Melinda Hammond by The Bargain Page A

Joseph, pray do not look quite so serious. That he has married her means that she is safe, and as Lady Aldringham she can command more luxuries than we could ever give her.’
    Sir Joseph patted her hand. “You are right, of course. It is too late for tears. We must make the best of this match and trust that she will be happy.’
    ‘I have no doubt she will be, for she is a sensible puss and knows just how to go on. Do you know, the more I think on it, the more certain I am that things have worked out for the best!’
    Late in the afternoon, the earl’s carriage drew up outside Whiston Hall. It was followed by a larger, old-fashioned vehicle, loaded with baggage and carrying no less a personage than my lord’s valet and a soberly dressed female hired to wait on the countess.
    The butler, warned to expect visitors, hurried out to greet the travellers. He let down the steps and tenderly handed Lady Aldringham out of the carriage, begging her to step inside. The earl followed his wife and, after a brief word to his servant, ran lightly up the steps into the hallway, where Lady Aldringham was divesting herself of her stylish pelisse and bonnet. They were shown into the yellow saloon, where Sir Joseph and his wife were waiting to receive them. As soon as Melissa entered the room Lady Fryer hurried forward and enveloped her in a warm embrace, while the two men exchanged polite bows, Sir Joseph stiffly courteous in contrast to the earl’s careless grace.
    Lady Fryer held Melissa at arm’s length.
    ‘Oh my love, let me look at you! What a beautiful gown!’ She wiped her eyes, ‘My dear, you look very well, very well indeed!’ She lowered her voice. ‘Are you happy, my love?’
    Melissa laughed and hugged her aunt ruthlessly. ‘Of course, dear Aunt! Pray, don’t cry.’
    Sir Joseph came forward to greet Melissa, and Lady Fryer was left to receive the earl, who made her a respectful bow. She received his attention with fluttering confusion, and was grateful when she could once more turn to Melissa.
    ‘I have had rooms prepared for you. You will be staying, at least one night?’
    Melissa looked at her husband.
    ‘Thank you, ma’am. We shall be delighted to break our journey here.’ He bowed again.
    ‘Then it is settled. Let me show you to your room, my love!’ Lady Fryer lost no time in carrying Melissa off, leaving Sir Joseph alone with the earl.
    Sir Joseph coughed. ‘Well, sir! Am I to congratulate you on your new state?’
    ‘If you so wish. Sir Joseph. I count myself fortunate to have won such a treasure.’ The earl’s smooth words brought a flush to Sir Joseph’s cheek.
    ‘Bah!’ he said, turning away. He was embarrassed by the earl’s presence, feeling he should make some mention of their past dealing, but not quite knowing how to start. He coughed again. ‘My lord, I think we should settle a few points before - well, what I mean to say is—’
    ‘If you intend to talk about those damned bills of yours, I pray you will be silent!’ interrupted the earl. ‘I struck a bargain with your niece and what she chooses to do with them is her affair, not mine.’ He drew out his snuff box but paused in the act of taking a pinch. ‘She isn’t holding out for payment, is she?’
    Sir Joseph reddened. ‘Of course not! How could you think—’ Noting the mocking gleam in the earl’s eyes he bit back his retort, realizing his lordship was only amusing himself at his expense. Any further conversation was halted by the entrance of Mr Fryer, who checked in the doorway.
    ‘Oh, I beg your pardon! I trust I am not interrupting, sir? I did not know . . . .’
    ‘Come in. Simon. I would like to present my son to you, my lord. He is down from Cambridge at present, and spending a few days with us.’
    Aldringham bowed.
    ‘Rusticating or merely the vacation?’ he asked pleasantly.
    ‘Oh, just a vacation, sir.’ Simon flushed slightly under Aldringham’s knowing glance, and for some unaccountable reason he felt