My seat is situated in Yorkshire. Countless children are in unfortunate circumstances in the cities of that area—in the mines, the woolen mills, the foundries. The district provides endless scope for your talents and my funds.”
Catherine narrowed her eyes in thought. “Yes, I have heard many horrifying tales of children in the mines and mills. But what of my work here? I have only just succeeded in organizing a board of contributors for the foundling hospital, and I am still trying to do so for the new boys’ home.”
“I have no objection to an occasional trip to London, although I prefer to live on my estates so that I may oversee them myself. But one can place only so much dependence on others.”
“Yes, that is certainly true. It is one of the reasons I desire to remain in London.” And unwed.
“I understand that, but I believe that you may accomplish a great deal of the groundwork for your London projects through the post, if you plan your visits to best advantage. In time you will be able to shift your attention to Yorkshire.”
Catherine turned and once more looked without seeing at the scene outside the window. Caldbeck waited calmly for a response. His offer indeed tempted her. He had the power to help her causes in so many ways, if only he would. It would be a relief to have a supporter. The money was important, of course, but…She turned back abruptly.
“Would you speak in the House of Lords on the laws governing child labor?”
Caldbeck paused, considering. Catherine tapped her foot impatiently.
At last, he nodded. “Yes, from time to time, if you provide me with the information. I rarely speak in Parliament, but I shall do so now and then. I do not wish to involve all my time with your projects. I have business of my own. That is one reason I need you.”
Catherine again directed her gaze toward the window. Could she believe his promise, or was he just trying to convince her to accept him? How long would it be before he lost interest in her, and his own business took precedence over hers? She could not know until too late. She still did not entirely understand his wish to make her his wife.
You warm me. Could anyone warm this human icicle? Beauty? Elegance? Perhaps he simply wanted a tall, well-dressed woman at his side as an ornament, one he could enjoy in his detached way, who would perform the duties of his countess. Perhaps he would make no demands on her in the marriage bed. That might be an advantage. She would not have to fear for her children. But…was that entirely an advantage?
Catherine felt the color rising again in her face and kept it carefully turned to the window. A woman of strong feelings, she had been aware for some time in this conversation that Caldbeck’s presence created sensations in her that she had rather avoid. She must make this decision with a cool head, not in response to unruly prompting from her lower body. Though what in that unmoving visage inspired passion, she was sure she didn’t know. Just because he had broad shoulders and well-muscled legs…
Her next thought stopped her. What a miserable existence it would be to live with a man who aroused these desires if he had no inclination to explore them with her! Catherine had been aware for years of a burning curiosity to understand the intimacy of the bedchamber, but except for a few discreet kisses, she remained in ignorance. She understood too well the penalties for pursuing the subject in her unwed state to risk them. Her impetuosity did not extend that far. She shuddered to think of having a child under those circumstances.
Besides, she would be compromising her integrity to use another person in that way only to satisfy her curiosity. And she would not allow herself to be used thus. Did she, in effect, contemplate that very thing in this proposal of a loveless marriage?
She pivoted and again gave her attention to Caldbeck. “My lord, I appreciate the value of what you are offering. However, let us have some plain speaking. Only vaguely do I comprehend what you want from me in return.”
He paused for so long that Catherine wondered if he intended to continue. At last he answered.
“I desire you.”
“Oh.”
That answered that question.
“Did you think that I might not want you in my bed?”
Catherine cursed the hot blood again creeping up her neck, but she held her ground. “I didn’t know…It is very difficult to…Never mind, the bargain is now clear.”
And was it a bargain she was willing to make? His wealth for her body? She didn’t like the sound of that! Yet many marriages were based on no more. And Catherine was a realist. Her situation would oblige her to wed someone sooner or later. When she considered the good that marrying Lord Caldbeck might allow her to do…Would he uphold his part of the bargain? She could not be sure, but his very rigidity indicated that he would keep his word. And she must admit he wasn’t asking for something she felt unwilling to give in return.
And she had no idea what else she might do.
“Very well, my lord. I fear that we are engaging in folly of monumental proportions, but my decision is made. I accept your proposal.”
Chapter Two
Lord Caldbeck waited so long to reply that Catherine feared he had suddenly changed his mind.
“I am relieved.”
Catherine shook her head in disbelief. If his lordship had been laboring under any anxiety whatsoever, it certainly was not apparent.
“When do you wish to have the ceremony performed? I…I may not be able to stay here much longer.” She gestured toward the door, through which the thump of boxes and trunks being moved about was audible.
“As soon as possible. I already have a special license. Perhaps you need to do some shopping. Have you a white dress?”
Catherine looked at him blankly. “A white dress?”
“To be married in. I would like to see my bride in white.” He paused and then inquired neutrally, “I assume it is appropriate?”
Catherine’s face positively flamed. “Of course, it is appropriate! Do you think…?”
Caldbeck held up a restraining hand. “Like you, I believe in the need for plain speaking. It is one thing I believe we have in common. Have you a dress?”
“Yes.” Catherine hated herself for stammering. How did this man manage to put her out of countenance so easily? And without ever raising his voice? “Yes, I have a white ensemble that will be suitable. It is quite new, in fact. When…?”
“This afternoon. At four o’clock. I have made the arrangements with the chapel. If you have anyone whom you wish to be present, give me their names at once, and I shall have my secretary send cards. I have already taken the liberty of inviting a few of the people I know to be your friends to join us for dinner at my London house.”
So soon! Irate again, Catherine put her fists on her hips. “Wait just a minute! You have already invited my friends to a wedding dinner? How could you be so sure I would accept your bargain?”
Caldbeck lifted her chin on one finger and looked intently into her outraged face. “You had very little choice, Kate. You were not bred
