What could she have been thinking of to suggest to Benedict that her father would be prepared to pay his debts? It was going to take a great deal of persuading on her part for this to come about. Papa was one of the richest men in the country and he didn't gain this wealth by giving his money away to a lost cause.

  'Annie, I hate to ask you but would you mind going down to the kitchen's once more and find me something to eat? All this excitement has made me sharp-set.'

  'I'll go down myself, miss, it'll be quiet in the kitchen now the first course has gone out to the guests.'

  It was a fine selection of delicacies both hot and cold, sweet and savoury on the plates brought up to her and she ate everything put in front of her. Annie cut up things that couldn't be eaten as they were so her broken wrist was no impediment.

  There was going to be dancing tonight and she wasn't sorry to be missing out on that particular activity and wondered if Benedict – she was beginning to enjoy using his given name in her thoughts but wasn't entirely sure she would be able to speak it out loud – would venture onto the dance floor with any of the hopeful young ladies. For some reason she rather hoped he wouldn't.

  Her wrist was throbbing painfully and the slightest movement made it worse. Turning the pages of even the most riveting of books was quite beyond her capabilities tonight. She glanced at the overmantel clock and saw the time was approaching a quarter past eight. Earlier than she was accustomed to settling down for the night but she hoped if she was asleep the pain would be less intrusive.

  Another reason for having the candles snuffed was to deter her parents from rushing in to talk to her when they heard about what had happened. Talking again about the unpleasant incident was something she wasn’t eager to do.

  'Annie,' she said, once she was comfortably settled and all but the one candle next to her bed had been out, 'take the remainder of the evening for yourself. I'm sure I won't need you again before the morning. Please take the dogs with you and let them out, they can sleep in the stables quite comfortably if necessary.'

  'I'll go down and have my supper but won't linger. After that I'll be within call if you need me.' Her maid clucked to the dogs and they followed her. 'Don't you worry, boys, I'll let you in again before I come up. I think you might disturb the household if we left you away from your mistress tonight after all the goings-on.'

  The final candle was snuffed and Thea cradled her injured arm and attempted to sleep.

  *

  Benedict, his appearance restored, joined the throng in the dining room just as the final guests were taking their seats. He was tardy, but not disastrously so. Mama was in her place and one wouldn't have known from looking at her that her favourite child was now incarcerated upstairs because his mind was unbalanced.

  He thought he acquitted himself well during the interminable meal but if quizzed about what he'd eaten he'd have been unable to supply any details. He was relieved when his mother got to her feet indicating that the ladies would retire, leaving the gentleman to the port which circulated the table on a silver trolley with miniature wheels beneath it.

  There were fifteen gentlemen in total but there was only one he wished to speak to. He stood up, managed to indicate to Watson that he wished to converse with him in private, and then addressed the assembled company.

  'Forgive me, gentlemen, I'll leave you to enjoy the excellent port. As you know there's been considerable upheaval in the household today and I need to attend to some matters relating to that.'

  He left them, happy to continue to chat amongst themselves, and departed through the single door that led into the passageway through which the footmen brought the food and so on.

  Watson would have to leave through the main entrance but he was sure this capable fellow would soon find his way to the study. He was correct and Watson strolled in a few minutes later.

  'I'll take a large measure of brandy, my boy, from your expression I'm going to need it.'

  They sat opposite on matching armchairs and sipped their drinks appreciatively for a few moments neither speaking, enjoying the warmth from the fire. There was no point in procrastinating – he began his sorry tale. When he'd done he was surprised by the reaction from his companion.

  'None of this is your fault, I expect your brother has always been unstable but your parents hid it from you. It's a sad time for your family and you have my sympathy. I'm more concerned about my daughter's broken wrist and the fact that no surgeon can be fetched to set it correctly.'

  'I checked a moment ago, sir, and there's already a further six inches of snowfall and on what's already settled. The going will be lethal even for someone on horseback.'

  'Do you trust the ability of your housekeeper to have done what was necessary?'

  'I do. She's set many bones over the years, stitched up injured gardeners and kitchen boys and all have made full and excellent recoveries.'

  'Then I'll not worry about it a moment longer.' He peered at Benedict over the rim of his glass. 'Why do I have the feeling that this isn't all you wish to tell me?'

  'Am I so transparent? I'm sure this won't be good news to you – it certainly isn't to your daughter – but I wish to marry her. Not because I feel obligated, not because her dowry will save my estates, but because I've fallen in love with her and cannot imagine myself married to anybody else.' The man he hoped would be his future father-in-law said nothing, his eyes were closed, at first glance one might have thought he was asleep, but Benedict knew this wasn't so.

  He cleared his throat and ploughed on. 'She has this hair-brained scheme of asking you to loan me the money so that I don't need to marry anybody. I need to make it very clear to you that if I don't have your blessing, cannot persuade Thea to marry me, then I'll marry no one and take the consequences.'

  'How much will you have left after your father's debts are cleared?'

  'We have a small estate in Norfolk that belonged to my grandmother and that's not involved in this business. My mother has a decent annuity, and there's a remote possibility that in time some of the money my father unwisely invested might be recouped.'

  'You wouldn't be destitute then?'

  'Not exactly, in fact, not at all if compared to others less fortunate. My only regret would be that I couldn't provide for my sister as I'd like. I have a stable full of expensive and desirable thoroughbreds – selling them will add to the coffers.'

  'You could marry any one of those other girls and pay your debts, be able to retain your place in society, yet you say that you'd give all that up because you love my daughter?'

  'I thought I could marry without love, but I can't and don't intend to. It wouldn't be fair on the girl I chose to be tied to someone who merely tolerated her.'

  'Many marriages in your strata of society are based on exactly that. I'm not sure that I believe you. This could be a subtle ploy to persuade me to give my permission. How do I know that any feelings you developed for my daughter are genuine when you've only known her for two days?'

  Now this was something he could answer with authority. 'I knew the moment I met her in the passageway. Obviously, her stunning beauty and unusual colouring caught my eye, but it was her wit, intelligence and… and impertinence, her lack of respect to my station, that drew me to her so quickly. I'm used to young ladies fawning over me, simpering and pretending to find every word I utter fascinating, when I know it's my title they love, not me.'

  Watson sat up and with a broad grin held out his glass. 'Then, my boy, we'd better set about persuading my dearest child to change her mind. Does she know that your feelings are engaged?'

  'Good God, of course not. She told me she thinks of me like an older brother or an uncle. I find it quite astonishing that I've not known her all my life as it seems as if I have.'

  'I think we must present her with a fait accompli. I'll speak to my wife and tell her that you intend to announce your betrothal as soon as our daughter rejoins the company. Don't look so puzzled, dear boy, much as I love her, she's the most indiscreet of ladies and by the end of the evening there won't be a person in the house who doesn't know.'

  'I'm not sure that would be fair to Thea. I wish her to fall in love with me as I have with her and have no wish to coerce her into a union that she doesn't wish to enter.'

  'Admittedly she might kick up a fuss at first but I trust you to court her. Believe me when I tell you, I boy, that I've never seen her so animated as she is in your company. I'm certain she's in love with you, even though she hasn't admitted it to herself as yet.'

  Benedict filled both their glasses a second time. 'We're already on first name terms. My concern is that those who are disappointed by my choice will be unhappy and make life difficult for everybody else.'

  'My wife informed me that there are already flirtations going on between the sons and daughters of several of the families. I can assure you there won't be many who regret having come here even if their daughter isn't about to become a countess.'

  'As nobody can leave for the foreseeable future we have to get on with each other.' He stood up and walked across and offered his hand. Watson was on his feet immediately and they shook.

  'Welcome to the family, my boy, I don't give a damn about your title or your lack of funds. I think you'll make my beloved daughter the perfect husband. My only regret is that you live so far away from us.'

  'I have no choice as this is where my ancestral home and estates are situated. Do you have any deep roots where you are? You could build yourself a handsome home somewhere on the estate so when, God willing, we have grandchildren for you to dote on you'll be able to see them every day.'

  'That's certainly something to consider and I thank you for your kind offer.'

  Then the perfect solution occurred to Benedict. 'This house is vast, why not modernise the east wing and move in there? I've no intention of banishing my mother and my siblings to the Dower House. We'd already agreed that when I have the funds the west wing will be converted for her and the central section – the only part of the house that we use – will remain the home of me and my future wife.'

  'Now that sounds a better plan. Come, we mustn't keep the ladies waiting.'

  Benedict felt the atmosphere change as word spread slowly through the assembled people but he continued to smile, chat politely and join in the dancing as if he was unaware that people were talking about him behind his back. Nobody had the temerity to mention his forthcoming betrothal and for that he was grateful.

  He was more at home with the older group but was closer to the age the younger gentlemen. As he pranced and cavorted to the sound of the pianoforte in a variety of ridiculous dances he was able to observe the interaction between the other young men and some of the girls.

  Watson had been right to say there was definitely more than one romance being conducted which no doubt explained why only two of the girls seemed at all put out by him no longer being available.

  Having danced twice with all those that wished to partner him he retreated to join a card table and played an enjoyable few hands of whist before the trays with supper, tea and coffee were wheeled in.

  He noticed that his mother had retired so it behoved him to remain as it wasn't done to leave guests alone – either the host, hostess or other member of the family should always be present. He spoke to Sydney – now to be known as Jenkins by the family and guests, or Mr Jenkins to the rest of the staff – and asked him to start dousing the candles and banking up the fires. This should be sufficient to tell those still enjoying themselves at the far end of the room that they must now depart.

  'I want to say, Jenkins, that I'm more than satisfied with your performance as the new butler here. One would hardly know there'd been a change of staff apart from the fact that some of the footmen are rather more robust looking than the others.'

  'They've all risen to the occasion, my lord, and I'm confident there'll be no reason to complain about their performance. I took the liberty of assigning two of the younger, fitter, inside men to take care of Lord Benjamin.'

  'God's teeth! I'd quite forgotten about my brother.'

  'He has fresh garments on, has eaten well and Mrs Jones mixed up a tisane of soothing herbs and a small amount of laudanum which has calmed him. I thought it better not to have him sleep alone as he could inadvertently set fire to his room if not supervised.'

  'I'm forever in your debt, Sydney, and so is my brother. We'll talk more on the subject in the morning.'

  Chapter Eleven

  Thea was up ready to go down to breakfast, her wrist was no longer so painful, but she hesitated, not sure if she should wait for her parents or descend on her own. If they'd come in last night then she'd not heard them as she'd slept surprisingly soundly.

  It wasn't particularly early and it was possible her parents were already down but hadn't wanted to disturb her, perhaps thinking she intended to remain in her room. She ignored the breakfast parlour and headed for the main dining room which was already half-full. She was receiving several sideways glances, speculative looks, but wasn't sure if this was just because her arm was in a sling or there was something else going on that she wasn't aware of.

  She glanced around hoping to see her parents but they weren't there. This meant she either had to sit in solitary splendour or attempt to join another family. Neither option appealed to her; then Miss Hoskins solved the problem by rushing over.

  'I must say I was surprised to hear that you and Lord Harcourt are to make a match of it. What changed your mind?'

  Thea was speechless – not an experience she was familiar with – and remained frozen on the spot staring at her friend, trying to gather her wits. What should she say? Fortunately, Miss Hoskins supplied the missing answers without having to be asked.

  'I know it's not been announced but I heard that his lordship had applied to your father for permission to make you an offer and got his approval.' She stopped and slowly her cheeks turned red. 'Oh dear, has he not spoken to you yet? I'm so sorry, I assumed…'

  'As I've been confined to my bedchamber with a broken wrist since before dinner last night obviously an offer hasn't been made.'

  'Please, Miss Watson, forgive me for my indiscretion.' The girl was so obviously distressed by her faux pas that Thea took pity on her.

  'I did wonder why people were giving me surreptitious looks as I walked past and now I know, so thank you for telling me. If I'd remained in my apartment, as I should have done, then no doubt my parents would have given me the news themselves. It's not your fault – but the fact that he's intending to make me an offer doesn't mean that I'm going to accept it.'

  'Not accept? Surely if your parents are in favour of the match then you have no option but to agree?'

  'Nobody can make you say the words that would tie you to a man you didn't like. Remember, my dear friend, that the choice is always ours whatever our parents might wish. Of course, it's different if by marrying you can save your family from destitution, but I cannot think of any other reason a young lady or gentleman would need to make an offer or accept one if they were not in love.'

  Miss Hoskins slipped her arm through her and guided her to a table some distance from her family where they could converse in private. 'You sit here and I'll fetch you your breakfast. You can hardly carry a laden plate with only one arm.'

  Reluctantly Thea did as suggested. She was still receiving nods and smiles from some and sour faces from others and the more she thought about it the more cross she became. For some reason Papa had set this in motion no doubt thinking that once everybody was aware of Benedict's intentions, she'd have no option but to acquiesce.

  It wasn't Benedict's fault – at least she didn't think it was. However, she wasn't going to accept however difficult that might make things for him. If only she'd had the opportunity to speak to her father and asked him about paying off the debts then none of this would have happened. She was now mired in a situation from which it was going to be difficult to extricate herself without causing hurt and harm to those involved.

  Her appetite, normally robust, had deserted her and she was tempted to abandon the table and return to her apartment where she was safe. Miss Hoskins arrived with a selection of items that would be easy to eat one-handed. A footman placed a silver coffee jug between them and then fetched the delicate cups and saucers in which to drink it.

  She drank the coffee but ignored the food her friend had carefully brought for her. After a few mouthfuls of coffee she decided she'd better at least make a show of eating. After a few mouthfuls she began to enjoy the food and forgot her disquiet.

  'I believe congratulations are in order, Miss Watson. Well done on seizing the prize for yourself – I suppose that after he broke your arm he had no option but to offer for you.' The speaker was a disgruntled matron and every word she'd said must have been clearly heard by the others.

  As she was thinking of something suitable to say Benedict arrived at her side. 'Dearest girl. I apologise for this person's appalling breach of manners. Let me put things right.'

  He picked up her chair and turned it so she was facing him and not the table. He then with a smile removed the fork from her hand. He winked at her and dropped dramatically to one knee.

  'Miss Watson, Thea, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife and making me the happiest of men? For some extraordinary reason, despite your constant impertinence and disrespectful behaviour I've fallen neck over crop in love with you.'

  If it hadn't been for the preliminary wink, she'd have thought him speaking truthfully. She decided to play along with his act and give the interested spectators something more to gossip about. She was sorely tempted to refuse him but that wouldn't help the situation one jot.

  'My lord, I'm overwhelmed by your offer and am quite unworthy of the position you wish me to take.' She paused and looked at him and was amused to see dawning horror in his expression as he interpreted her remark to mean that she was going to refuse him in front of everybody.