Page 31 of Mistress of Misfortune

“I am so happy,” Lady Starling said before Meredith could reply. “I never dared hope this day would come for you, and now it is here. You will remain at Starling House, and have the very best of husbands.”

“Forgive me, but I will not marry Percival.” As everyone stared at her, Meredith rose again. “Thank you for your offer, Cousin. I am quite conscious of the honor you do me. Yet my heart insists I speak truthfully. I am not in love with you. I absolutely cannot accept.”

“What?” Lady Starling's face reddened as if slapped on both cheeks. “You may not refuse him. Tell him yes, Meredith, this very instant.”

“Mama.” She felt exasperated. “You cannot force me to marry.”

“I am your mother, and you are very nearly a spinster. Of course, I can.” Her eyes narrowed, and her jaw set. “What is the matter with you, girl? Is this how you show gratitude to a fine gentleman who has protected you, and shown you great regard, and even saved your life on more than one occasion?”

“Marriage is not about gratitude, Mama,” Meredith said quietly. “It is about sharing a life, and providing companionship, and having children together. When, or if, I do that, it will be with a man that I love.”

“You need not concern yourself, my dear,” her father said. “I think you still young enough to begin a family.”

“I will become a grandmother.” Lavinia made it sound the same as being wrapped in a shroud.

“Be quiet, Sister,” her mother snapped before leaning closer to whisper to Meredith, “You are behaving disgracefully. Stop embarrassing us and accept your cousin's offer. Now, Meredith.”

“Calm yourself, Aunt.” Percival gave Meredith a narrow look, “I confess, I expected you would be more amenable to my proposal. Of course, you need time to think on it. I will call on you in a few days. Aunt, Uncle.” He helped his mother to her feet and guided her out of the room, his back stiff with resentment.

Meredith felt frozen, barely hearing her mother's sharp litany of outraged rebukes. Eventually her father made a disgusted sound, closed his book and walked out, leaving her alone with Lady Starling.

“Do you care nothing for me?” she finally asked her mother, stopping her in mid-tirade. “I know I have been a trial to you and Papa, but I am your daughter. Do you truly wish me to marry a man I do not love?”

“Do you think any other man will have you?” Lady Starling demanded. “Love is a foolish girl’s notion. Percival offers you his name and a home and protection. He is willing to overlook your faults, including this perpetual clumsiness that has lamed you yet again.”

“No, someone tripped me last night.” There, she had said it aloud. “This was not my fault. A man with black boots tried to make me fall. Annie can show you the proof.”

“It is a shame he did not succeed. It might have knocked some sense into your head.” Her mother stalked out of the room.

* * *

Meredith rose earlythe next day, and waited by the sitting room window until she saw Thorne’s carriage approaching the manor. With her foot firmly wrapped she was able to walk with only a slight limp to meet her cousin at the door.

“We must go at once,” she told her. “Mama is very cross with me, and if she wakes she will insist I stay home as a punishment. Possibly for the remainder of the year.”

“That is cross.” Lucetta helped her to the carriage, which Harshad started as soon as they were inside.

As they left Starling House Meredith let out the breath she had been holding, and regarded her cousin. She might as well tell her the rest. “Last night Percival made an offer of marriage. I refused him.”

“Ah.” The older woman smiled a little. “I gather your mother wished you to accept.”

“She demanded I do so.” Meredith described the unhappy events, and then said, “Apparently he intended to deliver his proposal at Lady Hardiwick’s assembly, but I was obliged to return home early. Had I known he meant to offer for me, I would have discouraged him at once. I feel very guilty about that.”

The older woman patted her hand. “Do not blame yourself, my dear. He well concealed his intentions from you.”

“I should have expected it, I suppose,” Meredith admitted. “He is to inherit, and my parents already regard him as a son. Yet I truly feel only sisterly affection for Percival, and he deserves a wife who can love him with all her heart.” She sighed. “We are all at odds now. I fear this may be my last visit to Dredthorne Hall.”

“Hold fast to your resolve, my dear,” her cousin said. “In time the lieutenant will doubtless transfer his affections to another, and then your parents will have no choice but to comply with your wishes.”

Meredith didn’t want to think about the disagreeable situation any more. “Last night at the ball Alistair mentioned that you are to be his new housekeeper. How did that come about?”

“Quite quickly, and to our mutual satisfaction.” As the carriage stopped Lucetta stiffened and leaned out to peer at a small, old rig sitting to one side of the drive. She abruptly sighed and then met Meredith’s gaze. “It seems my brother has come to call on the colonel, which is doubtless on my behalf. I will meet you in the work room shortly.”

Meredith agreed, and went directly to the reception room, where she found the vicar hovering over a group of books about the history of the church.

“Good morning, Mr. Branwen.” She curtseyed. “Your sister is just arrived with me.”

“It is good to see you, Miss Starling.” He gave her a short bow and turned as Lucetta came in with Thorne. “Lucetta, my dear. Colonel Thorne has related the news about your position here. I had hoped to have a word with you before I left.”