A Stranger's Touch (18 page)

‘I did not know that he desired one.’

‘He was instrumental in bringing a nest of traitors to account. I am told on the best authority that he was due to be honoured with the Order of the Garter and a position close to his Majesty, but if he continues to associate with the sister of known rogues.’

‘Forgive me, ma’am. I think I have heard enough,’ Morwenna said, lifting her head proudly. ‘I should be grateful if you will leave my house.’

‘Your house, indeed? You give yourself airs, Mistress Morgan. This house belongs to my son and I have a perfect right to be here. It is you who should leave before he returns.’

‘Rupert put this house into my name because he loves me and wished to provide for me should I bear his children.’ She saw the look of shock in the Dowager Marchioness’s face and smiled. ‘I do not know for certain yet, but it may be that I am to have your grandson, ma’am. Would you deny him the right to be his father’s heir?
If Rupert wishes to marry me, I shall certainly say yes …’

‘You wicked, wicked girl!’ The Dowager Marchioness drew herself to her full height. ‘I shall not stay here a moment longer to be so insulted. My son may have fallen for your charms, but I can see you for the scheming hussy you are.’

Giving a scream of rage, she rushed at Morwenna, bringing her arm back to strike. The enraged Dowager Marchioness delivered one stinging blow to Morwenna’s face before Jacques flung himself at her and dragged her off. She screamed and struggled and it took both Jacques and the servant John to hold her.

‘Unhand me, you rogues,’ the woman cried. ‘How dare you lay hands on me? I shall have you all whipped and thrown into prison, where you will rot until you die.’

‘Take yourself off where you belong,’ Jacques yelled, beside himself with fury. ‘This is my sister’s house as she claims and you are not welcome here, madam.’

‘Leave her. Make her go away, but do not harm her,’ Morwenna said, holding a hand to her cheek. ‘Excuse me, I must leave.’

The tears were close as she left the parlour
and ran upstairs to her room. If the Dowager Marchioness spoke the truth, she would not be able to stay with Rupert, even though she loved him and he swore he loved her.

How could he speak of love and then arrange a marriage with the daughter of a duke? Jacques had spoken of the possibility, but she had not believed him.

Could she believe the Dowager Marchioness?

‘Morwenna, are you there?’ Jacques’s knock at the door had her hastily wiping the tears from her cheeks. ‘May I come in, please?’

‘Yes, of course.’

Morwenna raised her head proudly, preparing to meet her brother’s eyes.

Jacques looked at her gravely. ‘Are you all right, dearest? She did not harm you?’

‘She slapped me, but her words inflicted the greatest harm. She speaks of Rupert’s marriage as inevitable, yet surely he would have told me if it were true?’

‘She is a wicked woman to attack you as she did.’

‘I pushed her too far. She thought Rupert meant to marry me and it drove her wild with hate. Had I told her that he had no such intention …’
Morwenna held back a sob. ‘I brought it on myself. It was my foolish pride.’

‘No, you must not blame yourself,’ Jacques said. ‘I think her eaten up with some hatred that is older than your relationship with Rupert. She spoke wildly as her footman led her to the sedan chair. He told me she often loses her temper and sometimes throws objects at her servants. I think she is a selfish, bad-tempered woman.’

‘She hates me, but I think she hates Rupert, too,’ Morwenna said, feeling the tears burning behind her eyes. ‘What am I to do, Jacques? I cannot remain his mistress if he truly intends to marry.’

‘He took your innocence. He owes you marriage.’

‘No, Jacques. He owes me nothing.’

‘Morwenna.’

Morwenna closed her eyes. ‘Please, I should like to be alone for a while. I must think.’

‘You should ignore her spite. We must do as Rupert asked and go to the castle to wait for him.’

‘Please, Jacques. Let me rest. I need to think.’

‘As you wish, dearest. You know I want only your happiness.’

As the door closed behind him and her maid,
the tears slipped from her eyes. What was she going to do? If she went home to Cornwall, Rupert would follow.

‘I
am glad we had this meeting,’ the Duke said and offered his hand. ‘Your mother was most insistent that we draw up a contract, but I was reluctant to sign until I heard from you. Indeed, I should not have done so. My daughter is precious to me and I would not have her unhappy in her marriage.’

‘Your daughter is a lovely girl, sir. Had I no prior attachments, I should have been happy with the match.’

‘I thank you for your honesty.’ The Duke shook his head. ‘Mothers are apt to be too eager at times. You must prevail upon the dear lady to be more cautious, Melford.’

‘I shall make certain of it,’ Rupert replied. ‘I
am glad that we part as friends, sir. I should not like to have offended you in this matter.’

‘No offence given. I have suffered from a mother’s ambitions in the past. I wish you well and hope to see you and your wife at court.’

‘We shall come when we can,’ Rupert replied, smiled and took his leave.

He was thoughtful as he left the ancient castle, mounted his horse and rode away with a handful of men at his back. He must ride hard for Melford Towers, for Morwenna would be waiting for him and she might be anxious as to the reason she had been sent there.

It was as he was leaving the Duke’s house that a servant came up to him, bowing deeply as he offered a sealed letter. Rupert glanced at the hand and knew it for his sister’s. Why should May have written to him here?

Breaking the seal, he scanned the few lines and frowned. His sister begged him to come to her before he left for the castle. It would mean more delay and he was anxious to speak with Morwenna, make certain she understood that he intended to wed her. He ought to have made things plainer in his letter to her, but had wanted
to explain his feelings in person—the reason he’d hesitated for so long.

Surely Morwenna would understand when she knew his past?

Jacques had gone to hire a coach and horses for their journey. Morwenna knew she must use this opportunity to escape from him and Rupert. She loved Rupert with all her heart, too much to ruin his chances of preferment at court.

The Dowager Marchioness had told her that she would bring shame on him. If he continued to flaunt her as his mistress he would not be welcomed at court and his friends would turn against him. Besides, he was betrothed to a young woman and he could not in honour break the contract.

Because she loved him Morwenna must walk away from Rupert. She suspected that she might be carrying his child and if Rupert knew she was sure he would not give her up—indeed, he might break his vows to his betrothed and that would ruin him.

The Dowager Marchioness was spiteful, but what she said was true. If Morwenna continued as his mistress, she would ruin him and it would break her heart to know he was wed to another.

Better to run away now than cause more pain for them both. She must hide until Rupert was wed and ceased to look for her.

‘Mother did what? How dared she?’ Rupert fumed, as May finished speaking. ‘She threatened Morwenna and told her I was betrothed when she knew it was a lie?’

‘She was so angry because Morwenna defied her,’ May said. ‘I think she told her that association with her would ruin you and she slapped her, as she slapped me for trying to tell her your marriage was not her business.’

‘I am sorry for that,’ Rupert said. ‘I have allowed her to have charge of her daughter, but you are my sister and you will not have to suffer her unkindness again. I shall send you to Melford Hall and you may reside there until you marry.’

‘Mother insisted that I must marry a man of her choosing, but will you let me choose for myself, Rupert?’

‘Of course. I shall introduce you to some gentlemen I think may suit you, dearest, but you shall not be forced.’

‘Thank you.’ May reached up to kiss his cheek. ‘You are a good brother and you will
be a good husband. I wish you and Morwenna much happiness.’

‘Thank you.’ He looked into her face. ‘I shall tell Mother that you will live under my protection in future. If she wishes to see either of us, she must mend her ways and apologise to my wife—and to you. You will stay here until I can send you to Melford Hall with an escort.’

‘Yes, of course.’ May shuddered. ‘Make it soon, Rupert. She is angry all the time and I do not think I can stay here for much longer.’

‘First I must speak with Morwenna. She is brave, but even she must have been in such distress over this.’ A bleak look came to his eyes. ‘I have not treated her as I ought. I can only hope that she will forgive me—and in time our mother.’

‘You allowed her to run away again? And you think she may be with child?’ Rupert stared at Jacques in dismay. ‘May God forgive me for what I have brought her to. I am to blame for all she has suffered.’

‘No, how could you be? It was not your fault that Michael kidnapped her—as for your mother, I do not think she harmed Morwenna physically. Her letter to me said that she did not
wish to shame and ruin you. My sister believes you are to marry a Duke’s daughter.’

‘It was untrue. I shall not marry another. Morwenna is the woman I would have as my wife. I intend to find her and …’

‘Supposing she is too proud to wed you now?’

‘You know where she is, don’t you?’ Rupert was suddenly alert. ‘Tell me, damn you! I’ll beat it out of you if I have to. I must know where she is.’

‘I am not certain, but I believe she is with friends who care for her.’ Jacques gave him a twisted smile. ‘I am not sure that I should tell you.’

‘I cannot just allow her to disappear. I love her and want her so much.’

‘Then I suppose I must tell you, though she may hate me for it.’

‘What will you do now?’

‘With your permission I intend to return to your house on the Marches.’

‘Then you may escort my sister if you will. May is very distressed and she does not want to live in London—or at the castle. I have told her she might make her home at the Hall until she marries.’

‘It will be my pleasure to escort her. I promise to take good care of her.’

‘Better care than I took of Morwenna?’ Rupert shook his head. ‘I am certain of it. May is a timid child. I know that you would not dream of seducing her.’

‘You have my word on it.’

‘And now you will tell me where I can find Morwenna.’

‘I will tell you where I think she may have gone. The rest is up to you.’

‘I shall find her if I have to search the country for her.’

‘Then you will find her. I wish you luck.’

‘And I you.’

On that accord the two men parted.

Morwenna turned as the older woman entered the bedroom just as she was wiping her mouth after being sick for the second time that morning. She raised her head proudly, saying, ‘Yes, I am carrying Rupert’s child. I shall not deny it.’

‘Does he know?’ Morwenna shook her head. ‘Is that fair to him, my love? Do you not think you should tell him where you are? You are
safe with us and we love having you, but your brother and friends may be searching for you.’

‘Rupert may be relieved, for he must know our relationship must end if he is to marry. Jacques must have guessed where I meant to come. If he wanted to find me, he would come here. He knows that I need to be alone for a while. When I am ready I shall tell my brother where I am.’

‘Well, I shall not push you, my love.’ Sarah smiled at her. ‘We love having you here and the children are so fond of you.’

‘You have all been so kind to me,’ Morwenna said. ‘I should like to stay with you until my babe is born.’

‘I would not dream of letting you go,’ Sarah assured her. ‘You saved my life and I am honoured that you chose me when you were in such sore distress. You are as a daughter to me and I love you.’

Morwenna nodded, because she knew it was the truth. She picked up her cloak, for it was her intention to walk to the market and buy fruit for the children. Sarah was always busy in the shop and had little time for shopping, so Morwenna made it one of the chores she had undertaken. Sarah’s husband would not take a penny for her
board so she spent money on the children and thus far she had more than enough for her needs, though one day she would have to find work or draw on the account Rupert had opened for her with his lawyer.

‘Sarah, my love.’ Tom Harding came along the landing towards them as they left the bedchamber. ‘Will you come down, please? I have received word that a large order for silks and damasks is to come our way quite soon.’

‘Why, Husband, you look excited,’ Sarah said with a fond smile. ‘What has you all of a-twitter?’

‘Lord Melford has sent his man of business with an order for silken curtains for the house he has bought for his bride-to-be. I am told that is a fine big house and there will be many yards of silk needed.’

‘Lord Melford?’ Morwenna asked, feeling a sudden stab to her heart. ‘Are you sure that was the name given?’

‘Yes, Mistress Morwenna,’ the kindly man said, completely unaware that he was delivering a blow to her heart. ‘He is a Marquis, you know, and one of the richest men in England. His illustrious family has served the King for many years.’

Morwenna swallowed hard. She would not cry nor would she grieve. It was, after all, what she had hoped for, that Rupert would forget her and marry. Yet it was so soon. No more than two days had passed since she had fled to this house in Cheapside. How quickly he had forgotten his vows of love.

‘Is the Marquis below in the shop, sir?’ she asked, proud of the fact that her voice did not betray how close she was to weeping.

‘Oh, no, he would not come in person,’ Master Harding said. ‘He has sent his man of business to inspect our wares. His bride loves green and deep rose and I told him we had a new order of just those colours last week. Do you not recall that you chose them for us when the merchant called, Morwenna?’

‘Yes, I did. I hope the Marquis buys your silks, sir,’ Morwenna said and forced a smile as she looked at Sarah. ‘I shall not forget the plums you asked for—and I shall not be more than two hours.’

‘It will not take two hours to walk to the market?’

‘No. I think I must ask for the rest of my things to be sent on,’ Morwenna said. ‘It has
been in my mind, as you know, and now I should do it.’

‘You are going back to his house?’

‘Just to fetch a few clothes.’ Morwenna blinked hard. ‘The house was supposed to be mine, but perhaps he will wish to sell it now he is to marry.’

‘To marry?’ Sarah stared at her and then at her husband. ‘You mean the Marquis … oh, Morwenna, my love. I am so sorry. Tom would not have said had he known.’

‘No, please do not apologise. I am glad to know,’ Morwenna said. ‘I hoped he would marry and forget me. Now I can truly move on and put all the sorrow behind me.’

‘Morwenna, are you sure?’

‘Do not worry, my dearest friend. Rupert would never hurt me physically. I shall tell Mistress Janet that I will not be returning and bring back anything I truly need. I shall not need my silk gowns now.’

Pulling her hood over her head, she went down the stairs and out of the side entrance into the bitter cold morning. Of course Rupert had no idea that she was staying with Sarah and Tom Harding. He would not have had her learn of his marriage in such a way had he known.
She hoped that he had chosen his bride himself and not let his mother dominate his life.

Blinking back her tears, she passed by the market stalls and then approached a sedan chair waiting for hire. She gave him the address of her house and was taken up by two stout chairmen.

Inside the drawn curtains there was no one to see the silent tears slip down her cheeks. She had held them back in front of her friends, for she knew Tom Harding would feel badly once he realised what he had so gladly revealed.

It had been bound to happen and perhaps it was best that Rupert had decided to move on. Now Morwenna knew what she must do. She would remove her things from the house and ask John the footman to take a letter to Rupert. She needed to know where she could draw a few shillings a month to keep her and the child, for she could not always rely on her good friends. He would not deny her and perhaps now she knew that he was to marry she would be brave enough to face him with the truth—at least she would try once the child was born.

She was feeling unaccountably weary and defeated by the time she reached her destination. Asking the chairmen if they would wait
while she collected some of her belongings, she paid the two shillings owed and then went up to the house. She knocked at the door and in a matter of seconds it opened and Mistress Janet stood there.

‘Oh, mistress,’ the woman cried and a smile broke over her face as she stood back to allow her to enter. ‘We’ve been worried about you. John and me wondered how you were.’

‘I’ve come to fetch some of my things. No one is here, are they?’

‘No, mistress. His lordship hasn’t been by today. He asked us to send word if you should come and he left some money for you in your room.’

‘How kind,’ Morwenna said, her throat catching. ‘I shall write him a letter and John may deliver it when I’ve gone, if he will?’

‘Of course, mistress. Shall I help with your things?’

‘Would it be too much trouble to ask for a hot posset? It is cold out and I need something to warm me. When you come up you can help me, though much of what Lord Melford gave me is no longer suitable.’

‘Of course it is no trouble, mistress. I’ll bring
you a bite to eat, too. I’ve been baking the shortbread you like this very morning.’

Morwenna thanked her and went on up the stairs. She felt the welcome of the house surround her—it was like returning home and she had not realised how much she missed it.

No, she would not let herself regret anything!

Her bedchamber was exactly as she’d left it. There was a scent of lavender in the air, as if it had been cleaned recently.

Morwenna began to move about the room, opening the chests and taking out the things she would need. Most of the gowns would not fit her in a few months, but the good cloth gowns could either be let out or kept until she had given birth. She would not need the expensive silks and damasks, for she would have no occasion to wear them. They could be sold. She supposed that she might sell them if she wished, for they were hers. She picked up the gown she had been wearing the last time Rupert took her to the theatre and held it to her face.