James’s hand reached out to her. “Your life now will be very different,” he said sadly. “Tell me now…during your Season, was there no one…I mean…?”
“You mean did anyone offer for me?” For the first time India managed a slight smile. “No, they did not. Uncle, look at me! In the first place I am much too tall. I towered over most of the men who danced with me. And then, you know, I cannot be described as ethereal. I believe that statuesque is the kindest word. My hair is not exactly carrotty-red, but it is certainly a ruddy chestnut, and blue eyes are much preferred to hazel.”
Sir James smiled his dissent, and India dimpled. “I did, however, create one sensation,” she admitted. “I had the misfortune to offend George Brummell, who promptly snubbed me. I was expected to be crushed, but I’m afraid I laughed aloud. He won’t forgive me for it.”
“You seem to have borne that fate with fortitude,” Sir James said drily. “He is another, I fear, who lives beyond his means.”
India was silent. That last remark was much too close to home.
Her uncle sensed it and made haste to change the subject.
“How is Letty?” he enquired. “I hope that she is a comfort to you at this time.”
“She is upset, but not because of our losses. Letty is in love. We had hoped that Oliver Wells would offer for her, but now? Well, I don’t know.”
“Wells?” Sir James considered for a moment. “One of the Wells of Bristol? Money can be of no consideration there, so it cannot signify if Letty has no portion. I married for love myself, you know…”
“I know it, Uncle dear, but Oliver is a younger son and his mother is as proud as Lucifer. She is hoping for a splendid match for him. Now Letty has sent word that all must be at an end between them. She tries to hide it, but I know how sad she feels.”
“And your brother? Where is Giles? I had hoped to find him here with you today. There is so much to be decided. Have you news of him?”
“Giles is gone into Derbyshire,” India faltered. “He stays with the Cromfords. It was a long-standing invitation…”
“Indeed!” Sir James’s voice was stiff with disapproval. “The invitation might have been declined. His place is here with you.” He did not trouble to hide his anger. His fear always was that Giles might follow in his father’s footsteps.
India bit her tongue, though her instinct was to fly at once to her brother’s defence. She was saved from further strictures upon his conduct when Letty entered the room.
Her sister looked pale and tired, but she managed a smile for her uncle. Then she turned to India.
“The doctor has gone up to Mama,” she murmured. “I caught him as he was about to start his rounds, and he brought me back at once.”
“Good!” India smiled encouragement at the younger girl. “Mama needs rest above anything. Then, when she is feeling better, we shall tell her of our plans.”
“What plans are these?” Sir James bent a keen gaze on his nieces, thinking as he did so that they could not have been less alike. No one would imagine that they were so closely related.
Letty was a full head shorter than her sister, and so slender as to appear almost elfin. That look was emphasised by her crop of fashionably short blonde curls atop a pair of dark blue eyes. A beauty, he decided, but to his mind India cast her into the shade.
Beside those of the younger girl, India’s looks were striking. There was character in that face, with its strong jaw and noble brow. The much-despised auburn hair was drawn back smoothly into a chignon, beneath which surprisingly fine black eyebrows soared above the great hazel eyes, framed as they were by sooty lashes.
Sir James smiled to himself. India had no trace of vanity, believing herself to be so plain.
Yet in one respect she had seized correctly upon the reason for her lack of offers. Even at first glance it must be clear to the most casual observer that this was a woman to be reckoned with. There was resolution in those sweetly curving lips, and a stubborn tilt to her chin. He sighed. Such qualities were scarcely at a premium in the marriage market. As a wife India was unlikely to be biddable.
Not for the first time he regretted the close proximity of Mrs Guarding’s Academy. So many of the local girls had gone there. Had he known that his own daughter would be exposed to the radical thinking of that redoubtable educationalist he would have sent Hester to a more conventional school for the children of the gentry. Greek, Latin and philosophy indeed! Of what use could those subjects be to any sensible woman? And that was not the worst. Both India and Hester had now what he could only describe as an odd kick in their gallop. Both were inclined to speak out as boldly as any man. These notions of independence would never do.
With a sigh he returned to the matter in hand, addressing Letty. She, at least, had some notion of what was acceptable feminine conduct.
“What plans are these?” he repeated.
Letty returned his smile, but she shook her head. “India will tell you,” she said shyly.
“India?”
“Uncle, we are trying to decide on something,” India admitted. “We cannot continue to rely upon your help.”
Sir James was not altogether surprised. He could understand her dislike of what she must regard as charity.
“And what have you considered?” He was determined to press her, knowing better than she that there were few options open to delicately nurtured girls thrown penniless upon the world. “You will not, of course, wish to leave your mother?”
“We may have no choice, but I heard yesterday that a teacher is to leave Mrs Guarding’s Academy. There may be an opening there.”
“Teaching, my dear? Shall you enjoy that way of life?”
“Enjoyment cannot be our first consideration,” India said quietly. “It would mean that we could stay here in the village. To take a post as a companion or a governess would mean leaving Mama. I’d like above all things to avoid that for the present until she is feeling better.” She raised her head. “Is the doctor leaving? I thought I heard a carriage. Surely he will speak to us before he goes?”
“It isn’t the doctor.” Letty had been gazing through the window. “We have another visitor.”
“Anyone we know?”
“I don’t recognise the carriage. I thought it might be someone who had lost the way, but young Jesse Ekin is pointing to our door.”
“How odd.” India rose to her feet as a thunderous knocking sounded at the door. “I’ll go, Letty. Martha must be upstairs.”
She had no presentiment of what awaited her, but the appearance of the man who stood before her caused her to recoil.
He towered over her, broad as well as tall, and as she looked up at his swarthy face a pair of keen dark eyes raked her figure from head to toe in obvious appreciation.
“Yes?” she said stiffly.
“My
