The Reluctant Bride

“Nor had I.”

Hester studied her cousin’s face intently. “Then it is as I thought? You were coerced into taking Isham?”

“Not exactly. I made the decision myself.”

“Helped, I make no doubt, by the threat of hysterics?” Hester’s opinion of Mrs Rushford matched that lady’s dislike of her. “India, this is too important for you to be swayed in such a way. We are speaking of your entire future. Forgive me if I am too outspoken, but I care about your happiness.”

“I know it, Hester dear, but let me explain. Mama was for the match, of course, but your father too approved of it.”

“He would. Dear Father! He sees no other course for any woman as far as security is concerned.” Hester was indignant, but then her expression softened, and she smiled. “I fear my parents are biased. Theirs was a love match, as you know. They have been so happy together. I cannot blame them for wanting the same for others, but you can imagine the pressure put on me to wed. I’m sorry for their distress, but I won’t agree.”

“Your case is different,” India said quietly. “There is not the same necessity for you to earn a living.”

“I may have to,” Hester laughed. “Should Father try to marry me off against my will I intend to run away.”

India returned her cousin’s smile. “That will never happen and you know it. Both your parents adore you.”

“That affection might be strained if I continue to argue for women to have freedom of choice. Yet look at the case of our missing Marchioness. Tell me, if you can, under what compulsion did Louise Hanslope agree to marry an ancient roué three times her age? There’s a fate that my father would never have forced on me, nor even your mother on you. You have heard nothing more as to her whereabouts?”

“Not a word. Have you?”

“I’ve heard a good deal of speculation. You may take your choice of a murder committed by the Marquis, or elopement with a paramour.”

“Most probably she just fled. Her life must have been a living hell.” India turned away to hide her own sadness.

Hester saw it and returned to the matter in hand. “Why are we discussing the Marchioness?” she demanded. “What of you? Have you really accepted Isham?”

“I have, but it is not quite what you think. There was so much to consider. I gave it a good deal of thought. Your father cannot continue to support us…”

“Stuff!” Hester exploded. “He would do so willingly. What is more, he would not forgive himself if he thought such a consideration had influenced your decision.”

India looked steadily at her friend. “Will you tell me the truth?” she asked. “I believe that our assets were not enough to cover the debt to Isham. Did Uncle find the balance?”

Hester would not meet her eyes, but neither would she lie. “There was some talk of it,” she admitted uncomfortably. “But it is no great matter.”

“It is to me, and then, as you know, there is Letty to consider. Under the circumstances Oliver Wells could not have offered for her. A connection with Lord Isham will alter the matter.”

“And Giles? What has he to say to this?”

“We have not heard from him, but there is little he can do. His own inheritance has gone. Mama is hoping that Isham will do something for him.”

“Well, at least your mother will be able to live in comfort.” Hester’s expression mirrored her disgust. “Have you considered yourself in all of this?”

“Of course I have. Think about it, Hester. What is the alternative? Letty and I had but two choices. Mrs Guarding might have taken one of us to teach at the Academy, but more likely we should have had to become paid companions to some lady, and Mama cannot be left alone.”

“I see.” Hester’s tone was grim. “You will not wonder at my desire to stand up for the rights of women. We are little more than chattels.”

She stopped abruptly at the sight of India’s stricken look. “There I go again!” she confessed. “Tact is not my strongest point, but I get so angry when I think how little say we have in the conduct of our lives. Now tell me, what do you know of Isham?”

“Very little.” India admitted. “I haven’t spent above three hours in his company.”

“But are you quite determined to wed him?”

“I am. Pray don’t try to dissuade me, Hester. I have given my word and I won’t go back on it.”

“I see.” Hester looked thoughtful. “Well, if it must be, you could do worse, my love. His lordship is no fool. His intellect can only be respected. I have read some of his speeches…”

“He told me that he thinks of going into politics…”

“He should do so. Men such as he are badly needed in Government.”

“Have you met him?”

“No, but I should like to do so. He is sound on conditions in the northern mills. His place is in Cheshire, is it not? He will be aware of the high unemployment in the north. These days trade is almost non-existent, or so I hear. So many have been ruined by Napoleon’s blockade of the European ports…”

“But surely the Government must help?”

“The Government will do nothing, India, other than to order in troops to stamp out disaffection. Repression rather than compassion would appear to be the order of the day. Isham opposes this policy, I believe, although I am no expert on such matters.”

India was startled by such vehemence. “Do you think so highly of him?”

“I do, but from your tone I see that you do not.”

“I don’t know him, Hester, but he is the strangest creature. I find him somewhat overwhelming…”

“I hear that he is no Adonis, but surely that will not weigh with you?”

“Of course not. He has presence, but…”

“But you are a little afraid of him? You surprise me, India. In no time he will learn to love you. Then he will realise what a jewel he has won.”

“You are biased, my dear. The plain fact is that his lordship needs an heir. That is his only reason for making me this offer.” India stopped. She had said more than she intended, and her bitterness must be apparent.

“Nonsense!” Hester said roundly. “The man could have chosen any of a dozen females. I see that you do not find him very lover-like…”

“No! At least he has spared me professions of his undying affection.”

“Very sensible of him! He must have known that you would not believe it. Confess now, you would have despised him for uttering such sentiments?”

She was rewarded with a reluctant smile. “How well you know me, Hester. I should not have welcomed falsehood. Whatever else, Isham is always frank.”

“Well then?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I suppose he injures my pride. He has a most unfortunate knack of putting me in the wrong.”

“How so?”

“Perhaps it’s because I am so quick to judge him. Only yesterday I had thought he meant to dictate to me when he warned me not to travel after dusk even close to home. I let him see my anger. Then I found that he was thinking only of my safety. I felt mortified by my own stupidity.”