Mistress Donnington! Margaret recognised the voice of Charles Mellison, though she was all but fainting and could not see him clearly. How did you get here?
Never mind how she got here, the young lady said, before Margaret could find her tongue. Help me get her indoors.
He lifted her easily and carried her into the house and into a small sitting-room. Margaret saw nothing but the glowing embers of the fire, felt nothing but the warmth enveloping her, and then she fainted.
When she came to herself, she was lying in a beautifully furnished bedroom, covered with clean sheets and warm blankets, and the young lady was sitting in a chair beside the bed watching her. She smiled when she saw Margaret was awake.
Im Kate Pargeter, she said, picking at the lace edging of the tiny apron she wore over a flower-patterned silk day-gown. It was almost a nervous gesture, as if she was unsure of herself, but then she laughed and revealed the mischievous look of a young girl. Charles told me you were coming to visit us, but I never dreamed you would arrive in so spectacular a fashion. My brother is out on the land but hell be back soon. Wait till I tell him you could not wait for him to send for you and made your own way here.
I wasnt Margaret stopped, wondering what Charles Mellison had said about her. Why should Lord Pargeter send for her? Im sorry, Im confused, she said.
Kates tinkling laugh came to her as if through a fog. You are nothing like as mystified as I am. I thought you came from London, from Society, but you can evidently row a boat with the best of fen women.
I didnt know I could. Margaret smiled. I dont think I am very good at it. She turned her hands over, but the blistered palms had been covered with salve and bandaged.
No, you poor dear. But how brave you were to try. She picked up a glass from the small table by the bed and leaned forward to help Margaret drink from it. Charles said you had to go and visit your uncle before you honoured us with a visit, but he was quite sure you would not want to stay there
He was right about that.
Is it as bad as they say? The question was asked with a conspiratorial giggle.
What do you mean?
Oh, there are all sorts of rumours. Visitors, you know, riotous behaviour
Kate, you should not be bothering our guest with questions like that. The speaker stood in the doorway, tall, angular almost, in country breeches and muddied top-boots. He was not smiling.
Roly, youre back. Look whos here. Arent you pleased to see her?
Very, he said laconically, without stepping over the threshold. But I believe Mistress Donnington should be allowed to rest. You can question her all you like after I have spoken to her.
Margaret looked up at him, recognising Master Mellisons companion of the evening before and guessing he was Lord Pargeter. They must have been talking about her or how did he come to know her name? If they had, what had they been saying? And why did Kate say she was expected? The strange conversation she had had with Charles Mellison came to her mind and made her mouth lift in a little quirk.
I am glad to see you are able to smile, his lordship said. Now, please sleep. We will talk as soon as you feel stronger.
She wanted to say that they should talk now, that whatever mysteries there were to be solved should be uncovered at once. She felt like a pawn being pushed around on a great chess-board, not in control of the situation at all, and she did not like it. She turned to Kate, who stood up with the empty glass in her hand. Margaret just had time to register that it must have contained a sleeping-draught before her eyes closed.
The next time she awoke, it was snowing. She could see huge flakes of it sliding down the glass of the window, but the room was warm from a fire which blazed in the grate. Her bag had been unpacked; underclothes, white stockings, a cambric petticoat and a round gown of blue merino wool were laid over a chair near the blaze to warm. She turned her head. A maid was pouring hot water into a bowl which stood on the wash-stand in the corner. It was the sound of that which had disturbed her.
Oh, did I wake you, mistress? the maid said. Im sorry.
What time is it?
Ten, mistress.
Ten? Margaret sat up. You mean ten in the morning? Have I slept all night?
Yes, mistress. Im Penny; Im to look after you. His lordship said I was not to rouse you, but as soon as you waked to say he would like you to take breakfast with him in the morning-room.
Yes, of course. Margaret looked at the window. Has it been snowing long?
All night, mistress. I reckon the roads are about impassable. If it freezes harder, well have to get the skates out to go anywhere, but the ice isnt thick enough yet. She turned towards Margaret and smiled. Still, were snug enough here. Shall I help you wash and dress?
What? Oh, no, I can manage.
But your poor hands. Let me help you, mistress. His lordship will be put out if he hears I left you to struggle with them little buttons on your own. And you shouldnt put those hands in water, not till theyve healed.
Margaret acquiesced, and half an hour later Penny conducted her downstairs and showed her into the morning-room where Lord Pargeter sat alone, eating a late breakfast. He uncurled his great length from his seat and held a chair for her. I trust you slept well, Mistress Donnington?
Very well, thank you.
Please help yourself to whatever you want. He indicated the many chafing-dishes on the table. Or would you prefer me to do it? Your hands must still be painful.
Hardly at all, my lord. She took a little ham, concentrating on her plate because she knew he was looking at her pensively, as if wondering how to make conversation with her. I am afraid I do not make a very good oarsman.
You did very well. Am I to assume you found Sedge House not to your liking?
It was not the house, she said, though it was in a parlous state. She looked round the room as she spoke. It was elegantly furnished in mahogany and walnut, some of it exquisitely inlaid with satinwood. The seat of the chair she sat on, like all the others, was covered in damask. The fireplace was of marble and the plastered ceiling was decorated with gilded scrolls. It exuded wealth and status; there could not have been a greater contrast with Sedge House. My uncle was not expecting me and he had other guests, she went on, in a effort to excuse the behaviour of her unsympathetic relative.
Just so. He lifted a pot. Chocolate?
Thank you.
He poured a cup of the thick dark liquid for her. Your great uncle is a Capitain, just as you are, he said, as if that explained everything.
How do you know so much about me, my lord? she asked, though she could guess his information came from Charles Mellison, and that made her feel uncomfortable. She began to wish she had not been so open with the young man.
Master Mellison told me of his conversation with you, he said. He told me you were going to live with your uncle.
That does not mean I could condone She paused, not wanting to put a name to what she had seen in her uncles house. I never knew I had any relations until my mother was dying. Now I wish I had never come.
What would you have done if you had not?
What would you have done if you had not?
I could have found work and lodgings, looked after myself.
She could not read his expression. One minute it was solicitous, another almost malevolent. His dark eyes never moved from her face; it was as if he was studying every line of it, committing it to memory. What did he see there? she wondered. Was he trying to read signs of debauchery which would tell him she was like her great-uncle? Was he wondering if he dared keep someone like that under his roof? He broke the silence at last. What kind of work have you done?
I am a milliner, my lord.
I doubt there is much call for hat-makers in Winterford, Mistress Donnington. We are a very rural community. The village used to be on the edge of the winter inundation; it was the only place where the fen could be safely crossed, which is how it got its name, but a hundred years ago, while Cromwell and the king battled it out for supremacy, the Adventurers fought against nature and won. Now Winterford is simply a slight rise in the surrounding land, all of it very fertile, but a long way from the beau monde of London.
I was not thinking of setting up as a milliner here, my lord.
What, then?
I do not know. I am adaptable, my lord.
He smiled and his sombre expression changed; his mouth softened and his eyes twinkled. Just so long as it does not entail keeping house for your uncle, eh?
He already has a housekeeper.
Her smile dimpled her cheeks very attractively, he decided, though she still looked tense, half afraid. Where would you live?
I would have to find lodgings.
Live alone? I hardly think that would serve. He paused, then asked slowly, Have you thought of marriage?
She smiled. Doesnt every young lady dream of it?
Is there no one?
No, my lord. I have been too busy She stopped suddenly, remembering her conversation with Charles Mellison.
Encouraged, he went on, I believe Master Mellison told you a little of my situation.
My lord, he would not be so indiscreet.
He chuckled suddenly. You obviously know how to be discreet yourself, but you need not worry, I am not asking you to betray him; I know my friend very well and I can guess he told you I was looking for a wife.
He did mention it in passing, my lord.
Only in passing? I am persuaded he went out of his way to speak to you about it.
I cannot think why he should do that, she murmured.
Did he not say we would do very well together, you and I?
My lord! she protested.
Oh, please do not be alarmed. He stopped speaking to offer her warm bread in a cloth-lined basket. She shook her head, and he went on, But he is right about my wanting to marry.
I am sure you could have no trouble finding a suitable wife, my lord, she said demurely.
As to that, I am not so certain, he said. You see, I am very particular and very difficult to live with. In truth, I am impossible.
Surely not, she said, because she thought it was expected of her.
Her answer produced a short bark of a laugh. Indeed I am. I am short-tempered, ill-mannered and I am wont to go off by myself for hours at a stretch. And as for making polite conversation He shrugged. Most of the time I find it tedious.
You do not paint a very agreeable picture of yourself, my lord.
I want you to know the truth.
Why?
Because he went on, leaning slightly towards her and making her heart beat in her throat and flooding her face with colour. Surely he was not? No, she was being absurd. I believe you are in something of a fix yourself
Not so desperate that I have to resort to trying to live with a man who, on his own admission, is impossible to live with, she said with some spirit. I pray you, do not assume that because I am in a little difficulty I have to throw myself at the first man who crosses my path. I listened to Master Mellison because politeness demanded it, but that does not mean I understood or wished to comply with whatever it was he was suggesting. I may be a Capitain, as you put it, but we are not all like my great-uncle, I assure you. My mother was a lady right to the end, in spite of being forcibly separated from all she held dear and having to earn a living. She pushed her chair back and stood up. I am grateful for your hospitality, Lord Pargeter, but I should like to leave now.
Leave? he queried, raising one dark brow. I am afraid you cant do that.
I insist.
He smiled. She was very angry indeed. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkled; she was not a lost kitten but a spitting one, and he found the transformation somewhat disturbing. I am sorry, he said. As soon as the roads are cleared of snow, of course you may leave. I would not dream of detaining you against your will. Please sit down and eat some breakfast; I cant have you fainting again.
She subsided into her chair, though she did nothing to obey his command to eat. She was sure that food would choke her.
Thats better. Now, let us begin again. You are very welcome to stay as long as you like, but there are certain things you should know. He looked closely at her, wondering how to go on. Firstly, my friend Mellison.
What about him?
He is betrothed to my sister Kate.
I know; he told me.
He is also impetuous. Once he has an idea in his head, theres no shifting it.
About you needing a wife, you mean?
Yes. He is quite convinced you are the very one.
I am flattered, she murmured, but she didnt sound very convincing. But havent you got a mind of your own?
His smile disappeared and his frown took over. My mind is my own, Mistress Donnington, make no mistake about that. Unfortunately Charles was so sure of himself that he told my grandmother to expect you He paused. He said I had met you in London, at Lady Gordons
Margaret attempted to laugh, but it came out more like a strangled cry. I have never met Lady Gordon.
Please do not interrupt. Grandmama was overjoyed to know I am going to settle down at last. He grinned suddenly. I am twenty-six years old and she was beginning to think it would never happen.
It hasnt, Margaret said sharply.
He ignored her interruption. Lady Pargeter is very old and not always in good health. The doctors say she must not, on any account, be upset.
I am sorry for that and, of course, I would not wish to upset her, but
Her ladyship has been led to believe I have brought you here to meet her. She wants to see you.
Master Mellison had no right
Exactly what I told him, Mistress Donnington, but I am afraid he is unashamed. He is quite convinced he is in the right of it and you will agree to marry me.
You have not asked me, have you?
I am asking you now.
In order to please your friend or your grandmother?
I please myself. Again there was that angry set to his mouth which spoiled his looks.
Margaret found herself laughing hysterically. The events of the last two days had been so strange, the people shed met even stranger. It was like being in a madhouse.
I am glad it amuses you, he said coldly, though he could not help noticing the dimple deepening near her mouth; he found it strangely alluring.