Regency: Mischief & Marriage: Secret Heiress / Bartered Bride

Chapter Four

Daniel doused his head with cold water and groaned. Whatever had possessed him to drink so much wine after he returned to his lodgings the previous evening? He shook the water from his hair and sank back into the rapidly cooling bath his valet had prepared for him. Last evening’s dinner party had been a total failure as far as he was concerned. Not only had he been bored by Miss Roberts, finding her shallow and foolish, he had left without speaking to her father.

‘Damned idiot!’ he muttered as he rose from the water and towelled himself down, the droplets glistening on skin that was slightly golden in tone.

Why the hell had his father lost so much money to Cheadle? It was the cause of all this bother, the reason he had no choice but to offer for a girl he did not truly admire. He must either marry to advantage or enter the army and sell his estate to salvage what little he could.

Surely there must be another alternative?

The thoughts had been going round and round in his head since waking. He had really believed he could go through with the marriage to Miss Roberts until… he had seen her looking at him with those thoughtful eyes.

Miss Eliza Bancroft.

Damn it all, why should the girl affect him like this? She wasn’t beautiful by the standards of the day. Perhaps if they had met first in society he would have passed on without a second glance.

Liar!

Daniel groaned as he accepted that Miss Eliza Bancroft had been the reason for his failure to address Miss Roberts. He was intrigued by her manner of plain speaking. She found him amusing, did she? Her careless remark had pricked his vanity. He was accustomed to having young women hang on his every word. Indeed, he might have married long ago if beauty or money had been all he required in a wife.

The woman had bewitched him! What an idiot he was, mooning over a girl’s smile like a green youth.

Daniel’s mirth vanished as swiftly as it had come. His situation was serious. He had to find some way of paying those damned mortgages.

Eliza looked out of the front window as she heard voices below and was in time to see that Lady Julia and Kate had arrived. They were all to visit the Pump Room together that morning. Picking up the reticule she had been asked to fetch for Lady Sarah, she went downstairs in time to witness their friends being admitted.

‘Eliza,’ Kate said, ‘isn’t it a glorious day? I have asked Mama if we may leave her and Lady Sarah for a while once they are settled with their friends. It is far too pleasant to be stuck indoors. Do you not agree?’

‘It would be pleasant to walk if Lady Sarah does not need me.’

A walk was exactly what she needed after a night of too much thinking. Despite all her good intentions, Eliza had not been able to dismiss thoughts of Daniel Seaton. She wished she did not know his secret for it seemed to draw her closer to him. Had they met in company for the first time the previous evening, she would not have felt so troubled.

How could he think of marrying such a foolish girl as Miss Roberts? She was far beneath him in every way.

Immediately, Eliza was ashamed of the thought. Miss Roberts was a perfectly pleasant girl, just a little foolish to set her cap at him in public the way she had.

Good gracious! Was she feeling jealous?

Eliza scorned the wayward notion. She had no business thinking of Lord Seaton at all.

Kate’s friendly chatter was just what was needed to banish her foolish thoughts. Eliza gave her new friend all her attention as the four ladies were driven to the Pump Room in an open landau.

Lady Sarah seemed happy to be reunited with an old friend, and once the two older ladies were settled in the Pump Room with a glass of the restorative water, Kate persuaded Eliza they should leave.

‘Certainly you must go with Kate,’ Lady Sarah added her voice to the young lady’s. ‘I shall be perfectly comfortable here—and we are all to take luncheon together at Lady Julia’s house. Do not be late for that, girls.’

‘No, of course not,’ the girls chorused.

Kate slipped her arm through Eliza’s and they left the Pump Room, heading for the fashionable shops that abounded in the town.

‘I need a new fan for best,’ Kate told her as they emerged into the warm sunshine. She was dressed in a pretty green walking gown with a bonnet of chip straw trimmed with matching ribbons and white shoes and gloves. ‘My favourite snapped in half last time I used it. The struts are so fragile, are they not?’

‘I have one that my mother gave me,’ Eliza replied. ‘I have not…’

She meant to say that she had hardly used it but, seeing the gentleman walking towards them, her heart caught. He was so extremely handsome in his coat of blue with dove grey breeches and boots that shone like gloss.

‘Miss Henderson… Miss Bancroft…’ Daniel raised his hat to them. ‘A beautiful morning, is it not?’

‘Lord Seaton,’ Kate said and gave him a flirtatious look. ‘Are you on your way to the Pump Room? I would not have thought you needed to take the waters.’

‘Indeed, no, I should hope not,’ he replied and grinned, for her manner was mischievous. ‘Indeed, I have heard the taste is so bad that I doubt the health-giving properties they are said to possess. I suppose you are headed for the shops?’

‘There is nothing I enjoy more,’ Kate replied. ‘Unless it is dancing. Do you attend the assembly this evening, sir?

‘I am not sure…’ His eyes rested on Eliza. ‘Do you attend, Miss Bancroft?’

Eliza had deliberately remained silent, but now she was forced to answer.

‘I believe it is Lady Sarah’s intention,’ Eliza said, hoping that she did not sound breathless. Her heart was behaving most oddly. ‘It will be my first proper ball, though I was sometimes invited to your uncle’s Christmas party, sir. I danced there, of course. Mama taught me—’ She broke off with a flush for she had said too much—and she did sound breathless.

‘Then I must certainly attend,’ he responded gallantly, his words making her feel odd all over. ‘You will promise to save at least one dance for me, Miss Bancroft—and I shall also claim one from you, Miss Henderson.’

‘I shall be sure to enter your name, sir—and so will Eliza,’ Kate sparkled up at him. ‘Now you must leave us for shopping is important business, my lord.’

‘I am not sure that I ought to dance.’ Eliza remembered belatedly that she was a companion. ‘I do not know if Lady Sarah will permit it.’

‘Of course she will expect you to dance.’ Kate retorted. ‘Lord Seaton, support me in this please. Eliza must dance, must she not?’

‘I am persuaded that Lady Sarah will expect it,’ Daniel replied and his eyes were bright with amusement. ‘I must not delay you longer. I shall see you both this evening, ladies.’

He tipped his hat once more and walked on by. Kate hugged Eliza’s arm.

‘Was that not clever of me? He likes you very much. I dare swear he had no intention of attending this evening until you told him it was your first ball.’

‘Oh, no…’ Eliza was genuinely horrified. ‘Please do not suggest such a thing. It would be most inappropriate. Lady Sarah has been kindness itself, but I am her companion. Lord Seaton really should not pay me any attention. Especially if—’ she broke off, feeling flustered. ‘He should not.’

‘You are distressed,’ Kate said in concern. ‘I was merely teasing you. I would not encourage you to think of him. Lord Seaton is not exactly a rake, but he is known for his flirts. They say the last was a beautiful opera dancer.’ Kate gurgled with laughter. ‘I heard he fought a duel with someone over her, but I dare say it was all a hum. Oh dear, I should not have mentioned that, should I? Mama says my tongue will be the ruin of me and she is right.’

‘I believe many gentlemen have a mistress,’ Eliza said, sounding calmer than she felt. ‘But… I have no wish to become one of them.’

‘No, indeed it is not to be thought of for, then I could not know you and that would be a shame.’ Kate’s humour was irrepressible. ‘Not that I should take a jot of notice but Mama would not approve. You will pay him no mind, Eliza. Unless of course he were to propose marriage. They do say reformed rakes make good husbands in the end.’

‘You are a wicked tease,’ Eliza told her. ‘It is as well I have no intention of having my head turned by a handsome face.’

‘So you do like him,’ Kate crowed. ‘No, no, I shall not tease you, dearest Eliza—but just think how fortunate it would be if he should offer.’

Eliza shook her head. To allow herself even one thought in that direction would be madness. She was not sure she would be permitted to dance that evening or even if it would be wise. Lord Seaton was too far above her and the more she mixed with him the more painful it would be in the end. She might even have to leave Lady Sarah’s employ at the end of the month, and then she might never see him again.

The thought brought a sharp swift pain to her heart, but she lifted her head in the air. She refused to be foolish enough to fall for a man she hardly knew and could never know better.

They were approaching the shop they had come to visit and Kate’s attention was taken by the array of beautiful fans in the window. Some were of painted paper, others of ivory and lace, some with silver or jewelled handles and very costly.

‘Oh, there are so many lovely ones,’ Kate exclaimed. ‘How do I choose just one?’

Eliza was able to enjoy helping her friend to choose. She was, after all, a sensible girl and she would not fall into a dangerous flirtation simply because a certain man made her heart race whenever he was near.

Daniel walked past the house where Lord Roberts was staying, heading for a popular coffee house in the hope of meeting with friends. His thoughts were once again in turmoil. He had set out with the firm intention of asking Lord Roberts for his daughter’s hand and then applying for a loan to settle his gambling debt, which he would repay when he could. However, Miss Henderson had overset his plans by mentioning the assembly. He had been unable to resist the unconscious appeal in Miss Bancroft’s eyes when she spoke of her first public ball. The prospect of dancing with her had awoken something inside him that had lain dormant for a while and he anticipated the evening with some eagerness.

Surely it could not matter if he did not speak to Lord Roberts immediately?

Eliza Bancroft.

Daniel wanted to see laughter in those expressive eyes. He wanted to dance with Eliza, hold her body close to his and perhaps take her out into the moonlight to steal a few kisses.

He remembered a previous stolen kiss. He could almost taste her, smell the perfume that was uniquely her own. He wanted so much more! Forbidden thoughts of Eliza lying in silken sheets, her hair spread on the pillow and her lips swollen by his passionate kisses, slightly open as she waited for more…

The sight of a curricle driving past in the opposite direction, interrupted his pleasurable thoughts. A cold shaft of anger shot through him as he saw the cause of all his troubles. The Marquis of Cheadle was in Bath, which meant that they would be bound to meet in company. Therefore, he must arrange a private interview as soon as possible. He would see what advantage was to be gained from bargaining over the ring he held as surety for a few hundred guineas.

Why did the marquis’s ring bear the same inscription as that in Eliza’s ring? She said it had belonged to her mother—had there been something between Mrs Bancroft and Cheadle? Surely not! The lady was the wife of the Reverend Bancroft and, as far as Daniel knew, of spotless reputation. It was mere coincidence and a trifle that should not enter his head again. He had more important things to consider.

For a moment, Daniel’s thoughts dwelled on the possibility that Cheadle might know something of his cousin’s death. He must seek him out and ask a few questions before handing over the ring.

Eliza glanced at herself in the mirror as she prepared for the assembly that evening. Her gown was a miracle of white silk tulle, lace and elegant styling. Trimmed lightly here and there with tiny knots of black ribbon, it looked so expensive and fashionable that Eliza was almost frightened to leave her room.

Surely Lady Sarah would not approve of her companion wearing a gown such as this one?

Her heart was sinking as she walked the short distance down the hall to her employer’s bedchamber. Lady Sarah could not have intended her companion to look so stylish.

‘Come in, my dear,’ her employer’s voice invited her to enter as she tapped the door.

‘I am so sorry,’ Eliza began immediately to apologise. ‘I thought madame would make something more suited to my situation. Shall I change?’

‘What nonsense, Eliza. You look beautiful…’ Lady Sarah beckoned her forwards, her expression intent as she looked at her closely. ‘The gown is elegant and perfect for you, my dear. I knew madame would do you justice, but I had not expected such a change. You look… very different. Do you not like your gown?’

‘I love it,’ Eliza assured her. ‘I thought… well, does it not make me look as if I am a young lady of fashion?’

‘Exactly. Just as you should look, Eliza. You deserve something nice and I am happy to be in a position to give it to you.’ Lady Sarah smiled at her. ‘I am very pleased with madame’s work. You must thank her when she comes again.’

‘Are you sure it is not too good for a companion?’

Lady Sarah hesitated, then, ‘You have become my friend, Eliza… almost like a daughter to me. We have not known each other long, but already I am so fond of you. I want you to be happy while you stay with me.’

‘I am happy. I feel so fortunate to have been chosen by you, ma’am. I would never wish to do anything to distress you.’

‘I am sure you will not.’ Lady Sarah nodded, a hint of tears in her eyes. She knew that she might have gone too far, but she was enjoying treating Eliza, as she would her lost daughter when she found her. ‘We must go down. We do not wish to keep the horses standing. This evening is your first assembly. You will not wish to miss a moment—and of course you must dance as much as you please. It will give me great pleasure to watch and to know that you are enjoying yourself.’

‘You are so kind to me.’

Eliza made sure that her employer had all she needed, following her down the stairs and out to the waiting carriage. It was strange how close she felt to Lady Sarah, almost as though she had known her all her life.

Eliza was a little overwhelmed by the noise and press of people mingling in the huge assembly rooms. She thought that all Bath society must have gathered for the occasion, their costly jewels glittering in the light from the heavy chandeliers. However, once they had passed into a room where chairs and sofas had been grouped they found friends.

‘Come and sit beside me,’ Lady Julia invited. ‘Kate has been on the fidget since we arrived. Now you may leave us to ourselves and join the other young people.’

‘Are you comfortable, ma’am?’ Eliza asked, looking at her employer. ‘Is there anything I may fetch you before I go with Kate?’

‘Lord Melcher is arranging some champagne—’ Lady Julia broke off as two gentlemen approached, one tall and dark, the other slightly broader in the shoulder with fair hair and a little moustache. ‘Lord Smythe… Mr Thatcher, good evening. You know my daughter Kate, of course—may I introduce you to Miss Eliza Bancroft. She is visiting with my great friend Lady Sarah.’

‘Ma’am, Miss Henderson, Miss Bancroft.’ Lord Smythe bowed to Kate. ‘May I have the honour of this next dance?’

‘Only if Mr Thatcher intends to dance with my friend Miss Bancroft,’ Kate said with a wicked smile. ‘Afterwards, you may both change partners.’

‘Kate, you need not…’ Eliza blushed, but the fair-haired gentleman bowed to her and smiled.

‘Miss Henderson need not have prompted me, Miss Bancroft. I shall be greatly honoured if you will grant me the favour of this dance—and another, if I may have your card for a moment?’

‘Oh…’ Eliza hesitated and then handed him the little card she wore on a ribbon about her wrist. He wrote his name in a space later that evening and then offered his arm. ‘Thank you, Mr Thatcher. It is so kind of you.’

‘My pleasure, I assure you.’

She took his arm, feeling an immediate liking for a man who was clearly one of Kate’s intimate friends.

‘Is this your first visit to Bath, Miss Bancroft?’

‘Yes. I have been living quietly in the country. My mother was ill for some months before she died—but Lady Sarah is so good to me.’

‘I do not know the lady well, but Lady Julia and Miss Henderson are good friends—and neighbours in the country. Father’s estate is in Hampshire.’

‘We lived in Norfolk.’

Drawn into what was a lively country dance, Eliza was swept along by the music and enjoyed herself too much to be self-conscious or shy. She had never been given formal dancing lessons, but dances like this had been a part of the celebrations at the earl’s home each Christmas. As the vicar’s daughter she had been invited and knew how to perform most of the dances creditably.

The next set of dances was slower and more elegant. Eliza watched for a few moments, confident that she knew the steps. When Lord Smythe asked her to dance she felt able to give him her hand.

After the first few dances, Kate and Eliza were reunited, and a steady stream of young and sometimes older gentlemen made their way to the girls to be introduced by one of the ladies or gentlemen present and to request a dance.

In consequence, both girls soon found their cards filled, except for those they had saved in advance. Eliza had kept two free just in case Lord Seaton should arrive later in the evening. He did not appear in the first hour or so and she sat one of them out, taking the chance for some refreshment with Lady Sarah.

It must have been nearly ten o’clock when she saw him coming towards her. Her heart leaped with excitement, because he was so very handsome in his immaculate evening dress and his smile seemed just for her.

‘Did you think I had forgotten my promise, Miss Bancroft?’ Daniel asked. ‘I hope you have kept a dance for me—or have I lost it to another because of my tardy arrival?’

‘I did keep the next dance, sir—should you wish it.’

‘I most certainly do and I must beg your forgiveness for being so late. I was delayed by some important business.’ He laughed as her brows arched. ‘No, I assure you. It was a card game with friends and I won—quite fairly.’

‘I would never suspect you of anything less,’ she replied, a smile in her eyes.

Daniel inclined his head, taking her hand to draw her forwards into the throng of dancers. ‘This is a waltz. You have no objection, Miss Bancroft?’

‘I have danced a waltz only twice, Lord Seaton. You must forgive me if I am not entirely proficient.’

‘Just allow me to lead you. You need not fear, Miss Bancroft. You are in good hands.’

Eliza trembled inwardly as he put his hand at the small of her back, but her calm smile remained intact. As soon as they began to dance she lost all sense of nerves and the sensation was like floating to music. With no one else had Eliza experienced this glorious feeling of lightness and a sense of being far away from the crowd. It was as if she were alone with Lord Seaton and there was no one else in the world. Had she closed her eyes she could have believed she was dancing in the moonlight; there was no one but the man whose arms held her, making her heart beat with slow sure strokes. A little sigh of pleasure left her lips.

‘You approve,’ Lord Seaton’s teasing voice broke the spell. ‘I am better at dancing than some other things, perhaps?’

‘You must know you are an excellent dancer, sir.’

‘It is a pleasure to dance with you, Miss Bancroft. You are like thistledown in my arms. I could wish our dance might last for ever.’

His words so exactly mirrored her own thoughts that she felt a blaze of pure happiness. It was like being in heaven… the most wonderful feeling she had ever known.

When the music ended, Eliza felt a sharp pain of loss as he let her go and stood back. She wanted to be back in his arms, out in the moonlight. She wanted… She made an effort to control her emotions as he escorted her to her friends. This was so foolish! It was just a dance, even though it had seemed so much more.

Lady Sarah was talking to a gentleman Eliza had never met before. She felt Lord Seaton’s fingers tighten on her arm and sensed tension in him. Glancing at his face, she noticed the pulse flicking at his temple.