The Marriage Market Read online

  “My parents and I met Mr. Wovington at the Ladbrook’s home, sir. We have been acquainted these past two months. It was Mr. Wovington who introduced me to Mrs. Edwards. Surely I mentioned him to you, Mr. Davis?”

  “Oh yes,” Davis replied, stepping closer to James until they were a scant arm’s length apart. “The gentleman who knows Mrs. Edwards’ agent.” He looked James up and down. “No doubt, sir, you are wondering why I have followed you and Miss Pursing outside? I saw you quit the hall together, and came as soon as I could make my way through the crowd.”

  “You are right, Mr. Davis. I would very much like to know why you have followed us,” James said with icy politeness.

  “I am going to be frank. You are not part of the neighbourhood, and perhaps are unacquainted with our ways. Miss Pursing has led a very innocent and sheltered life here in the country. She does not have the experience or the judgement to defend herself against men who would take advantage of her. It may be the custom in your social circle, Mr. Wovington, to promenade alone at night with a young woman to whom you are not affianced, but in this society, such behaviour could damage a lady’s reputation.”

  “Mr. Davis!” cried the young lady, jumping to her feet. The two men glared at each other.

  “What concern is it of yours, sir, that you insult Miss Pursing and me with your insinuations? You misinterpret the situation. It is quite innocent,” James said in a low, threatening voice.

  “That may be, Mr. Wovington, but Miss Pursing is my friend as well as my pupil, and I will protect her reputation against those who do not care for her welfare as I do.” Turning to the young lady and offering his arm, Mr. Davis said more gently, “I suggest that you return to the hall with me now.”

  Miss Pursing looked from gentleman to gentleman, uncertainty written on her face. Finally, she took her teacher’s arm. “If you really think I should, Mr. Davis, I will come with you,” she said meekly.

  James inhaled sharply. “This is preposterous,” he protested. “Only a prude would misconstrue the situation.”

  Davis turned upon James, his thin face angry and flushed. “Call me a prude if you like, sir, but it is dark, you are unchaperoned, and the young lady’s parents are unaware of her whereabouts. I will not allow Miss Pursing’s reputation to be besmirched by a roué such as you!”

  “Now wait just a minute, Davis,” James said, grabbing hold of the teacher’s shoulder. Davis swung his fist at James, who ducked and struck a blow to Davis’ midsection. Davis bent double, gasping for air.

  “Stop it!” Miss Pursing cried. She rushed to her teacher’s side and slid an arm around his shoulders. “How are you, Mr. Davis?” she asked, bending to peer into his face. “Has he hurt you very badly?”

  “Come now, Miss Pursing, he cannot be much injured. I hit only him once, and that was in self-defence,” James protested, coming closer to inspect his rival.

  Miss Pursing turned on him. “Mr. Davis is a musician, sir, not a hooligan. He was only trying to defend my reputation, which is obviously of little concern to you. And how did you repay his concern? By assaulting him. He may have damaged his hands, and his hands are precious. He is a very gifted musician, you know.” Miss Pursing turned back to her teacher. “Come, Mr. Davis, let us return to the hall,” she said, tucking her hand under his elbow.

  James stepped forward to take Davis’ other arm, but Miss Pursing waved him off. “No, Mr. Wovington, kindly leave us alone. We do not require any assistance from you. As a matter of fact, I would prefer that you refrain from calling upon me or my family in the future. Obviously, your morals are too worldly for simple country folk like us. Good evening, sir.” The couple departed, Miss Pursing murmuring words of consolation to her teacher as they walked away.

  James stared after them until they were out of sight. Running a hand through his hair, he muttered, “That could have gone better, James, my boy.” How quickly Miss Pursing’s opinion had turned against him. He had meant to improve his friendship with her that night, perhaps even to steal a kiss. Well, that was no longer a possibility. Apparently their friendship was over. Thank heaven it had not progressed too far. The girl was obviously a tartar under that mask of demureness. Musing on the fickleness of women, James left to look for David and Victoria.

  Chapter Nine – Miss Margaret House

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

  April 15, ______

  “Dearest Jemma,

  I received your response to my account of the Pursings’ ball an hour ago. I agree with your opinion that the disagreement between Miss Pursing and Mr. Wovington was based upon a trifle, but Miss Pursing’s mind is quite shut against Mr. Wovington, and he has no intention of pursuing a relationship with her. As a matter of fact, he says that he has sworn off young ladies. He declares that he will remain a bachelor all of his life and will only socialize with married women ‘because they know a thing or two about life.’ Of course, he is upset right now, and needs a cooling-off period before trying again. All the same, I think that he might be tempted by a lady who is more mature and worldly than our little Miss Pursing. By the way, her Papa has announced her engagement to Mr. Davis.”

  __________

  Springtime had come, and the ploughing and planting were well underway. David and Victoria took advantage of a dry afternoon to go riding together. Victoria was not an experienced rider, so David was giving her lessons. They were ambling along a country track when they heard the drumming of horses’ hooves galloping toward them. Victoria’s calm old mare would have stood her ground against a cavalry attack and did not give way, but David’s more high-strung mount skittered off the path. Two hounds broke out of a nearby copse, clamouring as they came. Three riders, two gentlemen and a lady, followed immediately after them, riding cross-country. The gentlemen galloped neck and neck with the lady riding on their heels, her skirts streaming over her steed. The gentlemen approached a hedge and took it in stride. They did not look back to see how the lady fared, but they hardly needed to; she sailed over the hedge with ease and continued in close pursuit. The dogs dashed back and forth before the hedge, seeking an opening. They found a way through, and the party was lost to view as quickly as it had appeared.

  “How marvellous, David! Who were they?” Victoria exclaimed.

  “The Houses, my dear. Ralph, Timothy, and their sister, Margaret. They live at Mowbray Manor in the next county. They’ve been away visiting relatives in Scotland. I didn’t hear that they had returned.”

  “What magnificent riders they are, particularly Miss House. Did you see how well she sat her horse? What confidence she showed taking that jump! I wish that I could ride half so well.”

  “Horses run in their blood, Victoria. Their family have been members of the hunt for generations."

  “What is the family like, David? Tell me about them. Is there a Mrs. House?”

  “A second Mrs. House, my dear. The first Mrs. House died soon after giving birth to Miss Margaret. Mr. House has a second family with a younger wife, and they all live together at the Manor.”

  “Really? They sound like quite a crowd. Do they all get along?”

  “From what I’ve heard. But I believe that the older children are often away. I know that the old man has been trying to get Ralph, the eldest son, to take more interest in the estate. Rumour has it that he has been looking for a suitable wife for Ralph, and wants the boy to settle down. Ralph and Timothy had quite a reputation for their wild ways when they were growing up.”

  “And what about Miss House? How old is she?”

  David thought for a moment. “I think that she must be twenty-two.”

  “And she is not married yet?”

  “No, although she has never wanted for suitors.”

  “What is the problem, then? She seemed attractive, at least from a distance. Does she have some character terrible flaw?”

  “Indeed, she is quite handsome. As to a flaw, the only thing I have heard against her is that she is
head-strong. I suppose that she has not married because she has not yet met anyone to her liking, but she has dowry and looks enough to make her a good catch when the right man comes along.”

  “Well, I do not know how anyone can find life in the country boring, David. Our neighbours are always doing something interesting. I think it’s time you introduced me to the Houses, don’t you agree?”

  David turned his horse onto the track for home, Victoria’s mare plodding placidly behind him. “We can call on them tomorrow if you like,” he said with a shrug. “You’ll find Mr. House, Sr. interesting. He’s quite an old rascal and likes a beautiful woman just as much as he likes a solid piece of horse flesh. Better stick close to me when we go calling.”

  “Whatever you think best, David,” Victoria said, smiling at his back.

  Twenty-four hours later, David and Victoria were seated on a couch across from Mrs. House and her baby. The diminutive young mother wore a pretty white cap that framed her delicate face. With pink cheeks and a porcelain complexion, she was a rosebud of a woman. As Mrs. House poured and handed out the coffee, Victoria was reminded of the tea parties she used to have with Patricia when they were children.

  “How good of you both to call upon me. I heard all about you from the rector, Mrs. Ladbrook, and have been longing to meet you. So has my step-daughter, Margaret. She will be joining us shortly. She was just out riding, and is changing her clothes.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. House. I look forward to meeting her, too.” Victoria gazed about the room and added, “I must say that you have a beautiful home. There was an especially lovely floral screen by the entrance on the way in. Did you or Miss House make it?”

  Mrs. House smiled proudly. “That is a piece of my work, Mrs. Ladbrook. Thank you, I am very pleased with it. With the children so young, I am often at home and have my little projects to occupy me. My step-daughter is not much interested in domestic pursuits. She has a very full social life.”

  As if conjured by the mention of her name, Miss House strode into the room. She was of medium height, but her erect carriage made her appear taller. Her hair was raven black, and with her high colouring and vitality, she was a handsome woman. Her clothes were well-cut in the latest fashion and accentuated a trim figure. David stood as she entered.

  “There you are, Margaret dear. Of course you know Mr. Ladbrook, and this is his new bride, Mrs. Ladbrook.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Ladbrook. My, aren’t you pretty. I see that the gossip is true, for once. How do you do, Mr. Ladbrook? You are looking quite fit, sir. Marriage agrees with you,” Margaret said, studying the gentleman with her head cocked to one side. She sat, and Mrs. House poured out a cup of coffee for her.

  Victoria said, “David and I were out riding yesterday afternoon, Miss House. We saw you and your brothers galloping by at a distance. I am quite envious of your riding ability and your skill at jumping.”

  “I’m afraid I didn’t see you, Mrs. Ladbrook, or we would have stopped. I was riding Dancer yesterday. Capital hunter and an excellent jumper. Father bought him for me last Christmas. Are you a horsewoman, Mrs. Ladbrook?”

  “I am just a beginner, Miss House. My family lived in Portsmouth, and my father, Admiral Larke, was away much of the time while I was growing up. My mother did not ride, and we kept only carriage horses. I fear that I come to riding a little late in life.”

  Miss House’s gaze was frank and open. “That is a shame, Mrs. Ladbrook. Riding is excellent exercise for a woman. It teaches good posture and balance, as well as judgement. I have learned much about handling people through my interaction with horses.”

  “Really, Miss House, how very interesting. I had never thought that one could apply horsemanship to people.”

  “Definitely, Mrs. Ladbrook. There are horses that should be given their heads, and others who need a firm hand. People are the same.”

  “I agree, Miss House,” David said. “There are horses that need a good nudge now and then too, just like people.”

  “Too true, Mr. Ladbrook, but we will not name any names,” Miss House said with a short laugh. “By the way, I would be happy to lend you one of Father’s hunters if you wish to teach Mrs. Ladbrook how to jump. I have a mare, Miss Suzy, who is the gentlest of creatures. You would feel as safe on her back as sitting in a rocking chair, Mrs. Ladbrook.”

  “Thank you, Miss House, you are very generous. I may accept your offer one day if I ever become proficient enough. By the way, I hear that you have recently returned from visiting relatives in Scotland?”

  The infant on the sofa beside Mrs. House began to cry, and the young mother hoisted him into her arms. “Oh my, what is wrong, little Tom? Are you tired, my love? Nurse should be coming any minute to take you for your nap.”

  “Hand him over to me, Susan,” Margaret said. She took the fretful child in her arms and began to rock him back and forth. “How is our little man? Are you tired, dearest? Maggie will coo to you,” she murmured. The child’s eyelids began to droop and his thumb found its way into his mouth.

  “Margaret has a wonderful way with children, Mrs. Ladbrook. She is a great help to me, especially now that there is another little brother or sister on the way for Tom and his brother, Henry,” said Mrs. House.

  “Indeed? Congratulations on your growing family, Mrs. House,” Victoria said.

  “In answer to your question, Mrs. Ladbrook, my brothers and I just returned last week from visiting an aunt in Scotland,” Miss House said. “She has a house in Edinburgh, where we were visiting for my cousin’s wedding. Fortunately, the weather was mostly sunny and the roads were dry. Have you ever been to Scotland, Mrs. Ladbrook?”

  “Not yet, although I should like to make a tour with Mr. Ladbrook one day.”

  “Well, I can recommend Edinburgh to you. As you come from Portsmouth, you will appreciate its coastal location. The city has its cultural attractions, too – museums and libraries, theatre and music. And the shopping is good. I love it here in the country, of course, but Edinburgh is a wonderful city with every advantage and convenience.”

  “Do you enjoy cultural pursuits, Miss House?” Victoria asked.

  “I am rather mad for dancing, I must admit. I employed a dance master to train me in the latest dances when we were last in London.”

  “Of course, dear Margaret, once you are married and the dear little ones start to come, you will have other preoccupations,” her step-mother said, taking the sleeping child from her arms and rising to her feet. “Please excuse me. I am going to take little Thomas to the nursery for his nap. I can’t imagine what is keeping Nurse.”

  David rose as the lady left the room, and Victoria stood as well. “I’m afraid that we have imposed upon you long enough, Miss House,” she said.

  “I have enjoyed your visit very much, Mrs. Ladbrook. You and Mr. Ladbrook must come for dinner soon so that you can meet my father and brothers. I am sorry that they are not at home today. They have been asking about Mr. Ladbrook’s new wife.”

  “We would be delighted to come,” David replied. “It’s been months since I’ve seen them.”

  Victoria smiled. “Please convey our thanks to your step-mother and tell her how much I enjoyed meeting her.”

  “Of course,” Miss House responded, rising to see them out.

  Victoria mused over their visit as she and David rode home in the carriage. “Miss House certainly has a forceful personality, David,” she said. “Yet, when I saw her with her little half-brother, I could see that she has a tender, motherly side, too.”

  “I’ve not seen much of her over the past year, Victoria. I’ve been occupied with other pursuits,” David said, putting an arm around her waist and kissing her. It was a moment before he added, “But I’ve always respected Miss House for her honesty. She has strong enthusiasms, that is true, but then she has a passionate nature.”

  “Yes,” said Victoria thoughtfully, “she definitely knows what she likes. Do you remember her mentioning the cultural advantages of Ed
inburgh? I wonder if she would enjoy visiting the new exhibit at the art gallery in Salisbury?”

  “She might, my love. Do you know, I’ve been thinking that it would be nice for you to have more female companionship now that Mrs. Greene has gone home to Bath. It’s too bad that my sister is in Salisbury, or you could visit her more often. Would you like to invite Miss House to see the exhibit? You could stay with Mother for two or three days. I should stay close to home since it’s calving and foaling season, but there is no reason for you to be deprived of your amusements. I’m sure that Mother would enjoy a visit from you, too.”

  “Thank you, David, that is an excellent suggestion. I shall send Miss House an invitation as soon as we return home. You are good to me,” she said, laying her head against his shoulder.

  “Well, my love, you’re accustomed to town life and I don’t want you to find life in the country dull,” he replied, nuzzling her cheek.

  “Have no fear of that, darling. I have plenty to keep me occupied,” she replied.

  Chapter Ten – A Visit to Town

  “Miss House, I am glad to see you again,” Mother Ladbrook said. “Tell me, how is your family? I am sure that I have not seen your father and his wife since the christening of their first child.”

  “We are all well, ma’am. Little Henry has a brother now, and another brother or sister on the way.”

  It was a beautiful afternoon; the sun’s rays glinted through the rippling leaves that sheltered the ladies as Mother Ladbrook served them refreshments in the garden. Miss House spent the next few minutes catching Mother Ladbrook up on the country news before conversation turned to the young women’s plans.

  “Will you be seeing the new exhibit in High Street while you are here, Victoria?”

  “Yes, Mother Ladbrook. We’ve heard that there is a Constable in the collection. I am much looking forward to seeing it.”