‘Freddie.’ Tristan pushed his wayward thoughts to one side and nodded at his nephew. ‘When did you get back to Bath?’
‘This morning. Your letter to Mama, telling her you had taken a house in Bath for the summer, could not have been better timed. I had been there for nearly a fortnight and was desperate to get back here, so I told her I was coming to join you. I have seen Hurley and he has arranged everything, prepared rooms for me and my man and had the bags taken up. I asked for wine to be brought in, too. I hope you do not mind, Tris, but you must be rattling around here all alone and cannot object to putting me up.’ He noticed his uncle’s hesitation and flushed slightly. ‘I can always find a room at the White Hart, or the Star, if it is inconvenient.’
‘It is not inconvenient at all,’ replied Tristan. ‘I would have preferred you to give me a little notice, that is all.’
‘Excellent! I did not like to presume and told Platt not to unpack my bags until I had spoken to you,’ came the sunny reply. ‘But I will do so, as soon as we have drunk a glass together. What will it be, Tris, Madeira? Or the claret is very good, I tried a glass while I was waiting for you.’
‘Claret, then. And it should be good. It is from my cellar at Dalmorren Manor.’ He waited until Freddie had supplied him with a glass of wine before speaking again. ‘How is your mother?’
‘In fine spirits. I took your advice and did not mention Miss Fairchild to her, although I did prepare the ground, telling her I thought it was time to settle down.’
‘Oh? And how did she take that?’
‘Not well. She started planning parties for me at Frimley, to introduce me to the families there, but I told her I was not in that much of a hurry. I said it can wait until my birthday in October.’
‘Did you, by heaven! And what excuse did you give her for coming back to Bath? Oh, of course,’ drawled Tristan, his voice heavy with sarcasm. ‘You were coming to visit me.’
Freddie beamed at him. ‘Yes. Has it not worked out well? But tell me, Tris, have you met Miss Fairchild? What do you think of her?’
Tristan took another sip of his wine and pretended to savour it. He had been expecting the question, but still felt unprepared to answer.
‘She is very pretty,’ he said at last.
‘Pretty! Tris, she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen!’
‘Ah, but then, you have not seen very many yet, have you? Now don’t fly up into the rafters, my boy, I am only stating the case. Very well, let us agree that Miss Fairchild is beautiful.’
‘And is she not accomplished?’
‘Extremely.’
Freddie’s brows snapped together. ‘You are going to add a rider,’ he accused his uncle.
‘Merely that we know nothing about her birth.’
‘What does that have to say to anything? I love her!’
‘As you have told me, on numerous occasions,’ retorted Tristan. ‘However, as your guardian, it behoves me to know something more about the lady.’
‘Then approach the Pridhams and ask them. Tell them Lya and I want to be married.’
‘They do not encourage young gentlemen to dangle after their ward.’
‘As I am very much aware! However, once they hear from you that I am serious and that I have the means to support a wife, they will come around, I am sure. And besides, Lya will be of age soon, then we will not need their consent.’
Tristan said cautiously, ‘Have you spoken to Miss Fairchild of your feelings?’
‘Well, not in so many words. She is always so hedged about by chaperons that we have not been able to speak plainly, but she must know of it.’
‘She has never slipped away to meet you in secret?’
Freddie looked shocked. ‘Good Lord, Tris, Lya would never do anything so…so improper. How could you even think it?’
‘No, forgive me. But she has given you reason to hope your suit would be successful?’
For the first time in the interview, Freddie looked unsure.
‘Not as such. I did come close to declaring myself on several occasions, but for some reason or another the moment was never propitious. And her aunt and uncle are always so vigilant, we had no opportunity to converse alone for more than a few minutes at a time. However, now that you are here to support me, I will get to it as soon as maybe.’ He grinned at Tristan. ‘And I have another ally! I told Grandmama about meeting Mrs Ancrum in Bath and she has written a letter that I am to deliver to her. That will put me in credit with the old lady, I am sure!’
‘But not necessarily with the Pridhams,’ murmured Tristan. ‘Or my sister, when she learns of the reason for your return to Bath.’
Freddie dismissed this with a wave of his hand.
‘You mean my marriage to Lya? Mama will come around, when she sees how much in love we are. What objection can there be?’ Freddie finished his wine and pushed himself out of his chair. ‘Now, I’d best go and tell Platt to look out my evening coat and we can sit down for a snug little dinner together.’
Freddie hurried away, leaving Tristan to pour himself another glass of wine. Natalya had assured him she was not thinking of marriage. Until today. When he had asked her directly if she would accept an offer from Freddie, she had prevaricated. Was she waiting to know what her own fortune might be?
He shifted uncomfortably. He had not thought her mercenary, but if she was penniless then any marriage would be preferable to destitution. And then there was that portrait she had drawn of Freddie. It was too intimate and far too handsome, portraying Freddie as the man he might become, rather than the boy he still was. Surely she could not have drawn that if she did not feel something for the boy.
Tristan decided he must observe them together. If they were truly in love, then he would have to reconsider, but his instinct was to dissuade Freddie from proposing marriage to Natalya, to do everything in his power to prevent the match. The problem was, he suspected his judgement was flawed, because he himself felt a strong attraction to the lady.
Not that anything could come of that. He would not, could not become his own nephew’s rival for Natalya’s affections.
* * *
‘Well, well, my lord, do they not make a handsome couple?’ Mrs Ancrum nodded towards Freddie and Natalya, who were making their way on to the dance floor.
Tristan did not answer immediately and the old woman chuckled. ‘If one believed in Fortune, one might think it was more than mere chance that has laid Mrs Pridham low with a sore throat. When Mr Pridham told me that was the reason she was not at the morning service yesterday I was very sorry, of course, but then I saw your nevvy and Miss Fairchild stealing a few words together and saw how I might do the young lovers a good turn, so I sent a note to Sydney Place, saying I had a notion to look in at the ball tonight and offering to bring Natalya.’
‘Allowing him to stand up with her for a second time might not be the wisest thing, ma’am.’
‘Oh, tosh, there can be no harm in it. Why, you did the self-same thing yourself.’
‘Aye, and I am aware of the gossip that created!’
Another fat chuckle. ‘I told you, my lord, a man cannot sneeze in Bath without it raising comment, not but what everyone believes you came to approve your ward’s choice of a bride!’
‘The devil they do!’
‘And why not? Young Erwin never made any secret of his preference for Natalya. Speculation is rife. If you listen to gossip, which I never do.’
He grinned at that. ‘But you are not averse to fuelling the gossip by allowing Miss Fairchild to dance all night with my nephew, is that it?’
‘It is my belief that the more they know of one another the better. That way the affair will either fizzle out when they discover they are not suited, or they will make a match of it.’
An elderly couple was bearing down upon them and, with a nod and a smile, Tristan excused himself and moved away, leaving Mrs Ancrum to talk to her friends uninterrupted. She was right, confound it, they did make a very striking couple and danced well together. Freddie was tall, although still showing some of the lankiness of youth, and his partner, with her deep brown eyes and her raven-black hair, lustrous in the candlelight, was the perfect foil for his classically fair good looks.
The Pridhams were sure to hear that Freddie had been showing their ward an undue amount of attention. Tristan gave an inward shrug. He was not the boy’s keeper and Mrs Ancrum was right to let them have more time together. They needed to discover their true feelings and better they should do it here, in public, than stealing time alone together. He turned away. Good luck to them.
* * *
For Natalya, standing up again with Freddie was a mixed blessing. She knew her aunt would want her to refuse, but Freddie danced well and he begged her so charmingly that she succumbed to the temptation, especially since she could see Lord Fossbridge bearing down upon her and the thought of spending two country dances with him, listening to his ponderous compliments and enduring his even more ponderous dancing, was not to be borne.
If it had been Lord Dalmorren coming to solicit her hand, she would have refused Freddie, but Tristan had not approached her all evening, save to greet her when she arrived with Mrs Ancrum. Not that it mattered, she told herself as she skipped along beside her partner. She did not care in the least whether he danced with her or not.
‘By Jove, that was lively,’ declared Freddie, as the last bars of music died away. He held on to her hand. ‘Shall we sit out the next? I want to talk to you.’ He squeezed her fingers. ‘Please say you will, Lya. I do not know when we may get another chance like this.’
Natalya felt a momentary panic. He was going to propose to her and she would much rather he did not. When Tristan had asked her bluntly if she would marry Freddie, she had felt so uncertain about her future that she had seriously thought she might do so, even though she did not love him and doubted if he was truly in love with her. But when the two men had entered the ballroom together this evening, all her doubts had disappeared. She had known then that she could never marry Freddie.
Now he was smiling down at her, his face alight with hope, and her heart sank. However, there was no avoiding it now, so they had best get it over. She allowed him to lead the way to two chairs set a little apart from their neighbours. Natalya fanned herself nervously while Freddie, looking equally ill at ease, fidgeted beside her.
He laughed suddenly. ‘This is not how I envisaged this moment, Lya, but if I do not speak now heaven knows when we may have another opportunity.’
‘Oh, please, Freddie, please say no more.’ He looked at her in alarm and she went on, with some difficulty. ‘Am I—would I be correct in thinking you mean to offer for me?’
‘Well, yes, but I am making such a mull of it, aren’t I?’
She reached out and touched his hand. ‘Dear Freddie, that is not why I stopped you. You see, I do not want—that is, I do not think you should propose to me.’
‘Are you afraid your aunt and uncle would object, or that my own family would refuse to allow it?’
‘I am sure of it, but I would not let that stand between us, if…if I loved you.’
‘And you don’t?’ His blue eyes were fixed on her. ‘Are you sure you could not learn to love me, in time?’
She shook her head. ‘I like you very much, as a friend, Freddie, but I do not love you. And I do not think you really love me. Not the deep, lasting love that is required for a happy marriage. No, let me finish,’ she said quickly, when he opened his mouth to protest. ‘I fear we should not suit, my dear friend. Our interests are so different. You do not share my love of art, for instance, or astronomy. And you only enjoy music if you can dance to it. You fell asleep during the last concert you attended in Bath, did you not?’
‘Confound it, Lya, what is that to say to anything? True, I do not like reading, as you do. And I cannot understand your interest in old stones or…or history, but I would be happy to go with you to visit the Royal Academy or the museum in London, or even if you wished to travel around England looking at ancient monuments and the like.’
This was said with such an air of dogged determination that she laughed. ‘I can see by your expression that the very idea of it fills you with horror.’
‘No, no, you mistake me,’ he said hastily. ‘I could learn to love these things, as you do.’
‘Perhaps you could, but why should you do so? I am sure you would be happier with someone else.’ She flicked a little glance at him. ‘Jane Grisham, perhaps. You have been friends for so long I think you would suit very well.’
‘No, how could you say that?’ he protested. ‘Lya, I knew from the first moment I saw you that I wanted you for my wife! I know what it is, you have seen how easy Jane and I are together and you are jealous. That shows you care for me!’
Smiling, she shook her head and reached up to put a warning finger against his mouth.
‘Hush now, Freddie. The fact that I am not at all jealous tells me quite the opposite. I am very flattered by your offer, but believe me, I cannot love you.’ He looked downcast and she reached out to take his hand. ‘I hope we can remain friends.’
‘I hope so, too.’ He sighed. ‘Ah, well. I suppose there would be a deal of opposition to our marrying now. However, in a few months we will both be of age. Who knows but I might persuade you to change your mind by then? And such a show of constancy must weigh with my mother, as well as with the Pridhams. No, you will not make me give up hope just yet.’
‘Very well.’ Natalya knew she was being cowardly in not making her rejection absolute, but Freddie was looking so much more cheerful she could not bear to dash his hopes. Also, she was very sure his infatuation would soon fade. ‘Let us agree to remain friends, then. In truth, I should not like to fall out with you, Freddie, I have so few real friends in Bath and I count you as one of them.’
‘I am honoured you should think so.’
He was still holding her hand, but when he would have lifted it to his lips, she gently pulled away, saying with another smile,
‘We have been sitting together for a full quarter of an hour and I think you should escort me back to Mrs Ancrum, before she grows anxious.’
* * *
Tristan was determined not to stand and watch Freddie and Natalya going down the country dance, but he could not prevent his eyes from straying back to the dance floor. He had just decided to take a look in the card room when a jovial voice at his shoulder made him turn quickly.
‘If it isn’t Tristan Quintrell. Never expected to see you in this place!’
‘James!’ Tristan put out his hand, genuinely delighted to see his old friend. ‘Last time I heard, you were in the Peninsula. You had just made major.’ He looked around. ‘Is your wife with you?’
James Moffatt pulled a face. ‘You don’t think I’d come to a ball of my own volition, do you? Dolly is here somewhere, chattering with her friends.’
Tristan laughed. They had been at school together, but had lost touch in recent years and he was content to spend several minutes catching up on the past.
‘So, you have sold out,’ he said at last. ‘What brings you to Bath?’
‘Old wounds. Took a bullet in the leg, old boy, and one in the chest that just missed the lung. It has left me devilish weak, I can tell you. In fact, this is one of my first outings. Dolly decided retiring to Bath would be just the thing for us, so she packed up everything and moved us here. Had to sell my hunters. I don’t ride much now, y’see.’
He placed one hand on his chest, looking glum.
‘I did not bring any of my riding horses to Bath,’ Tristan replied. ‘I did not think I’d need ’em.’
In truth, he had not expected to be in Bath so long. He had anticipated being here a week or so, to make Miss Fairchild’s acquaintance and pursue his enquiries about her family. The only reason he had taken the house in George Street was in order to bring his mother and Katherine here, should an alliance between Freddie and Natalya prove inevitable.
‘I should like to explore the countryside around Bath,’ said the Major, interrupting his thoughts. ‘but Dolly won’t countenance any exertion until the sawbones says I am well enough and he’s not keen on my doing anything more than taking a gentle airing around the city at present. Dolly won’t even let me drive up to Lansdown, where I believe the view is well worth the effort.’
Tristan decided not to mention his recent ride there, fearing it might upset his friend. Instead he tried to give James’s thoughts a more cheerful turn.
‘That will wait until you are stronger. In the meantime, there are numerous entertainments to be had in Bath itself. The theatre, lectures, even balls such as this!’
The Major grimaced. ‘We have been here a few months now and I’m afraid it’s not the place for me. Too full of gossip and invalids! When the lease runs out at the end of the summer, I think we’ll be off back to Berkshire. Why are you here?’
‘Family matters.’ Tristan did not want to elaborate.
‘Ah, yes. That’s your nephew over there, ain’t it, Tris? Dancing with Miss Fairchild.’
‘Are you acquainted with the lady?’
‘I know of her. Local beauty.’
‘I can see that. Tell me something I do not know.’
‘Not much to tell. The Pridhams keep her closely guarded.’
‘What of her parents?’
‘I know nothing about ’em, old friend. Ah, here is Dolly now. She can tell you more.’
James smiled as his wife came up and took his arm. After pleasantries had been exchanged, he told her of Tristan’s interest in Miss Fairchild.
Mrs Moffatt regarded him with her bird-bright eyes.
‘Why, she is quite a mystery, my lord! No one knows anything about her father, but I heard tell that her mother’s family has quite cast her off. Some say she was born the wrong side of the blanket, but the fact that Mrs Ancrum has taken the chit under her wing suggests otherwise. She is a pretty-behaved gel and whatever the truth may be, the Pridhams look after her pretty well.’ Her gaze flickered over the dance floor. ‘I’m surprised she is standing up with your nephew again. That will give the Bath tabbies something to gossip over in the Pump Room tomorrow!’
Major Moffatt laughed. ‘As if they needed something! But tell me, Tris, do you ever see anything of young Framlington? And what of Naismith…?’
Tristan smiled, but was relieved at the change of subject, and by the time they parted the next country dance was well underway. He turned his attention back to the dance floor, but there was no sign of his nephew, or Miss Fairchild. His eyes raked the benches at the side of the room and he finally spotted them sitting together in one corner of the room. He could only see Freddie’s profile, but Natalya’s lovely face was smiling, and as he watched she put her finger to Freddie’s lips, then reached for his hand.
Tristan swung away. He felt winded, as if he had taken a blow to the gut. Could anything be clearer? For all her protestations to the contrary, Natalya obviously cared a great deal for Freddie. Jaw clenched, he moved blindly towards the door, but his pace slowed before he reached it. He could not leave. Freddie might very well partner Natalya for another two dances before the night was out, if he was not checked. He remembered Dolly Moffatt’s words. People were already watching, speculating about the young couple. For them to stand up together for a third time would send the gossipmongers into a frenzy.
The music had stopped and he turned in time to see Freddie escorting Natalya back to Mrs Ancrum. Tristan made his way through the milling crowd until he was close enough to catch Freddie’s eye. He watched as his nephew excused himself and came across.
‘Well, Tris, did you want me?’ He was grinning, clearly pleased at the way his evening was progressing. ‘I was about to ask Miss Spinhurst to stand up.’
‘Henry Grisham is there before you,’ Tristan replied, glancing across the room. ‘I thought we might play a hand of cards.’
‘At a ball?’ Freddie laughed. ‘Come now, Tris, is there no one you wish to dance with?’
Tristan took his arm. ‘Humour me.’
‘Very well.’
With a shrug, Freddie followed him into the card room. They found an empty table in one corner and commenced a game of piquet.
‘Tell me,’ said Tristan, studying his cards, ‘how many other ladies have you danced with this evening, besides Miss Fairchild?’
‘Why, none, as yet.’ Freddie quickly selected a discard and threw it down. ‘You cannot blame me for taking this opportunity to dance with Natalya. When her aunt is present, she is allowed only two dances with any man. Natalya is kept far too confined.’
‘Perhaps with good reason.’
A frown crossed Freddie’s cheerful countenance. ‘Natalya is the woman I intend to marry, Tris. I’ll not hear a word against her.’
‘Neither do you want to incur censure.’
‘There is no one here who would do so. Devil take it, Tris, Mrs Ancrum sees no harm in our dancing together.’
‘She may not do so, but you may be sure the Pridhams will, when they hear of it.’
Freddie looked mutinous. ‘Natalya deserves to enjoy herself and, if she wishes to dance with me again this evening, I will not deny her!’
Tristan frowned at him. ‘You young fool, do you not realise that your attentions will reflect badly on the lady?’ He saw the boy’s face darken and said more gently, ‘You would not wish Miss Fairchild to become the object of gossip and speculation, would you?’
He saw that his words had hit home. Freddie’s boyish face grew serious.
‘No, of course not, but…’ He stopped, then said in a furious under-voice, ‘We are merely dancing, Tris. Surely no one can think anything wrong with that!’
‘This is Bath, Freddie. Most of the people here love nothing more than to see the most innocent events in a scandalous light.’
‘You are right, damn you.’ Freddie sighed. ‘Oh, well, when we have finished our game, I will engage both Miss Grisham and Miss Spinhurst to stand up with me this evening. That will throw the tabbies off the scent.’
‘It will help, certainly,’ said Tristan. He put down his cards. ‘My trick, I think.’
* * *
The play continued and after an hour Freddie threw down his cards in disgust.
‘You win again,’ he said, giving Tristan a rueful look. ‘That’s three games in a row. I beg your pardon, I have not really been attending to the cards.’
‘It does not matter. At least you are not making a cake of yourself in the ballroom.’
‘True.’ Freddie cocked his head, listening to the music. ‘If I am going to solicit Miss Grisham’s hand, I should go and do so for the next country dance.’
‘Very well. But you will oblige me by not standing up with Miss Fairchild again.’
‘But she has already promised to dance The Maid of Seville with me.’
Tristan shrugged. ‘Then another beau will have an opportunity to stand up with her.’
‘You do not understand.’ Freddie leaned across the table, saying earnestly, ‘Have you not noticed? The gentlemen do not dance with her, some discouraged by the Pridhams, others because they are afraid of associating with a lady whose birth is shrouded in mystery.’ He added bitterly, ‘If I do not stand up with her again, she will be obliged to sit out, or to suffer dancing with the likes of Lord Fossbridge!’
‘Very well, I will take your place.’
‘You!’
‘Yes. I was not going to dance tonight, but if it is the only way to salve your conscience, then I will do so.’
For a moment he thought Freddie would object, but then the boy grinned.
‘I have to say I’d as soon you danced with Lya than anyone else, Tris. And it will give you a chance to get to know her better.’
* * *
As they strolled back to the ballroom, Tristan had to admit the idea of standing up with Natalya appealed to him. Freddie went off to find himself a partner and Tristan moved to the side to watch the set that was currently forming. He saw Colonel Yatton leading Natalya out on to the dance floor. The boy was right, Tristan admitted to himself. Most of Natalya’s partners were elderly friends of the Pridhams or Mrs Ancrum.
Freddie had secured Jane Grisham’s hand and as they joined the set, Tristan saw the smile that Natalya gave them. He forced himself not to scowl. She looked serene, not at all jealous to see her beau standing up with another lady. He turned away and went to sit beside James Moffatt on the benches at the side of the room. By heaven, she must be confident of her power over Freddie!
* * *
It was time. Tristan crossed the room towards Mrs Ancrum. Natalya was one of the little group surrounding the old lady, but she had her back to the room and did not see his approach. Mrs Ancrum beamed at him.
‘Ah, here is your next partner, my dear, come to carry you off!’
Natalya turned, the laughter dying from her face.
‘Oh. I thought Freddie…’
He bowed. ‘Plans have changed. I hope you will do me the honour, Miss Fairchild?’
He offered his arm to Natalya and as they walked away, he heard Mrs Ancrum chuckle. ‘Lord, how I enjoy watching the young people enjoying themselves!’
Neither of them spoke as they took their place in the set that was forming. Tristan noted the becoming flush to Natalya’s cheeks. Brought on, he thought bitterly, by flirting with Freddie, even while he was dancing with another lady! He recalled the way she and Freddie had sat out earlier, deep in discussion. How she had taken his hand. The memory sliced into him like a knife.
Natalya cast a doubtful glance up at him. ‘Have I done something to offend you, my lord?’
‘Apart from making up to my nephew?’
She flushed, but her chin lifted a fraction. ‘Freddie and I are friends.’
‘That is very plain to see!’
If he had thought the music would drown out his words, he was mistaken. She glared at him.
‘What do you mean by that, what are you implying?’
‘That your sitting with your heads together for half an hour will set tongues wagging.’
The movement of the dance prevented them saying more and Tristan was thankful. A ballroom was no place for an argument. When they came back together, he forced himself to apologise.
‘I beg your pardon, Miss Fairchild. It is not my place to reprimand you.’
The smile on her lips did not match the wrathful sparkle in her eyes.
‘You are quite correct, my lord, it is not your place.’ That determined little chin lifted even higher and she said icily, ‘Not that I admit to any action that warrants a reprimand! Talking to your nephew, in full view of everyone, cannot be considered fast.’
She danced away from him, her black curls bouncing. She was right about that. Talking with Freddie was in no way improper, but that intimate gesture, when she had reached out and touched Freddie’s mouth… The thought of it sent a bolt of pain crashing through him and he almost missed his step. Confound it, he was jealous of his own nephew!
He thrust the thought aside, horrified, and tried to concentrate on the complicated movement of the dance. By the time he and Natalya were together again he had regained his composure. She responded to his attempts at conversation warily, but when he led her back to Mrs Ancrum they were able to part with perfect civility, if not in any friendly fashion. Her response to his nod was a frosty curtsy before she turned away to smile at Colonel Yatton, who had come up to claim her hand for the next dance. Jaw clenched, Tristan strode off to the card room with never a backward glance.
* * *
Tristan glanced at his watch. It was so late he might as well remain until the end of the ball. He waited while Freddie escorted Natalya and Mrs Ancrum to their carriage, then they walked back to George Street together. Freddie, naturally enough, was ecstatic.
‘What an evening! To dance the first dances with Natalya, then to be allowed to stand up with her again! I was sorry not to stand up a further time, but I see now that your dancing with her has answered very well.’
‘Oh?’ Tristan glanced at him warily. ‘What did Miss Fairchild tell you of our dance together?’
‘Why, nothing, only that you understand one another better now.’
What the devil did that mean? Tristan wondered why she had not told Freddie of his disapproval. The boy was sufficiently infatuated to take her side in any argument. But she would know that Freddie did not like to be at odds with anyone. Perhaps she was so sure of him she could afford to keep silent.
‘But you were not dancing the whole time you were with Miss Fairchild,’ remarked Tristan, trying to sound casual. ‘What did you discuss, when you were sitting out together?’
Freddie waved a hand. ‘Oh, this and that. There is so little chance to talk, you see, when she is chaperoned by Mrs Pridham.’ He gave an ecstatic sigh. ‘Is she not an angel, Tris?’
‘I do not feel qualified to judge.’
‘No? But you have danced with her. She has grace, beauty and intelligence. She is more accomplished than any other woman of my acquaintance!’
‘A veritable paragon, then.’
Freddie stopped. ‘Yes. She is, Tris!’
Tristan took his arm and gently moved him on. ‘And has she agreed to marry you?’
‘Oh, well, you know, not yet, but she will. I am confident she will. Only she thought it best to wait a few weeks. Until she is of age, you know.’
‘The devil she did!’ Tristan bit back any further comment. He did not know what to think. Was she a cunning little vixen, who had Freddie wrapped around her finger and meant to wed him, or was she waiting to see how much she was worth and if she could aim higher? If she discovered she was a considerable heiress, would she drop him flat?
There was also the possibility that she was the love-child of some unknown gentleman. It had crossed his mind more than once that the Pridhams might be playing some deep game, intent on catching a rich husband for their niece.
‘Perhaps you should invite Mama to come to Bath,’ Freddie mused. ‘I am sure she will love Natalya, do you not think so?’
Tristan thought Katherine would be horrified at the thought of her only son marrying a girl whose respectable birth was not assured.
‘I think we should wait a little for that,’ he replied cautiously. ‘The house in George Street is hired for the season, so there is no rush.’ He knew his nephew was going to argue and said quickly, ‘I will sound out the Pridhams. If you are serious about offering for Miss Fairchild.’
‘More serious than I have ever been about anything in my life before. Dash it, Tris, have you not been listening to me?’
‘I beg your pardon, Freddie, but it is very sudden. You have known the lady for such a short time.’
‘I have known her since January, and it is now May!’
‘Yes, yes, but you were only in Bath for a small part of the year.’
‘What has that to say to anything? I fell in love at first sight!’
‘Your mother is hardly likely to think that is a recommendation. What can you tell her about Natalya? What do you know of her birth, her family?’
With an oath Freddie clutched at Tristan’s arm.
‘Tris, pray do not refuse to support me in this! You must talk to the Pridhams as soon as maybe. When they realise I am serious in wanting to marry Natalya they cannot fail to give you some information about her.’
The flaring streetlamp made Freddie’s youthful features looking even younger, but there was no doubting the earnest entreaty in his voice. Tristan sighed.
‘Very well. Tomorrow I will call at Sydney Place and speak to Pridham about the matter.’
‘Excellent. I knew I might rely upon you!’ Freddie slipped his arm through Tristan’s as they set off again. ‘Now, when we get back to your house, we should open a bottle of your best claret, to celebrate!’
* * *
It was a full week before Tristan could see Mr Pridham, who had succumbed to the sore throat that had laid low his good lady. Natalya had escaped the infection, but she could not be persuaded to go out or to receive visitors, apart from the doctor and the various tutors employed to instruct her. Tristan learned all this from Freddie, who appeared to accept the situation with equanimity. His friend, Gore Conyer had arrived in Bath and the two young men joined the Grishams for various outdoor parties and picnics, as the weather continued fair.
It was thus on the Monday morning that a note was delivered for Lord Dalmorren, informing His Lordship that Mr Pridham would see him at two o’clock, if it suited. Tristan duly presented himself and was shown into the drawing room, where his host greeted him with rather forced bonhomie and offered him a glass of port wine.
‘I wish I could offer you sherry, my lord, but as you know, the recent war in the Peninsula has wreaked havoc with the supplies coming in from Spain.’
Conversation continued thus, and it was not until the two men were seated, each with a glass in hand, that Tristan had the opportunity to explain the reason for his visit. Mention of Freddie brought a frown to Mr Pridham’s already sombre countenance.
‘That young gentleman has become a little too particular in his attentions to my niece.’
‘I believe there is an attraction between them,’ replied Tristan. ‘It is hardly surprising. My nephew tells me they have been acquainted now since the beginning of the year. I believe there may be some understanding between them, sir, and it behoves me, as Mr Erwin’s guardian, to discuss the matter with you.’
‘There is no need for discussion. There can be no possibility of an alliance between Erwin and my niece.’
Tristan’s brows rose. ‘That is very blunt, sir.’
‘I think it is best to speak frankly. This affair must be nipped in the bud before it goes too far.’
Tristan put down his half-empty glass. He had the impression that if he had finished his wine Mr Pridham would have suggested he should leave. He tried a more persuasive note.
‘Surely, if the young people are truly fond of one another, we should at least consider the matter.’
‘There is nothing to consider. I should be obliged to you, my lord, if you would inform Mr Erwin that his suit will not succeed.’
‘He will be disappointed to hear that.’ He forced himself to add, ‘As, I believe, will Miss Fairchild. I had not thought my nephew such an ineligible partner. The lady certainly does not appear to think so.’
‘My ward will do as she is bid,’ retorted Mr Pridham. ‘I have already told her she should forget Mr Erwin. There will be no repeat of last week’s disgraceful behaviour in the Assembly Rooms, where they spent far too much time together and attracted no little attention.’ His mouth turned down in distaste. ‘You were present, I believe, my lord. I would have thought, as Erwin’s guardian, you might have done more to prevent it. They have laid themselves open to gossip. I have informed Natalya that she will attend no more balls for the time being and her outings will be severely curtailed while your nephew is in Bath.’
‘You are not afraid that she will rebel?’ Tristan smiled. ‘Young love can be very overwhelming, you know.’
‘My lord, if you think your nephew might try to persuade Natalya to elope then I suggest most strongly that you advise him against it.’
Tristan’s hold on his temper began to slip.
‘Freddie might be in love, but he is a gentleman,’ he retorted. ‘He would never contemplate taking such an outrageous step.’
‘I am glad to hear it.’
Tristan regarded his host steadily. ‘Have you considered, sir, that your niece will be of age in a few weeks’ time? She will then be able to wed anyone she chooses.’
‘Rest assured it will not be your nephew!’
‘Really? From what I have observed, I believe your niece is very fond of him. Surely you would not like to see her hurt.’
‘That need not concern you, my lord.’ Pridham rose. ‘Now, if that is all, I am extremely busy.’
Tristan pushed himself to his feet. Time for a little plain speaking.
‘You have made it quite clear that you will not countenance an offer from my nephew. Perhaps we should discuss my concerns about Miss Fairchild. You cannot be unaware that there is some talk about her parentage.’
‘Idle gossip that is unworthy of attention.’
‘Unworthy, perhaps, but the speculation cannot be other than damaging to the young lady.’
Mr Pridham drew himself to his full height and glared up at Tristan.
‘My lord I am not at liberty to tell you anything of Miss Fairchild’s history, or her parents. Nor can I give your nephew any reason to hope. I am sure he is an excellent young man but he should not, must not, offer for her.’ He stalked to the door and held it open. ‘I bid you good day, my lord.’
* * *
Tristan made his way back to George Street, turning over in his mind his conversation with Pridham. He had expected the man to show a little more compassion towards the young couple. Instead, the fellow had exhibited a despotic attitude that would not have looked out of place in a Gothic novel. No wonder Natalya might be tempted to marry, just to escape his petty tyranny.
Freddie had been in good spirits all week and Tristan hoped he would not be unduly disappointed by the setback. He would have to warn the boy against any hasty action, but if the pair were intent upon a union, then they should wait until they were both of age. Natalya would be one-and-twenty in a few weeks’ time, Freddie’s birthday was in October. Heaven knew he did not want them to marry, but if they were determined, he would not stand in their way. And, he thought grimly, he would have to coax his sister into accepting to the match.
* * *
Arriving at his house, Tristan was informed that his nephew was in the drawing room. He left his hat and gloves with the footman and went in. Freddie was standing beside the fireplace, staring down into the empty hearth, and Tristan decided to get the bad news over with as quickly as possible.
He said, without preamble, ‘I will tell you now, Pridham is determined to forbid the banns.’
Freddie turned towards him, his boyish countenance pale and unusually grim.
‘Is he, by Gad? Well, it seems he is not the only one who objects to my courting Miss Fairchild. I have been warned off, Tris.’