Chapter Sixteen
Suzanna lay on her bed, a soggy handkerchief clutched in her fingers. The past week had been a nightmare.
Mother had not seen her dance with Giles when Lord Campbell had claimed his dance at the Robinson ball, but she did catch Giles kissing her hand as she left him to return to her mother’s side. The look on her face as Suzanna walked up to her was all she needed to know—disaster had struck.
Her mother had called for their carriage shortly afterward, and Suzanna had been subjected to a tongue-lashing all the way home.
“You have defied me, and I shall not allow it. Since your birth, it has always been my desire to see you wedded to a man of consequence. Mr. Templeton does not possess a title, and any children of his will suffer the lack.”
She had continued in that vein all the way home. Suzanna had suppressed the desire to cover her ears. She had never seen Mother so angered and almost on the cusp of derangement. Her behavior finally convinced her that her mother would never be dissuaded from her quest.
The railing at her on the ride home must have exhausted Mother, because instead of continuing her tirade, she’d swept past Suzanna and hurried up the stairs to her bedchamber without so much as a fare-thee-well.
They’d attended no more events, and three days later, she had been summoned to Lord Montford’s library to be told by her parents that Father had granted the Viscount Pemberton leave to court her. Suzanna hadn’t spoken to Lord Pemberton and wasn’t even certain what he looked like.
Tears and recriminations had not worked, nor had begging. Father was adamant. After seeing her at a rout, Lord Pemberton had approached him with his request, and he accepted. She was to meet him at dinner that very evening.
Mother’s smug look told her how the entire fiasco had come about. Suzanna would not be surprised to learn Mother had stood on a corner in Bond Street and accosted every gentleman who came by to offer her daughter up like a prize horse at Tattersalls.
Lord Pemberton had turned out to be a pleasant enough man. He had never married, and his overbearing mother, who had attended the dinner also, was determined to see the man wed.
Suzanna and Lord Pemberton had been allowed time alone for a walk in the garden. He was shy and had spoken only a few words the entire time. No matter how hard she’d tried, she could not imagine life with the man, and prayed that he would not offer for her.
No doubt he would never abuse her, and the few words he did utter were to assure her that, should they come to an agreement, he would provide well for her every need, not force his attentions on her unnecessarily—this said with a great deal of stammering—but would also never embarrass her by cavorting with his mistress in public.
She had almost choked to death at his last words, not sure who was more embarrassed—her or him. After suffering through that walk, they’d returned to the library, where the three parents viewed them with looks similar to those cast upon small children when they recited their lessons perfectly.
Once Lord Pemberton and his mother had departed, Suzanna had returned to her bedchamber and cried herself to sleep.
She rose from her bed and moved to the window, pushing the drape aside. This newest round of tears came from the realization that Mother was determined to see this potential betrothal to the end.
Giles, where are you? Have you conceded the wager? I thought you never gave up?
Soon word would spread among the ton that Lord Pemberton was paying her his addresses. Would Giles be the knight in shining armor she’d dreamed of as a young girl, and climb the building to sweep her away?
She studied the side of the townhouse. If he tried to climb that, he would most likely fall and break both his legs. Perhaps she could convince her parents to allow her to stay in her room for years. Her hair would grow long enough to dangle out the window and allow Giles to climb up to her, like in the fairy tale.
Ouch. She rubbed her head.
She sighed at her ridiculousness. Of course, by then they would both be so old, it wouldn’t matter. A tap on her door drew her attention from the window. “Yes?”
Mother entered, a bright smile on her face. “Good morning, daughter. You must have Eunice’s lady’s maid attend you. We are going to the dressmakers to have a few new gowns made.”
The knot in her stomach grew heavier. “New gowns?”
“Yes. Of course, Father and I want you to look your best now that Lord Pemberton is courting you.”
“Mother, I must ask one more time for you not to do this to me. I do not want to marry Lord Pemberton. He seems like a nice enough man, but I don’t want to be his wife. I don’t love him, and I see very little about him that would encourage me to feel anything more than apathy toward him.”
For a moment, Mother’s face softened, and Suzanna held her breath. Was she actually going to consider her request?
Her mother walked up to her and pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I know you think we are bullying you into marriage with a titled gentleman—”
Yes.
“—but believe me when I tell you we know what is best for you.”
Suzanna’s spark of hope died as Mother continued. “Young ladies think of romance, love, and other impractical considerations. That is why it is much better when parents make the decisions on children’s marriages.
“You will be very happy with Lord Pemberton. He is a nice man, wealthy, not difficult to look at, and will provide you, and any children you have, with devotion and caring.”
“And a title,” she said bitterly.
Mother sighed. “You may not appreciate it now, but this is for the best.” She gave her an alarmingly bright smile. “Now go wash your face, and I will send in Bessie to fix your hair, so we can go to the dressmakers.”
…
Giles stared morosely into his drink, then pushed the glass aside. Drinking had done nothing for him but give him a headache upon awakening each morning. He still had no intention of giving up on Suzanna, but short of kidnapping her, he was fresh out of ideas on how to proceed.
He had tried catching her as she’d left the house for a walk, or on Bond Street, doing some shopping, but every time he’d seen her, her demon of a mother had been right alongside her. It appeared her parents had no intention of allowing her out of their sight until the marriage contracts were signed.
“Still drinking yourself into a coma every night?” Hawk ambled up to him, followed by Bedford and Cam. They all settled in the soft leather chairs forming a circle around the small table holding Giles’s glass.
“Maybe it’s time to forget her, Templeton. From all accounts, Lord Pemberton is expected to make an offer soon.”
“I will not forget her. And I will not do so until I have reason to believe this is something Suzanna wants.”
“So, what is your plan?” Cam asked after taking a sip of brandy. “If you’re not willing to accept that she will receive an offer, you must have a way to prevent it.”
“I may very well climb into her bedchamber one night and make off with her.”
“I hate to say this, and don’t challenge me with pistols at dawn, but how do you know Miss Blake hasn’t decided to accept an offer from Pemberton? My wife tells me she saw her at the dressmakers the other day being fitted for new gowns. Patience spoke with her and said she seemed subdued, but not wretchedly unhappy.” Bedford eyed him with sympathy.
“I refuse to believe that until I hear it from her own lips.” Despite his affirming words, Giles had a lump the size of a cannonball in his stomach. Had Suzanna reconciled herself to a marriage with Pemberton? Had she given up on them?
“Perhaps Her Grace can invite Suzanna to tea, and I can speak with her there?” Giles spirits picked up at the thought of finally being able to break through the barrier her parents had constructed around her.
“Do you believe her mother would not accompany her to a tea? Especially since she knows you and I are friends?” Bedford shook his head. “I will be more than happy to do that, but I think you are fooling yourself.”
“They are keeping her a prisoner. There must be some law against that,” he said bitterly.
“I know you don’t want to hear this, but you are certainly aware that marriages are oftentimes arranged—and forced—by parents. It is the way of life for us.”
“Easy for you to say, Bedford, since you married your childhood sweetheart.”
“If you recall, my lovely wife had been betrothed to my brother, against her will. Arranged by my parents. Had my brother not died, she would be married to him right now.”
Giles stood, unable to sit and listen to common sense. “If you will excuse me, I have only a short period of time to rectify this situation.” Before anyone could comment, he turned on his heel and left the room.
…
The next afternoon, Giles rallied himself from his chair and decided to face the situation head on. He would go to Suzanna’s house and demand he be allowed to hear from her very own lips that she intended to accept an offer from Lord Pemberton of her own free will.
Why he thought Mr. Blake was going to allow him to speak to Suzanna was not clear, but he would not leave her house until he had evidence that she wanted to marry Lord Pemberton. He might have to stand outside her window and call up to her like Romeo and Juliet. Aside from being hauled off by the magistrate, he could think of no reason why he should not do that very thing.
Two hours later, freshly bathed and shaved, with several cups of coffee in him, he left his house and took the walk to Lord Montford’s townhouse. The brisk walk in the cool summer air tempered his resolve. He would see Suzanna, even if he had to request Lady Montford’s presence to do so. After all, the home belonged to Lord and Lady Montford, and he had received nothing but kindness from Lady Montford when he’d spent time in her company.
Yes, that was his plan. He would not ask to speak with Suzanna but present his card and request to see Lady Montford.
To his amazement, the man at the door took his card and immediately led him up the stairs to the drawing room. Was it to be so easy, then?
Several people sat on chairs around the room, partaking of tea, biscuits, sweetmeats, and tarts. A quick glance told him Suzanna was not present, but Mrs. Blake was, and met him with a glare.
Undaunted, he walked up to Lady Montford and bowed over her hand. “Good afternoon, my lady. It is a pleasure to see you again.”
“Good day to you, Mr. Templeton, won’t you join me?” She moved over on the settee, allowing him the perfect spot to converse with her without being overheard by Mrs. Blake.
He accepted the cup of tea from her and the plate with two biscuits on it. He waited a few minutes until Mrs. Blake was engaged in conversation with Lord Mallory on her left, causing her to present him with her back.
“Where is Miss Blake?” Giles said barely above a whisper.
Lady Montford offered him a soft smile. “I think it would be best if you had an opportunity to speak with her.” She glanced at Suzanna’s mother and continued in a soft voice. “She has gone down to the garden with Lord Pemberton.”
“Thank you.” Relief spread through him, and it took all his control to sit for a few more minutes before excusing himself and taking his leave.
He hurried downstairs, out the door, and around the corner to the garden. Within seconds he spotted Suzanna and Lord Pemberton. They sat on a stone bench, speaking earnestly, hands clasped, their heads close together. Before he had a chance to approach them, Suzanna exclaimed, “You have made me the happiest woman in London, my lord.” Then she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a hug.
…
Two hours earlier
A tap on her bedchamber door drew Suzanna’s attention. She placed a ribbon on the page to mark her place in her book, and said, “Come in.”
Mother entered the room. “Lord Pemberton will be calling this afternoon. Refresh yourself and be prepared to meet him.”
“That would be lovely, since I have not spoken more than a few words to the man you and Father hope will offer for me.”
“Sarcasm does not become you, young lady.” She walked farther into the room and ran her eyes over Suzanna. “You spend too much time in your bedchamber, reading. You are growing quite pale. It would be a good idea to ask Lord Pemberton to escort you for a walk in the garden when he arrives.”
Suzanna felt the heat rise to her face at her mother’s disregard for her wishes. The time had arrived to take a stand. “Mother, I can’t impress upon you enough that I do not want to marry Lord Pemberton.”
“Your father is awaiting an offer from his lordship any day now. Soon, it will be done. Stop acting like a spoiled child and accept your duty and place in Society.” Mother opened the door to Suzanna’s wardrobe and pulled out an afternoon dress. “This one is lovely. It matches your eyes, and you will look quite fetching in it.”
“Mother, stop this,” Suzanna snapped. “Whatever is that supposed to mean? Accept my place in Society? I have a place in Society and see no reason why I should try to elevate it by marrying a man I not only do not know but have no regard for.” She held her hands out in a pleading gesture. “I love Mr. Templeton.”
Mother’s head jerked up. “Do. Not. Say. That.”
“It is true. No matter how many times you insist that marriage to Lord Pemberton would be wonderful for me, I do not believe it. I do not love him, do not even care for him.”
“Have you been in touch with that man?”
“Who?”
“Your Mr. Templeton,” she snarled. “Has he been sending you letters that I have missed? I told you to forget him.”
Well, that confirmed what Suzanna had suspected. Mother had been intercepting her letters. “Mother, this is not the medieval ages. Parents no longer make matches for their children and force them into it.” She raised her chin. “I could very well say ‘no’ during the marriage ceremony.”
In a flash, Mother was across the room, the lovely gown in her hand tossed into a heap on the floor. She slapped her face, then grabbed Suzanna by the shoulders. “Don’t you dare even think such a thing. If you embarrass me and your father in such a way, we will never speak with you again. You will be dead to us.”
Thinking that might not be such a bad thing, Suzanna tugged away from her mother and sat on the bed, holding her burning cheek where Mother had slapped her. “Leave me, please, if you expect me to be ready for inspection at afternoon tea.”
“I don’t know what has gotten into you, Suzanna. You used to be such a biddable young lady. Having you come to London without me for the beginning of the Season was a mistake.” She brushed off her skirts and headed to the door. “I expect to see you downstairs as soon as Lord Pemberton arrives. I will send Bessie up to attend you.”
Suzanna entered the drawing room sometime later, after receiving a summons from Mother, through Bessie, to present herself.
Lord Pemberton stood as she entered the room and gave her a tentative smile. His mother raised a quizzing glass to her eye as she studied her. Lady Montford cast her an encouraging look and patted the seat next to her.
“Good afternoon, my lord, Lady Pemberton.” Suzanna granted Lady Pemberton a curtsy and took the seat Eunice had indicated.
Just as she settled down, a footman entered with a tea tray. “Suzanna, will you pour, please?”
Suzanna was stunned at Mother’s audacity, to usurp Eunice’s place. It was, after all, her home. But to keep the peace, she reached over and poured. “Lady Pemberton, how do you like your tea?”
Once again the woman raised her glass to her eye. Suzanna held in her sigh. Was the woman so far into her dotage that she forgot to whom she was speaking? “Two sugars and a bit of cream.”
Suzanna fixed her tea, Mother’s and Eunice’s. She turned to Lord Pemberton. “My lord? How do you like your tea?”
“No sugar, a bit of cream.”
Once the tea had been consumed and the biscuits passed, Mother shifted in her seat. “Suzanna, I believe his lordship would love a tour of the gardens.” She turned to Lady Pemberton. “They are simply lovely, and Suzanna just adores spending time there.”
That was a surprise on her part, as Suzanna rarely entered the garden. She stood and smiled at Lord Pemberton, who offered his arm.
Once they were outside, and far away from his mother and hers, a plan presented itself to Suzanna. This might be her only chance to save herself, and she was going to take it. ’Twas time she took a stand against her mother, even if she had to do it behind her back. Inhaling deeply, she turned to Lord Pemberton. “My lord, while I am most flattered at your attentions, I feel it is imperative for me to ask you a question.” She tried to figure out the easiest way to say what needed to be said.
“Are you aware that I had no knowledge of your interest in me until you and your mother arrived for dinner last week?” She chewed her lip. “I mean, why did you ask my father for permission to court me, since we hadn’t even met?”
They stopped walking, and he turned toward her. “My mother told me she had been approached by your mother at some event. Since m’mother has been badgering me to marry for some time now, I visited your father. He assured me that you were anxious to marry this Season, and he was in a position to accept suitors for you.
“I realized at the time we had not been formally introduced, but I had seen you at several events. However, I had not approached you, since I had been under the impression you were already spoken for.”
“Mr. Templeton?”
“Yes.” His brows furrowed. “However, your father disabused me of that idea.”
Suzanna sighed and continued to walk. “My parents—my mother in particular—is adamant that I must marry a man with a title.”
“I see.” He was silent for a few moments, then turned to her. “And you?”
She closed her eyes, then regarded him. “I am in love with Mr. Templeton.”
“Ah.” He smiled softly, then looked off into the distance.
She watched him carefully, her heart pounding. So much depended on how kind this man was. The idea of telling him she no longer possessed her virginity had occurred to her. Depending on how his conversation went, she might have to resort to that.
“So, am I to assume you do not wish to marry me—or perhaps anyone else besides Mr. Templeton—and any offer on my part will be met with rejection?”
She reached out and touched his arm. “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, and you seem like a lovely man, but no, I do not wish to marry you. Although I might wish to reject your suit, my parents will not allow me to do that. Do you see my conundrum?”
He took her by the hand and led her to a stone bench, where they both sat. Their hands still joined, he looked her in the eye. “I must admit I never thought much about love in my marriage. I always knew it would be necessary for me to wed to preserve my title, but I assumed my wife would be someone I would grow fond of over the years.”
She shook her head. “Is that all you really want, my lord? Only to feel fondness? You do not wish for a stronger connection? Love? Passion?”
He grinned. “Actually, I never gave it a great deal of consideration.” After a few moments, he looked at their joined hands and gave her a soft smile. “Now what do we do?”
Suzanna held her breath. Was it possible this man would not insist on continuing his suit? “I’m afraid I am powerless in this situation, my lord. My parents will not allow me to refuse.”
“And you are in love with Mr. Templeton? And he with you?”
“Oh, yes.” She smiled for the first time in days. “If you discontinue your suit, with most of the ton expecting you to offer for me, that could very well create enough of a scandal to make me unmarriageable.”
He placed his knuckle under her chin and raised her head. “Miss Blake, I want you to know that I believe Mr. Templeton is a very lucky man.”
She held her breath while he studied her. “I will advise your father today that I intend to withdraw my attentions, since I believe we will not suit.” He hesitated for a moment. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, quite sure.”
He grinned. “Then I will do so. It is not every day that I get to be a beautiful young lady’s knight in shining armor.”
“You have made me the happiest woman in London, my lord.” Then she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a hug.