Briar Patch (8 page)

‘You won't care if he goes off to London and leaves you at home?'

‘Father left me more than the ten thousand pounds,' Julia replied. ‘I have another twenty in trust for my children and the income is secured to me for life. Philip can't touch it unless I agree. My lawyer refused to change the terms of Father's will. Philip may spend the ten thousand if he wishes, and then I'll have the purse strings.'

Roz wondered if Philip understood that she wasn't the meek little woman that she seemed. There was more to Julia than any of them had guessed and Roz glimpsed a strong will behind the mild manner.

‘My brother is stubborn and he has a temper. Be careful, Julia.'

‘I'm not pretty like you,' Julia replied and patted the large, creamy pearls at her throat. ‘I think these are more appropriate than diamonds, don't you?' She smiled at Roz. ‘I've never screamed or had tantrums, Roz. Yet I usually get what I want in the end. Philip didn't want to take me to Italy for our honeymoon, but that is where we're going.'

‘Well, I wish you luck,' Roz said and smiled. She was beginning to like Julia more each time they met. ‘If you live at the hall I shan't be far away.'

‘I've already told Mama that I want you to think of the hall as your home, Roz. You must visit me every day and dine with me often. I am hoping we shall be friends.'

‘I'm sure we shall, though I may not be at the dower house for long. I may be getting married soon.'

‘To Mr Rushden?' Julia nodded as if she'd expected it. ‘I think he loves you, Roz. You are lucky, because he is devoted to you.'

‘Yes, I think he cares for me.' She gave Julia a wry smile. ‘If you're sure you want to marry my undeserving brother, we'd better go down. Everyone is waiting.'

Philip and Julia were greeting their guests at the reception. Roz looked at the array of expensive gifts set out at one end of the long room. Julia's family had given her some wonderful things: jewellery, silver and there was a card that said her uncle had bought her a small house in Bath.

Roz's gaze went back to the happy couple. Philip had a smile of satisfaction on his face. No doubt he was congratulating himself on catching such a prize. Julia's family was wealthy and her aunt had already hinted that she would be leaving her fortune to her favourite niece.

Julia seemed content. How long would it be before the veil was stripped and she saw Philip for the selfish brute he really was?

‘Miss Thornton, I hope you are well?'

Roz turned her head and looked at the gentleman who had spoken. ‘I am quite well, Mr Harcourt. I wasn't sure if you would be here today.'

‘Julia is a cousin of sorts, though distant. I am fond of her in my way. I hope your brother intends to look after her, Miss Thornton. I should be most distressed if she had cause to regret her marriage.'

‘I think Julia has few illusions, sir. She seemed to think that she would be satisfied with her bargain.' She looked into his eyes, challenging him. ‘I do not think she is quite the doormat some might believe.'

‘Julia has a mind of her own,' Harcourt agreed. ‘It's when Philip begins to understand her that the trouble may start.'

‘You do not approve of our family, do you?'

‘Now what makes you think that, Miss Thornton? Your mama is a very respectable lady – and you are both brave and beautiful.'

‘Brave? Now where did that come from, I wonder?'

‘Perhaps I am more observant than you imagine, Miss Thornton. I believe they are going to toast the bride and groom. This is not the time for revelations. Another day, perhaps . . .'

Roz watched him walk away. What could he have meant?

She turned her head as her mama came up to her.

‘Well, that all went off nicely, do you not think so? Julia looks lovely. She will make Philip a good wife.'

‘Yes, I expect so. I hope she will be happy.'

‘I am sure she will be content with a home and family, as I was.' Lady Thornton's gaze was hard and direct. ‘What did Mr Harcourt have to say to you?'

‘Nothing very much, Mama. I think we must follow everyone into the dining room or we may miss the toasts.'

‘Julia has been given some lovely gifts. It is an elegant and lavish reception. Just think what you would have missed had you not come.'

Roz made no answer, joining the flow of guests heading for the dining room. She took her place and glanced across the table at Mr Harcourt. Just what did he know that he thought ought not to be revealed on such an occasion?

Could he have guessed what had happened to Roz near the summer house that night? Had Paul Richmond told him?

Roz went up to her bedchamber as soon as the bride and groom had left for their wedding trip. They would be away for at least eight weeks, perhaps longer, which meant that Roz might be married before she saw her brother again.

Philip had looked directly at her just once during the reception. The menace in his eyes had chilled her. Roz had threatened to make her brother pay one day, but it was unlikely that she would act on her words. She'd let her chance slip to reveal him as a cheat and a liar – and perhaps Julia would not have thanked her if she'd spoken out. Roz was leaving for home in the morning and then she would have to give her answer to Harold Rushden.

Should she tell him about the rape? A part of her wanted to confess it all, but she wasn't sure she had the courage. If she confessed he might not want to wed her – and the truth might come out. Roz couldn't face the thought of people whispering behind her back. She was caught fast and there was no way to escape without hurting herself and others.

A knock at the door just as she was about to retire made her pause. When she opened the door she was surprised to see Julia's aunt.

‘Lady Mary. I wasn't expecting you.'

‘How could you when I have only just made up my mind? May I come in?'

‘Yes, of course.' Roz moved away from the door. ‘Julia looked lovely today and she seemed happy.'

‘Yes. I believe she will make the best of her marriage. She has always loved children, you know.'

‘Yes, I see.' Lady Mary knew more than she was prepared to admit. She was a tall lady with white hair and at that moment elegantly dressed in a rose silk dressing robe that carried the scent of lavender. ‘You have something to say to me?'

‘Now that Julia is married I expect to be alone most of the time. Not that I am lonely for I have many friends – but Julia spoke highly of you. I am thinking of travelling abroad for the winters in future and I wondered if you might like to see something of the world? I should pay all your expenses and give you an allowance for pin money and clothes.'

‘Travel with you?' Roz was stunned. ‘I really do not know what to say, ma'am. We hardly know one another and . . . I have received an offer of marriage.'

‘Ah, then I must congratulate you. I had heard that you would be living in the dower house with your mama and I thought – but no matter. Forgive me for disturbing you at this late hour, but I may not be up when you leave.'

‘It was a generous and thoughtful offer.' Roz hesitated and then leaned forward to kiss the lady's soft cheek. ‘Had I not promised to give my answer I might have accepted your offer, but I think my future is set.'

‘I wish you happiness, my dear.' Lady Mary walked to the door and then turned to look at her. ‘Should you change your mind you may write to me. Goodnight, Roz.'

‘Goodnight. Thank you.'

Roz stared at the door as it closed behind her. For a moment she was tempted to go after her and tell her she had changed her mind. Yet what purpose would it serve? A year or so spent travelling with Lady Mary would be pleasant, but then she would have to return to her home. If she missed her chance to marry she might never get another one.

Roz felt some regret as she took her leave the next morning but the decision was made. She was to return to the dower house with her mama and then she would marry Mr Rushden.

They had been travelling for more than an hour in silence when Roz's mother looked at her across the carriage.

‘Your brother has informed me that he is reducing the size of his stables. Once he and his wife return to the hall we shall have to give a day's notice if we require the landau. I must hope that my friends will visit me often.'

‘I am sure Julia would not refuse you if you asked for it to be at your disposal one day a week.'

‘I hope you are going to be sensible, Roz? If Philip denies you stabling for your horses you will not be happy. I am sure I did not expect him to be so ungenerous.'

‘I suppose Philip feels he has to use Julia's money to the best advantage.'

‘Your father would have managed somehow without all this economy. My jointure is so small that I cannot afford to set up my own stables. If you married Rushden he might do something for me – at least allow me the use of a carriage.'

‘Yes, I dare say he might,' Roz agreed. She smoothed the fingers of her gloves. There was no point in putting it off any longer. ‘If Mr Rushden still wishes to marry me I shall accept him.'

‘Well, of course he will.' Lady Thornton nodded her approval. ‘He isn't quite what I should have liked for you but in the circumstances you are lucky to have this chance.'

‘Yes, I suppose I am.'

‘I can hardly afford to support myself, Roz. I thought Philip would allow me something from the estate but he insists I must manage on six hundred pounds a year.'

‘Many people have far less, Mama.'

‘I dare say they may but it is not what I have been used to.'

‘You have more clothes than you can possibly need, Mama. Especially since you are to live quietly.'

‘It is all very well for you, Roz. You will have a wealthy husband. I dare say I shall be invited out sometimes. I cannot wear the same old clothes for ever.'

‘I shall ask Mr Rushden if he will make you an allowance.'

‘I do not want charity. If your brother thought of his mother more I should not need to ask.'

It was best not to answer. Roz had no idea what Philip had said to his mother to bring on this tirade, but it had obviously upset her. Lady Thornton continued to grumble at intervals throughout the journey home.

Roz smothered her sigh. Her mother's temper had surely never been this fractured? If the choice was between marrying Harold Rushden and years of listening to her mother's complaints, she had best take him as soon as possible.

‘I came as soon as I heard you were home.' Harold's expression was expectant as he looked at her. ‘Do you have an answer for me, Roz?'

‘My answer is yes,' Roz said. ‘Yet there is something I ought to tell you . . .'

‘Whatever it is, it doesn't matter.' He came towards her, hands outstretched. ‘I dare say I know a lot more than you think, lass. I've held back because I wasn't sure you would take me, but I love you. I've wanted you for years. I had the house done up for you, even though you hardly gave me a glance – but I hoped you'd notice me one day.'

Her throat caught. ‘I don't know what to say . . .'

‘You've no need to say anything more. I'll take care of things now, Roz. You'll want for nothing – and I'll see your mother is comfortable.'

‘Philip says she can only have the carriage once a week . . .'

‘I'll buy her one of her own and pay for its stabling. Anything you want, lass. You've only to ask.'

‘You are too good to me, Mr Rushden.'

‘Call me Harold, lass – or Harry if you'd rather.'

‘I like Harry, if I may.' Roz was suddenly shy because the look in his eyes came close to adoration. She ought to tell him about Paul Richmond but she couldn't bear to see that look of love turn to disgust. ‘You may kiss me if you wish.'

‘Aye, I wish,' Harold said and moved closer to her. He hesitated, then bent his head. At first his mouth was soft as it touched hers, then he made a little groaning sound and pulled her closer, his kiss becoming more passionate, demanding. Roz flinched as a memory flashed into her head. He looked down at her anxiously. ‘Forgive me, Roz. I'm a bit on the rough side for you, but I'll never hurt you.'

‘I know that,' she said and slid her hands up behind his head. Closing her eyes, she pressed her lips to his and banished the humiliating memory to a corner of her mind. ‘I promise I'll be a good wife, Harry. I'll be all you could want. I promise.'

Regret swathed through her and she wished she could go to him as an untouched virgin, but she couldn't change what had happened. She must just pray that he would never find out.

‘I'll call Mama. She is hoping for good news, Harry.'

‘Aye, so was I – and I've got it.' He smiled and the doubts vanished from his eyes. ‘I'm a happy man and the sooner we're wed the better. We'll have the banns called for when your brother comes home.'

‘Why wait for Philip?' Roz looked up at him. ‘He is my brother but there isn't much affection between us. We could have a small party here before the wedding and then give a reception at your home and perhaps a dance after our honeymoon – if that would suit you?'

‘It would suit me fine. Call your mother, lass. I'll be paying for the wedding. My people will put on a good show for us, Roz. Your mother can enjoy herself shopping for new clothes for you both and she needn't worry about the bills, because I'll be paying them.'

‘We can manage our own clothes, Harry. You mustn't allow Mama to take advantage of you because she will if you let her.'