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CHAPTER1
England, 1850
Keep calm.Do not lose your temper.
Tabitha Crestwood uttered the words to herself as she entered the library, her mother close behind. Confronting the Viscountess Bedford in the middle of a party wasn’t the best decision, but when had Tabitha ever done anything the easy way? Besides, desperate times called for desperate measures. And Tabitha was at her wits’ end. Her very future hung in the balance.
The library was a discreet distance from the ongoing party—and prying ears. Plus, it was Tabitha’s favorite room in the house. The comforting smell of her father’s cigars and cologne, which permeated the air, helped soothe Tabitha’s frayed nerves. The familiarity of the books had always made her feel safe and protected, and in this moment, Tabitha required their silent, solid strength since she was about to confront her mother on the one issue on which they never agreed...marriage.
Lady Bedford closed the door before turning her attention to her daughter. “Now, what is it you need to discuss with me so urgently? We are in the middle of your father’s party, and we shouldn’t be away from our guests.”
As always, the foremost thought in her ladyship’s mind was making a good impression.The perfect hostess always anticipates the needs of her guests.Tabitha shook her head, trying to rid herself of her mother’s many lessons in etiquette.
Focus.
“I want to discuss Lord Vance.”
At the mention of the marquess, her mother’s expression warmed. “What about his lordship, my dear?”
Tabitha took a fortifying breath, her stomach in knots as she spoke. “If you expect me to be polite to that odious man this evening, then I am sorry to disappoint you, for I will not.”
Over the next seconds, Tabitha watched as her mother’s expression turned from one of happiness to one of annoyance. Lady Bedford narrowed her gaze at her only daughter. The corners of her lips pulled tight. “You will be cordial to his lordship and put your best foot forward. Your father and I are expecting him to ask for your hand.”
“I would sooner marry a snake.” Tabitha could barely conceal her disgust. “The man looks at me most improperly.” Just the memory of his stare made her skin crawl. “Did you know he has already had two wives? He divorced both of them, and I’ve heard they’re both happier for it. Lord Vance doesn’t sound like the husband type.”
“Dearest,” Lady Bedford said in a placating tone, “the only reason his lordship divorced those women was because they failed to produce him a son. He wants an heir to whom to pass his name—and title. Certainly you can see his dilemma.”
Tabitha stepped closer to the veranda windows, wishing she were anywhere but here right now. Why couldn’t her mother just let her be? At twenty-two years old, Tabitha was content to be on the shelf, but Lady Bedford wouldn’t rest until her daughter was married, and in an advantageous match at that.
“All the man wants is a son.”
Tabitha whirled around. “And you would offer me as his broodmare? To lie dutifully in his bed while the marquess mounts me nightly, trying to plant his seed?” Could there be anything more distasteful?
“Tabitha! Must you be so vulgar?” Her mother fanned herself with her hand. “A young lady should not speak of such things.”
“I won’t have it, Mother. I won’t marry that pig. I would rather die or live out my life in a nunnery!” Tabitha’s voice rose higher as she became more agitated by the second.
At this rate, the guests in the ballroom would hear them. Tabitha took a steadying breath. Changing her mother’s mind was proving more difficult than she had expected. Lady Bedford was desperate to have her wed. But until now, Tabitha hadn’t realized her happiness was not even a factor. All that mattered were position, money, and power. But Tabitha refused to be a pawn in her mother’s plans.
How she wished her brother, Phillip, were here. He would have stood up for her. Phillip understood Tabitha’s wish to live her own life. Why were men allowed the luxury of doing as they pleased, but women were not? It was a cruel world, but Tabitha refused to back down.
“Mother, I have it on good authority that Lord Vance cannot produce children. His first wife, Lady Clara, who is now married to Lord Hayworth, is carrying their first child. It was not her fault, obviously, but Lord Vance’s, and the same will happen to me! I’ll be discarded for not producing his heir, so why even marry him?”
The older woman walked over to where Tabitha stood by the windows, took her hands, and led her to the sofa. The familiar glint in Lady Bedford’s eyes promised another lecture.
“My dear, I know you may be nervous about what married life entails, and I’m sure you’ve heard stories from other ladies, but let me assure you it is a duty that must be performed, no matter what your feelings may be. It is our lot in life as women to bear children, and you will do so with the utmost dignity.”
Tabitha yanked her hands out of her mother’s grasp and strode clear across the room, finally at her wit’s end. It was always like this when talking to her mother. No matter what she said, it was brushed aside. Tabitha was tired of being treated like a child. She knew her mind and was willing to put her plan into action tonight, if needed.
“If you make me marry Lord Vance, I will never speak to you again. You know me, Mother. When have I ever done what you wanted me to do? At every turn, you have tried to change who I am, how I think, how I feel, but no more! I will live my life the way I wish!”
Her nostrils flared and her chest heaved from the vehemence of her words. This conversation had been a long time coming. Tabitha had overheard her mother speaking to her father about Lord Vance’s possible proposal a month ago. Usually, her father was Tabitha’s staunchest supporter, but apparently, her mother had gotten him to concede to the match. Over the last few weeks Tabitha had become more disheartened. She could see no other way out of the arranged marriage without resorting to extreme measures.
What Tabitha couldn’t figure out was why? Why would Lord Vance want her? She could name a dozen young ladies who were docile, soft-spoken, and obedient. The perfect example of what a wife should be. Unfortunately, none of those attributes could be said about Tabitha. In fact, it was quite the opposite. She had a mind of her own, spoke up when she had an opinion and didn’t know the first thing about being docile. Not qualities that men of the upper class wanted in a wife.
Tabitha wanted to see the world and travel, without the burden of a husband. Well, if everything went as planned tonight, she would finally have her freedom. Her friend, Fiona Ramsey, had written to her that everything was arranged for Tabitha’s departure tonight. It pained her to have to go to such lengths, but if Tabitha didn’t leave, she would end up as the next Lady Vance.
Shaking herself out of her thoughts, she focused again on her mother, who had remained seated on the sofa. Lady Bedford wasn’t a bad person, her views just differed from her daughter’s. The older woman was so caught up in titles and money that Tabitha’s feelings were pushed aside. A daughter was seen as a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder or the highest title. Lord Vance was wealthy, the richest man so far to take an interest in her, which was probably why her mother wanted the proposal in place, so he wouldn’t look elsewhere.
