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Victoria did not understand the events surrounding her mother's death. She heard expressions like "resting place, merciful, so sad, for the best, etc." The minister said something about her mother's spirit being taken to heaven. Victoria looked around to see if she could catch this event and all she saw were dismal clouds and equally dismal people looking as though they wished they were somewhere else.
Victoria was not quite nine years old at that time. She had not known her mother very well since Mrs. Treymane had been chronically ill most of her life. Therefore, Victoria was only allowed to spend a few minutes each day with her ailing mother and she was then whisked off to the nursery or classroom to be attended to by her governess, Ellen Bloggs or one of the many maids employed by the opulent household.
Victoria heard that her mother's spirit was supposed to fly to heaven a few hours after her death. Victoria thought she would like to see that event as it took place. She slipped out of the house while the servants and her father were busy with the guests who had attended the funeral. It was several hours before anyone knew she was gone.
Miss Bloggs always went to Victoria's room to tuck her in at bedtime. As she quietly opened the door she could see that her little charge was nowhere in sight. She rushed down stairs and pounded on the library door where Geoffery Treymane had retreated after the tiring day.
"Sir, Sir! Vickie's gone," she wailed. "I went to her room to check on her and she is no where to be found. I looked everywhere."
Geoffery turned to the bell cord that would arouse the entire household. Soon the place was full of sleepy servants and a few guests who had stayed the night.
"Search for Victoria," he snapped. "She has disappeared from her room."
Finding Victoria did not take long. She was lying close to her mother's grave and now covered with snow. A footman picked her up and carried her to the house.
She was aroused by the hubbub when carried into her room. Miss Bloggs bustled about turning down the bed and Fanny Ricketts, who had been the nurse attending Victoria's mother, ordered hot bricks. Geoffery came into the room to ask about his daughter and tell her attendants he had sent for the doctor.
Victoria was wide-awake and enjoying all of the attention. Her father sat on the edge of the bed and asked, "Why did you go out in this storm? Do you not know you could take a bad cold?"
"Papa, please do not scold. I wanted to see Mama's spirit fly to heaven. But you know what?"
"No, what?"
"I do not think her spirit can get out of there tonight with all of that mud stacked on top of her bed. Why did they cover her up like that?"
"Oh, Vickie, someday you will understand. I cannot explain it to you right now. Here is the doctor."
The doctor examined Victoria, told the nurse to keep her warm, and left some medicine. Geoffery was waiting in the hall and the doctor said, "I would keep the nurse on a few days. I do not think Victoria will get really sick, but it would not hurt to take precautions."
Fanny Ricketts had been dreading looking for another nursing position. She overheard the doctor and smiled.
"Well, well, perhaps there is another little invalid for me to look after," she murmured.
She turned to the bed and smoothed the covers over Victoria's small form, and then blew out all of the candles except one. She then snuggled into a large chair, which was drawn up to the fire, and sighed with satisfaction.
Jonathon Fordyce, Marquess of Burlingale, pulled his curricle to an abrupt stop in front of a forbidding looking building in the heart of the business district of London. He tossed the reins to his tiger and dashed up the steps and burst into the receiving room of the dusty office of his man of business.
"I must see Brownlow at once. At once, do you hear?"
"He has someone with him right now, my lord, but he will be through in a few minutes. Will you rest yourself over there?"
Jonathon paced a few turns around the room, and then sat in one of the chairs which lined the wall. His long legs angled in front of him and his shoulders crowded the back of the chair. A deep frown marred his elegant features.
The young clerk looked up, surreptitiously, from his work to study Lord Burlingale. His lordship certainly did not fit into the chair, but then he was so large he would find it difficult fitting into any ordinary chair. He must be a least six-feet-four inches tall with nary an ounce of fat on him. His broad shoulders strained the seams of his dark coat. A ruddy complexion and dark blonde hair gave the young man an air of power and strength.
The door of the office opened and two men came through continuing their conversation until Mr. Brownlow noticed Jonathon. An expression of sadness sobered his pleasantly craggy features. He clapped a hand on the back of his departing client's shoulder and said something about seeing him soon and then turned his attention to Jonathon.
"Servant, my lord. I am surprised to see you. I was going to make a trip to your estate in a few days."
Jonathon unfolded himself from the chair and towered over the small solicitor. "You expect me to wait for you to come to me when I get this coup de main in the mail?"
"I did not expect you to get home from Edinburgh so soon. I expected to arrive at about the same time you would."
"I left as soon as I heard about my brother's death."
"I am so very sorry about that -- and on the heels of losing your father such a short time ago. Sad, sad."
"Yes, very. It is difficult to believe that he is gone. It seems only yesterday that I was talking to him." Jonathon said as a troubled frown marred his forehead.
The solicitor looked away. "Come inside and let us get down to business." Mr. Brownlow indicated a chair in front of a large cluttered desk, but Jonathon elected to remain standing. He paced back and forth in front of the desk while the distracted man of business searched for a file amongst the clutter.
"How was your mother, Lady Burlingale?"
"I found her overset and sad, of course. The loss of her son was bad enough, but equally disturbing was her distress about her dire financial straits. She had to let all of the servants go. Two are still there because that has always been their homes, and they are too old to do anything else."
"Please sit down, my lord. I cannot talk to you while you are wearing a path in my floor."
Jonathon sat on the edge of the chair and leaned forward. He thought he was prepared for bad news, but he was stunned when he heard the solicitor say, "There is just no easy way to tell you. Everything you own has been gambled away. Your brother sustained some large gambling debts and the only way he could pay them was to mortgage the estate and other property."
"How about the townhouse?"
"I am afraid that also. I am sorry, my lord. I do not know what happened to him. He came to me several times to draw out money and I tried to reason with him, but he was always sure the next bet would bring about a big win and recovery."
"And he ultimately lost his life in that stupid race."
"I am afraid so."
"I was never close to my brother -- different interests, don't you see? But he meant a great deal to me. It was -- it seemed so -- reassuring to have him in charge of our home while I was at school. " Jonathon chewed on his bottom lip before continuing. "I guess this means I will not be able to finish medical school."
"I have never heard of a physician who is a marquess."
"That does not signify, for I never ever expected to inherit the title." He laughed. A dry laugh lacking in humor. "It certainly seems a useless honor. We lords are supposed to have property, are we not?"
"With this gambling sickness running rampant, you would be surprised at how many properties are being lost or are on the verge of being lost."
"How long do I have before I have to vacate the premises?"
"Three or four months I think, unless you can get an extension."
Jonathon got to his feet, "I have got to get out of here and try to do some thinking. I simply cannot let property that has been in the family for generations go without a fight."
"I understand. I am very sorry. I wish there were something I could do, my lord."
The small tiger was just turning the curricle around when Jonathon stepped out of the building. He got into the vehicle, took the reins and turned to St. James Street where he could go to Whites and have a bite to eat and try to plan some way to restore his finances and save his estate.
He had not been in Whites for over four years, but it had changed very little. Since it was early in the day there were very few men at the tables. A few were eating either breakfast or early nuncheon. Jonathon took a table far away from the traffic area and ordered steak and eggs with coffee.
He was just tucking into his meal when he was greeted by a familiar voice, "Jonathon, when did you get into town?"
"Just this morning. How are you, Allen?" He gestured to the seat opposite him, "Have a seat and fill me in on the latest on dits."
Mr. Waverly dropped into the chair; his somewhat portly body caused the furniture to complain a little. "I am afraid that will be impossible. I just arrived in town myself. We have a new baby. Elizabeth is her name -- after my mother, you know?"
"How did it go? Any problems? That is the third girl if I remember correctly." Jonathon had a twinkle in his eye. He knew Allen adored his children, and since he was a younger son was not really worried about a male heir.
"Dropped her like a colt. Tansy is getting practiced at this having babies. Three in five years. She adores her children and even suckles them herself."
"That is all that is wonderful." Jonathon looked away. It was difficult for him to continue in this cheerful vein when he was feeling so pulled himself.
A contrite look came over Allen's friendly face and he said, "Oh, I am sorry, old man. Forgot about your brother being killed. Bad, bad news."
"Thank you. It was an unexpected blow. He was so vital that it is hard to believe he is gone. He was like a father to my sisters and Christopher. He will be missed."
"Of course you are going to miss him, but I guess every cloud has a silver lining. Now you are a titled gentleman. Imagine! A marquess."
"Devil-a-bit, Allen." He was becoming very upset with his lifelong chum's cavalier attitude. "This cloud does not have much silver in it. We are out at the heels. Everything will be lost unless I can think of something or some way to raise some brass."
"I had heard he was playing cards pretty deep and gambling on everything he could, even into the cent- per-centers. Bad business, that."
"Yes, well devilishly sorry to trouble you. I just needed to talk to someone. It is a problem with no ready solution, I am afraid."
"I say, old man. Can you borrow on your estate? You have some good farms that should bring in some money."
"The mortgages are so heavy already that Mr. Brownlow says I have only three or four months before the interest is due. The farms are in bad repair. Nothing has been done since my father died. There is very little income from them because the last three years most of the crops have failed. The farmers are in a bad way."
Allen scrutinised Jonathon as though he were a prime bit of blood and said, "I think you are going to have to get married."
"Do not be a complete sapscull! I have a mother and two sisters and a young brother to support. How can I even give that idea a serious nod?"
"Marry an heiress. Done all the time. You are a prize to any woman. Handsome, titled. There are a number of people out there trying to marry off their rich daughters."
"I could never do that."
"Do you think you are going to make enough money as a doctor to rescue your property?"
"I suppose not." Jonathan bent his head and rested it in his long slender hands. He was the picture of dejection.
"I say, old man. I really have to go," Allen said as he hefted his portly frame out of the chair. "Better consider my suggestion. I can ask around if you want me to."
Jonathon looked at Allen and could see he was dead serious.
"That estate has been in your family for generations. It would be a great pity to let it go now. Think about it."
"Well, thank you for the suggestion. I will go to almost any length to save our home, but I hope it does not come down to marrying some rich, Friday faced woman."
"People of the ton do it all of the time. Both men and women. And for reasons not as good as yours."
Jonathon watched him leave the room and pushed his plate of food away. Suddenly he was no longer hungry. He sat drinking his coffee and gazed out into space, not seeing anything but a picture of his worried mother and younger siblings.
Victoria was preparing herself for dinner with her father and Lady Hissop when the door to the bedroom flew open and an enormous woman tromped into the room. She had an air of authority that brooked no disagreement from anyone. She had at least fifty years in her dish, heavy gray hair pulled into a large bun on top of her head, and small blue eyes that were almost lost in the bloated face. Her lips were large and pouting.
"Here now, that will be quite enough," she said to Yvonne who was teasing some tiny curls loose to fringe Victoria's face. "Miss Victoria must get her rest if she is to feel like going down to dinner."
"Oh, I feel very well, Miss Ricketts. I need to do something to my hair."
"Nonsense! You know you must rest. You have to take your medicine also."
"That nasty stuff the doctor left yesterday?"
"Yes, you have been threatening a cold and that could be very serious."
"I think doctors believe the more horrible medicine tastes the quicker the cure." She made a face, but took the medicine.
Miss Rickets stood with both hands on her enormous hips in a threatening stance until Victoria was settled in the bed. As Victoria fell back into the pillow she turned her face away. She hated the old nurse and had tried to get her father to dismiss her, but he thought Miss Ricketts was a rare jewel.
"Will you awaken me at six, Yvonne?" she mumbled.
"Of course, Miss Victoria."
Victoria awakened as she became aware of Ellen speaking to Yvonne in a low voice -- almost a whisper, "I wonder what Miss Ricketts has given her this time? I just cannot feel that all that medicine is best for her. I have a feeling it is doing more harm than good."
Victoria stirred at the sound of the voices and Ellen asked her how she was feeling.
"Not bad, but I could use some strong tea. I feel a might fuzzy."
After a cup of tea, small biscuit and bath Victoria was feeling well enough to dress for what was sure to be an eventful dinner. She chose a dark blue dress, cut in the old fashioned manner with the waist at the natural waistline, long sleeves and a high neck with a small white collar. The material was of the most expensive India muslin and the workmanship was excellent. She looked very prim -- more like a young girl than a woman of nineteen.
Yvonne fussed with Victoria's hair and tried to put a little cochineal on her cheeks, but Victoria would have none of that. "I am not trying to impress that woman. I really hope she hates me and refuses to marry my father."
"Oh, Miss! He be such a fine gentleman. If the lady could make him happy -- ?"
"Fustian nonsense. I do not want to hear it. He is doing quite well without some bird-witted female interfering in his affairs."
She stood and looked at herself in the mirror and sighed. "It is difficult for a dress to look like anything when it is hung on a stick."
"But, Miss. You are in good looks. Ain't she, Miss Bloggs?" Ellen Bloggs had slipped into the room to check on Victoria and agreed that she looked very pretty indeed. Secretly she felt sad that Victoria was so thin and wished there was some way she could lure the young woman into eating a little more. She had tried to coax more food into Victoria since she was a small child. The doctors had told the family that Vickie had the same illness that had finally taken her mother's life, but no one had been able to exactly diagnose just what that condition was.
Victoria arrived at the parlor on the arm of a strong, young footman. Her father came to the door and helped her into the room.
"Fredrica, may I present my daughter, Victoria? Vickie, this is Fredrica."
Seated on a small chair drawn up to the fireplace was the most beautiful woman Vickie had ever seen. Her hair was ginger and gold and her skin as white as milk. Her dress of the palest green silk was cut in the first stare of fashion. The deep bodice revealed her curves, leaving little to the imagination. She stood when it looked as though Victoria had lost her ability to speak.
"I am very glad to meet you, my dear," she said and leaned forward as though she might try to kiss her. Victoria stepped back and looked like some one had just given her a very sour lemonade. "Your father has told me quite a lot about you. I hope you are feeling well this evening."
Victoria usually had impeccable manners, but all of her careful training deserted her at the sight of the spectacular woman in front of her. Lady Hissop was so beautiful that Victoria felt herself fading into the woodwork.
"I am afraid he has told me nothing about you until this morning. I am very surprised. He said he has asked you to marry him."
Fredrica moved back a few steps and a knowing look came over her face. "Yes, he has. Does that bother you?"
"I cannot see why he needs a wife. He has always appeared to be perfectly content with the way things are now."
Geoffery looked on both woman with alarm. "Come now, Vickie. That is no way to behave to a guest in our home. Fredrica will think you are a little hoyden."
The situation was eased by the butler announcing that dinner was served. Geoffery took the arms of the women, one on each side, and escorted them into the dining room.
The table had been reduced to its smallest size, but was still very large for three people. Conversation was at a virtual standstill and an awkward silence accompanied each remove.
Victoria toyed with her food a few minutes and then asked, "Will you take me up to my room, Papa? I feel quite faint."
"I cannot. I have a guest." He reached for the bell pull and summoned a footman.
"If you have not had enough dinner I can have something sent up."
"Will you come up and sit with me later on? After your guest leaves?"
"You will probably be asleep by then. We plan to go to the theatre after dinner. Here is James to carry you back upstairs. Good night."
It took Victoria longer to fall asleep than usual. She was quite sure her life was about to change and probably not for the better. It was plain to see the beautiful Fredrica had completely captivated her father
She began searching for a solution to the problem. She did not want things to change. She liked being more or less in charge of their household, and in spite of her illness, was active in rescuing chimney boys. She had also helped create several homes that served as a refuge for young girls trying to avoid being turned into prostitutes. Her father knew little of these activities.
These thoughts kept circulating through her brain and would not let go until early morning, when she finally fell asleep.
The following day Geoffery knocked on Victoria's door with a strong feeling of dread. She called for him to come in. She was sitting at a small table in the parlor which adjoined her bedroom. A bowl of fruit and a pot of chocolate were in the center of the table. She was nibbling at a plum and sipping her chocolate when he opened the door.
"Oh, you have come to have breakfast with me. How lovely." She smiled to herself feeling quite sure that her father had seen how foolish it was for him to entertain the idea of getting married at his time of life.
"I will have a cup of chocolate. I have had breakfast. I really must talk with you after you have finished your meal."
"I have had all I want. I am sorry about last night, Papa. I hope you are not going to twit me about that. I guess the excitement was too much for me, but I feel a little more the thing this morning. What is it you want, Papa?" She asked as she poured a cup of chocolate for him.
"You know I told you I asked Fredrica to marry me?"
"Yes. I suppose she jumped at the opportunity. You are a very eligible parti."
"No, she did not jump at the opportunity. In fact she laid out some very difficult conditions."
"Like keeping control of her own money and property? That sort of thing?"
"No, she said nothing about that."
"Well?"
"You know I told you she had been married to a man who was much older than she. That would not have been so bad, but he was sickly. She spent the last two years of her married life dancing attendance on him. She says she will never do that again."
"But you are not a sickly old man. You are older than she is, but you are apparently very healthy."
Geoffery veered away from the discussion of health and asked, somewhat bluntly, "How would you like to go live with your Aunt Perridine?"
"Aunt Perridine! That old termagant? Why ever would I want to do that?"
"Fredrica says she will not marry me and live in the house with another semi-invalid."
Victoria's face paled to a pasty white. She gasped for breath and looked as though she might faint. The room closed in on her and her head buzzed with images of her aunt, Fredrica and finally focused on her father. She jumped up, tumbling her chair backwards and yelled, "If you think I am going to live with that dirty, ignorant, vulgar old woman you have a paper-skull."
"We have to do something, Victoria. I will not give Fredrica up. I am going to marry her. I need her. I want her."
"You have women when you want them. Why do you need her?" Victoria yelled, her face red with fury.
"Vickie! I am utterly shocked. You are not even supposed to know about such things."
"I may be sickly and confined to my rooms much of the time, but I read a lot and I notice things. I know about Cyprians and demi-reps and fille de joie.
"Well, since we are being brutally honest, yes I can have a woman any time I want one, but I am tired of that kind of life. I want Fredrica. She even wants children. She has never had any."
"Children? That is disgusting."
"Why so? I am not quite forty. I was just twenty-one when I married your mother."
"I will establish a place of my own. I am quite flush in the pockets. I have never used the income from my inheritance. It has been reinvested until there is all I will ever need." Victoria declared resolutely.
"I cannot allow you to do that. You are not quite nineteen. I will not bring that kind of scandal down on us. Fredrica is a lady. She goes about in the best circles. It will be dampening enough for her to marry me -- a man of business."
"Fredrica, Fredrica -- do you not have any consideration for me?"
"I am trying to, Vickie, but I must insist you go live, at least for a while, with your aunt."
Victoria looked around wildly as though to find someone to rescue her. No one! She picked up the cup of chocolate and threw it at her father. It rested briefly on his shoulder and then crashed to the floor, leaving a trail of the dark brown fluid coursing down the front of his shirt.
"I do not know what I will do, but I will not live with that repulsive old woman," she screamed with more energy than her father knew she possessed.
Geoffery sputtered, pulled out a handkerchief and mopped his face and looked up just in time to duck the bowl of fruit coming his way. He backed up toward the door and opened it as the pitcher of chocolate slammed into it. He beat a hasty retreat. He saw the formidable Fanny Ricketts coming down the hall and said, "See if you can do something to calm Vickie. She is in a real pet -- such as I have not seen since she was five years old."
"I will stop that," said the confident Miss Ricketts. She opened the door in time to see Victoria sweep a stack of books to the floor. She said, "Now, now Miss Victoria. Let's calm down. Here, let me give you a little medicine to help you." She reached into a large pocket and brought out the bottle of brown liquid and a spoon. She seemed to always have that brown liquid and a spoon with her.
"Get out of here, you big old cow. I will not take that nasty medicine." Victoria picked up a vase and threw it with great accuracy at Miss Ricketts. It struck the woman on her arm, trailing flowers and water down that great appendage. Miss Ricketts beat a hasty retreat to the door, opened it quickly and moved out to the hall. She could hear something else hit the door just as she closed it.
Geoffery stood with his mouth wide open. If Miss Ricketts couldn't handle Vickie what was to be done? The crashing sounds echoed throughout the house.
Ellen Bloggs came out of her room and asked, "What in the world is going on?"
"I think Victoria has lost her mind," Miss Ricketts said. Her lips folded together into a grim line.
"Nonsense. Something has upset her, that is evident."
Geoffery turned to Ellen and asked, "Miss Bloggs, do you think you could calm her?"
"I will try." She tapped on the door and called quietly, "Vickie, dear. Will you talk to me? Will you let me in?"
There was a long silence. Not a sound came from inside the room. After several minutes Victoria called, "come in." Geoffery and Miss Ricketts moved as though they were going to follow Ellen into the room, but she stopped them. "Let me talk to her," she said.
She slipped quietly into the room and felt her heart lurch when she saw Victoria sitting in the middle of the floor, bent over and looking the picture of defeat. Ellen dropped down beside her and took her into her arms. "Tell me all about it, my dear. What has happened to overset you so much?"
Victoria sobbed out the story as they sat on the floor with Ellen rubbing her back and saying soothing words at appropriate moments. When the entire tale was told she pulled Victoria to her feet and said, "Let us go to my sitting room and talk in there while someone cleans up this mess."
As she passed Geoffery in the hall she asked him to give her a few minutes with Victoria before he came in to see them. He agreed and said he would go change his clothes and be there in a few minutes.
"I just cannot live with my aunt," Victoria sobbed.
"Remember in two years you will not have to answer to anyone else. You can move into your grandmother's townhouse and run things just the way you want."
"I know, but I just cannot stand Aunt Perridine for two years. And you remember the doctors have all said I probably will not live past my twenty-fifth birthday."
Ellen bit her lower lip and turned away so Victoria could not see the pain on her face, "They may be wrong, Vickie. I think you are getting stronger. It took quite a bit of strength to throw that beautiful tantrum."
"It felt good," she giggled. "I guess I made a big mess?"
"Yes, but the maids here have it too easy most of the time, they can clean it up."
Geoffery tapped lightly on the door and then entered.
"Are you calm enough for us to continue our talk?"
"I suppose I am. Say what you must but I would like for Ellen to stay."
"If you like. I do not have much more to say."
"I do," Victoria said. "I beg you to let me take over grandmother's town house and have my own home. I can continue with my charities and be with some of my literary friends. If I went to live with Aunt Perriodine in Brighton I would not know anyone."
"I have explained why you cannot do that. Fredrica did make another suggestion that I am hesitant to even tell you, but I guess you have a right to know all of the options."
"I am listening."
"She knows an impoverished young lord who needs a rich wife. She thought you might want me to arrange a meeting with him, and give that some consideration."
Ellen sucked in her breath and gasped. Victoria stared at her father as though he had just sprouted an extra head. Her beautiful blue eyes widened and she looked like she might explode again.
"Marriage? Marry an impoverished lord? What a maggoty idea, Papa. I cannot be anyone's wife. I am a semi-invalid. No one is going to marry me."
"Very well, Vickie. I guess that is settled. Begin to make preparations to remove to your aunt's home. I am going to marry Fredrica. I love her beyond reason."
"Wait, Papa. Wait! I-I will see his lordship before I make a final decision."
"Very well. I will arrange for an interview with him," Geoffery said as he started to withdraw.
"Can you tell me a little about him," asked Victoria in a small, subdued voice.
"It seems he became a marquess quite unexpectedly when his brother was killed in a racing accident. A stupid wager, and when Lord Burlingale came home from Scotland to assume the title he found that his brother had gambled so heavily that he ended up mortgaging everything he owned to stay out of debtor's prison. I am afraid it is a rather common thing these days. Gambling seems to be a disease that is rampant in this country."
"And you think this man is enough out at the heels that he might like to have a rich, sickly wife to rescue him. It would be to his advantage, would it not? Since I have a short life span he could take your money and part of mine and have it all to himself before long." Victoria curled her lip up at one corner in an ugly sneer. "And how much money are you willing to spend to buy me a husband, and for you your lovely Fredrica?"
The room was completely quiet for several painful minutes. Finally Geoffery said with a sigh, "That will have to be worked out. First we must meet Lord Burlingale."
"I have always known you to be a rather ruthless business man, Papa. I know you go after what you want. Otherwise you would not own half of London and much of the countryside. It just never occurred to me that you could carry this part of your nature into my life. You know I cannot be a real wife to any man. I will talk to the young lord, but I warn you I am going to be brutally frank with him."
Geoffery looked at his troublesome offspring. Never had he seen her so distressed. She really did not deserve this kind of problem, but for the present he could find no other solution. Victoria had to be out of his home before Fredrica would agree to be in it.
"It is just one idea. It may not be feasible at all. I will contact him."
"How old is this gentleman?"
"I am not sure. I think he is quite young."
"Poor man. He needs a healthy young wife. It is probably useless to speculate because he will probably look elsewhere. There are a lot of women, I understand, willing to marry an impoverished member of the ton.
"I will get in touch with him. Do you want to see him today?"
"Let us make it tomorrow. I believe I have had quite enough excitement for one day."
"Very well, until tomorrow then. Good-bye then." He tried to kiss her on the cheek, but she turned away with a shudder.
Jonathon stood in his drawing room and looked at his friend Allen Waverly with dawning comprehension. His jaw dropped and his large, hazel eyes narrowed.
"You mean to tell me you were serious when you suggested I marry a rich woman in order to save my estates?"
"What better reason could there be for marrying a rich woman? This Cit is as wealthy as Croesus and wants to get his daughter off his hands so he can marry the beautiful Lady Hissop. Fredrica told me so herself."
Jonathon paced back and forth in front of the fireplace alternately rubbing the back of his head and slapping his right fist into his left palm.
"I just do not see how I can consider such a thing. It goes completely against my principles. But -- I do not know what my mother and family are going to do if I do not come up with some money soon." Jonathon's voice was pitched so low that Allen had to lean forward to be sure he had spoken.
"That is just the point. I cannot see that you have much choice. Here is Geoffery Tremayne's business address. At least go see him and find out more about it. What can you lose? You haven't arrived at any other solution, have you?"
"No, I am completely dished up. I guess it cannot hurt to go see him. I will dispatch a note to him right away."
That afternoon Victoria's father and Lord Burlingale eyed each other across an enormous desk.
"Lord Burlingale, I see you are interested in my little proposition."
Jonathon wondered how the man could refer to marrying his only daughter to a stranger as a 'little proposition'.
"I have decided to give it some consideration," he said, stiffly.
Geoffery said, "I will tell Victoria to expect you tomorrow at eleven. Is that a satisfactory time for you?"
"Yes, I will be there, but I need your direction," Jonathon said.
Geoffery opened a drawer and pulled out a card, which he handed to Jonathon. "Until tomorrow then, my lord."
Jonathon slept very little that night. Actually he had slept fitfully ever since he had learned of the devastating circumstances in which he found his finances. He was not by nature a worrier. He usually handled problems calmly and efficiently. He had never expected to inherit the title. He knew there was always that remote possibility, but he did not entertain any thoughts in that direction. He wanted to be a doctor and had almost arrived at that goal when he heard the news of his brother's accident.
However, things were quite different now and he had a worried frown on his face as his valet helped him tug his broad shoulders into the blue superfine coat. The coat outlined his figure to perfection. His buff colored inexpressibles were tucked into highly polished black Hessians. An intricately embroidered waistcoat completed his morning dress.
He studied himself in the mirror and wished he had taken time to have his straw colored hair styled. It was drawn back and tied with a ribbon in the old fashioned way. Studying day and night did not give one much time to think about appearances.
Finally satisfied that he was dressed appropriately, he took his hat and cane from his valet and went slowly down the stairs.
He dreaded the coming interview. He was not even sure he would not back out. The idea of asking a woman to marry him for her money was repugnant to him. It made him a little sick to his stomach to even think of it. He then thought of his mother and young siblings and what would happen to them if he did not restore the estate. What would happen to the several hundred people who depended on income from his farms for their livelihood? One thing was a certainty -- it would be a very difficult time for all.
He straightened his shoulders, signaled for his curricle and made his way to the home of the Tremaynes.
Victoria was having misgivings also. She refused to let Yvonne put any curls in her hair insisting that it be drawn severely back from her face and braided. The braids then formed a large bun low on her neck. Victoria's hair was one of her best features and seemed to defy ill health by shining like a raven's wing.
She choose a dress of light blue Sarcenet sprinkled with small sunny flowers. The cut was not up to date, but it was attractive. Long sleeves billowed over her thin arms and the neck of the dress was gathered in small gathers under a round yellow collar. Victoria was an expert needle woman and had embroidered small blue flowers on the collar and repeated them on the cuffs of the sleeves. The dress had a natural waistline and hung in loose folds to the floor.
"Miss Victoria, let me put a little cochineal on your cheeks. Just a little would look so nice. You are very pale."
"Nonsense. I want to look just like I always do. I am not trying to impress anyone."
Yvonne sighed. She knew how stubborn Victoria could be and she sensed that her mistress was trying to pretend more casualness than she felt.
Yvonne was entirely correct in her assumption. Victoria was feeling apprehensive and nervous. She had many questions jumbling up her thinking. Such as, what kind of man offered to marry a woman he had never seen just for her money. He must really be in the suds to resort to such a plan. Oh, she knew a lot of the members of the ton married for money, but she had always thought it a poor thing to do.
She was helped down the long, steep stairway by a footman. Her father had arrived earlier and was standing before the fireplace, which had no fire in it. The morning was warm and sultry. He came to the door and escorted Victoria to a chair which was arranged, with two others, in front of the French door which led to a small, perfectly landscaped garden.
"You are in good looks today, my dear," he said.
Victoria gave him a blank look and refused to answer. If he thought she was going to make small talk until Lord Burlingale arrived he was cork-brained. She settled herself in the chair, folded her hands primly in her lap and glanced at the clock. Exactly eleven. Maybe he will not come, she thought with a little sigh. Maybe he knows this whole idea is preposterous.
The doors to the drawing room swung open and Bernard, their butler, announced, "Jonathon Fordyce, Marquess of Burlingale." He sounded as proud as if he were announcing the Prince Regent.
Victoria looked toward the door. She had to put her hands over her mouth to stifle a loud gasp. She was looking at a giant. A handsome, blond giant. His form filled the door and he just stood there for a few seconds, trying to accustom his eyes to the dimly lit room. This gave Victoria the opportunity to scrutinize him from the top of his head to the highly polished toes of his Hessians -- which she did, unabashedly. Granted she had not met many men in her sheltered life, but she knew without question that this was a rare specimen of manhood. Gorgeous was a word that came to mind. Greek God also seemed fitting. He could have easily stepped out of one of the pictures from her Greek history book.
Geoffery walked to Jonathon and shook his hand and said, "Good morning, my lord. I see you found us."
"Yes, I had little difficulty finding your home."
"Let me introduce my daughter, Miss Victoria Tremayne."
Jonathon suddenly loomed in front of Victoria. She had risen to greet him and made a small curtsy. She was taller than the average woman, but she had to look up to meet his lordship's gaze. His hazel eyes looked into hers with curiosity and a rather large dose of embarrassment. He took her hand in his and raised it to his lips, not taking his eyes from her. He appeared austere and defiant albeit somewhat embarrassed.
Victoria slipped her hand out of his and said, "It is good to make you acquaintance, Lord Burlingale. Will you have a seat?" She indicated a chair opposite herself. She was vaguely aware that her father occupied the third chair, but it was a very dim awareness. She felt something stirring in the depth of her being as she looked at the handsome young lord sitting opposite her. The entire situation was terribly awkward, but she felt something akin to joy as she examined him. She abandoned the idea of dismissing him out of hand, realizing that Lord Burlingale was not much more comfortable than she was. Silence permeated the room and threatened to become permanent. Geoffery cleared his throat, and the young people both turned to him, glad that he had broken the awkward silence.
"Would you like some refreshments, my lord?" Victoria asked.
"Yes, that would be nice."
She pulled the rope to summon the butler and ordered tea, cakes and wine. She then leaned back in her chair and continued her scrutiny of the handsome lord.
Lord Burlingale's thoughts and observations were not quite as flattering towards Victoria as hers were to him. He saw in front of him a tall, slender girl with a figure that looked more like a young boy than a nineteen year old woman. He had heard some vague references to her illness, but hadn't been told the nature of her problem. She was neat and clean, with outstandingly beautiful black hair, but her frailty was intimidating. How can I possibly ask this tragic child-woman to marry me? he asked himself. I would be mortified to take her home to meet my family. He then remembered he would have no home to take her to if he did not marry her and her money or someone else of her ilk.
He sipped his claret and tried to think, as he glanced around the tastefully furnished room with its rich Abusson rug, and heavy old furniture. It was evident the Tremaynes did not subscribe to the new decorating ideas that prevailed over London. There was not an oriental piece among the furniture nor even among the expensive accessories scattered about the room. It was tastefully furnished and a thoroughly comfortable room.
Geoffery could not just sit in silence. He was accustomed to taking charge of most situations that came within his orbit. Therefore he cleared his throat again and said, "Well now, well now, we have a few things to discuss? We all know what this is about so why are we being so hesitant? We either make a deal or we don't. Do you agree, my lord?"
Jonathon's face turned beet red and he lowered his glass and his eyes at the same time.
Victoria was astounded that her father could be so insensitive. He seemed to want to treat this just like any other business deal and he did not want to waste any time on polite chatter. She decided that since it was her life that was being bargained for she could not just sit and let her father decide things or force Lord Burlingale to make a commitment that he was not ready for.
"Papa, will you leave us alone for a while?" she asked. "I think there are many things that need to be discussed that are just between Lord Burlingale and myself."
"Well, is that proper? I mean to say we do not want his lordship to think we are unaware of what is expected of us."
"I do not think that has anything to do with it. I want to talk to Lord Burlingale without you sitting there listening and putting your opinion forward every other word," she said, cheekily.
Geoffery sputtered a few times and then agreed. "Bernard will be just outside the door. I will be in my study if you need me."
"Very well," Victoria said.
As soon as her father closed the door the two young people turned to each other. Both started to speak and then thought better of it and tried to find something in the room to catch their interest, but soon their eyes turned to each other again.
Jonathon swallowed the lump that kept trying to choke him and said, "Miss Treymane, this is the most awkward moment I have ever experienced. I just have no idea how to proceed."
"My lord, I understand. If you have decided I am not for you then feel free to say so. I will not suffer unduly."
"Oh, no! It is not just that. It is that you deserve something better than an arranged marriage."
"I have never expected to have any kind of marriage, my lord, arranged or otherwise. This is all quite sudden. But can you tell me why a handsome, titled young person like yourself is even considering offering for someone like me? My mother was a lady, and I have good lines on my mother's side, but as you can see my father is a businessman right down to his expensive boots." She lowered her eyes and her face flushed a charming pink, which greatly enhanced her appearance.
"Yes, I know. I have considered that, but it does not signify."
"What does, then?"
"My family. All of the people who are depending on me for their very survival. My mother and young sisters and brother as well as the farmers on my land." He then took several minutes to tell Victoria about how and why he came to be in a situation where he was considering marrying a woman he had not met until today. A woman who would bring with her a sizable income that could be used to restore his holdings to full productivity.
Victoria watched the play of emotions on his face and could not help sympathizing with him. She believed he was telling the truth. She had been fearful that he wanted her money to gamble away or waste on other unworthy pursuits, but she could see that was not the case. He exuded an air of authority that she had noticed men of the ton often displayed. He held his head high, his back ramrod straight and his very size was menacing. That he was the most stunning man she had ever seen or ever hoped to see gave her an unfamiliar feeling of inadequacy. Nevertheless, he seemed a better alternative to going to live with her repulsive aunt, but there were some things she really must clear up before she could think of marrying him -- that is if he decided to offer for her.
She took a sip of her tea, which had gotten cold, then put the cup down. "I have had an illness since I was nine years old that no one seems to know how to treat. Some believe it is the same illness that took my mother while she was quite young. So you see I have never been able to gain much strength and I certainly have not led a normal life. I stay in my rooms for the most part."
"But why are you, at this time, deciding to get married?"
"I am not deciding to get married. My father gave me two choices -- to live with my repulsive aunt -- or marry you or perhaps some other impoverished lord. I will not live with my aunt, so I told Papa he could contact you."
"My dear, that is a very harsh way to treat you. What made your father do such a thing? He seems a good man."
"I always thought so, but you see he fell head over heels in love with Fredrica Hissop."
"Baroness Hissop? Allen mentioned her. She is the one who told Allen about you. What does she have to do with all of this?"
"She said she will not live in the same house with another invalid. It seems her late husband was sick for two years of the six they were married and she wants nothing to do with a sickly step-daughter."
"I am so very sorry, Miss Treymane."
"I must tell you more." Victoria studied her hands and bit at a hang nail and then looked directly into Lord Burlingale's beautiful hazel eyes. "I can bring a fortune to you, my lord. I cannot, however, be a real wife to you. I am not healthy enough. I am not expected to live for more than five or six years. My mother died when she was only twenty-eight years old. Most doctors think I have what she had and they have found nothing to help me."
Jonathon looked at Victoria with compassion. He knew it had taken a lot of courage for her to make such a confession. He was acutely aware of her embarrassment at having to discuss such an intimate subject. She had nothing to worry about. He certainly would never demand his marital rights because he could not imagine ever touching her that way. It would be equivalent to bedding a child and he shuddered at the thought.
Jonathon Fordyce, Marquess of Burlingale, swallowed the bile that forced its way into his throat, remembered that his situation was desperate, and offered his impressive title and equally impressive person to Victoria Tremayne. If time were not so essential he could look around for a more favorable match, but he had been told Victoria's father was one of the richest men in all of England and that gave Victoria a desirability that would be difficult to match elsewhere.
He took both of her hands in his and asked, "Will you marry me, Miss Tremayne? Upon my word of honor I promise never to make any demands on you that you do not want and I will do my best to make you happy."
"Oh, my lord, are you sure? What about heirs? You do understand?"
"I am very sure." He studied her thoughtfully and said, "You know, they may be wrong about your health. It could be that you have been misled all of these years. I have been studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh and they are discovering new ways of diagnosing and treating illnesses all of the time."
"That is what my friend Ellen says. I am afraid to hope, however."
"One must continue to hope. Hope is often the first step to recovering."
She lowered her eyes to mask the bright tears that were threatening to spill out.
"Should we tell your father that we are engaged?"
"Yes, but first I hope you will not think me too forward when I say this -- "
"Say what you will, Miss Tremayne. It is your right."
"Uh-m-, as you know Papa is very rich. I hope you will make him pay dearly for putting us into this situation. He will try to settle for as little as possible." Victoria frowned into Jonathon's face.
He lowered his eyes, but not in time to keep Victoria from seeing a cold, steely look pass fleetingly over his countenance.
"My, do I have a little businesswoman here?"
"Perhaps. I have had little else to do, but study and become knowledgeable about things women are not supposed to bother with. Also, I know my father fairly well. Not as well as I had thought -- but well enough."
"You forget that I am the one who has come begging, so to speak," Jonathon said.
"You are making an honorable offer of marriage, my lord." She paused and looked thoughtful and then asked, "Shall I send Bernard for Father?"
"I expect that is the next step."
She rang for the butler and told him to bring her father to the drawing room. She then sighed and leaned back into her chair and became very quiet. Her face did not betray her inner turmoil. She vowed she was going to have a long talk with her father before she finally settled with him. He was going to give her a dowry to make every other dowry look like small change beside it. While she knew Lord Burlingale would have to find money somewhere if not from her father she felt defensive concerning the young lord. She felt like she was the older one. He looked very embarrassed and vulnerable in spite of his stiff, haughty air.
A satisfied smile tugged at her lips. What a good way to spend some of her father's riches. She had spent considerable on homes for young girls and to rescue climbing boys, but rescuing a handsome marquess and his whole estate was a decidedly interesting turn of events.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Geoffery's return to the drawing room. Lord Burlingale told him that Miss Tremayne had accepted his proposal of marriage.
"Well now, that has worked out quite well, has it not?" He beamed at them as though he had helped bring about the match of the century.
"Papa, I think I need to go up to my room. I am very tired." She stood up and Lord Burlingale stood over her.
"I will call tomorrow morning and we can attend to some details."
"That will be quite satisfactory, my lord." She turned to her father. "Will you come with me, Papa?"
"I can call James to take you."
"No! I want you to help me up the stairs."
"Very well then. Excuse me, Lord Burlingale. I will return soon."
When they were out of the room, Victoria turned to her father and said in a quiet voice, "Do not try to fob off anything dishonorable in the settlement. Lord Burlingale is embarrassed and is very hesitant to offer for a woman whose father is in trade."
During Victoria's years with her father she had been absorbing ideas and attitudes that surfaced as she faced the recent disturbing events of her life. She asserted herself in a way that surprised her father, and he looked at her with a light of pride in his face.
"You are a very gritty gel, Vickie, in spite of not being very strong. I think you enjoy bargaining as well as I do."
"I want to see every document before it is offered to Lord Burlingale," she continued. "If I do not things will soon be at sixes and sevens. I simply will not marry him and that will make everything null and void."
"All right Victoria, but are you not a little pleased?"
"I think Lord Burlingale deserves a healthy wife -- and he will not have that in me. However, it seems he needs money more. Therefore I want you to pay a high price for him. He is well worth it."
"Victoria! That is crude."
"So -- this whole business is crude."
Victoria knew that her father was not really a ruthless man. She was aware that her father had made his fortune by moving boldly in situations where others held back. He was a member of the landed gentry and had added land to his holdings when he saw a bargain. He made some brilliant investments, some in the India Company, but one of the biggest contributions to his wealth was the discovery of coal on one of his farms. He was, also, interested in the new gas lighting that was being installed in St. Margaret's Parish, Westminster, believing there was a new industry to be developed in that area. Also his luck was legend.
In spite of knowing all of these things Victoria cast her father in a villain's role. Therefore when she was apprised of the first offer he made Lord Burlingale she just glanced at the figures and sent it back with a terse message that her father had not been generous enough.
Lord Burlingale and Geoffery talked, with both solicitors in attendance, and came up with what they thought was something Victoria could not possibly refuse. It provided for a large dowry, plus a yearly amount to be paid over ten years. They were wrong. She sent that one back, enjoying a feeling of power that was quite new. This went on for three days.
She was sitting at her escritoire when there was a commotion on the stairs, and she heard Bernard say, "My lord, you cannot go up there."
"Just watch me!" Jonathon called over his shoulder.
He burst into Victoria's room without knocking. His eyebrows were drawn together in a furious frown. He strode over to Victoria and said, "Miss Tremayne, are you trying to back out of our agreement?"
Victoria turned to him and was astounded that he was so angry. She had not seen him since they had made their arrangement, so she was at a loss to understand his angry mood.
"Why no, my lord. Why would you think such a thing?"
"Because you keep sending back every offer your father has made."
"That is because I want you to have what is due a person of your stature. Papa can afford it," she said with a smug look that his lordship wanted to slap off her face.
"He has already made an offer that would satisfy the Prince Regent. How much more do you want? I consider it inappropriate for you to concern yourself with the business aspect of this arrangement. It is unbecoming for a woman."
"My lord. I told you I often concern myself with business affairs. I suppose it is unheard of in your world, but it isn't that unusual the way I have been raised. Besides I have had few outlets except my charities to occupy my mind."
"Miss Tremayne, if you are not trying to cry craven would you please just quit sending the papers back to your father? How much more do you want?"
"I do not want any more, my lord. The settlement is for you. I have an independent income from an estate that my great grandmother initiated. She deplored the way women were treated in our society and when she was left a fortune she made a will that leaves everything to the women in the family. Since there was only one grandmother, and then my mother and now me, that leaves me with everything."
"Everything?" Jonathon felt a little dizzy with Victoria's nonchalant attitude toward her fortune.
"Why, all the money from rentals, shipping, some farms, a town house here in London as well as interest from a sizable bank account, and oh yes! a coal mine. Of course I cannot use anything but the income until I turn twenty-one. Then I can use everything just as I desire. The only stipulation is that it is never to pass on to the men in the family."
"I have never heard of such a thing. Is it legal?"
"So I have been told."
Jonathon had a stunned look on his face and he dropped into a chair opposite Victoria. His thoughts were confused. What kind of family is this? I have never heard of so much money in my life and I have never been strapped until recently.
"All the same, Miss Tremayne, if you are really not trying to back out of this marriage, then I think you have pushed your father far enough."
A little smile, more a smirk than anything else came over Victoria's face, "Perhaps you have the right of it. Go on and sign these last papers. But do you not see? You can now pay off the mortgages, not just the interest, and still have plenty of money to restore your estates."
"I can see that you did not fall too far from the tree," Jonathon said, resignedly. "I think Mr. Tremayne is downstairs. I will go tell him everything is finally settled. It is, is it not? You are not going to do something else are you?"
"Of course not, my lord. I was just trying to do what is best for you."
"Maybe you could let me be the judge of that."
Victoria thought, Maybe, but I doubt it.
"Very well, my lord."
"And since we are planning to be married do you think you might call me Jonathon and I address you as Victoria?"
"Those who know me well call me Vickie, My -- Jonathon," she said, feeling a little awkward. She then added, "I am going to start my shopping tomorrow. Would you like to take me?"
"I think I will be too busy settling some business affairs. I am very sorry." He could not imagine trailing over the city after this pathetic looking Cit's daughter, even if she were destined to be his new marchioness. He briefly succumbed to a feeling of shame for such an uncharitable thought, but not enough to change his mind.
"Yes, I see. I am sure you will be very busy, my-er Jonathon." The look on her face told Jonathon that she suspected the reason for his unwillingness to accompany her, but he pushed it to the back of his mind.
"Jonathon, how old are your sisters and brother?"
"Maria Louise is fifteen, Clarissa Ann is eleven and Christopher is five."
"I want to take them some presents when we go."
"That will not be necessary. You have done enough."
"But I want to. I have never had a family. I will love shopping for them."
"Do you think you are up to all of this?"
"I will do just a little at a time. I will be very careful."
He stood and bent over her hand, raising it to his lips for a light kiss. Victoria felt the kiss in her toes and a delightful sensation traveled from her toes to the top of her head. She was sure her eyes crossed and she knew her toes curled. My God, what is happening? she asked herself. It was just a simple, formal kiss on the hand. It is done all of the time. I have even had other men kiss my hand when they were visiting Papa, but it never caused this sensation.
The days following the final agreement for their betrothal were filled with frantic activity. All of a sudden Victoria was completely dissatisfied with every garment she owned. Up until now her shopping expeditions had been short and she only bought what was absolutely essential. Often she simply sent Ellen or Yvonne for what she needed in the way of personal items. However, the change in her circumstances brought on a flurry of renewed activity, which worried those persons watching over her health.
She sent for the mantu maker, milner, and hairdresser. She ordered over a dozen new dresses with all of the accessories to match.
She and Ellen went into the shops around Mayfair, Oxford Street and Covent Garden where they bought gifts for Jonathon's sisters and brother. She found a beautiful Norwich silk shawl for his mother. Still not satisfied she went to the drapers at Grafton house and stocked up on fabrics of all kinds.
She came home from every trip bedraggled and at the same time feeling exhilarated. Victoria was too shaky and tired to protest so she allowed Mrs. Ricketts to press the ever-present medicine on her. She nearly always went to sleep a few minutes after she had taken the medicine and if she did not feel better when she awakened she at least did not have that awful shaky feeling.
One day when Jonathon met her as she returned from yet another shopping expedition, he noticed dark circles under her eyes. She appeared to be losing weight and he became alarmed.
"Vickie, you had better slow down this dizzy pace you have set. It would be a strain on a hearty, healthy person. You look very pulled and as if you are losing weight, which you certainly cannot spare."
"I am nearly finished," Victoria answered. "I have been having a wonderful time, but it does seem as though I have had to take more medicine than usual. Perhaps you are right. I will just have a quiet afternoon."
"I would like to see that medicine Mrs. Ricketts is giving you. She may be dosing you too heavily," Jonathon said.
"I can send for her if you want," Victoria said. "However, I am very tired. Can you look at it some other time?"
"Very well. I have some business to take care of anyhow. I also have to arrange for transporting your things to Burlingale."
They had set their wedding date for the second week in November and the time was rapidly approaching. They decided on a small wedding at the home of the Tremaynes to be followed by a large reception. There were many of Geoffery's business acquaintances who were interested in the festivities as well as several of Jonathon's friends.
Jonathon stood at one end of the large parlor waiting for his bride to come to him. The air was heady with the smell of blossoms from numerous flower arrangements, creating an atmosphere of festiveness that was quite false. Both bride and groom were apprehensive and extremely solemn.
Victoria was beginning to enjoy the idea of a new life and even went so far as to allow her father to escort her the short distance to her groom. As she saw Jonathon waiting for her, a feeling of joy and lightness washed over her. He was without a doubt the most beautiful thing in the room. His morning coat was of the palest blue kerseymere. A ruffled white shirt that was trimmed with brussels lace graced his handsome chest, accenting his masculinity. His cravat was worn in a simple style with a small diamond pin fastened in the center of it; buff inexpressibles fit him like a second skin which revealed powerful leg muscles; blond hair had been styled in something resembling the Brutus, but not so tousled. As Victoria gazed into his face her breath stopped for an instant. He looked down at her with an expression that was kind and searching. She was vaguely aware of wishing it were a different look altogether.
His concerned look was based on his observation of the way Victoria appeared. She was pretty in her shell pink gown. Her only accessory was a strand of perfectly matched pearls which held a small diamond pendant in the very center. Her dark hair was piled on top of her head and there were pink rosebuds entwined in a rosette of braids that circled her head. Small pearl ear drops completed the simple accessories. She looked more attractive than he had ever seen her, but there were deep circles under her eyes. It was evident that she had tried to disguise them, but Jonathon had been taught to look past small deceptions and was disturbed by the drawn way she looked.
Along with his marriage vows, he vowed to himself that he would do everything in his power to find the source of his wife's illness. He also determined to treat her a little better. He knew he had been distant and austere, which had hurt her feelings many times. He promised himself to make more of an effort to be cordial at least. If she had been a rich widow, or some waspish title chaser it would be different, but she was smart, brave and totally innocent of the world, or at least he thought she was. He had snatched her away from her sheltered home and was taking her into the unknown. Jonathon forgot momentarily that Victoria's life was going to be disrupted one way or the other no matter what he did.
They made a token appearance at the reception and then changed for the first stage of their journey. Waiting out front was a beautiful black Drag with the Burlingale crest emblazoned on the side. Four perfectly matched black horses were hitched to the vehicle. Jonathon had not seen this until he and Victoria descended the steps. He pulled back, then turned to see his father-in-law standing at the top of the steps grinning from ear to ear.
"Sir! What is this? I did not order a new coach."
"That is a wedding gift from Fredrica and me. We want you to travel in style. I have also engaged four out- riders. They should be here in a few minutes."
"But-but -- Sir, this is just too much."
"Oh, Jonathon. Leave it be. It makes him feel less guilty that he chose to send me away so he can have Fredrica. If he wants to do this for us -- why, I see nothing wrong with it."
"I suppose there is nothing I can do about it at this point, but I would not have accepted such an expensive gift if I had known."
"I expect that is why he was careful to not let you know."
"Did you?"
"Did I what?"
"Know he had bought this beautiful equipage?"
"No, I did not know, but I would not have tried to stop him."
Jonathon sighed resignedly and helped Victoria into the luxurious vehicle. Although he had bought a new stallion to ride much of the way when the weather was cooperative he wanted to ride inside the carriage part of the way. He nearly changed his mind upon seeing Ellen Bloggs and Fanny Ricketts were already inside. He looked at Victoria questioningly.
"Father thought I should have my nurse with me. Do you mind?"
"I suppose not, but it certainly makes for a crowded carriage with both of them." He refrained from telling her that he had hoped for some privacy so they could talk and become better acquainted. Also, he wanted to describe his home and family to her a little more than he had had the opportunity to do before. I will be heartily glad when I can get away from this managing family. It is a good thing we will be several day's journey from Geoffery Tremayne. I am quite sure he would continue to try to run my life, he thought.
The coach was as luxurious inside as out. Lamps were hung at the end of the seats. There were fur lap robes and several sofa cushions scattered about. Jonathon sat next to Victoria and rapped on the roof to give John Coachman signal to start.
"I thought you were going to ride your horse, Jonathon, or I would have arranged for Mrs. Ricketts and Ellen to ride in the carriage with Yvonne."
"I will ride as much as I can. I will need Pegasus when I get home. Most of our cattle have been sold, and I have to have a reliable horse to visit the farms."
They rode in silence for a few minutes. Jonathon looked out the window and noticed the weather was changing. The sky had darkened and it threatened a downpour any minute. "I hope we are not going to encounter bad weather for our trip. We can get some very nasty storms this time of the year."
"How long do you think it will take to get there?"
"Probably three or four days if we have good weather. If it rains there is no saying how long it will take. The roads are very poor in some of the country we have to travel."
Victoria was beginning to feel the effects of her strenuous activity of the last several days. She tried to keep her eyelids from drooping, but without success.
"I think Miss -- I mean Lady Burlingale needs to sleep a while if she can, my lord," said Mrs. Ricketts. "She probably needs a little of her medicine, also."
"Just what kind of medicine are you giving her, Mrs. Ricketts?"
"A tonic that was prescribed by Dr. Marland."
"Let me see it. Do you have some here?"
"Oh, yes. I keep it with me all of the time. Our poor little Victoria cannot get along without it. She becomes very nervous and finds it difficult to sleep unless she has it."
"I said I want to see it, Mrs. Ricketts."
"Oh, by all means, my lord."
She reluctantly brought out the bottle of brown liquid and handed it to Jonathon. He took off the lid and smelled it. He could not tell exactly what was in the medicine. It smelled like a well-known tonic, but that tonic was not known to do much for nervousness or sleeplessness. "Do you ever add anything to this that the doctor did not recommend?"
"Why, whatever do you mean, my lord?"
"It is a simple question, Mrs. Ricketts. Do you put anything in the medicine that the doctor has not prescribed?"
"Well, I do add a little laudanum. He told me I could when she seemed to have trouble sleeping, and she seems to always have trouble sleeping."
"I am going to get out and ride for a while so Victoria can have this full couch to rest on -- and Mrs. Ricketts," he looked at her with a very penetrating gaze and said, "Do not give her any of that medicine. She is already asleep and I cannot see that she needs anything but rest. In fact do not give her any medicine unless I give you permission."
"But, Lord Burlingale, that is what I'm here for, to take care of little Victoria. I took care of her mother until she died and have cared for Victoria since then."
"Nevertheless, Mrs Ricketts, you are not to give Lady Burlingale any kind of medicine unless I give you permission. Do you understand?"
"Yes, m'lord. I understand," Mrs. Ricketts said, but her voice sounded like she did not believe he could possibly mean what he said.
Jonathon rapped on the roof of the carriage and when it stopped he told John Coachman that he was going to ride his horse. As the coach came to a full stop, Victoria roused from her sleep and looked around.
"It is alright, Vickie. I am going to ride so you can have this whole seat to stretch out on." He tenderly lifted off her bonnet, arranged small pillows under head and encouraged Victoria to stretch out.
"Thank you, my lord, but it is starting to rain, is it not?"
"Are you going to forget to call me Jonathon? If so I will have to Lady Burlingale you until you are as tired of it as I am of my lord," he said. "There are only sprinkles of rain so far. I will come back in if it gets too bad, but you need to rest."
"I am sorry, Jonathon," she smiled up at him rather shyly. "I forgot."
He returned her smile and then tucked the fur robe around her and said, "Now go back to sleep. We have a long journey ahead of us." He had the strongest urge to kiss her and would have if the two women had not been sitting there taking in everything he did.
The weather had definitely worsened. There was a cold wind and he could feel little needle pricks of sleet on his face, but he was warm inside his many-layered great coat. A fur hat was pulled down warmly over his ears. In addition he was wearing fur-lined boots and gloves.
He enjoyed being outside in the elements. Riding on top of the big stallion made him feel alive and free. It gave him the opportunity to make plans and ponder the strangeness of the entourage he was taking to his home. Two couches had been sent ahead with Victoria's new purchases as well as several favorite bits of furniture she wanted to take with her. Yvonne was in one of the coaches along with a small child that Victoria had insisted on bringing with her. The tiny boy had been rescued from a chimney sweep and was recovering from burns he had suffered when he had been sent up a chimney in which the fire had not been completely extinguished.
Jonathon had learned that Victoria supported a home for street children. One for young girls that were being pressed into prostitution and one for little boys who were used to go up chimneys to clean them. He wondered if it was Victoria's bent towards rescuing people that had made her decide to marry him. He did not look as pathetic as some of her other charity cases, but he definitely felt as though he had been rescued. "Well, I intend to see that she is not sorry," he said as he patted his horse. "My young sisters and brother could have ended in almost as bad straits without the Tremayne's help. I guess I would have been able to provide some kind of home for them, but we would certainly have had to learn frugality."
As the day wore on the sky grew darker and the clouds more threatening. The wind caused the strong team to strain against the harness, and gusts rocked the carriage, which caused some difficulty with staying on the road.
They finally escaped the London traffic and turned northeast towards the lush farm country where Burlingale was situated. Jonathon, wanting the journey to be as trouble-free as possible, had written ahead for suites of rooms in the best inns along their route. He was confident that he had arranged their stops so they would reach his home in four or five days. It was the middle of November and although he had expected to encounter some bad weather this storm appeared sooner than he had anticipated.
They struggled through the increasing darkness and it soon became evident they were not going to reach Sanstead by nightfall. While he was pondering what to do his problems escalated. Visibility was poor and the wind was so strong the carriage was in danger of being blown off the road. The effort to keep the horses moving in those circumstances demanded all of the strength of the coachmen. The horses were feeling the effects of the sleet, rain and cold wind. The outriders and Jonathon were not faring much better.
Jonathon rode a few feet behind the carriage, letting it protect him and his horse from some of the storm's fury. His head was bent almost to the horses mane and so he did not see the carriage when it began to slip. Shouts from the drivers alerted him to impending disaster. As though in slow motion the vehicle started sliding backwards into a ditch. The horses laid their mighty shoulders against the harness as they valiantly tried to keep the coach steady. Their beautiful black coats glistened with sweat, in spite of the bitter cold. It was to no avail. The carriage skidded further into the ditch and then a gust of wind hit it and it tumbled over on its side.