The Marriage Market Read online

  James’ breathing was laboured and his arms and legs trembled from exertion. Fireball fared no better, his sides heaving and his head drooping. Dancer came skidding to a stop on the sodden grass, sending up a sheet of spray. Gathering her heavy, wet skirts, Margaret kicked her feet out of the stirrups and jumped to the ground. She stomped over to James, took hold of his arm, and yanked him off his horse. He would have toppled to the ground if not for her iron grip upon his arm.

  “What did you think you were doing?” she shouted, her face red with anger. “You could have seriously injured that animal. If Fireball has suffered any injury, any injury at all, I will hold you responsible, sir!”

  “The brute needed a lesson. He could have killed Victoria! Should I have let that demon hurt her?” James shouted back, losing his temper.

  “I told you that he was a spirited animal. You could have got him away from Miss Suzy without half-killing him to do it.”

  “Is that horse more important than the safety of your guests? Fireball must learn obedience or he will end up killing someone, perhaps even your brother!”

  “Nonsense, he just needs skilful handling. A better rider could have prevented any harm to Mrs. Ladbrook.”

  Victoria and David rode up in time to catch the end of their conversation. David jumped down from his horse and, throwing his reins to Victoria, ran over to James. Miss Suzy ignored the commotion to begin grazing.

  “Is anything wrong, James?” David asked, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

  “Yes, I’m fine. So is the horse.”

  Victoria said, “Please don't be upset with James, Miss House. Everyone is fine. No harm has been done.”

  “I'll be the judge of that,” Miss House snapped, turning her attention to Fireball. She grabbed the animal’s reins, causing him to jerk his head up nervously. Comforting him with pats and soothing murmurs, she ran a gloved hand over the animal’s filthy sides and legs, looking for injury. When Miss House had finished her inspection, she turned back to James. Her hat and riding habit were drenched and sticking to her body, her black hair straggling down her back. Her expression was cold and hard.

  “Fireball seems fine, Mr. Wovington, but I will ride him back to the stable to ensure that he is not lame. I will lead Dancer behind me and you can walk back to the manor. I will speak with you there once I have seen to the horses. Mr. and Mrs. Ladbrook, please return Miss Suzy and Queenie to the stable immediately.”

  “Of course,” Victoria murmured. Miss House turned to mount Fireball, waving off David’s silent offer of assistance, and guided the two horses back across the meadow without even a backward glance.

  Victoria said, “James, I am so sorry. If I were better at controlling my horse, I could have moved Miss Suzy out of Fireball’s way. I am sure that Miss House will make amends to you once she has calmed down.”

  James looked up at her with a cool expression. “You’re not in the least to blame, Victoria. Maybe I was presumptuous in trying to teach that horse a lesson, but Miss House is wrong. A dangerous animal like Fireball should be kept away from other riders. Do not fret, Victoria. Miss House’s reaction was most revealing. I did not hear her inquire about your well-being once. She was more concerned about that damn horse than about you. All in all, this has been a most enlightening experience.”

  “But Margaret could see that I was not injured. I’m sure that she would have been concerned had you or I been hurt.” James stared silently at Victoria, the rain dripping off the end of his nose. David stepped forward to retrieve Queenie’s reins from his wife.

  “Let’s get back to the stable before we all drown,” he said. “James can ride Miss Suzy, and Victoria and I will double up on Queenie.”

  James shook his head. “Thank you, David, but I have had all the riding that I can stomach for one day. You and Victoria go ahead. I’ll walk back.” Victoria protested, but James was determined. The couple watched while their sodden friend set off across the field, his boots squelching on the grass.

  “Better leave him alone, Victoria,” David said. “Let’s take the horses back to the stable and get ourselves dried off. James will be fine. He’s not made of sugar.” Victoria sighed and nodded; there was nothing more to be done. Things had been going so well between James and Miss House until this happened. It was a shame. David mounted Queenie, and the couple rode back to the stable.

  Chapter Fourteen – A Business Proposition

  Extract of a letter from Mrs. David Ladbrook to Mrs. Joseph Greene:

  June 15, ______

  “And so, Jemma, just when I thought things were progressing so well between James and Miss House, they argued over the horse and broke off their friendship. James did not return to the Manor until an hour later that day. He was drenched and chilled and did not come down to dinner. Mrs. House had a tray sent up to his room, and the footman who delivered it reported that James had a frightful headache and was going to retire early. David and I were able to converse alone with Miss House and Mr. Ralph House about the whole affair before dinner. Ralph House seemed indifferent to James’ treatment of Fireball, but Miss House was still indignant. David and I defended James vigorously. In the end, she admitted that she was at fault for offering Fireball to James before she was certain of James’ horsemanship, but that was as far as she would go toward absolving him. She also made a point of saying that she did not trust a man who mistreated horses. I gave up on their friendship at that point. You would have to know Margaret House to understand how quick and absolute her judgements can be.

  Unfortunately, our relationship with our hosts deteriorated even further that evening. David spoke to Mr. House, Sr. when they were alone in the dining room about disturbing my rest the previous evening, and Mr. House did not take it very well. His face was purple when the gentlemen joined us, and he left the Manor to get some air. Then Miss House complained of a headache and retired to bed. I felt sorry for Mrs. House, who was confused about the inattentive behaviour of her family. We went up to bed before Mr. House came back inside. The next morning, James was determined to leave a day early. We went down to breakfast, but the family had already left for church. When they returned, we told Mrs. House that James was not well, and that we meant to escort him home immediately so that he could be attended by his own physician. Poor Mrs. House was very concerned about his health and offered to send for her own doctor, but James declined. In the end, James stopped overnight with us at Eston House because he truly was not well, but he rode back to town the following day. A few days ago, he sent us a note saying that he had business to attend to in Bath, and would be leaving for an indefinite stay.

  I am worried about him, Jemma. He seemed very low in spirits after the affair with Miss House. I think that he has gone off to Bath to lick his wounds. Please visit him, and ask mother and father to look in on him from time to time. Write to let me know how he is and what you think of his emotional state.

  Your loving friend,

  Victoria”

  __________

  Not long after receiving Victoria’s letter, Jemma was invited to tea at the Larkes’ home. James had been invited as well, and when she arrived in the drawing room, he and the admiral rose to greet her. Jemma took the admiral’s hand in greeting, and then turned to James.

  “Mr. Wovington, how are you? It has been months since I have had the pleasure of seeing you. You look very well,” she said.

  “I am quite well, thank you, madam. Bath must agree with you, you are looking lovely. That shade of blue is very becoming on you.”

  “Thank you, sir. A lady can always count upon a compliment from you.”

  “Mrs. Greene, come join us over here,” Mrs. Larke said, beckoning to a place on the sofa between herself and Patricia. The gentlemen reseated themselves, and Mrs. Larke served tea and frosted fruit scones to her guests. Conversation resumed, and the Larkes and Jemma asked James for news of the newlyweds.

  When the conversation began to languish, the admiral said, “Well, it is ex
cellent to have both of you visiting with us again. We hope to have a visit from David and Victoria in late October, too. It will be good to have our family and friends together again. What are your plans, Wovington? How long will you be staying in Bath?”

  “Indefinitely, for the moment, sir. I have business to attend to in Bath on my father’s behalf.”

  Mrs. Larke said, “Well, we shall take full advantage of your company while you are here, Mr. Wovington. You will join us for dinner next Sunday evening, won't you?” Turning to Jemma, she added, “And you will join us as well, Mrs. Greene? We have not seen you as often as we would like.” Both guests smiled and accepted the invitation.

  When the evening had drawn to a close, James walked Jemma to her carriage. “May I offer you a ride home, Mr. Wovington?” she asked after James had handed her in.

  James leaned against the carriage door. “Thank you, but it is only a few blocks to my rooms. It’s such a pleasant evening. I wish to take a little exercise before retiring.”

  Jemma laid her hand upon James’ sleeve. “Before you go, Mr. Wovington, there is some business that I would like to discuss with you at your earliest convenience. It is actually a proposal that I would like to make to both you and your father. Do you have time to see me this week?”

  “Certainly, Mrs. Greene. I am sure that I will have some free time tomorrow afternoon. Shall we say two o’clock? I am all curiosity to hear your proposal.”

  “That would suit me very well. Until tomorrow, then.”

  James bowed and closed the carriage door. Pausing for a moment to watch its progress down the street, he wondered what business Mrs. Greene could have that would involve both he and his father. Realizing that he would have to wait until tomorrow to be satisfied, he set off for home at a leisurely pace, whistling as he walked.

  Jemma was prompt for her appointment the following afternoon, and was soon seated in one of James’ client chairs. She placed her bag on the floor beside her and glanced around the room. It was a comfortably-appointed space with an overflowing bookcase behind James’ desk, two client chairs in front of the desk, and a table and armchair before a small fireplace on the other side of the room.

  James leaned back in his chair, studying the woman before him. It was a warm June day and, as always, Mrs. Greene was stylishly dressed. She wore a pert straw bonnet with the lightest of muslin gowns and a silk shawl. She was fidgeting in her chair, however, which was unlike her.

  “So, what brings you to see me today, Mrs. Greene? I have been filled with curiosity since you mentioned your proposal last night.”

  Jemma clasped her hands in her lap and took a deep breath. “Well, Mr. Wovington, let me begin by saying that I will always be grateful to you and your father for the assistance you rendered at the time of my husband’s death. Your father’s help in clearing off the remaining stock at a good price, your correspondence advising me on the legalities of closing the business, and your recommendation of a financial advisor were all of invaluable service to me. And, the introduction you arranged to the Larke family was a kindness that I shall always remember.” She paused and James nodded. “But now I need your assistance again, sir. I confess that I feel frustrated with my current situation. Living as a widow in Bath society does not interest me nearly as much as my husband’s business once did. Can you understand that in a woman, Mr. Wovington?”

  James leaned forward on his desk. “Yes, Mrs. Greene, I can. Both my father and I recognized the valuable contribution you made to your husband’s enterprise.”

  Jemma smiled and nodded. “Thank you. Not every man would acknowledge that. Very well, this is what I propose. I have decided to re-open my husband’s business, but on a modified scale. There are many fashionable establishments here in Bath that cater to the clothing requirements of the upper-class female. Some of these establishments are even owned and operated by women. And why not? Who better knows a lady’s needs and tastes than another woman? I intend to take advantage of that market in much the same that your father has in Salisbury by supplying these establishments with the finest-quality fabrics for ladies’ fashions. To this end, I have already made inquiries to some of my husband’s European associates about importing stock. I intend to visit the continent annually to observe the latest fashions and to select ready-made goods such as gloves, shawls, and undergarments to import back to England. I have the capital to purchase the stock, as well as to rent a warehouse. I would like to secure your father as my supplier for domestic woollens and cottons. I would also like to hire his services as my business advisor while I establish my operation and hire suitable staff. Well, Mr. Wovington, these are my plans. What do you think of them? Will you serve as my legal advisor and as your father’s agent in this scheme?”

  James considered her for a long moment before saying anything. “Mrs. Greene,” he finally said, “your plan is a very ambitious one for a woman. A shop – yes – but an import business? Tell me, have you discussed your plans with any of the Bath merchants?”

  Jemma stiffened. “Naturally, Mr. Wovington, I have talked with the owners of the better quality shops. Be assured, I have spent many months considering this and have done my research. I believe that there is a need for the service which I propose.”

  James nodded and folded his hands on his desktop. “Mrs. Greene, I must have some time to consider your request. An import business is a very large undertaking, even if you do have the support of your husband’s former associates. I would hate to see you throw your money away on an ill-conceived scheme. But I will undertake to write to my father on your behalf, and we will wait for his answer. I know that he thinks highly of you.”

  Jemma nodded and rose. “Thank you, Mr. Wovington. That is all I ask of you at the moment. I know that my proposal comes as a surprise, and I will give you time to consider your own involvement. I believe that you are ideally suited, both through your legal skill and your knowledge of your father’s business, to be of service to me in this enterprise. I want you to know, however, that I will be proceeding with my plans whether or not you choose to assist me. To be frank, I would rather that you did. I have put my faith in you before and have benefitted from your expertise. I hope that you will see that a deeper association will be profitable to both of us. We can discuss the terms later, if you are agreeable.”

  “I understand,” Wovington said, rising to his feet.

  Jemma proffered her hand. “You will let me know your response?”

  James took her hand. “I will write to you before the week is out.”

  “Thank you, sir. And, whatever your answer, I look forward to seeing you at the Larkes on Sunday.” She smiled, nodded, and opened his office door. James sat down and gazed thoughtfully after her as she crossed the reception room.

  His associate, a Mr. Neal, was just opening the outer door as Jemma reached it. He bowed and held the door for her as she passed through. He watched her descend the stairs before entering the offices himself.

  Neal stuck his head in James’ door. “A client of yours, Wovington?”

  James nodded.

  “Quite a beautiful woman, isn’t she? She has a purposeful air about her, too.”

  “You have no idea,” James responded.

  Chapter Fifteen – Mr. Wovington, Senior

  James wrote to Jemma three days later to say that he would assist her in her new enterprise. Privately, he thought that she had a reasonable chance for success, but her chances would be much improved by his and his father’s assistance. It might prove a profitable association, at that. He respected and admired the widow, and wished her to be successful.

  Jemma visited his office the next day to discuss her plan in more detail. When they met again at the Larke’s home for Sunday dinner, Jemma’s scheme naturally dominated the conversation and sparked lively discussion around the dinner table. Patricia was struck dumb by the temerity of the plan, and gazed at Jemma with awe and admiration. Mrs. Larke was encouraging, but concerned for her friend.

  �
�I do not mean to underestimate your abilities, my dear, but are you certain that you will be comfortable dealing with your foreign business associates now that Mr. Greene is gone? Mr. Larke has told me such stories about the forwardness of some of the continentals. Will they show proper respect to a woman?”

  Jemma smiled. “You forget, Mrs. Larke, that I lived abroad with my husband for five years. I have had prior dealings with these people. The men I have chosen for this enterprise are mostly old friends. I have dined in their homes and know their wives and children. They will look after my interests. I trust them.”

  Admiral Larke said, “And what about here at home? How will the local drapers treat you? Did they know Mr. Greene prior to his passing, or are they familiar with his reputation?”

  Jemma placed a hand on the admiral’s arm. “I know, my friends, that it will not be easy to convince the local shops to do business with me. I have discussed the problem with Mr. Wovington, and he will accompany me on my initial forays to demonstrate that I have the backing of the Wovington family. Our Mr. Wovington also has a solid legal reputation here in Bath. He will be a valuable ally in many ways in this undertaking.” She paused to smile at the gentleman. “I am optimistic that the merchants will be reassured by my connections and, in time, will come to see me as a worthy business associate, although I am a woman.”

  James added, “Let us not overlook the influence of Mrs. Greene’s personal charm with the shop owners. She is a sophisticated, stylish woman, with an air of quality.”

  Mrs. Larke nodded. “What you say is true, Mr. Wovington. If I saw Mrs. Greene at the milliner’s or the draper’s, I would certainly not hesitate to seek her advice on a question of fashion.”