The Marriage Market Read online

  “I have heard from a neighbour that there are also some fine landscapes on display, although I prefer portraiture myself. However, you should not miss the exhibit if you like landscapes. Did you know that there will be a ball in the Assembly Room tomorrow evening? I do not need to ask if you care to attend, Miss House – I know that you are an enthusiast. I remember a dance at Mowbray Manor a few years back when you did not sit down once the entire evening. I thought to myself, ‘That girl is going to overheat herself and catch a chill if she is not careful. I hope that she does not suffer for it tomorrow.’”

  “You should not have worried, Mrs. Ladbrook. I am never ill,” Miss House responded. “I would be delighted to attend the ball, if your daughter-in-law is like-minded.” She turned to Victoria.

  “I love to dance and would be happy to attend,” Victoria replied with a nod. “Shall we plan to go to the gallery this afternoon? Perhaps we could shop for that new bonnet you were talking about afterward? Will that suit you, Mother Ladbrook?”

  “Yes, my dear, you young ladies go along and have your fun. I have a sick friend to visit this afternoon, but I will be back in time for dinner.”

  Miss House and Victoria attended the art exhibit, where Miss House introduced Victoria to several town acquaintances. The Constable was duly admired and formed an attractive backdrop for those stopping to share the latest gossip. Victoria and Margaret enjoyed a pleasant hour at the gallery before making their way to the shops, where several bonnets were carefully considered before Margaret made her purchase. The ladies were strolling along the street admiring the displays in the store windows when Victoria paused before a handsome, two-storey brick building.

  “Miss House, would you mind if we stopped for a moment? Our family solicitor and good friend, James Wovington, has an office here. My husband has been considering the purchase of some pasture adjacent to our estate, and I would like to speak to Mr. Wovington about it, if he is available.”

  “Not at all, Mrs. Ladbrook. As a matter of fact, I believe that my brother Ralph knows Mr. Wovington. I would be happy to meet him.”

  The ladies climbed the stairs to the second floor and entered into a bright waiting room. A clerk hurried over to wait on them and confirmed that Mr. Wovington was in. He ascertained that the solicitor would be able to spare them a few minutes, and soon James strode out of his office with a smile of welcome upon his face.

  “Victoria, I did not know that you were visiting Salisbury. How fetching you look in that dress. How is David?”

  “Very well, James,” she responded, taking his proffered hand and smiling back at him. “Allow me to introduce you to a friend of mine, Miss Margaret House. We are staying in town with Mother Ladbrook for a few days, and have just come from the gallery in High Street.”

  James turned to Miss House and bowed. “Delighted to make your acquaintance, Miss House.”

  “I am very happy to know you, Mr. Wovington,” she responded with a curtsy.

  James ushered them into his office and seated them in comfortable chairs next to his desk. Miss House said, “I believe that you are acquainted with one of my brothers? Ralph House from Mowbray Manor.”

  “Certainly. I have passed many enjoyable evenings in your brother’s company. He is fearless at cards.”

  “Among other pursuits,” Miss House said with a smile.

  James grinned, but did not comment. Instead, he inquired, “What plans do you have for your visit, ladies?”

  Victoria said, “Mother Ladbrook did mention that there would be a ball at the Assembly Room tomorrow evening, and I have promised Miss House that we will attend. Perhaps I can persuade my brother-in-law to come with us? Otherwise, I fear that we will be two women without an escort.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Ladbrook has kindly agreed to go for my sake. Do you like to dance, Mr. Wovington?”

  “Oh, James is the best dancer I know, Miss House. He is always up on the latest steps. I am sure that he suffers from a lack of accomplished partners, although he is too well-mannered to say so. I have yet to see him dance with his equal,” Victoria said.

  “I am afraid that Victoria is too enthusiastic in her praise, Miss House,” James responded, turning a pointed gaze upon Victoria. She smiled innocently back at him.

  “I dare say that my enthusiasm outweighs my skill, but I would dearly love to dance with you, Mr. Wovington. My own brothers are much too lazy to keep up with the latest steps, and one seldom meets a truly accomplished partner outside of London. One improves one’s own skill by dancing with one’s better, I always say. Are you going to the ball tomorrow evening? I do hope so.” She smiled at him encouragingly.

  “Yes, James, can you come? Not only would it afford you the pleasure of dancing with Miss House, but we could discuss the purchase of some pasture adjacent to our estate. David will be writing to you about it, but I thought to acquaint you of his intent while I am here. You could combine business with pleasure.”

  James looked from Victoria to Miss House and back to Victoria again before acquiescing with a bow. “I can think of no greater pleasure than to escort both of you to the ball tomorrow evening. I hope that my dancing skills will not disappoint you, Miss House, and I would be happy to assist you and David with your latest enterprise, Victoria.”

  “Wonderful, James. We shall come for you in Mother Ladbrook’s carriage at eight o’clock. But let us take no more of your valuable time. I am sure that you are very busy.”

  James rose and escorted the women to the lobby door. Returning to his office, he sat down with a sigh. The problem was that he lived too close to her. The only escape would be to move away, which would suit neither him nor his father. Perhaps he should convert to Catholicism and become a priest? He envisioned himself in a cassock and shuddered. Helping himself to a generous draught from his flask, he replaced it in the desk drawer and returned to his paperwork.

  Chapter Eleven ‒ A Good Beginning

  The two ladies arrived promptly to collect James the next night. They clattered through the city streets in Mother Ladbrook’s carriage and were soon deposited outside the Assembly Room with the milling crowd. Each woman took one of James’ arms to mount the outer stairs. They nodded and chatted with acquaintances along the way before depositing their wraps with the footmen. The public rooms were aglow with soft candlelight from the candelabras and crystal chandeliers adorning the walls and ceilings. The silk of the women’s dresses and the jewels adorning their pale skin gleamed and sparkled as they moved, while the young girls were becomingly chaste in white muslin. Miss House wore a striking plum-coloured dress cut with a deep décolletage in the latest Paris fashion, while Victoria wore a more modest gown of pale blue. Some of the gentlemen also sparkled with gemstones, including James, who wore a diamond stickpin in his cravat. He found chairs for the ladies while they waited for the dancing to commence, taking up his post behind them. The ballroom filled rapidly as the musicians tuned their instruments.

  Miss House said, “Look, Mrs. Ladbrook, there is a friend of mine, Colonel MacMillan. He is rather an interesting retired military man. He keeps an exquisite collection of ceremonial daggers in his library. I see that he has noticed me and is coming over.” She nodded at the gentleman and smiled as he bowed over her hand.

  “Very happy to see you here this evening, Miss House. You are looking well,” he remarked. He was a gentleman of mature years with stylishly curled hair and an extravagantly high cravat cradling his chin.

  “Thank you, colonel. How is your sister?”

  “Oh, well enough. Her back still troubles her on occasion, but she is too deuced pig-headed – pardon me, ladies – to rest when she can be harassing the servants. How do you do, ma’am,” he added, bowing in Victoria’s direction.

  “Mrs. Ladbrook, Mr. Wovington, let me present my friend, Colonel MacMillan,” Margaret said. The gentlemen bowed and Victoria nodded. “I am visiting with Mrs. Ladbrook at her mother-in-law’s home. You know Mr. David Ladbrook from Eston House, do you not?”


  “Most certainly. I heard that Ladbrook had taken a charming young wife, and I see that the gossip is true. I do not often visit out your way, Mrs. Ladbrook, or I dare say we should have met before now. How do you like your new home?” he asked.

  “Very well, Colonel. It is a lovely part of the country, and everyone has been most kind in welcoming me. You must drop in on us someday, and please bring your sister when she feels well enough for a visit.”

  “That is kind of you, Mrs. Ladbrook. I will pass along your invitation. Tell me, Miss House,” the colonel asked, turning to the lady, “do you have any space left for me on your dance card?”

  “Of course, Colonel. I have promised myself to Mr. Wovington for the first dance, but I am free for the second.”

  “Capital, capital. Pencil me in, please, and I shall be back directly. And what about you, Mrs. Ladbrook? Will you favour me with a turn upon the floor?”

  “I should be delighted, sir. I have the third available, if that is agreeable to you?”

  “Excellent. I shall have the second and third to look forward to. See you shortly,” he said, turning to hail another acquaintance.

  The couples started to arrange themselves upon the dance floor. James turned to Miss House and said, “I believe that I have the pleasure of your company for the first.”

  She rose from her chair, replying, “Thank you, Mr. Wovington. I have been looking forward to this all day.”

  “Then I hope I shall not disappoint you,” he said with a bow. He offered Miss House his arm and led her onto the floor. Victoria watched them with great anticipation. Perhaps a convivial coupling on the dance floor would lead to other couplings? James took Miss House’s hand, and they began promenading across the floor with the other couples. They made an elegant couple, their gracefulness and evident enjoyment of the dance making them a pleasure to watch. A motherly-looking woman sitting beside Victoria made a complimentary remark, and Victoria chatted with her until the set was over. Margaret and James threaded back to Victoria, who smiled and said, “Very pretty, indeed.”

  Colonel MacMillan appeared to claim Margaret for the second dance, while James extended his hand to Victoria. “Come, madam, it is our turn now.” Victoria rose eagerly. She felt a little like a wallflower sitting with the older wives and mothers.

  As they stood side-by-side waiting for their turn upon the floor, Victoria got straight to the point. “Well, what do you think of Miss House, James?”

  James glanced down the line of dancers to where the colonel and Miss House were dancing. “She is very light on her feet and a skillful dancer. It is a pleasure to partner her.” Then it was James and Victoria’s turn to dance, and they spent a few minutes apart weaving in and out amongst the other dancers.

  “Her manner is sophisticated, yet she is easy to converse with, too, don’t you think?” Victoria asked before turning away again.

  “She is all that, from my short acquaintance with her,” James replied when Victoria was in range.

  “Yet she is so natural and level-headed. Equally at home in both city and country. It is a rare woman who can shine in any setting.” Victoria took the hand of another gentleman and left again.

  “That is a very high recommendation indeed,” James responded, promenading down the floor beside her moments later.

  “Plus, David says that her family is very secure financially,” Victoria whispered as the set came to an end.

  James’ face was blank as he replied, “A rare blossom indeed.” He followed behind Victoria as she threaded her way back to Colonel MacMillan, her partner for the next set. James bowed, and the colonel led Victoria away. He watched as Miss House followed a new partner out onto the floor. “And damned attractive, too, unfortunately,” he muttered. He went to find some punch before looking for the wife of a client to whom he was engaged for the fourth.

  Miss House passed a very agreeable evening dancing with a variety of partners. She sat with Victoria and James to take some supper during a break, but was back on her feet again as soon as the dancing recommenced. Yet somehow Margaret looked as fresh as if the evening were just beginning when James came to claim her for the final set. Some of the other dancers were in a pleasant stupor by then, fatigued by the late hour and the exercise, but they were roused when the musicians began the first strains of a waltz.

  “How daring,” Miss House said, eying James. “Are you familiar with the waltz, Mr. Wovington?” It was evident from the glances exchanged between some of the other couples that not everyone was.

  “Yes, Miss House, I have waltzed a time or two,” the gentleman responded, meeting her gaze. He took a step forward to claim one of her hands and encircled her waist to press a hand against the small of her back. Miss House rested her free hand lightly upon his shoulder, and they smiled at each other. Swaying together in time to the music for a moment, James launched them out onto the floor.

  Victoria looked up from her conversation with a dowager as the dancing commenced. The less adventurous couples had vacated the floor, leaving more room for the remainder. A few couples were experimenting at the edge of the dancing, while those more familiar with the waltz circled together in the centre. All of Victoria’s attention, however, was riveted to James and Margaret.

  She thought they made a splendid couple as they swirled effortlessly in and out amongst the other dancers. Miss House laughed at something James said as he conducted her skilfully around the floor. Victoria could read the enjoyment in James’ face. He was showing off for Miss House. Perhaps he has finally met his match.

  When the dance was over, the onlookers burst into applause. James smiled broadly as he escorted Miss House back to Victoria. “Well done, you two,” Victoria enthused as she applauded. “You were the most accomplished couple on the floor.”

  “That was a rare pleasure, Miss House. You are a superb dancer,” James said.

  “Mr. Wovington, Mrs. Ladbrook did not exaggerate your talents in the least,” responded a glowing Margaret. “If your seat is half as good as your legs, the county’s unattached female population will be lining up at your door to propose marriage.”

  Victoria covered her mouth with her fan and erupted into laughter. James grinned at Miss House and winked at Victoria. “Come along, Mrs. Ladbrook,” he said, pulling a weak-kneed Victoria to her feet. “Miss House may be able to dance all night and still look fresh as a daisy, but I am for bed.” He turned and tucked Miss House’s hand firmly into his other arm. “As for my seat, Miss House, you will have to invite me for a visit before your curiosity can be satisfied on that score.”

  “I like your directness, Mr. Wovington. Why not make a party of it? You and Mr. and Mrs. Ladbrook can join us for a weekend at Mowbray House. I know that my brother Ralph will be pleased to see you.”

  “As long as he does not corner me at the card table and win all of my money, Miss House. He has the most devilish luck.”

  “Do not worry, Mr. Wovington. I will protect you,” the lady replied as they walked down the stairs to their waiting carriage.

  Chapter Twelve ‒ A Country House Party

  It was two weeks before David and Victoria were able to get away for a visit to Mowbray Manor, leaving Victoria in impatient anticipation of James and Margaret’s reunion. The Ladbrooks arrived at mid-morning on the appointed Friday, and were greeted on the manor stairs by Mr. House, Sr.

  “Very pleased to see you again, Ladbrook,” their host said, clapping David on the back. He was a robust man of middle age who had obviously not denied himself the pleasures of the table. “And this must be your captivating young bride. Delighted to meet you, Mrs. Ladbrook.” He took one of Victoria’s gloved hands and kissed it, ogling her for a moment before releasing her.

  “I am happy to make your acquaintance, Mr. House. I have heard so much about you,” she said with a bright smile.

  “And almost all you heard is true, my dear,” he responded with a wink. “Allow me to escort you into the house. Come along, Ladbrook.” He took V
ictoria’s arm and drew her into the manor, David grinning and following them inside.

  Margaret swept down the hallway to meet them. “Here you are at last, Mr. and Mrs. Ladbrook. Father and I have been up for hours, but I just rousted Ralph and Timothy from their beds, the lazy pair. Caroline is visiting with the children in the nursery and will join us directly. There is coffee waiting for us in the morning room. Please come this way.”

  The visitors and their hosts were chatting when James was admitted. He greeted Miss House with a bow and a broad smile, and was introduced to her father.

  “I understand that you and young Ralph are members of the same club,” Mr. House said.

  “We see each other there on occasion, sir.”

  “I cannot believe that you allowed yourself to be pried out of town for a country house party. How are you, Wovington?” Ralph House said, entering the room and coming forward to shake hands with his friend. He was a big-boned man with golden brown hair and a thick moustache. “I hear that you are Margaret’s latest favourite. Fancy you being a good dancer. I never noticed that you were particularly light on your feet.”

  “You would have noticed it if you ever visited the Assembly Room, Ralph,” his sister said.

  Ralph stifled a yawn. “Dancing with you is much too strenuous, Margaret.” He wandered over to greet David, who had risen from the couch. “Good to see you again, too, Ladbrook. And who is the enchanting lady beside you?”

  “That is my wife. Allow me to introduce you to Mrs. Ladbrook.”

  “Charmed, madam,” he said, bending over Victoria to kiss her hand. Releasing it, he collapsed onto the couch beside her, usurping David’s place. “Pour me some coffee, Margaret – I am fairly parched. And hand me some of that seed cake, that’s a good girl.”

  “I was just beginning to serve our guests, Ralph,” she said in a disapproving tone, but doused a cup with cream and handed coffee and cake to her brother.

  “What have you got planned for our guests today, daughter?” asked Mr. House as she served the refreshments.