Horace cleared his throat. “The Duke of Bedford is a generous man. The marriage portion will be paid directly to you, Lord Abercorn.” He spread his hands. “Lady Louisa’s dowry is the grand sum of five thousand pounds.”
There was a long silence before Abercorn spoke. “I think not, Woodfine.”
Bedford’s attorney was taken aback at his authoritative tone.
“Make a note of this, Murray. Lady Louisa’s dowry will be twelve thousand pounds.” He heard Woodfine gasp. “Plus, Lady Louisa is to have a personal allowance of one thousand pounds.” James paused then added, “Per annum.”
“That is out of the question, Your Lordship.”
James continued as if he hadn’t heard him. “Take this down, Rowan. If I predecease my wife, she will receive a lump sum of ten thousand pounds, and five thousand each year thereafter from the income of Barons Court.”
“That is most generous, Your Lordship,” Woodfine acknowledged faintly. “But I doubt the Duke of Bedford will agree to a marriage portion of twelve thousand.”
James smiled. “With your negotiating skills, I’m sure he will, Woodfine. Would you excuse us for a moment?”
It took a minute for Horace Woodfine to realize Abercorn was actually asking him to step outside while he conferred with his own attorneys. He nodded stiffly and left.
Rowan Maloney couldn’t hide his amusement. Angus Murray raised his eyebrows. “You appear to be very confident.”
“I am. The duchess will persuade her husband. Draw up the contract in the amounts I have stated. I won’t accept a penny less. I want the money put in trust for Lady Louisa, but neither she nor Woodfine must know. Keep that out of the contract.”
James opened the door. “You may come in now.” He looked at the three men. “Well, I think we are done for now. I’m on my way to Aberdeenshire to visit my mother. I shall be back to put my stamp of approval on the marriage contracts before I return to London. I thank you for your excellent service.”
Chapter Twenty
“This is exactly what I had in mind.” Lady Louisa stood before the cheval glass in an emerald green gown. One of the Belgrave Square sitting rooms had been turned into a sewing room, and it was awash in new garments and bolts of brilliant material. She raised her hem and revealed a frilly turquoise petticoat. “Such a shocking contrast. I love it!”
“I had no idea your taste in clothes was so bold, Louisa.” Georgina examined a tangerine walking dress. “What color undergarments do you intend to wear with this?”
“Primrose yellow, of course.”
Her sister Georgy began to hum “Oranges and Lemons.”
“Don’t mock me. I never again have to wear the insipid dresses of a debutante. One of the pleasures and privileges of being a married woman is that I will be free to set my own outrageous style.” I warrant it will be the only pleasure of being a wife!
“Stop the carriage!” James, wearing a heavy wool greatcoat, stepped down from the coach that had just passed through the majestic Grampian Mountains. He climbed up beside his driver, then lifted himself onto the carriage roof and stood with legs apart.
“Look at this place.” He pointed to a great stone house, built in the turreted style of a castle. “It’s perfect.” His arm swept out to indicate the vast scenic view. “Just look at those two waterfalls! I’ve never seen anything as magnificent as this loch in my life.”
The beauty of the place cried out to him and, as often happened to Abercorn when he saw something that was exquisitely lovely, he longed to possess it. He climbed down from his perch, consulted his map, and saw that the long body of water was Loch Laggan. He made a note of it before he told his coachman to drive on.
It took two more days of travel to reach Aberdeenshire. This far north, winter still had its grip on the land, even though it was April. When James saw the huddled sheep on the craggy slopes and the herds of shorthorn cattle roaming the rolling hills, he was reminded that Aberdeen had cleared the land of all its people to accommodate the animals. He had only contempt for a man who felt no obligation to the peasant farmers who had populated these lands for centuries.
As Haddo House came into view, James acknowledged that it was a large, substantial dwelling, but its design lacked any vestige of imagination or beauty. The stableman who helped his driver unharness his carriage horses had a thick brogue. James shook his hand and thanked him with a sovereign, knowing it was the only gold he was likely to receive in Aberdeen’s employ.
His heart stood still when he entered the sitting room and saw his mother. She was thin and sallow, frail as an old lady though she was only forty.
“James!” Her face was wreathed in smiles as she struggled from her rocking chair before the fire.
“Mother.” He took her into his arms. “Have you spent the entire winter here?”
She nodded. “I got bronchitis and wasn’t fit to travel. Aberdeen had to take the boys back to Harrow, and take his seat in Parliament.”
He eased her back into her chair and knelt before her. “I should have taken you to live at Barons Court long ago.”
She cupped his cheek tenderly. “You’re a grown man with no need of a mother. My duty is to my little boy. Arthur is only two. I worry about what will happen to him when I’m—” She didn’t finish the sentence, though it was plain what she meant.
James kissed her hands. “Nothing is going to happen to you. It’s already spring in London. Once you’re strong enough to travel back to Stanmore, the warm English weather will restore your health.” I wish I believed the things I’m telling her.
“How’s Claud?”
“Thriving. He’s ambitious to become a Member of Parliament for County Tyrone.”
“I never have to worry about Claud. He has you to look after him.”
James got up from his knees and took a chair opposite his mother. “I have some news.” He knew he must mask both his anger and his pain, and give no hint at the devastation he felt over Louisa. “I proposed marriage to Lady Louisa Russell, and she has accepted.”
“James, you’re engaged to be married to the Duke of Bedford’s daughter?”
“Yes, as soon as the marriage contract is drawn up. Louisa is the second daughter.”
Harriet smiled into her son’s eyes. “I don’t need to ask if it’s a love match. You promised me you would never marry without love.”
I loved her for years, but if I’m being honest, I don’t know how I feel about her now.
“I like the Russell family very much. They welcome me with open arms. I can’t wait for you to meet Lady Louisa. I’m sure you will love her.”
“I must regain my strength so I can travel to London. Under no circumstances can I miss the wedding of my firstborn son. I’m so happy for you, James.”
He was relieved to see that two-year-old Arthur had a sturdy Scots nursemaid to take the burden of the lively toddler from his mother. Aberdeen’s spinster daughters from his first marriage were also in residence at Haddo House. When James saw the pair of females he got another shock. They were both ill with tuberculosis, and the elder one looked to be at death’s door. It is inexcusable of Aberdeen to have abandoned his wife and daughters to the rigors of a cruel Highland winter. I warrant they haven’t stepped outside since October.
“I’m so enjoying your company, James.” His mother sat beside him in his carriage, surveying the bleak landscape through the window. He had wrapped her in furs and insisted on taking her for a ride. He hoped the fresh air would do her good. But the outing sapped her strength, and he had to carry her into the house when they returned.
When the doctor from Aberdeen made his weekly call, James took him aside. “My mother believes it was bronchitis that made her too ill to travel back to London. I want you to tell me the truth. Is she, too, suffering from consumption?”
“It was a severe case of bronchitis, or more likely pneumonia, Lord Abercorn.” The Scots physician hesitated. “You ask for the truth. The Countess of Aberdeen has never recov
ered from the birth of her last child. She is, and always will be, a semi-invalid.”
James’s heart ached for his mother. “Why has she not recovered?”
“It’s a woman’s ailment. Most men prefer not to know these things.”
“I am not most men, doctor. I do want to know.”
“The countess suffers from a fallen womb from childbearing. She also has a tumor.”
James’s heart constricted. “How long, doctor?”
“Difficult to say, my lord. A year . . . perhaps two.”
James nodded. “Thank you for being straightforward, doctor.”
The following day, the wind dropped. A pale sun came out and showed the buds in the trees. Wrapped up warmly and leaning on her son’s arm, Harriet accompanied him on a slow walk around the gardens.
“You look happy today.”
She smiled up at him. “You warm my heart.”
Two days later, the Earl of Aberdeen arrived on estate business. The lambing and shearing that took place in the same month was a source of great wealth. The health of his wife and grown daughters was a secondary concern.
When he saw that Abercorn was visiting his mother, the surprise on the earl’s face was replaced by a smug, self-satisfied look. Aberdeen was bursting to impart his news.
Before he could do so, however, his wife said, “James came to tell me he is to be married. Lady Louisa Russell, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, has accepted his proposal.”
“Congratulations on achieving a dynastic marriage. Too bad the Russells are staunch Whigs. They’ve just suffered a crippling set-back,” Aberdeen declared with glee. “The reform bill was thrown out in committee. Wellington and I led the Tories to reject it. Prime Minister Earl Grey had no choice but to resign.”
James was stunned. He had had every confidence it would be passed. No wonder you look like the cat that swallowed the rat. This will be a terrible blow to Lord John and the Duke of Bedford. “Has King William asked Wellington to form a government?”
“He has indeed. I must get back to London as soon as possible. We Tories will be in power again, and I must be ready to take up my post as foreign secretary.”
That night James packed his bags. He had to finish the business with his attorneys in Edinburgh and get back to London. Though he was a Tory, he was a staunch supporter of the reform bill. For too many years, bribery had been rampant in politics.
James sought a private good-bye with his mother. “Though I’d like nothing better than to see you back at Stanmore, I honestly believe the rigors of the long journey would be too much for you at the moment.”
“It would sap what little strength I have.”
With a lump in his throat, he embraced her warmly. “Promise me you won’t undertake the journey until you are strong enough. My wedding can wait.”
“Riots are breaking out across the country. Bristol Town Hall has been set afire,” Bedford informed his guests. He had invited Earl Grey, Lord Holland, and his son, Lord John, to dinner at Belgrave Square to discuss the deteriorating political situation.
“The property damage in Nottingham is widespread, I hear,” Holland said.
“Middle-class landholders are demanding a say in the electorate. They are sick and tired of the corruption in government,” Johnny declared.
Earl Grey said, “I heard in confidence that Wellington is having difficulty forming a government. I am out of favor with the king at the moment.” He gave Bedford a speculative look. “But I warrant you still have sway with him, John.”
“I have an idea.” The Duchess of Bedford set down her knife and fork, and Louisa looked at her mother expectantly. “If there are riots in Nottingham, no one will be more concerned than the Duke of Devonshire. I’m sure you could persuade him to go with you to seek an audience with the king.”
Louisa glanced quickly at her sister at mention of the Devon-shires; Georgy’s face looked like a thundercloud. Poor Georgy is still furious that Devonshire’s heir didn’t make an offer for her.
Johnny looked hopeful. “Devonshire has been lobbying for the reform bill in the Lords, every chance he got.”
“He’s afraid if we don’t reform, the aristocracy could fall,” Bedford declared.
Louisa’s eyes widened. “Do you mean civil war?”
The men at the table looked at one another. “By God, that’s it!” her father declared. “I shall go to King William and tell him he faces civil war unless he creates enough reformist peers to pass the bill. The Duke of Devonshire will back me up.”
“Hello, Angus. How are the negotiations coming along?” James took a seat in his Edinburgh attorney’s book-lined office.
“Woodfine’s offer went up from five to six thousand. Then he dithered for a week and would not commit a penny more. I realized he did not have Bedford’s authority to go higher. So I drew up the marriage contract exactly as you stipulated and asked him to present it to the duke. I sent a personal letter to Bedford pointing out how extremely generous the terms of the contract were to Lady Louisa, should she be widowed.”
“You challenged him to match my generosity.”
“Happily, it worked. Yesterday, I received the marriage contract with John Russell’s signature on it.” Murray unfolded the crackling document and James Hamilton signed it.
“Excellent work. I have another task for you, Angus. On my journey, I came across a magnificent estate on the south shore of Loch Laggan. I intend to buy it. Find out who owns it and what price he is asking. I’ll sell some of my lands in Paisley to pay for it.”
“James, how lovely to see you!” The Duchess of Bedford embraced her future son-in-law. “It was good of you to travel to Scotland to expedite the wedding contract.”
“Hello, James. I hope you had a pleasant journey.” Louisa poured them all sherry. You are sinfully handsome. I always forget the impact you have on my senses.
James took the glass Louisa offered and then raised her fingers to his lips.
It was a formal gesture. She saw that his eyes did not light up at the sight of her.
The duchess raised her glass. “Now that the contract has been signed, we can set the wedding date. May is the perfect month for nuptials.”
“Your Grace, I took the opportunity to visit my mother at Haddo House to tell her about my engagement to Lady Louisa. Unfortunately I found her in poor health. She has been extremely ill all winter, and she is not yet strong enough to endure the rigors of a journey to London. I’m afraid we will have to postpone the wedding.”
“James, I’m so sorry.” Lu’s heart went out to him. No wonder his eyes look so bleak. Postponing the wedding is no hardship. Perhaps we can put it off for months. She immediately felt remorse and said con-tritely, “I hope with all my heart the Countess of Aberdeen soon regains her health.”
The Duke of Bedford entered the drawing room. “James! I’m so glad you’re back safely. Did you run into any trouble in the northern counties?”
“I stopped at an inn in Derby and heard about the Nottingham riots. I gave Birmingham a wide berth and came by way of Bedfordshire. This is a direct result of the reform bill being thrown out. I’m sorry, Your Grace. Can anything be done?”
“I’m just back from the palace. I believe Devonshire and I have convinced the king that this unrest may deteriorate into civil war if he doesn’t act decisively.”
“I was visiting Mother at Haddo House when Aberdeen arrived. He couldn’t wait to tell me the bill hadn’t passed, and that Wellington had been asked to form a government.”
“Tensions are running so high that the Duke of Wellington has been unsuccessful in his attempts. Tomorrow, the king will return Earl Grey to power. William is going to tell Wellington and his close colleagues to abstain from voting so it can be passed.”
“I don’t want to miss this. I’ll be in my seat every day until the bill passes.”
“Good man. Our votes will be needed.”
Georgina told her husband that Lady Aberdeen rema
ined in poor health and was unable to travel from Scotland to London.
“I’m so sorry, James. I know you are as eager as we are to announce the engagement. Postponing the wedding will be a great disappointment for both you and Louisa.”
None regretted the postponement as much as the Duchess of Bedford. Delayed weddings ran the risk of being canceled. The bride’s mother wanted her daughter safely married to James Hamilton, and sooner rather than later. Her thoughts darted about, searching for a solution to the vexing dilemma.
An hour later when they sat down to dinner, Georgina knew she had the answer. “I’ve just had the most marvelous idea. We can have the wedding at Gordon Castle! When I was a girl, I remember visiting Haddo House with my parents. They are only about twenty-five miles apart.”
“An excellent plan,” John Russell declared. “Ever since your brother George inherited his dukedom and Gordon Castle, he’s deluged the family with invitations.”
“George will be absolutely thrilled to host the entire affair.” Georgina spoke directly to Abercorn. “Since your mother cannot come to London, we’ll take the wedding to her. The journey to the Highlands and the preparations will take the best part of a month. By then, with any luck, Lady Aberdeen will be able to make the short journey to Gordon Castle. She’ll be able to stay as long as she wishes.”
“Your generosity overwhelms me, Your Grace,” James said sincerely. “I had the privilege of meeting the Duke of Gordon when I took advantage of his hospitality at Kinrara.” He glanced at Louisa and saw that she looked stunned at her mother’s suggestion. I wish things were as they were between us that day we rode together to Kinrara. Her vulnerability cried out to him, and he suddenly realized that none of the anger he felt was directed at Louisa. The swine who took advantage of her innocence must bear all the blame.
It slowly dawned on James that love cannot be turned on and off at will. He had given his heart to Lady Lu years ago, and it was still in her keeping. I am about to take vows to cherish her, and cherish her I will.