Love is Triumphant (5 page)

As long as she could remember she had breathed the air of politics, and had heard it discussed at every meal. At the age when other girls were still playing with dolls she knew who was in, who was out, who was 'the coming man', who had offended whom, whose bill would pass, whose bill did not stand a chance.

"We're sure to win, my dear. I've had several very interesting meetings with Mr. Gladstone – "

"Oh, dear Uncle William! How is he?"

"Eager to get on with the job. And between you and me, there have been certain suggestions – "

He stopped and seemed to become unaccountably shy.

"You'll be a Minister in the new Government?" Rosina asked eagerly.

He put his finger to his lips.

"Let us not count our chickens before they're hatched, my dear."

"But Papa, just how many chickens are there in this particular hen run?"

His eyes twinkled, but he would say no more.

*

For the next few days Rosina simply enjoyed being at home. She went shopping with Mama and bought herself an elegant inlaid box with a dainty key that secured it firmly.

"I had one like that," Lady Clarendon said wistfully. "I used it to keep letters from my admirers."

"But of course when you married Papa you destroyed them," Rosina said.

"There's an excellent hat shop over there," her Mama said hastily. "Let us visit it."

Rosina also used the box for love letters, but they were Miss Draycott's. Everything she had taken from her friend's room went in, including Arthur Woodward's picture and a lock of his hair.

Having locked it, she hid it away at the bottom of her wardrobe. There it would stay until she was ready to use the contents to ruin Arthur Woodward.

The only thing that marred Rosina's pleasure in being

home was the absence of her brother, Charles. He was seven years her senior, a handsome, strapping fellow with a cheerful disposition and a love of outdoor life.

He had rejected with horror his father's plans for him to study law, choosing instead to enter the Navy. Having mastered his disappointment, Sir Elroy was now extremely proud of his son, who had merited fast promotion, and was now a Lieutenant.

Now he was somewhere on the high seas, and they were all hoping against hope that he could return home in time for his sister's ball. But it did not seem likely.

Despite the gap in their ages he and Rosina had always been very close. He was a good listener, and never became bored when she confided her childish hopes and fears.

If he had been here she knew she could have told him about Miss Draycott. Now there was only Sir John, and she no longer felt that she could talk to him, although he was living under the same roof.

Gradually she realised that at least Sir John had the decency not to annoy her with his presence. He seldom appeared at breakfast, was gone during the day, and was frequently absent in the evening.

"He's a rising star in the party," Sir Elroy said. "Everyone knows he's headed for high office one day, and all the young ladies are setting their caps at him. Some fellows in my club are even offering odds on which filly will romp home with the prize."

"Really, my dear!" his wife exclaimed, scandalised. "There is no need to be vulgar."

"Nothing vulgar about it," her spouse protested. "Everyone knows that when a young man has brains and looks, and is clearly headed for success, then he can take his pick."

"Well, I agree with Mama, that it's vulgar," Rosina said stiffly. "Sir John isn't a poor man. He surely doesn't need to marry for advantage. It's disgraceful."

Her father stared.

"Disgraceful? Surely, my dear, you're being unnecessarily hard on him?"

"Nobody seems to care about love any more," Rosina said passionately. "But I say it's the most important thing of all."

"Of course it is," Mama replied placidly. "But worldly advantage has to be thought of as well. As you say, Sir John isn't poor but political life is very expensive."

She seemed suddenly struck by an idea.

"I know who would be ideal for him. Lettice Holden. Her father is enormously rich. Of course it's a pity he's only a tradesman. But I suppose you can't have everything."

"He's one of the wealthiest manufacturers in the country," Sir Elroy protested.

"And what is a manufacturer but a glorified tradesman?" his wife demanded. "Mind you, with all that money he could afford to buy a title. Then he could sit in the House of Lords, and enter political life that way."

"You're right," he said, much struck. "It could be an excellent marriage for John."

"We must do all we can to promote it," Lady Clarendon said.

Rosina regarded them, aghast. How could her parents talk like this, as though only money and influence counted?

When her father had left them she said,

"Mama, I can hardly believe what I heard. Some people must marry for love. Surely you and Papa did?"

"Oh yes, dear, but if I hadn't possessed a large fortune,

we might never have met in the first place. He was a brilliant young lawyer, but not well off, and needed an heiress, there's no denying that."

"Mama! How terrible! How could you be sure that he loved you?"

Lady Clarendon's eyes twinkled.

"Because, my love, there were two other girls whose wealth was far greater than mine, and who would have been glad to have him. And he passed them over because he fell in love with me."

Rosina sighed to think that that was what counted as a love match.

"But I must confess to another reason for wishing to promote John's chance with Miss Holden," her mother continued. "Your father has a sentimental idea that you and John – well, never mind. I'm sure you're too sensible."

Rosina drew a deep breath, and looked away, conscious that she was blushing slightly.

"Far
too sensible, Mama," she said. "I hope you can persuade Papa to abandon any such idea."

"You may rely on me for that. With your beauty and your accomplishments, you may look as high as you please."

"Meaning that I should marry for worldly advantage, Mama?"

"Certainly not." Her mother sounded shocked. "I hope you will marry for love."

But then her manner relaxed and the twinkle was in her eyes again as she said,

"Of course, we never know where love is going to strike, do we? Let us hope that in your case it strikes where there is wealth and position. And let us also do all we can to guide its aim."

"And how are we going to do that, Mama?"

"With lots and lots of new clothes," Lady Clarendon said happily.

For a while they lived in a blissful dream of visits to dressmakers and milliners. Now that Rosina was no longer a schoolgirl almost all of her clothes had to be replaced by attire suitable to an elegant young lady.

Her mother bought dress after dress. Huge, bell shaped crinolines had disappeared, replaced by skirts that were flatter in front, draped over bustles at the rear.

There were petticoats, chemises, bloomers, all made of silk and trimmed with satin ribbon and lace. There were dainty little hats to set atop her fair hair. There were shoes and fans.

The whole of her new attire was stylish and modern, and it transformed her into an elegant society lady virtually overnight.

She understood exactly what her mother was about. Lady Clarendon wanted a great match for her daughter, and was not prepared to see her wasted on Sir John, a mere knight. The fact that Sir Elroy was also a mere knight only added to her determination. Her spouse's unaccountable preference for Sir John as a son-in-law was merely one shoal to be navigated.

One morning, when Rosina had been home for about a week, she came downstairs dressed for riding in a new habit of blue velvet that emphasised her tiny waist and womanly shape. White lace ruffles gleamed and frothed at her throat, and on her head a matching blue hat worn over one eye was the cheekiest thing imaginable.

Sir John was working in the library when she entered, and his eyebrows rose in admiration.

"Perfect," he said. "You will break hearts wherever

you go."

"That is an extremely vulgar comment," she told him lightly. "My only aim is to enjoy my ride. I do not seek to break hearts, nor would I be interested."

"Nonsense, all women want to break hearts," he responded in the same cheerful tone. "What is a man's heart for, if not for first attaching, and then grinding to dust beneath a dainty heel?"

She gave him a steady gaze.

"You forget, Sir John, that I've seen too much of the reality of a broken heart to find it a subject for levity. I would never want to do to any man what was done to my friend. Not that any man's heart could be broken to that extent."

He became serious at once.

"I'm sorry. It wasn't my intention to laugh at your friend. I had forgotten about her."

"I cannot forget. I hate the whole circus of the marriage market."

"Indeed? And yet you are becoming part of it." There was a touch of mockery in his tone.

"How dare you say that!"

"It's true. You're being groomed for the highest bidder. Intelligent as you are, you must have known that."

Her eyes glinted at him.

"And why not?" she demanded. "It seems to be something that men do every day. And, as you know, I believe in the equality of the sexes. Who says I may not do the same?"

"Not me," he said quietly. "Of course, you were always bound to be a society lady. Now let me tell you something that will amuse you. Your Mama actually fancies that I am a threat to her plans. She as good as warned me off."

Rosina found herself blushing.

"I'm sorry," she said. "Mama should not have done that. I assured her that – "

She stopped in some confusion.

"Assured her what?" he asked, regarding her with a smile that made her feel awkward.

"That you and I had no thought of each other, nor ever would have. We've known each other too long, almost like brother and sister."

"And I've known you as a scrubby little schoolgirl," he agreed affably. "That kind of impression tends to last. I don't think I could ever quite see you as a great lady, not even when you become a Duchess. I would always remember the time you waded into that pond to rescue a cat, and came out covered in weeds."

"You would have to remember that, wouldn't you?" she said crossly. "Anyway, it had nothing to do with being a schoolgirl. I'd do it now if there were a cat to be rescued."

"Yes, you would," he said in a suddenly warm tone. "You always had a kind heart. But we are agreed in this, that I am no threat to your mother's plans."

"I wish you would stop talking like that," she said. "You make my mother sound like the worst kind of conniving Mama."

"I don't mean to do her an injustice, but she wouldn't like to see us talking together like this. See, she's coming now."

Through the open door Lady Clarendon could be seen heading for the library. Rosina made a quick decision.

"Mama, I'm just going out for a ride, and I'm trying to prevail on Sir John to accompany me. He spends too long poring over papers and needs the exercise."

"I'm sure that your Papa – "

"Papa is away today. He will not object. But Sir John is unaccountably trying to refuse, which I consider most ungentlemanly. Do order him to say yes."

"My dear, your manner leaves much to be desired. It is a question of propriety – "

"But he's practically my brother, and I can quarrel with him far more enjoyably than anyone else."

Outmanoeuvred, Lady Clarendon was forced to yield.

"If Sir John can spare the time, that would be very kind."

"I am, of course, at Miss Clarendon's service," he declared, his eyes dancing. "It will take me but a moment to change."

When he had departed Lady Clarendon said,

"I don't know what you're thinking of, Rosina."

"Merely to show you that your fears are groundless, Mama. While I am still not 'out' he is an acceptable escort, and why should I not make use of him?"

She finished with a shrug that was a masterpiece of indifference. Lady Clarendon seemed reassured by this common-sense view, and made no further problems, beyond reminding her daughter not to be too late returning.

Left to herself in the library, Rosina tapped her riding whip against one elegantly shod foot, and felt pleased with the way she had fired the first shot.

At one time, when she had been girlishly infatuated with Sir John, she would have been glad to know that her father favoured him. But that now seemed a long time ago, before he revealed himself as one of the heartless throng who condemned poor Miss Draycott to death.

Now they were opponents, even if he had not yet realised it.

Just the same, when Sir John reappeared in riding garb she had to admit that he looked splendid. He was smiling, too, in a teasing manner that, for the moment, she found acceptable.

"What a clever creature you are at getting your own way," he said, "and what a devil of a life you will lead some poor fellow. Remind me never to propose marriage to you."

"Remind me to refuse if you do," she countered.

He joined in her laughter and they left the house in perfect accord.

As they cantered towards Hyde Park she said,

"I hope I didn't drag you away from anything really important."

"Nothing that can't be done this afternoon. It's most helpful to me to have the use of your father's library."

"Are you making plans for the future?" she asked.

"We're all doing that in one way or another," he replied enigmatically.

As they turned into Hyde Park he asked,

"How is your plan for revenge going? Have you taken any action yet?"

"I'm biding my time," she replied austerely. "So far that man's path hasn't crossed mine."

"And I hope it never does."

He saw the wry look on her face and hurried to add,

"And that isn't because I want to protect him, but because I want to protect you."

"Then you're worried about the wrong person," she told him. "My part in this is the avenging angel."

"I can see you as an angel, but not flaming with