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.
I am sorry, she said, taking a handkerchief from her reticule and dabbing at her streaming eyes. But I never dreamed my first proposal would be soso romantical.
He stood up suddenly, crashing his chair back. And I never expected the lady in receipt of my offer would laugh in my face. He strode to the window to look out on the white landscape and calm himself. Charles was right about one thing. There was no question of Susans coming down in this weather and neither could he go to her. The thought of never seeing her again filled him with impatience which could not be relieved unless he followed his friends advice and found someone else to marry. And Margarets laughter had served to harden his heart; and the fact that she was a Capitain went some way to salving his conscience. He turned back to her, once more in command of himself. Please forgive me. I deserved your derision, but lets not beat about the bush any longer. I need a wife and you need somewhere to live, so shall we begin again?
The look on his face stopped her laughter. He was regarding her with an expression almost of loathing, and yet there was pain behind the dark eyes, as if the hate was more for himself than her. I do believe you are serious!
Certainly I am. After all, arranged marriages are nothing out of the ordinary and, if you have no one to make such arrangements for you, is there any reason why you should not make them for yourself? I am wealthy and I am not an ogre. I will make no great demands on you. You will have your own suite of rooms, a wardrobe befitting my wife, jewellery, carriage and horses, an allowance. To all intents and purposes, I will be the loving husband
And what do I have to do in return?
Be a dutiful wife in the eyes of the world, at least while my grandmother is alive. After that he shruggedyou may annul the marriage if you wish, so long as it has lasted at least a year. You will be amply recompensed in that event. He did not know how difficult an annulment would be, but, as he did not anticipate having to put it to the test, it was an easy thing to suggest.
She understood that the marriage was not to be consummated. It seemed extraordinary that he should not want an heir. And what significance was there in stipulating a year? My lord, this conversation is becoming nonsensical, she said.
It will make more sense if you think about it, he said. Do not dismiss my proposal out of hand and, as it looks as though you might be snowed up here for a little while, perhaps you would do me the courtesy of allowing yourself time to consider it.
Agreeing to that could do no harm, she decided. Very well, my lord. I will think about it.
He smiled and returned to the table. Thank you, but I must ask you to maintain the masquerade for my grandmothers sake when you meet her.
She was his guest, and an impoverished one at that; she agreed reluctantly. She didnt see how deceiving Lady Pargeter would be any help at all if the marriage never took place. He was so willing to lie that she supposed he would soon invent a story of a lovers tiff and the engagement being all over.
She met her ladyship at dinner, which was taken at three in the afternoon, but, even as early as that, it was almost dark and the long dining-room was bathed in the glow of several chandeliers.
Physically Lady Pargeter was a tiny, very frail woman who had to be helped to her chair, but mentally, Margaret was sure, she was strong as iron and just as unbending. She wore a white powdered wig with a cap trailing ribbons sitting on top of it. Her undress gown of patterned silk flowed in pleats from an embroidered yoke, which did little to disguise the fact that she was little more than skin over bone. Her face did not look painted, although it was chalk-white and the cheeks sunken. But her brown eyes were alive, darting about the room, taking everything in, missing nothing. She lifted the lorgnette which dangled from a ribbon on her wrist and peered through it at Margaret.
So, she said, when everyone was seated and the silent footmen began to serve the meal, are you my grandsons choice or is he yours?
Margaret did not know what to say, but before she could think of a suitable reply Roland came to her rescue. It was mutual, Grandmama.
He had changed into a lilac satin coat over a long embroidered waistcoat. His white breeches were tied with a bow below the knee. Pristine white ruffles adorned his throat and wrists and white stockings graced his elegant calves. He wore a powdered wig with side-curls and ringlets tied at the back with a black ribbon. He looked very stylish, but Margaret found herself thinking that she liked him best in plain country clothes which seemed to suit his muscular physique better. She blushed suddenly when she realised he was looking at her. Could he possibly have read her thoughts?
Do you know what you are letting yourself in for? Lady Pargeter demanded of Margaret, ignoring her grandson.
I think so, my lady.
Good, because I wouldnt want you to be under any illusions. Being married to a Pargeter heir is a dangerous undertaking, especially for a Capitain. She looked venomously at Margaret. Did your mother never tell you that?
No, she never mentioned Winterford at all, not untiluntil the day she died.
Hardly to be wondered at.
Grandmama, you are making something of nothing, Roland put in before Margaret could ask what she meant. We will hear no more of it. Tell me, what have you been doing today?
What is there to do in this God-forsaken place? Hannah read to me a little while and I worked on my needlepoint, but my eyes are not good enough for that now. I dont know why I continue with it. Obstinacy, I suppose. I do not like being beaten. Oh, and I sat for a time looking out of my window. She gave a cackle of a laugh. A wonderful view I have from my windownothing to behold but the horizon and the sky.
The sky is very beautiful, Margaret said. I never realised it until yesterday.
I did see something today, though, the old lady went on, ignoring Margarets comment. I saw a woman in a rowing-boat, coming upriver from thatthat place. She stopped at our jetty.
Kate giggled and Charles said, I didnt see anyone, did you, Roland?
At our jetty? he queried. No, I did not.
Its funny she should turn up again, the old lady said, peering at Margaret. You have a look of her
No, she hasnt, said Roland quickly. Mistress Donnington is nothing like her. And it was years ago, Grandmama
Is it? Oh, time means nothing to me now. Sometimes it drags, and weeks seem like years, and sometimes it is the other way round. She sighed. What it is to be old. Everybody standing about waiting for you to die.
Rubbish! said Roland.
Oh, Grandmama! said Kate. You must not talk like that.
Why not? I am long past the age when I should be in my coffin. My daughter-in-law has been dead these many years and now my son is gone. Why have I been left behind?
Because we love you and do not want to part with you, Kate said.
Theres more to it than that, she said. It has something to do with this young man here. And she poked Rolands arm with her lorgnette. I have been preserved, pickled in wine and brandy, simply in order to see the Pargeters with a new heir. I shall go to my grave in peace when that happens.
Roland looked at Margaret as if defying her to deny the possibility. She concentrated on her plate, picking without appetite at fish in oyster sauce. What was going on? They were all talking in riddles.
So, when is the wedding to be? her ladyship continued. I think it should be soon.
But I am in mourning, my lady, Margaret put in, reluctant to talk of a marriage she never intended should take place, but she remembered just in time Rolands warning to humour the old lady. Arguing with her might bring on a seizure. My mother died less than two weeks ago.
Where?
In London.
Your father? Was he one of the Donningtons of Devon?
I dont think so, my lady. He died when I was very small. In India.
Oh, a merchant! There was contempt in her ladyships voice, and Margaret was tempted to defend the father she had never known, but changed her mind.
I believe so.
Was he successful?
Margaret forced herself to smile. If he had been, I would not be here now.
It was not an answer which pleased her ladyship. She drew her lips down into a thin line and tapped Margaret impatiently on the back of her hand with her fan. My grandson honours you, and you would do well to remember it.
Indeed, I do, my lady.
Good. Have you any other kin, besides that reprobate Henry Capitain?
I know of no one, my lady.
Then who is there to complain if you marry while you are in mourning? She turned to her grandson. I want it done and I want it done quickly. I have no time to waste, even if you think you have. And you havent, you know. Twenty-six and still single. You are not even a widower, which might excuse you.
Oh, I say, Charles broke in.
I call spade a spade, she said. And we all know it sometimes takes two marriages to produce an heir.
Margaret was perplexed. What does she mean? she whispered to Roland, who sat next to her.
My fathers first wife died in a fall from a horse soon after they married, and they had no children, he answered in an undertone. My sister and I are the result of his second marriage. Grandmama is a little confused; she sometimes relives these little dramas. Pay no heed.
The meal ended silently. It was as if the old ladys talk of death had put a constraint on them all, and Margaret was glad when it was over and her ladyship rose to leave the table. Hannah, the old ladys companion, who had shared the meal but not the conversation, was immediately at her side to help her to her room, leaving Kate and Margaret to go to the withdrawing-room together.
Oh, I am so glad you came, Kate told Margaret. It gets dreadfully dull here sometimes.
What do you do for amusement? Margaret asked her.
Sometimes we go to Cambridge or to the races at Newmarket. And there is always the fen.
The fen?
Boating and fishing and wildfowling. I dont shoot, of course, but Roland is a crack shot, and Charles nearly as good. It isnt surprising when you consider they both served with distinction in the army. They were in the same regimentdid you know that?
No, Margaret said, choosing her words carefully. His lordship and I had very little time to get to know each other. I had to nurse Mama.
Of course, I understand. But you must think of the future now.
Margaret didnt want to think about it. Tell me about yourself, she said.
Roland is eight years older than I am, you know. I believe my mother had several miscarriages between the two of us. I dont remember her, but Roland says Papa was so delighted to have a daughter after so long, he spoiled me dreadfully. Her voice became sad as she added, He died five months ago. Roland was missing at the timeit was just after the battle at Cullodenand we did not know what had happened to him. It was only when Charles got leave in the summer and came to tell us Roland had been wounded, and was being cared for by the Chalfonts in Derbyshire, that we knew he was alive. As soon as he was well enough to travel he returned to his regiment, and then of course he learned of Papas death and came straight home to take up his inheritance. She laughed lightly. You know, sometimes he treats me like a daughter instead of a sister. He can be very pompous when he chooses.
Yes, I can imagine that, Margaret said with a wry smile.
But you are not at all haughty and you will not treat me like a child, will you, even when you marry Roland? After all, you cannot be much older than I am.
I am nineteen. She knew that she would soon be past marriageable age, especially as she had no dowry, but that didnt mean she was desperate. But I have not agreed to marry him.
Oh, but you will, wont you? You will be so good for him, I know you will. I knew it as soon as I saw you. Charles was right; all Roly needed was a little push in the right direction.
Margaret felt herself being drawn further and further into the web and yet she seemed unable to do anything to free herself, and the longer the charade went on, the more difficult it became to speak out, to say she had no intention of marrying Lord Pargeter. She was about to pluck up her courage to do so, when Roland and Charles joined them.
They had some desultory conversation, and then Roland suggested showing Margaret over the house.
Capital notion! Charles said, grinning. Kate and I will amuse ourselves with a little piquet. Hannah will be down again directly to chaperon us.
Margaret followed Roland from the room, determined to tell him she would not fall in with his outrageous scheme. Although it was little past four oclock it was already quite dark, and he picked up a lamp from the table in the hall and held it aloft. It revealed a vaulted gallery that towered the whole height of the building, panelled and hung with portraits.
My ancestors, he said, indicating the pictures. The baronetcy was granted by Elizabeth when we lived in Ely and owned land on the higher ground above Winterford. As the fens were drained, so we acquired more. We have been in residence in the Manor since the Commonwealth. He led the way up the wide staircase. The house is built in the shape of a crooked E. The staircase forms the central bar and most of the rooms we use are in the west wing, which is more protected from the prevailing wind than the east side. They reached the gallery, where they stood side by side, looking over the banister to the vestibule below. It was lit by two lamps near the door, and a huge fire whose warmth did not reach them.
Your great-uncle was here, he said.
Uncle Henry? When?
Last evening. He came looking for you.
How did he know where I was?
One must suppose he guessed.
I did tell him that Master Mellison had been kind enough to escort me to Sedge House, she said slowly. What did he say?
Oh, he was full of bluster and talk of abduction and a great deal more.
He thought you had abducted me? she queried in surprise. Why, thats nonsense.
So I told him. He said if I had not abducted you I would have no objection to your returning with him.
What did you say to that?
I said, of course, I had none, but that you were sleeping off the effects of your ordeal, an ordeal brought about by his immoral behaviour, but, if you wished, I would take you to him when you had recovered. He paused, turning to face her. Do you wish to go back?