12

Katrina

A Shattered Happiness

‘Katrina, you look very beautiful. I find myself falling in love with you and may take you from under Lord Frederick’s nose.’

‘Really, Lord Bellinger, don’t be so ridiculous! You, marry? I don’t think so. At least not for a long time. Though eventually you will need to, to produce an heir.’

His amusement at this put a smile on Bellinger’s face, enhancing his rakish good looks. Two ringlet-type curls had fallen onto his forehead, escaping the neat rolls of his naturally curly hair. His violet eyes held an expression akin to a cat that had got the cream. His lips remained full as they revealed his even, white teeth. He wasn’t as tall as Frederick, but still gave her at least four inches, so that she had to look up at him. His voice had a husky note as he said, ‘But I am smitten. And besides, you are only marrying Frederick for his title – and he you, for your money. Me, I could give you a title, and our union would be the merger of two very important families in the cotton-mill industry. Besides, we would fare well in other areas of our union, and you wouldn’t have to shore me up financially, darling.’

‘My Lord, this is very disloyal of you. Your poor friend is at home and unable to attend such a function, due to the propriety of his mourning and it being only two months since his brother died, and you try to steal his betrothed!’

‘Betrothed? I understood from Lord Frederick that you hadn’t finalized things.’

‘Oh? But we are engaged . . . I mean, well, there has been no formal announcement or celebration, but there couldn’t be yet, with Frederick in mourning.’

‘I’m only having fun. Come into the Regency Room. I have some new artworks to show you. Lord Frederick tells me that you are a talented artist?’

‘Oh no, My Lord, I wouldn’t go so far as that! But I do love to paint and have a liking for Renaissance art.’

‘Mmm, a bit too religious and fantasy-based for me. I like more grit in my paintings.’ He lowered his voice. ‘Something a bit risqué. Goya offers both, and it is one of his that I have just acquired. A nude.’

Katrina glanced around her to cover her blush. There were about fifty guests, some seated, others milling around socializing in this beautiful room. From the silk curtains to the damask covering the sofas and chairs that were arranged around the walls, everything was in a luscious silver-grey, giving a feeling of complete elegance. The floor in the centre of the room was of highly polished oak, ideal for dancing. This was edged to the walls by a pale-blue carpet. From the ceiling hung the most magnificent chandelier Katrina had ever seen. She couldn’t count the number of candles it held, but each one lit up the glass that contained it and added lighting to the room that created an air of romance.

A delicious meal had been enjoyed by all, in the equally sumptuous dining hall. Three long tables had been set, with a top table for Lord Bellinger and his honoured guests – all lords and ladies, except for one elderly duke.

It was an annual occasion, Lord Bellinger’s Ball, held in late March, and many more would attend later, when the entertainment and dancing would begin. Only a chosen few sat down at his table. Katrina had never been invited before. However, her new status, already known to many, had made her worthy of being added to the guest list. Frederick had urged her to accept. ‘You will represent me . . . us, my dear. I would like to present you to my friends myself, of course, but everyone will understand and there will be a formal introduction of you, once a decent time has elapsed.’

This had persuaded her. And with propriety being satisfied by partnering her with Lady Henrietta Parvoil, Katrina had allowed herself to enjoy the excitement of mingling in such circles. Had she been a little too overawed and had maybe let herself down? She couldn’t think how, but Lord Bellinger seemed to have a poor opinion of her.

‘Katrina? Have I offended your sensibility? I am so sorry, my dear. I did not realize you were so . . . How can I put this? Prudish isn’t the right word. No, innocent maybe?’

‘Oh? What did you think me? My Lord, I am sure you do not wish to insult me, but your insinuations about my relationship with Lord Rollinson – and in thinking me someone you can talk with, in the manner in which you have engaged me – have offended me. I may be the daughter of a self-made man, but I am also the daughter of a lady. I have had an upbringing that rivals many of those here, and have attended the same schools as some of them. I am not who you seem to think I am. Now I would be grateful if you would arrange for my carriage to be brought to the front entrance to take me home. Please make the excuse that I am feeling unwell.’

With this, Katrina turned and walked out of the room, trying to maintain as much dignity as she could. Tears stung her eyes, humiliation burned her cheeks and anger boiled in her blood. It was an altogether uncomfortable feeling, and not one that was conducive to salvaging her pride.

Somehow she managed to make it to the ladies’ closet – a room delicately decorated and perfumed, with another room leading off, which housed a water toilet. All very convenient, but a maid was needed to be in attendance to help with holding the contraption that the ladies had to wear under their frocks.

Her heart sank at the sight of herself: beautiful, yes, and dressed in the finest of clothes that could be bought. Ruby in colour, her gown belled from her tiny waist and was held with the aid of a cage-like stiff petticoat. She didn’t need the benefit of a corset and wouldn’t have worn one, but for the necessity to hold her bosom in place. The neckline of her gown showed just a tiny part of her cleavage – and that only because, being large in that department, she couldn’t keep it all under the pretty white lace that edged the square neckline of the tight-fitting bodice. The sleeves of her frock were close-fitting to her upper arm and then draped to a point just below her elbow, and were also edged with lace. Around her neck she wore a diamond necklace – an heirloom from her mother’s family. A matching tiara adorned her hair. All perfect and fitting for the occasion, but could this finery make her what she wasn’t: ‘high-born’ to both parents? No, of course not, and nor could it make her acceptable to the likes of Lord Bellinger. Not to his inner circle at least, though she had always been on the fringe of it. His behaviour tonight was a reminder of who she really was. Oh God, why did I accept his invitation? I’m a damn fool.

A maid entered the room. ‘Excuse me, Miss Arkwright, but Lord Bellinger begs to be allowed to speak with you. He has asked me to take you to his sitting room.’

‘I cannot go there unaccompanied. Will you please find Lady Henrietta Parvoil and bring her to me? Thank you. Oh, and tell his lordship that I will be with him shortly.’

Henrietta’s face was full of concern as she entered. ‘Katrina, my dear, are you unwell?’

The daughter of Lord and Lady Parvoil, Henrietta had been Katrina’s best friend at school and had always been her defender in matters of her birthright, when many of the other ladies would question her standing and had shunned her in social matters. Not that Katrina gave a jot about it all. If only her mother hadn’t constantly sought to get her into those circles that she herself – or so she maintained – felt glad not to be a part of any more!

‘I’ve had a horrid experience, Henrietta. Please help me.’ Telling Henrietta how Lord Bellinger had insulted her caused Katrina mixed feelings of embarrassment and anger. At the end of her telling, a thought occurred to her. ‘Oh dear, should I refuse Lord Rollinson’s offer, do you think? I don’t want to cause him embarrassment, and I really don’t want to go through this discomfiture every time we socialize with his friends. I mean, it was different when I was just one of the crowd of acceptable guests, to make up the numbers. I could mingle with the others who had some reason for being on the fringe of society. But tonight was my first experience of being part of the honoured guest list.’

‘My poor Katrina. Simon Bellinger is a cad of the worst order! How dare he treat you in a manner that, if you hadn’t had the sense to do as you did, would have compromised you! I will speak to Father. He won’t stand for such behaviour, and if he has a mind to, he will have Bellinger cast out from many circles that he wouldn’t want to be ostracized from. There are many people who have had enough of his arrogant ways. I don’t know a single lady who wants Bellinger to offer for them, but he struts around as if we would all fall at his feet!’

Henrietta was far more furious than Katrina thought the matter warranted. To her, Bellinger just needed to be shown that she was worthy of better treatment, but Henrietta was moved to wanting to destroy his standing altogether! ‘No, please don’t do that. He is one of Lord Frederick’s best friends. It might set us off on the wrong foot. Lord Frederick has already mentioned that he is to ask Lord Bellinger to be his best man.’

‘But Lord Frederick should know. He would surely be mortified that his future wife was treated in such a way.’

‘Let us see what Lord Bellinger has to say for himself, first. You will come with me?’

‘Yes, and that is another thing. He has no right to ask you to his private sitting room without asking you to bring someone with you. I am very suspicious of that. I should be on your guard at all times when dealing with him, my dear. It is as if he has a hidden agenda, where you are concerned.’

‘But why should he have?’

‘Katrina, you are very beautiful, and your father is very powerful in the same industry that Bellinger is in. To get his hands on your estate would make him the richest man in England! Bellinger has always liked power. He knows that you are vulnerable to gossip, and any blame would lie on your shoulders if there were to be a scandal. He could use that to force you into marrying him.’

‘B-but he’s Frederick’s best friend.’

‘Lord Bellinger is not anyone’s best friend. And you will do well to remember that. Now come along, let’s face this ogre together. It will be quite a shock to him to see me come in with you. You did the right thing to call for me. I’m looking forward to this.’

Katrina had a feeling that there was more depth than was warranted to Henrietta’s anger – and did she detect something more? Hurt? Yes, Henrietta was hurt, and Katrina didn’t think it was solely because Henrietta was affronted by the way Lord Bellinger had treated her. Henrietta had once expressed her feelings for Lord Bellinger. Oh God. Is she still in love with him?

Lord Bellinger stood as they entered. His face revealed his astonishment at Katrina having arrived with Henrietta in tow, but he quickly hid his surprise. ‘My Lady Henrietta? It is good of you to chaperone Miss Katrina. Though I must confess I am embarrassed that you have knowledge of my misdemeanour. I am ashamed of my behaviour, Miss Katrina, and beg your forgiveness. I did not mean to respond in the way I did, and it was an unforgivable slip of etiquette on my behalf. My saving grace is that I do have a deep regard for my Lord Rollinson, and I only sought to quash the thought that you had no feelings for him and that, in your attempt to climb the social ladder, you would, at the first show of admiration from another, more eligible man, have no compunction about leaving Lord Rollinson for a better catch. I was wrong to say what I did, though it has proven you to be more than worthy of my Lord Rollinson’s trust and affection. Indeed, had you not been betrothed to a friend, your show of spirit and dignity and your beauty would have seen me offering for your hand, as I would be entitled to. I am a worthy suitor, and your engagement has not yet been announced.’

Beside her, Katrina felt Henrietta stiffen and thought she would speak, but she remained silent.

With the shock of his veiled proposal causing her senses to reel, Katrina made a supreme effort to answer Lord Bellinger, though she had to admit that her reply would be at odds with the way he’d made her feel. His address had been given in the humblest of manners and in a seductive voice, a measure of which smouldered in his eyes.

Katrina chose her words with care. ‘My Lord Bellinger, I accept your apology and hope that, in your dealings with me in the future, you will give me the respect of my standing. Your wish to put me through a test of some kind has an arrogance that speaks of your disdain for me. I would not accept your proposal in any circumstances, should it be made, and find it in the poorest of taste that you would even think of offering for my hand. I am betrothed to your best friend, who I know will be mortified by your conduct towards me tonight.’

The ugliness of what lay inside Bellinger, which Henrietta had warned her of, came to the fore at this, and his face reddened. ‘If you knew the truth, I doubt you would think of that . . . that do-gooder above me. Lord Rollinson wears his heart on his sleeve! He has even fallen in love with a low-life murdering cripple! And if it wasn’t for me, he would now have her urchin of a sister to contend with as well. He proposed that I should take care of her until he could install her in his house. A child, just verging on becoming a woman – it’s vile, and it is ridiculous that you should consider marrying him. You are not in love with him. You hardly know him. He is a sleight-of-hand gambler – a man on his uppers who is grasping at you to save his estate and his title. And, my dear Katrina . . .’

His voice lowered as if he would deliver even more revolting accusations about Lord Rollinson, but he had no need to, for what he’d just said had kicked Katrina in the stomach. It was true; she didn’t know Lord Rollinson well, and now it seemed she knew him even less than she thought, though he had spoken to her of a crippled girl and her sisters and brothers. She knew they were the ones who had had a hand in Lord Bertram’s death, and about the trial and the older girl having gone missing. But she hadn’t detected that Frederick was in love with the girl, even though she had been surprised at his excessive concern for the family. If what Lord Bellinger had said was true, and if the way he spoke of Frederick was how he was perceived by those whom he would count as his friends, then she had been deceived!

Before Lord Bellinger could go on or Katrina could respond, Henrietta waded in. ‘Do not dear Katrina her! You are behaving like a first-class cad, of the order of a senior boy in school who cannot have his own way. You are despicable, My Lord. Lord Frederick is an honourable man, and I cannot think why you should wish to smear his name in this way. I will be speaking to my father about your behaviour. That is if I can even find words to express your vileness. Come along, Katrina. I will go home with you. I have some things to collect from my chamber, as I was to have been an overnight guest here, but I would stay with you instead, if – if you would do me the honour of having me?’

The catch in her voice prompted Katrina to realize what was troubling Henrietta throughout all this. There had been a time when Henrietta had gushed over the virtues of Lord Bellinger. Katrina felt convinced now that Henrietta still had feelings for him. Oh dear, she hoped not, as his behaviour tonight would have hurt her badly.

Furious with them and with himself, Lord Bellinger sat on the high-backed chair next to the blazing fire and pulled hard on the bell cord above him. The second footman appeared.

‘Get me a brandy. A large one. And if Riley isn’t seeing to my guests and keeping them happy, there will be hell to pay.’ Why he said this he didn’t know; it was a bit like kicking the cat. Riley, his butler, would, if anything, be over-attentive, knowing that he himself was indisposed for a time. He would be ordering the staff around, making sure everyone’s glass was replenished the moment their drink reached a quarter of an inch from the bottom, and would have told the pianist to begin playing, to cover any silences. Riley could be trusted in any circumstances.

Relaxing a little with the reassurance these thoughts gave him, he spoke in a more civil tone to the footman who had furnished him with a large brandy, and instructed him that Miss Arkwright and Lady Henrietta were leaving, and to see to whatever needed doing to assist them.

With this settled, Bellinger sat back and gave in to the feeling of despair that rested in him. God, how did it all go so badly! I’d set my heart on getting Katrina for myself. How can she prefer Lord Rollinson to me – the namby-pamby bloody virgin! Lover of the down-and-out!

Always there had been this resentment within him where Rollinson was concerned, something that had made him pleased that the man was down on his luck in life, and he’d known he’d want to keep Rollinson there, if he could. He much preferred to have him beholden to him than see him rise to an equal or, God forbid, elevated! Even when Rollinson had been a Viscount and was titled by etiquette as ‘Lord’, very few in their circle had used that address, and the term ‘Viscount’ had been used in a derogatory way. Being the second son, and with nothing of worth to his name, had diminished Rollinson’s ranking in the eyes of his peers. Bellinger had liked it that way. But now everything had changed, and Rollinson was an earl! And not only that, but a soon-to-be-very-rich earl. That standing would give him power over them all – something he hated the thought of. Bloody hell, it was all a bloody mess, and he’d just made it worse.

As he sat back and took another sip of his brandy, he knew his absence from his own ball would have been noted, and that he was committing a social faux pas by continuing it, but he just couldn’t face going back into the hub of the party yet.

And what of Lord Parvoil? A much-respected and powerful man on the social scene. Would he listen to his daughter? It was known that if he and his wife shunned anyone, most others would follow suit. Oh Lord, it’s all turned out to be a bloody disaster!

The prospect of facing the rest of the weekend hung heavily on him, as now he’d to spend most of it in the company of what would surely be a furious Lord Parvoil. But he’d no choice in the matter, as Lord and Lady Parvoil had nowhere else to go and wouldn’t dream of leaving tonight for London, a seemingly endless journey from Blackburn. Nor, although they would allow their daughter to, would they consider staying at the Arkwrights’ home, as that would elevate Arkwright’s standing. Lord Parvoil had been heard on many occasions to call Arkwright ‘that jumped-up ape of a man’, before going on to say that Arkwright had dared to take one of their class and lower her status, till she was no longer accepted amongst them. To explain his reasoning for letting his daughter befriend Katrina, he had said, ‘It is my affection for Lady Veronica that dictates my acceptance of her daughter, though of course the daughter has merits of her own and would be a good catch for anyone – even one of high standing.’

It had been this statement that had made Bellinger think of the possibility of offering for Katrina’s hand himself, though why he had sought earlier to put her in the place he had always held her – that of a commoner’s daughter – he didn’t know.

With the endorsement that Lord Parvoil had given Katrina, Bellinger knew that he could have asked for Katrina’s hand weeks ago. I’ve behaved like a damn fool!

Disappointment gnawed at him. He really had wanted Katrina’s hand. She’d found a place within him that no one else had touched. He’d been devastated when Lord Bertram had confided in him that he had approached Katrina’s father and been accepted; but then to hear of Bertram’s death and have the ridiculous, well-meaning, moralistic Frederick have the cheek to speak up for her hand within hours of his brother’s demise – well, it had taken the wind out of his sails, if the truth be known.

A knock at the door stopped his train of thought. ‘M’Lord, Lord Parvoil would like an audience with you.’

Bloody hell! ‘Please tell My Lord that I have to re-join my guests, and ask if what he wishes to discuss can wait until the morrow. Of course if it is urgent, then I will see him now.’

Urgent? The man probably wants to rip me apart! All he could hope for was that propriety would see Lord Parvoil wait – if what he wanted to say would be disagreeable. After all, an argument at such an important event in the calendar as this ball would cause embarrassment to all.

A few minutes later Bellinger found that such considerations didn’t matter to the pompous Parvoil and, much to his chagrin, he was forced to meet Parvoil in the library.

‘Bellinger, this will not wait. I am extremely angry. What did you think you were playing at? To embarrass one of your guests and, even more, to insult them is bad form, but to do so in front of my daughter is unforgivable. Henrietta is very fond of Katrina. And, for some reason, of you! I had it in mind to approach you on Henrietta’s behalf, but now she wouldn’t have anything to do with you, and neither will we!’

This shocked him. He hadn’t imagined such a scenario. Henrietta, good God! He’d never thought of her in that way. She was just jolly old Henrietta – always proper, of course, but also ever ready for a laugh. and a jolly good sort to boot. What the hell have I done? The Parvoil connection would mean far more to him than the Arkwright one – far, far more. Somehow he had to turn this around. All he could think of doing was discrediting Katrina.

‘My Lord, I am gravely sorry. None of it happened in the way Miss Katrina must have put it across. That young lady had a mind to flirt with me. She sought me out and engaged me in talk about my artwork. No doubt Lord Rollinson had told her how fond I am of it. When she asked if she might accompany me to the Regency Room, where the works are displayed, I told her I would be glad to take her if she would bring Lady Henrietta along. My reasoning for that was twofold: on the one hand, I could see by her manner that she was trying to seduce me. Her recent involvement in the Earl of Harrogate’s family, methinks, has made her realize she is worthy of anyone’s hand – and not just someone who is desperate to be saved by her money. I also had the ulterior motive of wanting to be in Lady Henrietta’s company. What you have said has gladdened my heart, as I have felt unworthy of Henrietta’s hand and knew many were vying for it. I hadn’t joined them, because I didn’t want to be rebuffed.’

‘Hmm, well, that puts a different light on things, but why then did you send for Katrina, to beg her forgiveness?’

‘Miss Katrina took umbrage at me for asking her to have a chaperone present; she made it clear what her intentions were. She said, “If I do that, then we won’t be alone, My Lord, and for what I have in mind, we need to be.”’

Lord Parvoil looked suitably shocked, which pleased Bellinger. I am winning the game!

‘Unfortunately, Lord Parvoil, as you must know, low breeding will out, and Miss Katrina is very low-bred on her father’s side. Anyway, I told her how disgusted I was with her and that she had insulted my very best friend, the Earl of Harrogate, by her proposal, and at this she stormed off. I naturally sent for her to apologize for my outburst, which was maybe more than the way I would have dealt with this situation, had it not involved Lord Rollinson, who is very dear to me.’

‘Well, the little minx! But there is something not quite right here. Henrietta was very upset, but she distinctly said that you confirmed in your apology what Katrina had said.’

‘Once I saw she had Lady Henrietta with her, I could not do other than take the blame for my part, and leave what she had done unsaid. It would have been ungentlemanly of me to discredit Katrina in front of Lady Henrietta. It was enough that I knew that Miss Katrina understood how I felt about her antics, even though, to save her embarrassment, I veiled them a little, so that the meaning wouldn’t be plain to Lady Henrietta, as of course I had her feelings in mind at all times.’

‘Did you make a marriage proposal to Katrina?’

‘I did not! She twisted my words. She made it look as if that was my meaning, and prompted me to get very angry. And, as anyone would in that situation – with the added trigger of having the woman I truly love present – I confess to losing my temper. I even vented my disgust at my friend the Earl of Harrogate’s nature! I am mortally sorry at having done so. He is a friend, and now, if he continues with his plans to marry the girl, he may well hear how I feel about the way he conducts himself in his gambling habits, and about offering for his brother’s betrothed before Bertram’s body was even cold.’

‘You mean, Katrina was to marry Bertram?’

‘Yes. Purely for money, you understand. The Rollinsons are almost out on their arse, if you will forgive the expression. And the Arkwrights would sell their own daughter to get a foot back in society. It all leaves a bad taste in the mouth. However, I am a loyal person, and I will be sorry if Katrina’s antics and lies lead Lord Rollinson to break our friendship. I truly value him as a friend, and have tried to guide him in the way he should behave.’

‘Oh, my dear boy. This is all very bad form. We all have things we don’t like about those we are close to, but we hope never to voice them. I see you have been put in a position where you had no choice. I think you will have to speak to the Earl and tell him what happened . . . May I?’

Lord Parvoil had picked up the decanter of brandy and waved it at him. Then he put up his hand to stay Lord Bellinger from ringing the bell.

‘I can manage, and there is a glass on the tray. We don’t need any interruptions.’

Into the silence that followed this came the satisfying glug of brandy, as Parvoil filled the spare glass standing next to the half-empty one that Lord Bellinger had discarded earlier. Taking a swallow and screwing up his eyes as the excellent, smooth liquid hit his throat, giving what Bellinger knew was a satisfying burn before it hit the stomach with a warmth that soothed, Lord Parvoil let out a long sigh and raised the glass. ‘Mmm, very good. Now, as you say, breeding will out. I can’t believe that Lady Veronica hasn’t had more influence over her daughter than that. She seemed to be doing so. She sent both of her daughters to good schools and is seeking good husbands for them. Well, this puts a very different light on things. I will send for Henrietta to come back immediately.’

‘Do you think that necessary, My Lord?’

‘Yes, I do. Any other action would continue to place you in a bad light. Others saw that Henrietta was upset, and witnessed my fury as I sought you out. Besides, you indicated that you would look favourably on any proposal from me, regarding Henrietta?’

‘I did, My Lord, and I would – very much so. I adore her.’

‘Right, so be it. We will sort out the niceties of it all later. In the meantime, I will let folk know how you and she have been duped. After all, Miss Katrina must have known how Henrietta felt. Her aim in using her as a chaperone must have been to finally spoil her chances with you, and to discredit you. Once my daughter has been told the truth and has had time to put herself together again, her mother will obtain her consent to us making an announcement. I know that will make her very happy and will finally lay to rest any ideas that Katrina may have, of ruining things for you both. Well done, my boy. I’m proud of the way you conducted yourself, even when you must have known you were being shown in a bad light. As you say, anyone would lose their temper under such provocation. It is a wonder you didn’t go even further and reveal the truth of what she’d been up to, in front of Henrietta. It must have taken a lot of self-control not to do so.’

‘It did, but my consideration for Lady Henrietta’s feelings was paramount.’

‘That is good to know, but . . . well, speaking of self-control, your way of conducting yourself in your private life is well known. Oh, don’t protest. I have been getting reports for some time. I didn’t want to, but my daughter’s welfare is my only concern. I haven’t told her, mind, but it will have to stop. I will not have my daughter hurt, nor will I have her subjected to any humiliation – not to mention what you might pass on to her, from one of your dubious escapades.’

Lord Bellinger knew there was no answer to this. He more than deserved it; his reputation wasn’t good. He was lucky even to be considered as a husband, let alone to be in line to land the much sought-after connections Lord Parvoil’s daughter would bring. Not saying anything, he nodded, with just enough depth to the bow of his head to give a respectful affirmation, which was all that would be expected of him. All in all, he felt himself lucky to have got off this lightly, and that Lord Parvoil was willing to overlook his past. Not that he had any intention of changing, but he would be much more discreet. Trips to London would have to be frequent, as he could no longer play on home ground. But that would be no sacrifice. His experiences of the London whorehouses had always been far superior to those in Blackburn. Yes, things could work out very nicely. And who knows, maybe my Lady Henrietta will turn out to be a sex goddess. I’d certainly enjoy teaching her. But if not, I won’t have to bed her often – only as long as it takes to make her pregnant.

‘I’m glad that’s out of the way. Now, will you join me in another of those excellent brandies, before we go back to the party?’

Lord Bellinger stepped forward. ‘Certainly, My Lord. Let me do the honours.’

This time the tinkle of the liquid hitting the crystal glass was music to Bellinger’s ears, as it seemed to signify the sealing of a deal. Life was good. Very good indeed.

‘Henrietta, forgive me for touching on such a delicate subject, but do you still have feelings for Lord Bellinger?’

They were back at Katrina’s home, and had been for half an hour or so. During that time Henrietta had been very quiet. The way in which she lowered her head gave Katrina the answer she sought.

‘I – I’m so sorry that I – I put myself in the position I did. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t—’

‘It is of no matter, and it isn’t your fault. Lord Bellinger has shown himself to be what I have always known he is. It is a good thing that I know. But yes, I am attracted to him. Well, more than that. Daddy was going to proposition him tonight on my behalf.’

‘Oh, Henrietta, how can you forgive me? I should never have—’

‘Please forget it. It doesn’t matter really. I am almost as fond of Lord Weckstone, and he has offered for me. I will take his offer and know that, in doing so, I will be very happy. He is handsome, well-connected, rich and nice, too – everything a girl could want. A bit like your Earl, who despite his lack of wealth is a very good catch, darling, more so than his brother! That did worry me. Frederick will make you happy, I am sure.’

‘Oh, Henrietta, tell no one that I was meant to marry Bertram. It will all look so bad, if that comes out. But do you really think Frederick and I will be happy? You weren’t swayed to a different view by what Lord Bellinger said? I mean, well, what did you think about what Lord Bellinger said about Frederick being in love with . . . with a cripple?’

‘Utter nonsense! When would the Earl of Harrogate ever come into contact with such a person. He just wouldn’t.’

‘But he did. He told me about it. He told me that Lord Bellinger took him . . .’ As she progressed through the story Katrina wished she’d never started it, as Henrietta looked even more hurt and not a little shocked. But she must know how Lord Bellinger conducts himself, surely? The tear she saw Henrietta hastily wipe away told her that she didn’t. But did it matter now? Henrietta had already made her mind up that she wasn’t interested in the vile Lord Bellinger any longer. But then her next words showed that she was.

‘I’m very hurt by what happened tonight, Katrina, and by what you have just told me. I would like to go to bed now. I have a thumping headache.’

‘Oh, my dear. I’ll call your maid. My maid will help her. I will get her to fill a tub for you and bring you some warm milk. Once you’re settled, I’ll come in and say goodnight, then tomorrow—’ Katrina’s mother entering the room cut her off from outlining her plans. ‘What is it, Mummy? You look very upset.’

‘Lord Parvoil has sent a carriage for Henrietta, and a most distressing letter saying that you lied, to put Lord Bellinger in a bad light, Katrina. He says he has now heard the truth from Lord Bellinger and it doesn’t sit at all with what you have told Henrietta.’

Katrina listened in astonishment to what Lord Bellinger had said to Lord Parvoil about the whole incident. Her mother’s voice shook as she read the letter out, and there were tears in her voice when she finished with: ‘Oh dear, Lord Parvoil has said that when and if the wedding takes place between yourself and the Earl of Harrogate, would we kindly refrain from inviting him and Lady Parvoil! Good Lord, what is all this about, Katrina?’

‘I – I don’t know. I didn’t lie, Mama, I didn’t. He insulted me; he tried to lure me into a room where he had his paintings, and he made insinuations . . . He – he did! And then he did it again when he sent for me to apologize, only I asked Henrietta to come with me. Henrietta heard what he said about the Earl and—’

Henrietta stood, looking from one to the other of them. Her face held an expression of incredulity. When she spoke, dread wove its way into Katrina’s heart, as she couldn’t deny the truth of Henrietta’s words, and it was only now that she realized how clever Lord Bellinger had been, in the way he had chosen his own words.

‘Katrina, what have you done? I heard Lord Bellinger say that he had been wrong and hadn’t meant to respond in the way he did, to the impression that you conveyed to him. No, don’t deny it. You even tried to apologize just now, almost admitting it all. And actually, now I come to think of it, you did twist his words about what he said on offering for your hand. I can’t believe this of you. You knew I had a leaning towards Simon – Lord Bellinger. How could you!’

‘Henrietta? Mama?’

‘Please get my things, Mrs Arkwright. I will leave immediately.’ With this, Henrietta walked out of the room and Katrina’s mother followed her.

Katrina sat down. Her heart thumped in her breast. Will no one believe me? I meant to say that I shouldn’t have gone, not . . . Oh dear, will Lord Frederick believe me? Oh, why did I go to the blessed ball? But then she knew why. It had flattered her to be considered worthy to take her place amongst the high-born, and by Lord Bellinger, with whom she had to admit she felt a certain fascination. The damned, pompous . . . Ooh, I could slap his face! She sank back into the chair as the realization hit her: I’m no longer worthy.

Not only that, but she knew she would be the talk of society, thanks to Lord Bellinger’s lies and her own stupidity in not making herself clear to Henrietta. And what that would mean for her future, or the future of her family, she dared not imagine.

She would write to Lord Frederick immediately and tell him exactly what had happened. It would be a test of his affection for her. If he believed her and did something about it, well and good – she would marry him. If he didn’t, then she would give him a chance to get out of their arrangement. And though it might not be correct to do so, she’d try to help her case by telling him how Lord Bellinger had said that Frederick was in love with the girl who was wanted for the unlawful killing of his brother. And she would tell him how Lord Bellinger had sent the girl’s young sister packing. This part frightened her more than any of it. What if he admitted some feeling for this cripple?

Oh, why has life suddenly become so complicated?