The Marriage Market (2 page)

“You’re going berry-picking, Miss Ladbrook?  I have never been berry-picking in my life,” Wovington replied.

“Wovington, you astound me.  Your life experience is sadly wanting in some fundamental areas,” Ladbrook said.  “Come, get up, and we will join them in some exercise.”

The four young people strolled along a shady path, teasing Wovington for his ignorance of the local flora and fauna along the way.  Victoria found a berry bush and picked some fruit into her pocket handkerchief, while Patricia gathered wild flowers for a nosegay.  Soon Patricia drifted ahead, and Ladbrook, who was too chivalrous to abandon the girl, cast a longing glance at Victoria before following her
sister.  Wovington was delighted by this opportunity to be alone with Victoria, and lolled on a nearby rock in the shade. 

The young woman passed a handkerchief containing a generous handful of plump berries to the gentleman.  “Here you are, Mr. Wovington, taste these blackberries.  They are still warm from the sun.  Are they not good?” 

“Delicious, Miss Larke.  I have not tasted their equal since a trip to the market last Friday.”

“Yes, but these are fresher, not to mention free of charge, provided by nature’s bounty.”

“You’re right, Miss Larke, they are well worth all your efforts.  Please feel free to go on with your picking.”  He smiled lazily up at her and ate another berry.

Victoria blew a stray curl away from her warm cheek.  She was perturbed that Mr. Wovington wasn’t being as attentive as her male admirers
usually were, and wondered what kind of game he was playing at.  Out loud, she remarked, “Sir, I do not mean to be rude, but should I not be the one reclining delicately in the shade while you perform the labour?”

“Let’s leave berry-picking and flower-gathering to Ladbrook and your sister, shall we?  Come and rest next to me,” he said, patting the rock beside him.

Victoria frowned.  “I suppose you mean that simple pleasures such as these are too rustic for your sophisticated tastes?”

Wovington leaned toward her on one elbow.  “As I recall, I outgrew such childish pursuits by the age of twelve.”

“Childish?  And what did you replace them with, pray?”

Wovington grinned roguishly.  “Let us just say that I found more entertaining things to do with a young woman.” 

“That is hardly a proper thing to say to a lady, Mr. Wovington,” Victoria huffed.  She turned and headed down the path Patricia and Mr. Ladbrook had taken.

“Come now, Miss Larke, it was just a little joke,” he said, springing to his feet and hurrying after her.  “Don’t be cross with me.”

“Perhaps your tastes are too jaded to enjoy my company,” Victoria said, not slackening her pace.

“Nonsense.  Your innocence and freshness are delightful.  I admire you for them.”

“Innocence?” she said, glancing up at him.

“Yes,” he said.  “Gentlemen are more sophisticated than ladies, of course, because we must make our way in the wicked world.  That is not to say that we are immoral, but we are soon robbed of our illusions.  We do, however, value the simplicity and purity of the ladies who grace our lives, and strive to insulate them from the world’s evils.”

“I see,” Victoria said, slowing.

“Am I forgiven, then, Miss Larke?”

She turned to face him, her eyes rolling.  “Only if you stop trying to appease me with such balderdash, sir.  You forget that my father was away at sea for the better part of twenty-five years, and my mother had to raise us practically on her own.  She did not sit at home like some hothouse rose, however.  She paid the bills, hired the servants, dealt with the shop keepers, and did everything else required in the running of a household.  And she raised her daughters to be practical and useful, too.”

“I see,” Wovington said, a twinkle in his eyes.  “Pray forgive me.  I did not mean to imply that you were coddled and idle, Miss Larke.  I was
only praising your virtue and innocence.”  He clasped his hands behind him and tilted his head to one side.  “You do not object to being described as ‘virtuous,’ do you?”

“Of course not.”

“I see.  Perhaps the word ‘innocence’ offends you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

Wovington shrugged.  “Pardon me, but I do not understand the basis for our quarrel.”

Victoria stared at him.  “It’s just that . . . .  I only mean . . . .”  Wovington raised one eyebrow and Victoria threw up her hands.  “You must be an excellent lawyer, Mr. Wovington.  You twist my words most effectively.”

Wovington laughed and shook his head.  “Let us argue no longer, Miss Larke.  Please accept my humblest apology for anything I might have said that offended your sensibilities.”  He clasped his hands before him and bowed his head in a caricature of supplication.

It was Victoria’s turn to laugh.  “I accept your apology even if I doubt your sincerity, sir.  Shall we find Patricia and Mr. Ladbrook now?”

“Let’s,” he said, offering her his arm.

Two days later, the two gentlemen were invited to the Larke residence for coffee and plum cake.  Patricia played a new composition on the piano, while Ladbrook turned the pages for her.  Taking advantage of his friend’s distraction, Wovington drew Victoria into a private corner.  He pulled a flat box secured with red ribbon from his pocket and handed it to her with a bow.

“A present for me, Mr. Wovington?” she inquired, one eyebrow lifting. 

“Not so much a present as a return of your property, Miss Larke,” he responded.

Puzzled, Victoria removed the ribbon and opened the box to reveal a dainty handkerchief trimmed with lace, its hem embroidered with pink rosebuds.

“It’s lovely, Mr. Wovington, fit for a special occasion.  But why do you give it to me?”

“To replace the hankie that you gave me when we were berry-picking.”

“But that was only a piece of cambric suitable for holding berries, not anything as fine as this.  I really cannot accept your gift, sir.” 

Wovington held up a finger to silence her and removed a slim leather wallet from his trouser pocket.  He withdrew Victoria’s handkerchief, still sporting its berry stain. 

“This is a memento of my first taste of wild berries, picked for me by a gracious friend.”  He replaced the handkerchief into his wallet and tucked it away before raising inquiring eyes to her face.  Touched, Victoria smiled and inserted the handkerchief into the bosom of her dress.  While her eyes were averted, Wovington shot a glance at Ladbrook to see if he had noticed the exchange.  His friend was
busily assisting Mrs. Larke with the positioning of a card table, however, and had missed the entire incident.  Smiling triumphantly, Wovington escorted Victoria back to the others.

Chapter Three – A Ball and a Country Outing

With the fall weather came Patricia’s first season and her first ball.  Both sisters took special care with their attire for that occasion, wearing new pleated white muslin gowns and beaded silk slippers, and Patricia was excited to wear feathers in her hair for the first time. 

It was a memorable evening.  The Lower Assembly rooms were crowded, but with the exterior doors open and the outside temperature decidedly autumnal, the dancers were not overly warm.  Admiral Larke smiled proudly as he partnered his younger daughter for the first set, paternal eyes shining brightly in the candlelight.  Later, both sisters danced with Ladbrook and Wovington, and Admiral and Mrs. Larke took a stately turn upon the floor.  The Larke party enjoyed the evening fully and left reluctantly, arriving home at a late hour. 

Tired but happy from their exertions, the sisters adjourned to their rooms.  The maid helped them to undress before Victoria sent her to bed and remained behind to chat with her sister.

“What an enjoyable evening, Tricia,” Victoria said, standing behind the yawning girl as she brushed the intricate braids from her sister’s hair.  “I do not think that I have ever danced so much in my life.”

“How did I do, Victoria?” Patricia asked, glancing over her shoulder at her sister.  Patricia had been working with a dancing master since her arrival in Bath.

“You were wonderful, dear,” Victoria replied, bending to hug her.  “Light as a feather and very graceful.  Wherever I looked, I saw nothing but admiring glances for you.”

“Truly?  That’s just what I hoped for,” Patricia said with glowing eyes.  She gave a happy sigh and leaned back as Victoria continued her brushing.

“I must say, I am curious as to your opinion, though,” Victoria said.  “Who would you say is the more accomplished dancer – Mr. Ladbrook or Mr. Wovington?”

The room was chilly and Patricia pulled a wool shawl around her shoulders as she considered the question.  “I would have to say Mr. Wovington, Victoria, although you would be the better judge.  To be honest, I was a little anxious that he would be too accomplished for me, or that I might appear clumsy by comparison.  But when he came to claim me, he talked such nonsense about the soles of his dancing shoes being slippery, and that if he should fall, I must be careful not to trip over him and do myself an injury, that he soon had me laughing.  I will not be afraid to dance with him again, should he ever ask me.  I did enjoy dancing with Mr. Ladbrook, however.  He seemed to be enjoying himself so much, humming along with the music all the time.  He paid me such a nice compliment, too.  He said that he was glad to have such a graceful partner, and that I made him look well despite his lack of elegance.  That was very pretty, don’t you think?  Although I would never describe Mr. Ladbrook’s dancing as elegant, I did enjoy whirling around the floor with him in a jig.”

“Indeed,” laughed Victoria, “I’m sure that I was practically running to keep up with his long legs at times.  At first he didn’t notice, but when he finally did, he apologized profusely.  Then he was so awkward trying to adapt his steps to mine that I could not help but laugh at him.  Still, he laughed and promised to be more careful should I be brave enough to foot another one with him.  Of course, I granted him a second dance after that.”

Patricia looked up at her sister.  “Both gentlemen admire you, Victoria.  I am sure of it.  Which do you prefer?”

“Well, darling, I will admit that they have been attentive these past few weeks, but I cannot say that they seek my company more than yours.”  Inwardly Victoria knew that this was not true, but it would have been immodest to say so.

Patricia turned around to face her sister.  “Oh, I would not say that, Victoria.  Remember how they both wanted to sit beside you in the carriage last Friday?”

“That might have been because the only other seat had a bit of spring beginning to poke through the upholstery.  I must remember to mention that to father,” Victoria said, laughing when her sister shook her head in vehement disagreement.  She kissed the crown of Patricia’s head and turned her around to finish the brushing.

“To be honest, I don’t know which gentleman I prefer, Tricia.  They are both very charming in their way.  Mr. Wovington is like a purring cat, all sleek and sure of its welcome, and Mr. Ladbrook is like a gambolling puppy, so lively and eager to please.  I can read all of Mr. Ladbrook’s emotions in his face because he has such an open countenance.  And he is so curious, and not at all concerned about appearing sophisticated.  Mr. Wovington, on the other hand, is very worldly-wise, a gentleman with good taste and experience.  But, sometimes when he smiles at me, I’m not sure if he’s amused by my ignorance or smiling in agreement.”

Victoria finished her sister’s hair while Patricia giggled.  “There, your hair is glowing and I’m cold.  Let us go to bed before the candles burn out.  Sweet dreams, Tricia.” 

Life was not so jolly for Victoria when Wovington was forced to leave Bath temporarily on business.  Fortunately, Mr. Ladbrook was quite happy to prolong his visit, and made himself available whenever the family wanted him. 

Late October saw the dying echoes of autumn’s splendours.  On hearing that Admiral Larke had a reunion of shipmates to attend the following day, Ladbrook proposed one last outing before the fine weather was at an end.  He engaged a barouche-landau and a driver for the following morning, and he and the ladies travelled some fifteen miles beyond the city to visit a fine old stone church renowned for its stained glass windows.  They toured the church and the adjacent graveyard, Ladbrook managing to fall behind with Victoria, before adjourning to a nearby inn for a simple meal of roast chicken, salad, cheese, and cider. 

The afternoon shadows were beginning to lengthen by the time the company returned to the barouche.  Mrs. Larke and Patricia were already seated and Ladbrook was just handing in Victoria when a shot rang out from a hunting party in a nearby grove.  A flock of birds burst from hiding and startled the team.  Victoria was thrown sideways as the carriage lurched forward, and was flung out as one of the horses reared.  Ladbrook was just able to catch her before she fell.  Suddenly, Patricia shrieked.  Looking up, he saw Mrs. Larke and Patricia clinging to the side of the pitching carriage.  Ladbrook quickly lowered Victoria to the ground and darted forward to help the driver.  Grabbing the traces of the nearest horse as it reared, he used his weight to drag the horse to the ground. 

Patricia cried out, “Mr. Ladbrook, you are bleeding!” 

Distracted, the gentleman was unable to avoid the horse’s trampling hooves, and one of them landed heavily on his boot.  A grunt of pain burst from his lips, but he ignored his injury to soothe the frightened animal until it finally settled.  Leaving the horses to the driver, Ladbrook limped hastily back to Victoria.  She was sitting on the grass where he had left her, clutching her side.