Gamble With Hearts by Hilary Gilman Page B

reputation been the only consideration, she would have proudly announced her love to the world, or at least, to her mother and aunt. But with wits sharpened by extremity she had realised that as long as the attachment between them remained unknown, she would be able to help him if he should turn to her, as she was certain he would. If she were known to be his betrothed, she would no doubt be watched, and so rendered impotent to help him. Thus, she made no attempt to deny that she was to marry Ruthin, merely saying in a cold little voice that she hoped her aunt was satisfied that she had done her duty. She then retired to her room, where she sat at the window until nightfall, anxiously scrutinising every passer-by and carriage that came into view.
    Meanwhile, in the drawing room, Lady Northwood was eager to discuss the engagement.
    ‘Fanny, I vow you are the most provoking creature. Here is Charlotte making the match of the year, and all you can do is sit there like a booby. Why, isn't this what you came to London for? What more could you possibly want?’
    Mrs Wrexham sighed. ‘You are very right, Letitia. Yet I cannot think that Charlotte will make him happy. She does not love him as—as a wife should.’
    Lady Northwood stared at her sister in pardonable astonishment. ‘Well, that is the first time I have ever heard of the bride's mother worrying over the groom's happiness. Surely it is Charlotte 's happiness that concerns you?’
    Fanny Wrexham raised her drooping head and regarded her worldly sister rather sternly. ‘If either of us were truly concerned with my daughter's happiness, we would have allowed her to marry the man of her choice. How can she be content with Ruthin when we both know her to be in love with Carlington?’
    ‘Oh, she will soon get over that young rake,’ responded Lady Northwood, easily. ‘I daresay we all have a Carlington in our past. I know I fancied myself in love with the most delightful creature at one time, but really, I was very happy with Northwood.’
    ‘I daresay, Letty, but Charlotte is not like that. We were both silly, flighty creatures, I am sure. My daughter is more like her Papa. She takes things very seriously. No, Letty, whatever you say I refuse to be happy about a match that will bring nothing but sorrow to them both. In fact, I have a very good mind to speak to Charlotte before it is too late!’
    ‘You must be mad!’ cried Lady Northwood, aghast. ‘Have you any notion of the size of Ruthin's fortune? Think of the home Charlotte will have, the clothes, the carriages!’
    ‘You have all those. Do they make you happy?’
    ‘Yes!’ responded Lady Northwood with unmistakable sincerity.
    Mrs Wrexham was obliged to laugh. ‘Well, if I had not been able to marry Wrexham, I am very sure that all the dresses and carriages in the world would not have comforted me!’
    ‘You talk as though Ruthin were some horrid old merchant, Fanny! Not only is Charlotte marrying one of the oldest titles in England, positively before the Conqueror, my dear, she is also to be the wife of the most attractive man I know. Can you deny that?’
    ‘No,’ replied Fanny with a tender smile. ‘No, I cannot deny that. Now, let us stop this absurd wrangling, sister. I have some letters to write and so you must excuse me now.’
    Mrs Wrexham then retired to her own room, where she spent the day very much as her daughter had, sitting by her window, alone with her dejected thoughts. Last night it had seemed as though all her foolish dreams might be realised; now she could only berate herself as a pea goose for ever having cherished them.
    It is often the case that events which prove disastrous for the principal protagonists can also have a profound effect upon those around them. Thus it was that Amelia Milverly, who was to have walked in the park that morning with Charlotte , was almost as disconsolate as her friend. For Amelia too had an assignation. There was, of course, no reason why young Mr