Read sample A Convenient Wife

Chapter One

Miss Frances Somiton wasn’t enjoying her first Season. Of course, her gowns were beautiful, the balls, routs and soirées were entertaining, but this wasn’t how she’d thought things would be.

Lady Grace Somiton, her dearest friend, had been forbidden to come to London after the unfortunate events at her brother’s wedding to Jessica Somiton. There should have been three of them, herself, Grace and Eloise being presented and cavorting about Town. Now there was just herself and despite her best efforts she was already heartily sick of parading like a horse at Tattersalls.

Leo was now married to Jessica, who was two years her junior, and as they’d only been married a week obviously had no time for anyone but themselves. She didn’t blame them one jot – they were quite besotted with each other and, after everything that had happened, being happy was their just reward.

Adam, every inch the Earl of Chalfont despite having made his fortune in trade, was doing his best to make this experience enjoyable. However, she’d had enough and was now on her way to see him to ask if she could return to the country and abandon this sojourn in London.

Richard, his identical twin, was also fairly recently married to Demelza, and although they’d come to Town and attended a few events they’d now returned to their comfortable home by the river. Demelza was increasing and finding these first few weeks a trial. Although she wasn’t exactly sure what took place in the privacy of the marital bed one thing Frances did know was that within weeks of a marriage the bride was frequently in an interesting condition.

Lord Gerard Renshaw was showing a particular interest in her and it was for this reason she wished to leave Grosvenor Square immediately. This gentleman was almost as tall as the other members of her family, had startling green eyes and even more unusual golden curls. It had been his appearance that had first attracted her attention.

He was, she’d discovered, a widower and had lost his beloved wife in childbed several years ago. She was reliably informed that he was now looking for another to fill her shoes and provide him with the obligatory heir.

Lord Renshaw was charming, intelligent, witty – in fact everything he should be but there was a reserve about him that gave the lie to his behaviour. She had no wish to receive an offer from him and the only way she could prevent this from happening was to absent herself from his attentions.

Adam was usually in the study or the library working but both these rooms were unoccupied apart from by his two secretaries who could not inform her of his whereabouts. She made her way to the drawing room and discovered him lounging on a daybed his nose buried in a newspaper.

‘There you are, I’ve been looking for you everywhere. I believe this to be the first time in living memory that you’ve not been working at this time of the day.’

He lowered his paper and smiled his charming smile. ‘My dear, I do apologise for being in the drawing room when you were seeking me elsewhere. How can I be of assistance?’

She flopped on to the chair opposite. ‘I hate it here. I’m sorry, I know you’ve gone to a lot of trouble, but it’s just not the same without the other girls. I’m going home – I’ve already got my maid packing my trunks.’

She’d intended to ask his permission but instead had presented him with a fait accompli. ‘Are you quite sure, Frances?’

‘Absolutely certain. I’ve decided I’ve no wish to attract any suitors and your friend Lord Renshaw is taking too much interest. It will be simpler if I remove myself and then there will be no need to cause embarrassment by refusing his offer – if he makes one.’

‘I see – I wasn’t aware that his interest in you was at that point. Renshaw isn’t a close friend of mine, merely an acquaintance from my club. I had him checked out and he’s perfectly respectable, would make any young lady a satisfactory husband.’

‘I’m sure he would but I’m not that young lady. Do I have your permission to leave tomorrow?’

To her surprise instead of being annoyed at her impertinence he laughed. ‘I’ll be damned glad to leave the city myself. There’s only one hindrance, my dear, I intend to have major works done at Somiton so the place won’t be habitable for a year or more.’

‘That’s not a problem, Adam, as obviously I intend to live with my mother under Leo’s protection. That doesn’t answer the question as to where you will be living.’

He was now on his feet and towered over her. ‘Edward is running the estate for me – I don’t need to be there. I have business to attend to in Ireland.’

‘Then you’ll be as happy to curtail this visit to Town as I am.’

He held out his hand and she took it and allowed him to pull her smoothly to her feet. If only she could fall in love with him then it would make life so much simpler. He was a most attractive gentleman – but she viewed him as an older brother and he didn’t make her heart beat faster.

Therefore, two days later a positive cavalcade of carriages left Grosvenor Square and headed for the country. The first contained herself, her mama, Leo and Jessica and the second their personal servants. The third had left several hours ago to make sure that their luggage arrived ahead of them.

‘I can’t tell you how happy your decision to abandon your Season has made me,’ Mama said with a smile. ‘I really don’t enjoy the crush and fuss of Town especially as the weather has become unseasonably warm for the middle of May.’

 Leo nodded his agreement. ‘Jessica and I are going to see the lakes. We’ll accompany you to Crenshaw Manor and see you settled and will then depart for our wedding trip. We intend to return by September.’

‘Goodness, I do hope so, my dear boy. I’m not sure I wish to be left in charge of your establishment any longer than that. I take it you have an excellent estate manager.’

He laughed and shrugged. ‘I assume so, Mama, but as I’ve not actually set foot on the place as Adam only gave it to us last week, your guess is as good as mine. I can assure you we won’t depart until I’m certain things are running smoothly.’

Jessica, who was snuggled into his embrace, nodded. ‘I want to see my new home before we set out. If there are things that need doing then I’m certain I can leave the two of you in charge, can I not? After enjoying the luxury of a bathing room in London we want to install at least one at Crenshaw.’

‘Do you know to whom the property belonged?’ Frances asked curious to know what had happened to the previous owner.

‘It was an elderly gentleman who’d lived there for decades, never married but was a diligent and caring landlord. I don’t expect to find anything lacking in the village and on the farms of the estate.’

‘That’s all very well, Leo,’ Mama said. ‘Frances and I have to live there and from what you’ve just told us the place will be in no state for a family. I imagine the interior is very old-fashioned, the furniture unappealing and nothing to our satisfaction.’

‘Another reason, Mama, that I’m coming to see for myself what needs doing. Adam said we can take anything we want from Somiton Hall as two thirds of the place is going to be knocked down and the centre completely refurbished and redecorated.’

Frances exchanged a glance with her mother. ‘It sounds as if he’s getting his house in order before finding himself a bride. He is the only gentleman in our family unmarried.’

‘He told me he was leaving for Ireland soon. He said it was on business, but now I’m intrigued to know if he’s actually going in search of a bride.’

‘Frances, you should not gossip about the head of the household,’ her mother said firmly.

‘We can gossip about anyone we wish to as none of them is here to object. One thing I do know about Adam is that he will ignore the rules of society and marry whomsoever he pleases however unsuitable she might be considered by the ton.’

‘I do hope he finds himself someone he can love. Leo and I are so happy and I want him to be happy too,’ Jessica said.

After that the carriage fell into companionable silence as Mama dozed and her brother and his new bride talked quietly to themselves leaving Frances to her own thoughts. They were not entirely happy ones.

If she was being honest with herself she would admit that she was becoming enamoured of her handsome suitor and despite her reservations might well have accepted his offer. This was her heart talking but her head had told her very firmly to escape whilst she still could.

His lordship wasn’t in love with her of that she was quite certain. He didn’t look at her with that particular glow in his eyes that she saw in Leo’s when he looked at Jessica or in Richard’s when he looked at his wife. No – he presumably had a long list of suitable attributes for his new wife and she fitted his requirements.

If she ever married, which was unlikely, it would be for love and not for status, comfort or to please her relatives. Her intention at the moment was to remain a spinster, a loving aunt to any progeny her brother might produce and to be a comfort to Mama in her dotage.

The journey was beyond tedious, they stopped twice for refreshments and to allow the horses to rest and eventually turned into the drive of Crenshaw Manor at dusk.

Jessica had let down the window and was craning out like an urchin much to her brother’s amusement. ‘It’s in excellent repair, Leo, and the grounds are beautiful.’

Frances was peering equally eagerly through the other window. ‘Our arrival has been noted, brother, as what looks like the housekeeper and the butler plus a dozen other servants have come out to greet you.’

‘Then, girls, you must allow me to straighten your bonnets and then you must do the same for me. It wouldn’t do to arrive looking jaded and unkempt.’

The drive ran straight as an arrow from the entrance to the turning circle but was long enough to allow them to repair their appearance and be ready to descend when it rocked to a halt in front of the handsome marble steps.

Two footmen were waiting to open the door and Leo nodded to them both. He jumped out and then lifted Jessica to the ground leaving the two flunkies to offer an arm first to her mother and then to herself.

Leo and Jessica were smiling and well they might. Despite their worries about the place being possibly uninhabitable the exterior was everything it should be. The building was of ancient construction, possibly several hundred years old, but the mullioned windows sparkled and the red-tiled roof and tall hexagonal chimneys were without blemish.

The previous owner might have been a bachelor but he’d obviously taken pride in his home. Was it possible their worries about the interior were unfounded?

Lord Gerard Renshaw was not in a good humour – in fact he was enraged. He’d appeared as arranged to take Miss Frances Somiton for a drive only to be informed that the family had left that morning and were returning to the country.

He snarled at his tiger to return to his position at the rear of the carriage and the terrified boy had scampered off. Immediately Gerard regretted his unwarranted ill-humour and swivelled on the seat so he could see the boy as he jumped onto the step.

‘I beg your pardon, Tommy, it’s not your fault I’ve been treated so appallingly.’

The boy grinned obviously unabashed by his master’s bad temper, after all he’d been on the receiving end several times before.

Why the devil had Somiton taken his family home so precipitously? Why hadn’t the girl bothered to send him word that she wouldn’t be there today? He snapped the whip over the head of his team and drove around the small park in the centre of Grosvenor Square and returned to his own town house in Hanover Square.

He expertly tooled his carriage around to the back where all the big houses had their stables and other outbuildings. He left his competent grooms to take care of the team of matched greys and strode inside.

He slammed into the study and poured himself a large tumbler of brandy. He downed it in two swallows and was reaching for the decanter to pour himself another but hesitated. His drinking had got out of hand if he was drinking strong liquor during the day.

If there is one thing that he could not abide it was being treated disrespectfully. It didn’t matter if the person doing it was an aristocrat or a servant – being courteous himself he expected to be treated in a similar fashion.

For the Somiton girl to have neglected to inform him of her departure was unforgivable. Then his anger vanished. His mouth curved at his nonsense. Murdering a relative would be unforgivable – neglecting to send a polite note was merely disrespectful or possibly just forgetful.

He’d rather liked this young lady and had thought she might do. Since Lydia had died so tragically four years ago he’d not had any interest in socialising and certainly not in finding himself a wife. His grandmother – the Dowager Countess of Stodham – had taken him to task recently and said that she wished to see him settled before she kicked the bucket. As this redoubtable old lady was already an octogenarian, he decided that he would do as she suggested.

Lydia had been tiny, fair-haired like himself, and not at all robust. She should never have married him as then she would still be alive. He’d courted her because he’d been madly in love and because he was the Earl of Stodham her parents were only too happy to give their permission.

They had had two happy years together before she’d become pregnant. Although she’d been well until her last few weeks, and she’d had the best physicians taking care of her, the outcome was inevitable. She was too small to birth a child safely and both she and his son had died.

It had taken him several years to contemplate remarriage. Before opening his town house in Hanover Square he’d drawn up a list of his requirements. It didn’t occur to him that he’d have any problem obtaining the wife he wanted – after all, he was wealthy, titled, had all his own teeth and a good head of hair. What else could a young lady want in a partner?

Paramount on his list was that the girl should be robust, wide-hipped, intelligent and not bracket-faced. It went without saying that she must be well bred and acceptable in his strata of society. He’d been reliably informed that the safest time for a woman to have their first child was in their early twenties so his future bride would be that age. Apart from those requirements he cared not as he didn’t intend to spend more time with her than he needed to.

He’d fallen in love once and that had ended in tragedy and heartbreak. He wasn’t going to put himself through anything of that sort a second time. He would marry for convenience, to provide himself with an heir, emotions and love would have nothing to do with his choice.

The Somiton girl had fitted every requirement on his list and it irked him that she’d run away from him. Why the hell was she in Town if she wasn’t looking for a suitable partner?

His garrulous grandmama had accompanied him insisting that she wished to catch up with her cronies, attend the theatre and so on. She would already know of his premature return and be agog to know the reason for it.

‘There you are, dear boy, surely the young lady did not stand you up?’

‘Worse than that, Grandmama, the entire family have decamped to the country. When I arrived the few staff that remained behind were busy putting on holland covers and closing the place up.’

‘How extraordinary! I cannot imagine you did anything to offend the girl or her guardian so there must be another reason for her disappearing. Had you spoken to Somiton about your interest?’

Gerard flicked aside his coat-tails and sat opposite her. She preferred to use the smaller sitting room and not the vast, usually freezing, drawing room at the front of the house.

‘I hadn’t got around to that but I’m certain Miss Somiton was aware of my interest. As far as I know there were no other gentlemen hoping to make her an offer.’

‘I’ve been making enquiries about that family and have learned about a family scandal. I think it’s a good thing that the girl has removed herself. I’m sure there are far better candidates that will meet your stringent requirements.’

He didn’t ask what salacious gossip she’d uncovered but she told him anyway. ‘Actually, ma’am, I don’t think that any of what you’ve regaled to me reflects badly on the family. I can tell you with absolute certainty that I’d never have taken in the remote connections to the family that the present earl has done.’

‘I should think not, my boy. Although her guardian is an aristocrat it’s only by default that he inherited the title. I shudder to think that there’s a member of the aristocracy who made his fortune in trade and continues to do so. No, forget about this girl and look elsewhere.’

Chapter Two

Frances walked in beside her mother leaving her brother and his new bride to be greeted by the senior staff. As the couple were taken on a conducted tour of the place she and Mama were able to wander about as they pleased.

‘This is not what I expected, my dear, for although sparsely furnished everything is in good taste and well-maintained. With the addition of some extra pieces brought over from Somiton itself I believe this will do very well.’

‘Indeed it will, and we’ll both be happy here I’m sure.’ There was a large, immaculate entrance space from which a central, elaborately carved staircase rose to an impressive balustraded gallery. ‘The only drawback to this house is its ancient construction. I fear that the Somiton males are like to knock themselves senseless going through some of the doors to the smaller rooms.’

‘Thank the Lord that the entrance to the main reception and the drawing room are of sufficient height not to be a danger to them. Another negative aspect to the age of this building is the fact that the mullioned windows with their leaded panes let in far less light than one would like.’

‘Then it’s fortunate, isn’t it, that Leo’s sufficiently wealthy to have an endless supply of beeswax candles to light the place?’

As the bridal couple were exploring downstairs they ventured up and stopped to look over the balcony and were well pleased with the view. ‘There isn’t a ballroom, but one could have the musicians up here and hold it in the space below.’

‘Mama, I hardly think Leo and Jessica will be having a ball as they know no one in the area. Shall we go right?’

She was unsurprised to find the bedchambers on this side devoid of furniture and although not exactly damp they were certainly in need of attention before they could be used. What she found even more peculiar and not to her liking was the fact that one room led directly into another.

‘There will be no privacy for anyone the way these are laid out, Mama. I wonder why when this house was built they didn’t put in a central passageway as we do nowadays?’

‘The rooms are a generous size, my dear, so I don’t think it would be too difficult to alter them. I think it would be wise if we chose chambers on this side of the gallery and allow Leo and Jessica to have their privacy on the other.’

‘I agree. Some of the chambers have only windows on one side which would mean if a passageway was constructed then they would be without natural light.’

Her mother laughed. ‘That’s hardly our concern, my dear. I’ve seen enough but so far have not seen anywhere we can sleep tonight.’

They walked to the far end through one room after the other – she’d counted ten generous chambers, all oak panelled and with ceilings of an acceptable height.

‘It’s interesting that there are three staircases – the central one presumably is for family and the ones at either end of this floor for the servants,’ Frances remarked as they made their way down to the central hall once more.

The housekeeper, to whom they’d yet to be introduced, was waiting to speak to them and overheard her.

‘Welcome to Crenshaw Manor, I am Simmons, housekeeper here. As you will have noticed the first floor hasn’t been in use for many years. Your accommodation is downstairs. Your maids have already unpacked your trunks and everything is waiting for you. Allow me to conduct you there.’

The house was a shallow C shape – the central part held the main reception rooms and entrance hall and, to the left, the servants’ quarters, kitchens and so on, and to the right were a series of pleasant chambers all, thankfully, with their own entrance.

Molly, her own girl, greeted her with a happy smile. ‘Lawks, miss, this is a rare old house. We’ve got our own parlour, a bedchamber and dressing room. I’ve got my own room leading from that. Isn’t that grand?’

The only disadvantage to this girl was her tendency to talk as if she was a member of the family and not a member of staff. However, her good nature and efficiency made up for this small lack of tact.

‘The place is far bigger than I’d realised but a fraction of the size of Somiton which is a relief. I need to remove the grime of my journey, change my gown and then go in search of dinner.’

Her apartment was somewhat ancient, obviously, but more spacious than anything she’d had before and surprisingly well furnished. The curtains and so on were faded, but not dusty or moth-ridden, and therefore quite acceptable.

She was just about to leave when her mother knocked briefly on the door and walked in. ‘We have identical accommodation, my dear, and I’m very happy with mine. It seems like another lifetime that we lived in such penury and now have everything we could possibly want because of the kindness of Adam and his brother.’

‘We haven’t had time to explore the entire house so I hope we can find our way to the dining room.’

‘Leo called in a few moments ago and told me it leads from the drawing room and although old-fashioned everything is as it should be. The housekeeper and butler, in fact all the staff, appear efficient and that means we don’t have to look for replacements.’

‘That’s not your job, Mama, it should be Jessica who takes control of the household.’

‘The dear girl has already asked me to become chatelaine in her absence. She’s scarcely out of the schoolroom, it would hardly seem fair for her to be burdened with domesticity so soon.’

There appeared to be four footmen, perhaps there were more but she’d certainly not seen any others so far. Maybe there was a need of more of these young men in an establishment of this size.

Over dinner Leo announced that he was satisfied with the house and had an appointment with the estate manager in the morning.

‘I’m going to take a tour of the estate but am confident I’ll find nothing remiss as everywhere we passed looked in good heart. Simmons already knows to refer to you, Mama, as you will be in charge in our absence. Feel free to make whatever changes you need to – Jessica and I trust your judgement implicitly.’

‘The place needs refurbishment and the chambers upstairs need adaptation to suit our needs. Could you ask the estate manager if he has an architect on hand who can take care of this?’

‘We’ve already made a list, Mama, which includes the installation of three newfangled bathing rooms. We also wish to have the kitchen modernised – I can’t believe they’re still cooking on an open fire.’

Frances replaced her cutlery on her plate and wiped her mouth with a napkin. ‘The food was quite delicious nonetheless. Are you certain you wish to leave the modernisation of your home to us, Leo? Do you not have ideas of your own?’

Jessica laughed. ‘I’ve no interest in such things. As long as the place is bright, clean and warm I’ll be satisfied. No – I correct myself. Please don’t bring in the Egyptian look as I abhor furniture with animal feet, gold leaf and anything ornate.’

‘I too prefer things modern and simple. Mama and I will drive over to Somiton in a day or two and choose the items of furniture we’ll need for this house.’

Gerard decided he would investigate further the unexpected departure of the Somiton family. His valet, Duncan, was an expert at eliciting information from other servants so he went in search of him. He explained what he wanted to know and handed over a few coins knowing these would be needed.

‘I’ll get onto it right away, my lord, there’s always someone willing to talk in return for a penny or two.’ Duncan pocketed the money with a grin knowing he could keep whatever wasn’t used for himself.

Less than two hours later his man came to find him in his study. This was where Gerard retreated to in order to avoid his garrulous relative who wouldn’t dream of disturbing him there.

‘Well, Duncan, what did you learn?’

Instead of launching into an explanation his valet looked uncomfortable, shifted from one foot to the other and was reluctant to speak.

‘Get on with it, man, whatever you learned I want to know. I’m assuming from your demeanour that it’s something to do with me.’

‘Yes, my lord, Miss Somiton was fearful you were going to make her an offer and so to avoid having to refuse she ran away.’

Gerard was rendered speechless for a moment – something that very rarely happened. He waved his valet away and the man vanished instantly obviously relieved to be out of range when his master did recover his voice.

His fingers clenched and for a second it took all his willpower not to hurl the nearest ledger across the room. Why the hell had the girl rejected him? No one had ever had the temerity to deny him anything before this insult.

Then, instead of being angry he laughed. If this chit thought that running to Somiton would get rid of him she had another think coming. Her decision had made him even more determined to marry her. It didn’t matter that she was reluctant, that possibly she was already enamoured with another, she would be his by the end of the summer.

He sprung to his feet invigorated for the first time in years. There was nothing he liked better than a chase, a hunt, and he always got his quarry. Then his enthusiasm abated somewhat. Had the girl left in order to pique his interest?

His mouth curved – it didn’t really matter why she’d gone – he would follow her and discover for himself if she was playing a game with him or if her leaving was motivated by a genuine dislike of himself.

It mattered not to him – she would be a convenient wife and by the end of the summer he would have gained Chalfont’s approval and she would be his betrothed.

The following day he was heading for the country. His own estate, Stodham Abbey, was also in Suffolk and fortuitously, less than twenty miles from Somiton. Gerard settled back in his luxurious travelling carriage, put his boots on the opposite squab and fell asleep.

He would overnight in Colchester and complete the journey to his own property the following day. He’d no intention of turning up at Somiton in disarray. He would drive himself in his phaeton, which obviously he didn’t bring to Town. This carriage was a new acquisition of his as were the matched chestnuts that drew it, and he had yet to discover their full potential.

There was no rush – he wasn’t expected – and the girl had nowhere else to go. Chalfont had settled a considerable amount on each of his wards, so he’d heard, so she would be considered an eligible young lady by any gentleman in search of a bride.

As his fortune was substantial, he’d no need to marry an heiress but ten thousand guineas would always be welcome. His grandmother had refused to accompany him which was a relief. She had stated that she would remain in London until the end of the Season and was under the erroneous impression he would be returning to join her shortly.

As his only reason for opening the house in Hanover Square had been to find himself a bride – which he’d already done – there was no necessity for him to be there and endure the overheated, overcrowded events filled with people he didn’t wish to speak to.

He was a very persuasive gentleman and was confident he would be successful. Even if the Somiton girl believed herself to be in love with another by the end of the summer he would have convinced her that she would be better off with him.

He could be charming when he wished to be and he intended to use everything in his power to overcome her reluctance. He would even profess his undying love if that’s what it took. The fact this would be untrue gave him a moment’s pause – but then he shrugged.

He would make her an excellent husband and even if he could never love her, he wouldn’t be unfaithful, would treat her well, be a caring parent, and would ensure that she was happy and had no regrets.

Two days after their arrival Leo and Jessica departed for their wedding trip and she and her mother drove the few miles to Somiton. The weather was clement so they travelled in an open carriage and Frances much enjoyed the drive.

On their arrival she left her mother to select the items of furniture that were wanted for Crenshaw Manor and hurried along the path that led to the Dower House. Lady Somiton, now known as Aunt Charlotte by all the Somiton girls, had taken the sisters Eloise and Millie into her home after the debacle of the wedding.

Grace was her bosom bow and it was she that Frances wished to spend time with. Eloise was the same age as her, and her sister Millie was the same age as Jessica, but she thought of them as no more than acquaintances, despite them having spent so much time together. She sincerely hoped she would be able to have Grace to herself.

Her dearest friend saw her approaching from the drawing room windows and rushed out to join her in the garden. They embraced. ‘I cannot tell you how pleased I am to see you, Frances. I’ve so much to tell you. The other Mrs Somiton sent for her daughters so Eloise and Millie no longer live here. Adam is relieved that they’ve gone.’

‘So am I. I’m surprised that he handed them over so easily. Do you know the reason why he allowed them to leave?’

Grace slipped her arm through hers and they began to stroll around the pretty garden that surrounded this house. ‘He remains their legal guardian so they cannot marry without his consent and certainly won’t get their dowry if he disapproves of their choice. Mrs Somiton it would appear has learned her lesson the hard way and is now much subdued and living a respectable life at her own establishment.’

‘To be honest, dearest friend, I never liked either of them although Eloise was better than her younger sister. You haven’t asked me why I’m back from London – don’t you wish to know?’

When Frances had finished her explanation Grace was laughing. ‘I imagine that he won’t be best pleased at your disappearance. How could you have forgotten to cry off your engagement? Gentlemen expect to have everything their own way but I’m not surprised you didn’t want to marry him.’

‘I don’t want to marry anyone. If I did then he was perfectly acceptable, if a little overwhelming and rather older than I’d like.’

‘Why should you settle for anything less than true love? My sister married for love as did Richard and your brother and Jessica. Nothing else will do for a Somiton. I certainly expect to be head over heels in love with whoever I marry and they must be equally besotted with me.’ Her friend sighed dramatically. ‘Although the likelihood of me ever meeting someone I can fall in love with is remote as Mama has said I don’t deserve to have a Season and that she will find me someone suitable from the gentlemen in the neighbourhood.’

‘I think it thin pickings in Suffolk. Shall we vow to remain spinsters together?’ Grace giggled and clutched her hands dramatically to her bosom. ‘Unless, of course, either of us falls madly in love and then we’re released from our oath.’

‘I’ll agree to that as long as we don’t have to spit in our hands or cut ourselves with a penknife to make the words valid.’

‘Nothing like that. Shall we shake hands on it as gentlemen do on a business deal?’

With great solemnity they shook hands and then ran, holding their skirts aloft to avoid them dragging in the dirt, into the house through the open French doors of the drawing room.

When Aunt Charlotte heard that Mama was at the big house, she donned a bonnet and rushed off to spend time with her friend leaving the two of them to sit in comfort and talk freely knowing they were not being overheard.

‘I do vaguely remember Adam mentioning your suitor but not as if he was a close friend. Describe him to me in exact detail so that I can decide for myself if you made the right decision.’

‘He’s not quite as tall as the Somiton men but still taller than most. His colouring is identical to yours – corn-coloured curls but whereas you have blue eyes his are green. It was this that attracted me in the first place…’

Her friend clapped her hands in glee. ‘I knew it, you do like him. You just said you found him attractive.’

‘The fact that he’s physically attractive, charming, witty and also a wealthy aristocrat doesn’t mean that I want to marry him. There was something about him that put me off – a reserve in his expression sometimes when he didn’t know I was looking at him.’

‘Well, after you’ve so obviously given him the cut direct any chance you have of marrying him has gone.’

‘Then we shall talk of something else. Do you know when the renovation and rebuilding of Somiton is going to start?’

‘The place is being cleared of furniture first and everything is being carefully covered and stored in a barn. Adam told us it will probably be a year or more before the place is ready to be reoccupied.’

‘I don’t blame him for wanting a smaller house – there must have been well over a hundred chambers in that place if you include the East Wing. Far too big and far too cold in the winter,’ Frances said with a smile. ‘I’m sure that our mamas will return here for luncheon – shall we go and meet them?’