accompanied his mother and sister, and I found him a delightful gentleman – although I think you’ll find Lady Peabody somewhat of a trial and Miss Peabody’s so quiet I’ve not been able to discover anything about her. Have you had word from Peterson?’

  ‘Yes, he sent word that the dogs and horses are managing perfectly well in my absence so there’s no necessity for me to gallivant around the countryside until my stitches have been removed. However, I wish to meet all the guests and be introduced to everyone. From what you’ve told me there seem to be at least four gentlemen who might do for me.’

  ‘I do wish you would reconsider this foolish scheme of yours, my dear, I’ve no wish to see you married to anyone you don’t have at least a strong affection for.’

  ‘I’ve explained to you the reasons behind my decision, Aunt Sarah, and I’m confident my plan will be successful. All four of these gentlemen should be delighted to acquire an attractive young wife and a very substantial dowry.’

  ‘If you’re set on this, Grace, then might I suggest you concentrate on Mr Peabody? After all he will already know your provenance so there will be no need to lie to him.’

  ‘I do hope not, Aunt Sarah, young gentlemen in their cups aren’t famous for being discreet. Anyway, I shall find out for myself this morning.’ She tilted her head to one side and then the other to make sure the loose arrangement resting at the nape of her neck didn’t come adrift. Satisfied that unless she raced about her hair would stay in place, she stood up.

  ‘Thank you, Annie, I’m ready to go down. Will you have my bonnet, gloves and parasol ready as I’ll need them when I take a stroll in the garden after breakfast.’ She paused to read the neatly written itinerary that had been delivered to her apartment yesterday.

  ‘The events don’t begin until the weekend which means I’ve not missed anything, and my stitches will be out before then so I’ll be able to join in. However, it would appear there’s to be dancing after dinner tonight which fortunately I’ll be able to avoid. I’ll retire early saying that my head hurts.’

  Aunt Sarah smiled affectionately. ‘You’ll have to dance in the end, my dear, and although you aren’t overfond of this pastime, you’re profici
ent in all the steps.’

  ‘I am indeed – I certainly had enough lessons from that odious dance teacher Mama employed. Now, do I look acceptable?’

  ‘That gown is perfect and brings out the colour of your eyes.’

  ‘I expect all the other young ladies will be drifting around in clouds of pastel muslin and I’ll be conspicuous wearing eau-de-nil.’ She viewed her reflection in the long glass and nodded. ‘I don’t care what others think of me – I’m here to find myself a compliant husband so he might as well get to know the real me before he makes me an offer.’

  She slipped her arm through that of her companion and together they left the apartment. She’d yet to meet the other guests who were residing in this part of the house, but she was quite sure they would be members of the ton and would have no wish to be associated with someone who was barely quality at all.

  ‘I’m so glad you’re here with me, Aunt Sarah, I shouldn’t have the courage to go ahead with this if you weren’t at my side.’

  ‘Whatever you do in the future, I’ll support you. Now, back straight, head up, and look confident, my love, you are the equal of anyone here and don’t you forget it.’

  Grace smiled. ‘I don’t think anyone here would agree with you, but I refuse to be cowed by those who think themselves better than me because of their position in society. I know that’s a radical notion, but I have to believe this to be true if I’m going to succeed.’

  ‘To think we could already have been on our way back to DuPont Manor if Lord Sheldon hadn’t reconsidered.’

  ‘Please don’t remind me, he’s quite terrifying when enraged. I don’t think that spending ten years ordering soldiers about has improved his temperament. From what you’ve told me the duke and the other members of his family are perfectly pleasant.’

  The vast entrance hall was empty and there was no sound of chatter coming from any of the reception rooms. Where was everyone? ‘It’s ten o’clock. Either the ladies are already taking breakfast or they have had trays sent to their rooms. I’ve no wish to go into breakfast if there are only gentlemen present.’

  ‘Well, my dear, we can hardly investigate. If you wish to eat we must take that chance.’

  ‘I find I’m no longer hungry, I can manage perfectly well until refreshments are served at midday.’

  ‘If we’re not to go into the dining room then, please excuse me, I shall return to my room and send for a tray. Perhaps you’d better do the same thing; it wouldn’t do for you to become unwell because you haven’t eaten.’

  ‘Not eaten? That problem is easily solved. Good morning, Miss Newcomb, Miss DuPont. Might I say that I’m delighted to see you downstairs? Allow me to escort you to breakfast.’ Lord Sheldon had overheard their conversation. For a large man he was remarkably light on his feet.

  ‘Good morning, my lord, but…’ She was unable to complete her sentence as he bustled them both along the passageway and into the dining room without allowing her to escape.

  The room was already occupied by an assortment of gentlemen but a marked absence of ladies. If Lord Sheldon had not been behind her she would have turned tail, but she was inexorably moved forward until she and Aunt Sarah were inside.

  Contrary to her expectations none of the gentlemen did more than rise in their chairs and nod and smile in her direction. They didn’t require to be introduced, they were more interested in eating their meal.

  ‘If you would care to be seated, Miss Newcomb, Miss DuPont, it will be my absolute pleasure to serve you.’

  Reluctantly Grace took the seat as far away as possible from the others and her companion joined her. ‘I require only a slice of toast and butter, and some conserve if there is any, thank you, my lord.’ He nodded at her and waited for the second order. ‘I should like a little of whatever is there, my lord, it’s all so delicious.’ Aunt Sarah’s reply pleased him and he beamed at her. He gestured towards the silver coffee and chocolate pots placed centrally on the large table. ‘Help yourself to beverages. If you would prefer something else then it will be fetched from the kitchen.’

  ‘Thank you, sir, we have everything we require.’ One might have thought this conversation, although dull, would have attracted the attention of the other occupants of the table. After all she was unknown to them and although not a diamond of the first water, she was hardly bracket-faced.

  However, they continued to eat and talk amongst themselves as if Grace and Aunt Sarah were invisible. ‘Should we not have been introduced? Isn’t it rather uncivil of them to continue eating in that way?’ The words were quiet, spoken directly into her companion’s ear.

  The reply was equally soft. ‘Believe me, my dear, you’ve been closely inspected. Lord Sheldon could hardly introduce us to so many so it’s better we all pretend we’re in here alone.’

  Grace raised her voice. ‘Would you like coffee or chocolate?’

  By the time she’d poured them both a coffee Lord Sheldon had returned with their requests. When Grace saw what she’d missed she regretted asking for so little. To her amusement his lordship filled his own plate and then joined his cronies and she and Aunt Sarah were left to their own devices.

  The table was so long it was impossible to hear the conversation at the far end so she must assume anything she said would also be audible only to themselves. She swivelled in her seat so she had her back to the gentlemen.

  ‘I’ve been able to look at most of them and there are two that looked promising. There’s a fair-haired gentleman of middle years, wearing a burgundy topcoat and a rather startling plum striped waistcoat. And a little further along there’s a younger man with light brown hair, a blue topcoat and green waistcoat. Can you identify either of them?’

  ‘The older gentleman’s here with his wife and daughter so you must rule him out. However, the young man is Mr Peabody and he’s certainly interested as he’s scarcely eaten another mouthful since we arrived.’

  A flicker of excitement ran down her spine. ‘Do you think he might be curious rather than interested? Remember, I’m supposed to be his mama’s long-lost goddaughter. Unless, of course, he’s already aware of my less than illustrious family history.’

  ‘I would say with absolute certainty, my dear, that that young gentleman is halfway to becoming enamoured of you already. I’m sure you will be introduced to him as soon as Lady Peabody is down.’

  There was a second exit at the far end of the dining room and one by one the gentlemen departed until only Lord Sheldon remained. Instead of remaining where he was he picked up his half-eaten plate and carried it down until he was sitting opposite them.

  ‘You’ve been looking wistfully in the direction of the buffet, Miss DuPont, are you sure I cannot tempt you to coddled eggs or a slice of crisply fried ham?’

  ‘No, thank you, I’m quite content with what I’ve got.’ A sudden rumble of thunder made her jump. ‘Oh dear! I fear we’re in for a storm and I was intending to visit the stables and check on my menagerie.’

  ‘I’ve already taken your dogs for a constitutional. I cannot imagine why you chose to keep three such animals, but I must admit their charm is growing on me. I can also report that your stallion and your carriage horses are equally well-cared for, although nobody has been brave enough to do more than pitch hay over the fence and check the water trough is full.’

  A flash of lightning lit up the room and then the heavens opened and the noise of the rain drumming on the terrace outside the windows made it impossible to continue the conversation. Grace got to her feet and nodded to his lordship, then with a friendly wave she and her friend left him to finish his breakfast.

  ‘Shall we go to the drawing room or do you wish to explore the library? I’ve not had a chance to investigate myself, but from what I hear it has thousands of books.’

  ‘I’m going to return to my apartment and put on my cloak and outdoor boots. I cannot remain cooped up indoors a moment longer. If I get soaked, so be it, I can change before refreshments are served at noon.’

/>   Just as Grace was walking across the grand entrance hall she was accosted by a very tall, thin lady dressed in the height of fashion and accompanied by a young lady who was obviously her daughter. ‘Miss DuPont, I wish to speak to you immediately. Come with me.’

  The lady didn’t introduce herself, but Grace was certain this was Lady Peabody and the girl was Miss Amelia Peabody. She was tempted to ignore this uncivil command but decided it might be sensible to get this meeting over and done with. It was essential she knew exactly what Lady Peabody and her children knew of the situation and how much they had told the other guests.

  The fact that Lord Peabody owed her father a massive debt would surely be a bargaining chip as this was also information that should be kept from the rest of the guests.

  ‘In here, there’s an anteroom we can use and not be disturbed.’ Lady Peabody sailed in and her daughter followed leaving Grace to enter last and close the door behind her.

  She decided to speak first and not allow this obnoxious woman to dominate the conversation. ‘You are Lady Peabody I presume as you’ve not had the courtesy to introduce yourself. If you wish the information about your husband’s debts to remain a secret I suggest you moderate your tone when speaking to me.’

  ‘How dare you speak to me like that – I only agreed to this charade under duress. To be obliged to be associated with you in this way is decidedly unpleasant. I shall denounce you to the duke and you will be sent packing for no one will wish someone like you to remain here.’

  Grace swallowed a lump in her throat. ‘Believe me, madam, if you do so I shall not be the only one sent packing. Do you really wish society to know your family’s all but bankrupt? Miss Peabody will never find a suitable husband or Mr Peabody a wife.’

  ‘Please, Mama, don’t be too hasty. Miss DuPont might not be one of us, but she is incredibly wealthy and no one would know she wasn’t acceptable from her conversation or her appearance.’ Miss Peabody stared earnestly at her mother and Grace held her breath.