The Monmouth Summer
Page 45
"Oh ho! So she is jealous, now!" He laughed - a hollow laugh that was meant to lift the conversation onto the plane of sophistication and gallant flirtation. But it fell flat. "You are not married, are you?"
It was her turn to smile at the sudden transition. "No, Rob, I'm not married." It was a sad smile, but a smile for all that.
"I thank the Lord for that! But in truth, Ann, I've been in London with the regiment. I couldn't see you sooner. I have to go back in two days."
"And you want me to go with you?"
“Well, yes." Despite what she had to tell him, she was enjoying herself; she had always enjoyed surprising him, upsetting his poise. With him a pose was not serious, as it was with her own people.
"As your mistress, then, I take it?"
He shook his head, bewildered with hope and surprise.
"Well, yes, Ann, of course. You know I couldn't marry you, however I feel. That would be, well ... "
"Impossible, because of your father, and your wealth." Her smile was broader now. It could not last.
"Yes. But I told you, Ann, it wouldn't be dishonourable, as folk might think it here. I would care for you, and get you a house, and a maid ... "
"Then I'll come."
"And you could have singing lessons, and ... you'll come?"
If it had not been so serious she would have laughed aloud, at the thought of entrusting herself to a man with such a foolish- looking face. The mouth under the long, solemn nose hung quite open, the hazel eyes were wide and innocent as a child's. But she had to clasp her hands to stop them shaking.
"I'll come, Rob, if it's as you said before, exactly. And if you still love me when ... "
"You'll come! Annie, my love, you'll never regret it, I promise! It will be as I said!"
She let him embrace her, but dared not respond. He wanted to kiss her but she put her fingers on his lips.
"Rob, let me finish. Please!"
"What is it? You have finished!"
"I am ... with child now."
"With child?" The exultant smile faded; the frown returned.
Her throat felt dry, and her hands were shaking again. But it must be said.
"And ... it may not be your child, Robert. I hope and pray it is, and it may well be, but it may be Tom's. You remember ... "
"You lay with him to give him courage."
"Yes. Though he got none from it."
Robert's frown deepened, and Ann looked down, letting her hair fall forward over her face. She had said what she had to say. She could not bear to see him refuse.
"I'll come with you, Rob, as I said. But will you take me as I am?"
A long gust sighed through the beechwoods behind her, and a crow croaked loudly as it was blown away downwind. His hand moved her hair away from her face.
"Yes, my love. I will."
About the Author
Tim Vicary is the author of over 25 books, including legal thrillers, historical novels and graded readers for foreign learners of English. He lives in the English countryside near the historic city of York, in the north east of England. You can find out more about Tim on his blog, where he writes about books, writing, living with animals, and anything else that sparks his interest. You can also follow him on Twitter, get in touch via Facebook, or send him an email on tim.vicary@york.ac.uk
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You might like to read another of Tim Vicary's historical novels. To see them online, just click on one of the links below.
Cat & Mouse
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The Blood Upon the Rose
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Nobody's Slave
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Tim Vicary has also written a series of Legal Thrillers, about a tough barrister called Sarah Newby. The first three books in the series are:
A Game of Proof
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A Fatal Verdict
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Bold Counsel.
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