* * *
Ban received the news of his imminent betrothal with outward sang-froid. In reality he was a little disconcerted to discover that his words had been taken so literally. He'd expected to have more time. However, Graham was obviously keen to see his daughter plighted and, given the circumstances, perhaps there was little point in delay. He listened attentively while the other man explained the details. Ban nodded. It was a good plan; one that could be implemented with the discretion they all desired.
'Afterwards, you may have the use of the chamber for an hour,' his host went on. 'I'll ensure you're no disturbed.'
Ban blinked. Whatever else he hadn't been expecting that. He'd vaguely imagined that some quiet arrangement would be made that night whereby he and Isabelle might seal their betrothal. This was something else again. If he jibbed at the thought how much more would she dislike it? Yet if he demurred now how was that going to look? After all, he'd been the one to propose this.
'I thank you for the courtesy,' he replied.
'Don't mention it.' Graham eyed him steadily. 'After this you'll be left to your own devices.'
For the first time Ban was forced to give serious thought to the possible time frame of events. A woman might conceive straightaway or it might take months. Then there were the practicalities to consider. It was easy enough for a couple to slip away and find privacy from time to time, but, equally, it would become increasingly inconvenient and the longer it went on the greater was the likelihood of discovery. That would be exceedingly awkward since it would put Isabelle's good name in jeopardy and people could not be enlightened without full revelation of the truth.
The whole business suddenly began to look a lot more complicated. Up till now most of his liaisons had been with women of a certain kind who were paid for their favours and gave them freely. Everyone benefited. A series of furtive trysts was quite different. It occurred to him that Isabelle might have reservations about the matter. Quite understandable reservations, he now decided. However, he could hardly voice the thought here.
'As you say,' he replied.
'Get her with child as soon as may be. I'd be loath to send her to a convent.'
A convent? Ban felt a twinge of guilt as it dawned on him that, if she really were barren and he had to put her aside, that would indeed be her fate. It was an unwelcome truth. However, if matters went as he hoped it wouldn't come to that. Isabelle would be his wife, openly and in all honour. Afterwards there would be plenty of time to grow closer, emotionally as well as physically.
'I'll do my best to prevent that situation,' he said.
Graham nodded. 'So will she, I'll warrant you.'
Other doubts surfaced in Ban's mind, vaguely uncomfortable doubts about why Isabelle would be submitting herself to his will. He quashed them. This was a matter of business not sentiment. Betrothals took place every day; formal marriages too in which the bride and groom had never previously met. They were wedded and bedded and there an end. Personal inclination didn't enter into it.
'Thursday it is then,' he replied.
* * *
Having left Graham, Ban went to find Isabelle. They needed to talk, although it wasn't going to be an easy conversation. However, he needed to create a right understanding between them, and honesty seemed to be the best policy there. Then she would have no false expectations. Having been married once, it was unlikely she would cherish any foolish ideas about love or romance. He hoped not anyway. Certainly he wouldn't promise what he couldn't deliver.
Isabelle was in the still room. She was tying bunches of lavender and the whole room was filled with sweet fragrance. The scent evoked old memories and for a moment he was transported back to his childhood at Heslingfield, watching the maidservants hang bunches of herbs to dry. The servants were long dead, slain when Heslingfield was destroyed.
Putting the memory aside, he stepped over the threshold and shut the door behind him. Isabelle looked up, evidently startled to see him there.
'Forgive me for disturbing you, my lady, but it is important that we should talk.'
She laid down the bunch of flowers in her hand. 'As you wish.'
Now that they were alone together it seemed rather harder to find the necessary words, to strike the right balance. If she had been less attractive it might have been easier. While betrothal was a matter of business, what followed it was going to be intensely personal. It wasn't an easy combination.
Isabelle waited with what she hoped looked like composure. However, she was keenly aware of the closed door and the sheer physical presence of the man. As he narrowed the distance between them the room seemed suddenly to shrink. With an effort she stood her ground. Ban halted a couple of feet away.
'I have just been speaking with your father.'
Her pulse quickened. 'I see.'
'He desires our betrothal to take place on Thursday and I have agreed. It's rather sooner than I expected, but perhaps that's no bad thing.'
'You mean there will be less time to discover each other's faults.'
He surveyed her steadily. 'I'm sure you have very few.'
'I hope you continue to think so.'
'There will be time to find out later. At present there are more pressing concerns.'
'As you say, my lord.'
'I want to be able to acknowledge the relationship openly as soon as may be.'
'As do I.'
'Then you will answer for your part in helping to bring this about.'
The inference was plain and it brought a pink tinge to her cheeks. 'As you will answer for yours.'
'You may depend on it.' He paused but his gaze never wavered. 'Give me an heir and you will occupy a place of honour at my side. All that you desire of worldly comfort shall be yours.'
'My lord is all kindness.'
'A husband should use his wife with kindness. You need fear no ill treatment at my hands.' He hesitated. 'It may be too that, in time, we shall grow closer in affection.'
Isabelle had no reason to doubt the first part. Ban was not as Alistair had been and that afforded considerable relief. The rest was uncertain. Could she learn how to please this man; be what he wanted in a wife? It seemed like a tall order.
'It has been known to happen,' she replied.
'So I believe, although it is not an indispensable condition for a successful marriage. When all is said and done it's a business arrangement. If there is respect on both sides it is enough.'
For no apparent reason she felt a lump form in her throat. 'No need to muddy the waters with romance then?'
'None at all. I do not love you any more than you love me. Nor will I promise you my heart.'
'I thank you for your honesty, my lord.'
'I have no wish to lie to you.'
'I'm glad.' In a way she was; grateful too that he made no attempt to pretend what he did not feel and had let her know exactly what to expect from him.
'Then we understand each other.'
'I believe we do.' She paused. 'I will try to be a good wife to you.'
'And I a good husband to you.' He smiled faintly. 'I don't imagine that will be too difficult. May I say I look forward to our closer union .'
A rosy flush bloomed in her face. It was unwittingly becoming and he realised he had spoken the exact truth. That turned his mind in a more pleasurable direction.
'Shall we seal the bargain, my lady?'
Isabelle felt herself grow hotter. 'I... We are not yet betrothed, my lord. It would be-' She broke off awkwardly.
Ban regarded her in cool amusement. 'Improper?' As her silence confirmed it his eyes gleamed. 'I have seen you without your clothes on. It's a little late to worry about propriety.'
Her chin came up at once. 'That isn't fair and you know it.'
'Not fair? But you're going to do the same again on Thursday.'
Isabelle was reduced to speechless silence. There were many things she would like to have said but, unfortunately, denial and refusal were equally impossible. Indignation was fuelled by his evident enjoyment.
'I will do what I must, my lord.'
'Then you will seal the bargain with me now.'
The words, though quietly spoken, were uncompromising, like the arm around her waist drawing her against him. He took the kiss at leisure, ignoring resistance until resistance was abandoned and she yielded herself to the embrace. Under the scent of lavender she breathed the scent of the man, warm, heady and dangerous, arousing sensations that were unfamiliar and unexpected.
He drew back a little, looking down into her face, his expression unreadable. Breathless now, she waited, heart thumping. He was alarmingly strong. They were alone and the place private. If he chose to pursue this... However, it seemed that was not his intention because his hold slackened.
'I consider the bargain well sealed, my lady, and hold that kiss in token of many more.'