A Spinster's Unexpected Marriage
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Prologue
Martha yawned as she came into the dining room, finding herself happily contented as she sat down, ready to break her fast. The door opened before she had even had a chance to pour the tea and, with a warm smile, her mother came into the room to join her.
“It was a wonderful day yesterday, was it not?” she asked, coming to sit down beside Martha, who then poured them both a cup of tea knowing how much her mother appreciated a cup in the mornings. “Though Jane was a little tardy, which was a trifle frustrating.”
Martha laughed and pressed her mother’s hand for a moment. “I do not think that the Earl minded that in the least bit, Mama,” she said, recalling the way that the Earl of Nottingham had turned to look at Jane as she had come into the church, ready to make her way to his side. “Did you not see how warmly he smiled, how much love was there in his eyes?” Letting out a soft sigh, Martha cradled the cup of tea in her hands, her elbows on the table in what, in company, would have been a most improper posture. “I think their marriage was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.”
Lady Hampshire smiled gently. “Yes, it was. I have always hoped that my children would marry someone who cared for them in the same way that I have come to care for your father.” Her head tilted. “Your brother is already wed and settled and now your sister! Which means that I can now focus all my attention upon you.”
A gentle flush rose in Martha’s cheeks. “Thank you, Mama.”
“I know it has been a little difficult for you, remaining in your sister’s shadow as we prepared for the wedding, but that is over now. This time next year, I am very hopeful that I will have the joy of seeing you married – and to a gentleman who cares for you too.”
“I am hopeful of the very same thing,” Martha answered, speaking truthfully. “I have been glad for my brother and my sister, of course, but my heart has always been hopeful that there would be someone for me too. I should very much like to marry a gentleman who has some affection for me and for whom I feel the same way. I have seen how much you and father care for one another and I want that very same thing within my own life.”
“And I am sure you shall have it.” Lady Hampshire took a sip of her tea. “Though it shall have to wait a few months still! The Season does not begin again until a little later this year. Your father, however, has already made plans for our return, with the sole aim of securing your future.” Setting the cup down, she reached for the teapot to pour herself a second cup. “He is just as committed to that as I am.”
“That is good to know,” Martha answered, smiling. “I am glad that – ”
The door flew open, stopping her sentence midway through. Blinking in surprise, Martha gazed at her father as he stood, framed in the doorway.
Something was wrong.
“Hampshire?” Lady Hampshire turned in her chair, looking over at her husband. “Is there something wrong? Why do you not come to take tea with us?”
“Ruined!”
Martha snatched in a breath, her eyes flaring wide.
“I am ruined, my dear!” Lord Hampshire came staggering into the room, looking as though he would collapse at any moment. Somehow, he made his way to the chair beside his wife and half sat, half fell into it. His eyes were wide and staring, his face puce, his hand reaching out to grasp his wife’s hand. “We shall survive, of course, but only barely. However am I to – ”
“I do not know what you mean.” Lady Hampshire’s voice was a little raised, a slight tremble running through it as Martha stared at them both, trying to understand what was going on. All that her mother had spoken about only a few minutes ago began to evaporate before her eyes, rushing away from her like smoke.
“I am ruined,” the Earl whispered, closing his eyes now, seeming to sink back even more into his chair. “Our investments are now at the bottom of the sea.”
Lady Hampshire gasped and Martha’s heart slammed into her chest, making her breath hitch.
“I was foolish,” the Earl admitted, brokenly. “I did not tell you for it is a gentleman’s prerogative to gamble and to enjoy such things without hesitation, but the debts I owe are substantial… and now… ”
“And now you cannot pay them because of the failure of your investments,” Martha whispered, as her father opened his eyes to look at her. “Is that what you mean?”
After a moment, he nodded.
“But what… what about my dowry?” Martha asked, her eyes wide now, panic beginning to take a hold. “What about – ”
“Your dowry will go to pay some of my debts, Martha,” her father interrupted, speaking with a desperation which Martha felt break through to her very soul. “I cannot help that. I am sorry but it is the only way I can salvage my reputation even a little. I – I am afraid that it will not pay for all my debts, however, and since I put a great deal of money into these investments, investments which have now turned to dust, there will be very little left for us to live on.” He took in a shuddering breath, closing his eyes again. “Over the next few years, we must pray that the crops grow well and that some of my other, smaller investments give us a greater return but we will have to economise.” Opening his eyes again, he looked straight into his wife’s face. “We must economise. There is no other choice, otherwise this estate and everything we own will crumble around us.”
“But… what about my future?” Martha asked, her voice now hoarse and rattling. “Mama and I were just talking and – ”
Her father held up one hand to her, his palm out flat, bringing a sudden end to her questioning. “I am sorry, Martha.”
Martha began to blink back furious, hot tears which sprang to her eyes as she understood exactly what her father was saying, albeit without him saying a single word. There was to be no future for her, no happiness, no joy with a gentleman who came to care for her. All that her mother had spoken of, all the hope she herself had felt was now gone in an instant.
“Oh, Hampshire, how could you have done such a thing?” There was a note of sadness and of rebuke in Lady Hampshire’s voice and though she spoke quietly, the amount of pain which crossed Lord Hampshire’s face was not insignificant. “You did not tell me any of this.”
“I did not,” the Earl admitted, brokenly. “Mayhap I should have done but I was ashamed of my gambling debts. I knew what you would say and I could not bring myself to speak to you of them.”
Martha dropped her head and squeezed her eyes closed as her mother spoke again, telling her husband how much she wished he had been honest with her. Her whole world suddenly grew dark, great shadows passing over it as she fought to find even the smallest chink of light.
But there was none.
Chapter One
“Another ball, another dance, another lady.” James chuckled and leaned back against the wall of the ballroom, lifting one eyebrow towards his friend.
“Indeed, indeed,” Lord Radford grinned, folding his arms across his chest. “Now, which one are you to dance with next? It is the waltz, is it not?”
James nodded. “I have the very obliging Lady Jemima on my arm.”
“Oh.” Lord Radford dragged the sound out, lightness in his voice as he chuckled. “I presume that you are hopeful that she will be kind to you? That she will be nothing but smiles and laughing eyes? Or do you hope for something even a little more?”
James could not help but laugh, knowing all too well what his friend meant. “Perhaps a little something more at the end of the evening? I have been told that Lady Jemima is well used to being a little.. warmer than other young ladies seeking a husband.”
“Though mayhap she hopes that, in being so, you will find her all the more pleasing,” his friend suggested. “Mayhap she hopes you will offer her your hand in marriage.”
James snorted and rolled his eyes. “Then she will be sorely mistaken,” he said, firmly. “She will realise that soon enough, I am sure.”
Lord Radford lifted one eyebrow. “Though not before you have made certain you can garner as much affection from her as you can, yes?”
James shrugged. “Of course! Why should I not?
His friend laughed again and James continued to grin, thinking about what it would be like should Lady Jemima permit him to take her into his arms. He was well known to be a rogue but he did not care. He had been building this reputation for the last few years and was more than determined to continue. There was nothing that he would do to satisfy society’s considerations of him. Their thoughts and their opinions of his behaviour meant nothing. He was a Marquess and, regardless of how much of a rogue he became, he knew all too well that there would be many a young lady eager to take her place as his wife – and, for that matter, a good many mothers who would be more than thrilled to have their daughter as his wife. Regardless of what he did, society would always see his title rather than his character and thus, James felt himself quite satisfied.
“Ah, now, look at this!”
James turned his head to see a short, broad chested gentleman hovering near the shadows of the room. “Are you speaking of him?” he asked, pointing at the fellow directly, heedless as to whether the man in question would turn to look at him. “That slightly smaller fellow?”
“Hush!” his friend exclaimed, though he was still grinning. “Yes, that is who I am speaking of. Do you not recognise him?”
James tilted his head, scrutinising the man, only to shake his head. “No I do not.”
Lord Radford looked a little surprised. “Indeed? I thought everyone would recognise Lord Hampshire, though I admit that it has been a few years since he last came to society.”
“Lord Hampshire?” Recognising the name, James considered carefully. “Is that not the gentleman who lost a good deal of wealth?”
Lord Radford nodded. “Yes, the very same. He enjoyed gambling a little too much and, for whatever reason, found out that he could not pay all the debts he had accumulated. They were significant, I must say, but something must have happened to make the lack of coin a real problem for him.”
“The fool.” James snorted at the gentleman before them, though the man himself did not turn around. “What a fool he was to think that he could take on debts and not repay them.”
“I do not think that is exactly what happened,” Lord Radford suggested, but James did not care. Instead he shrugged, yawned and turned away.
“I do wonder what he is doing back in London,” his friend continued, as James let his gaze rove around the room, taking in the many pretty faces of the young ladies he could see. “It is not as though society will have forgiven him as yet.”
“Not unless he has repaid his debts.”
Lord Radford nodded slowly, a small flicker of light coming into his eyes. “That might very well be the case,” he said, making James look at him quickly. “Mayhap he has returned to London because he has been able to make reparation for his debts. Now, he hopes, the ton will be willing to welcome him back into their society.”
“But why should he wish for such a thing?” James asked, a little frustrated with himself that he was being drawn into a conversation about this gentleman when he had already attempted to dismiss him. “Why return to society at all? I presume he has stayed away from London these last few years and must surely be contented now with the company near to his estate. Coming to London only draws him back into the tumult which he left behind him some years ago.”
“I do not know for certain, I confess, but from what I recall, I think the Earl has another daughter who is yet unwed,” Lord Radford answered, speaking a good deal more slowly now as he thought aloud. “I cannot quite remember how many children that gentleman has but I believe that there could still be an unwed daughter.” His shoulders lifted and fell. “Though I cannot say such a thing for certain.”
James laughed harshly. “I do hope that such a young lady is not eagerly hoping for a good match,” he said, as his friend smiled ruefully. “No gentleman in good standing and with a good fortune will want anything to do with a gentleman such as that! The Earl might have been able to pay his debts – if that is what he has done – but that does not mean that his fortunes are restored. What if he does not have a good dowry for her? What if she does not take anything with her into the marriage? What good is it, then, for any gentleman to even consider her?”
“Perhaps there will be an arrangement,” Lord Radford suggested, his eyes twinkling. “Mayhap you would like to offer yourself as her husband?”
Before he could stop himself, James roared so loudly with laughter that the gentleman they had been speaking of turned to look at him. This brought James’ loud outburst to a very quick end and he cleared his throat and looked away, though the smile he tried to hide simply would not fade.
“No?” His friend grinned, his eyes twinkling. “Your mother has already removed to the Dower house, so what could be preventing you? You could be just the gentleman she requires.”
“I hardly think so,” James managed to say, still feeling Lord Hampshire’s questioning eyes upon him as well as the slight sting that came with the reminder that his own mother had already vacated his estate, choosing to live alone rather than with him. Thankfully, after a moment, the gentleman looked away and James permitted himself to relax a little more. “What about you, Lord Radford? Should you not like to have a beautiful young lady as your wife?”
“Oh, I do indeed, very much so!” came the reply, making James’ eyebrows shoot towards his hairline. “Though I do not think that such a thing is required from me any time soon! I have a brother with a family who could very easily take my place should the worst happen, which means I have no requirement to marry soon. Though, when the time comes, I will have the most beautiful young lady in all of England as my bride, I am sure.”
“But until then?” James asked.
Lord Radford grinned and spread out both hands. “Until then, I have every intention of doing the same as you and doing all that I can to enjoy every single moment of my bachelorhood.”
Chapter Two
“I do not think this is a good idea, Mama.” Martha looked around the ballroom nervously, relieved that the shadows had kept her back from the prying eyes of the many gentlemen and ladies who were dancing in the ballroom. “I know that you said it would be a crush – and indeed, it is – but that does not mean that someone will not take a notice of my presence here.” Or notice my father. Martha’s stomach twisted as her mother tried to smile, well able to see that there was just as much concern in her mother’s heart as there was in her own. “What will I do then? I am already practically a spinster.”
“You are not a spinster!” her mother exclaimed, though she kept her voice quiet enough to make sure that no undue attention was brought to them both. “This is why you are being brought to London, so that you can find a husband before it is too late.”
Martha winced inwardly but said nothing. The last three years, she had watched the spring, then the summer and finally the autumn go by, her heart broken with the knowledge that she could never again return to the London Season as she had done before. The hopes and dreams she had once had of finding herself a love match, of marrying that gentleman and beginning their life together had faded only to distant memory, leaving nothing but pain and sadness in their place.
But then, much to her astonishment, her father had gathered them all together with the news that his debts had been repaid and, though they were still economising severely, he had decided they would make their way back to London in the hope of finding her a suitable husband before the year came to an end.
That news had not brought much hope with it. Martha had felt nothing but dread, fully aware that, even though her father’s debts were paid, society would not look upon them with any sort of delight or happiness. The ton would not think well of them, would not be glad of their company and idea of her making a suitable match with any gentleman was entirely without hope. As far as she was concerned, the time would come very soon where she would return to her father’s estate, knowing without a doubt that her future was set. She would remain a spinster, would settle in her father’s house for as long as he lived and then, thereafter, would only be able to pray that her brother or sister would give her a chance for some sort of home with either of them. And if they did not, then she would have to find employment. It was not a pleasant future prospect but what else was there for her? Her father’s name had been ruined, she had no dowry to speak of and there could be no hope, then, that she would be given any sort of happy future.
“We will find you a match, my dear.”
Pulled from her thoughts of the past, Martha looked into her mother’s face, seeing the hope and the determination in her eyes but finding her own heart sinking from the sorrow of it all. “I know that you want to do such a thing, Mama, but you need not think that I will be given the same opportunities as the other ladies,” she said, softly. “I am all too aware of the situation I am standing in.”
“There will be someone,” her mother said, with that steady resolve in her voice. “Though I will make quite certain that your father makes the very best possible match.”
A knot tied itself into Martha’s stomach. “What do you mean, my father will make a match?”
Her mother blinked, clearly a little confused that Martha did not know what she meant. “Why, your father intends to find you a suitable match, though I have told him that I must be satisfied with the gentleman for I will not have you thrown to someone who does not appreciate you! This gentleman, whoever he may be, will have to be kind and generous and shows no wickedness in him.” Smiling, she reached out and cupped Martha’s cheek for a moment. “My dear girl, you will find yourself wed soon, I promise you. It may not be the love match you hoped for but it will still be a match. You will have your husband and your secure future.”
For some moments, Martha remained silent, not knowing what to say. Her father had never made such a thing clear to her and now that she knew of it, the shock was still spreading right though her, making her shiver. She swallowed hard, her throat tight, her heart beginning to pound as she wondered who exactly her father might find to marry her. It would not be anyone reputable, surely, for what gentleman with sense and good fortune would agree to marry her?
“You did not know this?”
Martha shook her head in answer to her mother’s question, setting one hand to her forehead for a moment. “No, I did not. I thought… ” Seeing her mother’s lifted eyebrow, she tried to explain. “I thought it would be the same as before. I thought that it would be my responsibility to find a suitable gentleman and, thereafter, when I failed, we would have to return to father’s estate and all would be just as it has been these last three years.”
Her mother quickly shook her head. “No, my dear, that is not at all the case. Your father and I are quite determined to find you a husband. It will be a match arranged between the gentleman and your father and there will be no courtship or the like, but it will still be a marriage. That is a good thing, is it not?” Perhaps seeing Martha’s uncertain look, Lady Hampshire smiled big and bright, her eyes searching Martha’s face for any sign of happiness at this notion. “There will be someone for you, I am sure.”
“I am not as certain as you,” Martha answered, her voice rasping a little. “I have nothing to offer this potential husband. I have no dowry, no fortune to speak of. My father has borne some disgrace and even now, society does not look favourably on him. The gentleman who makes a match with me will have to endure that, will have to understand – and be willing – to be connected with our family. I cannot think that there will be a great number of fellows all eager to do such a thing, can you?”
Lady Hampshire let out a slow breath, her eyes pulling away from Martha for a moment. “I will not pretend that there will be a great deal of choice,” she said, rather quietly. “I am very aware that the gentleman who agrees to such a thing might have his own concerns but that is something that you will simply have to endure.” Reaching out, she caught Martha’s hand in her own, her eyes fixing to hers again. “It is far better to be wed and to have that security rather than remain a spinster,” she finished, gently. “You understand that, I hope?”
Martha swallowed again but nodded. “Yes, I do.”
“Good.” Letting go of her hand, her mother turned to survey the ballroom. “Now, let us simply stand here and take in whoever it is we can see. You will recall some gentlemen, I am sure, though, of course, as desperate as we might be, we cannot even consider some of them.”
A slight shudder passed through Martha’s frame. “Indeed not. I should not like to be wed to a scoundrel.”
“I do not think for a moment that your father would permit such a thing,” came the firm reply. “Let us look and merely see who is present. That is all we need to do for the moment.”
“And if someone should come to speak with us?”
“Then we speak with them, of course,” came the reply. “There is no reason for us to hide away, though I understand your inclination. The debts have been repaid, your father has regained his standing a little and there is no reason for us to stay in the shadows.” She smiled and glanced at Martha. “Trust me.”
Martha tried to smile but nothing but doubts assailed her. Her stomach was roiling, her hands now icy cold and though she clasped them in front of her, no warmth came. Her mother began to murmur some names but Martha did not pay much attention. Why was she here? Was it simply so that, should her father find a gentleman he thought to be suitable, he could point her out? Then the gentleman could survey her, to see if she pleased him? Heat began to burn through Martha’s core, chasing away the cold but instead filling her with a sense of dismay. Was she merely to be an adornment, then? Did her father hope that her supposed beauty might capture the eye of a gentleman? She closed her eyes briefly, feeling herself grow all the more disillusioned with the idea. With her vivid red curls, green eyes and smattering of freckles which remained on her cheeks and her nose no matter how many times she bathed with milk, not every gentleman would consider her beautiful. In fact, many would lament such features which, again, put her at a disadvantage.
I shall find myself wed to a baronet, or to a gentleman who is almost in his dotage, she despaired, tears beginning to prick in the corners of her eyes. Or my father shall fail entirely and I will be left as a spinster, just as I feared.
“I am certain that we have been introduced but I do not recall where!”
Martha lifted her head sharply, turning to see two gentlemen approaching. Both had slight smiles on their faces though the way they darted a glance to each other told her that there was something more to this greeting that perhaps they were ready to offer her.
“I do not think that we have been introduced, no,” Martha told them, her chin lifting as she made to look away, only for the first gentleman to reach out and touch her arm. Horrified, Martha stepped back, catching the attention of her mother who instantly turned to stand beside her.
“Might I be able to assist either of you gentlemen?” Lady Hampshire asked, her tone crisp. “Or is there some reason that you have both come to speak to my daughter without first greeting me?”
This made the smiles from the two gentlemen crash to the floor, making Martha’s heart lift just a little, her confidence returning. Her mother was quite determined to speak openly and decisively and that certainly seemed to have taken some of the strength from the gentlemen’s unwelcome presence. They shared yet another glance but this time, it was the second gentleman who spoke.
He bowed and then put one hand to his heart. “My lady,” he said, sounding most apologetic though the first gentleman rolled his eyes at this, making Martha’s eyes flare in surprise. “We thought that we recognised your daughter and came to make her acquaintance again, that is all.”
“Then I think you are mistaken, though I am very well aware of who you are,” Lady Hampshire continued, moving forward just a little and gazing up at both gentlemen. “Lord Radford, is it not? And you are the Marquess of Granton, I believe.”
The two gentlemen blinked in obvious surprise and then both nodded in assent, remaining entirely silent.
“Then I can assure you both that I would never have permitted you to be introduced to my daughter,” Lady Hampshire continued, making Martha’s lips quirk into a smile. Her mother had always had a strong countenance and clearly these two gentlemen had not expected it. It was something of a delight to see how they almost visibly deflated in front of her, their shoulders rounding and their heads lowering just a fraction.
“I do not think that we need to continue this conversation any further, Martha.” With a toss of her head, Lady Hampshire turned and took Martha’s arm, taking her away from both gentlemen without so much as another glance or another word to either of them.
Martha wanted to applaud.
“Goodness, whoever do they think they are to treat you in such a manner?”
Martha looked to her mother, seeing the knotting of her brows, the anger which broke across her expression. Her own smile quickly faded. “I thought they were simply a little brash.”
“Oh, no, they are far more than that,” came the reply. “Those two gentlemen are scoundrels, my dear. Rogues! You must stay well away from them.”
Her skin prickling, Martha darted a look over her shoulder, only to see the two gentlemen laughing aloud together. For some reason, she felt herself quite certain that they were laughing at her and, her face burning hot, she turned away again.
“You must understand, my dear, that now you are a little… well, now that there is a slight disinclination from society towards us, there may very well be some gentlemen from the ton who are eager for your company, though they will not be at all interested in any sort of genuine connection.” Lady Hampshire slowed her steps and let out a heavy breath. “You do understand what I am saying, I hope?”
Martha nodded, a slight embarrassment filling her. “Yes, Mama.”
“And you will not speak to them, do you understand?” Turning, her mother grasped her hands tightly, looking into her eyes. “I must know that you understand. To have anything to do with any of these rogues will only cause you disaster.”
A little surprised at her mother’s vehemence, Martha nodded and squeezed her hands. “I understand, Mama. I have always understood that rogues and scoundrels are not gentlemen to be tolerated. That will not change now.”
Her mother’s lips pressed flat for a moment and then she let out a sigh. “You say that now, my dear, but when things become almost too difficult to bear, when you find yourself feeling almost invisible to every other person present save for these gentlemen, there might be the temptation to draw near them.”
Martha nodded slowly, her heart a little painful as she realised just what her mother meant.
“I do hope that it will not be too long until your father finds you a match,” Lady Hampshire finished, releasing Martha’s hands. “But you must be on your guard, no matter how long it takes.”
“I will,” Martha promised, feeling the heaviness begin to creep in upon her again. “I will take the greatest care.”
“That is good.” Lady Hampshire managed a smile though it did not leap into her eyes. “And let us hope that neither Lord Radford nor Lord Granton ever think to come near you again!”
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What a great introduction to this new story – I am anticipating reading the book!