Her room was of a good size, but his presence took up every inch. He carried her to the bed, laid her down, and then stretched down beside her, both of them fully clothed.
For long moments, he did nothing but hold her, and slowly she relaxed, accepting him here, too. Her love grew even deeper as she realized how completely he seemed to understand her. And wasn’t that what she’d always longed for—someone who cared enough to notice her needs?
“How is it you sometimes know me better than I know myself?” she whispered.
He drew her closer. “Rosalyn, every thought you have is expressed in your eyes. I wish everyone was as honest.”
She sat up and looked down at him, her hand on his chest. “Colin, why did you want the Commons seat? Why is a knighthood so important? Is it for the prestige? After all, you are the owner of Maiden Hill. In the Ribble valley, that carries a great deal of weight. Is London so important?”
“I don’t know, Rosalyn. Sometimes, I don’t know myself. I’ve always wanted to go as far as I could…and yet, Matt’s words, and now your question, make me wonder why.” He shook his head. “I don’t know the answers.”
“So you just wanted to be Sir Colin.”
He laughed at that. “Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?”
“Not really. I think it is a fine name.”
Colin rose from the bed and began undressing. She did the same. They didn’t bother with night-clothes. The rules that had guided them in the inn now applied here. Nakedness was good between a man and a woman, she decided. Nothing could be hidden.
Climbing back into bed beside him, she caught herself wondering if her parents had ever been this honest between themselves. She remembered her mother having a room separate from her father’s. Did her mother now, after all these years, share the same room with the riding instructor?
Colin snuggled her close, his legs intertwined with hers. “What are you thinking?”
She didn’t want to confess her thoughts had veered toward her mother. He was too astute and she, too vulnerable.
Instead, she turned the subject back to him. “You and your brother will find common ground,” she promised.
“No, we’ll go on as we have before, both of us slightly disapproving of each other.”
“But you don’t want it to be that way.”
His lips brushed her hair. “You of all people should know that sometimes there are chasms between people that can’t be crossed.”
She knew he referred to her mother. He’d known she was on her mind. He’d known.
Did he know she’d fallen in love?
Rosalyn picked up his hand and studied it in the dark, tracing the lines and shape with her fingers. “I used to play a game where I would pretend I had what I wanted. So, let’s pretend you are Sir Colin.”
“And you are Lady Rosalyn?”
She laughed. “No, I’m Lady Mandland.” The name sounded full and good.
He must have agreed, because he repeated it. “Lady Mandland.” He gave her a kiss.
“So, Sir Colin, what are you going to do now that you are a member of the House of Commons?”
Colin didn’t miss a beat. “My first act would be to propose we abolish the House of Lords.”
Rosalyn turned to him, shocked. “You can’t be serious.”
“I can. There is a growing democratic sentiment in the world. Power in the hands of a few is no longer acceptable. Look at this Commons seat. There should be a vote, but there isn’t. Loftus decides because his ancestors settled here centuries ago and intimidated everyone. Even if he were to authorize a vote, it would go his way. He’s the major landowner. We are all such sheep, but the world beyond the Valley, beyond England, is changing. The war is done and now it’s time for men of ideas to step forward.”
“Yes, but, Colin, there are men of ideas in the House of Lords.”
“True, but I’d wager there is a larger share of idiots.”
His verdict was an affront to everything Rosalyn had been taught. “My cousin George is a member of the House of Lords.”
“Ummmhmmmm.”
“Very well, so he isn’t the best example. But there are good men there, men whose families have been governing England for generations.”
“Men whose brains have been addled by marrying in the same circles. Sometimes I think the French had it right. Power in the hands of a few leads to tyranny.”
Rosalyn almost fell off the bed. “You would support a revolution like in France?” she demanded incredulously.
“No, but I believe I have a right to my say as a free man.”
“That’s what the House of Commons is about,” she said with relief.
“Not if there is no vote for the seats,” he answered. “Too many peers like Loftus own the seats. Trust me, if any man could run for the Commons, laws like the Corn Laws would not have passed.”
Rosalyn didn’t understand. “The Corn Laws are good. Otherwise, cheap grain from France would undermine our farmers.”
“No, cheaper grain means cheaper prices for bread and less money for landowners like Loftus. So now we have expensive grain and expensive bread. Rosalyn, there are people angry to be used in this manner.” He sat up now, crossing his legs and speaking earnestly. “Listen, there are those who believe the expectations of the Commons carry more weight than the House of Lords.”
“But everything is fine the way it is,” she whispered.
“Is it? Do you realize how little wages people earn working at a loom all day, while Loftus gallops over the countryside chasing a fox? And if a man speaks up, he says what is true and right, if he demands his government listens, then he can be thrown into jail or transported.”
Rosalyn didn’t want to give credibility to what he was saying. “Those people are radicals. You aren’t radical…are you?”
“I’m not.” He pushed a hand through his hair. “Or I didn’t think I was. Matt is making me realize how far I’d strayed from my own beliefs.” He stopped, as if struck by a new thought. Then he reached out, took Rosalyn by both arms, and kissed her hard on the mouth.
“Why did you do that?”
“Because I had almost forgotten,” he said. “You and Matt are making me think. I had lost sight.”
“Lost sight of what?” she demanded with growing alarm.
“With why Father Ruley had singled us out. He singled us out, tutored us privately because he had a vision of how the world should be. He wanted us to be men of importance.”
“I don’t understand.”
“No, you wouldn’t,” Colin agreed. “Because you were a part of that old order. You were never expected to question. But I’d forgotten one of Father Ruley’s maxims—Change is good. It’s necessary. It defies evil.”
“I don’t want you to change anything.”
He kissed her again, laughing. “I know. And I also know how frightening what I’m saying is for you. Ah, Rosalyn, rest easy. In the end it doesn’t matter. I wasn’t offered a peerage or knighted in the army, but I did fight the good fight. I stood up for my men and I didn’t let anyone run roughshod over them.”
She placed her hand on the side of his face, feeling the growth of his whiskers beneath her palm. “Colin, you are frightening me. I don’t understand what you are saying.”
He drew her close, his presence comforting. “It’s fine, Rosalyn. Everything is fine.”
“Are you going to have radical meetings at Maiden Hill?” she asked, fearful that he would say yes.
“I’m going to stand up for what I believe,” he answered. “As every good Englishman should.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe I spent so much money on that silly phaeton. Oscar looks ridiculous pulling it, but a rig like that was all the rage. I just couldn’t bring myself to sell Oscar.”
Colin kissed her neck and pulled her close. “Don’t worry. I turned out not to be the man I should be.” There was a heaviness in his voice. “I failed.”
Her body spooned to his, she said, “But you were a
good officer.”
“I was. My conscience is clear of that. But I wasn’t a good son, and I am not a good brother. I am going to be a better man, Rosalyn. I vow I will be.”
“I think you are a wonderful man.” His talk about change was frightening, and yet, when he held her like this, she felt safe.
He rubbed his nose in her curls. “Violets?” he whispered. “Or is it lilies?”
“Is what?” she wondered.
“The scent in your hair.” He cuddled her closer. She could feel his arousal. “What would I do without you?” he asked. “You make it easy for me to start anew. And I will find my way again. I will.”
His weren’t whispered words of love…but they were enough. He needed her. Was that not a start?
She thought of what Covey had warned her of over dinner. Her husband’s hands cupped her breasts. He entered her from behind. His breath was hot against her ear as he teased her into responding. Colin knew how to slip past her defenses. He had been the only person who had cared enough to do so.
And she would do anything for him. Anything. She loved him so much that his dreams had become hers.
Amazingly, this time was more satisfying than the last. She wondered if he felt the same, but she lacked the courage to ask him.
Her husband gathered her in his arms and fell asleep, but Rosalyn lay awake.
What he’d said tonight challenged beliefs so deep-seated she hadn’t even realized they were there. The idea that every man, regardless of whether he owned land or not, should vote was beyond her imagination. She knew what George would have to say!
But the more she mulled over the idea, the more it made sense. She wouldn’t mind laws being made by men like Colin or his brother. George and his ilk couldn’t care less.
And she remembered all too well the shock of learning that George had sold Maiden Hill out from under her. In that moment, she’d wanted to be a man, to have rank and privilege—and she began to understand Colin’s ambition.
A woman had no expectation of anything. But what must it be like to be a man and be powerless?
In that moment, Rosalyn identified with those who needed a voice most. She thought of other concerns that had bothered her over the years, like the fact that she was not allowed to inherit anything out of her father’s estate, especially since her mother was alive, while an oaf like George received it all.
But there were other things that bothered her, matters she’d seen in London, such as the chimney sweep who’d been no older than six and had burned to death because his master had forced him into a chute that had not quite cooled. Or the women who begged on the streets because they didn’t have money for food and there wasn’t enough charity to go around.
George often said there were those who had and those who wished they had. He’d been pleased to be part of the former group. Rosalyn wondered if he would be so self-satisfied if he were in the latter?
Indignation filled her soul, coupled with a growing sense of responsibility—Colin could fight for those people. Had he not changed her life? Forget the title. He was like the knight of his childhood games. He could lead the battle for justice…if he had a seat in the Commons.
Staring up at the ceiling, Rosalyn set her agile mind to work. There had to be a way to reclaim the seat. She’d learned how to get most people to do her bidding. Aunt Agatha had been difficult, but those outside the family were fairly pliable if one knew what influence to use.
It didn’t take long for her to realize there was only one person with enough control over Lord Loftus to make him change his mind—Lady Loftus.
She rolled over, shaking his arm to wake him. “Colin,” she said softly.
He mumbled her name and tried to turn over. In the short time they had been married, she’d learned he liked his sleep.
“Colin, I think I have an idea of how you can gain the Commons seat.”
“Thasss good,” he sighed and patted her shoulder.
Rosalyn didn’t bother him anymore. It was enough that he knew she was taking up his cause. And she would succeed. She had no choice. Maybe once he saw her faith in him, he’d realize she loved him and he’d love her in return.
When she finally fell asleep, she dreamed of babies. Beautiful, bubbly babies who looked just like Colin and herself.
She woke late the next morning full of energy, her hopes high.
Colin was already up and had had his breakfast. He was being given a tour of the property by John.
Covey said slyly, “It appears today the two of you are doing well.”
Rosalyn felt her cheeks burn with hot color, but she didn’t deny it. “We are doing very well.” She pulled on her gloves. “Covey, I need for you to give a message to my husband. Tell him I’ve gone to pay a call on Lady Loftus, and one which I hope will bring us good news.”
“What sort of news?”
“He’ll find out when I return,” Rosalyn said happily and slipped out the door before another question could be asked.
She harnessed the pony cart herself and started down the drive. She’d not gone far when she felt someone watching her. She turned and saw the fox sitting in the shade of her garden, a big grin on his face.
She smiled back.
Chapter Sixteen
“You’ve arranged what?” Colin asked, stunned by Rosalyn’s news. He’d met her in the hallway just as she’d returned.
He was excited about prospects for the farmland. Rosalyn had always known Maiden Hill could be a profitable estate, but from the ideas Colin tossed out, she also learned that money was not a problem for him, something that had been a question to her nearly a week ago and meant nothing now.
She was too full of her own news. “I’ve arranged for you to have another chance to earn the Commons seat,” she repeated patiently.
“How did you do that?” her husband demanded. “When did you see Loftus?”
“I didn’t see him,” Rosalyn said. “Well, not at first. I called on his wife and explained her husband was about to break his word to my husband. It’s a matter of honor, Colin. I assure you, we women have just as much honor as men.”
He took her arm and led her into the sitting room. “Rosalyn, what have you done?”
He didn’t sound very happy. She drew a deep breath and, taking a moment to remove her straw bonnet and gloves, said, “I discussed the matter of the Commons seat with my friend Lady Loftus, and we both agreed his lordship was being high-handed.”
“She thinks her husband is high-handed?”
“Well, that isn’t exactly the way she phrased it, but she does want to please me. You must understand, Colin, I have a certain amount of power, too.”
“Rosalyn, why did you do this?” He wasn’t pleased. In fact, he acted irritated.
She sat on the edge of the settee, trying to look composed. “I spoke on your behalf,” she said, wanting to correct any misimpression he might have. “I didn’t beg. I didn’t whine.”
He frowned. “What did you do…on my behalf?”
“Nothing terrible,” she answered. “Really, Colin, you don’t seem happy at all.”
“I don’t know if I should be. Rosalyn, I don’t want you pleading my case. Loftus won’t respect me.”
“He doesn’t respect anyone. Besides, it isn’t quite what you think. You don’t have the seat. At least, not yet.”
Colin pulled the upholstered chair around to sit in. He leaned forward, a sign he was interested. “Tell me exactly what you’ve done.”
“As I said, I explained to Lady Loftus what happened yesterday. I left out the story of the fox. She knows her husband well and can imagine him losing his temper for a hundred different reasons, and I didn’t think she would be sympathetic to a tale about the animal.”
He motioned that he wished her to move on with her story. “You told her he refused me the seat?”
“I told her he was going to give it to Mr. Shellsworth. Colin, Lady Loftus cannot abide Lavonia Shellsworth. She is not quite—what is it Lady L
oftus says all the time? Polished. Lavonia lacks polish. We both agreed she would not be a good choice for the role of an MP’s wife. In fact, the reason Lord Loftus has not given the seat to Mr. Shellsworth before now is that Lady Loftus would disapprove.”
Colin frowned with interest. “This is fascinating. All my life I thought men held the power.”
“We women have had to create our power. You see, I’ve always known how Lady Loftus felt about Lavonia. That knowledge gave me great power. Anyway, today, I commiserated with her over how boring London will be with Lavonia there. Lord Loftus doesn’t go to London any more than he must, but there are times he can’t escape, and his wife, who preferred London until I made her the queen of society in the Valley, panicked at the thought of introducing Lavonia amongst her set. She would have to invite the Shellsworths upon occasion, something she only does here because I force her to.”
“So she persuaded her husband to reconsider me?”
“Not quite,” Rosalyn was sorry to say. “He’s very angry, Colin. He wanted that fox.”
“He has no right to him.”
“Exactly,” Rosalyn agreed, falling a little bit more in love with him. Was there ever a man so principled? “But for some reason, he didn’t explain the situation to his wife. Instead, he made a terrible error in judgment.”
“Which was?” Colin said, his elbow on his knee and his chin resting in his hand, like a child fascinated by a bedtime tale.
“Right there in front of me, he told his wife he did as he pleased.”
“Why was that so terrible?”
Rosalyn almost felt sorry for him. “Colin, a wise man never verbalizes such a thing in public. Without realizing it, he challenged her to prove him wrong, especially since he said those words in front of me, another social hostess. A wife’s authority comes from her husband, and if she has no influence over him, she has no authority.”
“Like being one of a general’s aides?” he suggested. “One is only as important as his officer?”
Rosalyn laughed. “I don’t know. Do they feel incumbent upon themselves to prove their sway?”
“All the time. It’s imperative.”
The Seduction of an English Lady Page 19