The first pale streaks of dawn lined the horizon when they came to a crossroads. Ahead of them a wall built of smooth Ham stone stretched alongside the lane.
‘This is promising,’ Tristan remarked. ‘There looks to be a park on the other side. Let us hope we find a gate lodge soon. Hold on.’
Natalya had been dozing but she clung tighter to Tristan as he put the horse to the trot. Although they did not come upon an elegant entrance, they discovered a wooden gate across a cart track winding through the trees. The gate was unlocked and a bare half-mile later they found themselves at the service quarters of a substantial country property.
Lights shone from a low building on one side of the yard. Natalya’s sigh was a mixture of exhaustion and relief.
‘The laundry, I suspect,’ murmured Tristan, urging the mare towards the open doorway. ‘They will be lighting the fires under the coppers to heat the water. Hello there!’
A startled maid appeared, wiping her hands on her apron.
‘Can you take us to the housekeeper?’ Tristan asked her. ‘I fear it is a little early to be disturbing the master or mistress.’
The maid dropped a curtsy before setting off towards the back of the main house. When she disappeared inside, Tristan dismounted and reached up for Natalya.
‘Come along.’
She slid down into his arms, but as her feet touched the ground, she realised that her limbs would not support her. Quickly she gripped his shoulders and Tristan’s arms came around her.
‘Steady now.’
She looked up to see him smiling at her. It was impossible not to smile back and when his arms tightened, her heart began to thud erratically. He was going to kiss her, she knew it, wanted it, most desperately, but she felt dizzy. There was a pain behind her eyes and darkness was pressing in. She could not see him clearly and, even as he lowered his head, everything went black.
* * *
Tristan had barely brushed her lips before he realised Natalya had fainted. He swept her up into his arms and was still looking down at her when the maid reappeared, followed by an elderly woman hastily securing the ties of a voluminous dressing gown around her ample person.
‘Good morning, sir. I am Mrs Sturry, the housekeeper—’ She broke off, her eyes widening at the sight of them.
Tristan realised how it must look, a lady in a tattered and besmirched white ballgown, lifeless in the arms of a hatless gentleman.
‘There has been an accident…’
He trailed off, cursing the inadequacy of the words, but they were sufficient. The housekeeper clucked around them like a mother hen and begged him to bring his lady indoors. She sent the maid running ahead of her to carry the lamp and light the way. Tristan followed them up the stairs to a guest room where the housekeeper directed him to put his burden down upon the bed.
‘Oh, dear, oh, my,’ she muttered as she went around the room, lighting the candles. ‘I did not expect this and Sir Toby and Lady Farnell gone to London, too! But they would not want me to shirk my duty as a Christian towards travellers in need, I am sure.’
Tristan sat on the edge of the bed, gently removing Natalya’s white-kid slippers while the housekeeper babbled on. He only stopped her when she said she would send for the doctor to attend the young lady.
‘Thank you, but that will not necessary. She has merely fainted from shock and fatigue.’
He took Natalya’s hand, felt the steady pulse in her wrist, confirming his suspicion. Not for the world would he risk her health, but neither did he want to announce their presence to the wider world in case her abductors should hear of it.
‘Ah, well then.’ The housekeeper came closer and stood, hands folded, looking down at Natalya. ‘Poor dear needs rest. As do you, sir, I’ll be bound. I’ll send Maisie up with some soup for you and I will look out a couple of nightgowns for you and your wife.’
She bustled away, closing the door softly behind her. Tristan rebuked himself for not telling her they were not married. His senses were more disordered than he had realised. He glanced at Natalya, lying still and silent in her torn silk gown. Almost all the white rosebuds had disappeared now and her tangled curls were fanned out across the pillows like a dark storm cloud. A wry smile tugged at his mouth.
‘Hell and damnation,’ he murmured. ‘Here’s a pretty coil!’
* * *
Natalya stirred, fighting against the fog of a very deep sleep that had been plagued by disturbing dreams. Then she opened her eyes and realised she was not in her own bed. Nor was it her own nightshift she was wearing, for it was far too large and much thicker than the fine cotton shifts her aunt had purchased for her. So, it could not all have been a dream.
‘You are awake.’
Turning her head, she saw Tristan sitting in a chair by the window. As memory came crashing back, she tried to stay calm and gather her thoughts.
‘Where are we?’
‘Farnell Hall, home to Sir Toby Farnell and his lady. They are in London at present, but fortunately for us their housekeeper, Mrs Sturry, is a good Christian and took us in when she learned of our predicament.’
Natalya put a hand to her cheek. ‘What could you possibly have told her to account for our appearance last night?’
‘I told her the truth, that you had been abducted and I rescued you.’ He smiled. ‘She thought it quite romantic.’
He had shed his coat and neckcloth, his shirt was open at the neck and the sunlight glinted on his hair, turning it a rich golden brown. With his handsome face and strong, athletic body, there was no denying he looked every inch a romantic hero. Natalya blushed furiously at the thought.
‘You are probably wondering why I am here alone in the room with you,’ he said, anticipating her next question. ‘I am afraid our hostess thought we were man and wife. I was…er…not quick enough to refute the idea.’
‘You s-slept here?’ She shrank back against the pillows.
‘In the chair,’ he told her. ‘It was not difficult; I was so tired I could have slept on a board.’
‘Oh.’
He pushed himself to his feet. ‘Would you like something to eat? I told Mrs Sturry I would go and find her when you were awake. She will bring something up for you to break your fast.’
‘No, no,’ she cried, distracted. ‘I must get up. I must get back to Bath with all speed. Where are my clothes?’
She tried to throw back the bedding, but he stopped her.
‘There is no hurry. Mrs Sturry has taken your gown away to clean it as best she can.’
‘But I must get home!’
He said gently, ‘It is well past noon now and too late to get you there today.’
‘Nonsense. We cannot have come that far.’
‘Far enough.’ Tristan tucked the bedcovers back around her. ‘I do not propose to ride into Bath with you across my saddle-bow. And on a Sunday, too. Think what a feast the gossipmongers would make of that!’
She fell back against the pillows. Despite her long sleep she felt too exhausted to argue. All she could do was whisper a faint, ‘Thank you.’
He smiled and stepped back from the bed.
‘We will need to hire a chaise. Our hostess tells me the nearest place to do that is Devizes. By the time I have returned here to collect you, we should not reach Bath before dark, and I want to make the journey in broad daylight, with plenty of traffic on the road.’
Natalya plucked nervously at the sheet.
‘Do you think the men who abducted me might be watching out for us?’
‘It is unlikely, but I will not take the risk of driving you home at night, when we would be most vulnerable to attack. Now, I will send Mrs Sturry up with your breakfast and I shall ride into Devizes and find a suitable vehicle to convey you back to Sydney Place tomorrow.’ Without thinking she reached out her hand and he took it, smiling at her. ‘Do not look so frightened, Natalya. You will be perfectly safe here while I am gone.’
‘No, no, you misunderstand.’ Her fingers clung to him. ‘You must not go alone. I c-could not bear it if something happened to you.’
He sat down on the edge of the bed and regarded her for a moment, his grey eyes enigmatic.
‘Nothing is going to happen to me, Natalya. I will be as quick as I can.’ Giving her hand a final squeeze, he went to the door. ‘Oh.’ He turned. ‘Just in case you were wondering. We are Mr and Mrs Quintrell. It is my family name, so not too far from the truth.’
With that he was gone. Natalya listened to his quick, firm tread on the boards fading away to nothing. She felt bereft. Not even his final smile could shake it. She allowed herself the indulgence of a few hot tears, which she dashed away when the door opened and the housekeeper came in with a heavily laden tray.
‘There, there, dearie, there’s nothing to weep about,’ she exclaimed. ‘You are safe enough here, you have my word on that. Now, you just eat up your breakfast, that will put some heart into you.’ She put the tray across Natalya’s lap and bustled about the room, plumping cushions and straightening ornaments. ‘It is only ham and a little bread and butter, but I have brought you tea, as well, which Lady Farnell swears always perks her up.’
‘That is very generous of you,’ murmured Natalya, taking a sip.
‘Nonsense, it’s the least I can do, after the trouble you have been through. Your man was telling me how those horrid relatives of yours took against him when he married you and wanted to fetch you back. Shameful, I calls it, when anyone can see he is head over heels in love with you!’
‘He—he is?’ The teacup clattered in the saucer.
‘Lord, yes! I’ve never seen a man more besotted, ma’am! And when he laid you down here, and you stirred and clutched at his hand, beggin’ him not to leave you—well! It fair brought tears to my eyes to see the two of you. So don’t you be afraid. If anyone comes here a-looking for you I shall send ’em to the rightabout.’
She was standing with her fists on her hips, looking so fierce that Natalya did not doubt her at all.
‘Thank you, Mrs Sturry. You are too kind. Especially with your master and mistress away.’
‘Aye, Sir Toby and his lady have gone to town, to see these foreign Emperors and Kings and the like who are coming to celebrate the fact that that French monster has been well and truly beaten and sent to Elba.’ She snorted. ‘To my mind he should be given the same treatment as his sort gave all those poor French aristos during the Revolution. They should cut off his head. But there, as a good Christian I suppose I shouldn’t say so.’
Natalya did not know how to respond to this outburst so she concentrated on her breakfast. She found she was, after all, quite hungry and had soon eaten everything before her.
‘I feel much better for that, Mrs Sturry, thank you.’
The housekeeper beamed as she bustled over to collect the empty tray.
‘I knew you would. Now, I shall go and see if your gown is ready, then we can get you dressed before your husband comes back from Devizes.’
‘Is it very far? That is, will he be long?’
‘Ah, bless me, you are missing him already! He will be back in two shakes of a lamb’s tail, you mark my words, then you can have a cosy dinner in here, just the two of you. Your man thought you would prefer that to the formal dining room. I did tell him I was sure my mistress would not object to you using the family rooms, but he was adamant this would be better. It’s my belief he does not want to impose on Sir Toby without express permission. Such a thoughtful gentleman, Mr Quintrell, is he not? And so handsome, too, if you don’t mind my saying so.’ She gave a fat chuckle. ‘Ah, now I’ve made you blush. No need to colour up so, my dear, many a woman would give a lot to have such a man for a husband.’
She went out, still chuckling, leaving Natalya feeling more bereft than ever.
* * *
The housekeeper assigned one of the housemaids to help Natalya dress. Despite the best efforts of Mrs Sturry and her maids, the white gown looked shabby in the bright light of a summer’s day. The satin was discoloured and the overdress showed signs of rough handling, with snags in the muslin and threads of the silver embroidery broken. Natalya sighed. It would have to do. At least there could be no doubting that she had been forcibly abducted, when she made her explanation to her aunt and uncle.
Once Natalya was dressed and had done her best to put her hair up into a knot, using the brush and comb Mrs Sturry supplied, she looked for some way to amuse herself until Tristan’s return. It could be hours and she was grateful when the housekeeper brought her a pile of novels that her mistress had recently purchased. By a lucky chance, one was The Absentee, a novel by Mrs Edgeworth. Natalya’s uncle had given her a copy as part of his study regime for her, so she had already started it. She quickly found her place in the story and continued to read, resolutely forcing herself to concentrate on the words.
Despite her best efforts, the time dragged and the summer sunshine was waning by the time Tristan returned. He came in, preceding his entrance with a brief knock and she jumped up, giving a sigh of relief when she saw him.
‘You are safe!’
He was still wearing his riding jacket and she thought how well he looked in the blue coat and buckskins. Even his neckcloth looked crisp and white. It had obviously fared better from the laundry maid’s ministrations than her poor gown.
‘Quite safe.’ His sober countenance was lightened with a brief smile. ‘But I have bad news, I am afraid. There are no carriages available at any price.’ He moved further into the room. ‘There is some sort of gathering afoot. A boxing match, I suspect, although being a stranger, no one wanted to tell me too much, in case I informed the magistrates. There is not even a gig to be had tomorrow. I am sorry.’
‘Oh.’
Strangely, Natalya was not as disappointed as she knew she should be. The idea of spending time here, with Tristan, was sinfully pleasing.
‘However, I have the promise of a vehicle for Tuesday,’ he continued. ‘It is a rather shabby affair, but it was the best I could find and it will convey you back to Bath in relative comfort, I think.’ He pulled a package from his coat and held it out to her. ‘And I have this for you.’
She stared at the parcel.
‘But it is Sunday. Nothing is allowed to be sold but milk and mackerel!’
‘Then all I will say is that I did not steal it.’ His sudden boyish grin made her heart skip a beat. ‘I thought it might be useful.’
Natalya unfolded the brown paper to reveal a fine woollen shawl of the palest pink.
‘Oh, it is just what I need.’ She rose, shaking out the folds and throwing it about her shoulders. ‘I shall not ask any more questions about how you procured it. I will just say that it is perfect and I thank you.’
She was tempted to put a hand on his shoulder and kiss his cheek, but she restrained herself, blushing slightly at the thought.
* * *
Tristan saw the gesture, the way her hand started to reach out towards him, then pulled back. An awkward silence stretched between them and he turned away, not wishing to embarrass her.
‘Mrs Sturry told me she had served your dinner some time ago.’
‘Yes. She said I should not wait. That you might be late.’
She sounded very subdued. No doubt she was reflecting on the delicacy of their situation.
‘Yes, she said as much and that she has put aside a meal for me.’ He walked towards the door. ‘I shall eat it downstairs, rather than disturb you.’ When she did not reply, he continued, ‘Having gone thus far, I am afraid we must continue with the pretence that we are man and wife. There will be gossip, but I hope we are sufficiently far from Bath for no one to guess the truth about you.’
He saw that Natalya was very pale. Her eyes were fixed on him, dark and anxious. He gave her what he hoped was a reassuring smile.
‘If you are apprehensive about tonight, pray do not be. I have no intention of sharing your bed. I shall make do with the chair again. Or failing that,’ he ended lightly, ‘there is always the floor!’
She nodded, but as she turned away he caught a glimpse of unhappiness in her face and something more.
By heaven, he thought, shaken, was she disappointed?
His thoughts were in chaos. This was not the time or the place for a declaration. Their situation was far too delicate. And yet—
‘Natalya, I mean you no harm, trust me.’
‘Of course I trust you. I am an educated woman, a rational being and not some silly romantic ninny who thinks every man I meet will want to make love to me!’
She sounded quite calm, but she had her back to him and he could not be certain. He wanted to look into her face, to assure himself she was as rational as she professed herself to be.
Nonsense, you want to take her into your arms and tell her how desperately you want to make love to her!
It took him a supreme effort of will to keep his distance, but he succeeded, and after a moment she spoke again in a matter-of-fact fashion.
‘I think I should write a note for the Pridhams, telling them I am well, but I wanted to wait until you had returned, in case you thought it unsafe to travel.’
‘I do not think there is any danger, as long as you do not tell them our direction. Would you like me to undertake the task? I also want to send word to George Street, to apprise my valet of the situation.’
‘Yes. Thank you, that would be very kind.’
‘Very well. I shall seek out pen and paper and write the letters in the morning room after I have finished my dinner. That way I need not disturb you again.’ Still she would not look at him. Tristan bit back a sigh. He said, ‘You should go to bed, Natalya. I will ask the maid to come and help you undress. Goodnight, my dear.’
* * *
Natalya heard the soft click as he closed the door behind him and felt the emptiness of the room as the silence closed in around her. When he returned she would be tucked up between the sheets, the curtains pulled around the bed and he would sleep in the chair, keeping watch. Her chivalrous protector.
And knowing he would not disturb her made her want him even more.
* * *
Natalya slept soundly and did not wake until the maid came in with a cup of hot chocolate.
‘It is nine o’clock, ma’am, and a lovely morning.’ She continued to chatter as she fastened back the silk bed-hangings. ‘Mr Quintrell came downstairs early to break his fast, ’cos he did not want to wake you.’
‘Oh.’
Natalya sipped at her hot chocolate. She had barely moved in the night and one side of the bed was untouched, the pillows plump and pristine. A sigh welled up inside her. He had kept his word, he had not come to her bed and now she was not sure whether she was most glad or sorry.
However, it convinced her of one thing. He was not behind her abduction. This was no elaborate plot he had devised to seduce her. But if that was the case, he might be in danger.
She said as carelessly as she could, ‘And where is Mr Quintrell now?’
‘He’s gone into Devizes with his letters. Said he didn’t want to put Mrs Sturry to the trouble of sending a servant with them, which she was very happy to do, ma’am, but no, the gentleman says as how he would take them himself, even though it has been raining since dawn.’ The maid finished bustling around and beamed at her. ‘So, ma’am, would you like me to bring your breakfast on a tray now?’
Natalya held out the empty cup. ‘I think I should like to wash and dress first, if there is any hot water?’
‘Indeed there is, ma’am. I shall bring it up immediately!’
* * *
Natalya spent the morning in her room. The window overlooked the drive and she glanced out frequently, wondering just how long Tristan would be. She tried to concentrate upon Mrs Edgeworth’s improving tale, but could not help looking up at regular intervals, wondering if he had returned. She missed him more than she could say.
It was a day of sunshine and showers and a short but violent downpour at about two o’clock rattled the windows. It also covered the sounds of approaching footsteps and Natalya gave a start when the door opened.
She could not prevent a smile of relief when Tristan came in.
‘You are back! Did you get very wet? We have had rain, on and off, all day here.’ She flushed at the banality of her greeting.
‘It was the same in Devizes,’ he told her. ‘Fortunately, Mrs Sturry found me a greatcoat and hat to wear, which kept off the worst of the rain. The poor horse suffered more than I. You know, she really is an exceptional mare, far too good to be hired out to just anyone. When I get back to George Street I shall buy her before she can be ruined by some cow-handed novice. I shall send her down to my own stables at Dalmorren.’
She knew he was trying to put her ease and felt grateful, although she was barely attending, her thoughts fixed on the way his brown hair curled damply about his head.
She said, ‘I thought you would be soaked to the skin.’
Suddenly she imagined herself helping him to strip off his sodden clothes, wielding a towel to rub dry the honed flesh she had felt beneath his shirt as they rode through the night. Natalya berated herself and tried hard to keep the thought from setting her cheeks on fire. Not only her cheeks, but her whole body. And she ached with longing. Oh, goodness, this must be the reason respectable women fell from grace! Or perhaps it was because she was the child of some wanton woman, who thought of nothing but earthly pleasures. To cover her confusion, she walked to the window.
‘Thank heavens the rain has stopped now. I always think things look so much better when the sun is shining, do not you?’
‘Natalya.’
She froze knowing he was standing close behind her.
‘Natalya, you have no need to be nervous. I have told you, you have nothing to fear from me.’
‘I know.’ Her earlier garrulity had deserted her. It was difficult to speak, her voice felt strangled in her throat. ‘I am being very foolish.’
‘No, no, it is perfectly natural, given what has occurred, but I would not have you be afraid of me.’
‘I am not afraid of you, Tristan.’ She tried to laugh. ‘We should blame my aunt and uncle. They have kept me so confined that I have no experience of being…being alone with a man.’
‘That is how it should be for a gently bred young lady.’ He put his hands on her shoulders and turned her towards him. ‘However, if we are to be convincing as a married couple we must try to be at ease with one another, at least when the servants are present. Do you not agree?’
Her gaze was firmly fixed on his neckcloth, but she knew he was smiling. She could hear it in his voice. She knew if she dared to look into his grey eyes they would be smiling, too, and she would smile back and be lost.
I am lost now, she thought desperately. My heart is thudding so hard he must surely be able to hear it!
The wanton thoughts crept back. How would he react if she slipped her arms about his neck and kissed him? Would he be repulsed? If he rejected her, she would be devastated and it could only add to the constraint between them.
‘Will you cry friends with me, Natalya?’
‘Friends, yes.’ One could talk to friends. Share secrets. One could joke and tease them. One was safe with friends. She managed a little nod. ‘I should like that.’
‘Good.’ His fingers tightened momentarily on her shoulders before he released her. ‘I recall you telling me you played chess regularly, did you not?’
‘Chess?’ She blinked. ‘Why, yes.’
‘There is a chessboard in the morning room. I noticed it when I was writing the letters yesterday. What do you say to my fetching it here?’
Friends.
She smiled. ‘Why, yes, but I warn you, my lord, I have been well taught.’
‘Even better.’ He grinned at her. ‘We shall enjoy a good battle!’
* * *
‘Checkmate.’
Natalya uttered a very unladylike crow of triumph as she made her final move.
Tristan sat back. ‘One game apiece. Shall we play again, a deciding game?’
Natalya nodded. She had enjoyed pitting her skill against Tristan. They were well matched and it had taken all her concentration to beat him.
‘Yes, I should like that.’
He said, ‘You play very well. Did you learn that at your exemplary school, too?’
‘Yes. Then, when I came to Sydney Place, my uncle employed a chess master for twelve months to help me improve my game.’
‘I cannot think of one lady of my acquaintance who plays as well as you. We have been thoroughly entertained for the past couple of hours, have we not?’
The dark thoughts that were never far away surfaced again. She turned her attention to the chessboard and began setting the pieces back in place. Is that what she was destined to be, an entertainment, a courtesan, designed for a rich man’s pleasure rather than his duty? She had been given all the accomplishments of a lady, but the Pridhams were certainly not trying to marry her off.
Someone had gone to great lengths to prevent her forming an attachment. They had threatened Freddie and she believed the same person or persons had ordered her abduction. However, she could not believe it was the Pridhams. After four years living with them, she was convinced they would do nothing so out of character.
‘You are missing a piece.’ Tristan bent to scoop up one that had fallen to the floor. ‘Here.’ He smiled. ‘You should never ignore the importance of a pawn.’
Their fingers brushed as she took the piece and a tremor ran through her.
Is that what I am? she wondered, fear gnawing at her insides. A pawn in someone’s game?
Someone had plans for her and she was convinced they did not include a respectable marriage.
* * *
Tristan watched the play of emotion passing across Natalya’s features. Had she, too, felt the frisson of excitement as their fingers touched? If so, it had frightened her and he did not want that. He wanted her to smile, to laugh. He wanted to protect her. To look after her for the rest of her life.
A knock at the door interrupted his line of thought and Mrs Sturry bustled in.
‘I will have dinner ready for you in an hour, if it pleases you, sir, madam?’
Natalya looked blank for a moment. ‘Why, yes. Yes, thank you.’
The housekeeper folded her arms over her apron and beamed, then she turned to address Tristan.
‘It being such a fine evening I thought, sir, you and Mrs Quintrell might like to take the air in the gardens while I make everything ready. The roses are a picture at this time of year and you will be perfectly private there. You cannot be seen from the road and, in any case, there will be no one passing, for it leads nowhere but here. Now, what do you say?’
Tristan glanced at Natalya and was relieved to see that she was composed. She even looked amused by the housekeeper’s good-natured efforts to get them out of the way while she tidied the room and prepared the table.
‘Well, my dear, shall we agree to call it a draw and take a stroll in the gardens?’
‘A walk before dinner is an excellent idea.’ Her eyes twinkled shyly at him. ‘It will give me the opportunity to wear the new shawl you brought me.’
He escorted her to the front door. Outside the sun had dried the paths and the clear blue sky offered the promise of a fine evening. The recently scythed lawns stretched away on either side of a winding drive and a path led them around the house to the rose garden, which was indeed secluded with tall hedges on all sides.
Tristan wanted to set her at her ease and he began with an innocuous comment about the gardens. She responded. They talked of plants, of houses and gradually she became more comfortable in his company. Soon they were conversing like old friends and he, too, relaxed, so much so that when she began to ask him questions, he responded readily. He told her of his family, of his sister and mother, both widows, both dependent upon him.
‘Not for financial support,’ he explained. ‘My father provided well for Mama and he also secured an excellent marriage settlement for Katherine. Not that anyone could have foreseen that Erwin would break his neck in a hunting accident.’
‘That was when you became Freddie’s guardian?’
‘Yes. Four years ago. Freddie was barely seventeen. It was a difficult time for him, but he has turned out very well, I think.’
‘He is well regarded in Bath,’ she told him.
‘I am glad of it, but not surprised. He has a generous nature and makes friends easily. Katherine worries about him, but that is perfectly natural in a doting parent. My mother is just the same, only now she is growing older I worry about her, too!’
‘You care a great deal for your family,’ she remarked.
‘You sound surprised.’
‘No, not exactly. Envious, perhaps. I should like to feel more affection than I do for the Pridhams, but perhaps mine is a cold nature.’
‘I doubt that.’
‘No, I think it must be. I have very few friends in Bath, you see, and I have lived here for four years.’
‘Do you have no friends from your schooldays?’
‘No. They—we have all gone our separate ways.’ She was silent, a slight shadow on her countenance as if her thoughts were not happy. He decided it was time to bring her back to the present.
‘I hope you will not feel too uncomfortable,’ he remarked, ‘eating your meal in a bedchamber.’
‘I am not unaccustomed to it,’ she replied, giving him a slight smile. ‘I always breakfast alone at Sydney Place.’
‘What, always?’ It was his turn to be surprised.
‘Yes. The Pridhams do not like chatter at the breakfast table. In fact, my uncle can be very irritable in the mornings. I realised that almost as soon as I came to live with them and my aunt suggested I might prefer to break my fast in my bedchamber.’
‘Are they kind to you, the Pridhams?’
‘Why, yes. That is…’ she hesitated ‘…they have no children of their own, you see. I think they find it difficult to show affection. Mr Pridham can be a little severe, if his will is crossed, but never cruel. He can be very dull, however, and I admit I find him quite irritating at times.’
‘And are you often at outs with him?’ he asked her.
She shook her head. ‘I am very grateful to my aunt and uncle for taking me in. I appreciate all they have done for me and I do my best to please them. In fact, I like to please everyone, whenever I can.’
‘Is that the reason you agreed to walk here today, to please me? Or perhaps it pleases you to step out with me?’
He was teasing her and she replied with spirit.
‘Neither of those! I wanted to oblige Mrs Sturry. She clearly felt the need to make everything tidy and, after all her kindness to us, I did not wish to refuse.’ She narrowed her eyes at him. ‘I certainly did not wish to walk alone in the gardens with you.’
‘Ah, I should have known that.’ He gave an exaggerated sigh. ‘After what happened when we arrived.’
Her mood changed to one of alarm. ‘Our first night here?’
‘When I helped you to dismount,’ he explained, his sorrowful tone at variance with the wicked gleam in his eyes. ‘You fainted off when I tried to kiss you. It was a most lowering experience. I have never had such an effect upon a woman before.’
* * *
Natalya could not help it. She giggled.
She quickly looked away and said, trying to sound severe, ‘Let that be a lesson to you, my lord. You are clearly in need of humbling.’
‘Do you think me such a coxcomb, Natalya? Do you think I am beyond redemption?’
He had used her name! And his voice, suddenly so serious, but gentle, it wrapped around her like a velvet mantle. She felt out of her depth, her heart was fluttering like a bird, leaving her breathless and light headed. She struggled to bring her thoughts back to something more prosaic.
‘Mrs Sturry was right,’ she managed to say at last. ‘The roses are indeed a picture.’ She stopped beside one of the bushes. ‘These blooms in particular are the exact shade of my new shawl.’
‘Then I shall pick one for you.’ Tristan took out his penknife and cut off a perfect bloom. He held it out for Natalya. ‘They smell delightful after the rain, too.’
She closed her eyes as she breathed in.
‘Quite heavenly,’ she murmured.
* * *
As are you, Natalya.
Silently, Tristan tucked the rose behind her ear. She smiled up at him and he gently ran his fingers down her face, cupping her chin and turning it up that he might kiss her mouth. She did not resist him. Instead her hand crept up to his shoulder. He felt her fingers move over his collar and bury themselves in his hair. It was enough. He put his arms about her and pulled her close, deepening the kiss.
She gave a little mewl of pleasure, deep in her throat, and his arms tightened. He teased her lips apart, his tongue exploring her mouth while she clung to him, returning his kiss shyly at first, but with growing confidence. Their tongues danced together and the blood roared through his veins as she pressed her body against his.
When at last he raised his head, they were both breathless. She struggled in his arms and immediately he released her. Not completely, but enough that she might put her head back against his shoulder and gaze up at him, her eyes dark and luminous with desire. He kissed her again, then trailed his lips across her neck.
‘I am falling in love with you, Natalya.’
‘Is that wise?’ She uttered the words like a sigh.
‘Who knows?’
His lips sought hers again for another long, lingering kiss, but this time it was Natalya who broke away.
‘We should continue our walk, my lord.’
There was a note of regret in her voice and that pleased him. He pulled her hand back on to his arm and they began to stroll again.
He said, ‘You must know how much I would like to share your bed, but I shall not do so. I intend to see you safely returned to Bath, but then, madam, I shall court you as you deserve.’
He thought she would be pleased. Instead she averted her face.
* * *
Natalya blinked away the hot tears that threatened. He was too good, too kind. She had no idea what she deserved and neither did he. He seemed quite unconcerned about her shady past. Could he really wish to marry her? Perhaps she had misunderstood. Perhaps he wanted to make her his mistress. She felt even more wretched. If that was her destiny, then she could think of no man she would prefer to be her lover, but recent events suggested the choice would not be hers. Or Tristan’s.
She gave a little sob. ‘I do not think you will be allowed to do that.’
‘Natalya?’ Tristan took her shoulders and turned her towards him. ‘Are you weeping?’ He cupped her face in his hands and gently smoothed his thumbs across her wet cheeks. ‘Tell me what is upsetting you.’
‘I am n-not upset as much as frightened.’
‘Ah, my dear.’ He pulled her close. ‘I shall not let anything happen to you.’
‘Not me.’ She gave a tiny sigh and her fingers clung to the lapels of his coat. ‘I am frightened for you, Tristan.’
‘Me?’ His arms tightened and for a moment he rested his head against her hair. ‘There is no need for that, sweeting, I promise you. Come and sit down, then you shall tell me what it is you fear.’
He took her hands and led her to a nearby bench and waited in silence until, eventually, she began to speak.
‘Freddie said he was approached by two men who warned him not to—to pursue me.’
‘Young fool, I would rather he had not made you anxious with that tale!’
‘No, he was right to tell me. And now, the attempt to abduct me. I believe the two events must be connected, but I have no idea why it should be. It frightens me, Tristan. I am afraid of what will happen to you if you are seen to be paying me too much attention when we return to Bath.’
‘You should let me worry about that.’
She shook her head. ‘I c-cannot. My uncle had promised to explain everything on my birthday, but then he said he could not yet tell me. As if he had received instructions on the matter.’ She dropped her head. ‘I very much fear my fate has already been decided.’
‘Why should you think that?’
‘Oh, little things that the Pridhams have said. My education, which was far in excess of what is considered necessary for most young ladies, or gentlemen, for that matter! And my aunt and uncle’s insistence that I should continue to add to my accomplishments.’ She tried to laugh. ‘You will think I am being fanciful, perhaps. I just wish I knew about my history!’
‘Then let me help. Tell me about your childhood,’ he suggested. ‘What can you remember?’
She considered for a moment.
‘I was brought up by an elderly couple for the first seven years of my life, although I have no idea where we were living. Then I was sent away to school in Yorkshire until I was seventeen. Many of the girls were orphans or, like myself, knew nothing of their parents save that there were sufficient funds to pay the not inconsiderable fees. One or two of the girls knew that they had been born out of wedlock. One in particular I remember; she was the child of a notorious courtesan. Daughter of the demi-monde, some of the teachers called her, although they did not know we were aware of it! Her mother used to send her the most extravagant presents.’ She gave a little laugh. ‘I remember once she was given a diamond tiara that had been presented to her mother by a visiting foreign prince. Is it any wonder that those of us who knew nothing of our parents should think we came from similar stock?’
‘And what do you think now?’ he asked her, smiling.
* * *
Natalya felt a blush coming. She should tell him what Mrs Ancrum had said, that she was most likely the baseborn daughter of a gentlewoman and that her father was not even an Englishman! She should, but the words would not come.
Instead, she said lightly, ‘I do not doubt my history is far more commonplace. I am most likely an orphaned relative of the Pridhams. But I do feel as if I am being—being prepared for a role. At best, marriage. Or s-something less respectable.’ She shivered, but covered it with another laugh. ‘That is the drawback of being allowed to read extensively, I have the wildest fancies! I think the truth will turn out to be much more ordinary. Most likely I am destined to become a governess, or a lady’s companion, or some such thing.’
He reached out and covered her hands in his own, saying roughly, ‘I will marry you out of hand before I let that happen. Trust me.’
She nodded, but did not allow herself to consider the idea. Tristan might be willing to bestow upon her his hand and his name but if, as she suspected, she had been born out of wedlock, he would never be able to give her his heart. Why, only today she had read in Mrs Edgeworth’s novel where the heroine was believed to be illegitimate. Even such a good, brave hero as Lord Colambre knew he could never love a bastard. How much more difficult, then, for a respectable man of the real world?
A shiver ran through Natalya. She gently disengaged her hands and pulled the pink shawl a little tighter around her.
‘It grows cold,’ she remarked. ‘Perhaps we should walk back to the house now.’
‘Very well.’
They rose and Tristan once more offered his arm. However, when she slipped her hand on to his sleeve he did not move immediately and she glanced up to find he was watching her.
‘Well, my lord?’
‘I am in earnest Natalya, I mean to marry you, if you will have me. So, what do you say?’
Natalya felt the hot tears prickling her eyes again and blinked them away.
‘There is nothing I would like more,’ she answered him truthfully, ‘but let us wait until I am safely returned to Sydney Place.’
‘Very well. I understand that you would like to have your aunt and uncle’s approval, but I shall marry you without it, if necessary.’
Natalya said nothing. In Mrs Edgworth’s novel, the heroine discovered at the end she was neither illegitimate nor a pauper. Natalya thought the latter might not prevent Tristan loving her, but if her birth was not respectable then that circumstance would choke his affection. If there was even the slightest doubt about her birth, she could not marry him. It would cause a rift in his family and she knew how much he loved them. She also knew she loved him far too much to risk his happiness.
As they began to stroll back through the garden the warm air was redolent with the scent of roses. Natalya would associate their heavy perfume with Tristan’s offer of marriage for ever. Only time would tell if she would think of it with satisfaction or regret.