Rosa looked at him, her senses dazed, snared by the light blue eyes that roamed leisurely over her features, pausing at length on her lips and then moving back to capture her eyes. They glowed with a warmth that brought colour to her cheeks. Compared to Simon and the numerous men of her acquaintance, William Barrington was as near to perfect as she had ever met.
A calm came over Rosa. Thinking back to the day she had come to Ashurst Park to propose he marry her instead of Clarissa, when he had refused her she had been swamped with regret that she had been foolish to come to humiliate herself before this penniless Earl of Ashurst. She had reached the conclusion that no one could push him into any decision not of his own making, and for the first time since she had devised the wild scheme, she had known the feeling of failure. Yet here he now was, telling her he was willing to accept her offer. She realised how much such a decision was costing him in both pride and self-respect.
‘I do understand how difficult this is for you, Lord Ashurst. I think I would feel exactly the same in your shoes.’
‘Believe me, Miss Ingram, you can have no idea.’ Sighing resignedly, he held out his hand. ‘Come, let’s walk. I’ll show you the garden.’
Rosa ignored his hand and got to her feet.
‘Ashurst Park needs some money injected into it right away and the creditors have to be paid what they are owed to keep it from being sold.’
‘Then it would seem my offer is timely. Console yourself with the fact that the money that will come to you on our marriage will outweigh your concern at marrying a sugar planter’s daughter.’
‘Your background is not an issue—or how your father came by his wealth. Although my Christian upbringing taught me that it is not acceptable to enslave an unconsenting individual. There is nothing noble or honourable in that. It is against all humanity and reason.’
Rosa looked at him steadily. ‘I told you that I share your abhorrence for the trade—in fact it’s refreshing to find someone who shares my views. I was raised in a world where slavery was commonplace, a way of life, and I never thought to question it or paused to consider how others might feel. I led an insular existence in a loving home with loving parents, totally ignorant of who kept the wheels turning in that privileged world. It was only when I was older that I began to realise the true nature of the evils of slavery, that it was maintained by force and people were treated as pieces of property.’
‘And you were shocked.’
‘Yes. Unlike many other plantation owners, my father abhorred unnecessary brutality where the slaves were concerned—and you are going to tell me that that still does not make it right and I would agree with you. But right or wrong it is a state of affairs that exists—one, which I am certain, can be changed. The plantation owners insist that slaves are necessary for the plantation system to survive. I am not very knowledgeable with the British political system but I have read a great deal about it and I am aware that there are anti–slave trade activists. When you take your seat in the House of Lords, as a peer of the realm you will be in a strong position to influence bringing about changes. It would be marvellous if you could use some of the money that will come to you through me to do that—and it will make me feel that I am compensating in some way.’
Giving her a long speculative look, William nodded slowly. It would appear Miss Ingram had hidden depths. ‘I see you have it all worked out.’
‘Not really but I do feel rather passionate about it.’
‘There is strong opposition to the trade and at this time the Anti-Slavery Movement is too weak to overcome the system. The people who trade in slaves are an influential group because the trade is a legitimate and a highly lucrative business.’
‘It will not always be that way. The argument should be carried through the press and any other means to attract public opinion. Then you can work with the activists to change that. I know a politician called William Wilberforce frequently introduces a motion in favour of abolition. Have you heard of him?’ she asked purposefully, watching his reaction to her question, asked in a casual manner, carefully, but, apart from a slight tightening of his jaw, his expression remained unchanged.
‘There are few who have not heard of the illustrious Member of Parliament for Yorkshire, Miss Ingram.’
‘Total abolition will take time, I know, but the issue will not go away if people like him remain active in persuading members of parliament to back the parliamentary campaign.’
‘The trade is a legitimate form of commerce that only an Act of Parliament can put an end to.’
‘Then Parliament must be lobbied. Feeling as strongly as you do, Lord Ashurst, I am sure you would find it a worthwhile and—hopefully—rewarding cause.’
‘I’m afraid it is not that simple,’ he said, smiling at her. ‘However, I do not intend on debating the moral aspects of it just now—not on so fine a day as this.’ William glanced at her with interest. ‘You are forthright, Miss Ingram.’
‘You look surprised that I speak out. Do you find fault with that?’
‘Not at all. It is refreshing to find a woman who speaks her mind with such conviction. You speak brave words. Such sentiments are highly commendable and admirable to say the least. Should I become involved in the cause, I see I shall have your full support—should you become my wife.’
‘Of course. I would support you as much as I am able to do so.’
‘As I will do when you are involved with your charities. I see you are your own woman.’
‘I try to be. I like to think of myself as a free thinker. My mind from an early age has been impressed with question and analysis. Unfortunately, it is not always easy for a woman to be free and independent. My father’s view was that women cannot handle the physical rigors—or possess the mental ability that men have—and should be content with home, husband and child. In which case they have to work so much harder to succeed. You’re lucky to be a man. Women don’t get the same opportunities.’
‘Perhaps they will one day. Things change.’
‘Very slowly. In the meantime men will continue to make the rules for a good many years, just as they have always done. Many men think it unnecessary and impudent for females to be tutored beyond the basics of womanly duties, that anything more intellectual than learning how to run a house efficiently would be too taxing for our poor feeble minds.’
‘That doesn’t trouble me. Does it trouble you, Miss Ingram?’
‘Not in the slightest, but many men are prejudiced when it comes to women who are opinionated—which is something, I suppose, that husbands would frown on.’
‘Surely that depends on the husband,’ William said quietly.
When Rosa met his gaze she experienced a shock of something between recognition and a kind of thrilling fear. Those eyes, light blue and narrowed by a knowing, intrusive smile, seemed to look right past her face and into herself. For that split second she felt completely exposed and vulnerable—traits unfamiliar to her, traits she did not care for.
‘Yes—I suppose it does. So where do we go from here? I realise I should respect a period of mourning for my grandmother but here is an urgency that cannot be ignored. Goodness knows how many times she called me headstrong and too spirited for my own good, but I know she wouldn’t want us to wait.’
‘If you are certain marriage to me is what you want, then our solicitors will meet and finalise the agreement. In the meantime we will arrange the ceremony.’
‘Given that I am in mourning, I must insist on it being a quiet, private affair. I want as little fuss as possible’
‘I understand. I will speak with the rector in Ashurst.’
‘There is something I would like to ask you. Does it matter to you that you will be marrying out of your class? When word gets out the gossips will have a field day and the scandal could be enormous.’
‘Personally I don’t give a damn what people say. What does concern me is if the scandal hurts you.’
Rosa laughed. ‘Please don’t concern yourself. I am strong and will weather the storm.’
‘And you will become the Countess of Ashurst. You get the title—I get the money.’ Rosa winced a little at his words, even as he pressed on. ‘There will be difficulties at first, but I will try to make the situation as comfortable as possible—for both our sakes.’
They walked on a little way in silence.
William looked at his companion, the sun shining on her bright head. Her hair rippled and lifted in the gentle breeze and he found himself imagining how it would feel to run his fingers through the silken strands. Sensing his eyes on her, she turned, met his gaze and smiled, her teeth gleaming white between her softly parted lips, before averting her eyes once more.
William was a man not unaccustomed to the attractions of a beautiful woman, having admired and loved many in a casual way, and because of his looks and his rank in the Company he had never had to work very hard at getting them to part with their favours, for those assets alone made him desirable to them. But he had never been impressed with emotions of the heart. Until he had met and fallen in love with Lydia, romantic love was something he was unaccustomed to, and she had betrayed him without a care.
He had never met a woman who had impressed him with her intellect, wit and dignity, a woman who possessed an agility of mind enough to make him want to spend the rest of his life with her. But that was before he had met Rosa Ingram. For the first time in his life he found himself responding to a woman’s intelligent individuality, making him both captivated and intrigued. He wondered how long it would be before he succumbed to her irresistible beauty which he had secretly come to love.
He studied her profile, noting that her cheeks were tinted pink, her expression one of melting softness as she took pleasure in seeing the garden. The longer he looked at her he reluctantly faced the fact that Miss Ingram was a far cry from being an ordinary woman. In reality she was intelligent, spontaneous, courageous and naturally sensual.
At length, William said, ‘Have you ever been in love, Miss Ingram?’
The question took Rosa by surprise. She stopped and turned to him. ‘Why do you ask? What has that to do with anything?’
‘A great deal, I would say. You see, young ladies of my acquaintance dream of love and marriage.’
‘I am not like other women, Lord Ashurst.’
‘No, I’m beginning to see that.’
‘I’m too outspoken—too independent. My father was always telling me. He also said I needed someone to tame me.’
‘I would not do that.’
‘I would despise you if you did.’
William laughed. ‘So? Have you?’
‘Have I what?’
‘Been in love.’
Flustered, Rosa averted her eyes and walked slowly on. ‘Why—I—yes,’ she confessed quietly.
‘He lived on Antigua?’
‘Yes.’
‘And was he handsome?’
‘Yes—at least, I thought he was. He had the warmest laugh and bright blue eyes. To my romantic, seventeen-year-old imagination he was Lancelot and Apollo all rolled into one. No legendary hero could compare.’
William was surprised to find himself resenting and thinking jealously of the young man she had known before. ‘He sounds like the answer to every maiden’s prayer.’ He glanced sideways at her downcast face. ‘What happened to this prince among men?’
‘I—I really don’t think—’
‘If you want to be my wife, Miss Ingram, there must be honesty between us. I don’t like secrets.’
The question seemed to discomfit her. As if stalling for time she looked straight ahead, fighting a sudden mistiness in her eyes. She waited a moment before answering, and when she did her voice was low, almost a whisper. ‘He—he died.’ Her eyes welled up with tears.
‘I see. And you have leftover feelings.’
‘Something like that.’ Rosa didn’t want to enter into any discussion about Simon and turned her head away.
‘Tell me.’
‘Our feelings for each other grew out of years of friendly proximity. I—I was in love with him. He made me feel extraordinary—special. We were both young with our future spread out before us.’
‘What happened?’
‘He drowned on a fishing trip when the boat he was in capsized in a sudden storm. Two of his friends died with him. I was devastated.’
‘You must miss him.’
Memories of Simon knotted somewhere deep in her chest and she had a feeling of not being far from tears. But, as she always did, she swallowed her emotions and nodded. Having never discussed her feelings, it was incongruous that she was opening up to a total stranger.
‘So you have told yourself you will never love again and thought you had nothing to lose when you decided to change places with Clarissa and asked me to marry you instead. Loving your sister like you do, you do not want her to experience the same kind of loss as yourself.’
Wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand, Rosa stared at him. ‘You are very perceptive.’
He smiled. ‘Oh, I understand perfectly. You will always have feelings for the young man who stole your heart. That is natural. But you must move on with your life.’
‘That is what I am doing and why I am here now.’
‘Thank you for being honest with me.’
‘And you, Lord Ashurst? You say there must be honesty between us so tell me about yourself. I suspect I am not the first woman you have considered marrying—you mentioned marrying someone when we spoke after Dhanu fell into the lake,’ she explained when he gave her a sharp look. ‘Who was she?’ His eyes became guarded and he turned from her. ‘Please,’ she murmured. ‘I have just opened my heart for you. Will you not do the same?’
William was still for a moment, clearly affected by her question. Then he turned to face her, a resigned look on his face. ‘Her name was Lydia Mannering. We met in India.’
‘I realise how difficult it must be for you but please tell me. Was she connected to the army?’ Rose prompted gently.
‘No. Her father was an Englishman living in Bombay. He went out to India to make his fortune. He succeeded.’
‘What was she like?’
‘Popular, beautiful... She dazzled everyone she came into contact with.’
‘And—you loved her?’
He nodded. ‘At the time I worshipped her. Whatever it was that bound me to her was so powerful that I was in danger of losing my mind. We spoke of marriage. She gave meaning to my life and I thought she felt the same, but beneath her skin she was deceitful and treacherous as sin.’
Rosa stared at him. ‘What did she do to you? Tell me, so that I can understand.’
‘It ended badly. She was ambitious, you see. She wanted more than I—as a common soldier—could possibly give her. While I was away on a long tour of duty she met someone else—a man higher up the social scale. She could no longer countenance marriage to a common soldier. I chided myself for ever having been tempted by her, for having believed she felt as I felt.’
Rosa had a sharp, painful vision of how he must have suffered and her heart went out to him. He must have been devastated. He was a man of pride and she realised how much his pride must have suffered by what Miss Mannering had done to him. When she had come to Ashurst Park to propose marriage he had told her he didn’t want to marry anyone. Now she could understand why.
A lump in her throat, she struggled to find words which were neither foolish nor hurtful, for she sensed in him a raw and quivering sensitivity. Drawing a shaky breath, she smiled. ‘Thank you for telling me. Perhaps if she had not been so hasty to wed while you were absent, with your new status as the Earl of Ashurst, she might well be your countess.’
‘Maybe—but perhaps she did me a favour. Whatever I felt for her, had I married her might well have been destroyed when I got to know the true nature of her.’ What Rosa said was true, but when William had left India Lydia was already dead to him. It had taken a concentrated effort to eradicate her from his heart and mind, but he had done it. But it had left scars and hardened his heart against forming any kind of loving relationship with a woman.
‘I can understand your reluctance to marry after what happened. You are very brave to consider taking me on.’
He laughed, his tension easing. ‘I still cannot believe that you could come here to confront a perfect stranger and propose that I marry you instead of your sister. I do believe it to be the most outrageous proposal of marriage I have ever heard of. You really are the most unprincipled young woman, Rosa Ingram,’ he said with a wayward smile.
‘Which you obviously find amusing.’
‘You have to admit it is a little unusual.’
‘At the very least,’ she agreed. She looked at him steadily. ‘I suppose it does take some understanding. But suppress your pride, Lord Ashurst, and see it for what it is. Your debts are insurmountable unless you acquire money to sort them out. I am not ignorant of the fact that everything a woman possesses at the time of her marriage belongs to her husband as a matter of common law. I know you will use it wisely. As for me—well—it would seem I am in need of stability.’
‘You could always live with your Aunt Clara in London until something—or someone—turns up.’
‘It already has, Lord Ashurst. You.’ she opened her arms wide to embrace the garden, ‘here I could by happy.’ Letting her arms fall she thought about what marriage to him would be like. Her face became sombre, her eyes wistful.
‘I am under no illusions as to what to expect. I accept the fact that I am nothing more than a commodity to you and, in all fairness, that is what I have made myself. With so many differences between us our marriage will not be like other wedded couples.’
Reading panic overlying her inner feelings, William’s expression softened. ‘Few couples know each other really well before they marry. You will have to take me on trust.’
Rosa raised her chin a notch, looking directly into his eyes. ‘As you will me, Lord Ashurst.’
Taking a step back he gave her a hard look, his jaw tightening as he stared into her bewitching eyes. She might look fragile, but he was beginning to suspect she was as strong as steel inside. When he next spoke his expression was resolute and inscrutable.
‘You know nothing about me, Miss Ingram, nothing about my character. I think I should enlighten you before we finalise our plans. You must have no illusions about me. I am arrogant—which I am sure you have accused me of being. I am also a battle-hardened soldier given to moods, temperamental and difficult to live with. I am telling you this because when we are married I never want you to look back with any kind of regret.’
Rosa tilted her head and held his gaze. ‘Are you trying to discourage me, Lord Ashurst?’
‘I am merely pointing out the flaws in my character and trying to establish some ground rules of my own. As long as we are totally honest with each other in advance and make sure we have no false illusions or unrealistic expectations, it should not be a problem. My name is William, by the way—Lord Ashurst is far too formal in the circumstances.’
‘Very well, William. My name is Rosa.’
‘We neither of us know what the future holds, but if we are to have any kind of life together we must strive for an amicable partnership. Initially you will accept that marriage between us is considered a business arrangement. Our marriage will not be that extraordinary. Many marriages are transacted purely for their monetary benefits—to join lands and money, irrespective of the feelings of those involved. I need money and you need a home and respectability.’
‘It will be a complicated matter of working out a strategy that will benefit us both.’
‘I realise it will not be a romantic matter—more an affair of convenience—a marriage in name only for the time being.’
‘I see,’ Rosa replied, feeling more humiliated and degraded than she cared to admit. ‘You appear to have thought of everything.’
‘I ask you to be patient. I am determined that this time I will get it right—that there will be no repetition of what I went through with Lydia. Had things been different I would have sought your grandmother’s permission and there would have been acceptance followed by a long betrothal and finally marriage, but because of the circumstances there was no time for that, which is why I want to take things slowly at first. Do you understand?’
Rosa nodded, too disappointed to reply. William Barrington was marked with a proud arrogance and an indomitable will. Lydia Mannering must have hurt him desperately. She felt that it was not a subject he talked about, and that since that time he had held virtually every woman he had come into contact with with contempt, regarding them as being irrelevant—both dispensable and replaceable.
‘I will be blunt. The arrangement will not be permanent. You don’t love me and I do not love you. We have not known each other long enough for that. In truth, I don’t need you—I don’t need any woman—but I do need what you will bring to our marriage—your money and in time a son.’
‘A son? And if the child is a girl?’
‘I shall love our child irrespective of its gender. In fact, I would love to have a daughter.’ Aware of her unease, he smiled. ‘Don’t look so worried. I am sure the arrangement is one that you can live with. I want an heir to continue after me, to carry on the Barrington name, so I have no intention of living the life of a monk.’
Rosa had given little thought to the intimacies of marriage he would be entitled to. Speechless with dismay that he would come up with this unthought-of condition of his own, that he had considered everything with the cold and calculating brain of a man who was used to making his own decisions and doing everything his way, Rosa stared at him, her cheeks flushed, as he continued to hold her gaze. The thought of having children with him shocked her—but also, in a strange way, it touched her heart.
‘Do you like children, Rosa?’
‘Of course,’ she replied without a second’s thought. ‘I like children very much.’
His eyes locked on hers. He did not doubt for one minute that behind her demure exterior hid a woman of passion. He wanted her, despite the conditions he had set down. When the time was right he meant to capture her, to turn this calm young lady into a tantalising creature of desire, who, when aroused, would breathe a sensuality she was not even aware of, to take her to the very heights of passion.
He ran a gentle finger down her cheek, relieved that she did not pull away. ‘Eventually you will be my wife in every sense, Rosa. That I promise you. Do you agree with what I have said?’
Rosa’s heart gave a little leap in answer to the sheer, powerful masculinity he emanated. She looked at him, not with acquiescence, but she was determined not to let her emotions get entangled with being his wife. She hesitated before giving him an answer as she thought of the enormity of what she was committing herself to. Dazed by confusing messages racing through her brain, driven by the need to make this beautiful house her home and by something less sensible and completely inexplicable, she conceded.
Her hesitation to answer brought a slight smile to his lips and he fixed her with a look, and for a fleeting moment, Rosa felt they were bound together, as if she was being inexorably drawn towards him.
‘I think a kiss would not go amiss to seal the deal.’
Unable to tear her eyes from his, she froze to stillness as he lifted his hand and ran his finger along the line of her jaw and down the column of her throat. Rosa caught her breath as a shot of heat surged through her, for it was an oddly sensuous and erotic gesture. There was a silence as he gazed down at her flushed face and time stood still.
‘Please don’t look at me like that,’ she whispered, her voice quavering. ‘It makes me feel uneasy.’
He smiled. The light fell upon her face, glinting on her hair and outlining her small head.
‘You are very lovely. Has anyone ever told you that?’
‘Yes—once.’
Gently, he touched her cheek with the back of his hand. ‘You are blushing.’
‘Yes—I suppose I am.’
He looked at her for a long moment and then very slowly moved closer still and curled his hand around the back of her neck. Suddenly the garden seemed to close in on them, making each aware of the closeness of the other, of the warmth, the intimacy. The pull of William’s eyes was far harder for Rosa to resist at that moment than the frantic beat of her heart.
‘Oh...’ she whispered, hardly trusting herself to speak. ‘Are you sure you want to kiss me?’
‘Absolutely. Would you like me to?’
‘Yes,’ she whispered, her eyes fixed on his lips. ‘I do believe I would.’
‘Then we are in accord.’ He took her chin between his thumb and his forefinger and lifted it, forcing her to meet his steady gaze as he quietly said, ‘I promise you that it will not hurt. A little kiss here and there is quite harmless. You might even enjoy the experience.’
‘A little kiss here and there could be dangerous,’ she countered, thoroughly convinced of that premise where he was concerned.
She turned her head away. The powerful force of sensual persuasion that he was capable of launching against her could reap devastating results. She must guard her heart. She was very susceptible. But when he placed a finger against her cheek and brought her face back to his, when his eyes delved into hers, he all but burned her heart inside out and touched at its inner core.
There was something in his eyes, something intense and passionate. They were clear and nothing had prepared her for the thrill of excitement that gripped her now, beginning in the middle of her chest where her heart lay and trailing delicately through the whole of her body. She was aware that this was an important moment in her life and a great revelation, but she could not comprehend it.
With aching tenderness he reached out and took firm hold of her, drawing her close and slipping his arms around her. ‘It’s all right, Rosa. I’m not going to hurt you,’ he murmured, his lips against her hair. ‘Try to relax.’
As if awakening from a deep trance, Rosa began to do just that. She was too vulnerable, too inexperienced to object to his embrace, and besides, he felt so warm and strong, his arms comforting and his voice soothing. She made no effort to free herself—and William seemed to have no intention of letting her go while she was content to remain there. She could feel the hard muscles of his chest and smell his maleness and the spicy scent of his cologne. A tautness began in her breast, a delicious ache that was like a languorous, honeyed warmth.
Recognising the change in her, William slackened his arms. His senses were invaded by the smell of her. It was the soft fragrance of her hair—the sweet scent of roses mingled with a musky female scent that made his body burn. Curling his long masculine fingers around her chin once more, he tilted her face up to his. Her eyes were large, dark and soft. It seemed a lifetime passed as they gazed at each other. In that lifetime each lived through a range of deep, tender emotions new to them both, exquisite emotions that neither of them could put into words. As though in slow motion, unable to resist the temptation Rosa’s mouth offered, slowly William’s own moved inexorably closer. His gaze was gentle and compelling, when, in a sweet, mesmeric sensation, his mouth found hers. Rosa melted into him. Although his lips were soft and tender, they burned with a fire that scorched her. The kiss was long and lingeringly slow. Closing her eyes, Rosa yielded to it, melting against him. A strange, alien feeling fluttered within her breast and she was halted for a brief passage of time.
William tasted the sweet, honeyed softness of her mouth, finding himself at the mercy of his emotions, when reason and intelligence were powerless. Savouring each intoxicating pleasure, he gloried in her innocence, her purity, painfully aware of the trembling weakness in her body pressed against his own.
As his mouth moved against hers, Rosa could not have anticipated the rush of sensation that took her breath, nor the frantic beating of her heart. The kiss was long and lingeringly slow.
When William finally lifted his head and stared down at her flushed face, he was stunned by his unprecedented reaction to one virginal kiss from an inexperienced young woman who hadn’t seemed to have the slightest idea of how to kiss him back. It had proved what he suspected, that she had not the least idea of the mechanics of sexual intimacy between men and women. He had sensed her ignorance in such matters. He had seen it reflected in the shocked expression on her face when he told her he was going to kiss her and had sensed it in her body’s lack of response when he had. So much for the young man she had known on Antigua—it was evident that Rosa Ingram hadn’t had much practice at kissing.
But he was encouraged by the fact that her lips had answered his kiss. They had been soft and sweet and pliable beneath his own and he would have liked to educate her further, but seducing Rosa Ingram was not in his immediate plans. The warmth of affection he was beginning to feel for her was too disconcerting for his peace of mind. He was attracted to her by the sincerity in her gaze, sensing that her charm and personality made her unlike any other woman he had known. She had a distinctive beauty of which she seemed totally unaware and a natural femininity which remained unflawed by self-interest.
But his instinct told him that he must be wary, otherwise he would find himself drawn deeper into something over which he would have no control. For the time being, somehow he would have to cool the lust gnawing at his very being and try to forget how soft and sweet she had felt in his arms, to ignore that she had set her hooks into him and to control the attraction that seemed to bind his heart and mind to her.
Kissed and caressed into almost unconscious sensibility, Rosa let her slumberous dark green eyes flutter open.
William smiled down at the incredibly desirable young woman who had the power to set his body on fire. He had only wanted to kiss her, then walk away. Instead he’d ended up wanting to make love to her. Her magnificent eyes were naked and defenceless. His tanned features were hard with desire. ‘Well, Miss Ingram,’ he murmured, his voice a purr of pleasure, ‘you have hidden talents I knew nothing about.’
Rosa trembled in the aftermath of his kiss, unable to believe what had happened and that she desperately wanted him to repeat the kiss that had stunned her with its wild sweetness. William was still holding her gaze and she looked with longing at his lips.
‘Don’t look at me like that unless you want me to kiss you again, Rosa,’ he murmured huskily, his eyes dark with passion.
With her heart beating hard against her ribs, slowly she raised her eyes to his and, leaning forward, again boldly touched his mouth with her own, feeling her breath sucked from her body as, unable to resist what she so innocently offered, he pressed his mouth to hers once more, causing the blood to pound in her head and her senses to reel as her mind retreated down an unknown, forbidden path, plunging her into an oblivion that was dark and exquisitely sensual.
Drawing a shattered breath, and out of sheer preservation, an eternity later William raised his head, astounded by the passion that had erupted between them, astounded that this woman had the ability to make him lose his mind completely.
Rosa felt almost drugged as she stared at him bemused, her eyes large and luminous. As reality began to return and she came back to full awareness, she was shocked by the explosion of desire she had felt, shocked by what she had done. What had happened surpassed anything she had ever known.
With her eyes aglow with passion and her lips trembling, he smiled down at her. ‘Well, Rosa’ You are full of surprises. Perhaps the arrangement I spoke of will become void sooner than either of us thought. I don’t think either of us will be disappointed when we are wed.’
Her cheeks flushed and her heart beating quickly, Rosa turned from him, wanting to conceal how deeply she was affected by what had just happened between them. Marriage to him was no longer straightforward. Considering what he had told her about his failed relationship with Lydia Mannering and her ultimate betrayal, she understood how his trust in women had been shaken and his reluctance to form a serious relationship with another. But when she thought of the kiss, how it had stirred her feelings, her desire, and how she had wanted him to go on kissing her—his desire equalling her own, then she didn’t expect either of them would be disappointed.
Turning to face him once more, she was anxious to run from the truth of what had just happened. ‘I—I really do think I should be getting back. Clarissa will be concerned that I have been gone so long.’
‘Of course,’ he said, taking her elbow.
When they stepped into the hall the butler was opening the door to a visitor, who sailed forward. A tall confident woman, about thirty-five, was attired in a stylish vermilion riding habit and matching hat perched at a jaunty angle atop her warm, ash-blonde curls. She was not beautiful, or even pretty, but tall and stately, handsome, alarmingly lively and arresting. She had everything a woman could ask for, in a physical sense at least. Rosa noted her plump lips, parted to show small perfect teeth, and how her eyes sparkled like dark sapphires as they passed over them, coming to rest on Lord Ashurst.
William stood watching her in silent fascination, then he smiled as their eyes met and he excused himself to Rosa and stepped forward to meet her. Much to Rosa’s surprise, he embraced the newcomer warmly.
‘Lady Willoughby! It’s good to see you. It’s been too long.’
‘It certainly has,’ she replied in a deep, husky voice that was curiously fascinating. ‘I came as soon as I heard you had arrived at Ashurst Park. So much has happened here—we have much to talk about.’
Rosa watched the meeting between these two, strangely resentful and fascinated at the same time. Just moments ago she had commandeered William’s attention and now felt forgotten as she surrendered the centre of the stage to another woman. Nothing could have prepared her for the remarkable presence of Lady Willoughby. Rosa imagined she could enchant the company about her with her sophisticated presence and charm with no effort at all.
Recollecting himself and remembering his manners, William turned to Rosa, who stepped forward. ‘Allow me to introduce Miss Ingram. She is also a neighbour of mine. Rosa, this is Lady Caroline Willoughby.’
Interest kindled in Lady Willoughby’s eyes. ‘You are Amelia Ingram’s granddaughter from Antigua?’
‘Yes—Rosa Ingram.’
‘I see. I was sorry to hear of your grandmother’s demise. My condolences. She was a good woman—well liked and respected.’
‘Thank you. It is kind of you to say so.’
‘Not at all. It’s the truth.’
‘Miss Ingram is just leaving,’ William said. ‘What can I do for you, Lady Willoughby?’
‘Forgive my impropriety and bad manners for calling on you like this without an appointment and unannounced, but good lord! How tiresome good manners can be where there is something to be done, something one has to say. I have a proposition to put to you, Lord Ashurst and since I am to leave for London shortly I would like to talk to you about it if you can spare the time.’
William was intrigued. ‘Of course.’ He turned to the butler. ‘Show Lady Willoughby into the study. I’ll be with you shortly.’
‘Please don’t worry about riding back with me,’ Rosa said, stepping out of the house. ‘Go and see to your visitor. I’ll be quite all right alone.’
‘I won’t hear of it,’ he replied, signalling to the boy bringing her horse from the stable. ‘Escort Miss Ingram to Fountains Lodge, Martin.’
‘But I really don’t need an escort—’
‘Not another word. I insist,’ William said as the boy hurried back to the stable to get himself a horse.
Before parting William reached out and placed his hand over hers as she was about to mount, turning her to face him. Relief flooded ridiculously through her. He had not forgotten her after all. She could still gain his attention even though Lady Willoughby, on instant acquaintance, seemed to treat him as if he was her special passion.
‘Have we reached an agreement that is satisfactory to both of us?’
She summoned up her spirit to try to bewitch him, her eyes glowing with brilliance and fire. ‘Yes, I believe we have.’
‘Even though I may prove to be a purchase you will regret?’
‘I agree to the arrangement. I will not renege on it. You may have many failings, but so do I, and what good is wealth if one cannot use it to one’s advantage?’
As Rosa rode away from Ashurst Park she could not shake off the unease she felt on leaving William alone to entertain his visitor. Lady Willoughby was unlike any woman she had met. She had the magnetism to seduce and enchant and had the power to hold any man in the palm of her hand. Rosa felt vulnerable and gauche and, worst of all, very young and strangely inadequate, knowing she could never compete with the fascination and worldly experience of the older woman.
William returned to the study, curious about Lady Willoughby and what she wanted to discuss with him. She was pacing the carpet with an impatience that seemed inbred in her. Her very manner was purposeful and he suspected that everything Caroline Willoughby did was done in a hurry.
‘Now, Lady Willoughby, what can I do for you?’
‘I’ll come straight to the point. It’s not my way to beat about the bush. I have a proposition to put to you, Lord Ashurst, and owing to your circumstances—you are in dire straits, I believe—it cannot wait.’
William cocked a brow. ‘You are well informed, Lady Willoughby.’
‘I make a point of keeping abreast of what is going on. I have spoken to my lawyer, who has spoken to your lawyer. The proposition I am about to put to you will be beneficial to us both—if you agree to it.’
‘Then I will be happy to hear what you have to say. Please, take a seat.’ William was wary, his guard up.
As soon as she was seated, Lady Willoughby chose directness, saying, ‘I have come to ask if you would consider selling your estate—to me.’
Riding back to Fountains Lodge, Rosa didn’t know what to think about what had happened to her when William had kissed her. She wasn’t certain of his feelings, or hers, either. All she knew was that when she looked at him, at his hard, handsome face and bold light blue eyes, it made her feel tense and alive. She knew she had liked it when he had kissed her. Added to his other attractions it was something else that drew her to him. She sensed that behind his hard, knowing façade and rugged vitality, William Barrington had a depth that most people lacked. Could she ever love him? she asked herself. Her heart gave a gentle leap.
‘Yes,’ she whispered. Yes, she could. Over time it would be nurtured by appreciation and shared experiences and a knowledge of each other. She smiled, feeding her imaginings of future bliss. A rosy blush spread over her cheeks and everything that was in her heart was shining in her eyes. She was unable to believe her good fortune.
In an agitated state Clarissa was waiting in the drawing room by the window for Rosa to return. Clarissa turned when she entered the room, her face ashen.
‘Rosa, what on earth were you doing with Lord Ashurst?’
‘We met while out riding,’ she replied, flopping into a chair and proceeding to pull off her riding boots in a most unladylike fashion. ‘He’s an early riser like me and it seemed perfectly natural for us to ride together.’
‘That is all very well, but it is not what I asked. What were the two of you doing together—and to send Thomas home... It was not the proper thing to do.’
‘For heaven’s sake, Clarissa, not proper? What are you talking about? I suppose you think I am shameless—and you may be right. What do you imagine we were doing?’
‘Don’t be obtuse, Rosa. Grandmother hasn’t been dead two minutes and already you are gallivanting about the countryside without a care for anything.’
‘Please stop it, Clarissa—and I wasn’t gallivanting. You’re beginning to sound like Grandmother. If you must know Lord Ashurst invited me to have breakfast with him at Ashurst Park. I’ve also agreed to marry him—as soon as it can be arranged.’
Clarissa stared at her with disbelief. ‘Marry him? But that’s ridiculous! You can’t! Goodness! It’s all too soon. A period of mourning has to be respected before either of us can think of marrying. And besides, I was hoping you would return to Barbados with me.’
‘No, I won’t do that,’ Rosa said firmly. ‘I refuse to live with you and Andrew when you are married. As much as I miss my home I don’t want to go to Barbados. It wouldn’t be the same. I have decided to remain here.’
‘But everything has changed now. Neither of us has to marry a title any more. Lord Ashurst would be marrying you for your money and nothing else.’
‘I am not stupid. Do you think I don’t know that?’ Rosa replied sharply. ‘And before you go jumping to conclusions, Clarissa, I asked him to marry me, not the other way round.’
‘Oh, Rosa!’ Clarissa exclaimed with distress. ‘How could you? You are too rash for your own good. Some day your impetuosity will get you in trouble. You never take the time to think a situation out before rushing into things. You’ll be so unhappy.’
‘Like you would have been, had you married him?’
‘Yes. I love you, Rosa. I am the elder and with no one else—except Aunt Clara, who is too far away in London to be of any help—it is my place to protect you.’
Rosa opened her mouth to protest that she didn’t need to be protected from William and then changed her mind. She thought it incongruous that Clarissa, who was usually so reticent and was prone to tears at the slightest provocation, should suddenly take on the role of her guardian. Rosa didn’t want to argue with her. Standing up and picking up her boots, she padded across the room in her stocking feet to the door. She was unhappily aware of how upset Clarissa was by what she was doing, but she was going to stand by her decision to marry William, no matter what she said, but she loved her sister very much and she hated the distress she was causing her.
‘It’s done now, Clarissa,’ she said, looking back at her sister. ‘I am sorry if it upsets you, but I have made up my mind. I want to determine my own future. Where is Dhanu?’
‘In the garden with Mishka. Don’t worry. We haven’t let him out of our sight for a moment. He’s a lovely child. I’m going to miss him when I leave.’
‘We all will when he has to return to India. I’ll join him in the garden when I’ve changed my clothes.’
Marching out of the room, she almost bumped into Margaret with her arms full of bed linen. With William’s visitor still very much on her mind and curious about her, Rosa stopped.
‘Margaret, I want to ask you something. Do you know Lady Willoughby?’
‘Lady Willoughby—Caroline Willoughby of Hampton House?’
‘Yes. What can you tell me about her?’
‘Well, she’s wealthy in her own right, that I do know—spends a good deal of her time in town. Her husband was a lot older than she was when they married. He died a few years back, leaving her to bring up their son alone—Rupert, he’s called. The Willoughby estate adjoins Ashurst Park to the north. It’s no secret that they have coveted some of Lord Ashurst’s land for years. Why do you ask?’
‘Oh—no particular reason—curiosity, I suppose. I met her at Ashurst Park earlier.’
‘No doubt she’s heard of Lord Ashurst’s circumstances. I wouldn’t put it past her to put an offer in for the estate. By all accounts she can afford it.’
‘But he won’t sell.’
‘No? Then as a very wealthy widow—and not an unattractive one if my memory serves me well—she might put herself forward. She won’t be averse to marrying him herself to get her hands on Ashurst Park. As his wife it would enable him to hold on to the estate—and if she were to bear a child, a son, then he would be the next to inherit the title and Ashurst Park.’ She laughed suddenly. ‘Imagine what a feather in her cap that would be. One son the Lord of Hampton House and the other the Earl of Ashurst.’
Rosa stood and watched Margaret climb the stairs, balancing the pile of linen in her arms. She wondered if she should be worried. Had Lady Willoughby approached William with a proposal of marriage—exactly as she had done? And if so, how would William have responded?
Rosa saw little of William during the days leading up to the wedding that was to be a small ceremony in the chapel at Ashurst Park. Both had much to occupy their time. The demise of the old mistress was felt by all the servants at Fountains Lodge. As they went about their work with heavy hearts, Clarissa and Rosa made preparations for the arrival of Antony Ingram and his family and their own departure. Antony wrote informing them that he would be leaving Scotland with his family a month hence and asked that unless they had made other arrangements the servants were to be kept on.
Clarissa wrote to Andrew in London to tell him she would be leaving for London the day following the wedding. Rosa instructed her solicitor to inform him of her forthcoming marriage and the financial settlement to Lord Ashurst.
Clarissa was finding it hard to believe that Rosa was serious about marrying Lord Ashurst.
‘If you had asked me to name the last man on earth I would have expected you to marry, it would have been Lord Ashurst—although I have long passed the point where anything you do surprises me.’
‘I have to confess that in the beginning I felt exactly the same,’ Rosa replied as they strolled arm in arm in the garden. ‘But I have got to know him better of late. Be happy for me, Clarissa.’
‘If it is truly what you want then I am, Rosa. I am going to miss you terribly. I hope Lord Ashurst makes you a good husband. Even though he seems very civilised on the surface, when I met him I thought there was a ruthlessness about him, a forcefulness. When he wants something I believe he will stop at nothing to acquire it. At this moment he wants your money, but I can’t help worrying what he will do when he has it.’
‘William is embarrassed by his lack of finances, Clarissa. I do not know him well, but my present impressions are favourable. I trust him so please don’t worry about me. It is what I wish to do.’
And with that end to the conversation Rosa prepared to become the Countess of Ashurst at Ashurst Park.