The Lord's Forced Bride

‘I will tell you only that there was a quarrel between your family and the Giffords some years ago. More I may not say. It must be for your mother or father to tell you if they wish.’

‘An old quarrel?’ Catherine was anxious, because her mother had certainly seemed disturbed by the earl’s visit. ‘The earl recently spent some two hours with my father. I do not think Father would have received him had the quarrel not been put to rest.’

‘Well, perhaps you are right.’ Lady Anne shook her head. ‘Andrew of Gifford is a pleasant young man and I think him honest, but his mother and father…’ She paused and looked grave. ‘It is not to be thought of, Catherine. Your mother would be distressed if she were forced to keep company with these people.’

‘But you would not have me be rude to him?’ Catherine said. ‘I cannot ignore the man who helped save Harry! He is my brother’s friend!’

‘No, that might not be wise. It is difficult in the circumstances, and there can be no harm in exchanging polite conversation when you meet, Catherine. Gifford is quite a favourite at court, I believe. However, for your own sake, let it be no more than an acquaintance, my dear.’

Catherine was silent. What was it that Lady Anne would not tell her? Clearly there was some secret that concerned both the earl and her family. She wondered if her brother knew of it and decided that she would speak to him when she returned home. Meanwhile, she must remember her manners and thank Lady Anne for her kindness.

‘I shall look forward to dining with you this evening,’ she said as her companion summoned her father’s servant, who had been waiting nearby. ‘I do thank you for helping me with my clothes. I wish to look well when I am presented at court.’

Lady Anne smiled at her, her frown lifting. ‘Yes, think of the future, Catherine. You are very precious to me, child, for your mother’s sake—and I should be happy to welcome you to my family.’ She kissed Catherine’s cheek. ‘Your servant will see you home safely, my dear. I go the other way—but I shall see you this evening.’

The light had started to fade now and it would soon be dark. However, Catherine had no fear, even though she knew that there were beggars and rogues roaming the streets of the city, because her father’s man carried a stout cudgel and it was unlikely anyone would attack her. Her mind was whirling in confusion as she tried to sort out her thoughts. Lady Anne had made it quite clear that she thought Catherine’s parents would forbid her to know the earl, but surely it could not be true? Catherine’s mother had been uneasy over the earl’s visit, but she was sure her father and the earl must have resolved their differences. Yet Lady Anne’s words of caution were enough to raise doubts in her mind. The earl was bold and he had said such wicked things to her!

Catherine sighed. A part of her wished that she had never chanced to meet the Earl of Gifford, but another part of her was longing for the next time…

Catherine wore her best gown that evening. It had been made with the silk she had chosen at the autumn fair and she had worn it only once, emerald green silk fashioned in her favourite style with heavy braiding at the neck and hem. She knew it suited her well, even though it might not be as elegant as the gowns she would need for court occasions. Her father had given her a gold chain set with tiny pearls for her birthday and she wore that wound twice around her throat and left to fall to her waist.

Glancing at herself in her hand mirror before she left the house, Catherine had been pleased with her appearance. Her long red hair had been left to flow on to her shoulders and down her back, covered only by a cap of thin gold mesh that fitted to the crown of her head. Her shoes were of soft leather in a shade that almost matched her gown and had a small thick heel.